Sessions and events

Places are now available on Five a Day garden’s new Thyme Together session for older people. This is a second group and will run from 10 am to 12 noon, starting in September. Sessions are free and open to people across Berkshire.

To book, email info@fiveaday.org.uk or call 07555 184343

Join Five a Day in their garden to carve your own pumpkin lantern, and enjoy lots of family fun. Sessions are suitable for children aged 5-14 year, and; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Book now by emailing 5adayevents@gmail.com or call 07555 184343 and give your name, number of places to reserve and a daytime contact telephone number. Cost: £8 per child, pay on the day

Thrive’s Garden Explorers half-term holiday club for children and young people aged 11-17 years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities invites participants to come and join in with fun gardening activities, nature walks, bug hunts, garden games and crafts, and to spend time in their beautiful garden.

For information about eligibility and to book sessions, ring 0118 988 4844 or email trunkwell@thrive.org.uk. Cost is £10 per session

Join a guided walk to the local Masjid for a tour and talk and then try a range of free art activities - including printing, lavender weaving and a community collage, on Wednesday 29th October at Hexham Road Community Centre, RG2 7UD. Meet for the walk at 1 pm, followed by art activities and refreshments in the community centre at 2.15-3.45 pm. Suitable for all abilities and ages. Attendees must be modestly dressed and ideally have shoes that are easy to take on/off for the tour.

For further details, contact shaheen@bigardens.org

Join Erleigh Road Community Garden for a pumpkin carving workshop on Thursday 30 October, 2-4 pm.  Artist and community gardener Cat will be leading the workshop providing ideas and inspiration for what to carve on your pumpkin.

Please bring your own pumpkin. Tools will be provided as well as hot drinks and refreshments. The session will be in the garden unless the weather is unsuitable in which case it will be in the parish the hall.

Suggested donation, £5 per person. Places are limited so to book your space please email garden@redlandsparish.org.uk

Join Green Health Thames Valley for their autumnal garden celebration on Friday 31st October, 1-3 pm. Enjoy the colours and flavours of the season.

Explore the garden and enjoy refreshments including fresh apple juice and cake. Crafts for sale. Cash only

Come and hear the voices of four local artists and their journey as refugee’s through their art to finally find sanctuary with Resettlement CIC.

This is part of the Creative Gardens project, supported by Reading Borough Council, in partnership with RISC, British Islamic Gardens, Resettlement 9, Incredible Edible Reading, Creative Lives, Reading International Festive and City of Sanctuary. The talk will be held at RISC, 35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS. The evening starts at 7 pm on Monday 3rd November.

Join Path Hill for a heritage craft workshop which explores the ancient technique of coiling. In this workshop, participants will start by looking at the evidence from a range of locations and across time, discussing different styles and their uses. Participants will then begin the mindful act of coiling grass to create their own strong and beautiful basket. All materials are supplied.

The workshop takes place in a woodland setting. Please dress for the weather! Minimum age: 18 years

For further information and to book, see https://www.pathhilladventures.com/courses/heritage-crafts.

Cost, £35

Join Path Hill for a heritage craft workshop which explores the history of ink making and discovers the wide variety of useful materials and resources found in nature - including the oak gall. Participants will experiment with traditional and ancient recipes and play with a range of dip pens, quills, and brushes. You will take home a pot of ink and plenty of inspiration to start creating your own masterpieces and artworks. All materials are supplied.

The workshop takes place in a woodland setting. Please dress for the weather! Minimum age: 18 years

For further information and to book, see https://www.pathhilladventures.com/courses/heritage-crafts.

Cost, £35

Join Path Hill for a heritage craft workshop which explores our prehistoric past and reconnects with our ancestors when learning the techniques and skills needed to transform plants into string and textiles. The workshop will discuss a range of archaeological sites across Europe and use plant materials such as nettle, lime bast, and flax to recreate some of the fascinating finds unearthed from the past. All materials are supplied.

The workshop takes place in a woodland setting. Please dress for the weather! Minimum age: 18 years

For further information and to book, see https://www.pathhilladventures.com/courses/heritage-crafts.

Cost, £35

Join Five a Day Garden for a Christmas wreath-making workshop on 28th, 29th or 30th November or 5th, 6th or 7th December at 10 am to 12 noon or 1 to 3 pm, using willow from their garden. Hot mulled wine, non-alcoholic drinks and Christmas nibbles will be provided.

To book a place, email 5adayevents@gmail.com stating the date and time of the session and number of places. Include a contact number.

Cost, £35. Payment on the day by cash or debit/credit card.

Come and enjoy Thrive Reading’s garden decorated for Christmas on Thursday 11th December, 2 to 4 pm. This is also an opportunity to buy their plants, visit their Christmas shop for gifts and cards, and enjoy a hot drink and seasonal homemade cakes!  

Entry is by donation.

Payments or donations in cash are appreciated.

For more information about this event, ring 0118 988 4844 or email trunkwell@thrive.org.uk.