David Finch tells us about Marlow Monster Fireworks which will light up the sky from 6pm on Saturday, 1st November, offering plenty of bang for your buck, here in Bucks!
Marlow’s biggest and brightest fireworks night is back! The Marlow Monster Fireworks is all set for Saturday, 1st November, at Marlow Sports Club in Pound Lane, promising a sparkling evening for all the family.
Now one of the town’s most popular annual gatherings, the event is timed to coincide with the half marathon run on Sunday 2nd, making it a full weekend of community fun. Thanks to the generosity of the Stoneyware Estate, the fireworks will be hosted in a nearby field with space for up to 1,500 people to enjoy the display.The evening kicks off at 6pm, with music from the ever-popular Disco Dave to keep the crowd buzzing.
As always, food is a big part of the fun, with local favourites serving up a feast. This year’s tasty line-up includes Made by Mark (burgers and hot dogs), Marlow Party Planners (bratwurst, slow roast and pizzas), Bokkie (South African street food) and Bombayish (Indian flavours). Add glowsticks, drinks and a spectacular fireworks show, and you have a night to remember.
The Tennis Club team organise the event on behalf of the club, which is a local charity, so every ticket sold supports community sport in Marlow. Tickets are family-friendly too: under-fives go free, while children aged 5 to 18 are half price.
So wrap up warm, bring your family and friends, and get ready to watch the skies over Marlow sparkle and roar. Tickets can be booked easily by scanning the QR code.
Anna-Louise Henry tells us all about her childrenswear business & what she loves about local life
Raph & Rose Handmade is on a mission to break boundaries in children’s fashion. Founded by local mum and maker Anna, the brand offers bright, joyful clothing that defies outdated gender stereotypes. Created with comfort, freedom and self-expression in mind, every piece is designed to let kids be kids – confident, curious and completely themselves.
Anna moved from south-east London to Wallingford with her husband and young daughter three years ago in search of a slower pace and more space. “We fell in love with the town immediately,” Anna says. “It just felt like home – and still does.” Now with a family of four, including six-month-old Raffey and their spirited four-year-old Philippa, life is a juggle of motherhood and creativity. Their miniature sausage dog, Frank, is also part of the crew – currently on the mend after spinal surgery, and keen to get back to strolls along the Thames Path and ferry trips to the Waterfront Café.
Raph & Rose was born just before Philippa arrived, but it was her birth that inspired Anna. “I realised how few options there were for fun, bold kids’ clothes that didn’t push outdated stereotypes. I wanted to create pieces that empower children to express themselves freely – clothes that are playful, practical, and don’t box kids into pink-or-blue categories.”
From her studio space in Wallingford’s Ayres House, Anna designs, handmakes and packages every garment herself. It’s a one-woman operation, powered by purpose, creativity and a passion for equality – and backed by a growing community of loyal customers and fellow creatives. “Joining Ayres House Studios was a game-changer,” Anna adds. “It’s a real working family of artists and makers, and the support has been incredible.”
Community is clearly at the heart of both the brand and Anna’s life in Wallingford. She’s a big supporter of local initiatives, including Wigod Way Children’s Centre, where she enjoys attending play sessions with her children. Favourite haunts include the Town Arms pub (“we were welcomed with open arms”) and the town’s independent shops – a reminder of her dream to one day open a Raph & Rose store in Market Square. Like all of us, she also loves BunkFest – the annual music festival that conveniently falls on her wedding anniversary – and the town’s buzzing Christmas and carnival events, where Raph & Rose usually has a stall. “There’s nothing better than spotting little Raph & Rose wildlings running around in my designs – it makes it all worth it.”
For Anna, the dream is simple: to raise happy children, make joyful clothing, and continue growing her business in her home town. “Everything I do is stitched with love and intention,” she says. “And I hope that shows.”
