Plastic-free lunchbox

The plastic-free lunchbox guide

By Katie Tyndale

The pressure of trying to juggle hectic work and family lives makes it easy to understand why we often send our kids off to school with a lunchbox full of unrecyclable plastic. Buying multi-packs of snacks or prepackaged fruit and veg makes it cheaper and quicker to organise and prepare their lunches, particularly if you have more than one child.

But five packed lunches a week, for thirty nine weeks each year makes for a lot of rubbish that will end up in landfill.

So, what products have a more positive impact on our environment? Let’s look at the plastic-free swaps we can make.

Eco-storage Firstly, there are plenty of substitutions for the lunchbox itself. Bamboo and stainless steel containers are practical and hygienic and are made without any harsh chemicals. If you like to ensure your kids get something hot on chilly days, then pack lunch in an organic canvas lunch bag, insulated with wool, to keep food warm until they’re ready to eat.

Wrap it up Next, throw out the cling film, silver foil and plastic bags and keep sandwiches fresh in compostable baking paper or beeswax wraps. These wraps seal around your food using the heat of your hands and can be washed and used multiple times; their lifespan is usually around a year. They come in different sizes, are anti-bacterial and water resistant, and can be composted once you’ve finished using them.

Reusable sandwich wraps or cotton bags are also handy for carrying food in. Again, they come in a variety of sizes, so there’ll definitely be one that’s suitable for

whatever it is your kids like to eat. Look for those that are machine washable and have waterproof liners!

Ditch the disposables If they take salads, pasta, yoghurts or something else that requires cutlery, don’t use nonbiodegradable disposable knives, forks and spoons. Stock up on bamboo cutlery: it’s light weight and durable, and can be composted when it’s past its best. Individual juice cartons fit neatly into lunchboxes but will usually then get thrown straight into the lunchroom bin (even if they don’t, many councils don’t recycle them) and one-use bottles of water and squash only add to the plastic problem. Send your children to school with a reusable stainless steel bottle with matching straw; or you can find straws made from bamboo or silicone.

Pick your own It can be tricky to find snacks in supermarkets that aren’t prewrapped: cheese sticks, oat bars and dried fruit generally come in some kind of plastic, much of which is non-recyclable. The answer could be to make your own. Cut cheese into lengths from a bigger block and batch-bake flapjacks or muffins, all of which can be stored without plastic. And rather than individual yoghurts, why not buy a big pot, containing multiple servings, and decant portions from it instead?

If you’re lucky enough to have a local plastic-free shop then it’s well worth dropping in. Take your own containers along and fill up with snacks like dried apricots, banana chips, apple rings and even crisps, leaving nothing to throw away at all!

Clean and tidy With easy-closing storage boxes, bags and wraps, everything can be packed neatly away after your child has finished eating. No messy wrappers roaming free, covering everything else in leftover food, or drink cartons leaking everywhere. It might be tempting to pop a packet of wipes in with their lunch, so they can clean their hands and faces once they’re done but most come in plastic packaging, and even the ones that are marketed as biodegradable hang around for a lot longer than is ideal. How about trying out some bamboo paper towels, or cotton napkins? Both can be washed and used repeatedly.

Armed with the above knowledge it’s easy to make your child’s lunch box both yummy and plastic-free, so send them to school knowing you’ve done your bit to help our planet while they munch!

Katie Tyndale is the founder and owner of Bee Green Wraps and Let’s Go Plastic Free. She’s on a mission to remove single-use plastics from the planet and replace them with stylish, practical and eco-friendly products suitable for your whole family. For more information, visit beegreenwraps.co.uk and letsgoplasticfree.co.uk

NATIONAL TRUST

BASILDON PARK, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NR, 0118 984 3040 Mar & Apr BLUEBELLS The parkland at Basildon Park gets a new lease of life as delicate bluebells burst through the ground, creating great family photo opportunities. 19 & 20 Apr RANGER WALK: BASILDON BLOOMS Join Leo and his team to discover the rare and surprising blooms that pop up at Basildon Park, including cowslips and bluebells. 1pm. £3 B online 4-19 Apr CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT £3

