The weekend starts here...

Here are some of the events going on this weekend if you fancy a family day out.

Don't miss the fun of the annual Lion's Club Duck Derby in Maidenhead on Sunday.
There is free admission fun for all the family, with Punch and Judy, bouncy activities, Morris dancers, and of course the famous Lion train.
There will be many stalls raising funds for charity from 1-5pm.
The highlight is the plastic duck race which launches at 4.30pm,with cash prizes for the first three ducks home.
All proceeds this year will go to ‘Family Friends of Windsor and Maidenhead.’

A special spring stroll will highlight the wealth of organisms, plants and birds that thrive in fragile and rare damp woodland this weekend.
Organised by the Royal Borough’s Countryside Service and led by senior countryside ranger Trevor Smith, the Wander in the Woods will take place on Sunday from 2 to 3.30pm at Broomhall Lane Recreation Ground woodland in Sunningdale, one of only a handful of damp woodland sites in Berkshire.
Dead, damp and decaying wood is invaluable for the survival of many organisms and plants, including ferns, mosses and liverworts, as well as birds such as woodpeckers that feed on them. Participants will have a chance to discover the strategies plants have developed to survive in woodland and to spot various wildlife.
More information at 01628 777440.

A wild weekend is in store for enthusiastic birdwatchers at the Annual Birdathon in Bourne End.
Eagle eyed watchers with binoculars strapped across the bridge of their nose will scour the skies for more than 50 species.
This time of year provides great birdwatching potential with many species busy nesting and new migrants arriving on the wing from more tropical climes.
It is an early start for those hoping to catch the spring chorus of birdsong. Watchers will meet at 9.00am at the Spade Oak public car park, Coldmoorholm Lane, Bourne End.
The group are intent on beating its best ever tally of 53 species spotted. A spotting scope will be provided for those without binoculars, while waterproofs and sturdy footwear will be required for the 3 mile walk.
For further information and to book your place contact the Wycombe District Council Ranger Service on  01494 421825 or email Ranger_Services@wycombe.gov.uk

A creative writing workshop is being held on Saturday from 10.30am -12noon at the Thames Room at Windsor Library, Bachelors Acre, Windsor.
The subject is 'creating character' and it will be led by Julie Cohen, romantic novelist.
Places on the workshop are free but limited, so booking is essential. 
Call Windsor Library on 01753 743940 or email Windsor.library@rbwm.gov.uk

Food-lovers can sample European delicacies ranging from French cheeses to dried fruits this weekend.
Treats on offer will include dates, figs and pineapples, blueberries, raspberries and cranberries,Greek olives, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and stuffed vine leaves.
Also on the market menu will be paella, German bratwurst sausage, Arabian cakes and pastries, nuts from the Mediterranean, spicy sausage from France, tempting Turkish delight and apricot and rhubarb tarts from Brittany.
The market will be held on both sides of Windsor and Eton Bridge – and up into Eton High Street – from 9am to 5pm both days.

Bag some bargains at the NCT Nearly New Sale in Marlow on Saturday from 1.30-3pm.
The Maidenhead and Marlow Branch of the charity is being held at Great Marlow School, Bobmore Lane, Marlow Sale of good quality items at reasonable prices including baby and children's clothes and shoes, maternity clothes,toys, books, videos and DVDs plus equipment such as high chairs, cots, prams/pushchairs etc.
£1 min donation. Details: 07879 297700 or sandy.slattery@tiscali.co.uk

Green-fingered garden fans can check out the plant sale at Liston Hall, Marlow on Saturday.
Doors open 10.30am. Good quality fruit, veg, bedding, perennials and annual plants will be on sale in the event, organised by Marlow and District Horticultural Society.