THIS autumn, visitors to the Discovery Centre will be gardening, time-travelling and driving like the Police.

Highlights this September start with a two hour massage workshop on Saturday, September 21 (1pm to 3pm; £6), a Hampshire-themed poetry recital with Basingstoke-based actor and writer Bryn Strudwick on Monday,  September 23 (2pm; £3) and willow basket making workshop with local artist Judith Needham on Saturday, September 28 (10am to 4pm; £40).

During October, award-winning gardener Rosy Hardy pays the Discovery Centre a visit to share her seasonal tips on Herbaceous Perennials and sell plants from Cottage Garden Plants (Thursday October 3; 2pm; £3), zoo-keeper of 47 years Geoffrey Read runs a day workshop on close-up/macro photography (Saturday, October 5; 10am to 4pm; £40) and an ex-Police Sergeant explains the skills used by Traffic Cops along with the Institute of Advanced Motorists on Saturday October 19 (10am and 2pm; free of charge).

In November, Government Art Collection Curator Chantal Condron will talk about why the Government has such a collection, how it came to be and what kind of work can be found in embassies, war rooms and offices across the world (Monday November 11; 2pm; £3).

To celebrate 50 years since the first episode of Doctor Who was broadcast, the Discovery Centre team will be hosting a green-screening video workshop (9am for ages 5-10, 11am for ages 8-12 & 1pm for ages 10-13; £5 per child), Doctor Who screenings and free activities all day (Saturday November 23).

Following the success of last season’s local walking tours, the Hidden Britain team return to with their Hidden Basingstoke walk (Sun October 13 at 2.30pm; Sun October 27 at 11.45am), a new tour of Basingstoke’s Churches (Wed October 23 at 2pm; Wed December 4 at 2pm) and a Riots and Bombs walk to Victory Roundabout (Tue December 10 at 11am). All walks are £3 per person.

The new What’s On guide can now be picked up from the Basingstoke Discovery Centre where there are even more events to be found.

To book a place on any of these events, visit Basingstoke Discovery Centre in Festival Place Shopping Centre or contact the team on 01256 478670.