GREYS COURT, nr Henley-onThames. RG9 4PG, 01491 628529 Mar & Apr SPRING BULBS Watch Greys Court spring to life with vibrant colours and scents. See thousands of daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops carpeting the walled garden and wider parkland. 7-8 Mar WORLD BOOK DAY Head to the shop and find the book-themed children’s trail, with select children’s books on sale for £1. Late Apr BLUEBELLS Spinney Wood fills with a vibrant carpet of purple flowers, a real sight to be seen in late spring at Greys Court. 4-19 Apr CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT £3

NUFFIELD PLACE, Near Henley-onThames. RG9 5RY, 01491 642857 2 Mar GRAND REOPENING OF NUFFIELD PLACE Come along and celebrate alongside the team as Nuffield Place reopens for the 2020 season. Mar & Apr BLUEBELLS See beautiful woodland bluebells in full bloom this spring. Wheelchair and buggy accessible footpaths.

HUGHENDEN, nr High Wycombe, HP14 4LA, 01494 755573 6-8 Mar WORLD BOOK DAY WEEKEND Join special storytelling sessions in the gardens and the house and take on the little bookworm trail. 11am-3pm 4-19 Apr CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT 10am-4pm. £3

THE VYNE, Near Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, 01256 883858 Daily Mar-Apr BLUEBELLS 10am-5pm. Immerse yourself in a haze of blue through Morgaston Woods. Help protect this flower by keeping to the main paths.

2 Mar-31 May FAMILY TRAIL: WHAT’S THE STORY? Look for Victorian adventure stories hidden in the house. 12-4pm 2 Mar-31 May A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RANGER RABBIT Come and learn how to look after natural habitats with Ranger Rabbit. 10am-5pm 4-19 Apr CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT 10am-4pm. £3

ONGOING EVENTS

THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRE , Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW, 01344 354 4000, bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscover ycentre There are over 90 hands-on science activities for children of all ages to enjoy at The Look Out Discovery Centre. New exhibits include Watch Water Freeze and Pipes of Pan – come and try out your musical talents. You can also launch a hydrogen rocket, play with boats in the indoor stream or build a house with your friends. Activities and exhibits are organised in ‘zones’ which correspond with what your child may be learning about in school: Forces & Movement, Body & Perception, Light & Colour, Woodland & Water and Build It where you can use the rubble chute, wheelbarrows, design a house or drive a dumper truck. Open daily from 10am-5pm. Special shows (see below) run at weekends and in Bracknell school holidays.

Until 15 Mar FEEL THE FORCE SHOW! Push, pull, squeeze and jump. Find out all about the forces around you in this fun interactive workshop style show. 28 Mar – 10 May YUCKY YOU SHOW! Find out all about your body and the amazingly yucky things it does to protect you!

Monthly STORYTIME, Newbury Library, The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AU Stories and colouring fun for under 4s, first Friday of every month, 11- 11.45am. This is a FREE event, just drop in.

Weekly TAYLOR TUGS UNDER 5S CLUB, River & Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames Wednesdays, term time, 10- 11.30am pre booked, call 01491 415605 to find out more. 3-4pm drop in, £3 per child. Enjoy fun, interactive structured sessions for you and your little one, with craft, stories and songs. Themes and activities change weekly. Age 18 months – 5 yrs

Weekly IMAGINE MORE, various locations in West Berkshire, imaginemore.io Storytelling & drama, and music & movement classes for under 5s. Classes run on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Curridge and Hungerford. To book:

07774264607. NEW Thursdays after school at Cobbs Play Barn, Hungerford, from 4pm-5pm. Free play and interactive storytelling. £6 per child, £4 per sibling. 15% discount when you book the full term. Add a snack pack for £3.50 (sandwich, fruit and drink carton). Classes run term time only. Booking essential: 0148686770.

