BASINGSTOKE Discovery Centre has a sensational summer planned - including talks, screenings and Doctor Who, War Horse and Crimewatch events.

A range of events have been organised to highlight the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.

Author and historian Rupert Matthews will visit on 23 June to uncover some of the Myths and Mysteries surrounding the war. The presentation will unearth government records kept secret for decades to discover what really went on during some of the more mysterious episodes of battle.

Historian Andy Robertshaw will explain The Making of War Horse through behind-the-scenes stories, military insight and unique on-set photographs on 3 July. Two family history themed workshops will take place to mark the centenary too: Researching War Memorials on 9 August and Tracing Army Ancestors on 27 September will help you learn more about the war memorials in your area and throw light on the careers of soldier ancestors

Photography

In association with Basingstoke Camera Club, three presentations are free of charge to attend. These will showcase the work of local photographers Stuart Boyd (Travels with my Camera, 8 May), Keith Polwin (Nature Photography, 17 July) and Nigel Norris (Landscape Photography, 25 September). 

After a sold-out season of photography workshops, retired Zoo-Keeper Geoff Read returns with more Macro Photography (17 May), Introduction to DSLRs (12 July) and Portrait Photography for Beginners (6 September).

Talks

A look Inside Film Classification with the BBFC (18 June) will explain the history of the British Board of Film Classification and how modern guidelines are interpreted when classifying films. Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross is in town on 17 July to reflect on his life as a broadcaster and author, before weatherman Ian Currie arrives on 22 September to take a look at 300 Years of Weather in the South.

Children

The Summer Reading Challenge takes kicks off on 12 July and to keep the imagination of children in full swing there will be regular craft activities, storytelling parties, a creepy crawly day (4 August) and a fun show for all the family on The Science of Doctor Who (18 August).

Workshops

A professional local baker will be delivering three hands-on Cupcake Decorating workshops (1 June, 3 August & 14 September) for beginners, whilst Massage workshops take place on 31 May & 5 July and affordable First Aid classes are available throughout the summer.

The new What’s On guide can now be picked up from the Basingstoke Discovery Centre.

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

Advance booking is highly recommended as many events sell out.