Shop the collection at raphandrose.com or visit Anna’s studio by appointment by emailing info@raphandrose.com
Bespoke independent jeweller Alison Berthelsen tells us about the free Amersham Art Unlocked at Chilterns Lifestyle Centre
For more than 20 years, Chesham Bois jeweller Alison Berthelsen has been creating pieces that tell personal stories. Working in both gold and silver, she designs unique pieces and often upcycles family heirlooms into jewellery that people truly want to wear. “It’s often a very emotional journey,” Alison explains. “It’s a real honour to create special things that hold such deep connections and memories.”
Alison’s path to becoming a bespoke jeweller was anything but ordinary. Growing up in Harrow, Alison first carved out a career in London as a window dresser, stylist and eventually display manager at Liberty. It was a job filled with creativity and unexpected adventures – including the time she and a colleague decorated novelist Jilly Cooper’s home for a Christmas magazine feature (in early October, no less!). While at Liberty, Alison began experimenting with making silver jewellery. What started as a hobby soon grew into a profession, and she became hallmarked with the London Goldsmiths’ Assay Office in 2012. Since then, her workshop and website (alisonberthelsenjewellery.co.uk) have flourished, with sparkling rave reviews.
But jewellery is only one half of Alison’s creative world. During lockdown, missing her beloved swims at Chesham Moor Pool, she picked up a paintbrush – and has barely put it down since. Now a watercolour artist, she has painted the pool and its surrounding landscape in every season, with her large winter pool scene proudly displayed at the venue. “Swimming and the Chilterns are my painting niche and make me happy,” she says. Her designs now appear on bone china mugs, glass coasters and even the pool’s swim hat.
Alison exhibits her work each year during Bucks Art Weeks and shows at fairs across the region, including the Wendover Arts Festival and Amersham Art Unlocked. Locally, her jewellery and watercolours can also be found at A Little Bird Told Me Gallery in Wendover and the new Freya Jones Gallery in Buckingham. She also loves Darvells Bakers in Chesham (where her daughter works), The Good Earth Art Gallery, Orbit Press, The Tavern,& Niki Bells Art Studio in Chesham, and the Record Shop, Jacks Coffee and Seasons Deli in Amersham.
Alison will once again help host Amersham Art Unlocked Art Fair at the Chiltern Lifestyle Centre. Alongside fellow artists Ali Mackie and Nathalie Pymm, she has nurtured the event into a high-quality annual showcase. This year, 28 talented local artists will take part, offering everything from ceramics and glass to textiles, printmaking and, of course, jewellery. A pop-up run by the much-loved Blooming Café will add to the friendly, community feel. “Supporting independent artists and businesses is at the heart of what we do,” Alison says. “We’re so lucky to have such talent on our doorstep, and this fair gives everyone a chance to enjoy it. ”
Amersham Art Unlocked Art Fair is free for all to enter, and will welcome you 10am–4pm on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November, at the centre, HP6 5AH. To find out more please follow @amershamartunlocked on Instagram.
A play by Peter Adamson at St Mary-le-More Parish Church on Sunday, 2nd November, will reflect on the Great War in the words of its greatest poets, from Cholsey to Flanders…
A War in Ten Poems tells the story of changing attitudes to the Great War through the voices of its greatest poets. Coming just ahead of Armistice Day 2025, the event is being held in aid of Brightwell Supporting Refugees.
Peter says: “The story opens just outside Cholsey, where in the summer of 1914 a group of friends gathered to write and walk on the Downs. The host was the future Poet Laureate, John Masefield, who at 35 was too old to be sent to the front but volunteered in a field hospital on the Marne. Returning to his isolated farmhouse, Masefield went on to write some of the finest literature of war. Among the others on the Downs in that last peaceful summer of 1914 was Rupert Brooke who welcomed the war but who was to die of an infected mosquito bite on the way to Gallipoli.”
The play, 7.30-8.30pm, will be directed by Christopher Baines & voiced by a great cast including Clare Thomson, Ben Manning, Alistair Luck, Catriona Woolhouse & David Fox. Tickets £10pp (£5 u18s) from Brightwell Village Stores & Wallingford Bookshop or you can email bsr@bsr-charity.org
Bookmark Oxford Science Studies today! Your go to revision specialists, to support your child with any tuition need
Back to School nerves? Rest assured, your support network is here!