Weekly FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS, The Museum of English Rural Life, 6 Redlands Rd, Reading RG1 5EX, merl.reading.ac.uk Craft, stories and activities in the MERL garden. Every Friday from 10-11.30am. Drop-in, £4 (includes drink and snack).

Weekly TALES FOR TOTS, Reading Museum, Blagrave St, Reading RG1 1QH, readingmuseum.org.uk Story time insired by museum objects. Every Wednesday, 10.30- 11.30am. Drop-in, free.

Weekly TODDLER CRAFT at Southcote Library, Southcote Lane, RG30 3BA, 0118 901 5109 A free craft session every Friday for the under 5’s from 11-11.30am

Monthly NATURE EXPLORERS at The Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3FU, 01635 874 381, bbowt.org.uk On the third Saturday of every month, a hands-on wildlife club for 5-8 year olds. Each month follows a different theme with hands-on wildlife activities, craft, stories and child-led play. 10am-12pm, £5. Booking essential

Weekly BE RELAXED RELAX KIDS, Woodley, berelaxed.co.uk Children will learn valuable skills on an exciting and fun journey each week to help develop selfconfidence, build self-esteem, build self-awareness, manage stress and anxiety, relax and improve sleep and more. For children 5 - 10 years old. Wednesdays 4pm - 5pm.

Weekly BABY-WEARING BOOGIE, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com A great way to be active and have fun with your little one. Time to boogie with your baby in this fun and gentle movement class for parents/carers of babies or toddlers who can be carried in a sling, baby carrier or wrap. £4 per session. 9.45am - 10.15am.

Daily EVERY DAY IS BOUNCE & RHYME IN THE LIBRARY, Bracknell Forest Libraries Monday, Crowthorne at 9.30am;

Tuesday, Crowthorne at 2pm; Wednesday, Whitegrove at 10am; Thursday, Binfield at 9.30am and Bracknell at 10am; Friday, Sandhurst at 9.30am. 50p per child

Various dates MASTER BUILDERS CLUB BRICK BUILDING WORKSHOPS, masterbuildersclub.co.uk Does your child love building with LEGO ® ? Then Master Builders Club is the place to go. Why not drop them off for a twohour workshop with LEGO ® brick building challenges and a different theme each holiday. At the end of the session, the children can show you the models they have built and are presented with a themed badge to keep and collect. Suitable for ages 5-11, £15. To book, visit masterbuildersclub.co.uk 7th: Storton Lodge, Goring 9.30- 11.30am & Sonning Common Village Hall 2.30-4.30pm 8th: Caversham 9.30-11.30am & Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Henley 2.30-4.30pm 14th: Shinfield 9.30-11.30am & Sonning Common Village Hall 2.30-4.30pm 15th: Woodcote Village Hall 9.30- 11.30am and Dorchester Village Hall 2.30-4.30pm

Throughout Mar - 26 Apr WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 55, The Base Gallery, Greenham Business Park, RG19 6HN, thebasegreenham.co.uk The Natural History Museum’s remarkable collection of wildlife photography from around the world comes to The Base as part of its extensive tour. Families are welcome to enjoy the exhibition at any time but there is also a Parent and Baby Day (11 Mar) and a Relaxed Day (8 Apr), where there will be reduced numbers admitted into the gallery and extra staff will be on hand to offer support to those with additional needs. Open Wed – Sun plus Easter Monday. Advance tickets £9 (£7.50 concs, £6 under-16s, £7 groups of 10+, under-5s free). On the door tickets £10.50 (£9 concs, £6 under-16s, under-5s free).

1 and 29 Mar BRILLIANT BEINGS, FAMILY MINDFULNESS SESSIONS, Wasing Park A lovely playful mixture of yoga,

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mindfulness, relaxation and craft for wellbeing. 10.30am - 12noon, for children aged 6-12yrs and their adult/s.

5 Mar WORLD BOOK DAY 2020, Bracknell Forest Libraries Harmans Water Library – dressing up competition, crafts and activities 3.30-4.30pm, £1.20 each, no booking required. Book Swap at Bracknell Library – bring a book and take home a book. Bracknell Library also has a free Literary Treasure Hunt for children with prizes, and Crowthorne and Sandhurst Libraries have Book Hunts with prizes.

7 Mar IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO ENJOY SCIENCE!, Bracknell Forest Libraries STEM activities and experiments for British Science Week. Bracknell Library has Science taster sessions: Science Storytime for children up to 5 years old (10am-10.45am, £1.50 per child) and Science Club for 6-11 year olds (11am-12pm, £2 per child). Book your place at Bracknell Library. Call 01344 423149 or email Bracknell.Library@bracknellforest.gov.uk British Science Week (6-15 March) also celebrated at Crowthorne and Sandhurst Libraries with fun experiments on all week after school.

7 Mar FRANCIS BAILY STEM FAIR, Skillman Dr, Thatcham RG19 4GG Francis Baily School and the PTA are delighted to bring a fun handson STEM fair to Thatcham, funded by the RSC. Take part in a large number of hands-on experiments with some well-known companies. Tickets cost £6 per child and accompanying adults are free. Fair activities are suitable for children aged 4-11. Older or younger children are welcome to attend but will need to purchase a ticket to be able to participate. Book tickets online at ticketsource.co.uk/francisbailystem1 2-5pm

9-13 Mar EVENING OPENING FOR GROUPS, The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Groups, such as Brownies or football clubs, are invited to visit from 5-8pm as part of their evening activities. 15 Mar MUM 2 MUM NEARLY NEW MARKET, Park House School, Newbury, RG14 6NQ Mum2mum market hold regular nearly new baby and children's markets at fantastic indoor venues. Admission is £2 on the door for buyers - kids free. 2-4pm

21 Mar THE GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK 2020, Beale Park, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NW Join Hearing Dogs for The Great British Dog Walk – a 5km family route or 7.5km scenic route. It’s a great excuse for people of all ages to get out and about and explore a beautiful location while helping to change the lives of deaf people. Refreshments also available plus dog agility, fun dog shows and games. From 10am. Adults £10 online (or £12 on the day), children free.

23 Mar POP UP PLAY VILLAGE, Chapel Lane, Curridge, RG18 9DX Pirates in Curridge. 10-11.15am. Ahoy there Matey! Hop on board the pirate ship and sail the seas. But before you do, make sure you stop at the beach shop to get a couple of items for the trip. Grab a bite at the beach café. Have a picnic on the beach and go fishing! Book: 07774 264607

28 Mar ART & STORYTELLING SESSION – TINYSAURUS Squiggle & Dot are joining forces with Imagine More for an exciting and immersive session full of storytelling, music and art – all inspired by the book ‘Tinysaurus’ by Sheryl Webster & Jan Fearnley. 10-11.15am. Chieveley Village Hall. Age: 2-7 years. £15 (sibling £10). Book: squiggleanddot.co.uk

APRIL

4-19 Apr SPRING INTO EASTER AT ODDS FARM PARK, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 0LX, oddsfarm.co.uk Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park and prepare to strut and cluck your way to the opening of Chicken World too – new for 2020! With Egg Hunts, Special Shows, Lambing & the re-opening of H2Odds Water Play, you won’t want to miss it! 5 Apr ARTHUR’S DREAM BOAT, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com A magical and enchanting story, presented by Long Nose Puppets, based on the book by Polly Dunbar. 11am & 2pm. Tickets £11 (£9 concs, £31 family ticket). Age guide: 3-9 years

5 Apr SPRING FOOD AND CRAFT FAIR, Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR westberkshireheritage.org/shawhouse The house will be packed full of artisan food, drink and locally produced crafts giving you the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts and treats. Local brewers will be on hand to keep you refreshed outside on the Orangery Lawn where hot food will be also be available. And Miller’s Ark Animals will be back with their spring animals that children can feed and handle! 11am – 4pm. £1 per adult, children under 16 free

6-7 Apr OI FROG AND FRIENDS! LIVE, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com Join Frog, Cat and Dog in this new action-packed adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books. Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at. 2pm & 4.30pm and Tue 7 Apr, 11am & 2pm. Tickets £12.50 (£10 schools and groups of 10+). Age guide: 3+

6-14 Apr SOUTH HILL PARK EASTER SCHOOL, South Hill Park, Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, RG12 7PA, southhillpark.org.uk Easter School is back, and falling down the rabbit hole with a colourful musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. In just five days, the Easter School performers will learn all of the ensemble numbers, and then join up with the adult cast to perform in the Wilde Theatre. £190, Siblings £180

6-9 and 14-17 Apr APOLLO’S EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB 2020, Mapp Community Centre, Reading Ofsted-registered care for children age 4-12 years– arts and crafts, cooking, sports, off site trips and more. £20 for a full day, or £10 for half day. Concessionary rate available and childcare vouchers accepted. Contact: 0118 916 8416 or 0118 916 8417, e: apolloyouthclub@gmail.com

7 Apr DIDDY DUCKLINGS, River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF Make a brood of ducklings with thin balsa wood to swim on a collage pond. Learn to dance the wonder waddle and find out how ducks communicate. 10.30am –12.30pm. 4-7 yrs. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. £8.50. Booking essential: 01491 415600.

8 Apr CROCODILES OF THE WORLD, The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU Come face to face with live crocodiles and caiman. Aussie croc expert Colin, from Britain’s only crocodile zoo, will be at the Nature Discovery Centre to inform and inspire you. A hands’ on experience for the Easter holidays. Sessions throughout the day, £5 per person. Booking essential: bbowt.org.uk/events

8-9 Apr ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, The Kenton Theatre, 19 New Street, Henleyon-Thames RG9 2BP Join Alice and drop down the rabbit hole to a magical place in Wonderland. Keep your head firmly on your shoulders and stay on the good side of the Queen of Hearts, plus attend a tea party that would make anyone go mad. Get ready for one of the world’s great adventures! Tickets and information at kentontheatre.co.uk or 01491 525050

8 and 15 Apr FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS, Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR westberkshireheritage.org/shawhouse 8 April – brilliant bunnies! Bounce into Spring by decorating a ceramic bunny in cheerful Spring-like colours, using porcelain pens. 15 April – mini-beast mansions. Decorate a wooden insect or minibeast mansion with Deco pens and then take home and hang up ready for the mini-beasts to visit. Dress for mess. No need to book, just drop in. For 4-11 year olds but younger and older children are welcome. £2. 10am – 3.30pm.

8-11 Apr PUSS IN BOOTS –EASTER PANTO, The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Berkshire, Reading, Reading RG1 7UA, readingarts.com/hexagon Starring Suzanne Shaw (Hearsay, Dancing On Ice) and Chris Jarvis (CBEEBIES). From Imagine Theatre, the team that bring you The Hexagon Christmas panto, comes a brand-new Easter show designed for families of all ages. Working with a cast of professional actors and local performers, this production will feature all the usual panto trimmings, stunning scenery and costumes, spectacular song and dance routines and bags of slapstick fun. It’s the purr-fect Easter treat for all the family. Book online or call the box office: 0118 960 6060.

9 Apr PLANTS AND POLLINATORS FAMILY FUN DAY, River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF Welcome in springtime by creating a mobile blooming with paper and felt plants and the insects that help them grow. Encourage nature to thrive on your doorstep by making a seed ball to take home. 7 – 11 yrs. £8.50. 10.30am-12.30pm. Booking essential: 01491 415600.

9 and 17 Apr ROCKIN’ ROMANS DAYS, West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5AS 9 Apr: make your own Roman oil lamp out of air-drying clay and using modelling tools to shape and decorate it. 17 Apr: make a face out of air-drying clay using a replica Roman face jug as inspiration. For both activities, please dress for mess, although disposable aprons will be available. 10am-3pm. £2 per child. For 4-11 year olds but

younger and older children are welcome. No need to book, drop in.

11 Apr THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY, The Kenton Theatre, 19 New Street, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BP An amazing blend of live action, puppetry and animation to bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life just in time to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Pam Adams’ best-selling book! This magical show has been written especially for grown-ups to enjoy with their children, so come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales complete with a feast of sing along songs, colourful animal characters and heartwarming family fun. Tickets and information at kentontheatre.co.uk or 01491 525050

14-17 Apr A FROZEN INSPIRED EASTER THEATRE SCHOOL, South Street Arts Centre, 21 South Street, Reading RG1 4QU Let yourself go in dance, drama and singing in this four-day theatre course based on Frozen. FREE show on last day for family and friends. This fun filled week will include games, mime, music, singing, dance, team work, makeup, costume and crafts. ‘Let It Go’ and jump straight in, meet new friends and go berzerk! Ages 6+. Limited places available. £140 per child. Book online at berzerkproductions.com

15 April FUN SCIENCE AT EASTER, The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU Unleash your inner mad scientist and enjoy crazy egg based fun and mad things to learn during this relaxed fun holiday event. Egg-cellent science for all the family! Sessions throughout the day, £5 per person. Booking essential: bbowt.org.uk/events

15-19 Apr ALICE IN WONDERLAND – A MAGICAL MUSICAL ADVENTURE, South Hill Park, Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, RG12 7PA, southhillpark.org.uk Join Alice on her adventure down the rabbit hole in a colourful reimagining of the much loved children’s tale, featuring a West End standard score and an awardwinning creative team. You’d be mad to miss it! Tickets, timings and prices online.

16 Apr BIRDS OF PREY FAMILY FUN DAY, River and Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henleyon-Thames, RG9 1BF Meet the magnificent birds from Millets Farm Falconry, Abingdon, and get up close to hawks, eagles and owls. Enjoy species talks and nature-themed art and craft activities. The talks are most suitable for children aged 7 yrs and over. Art and craft activities are suitable for all ages. More information at rrm.co.uk. Free with admission. 10.30am-4pm.

16 Apr HENRY MOON & THE GREASY SPOON, Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury RG14 3BQ, 01635 244246, arlingtonarts.com Join storytelling specialists, Rhubarb Theatre, for a huge spoonful of fun, a mug-full of fantasy and a platter of creativity. Henry Moon and the Greasy Spoon is perfect for families that enjoy theatrical play, puppetry, mask, dance, song and lots of laughter.

17-19 Apr THE JUNGLE BOOK, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218, cornexchangenew.com The Corn Exchange Youth Theatre will delight audiences once again as they bring to life Rudyard Kipling’s beloved tale of Mowgli and friends, in this lively and exciting adaptation by Jessica Swale. 1pm & 6pm. Tickets £15 (£12.50 concs)

22 Apr BUGS & BEASTIES HOME EDUCATOR DAY, The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Note: no school bookings taken on this day.

23 and 24 Apr LITTLE BUGS TODDLER DAYS, The Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW Toddler days run from 10am to 4pm and there is no need to book. Just turn up on the day.

25 Apr MUM 2 MUM NEARLY NEW MARKET, South Reading Leisure Centre, Northumberland Ave, Whitley, Reading, RG2 8DF Mum2mum market hold regular nearly new baby and children's markets at fantastic indoor venues. Admission is £2 on the door for buyers - kids free. 2-4pm.

26 Apr I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE, South Hill Park, Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead, RG12 7PA, southhillpark.org.uk Based on the picture book by Steven Lee, Molly and Bingo the dog hope you can join them to celebrate Molly’s sixth birthday. There’ll be a treasure hunt, all your favourite sing along songs and lots of party games. 3pm. £11.