Introducing Oxford Science Studies (OXSS), revision specialists and online tuition providers, who have been running successful courses since their founding in 1997. OXSS and their expert tutors offer a flexible support system for the year ahead, and beyond.
Attending a course with OXSS means that students can maintain their learning throughout the year, effectively address and overcome challenging areas as they arise, and be best prepared for mock and final exams, encouraging them to achieve their potential!
OXSS are your go to provider for tuition support throughout GCSE, IGCSE, IB and A Level, and even looking ahead towards university. Their mission is to provide relevant and valuable revision learning experiences that are specific to each students’ need and their bespoke course offerings allow them to do just that. Classes are specific allowing students to get the help they need, when they need it most. With their student-led approach, students can tailor classes to the topic areas they need help with, working on improving knowledge and understanding, and boosting confidence.
Understanding that students focus on multiple subjects, there is no one size fits all approach here. OXSS offer most classroom subjects and exam boards and cater to all levels and abilities. Students select their chosen dates, times and subject requirements, allowing for a truly flexible offering. Their trusted teach and test method, allows students to review content with the tutors, before completing independent exam practice, gaining all important experience in how to answer exam style questions. This process of continual learning and development allows students to work through subject material, identifying any gaps and ensuring understanding. With reports provided, students finish their course with guidance for further study and development.
OXSS are committed to providing high quality courses, and all tutors go through a rigorous recruitment process, and monitoring and checks thereafter. The specific nature of their classes does mean that they can be on the smaller side, and OXSS provide a commitment to you to run all scheduled classes, regardless of whether other students enrol or not. Their expert tutors are ready and waiting to share their experience, insight and enthusiasm!
OXSS believe in continued study throughout the year, starting from the very beginning. That’s why they offer their courses during all school holidays, as well as supplementary tuition during term time. With a mixture of in-person and online course delivery, courses by the hour, day or week, OXSS have something to suit every student, all year-round. OXSS provide every opportunity for students to maintain focus on their studies, to revise, to concentrate on what’s ahead, to boost confidence, and to ensure they are best prepared for examinations, setting them up for success.
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Jigsaw Stage Productions invite you to tuck into Dracula in Steventon, Didcot, Challow & Grove between Halloween and Sunday, 9th November
This autumn, the shadows stir and the undead rise as Jigsaw Stage Productions bring a chilling new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel to life.
Written and directed by Liam Downes, this original yet faithful take on Dracula captures the haunting atmosphere and timeless terror of the story that has fascinated audiences for over a century. Darkness falls as Count Dracula crosses from Transylvania to England, bringing with him a creeping horror that infects hearts, homes, and souls. From candlelit chambers to storm-lashed coastlines, from whispered fears to blood-curdling encounters, expect a world of mystery, madness, and monstrous hunger, as the Count’s influence spreads and a band of unlikely heroes fight for survival against an ancient evil.
Liam tells us: “This production is both a tribute to the novel and a fresh reimagining for the stage to bring the original vampire story to new audiences. Shadows move, secrets unravel, and something inhuman waits just beyond the flicker of the lamplight… Step into the darkness. But beware – for once invited, Dracula never truly lets you go. Join us, if you dare!”
Performances at 7.30pm on Friday, 31st October, at Steventon Village Hall; Saturday, 1st November at Northbourne Community Centre, Didcot; Saturday, 8th November, at Challow Village Hall & Sunday, 9th November, at Old Mill Hall, Grove.Tickets £10pp on the door or online via jigsawstageproductions.co.uk
The ever-popular Woking Fireworks Extravaganza returns to Woking Park on Saturday, 8th November and they’re taking off to space!
This year’s Woking Fireworks Extravaganza is set to be a stellar affair with a space theme giving the organisers a rich back catalogue of music hits to select from for the fully-synchronised soundtrack to go with the display.
Considered to be one of the best displays in the south east and the biggest event in Woking’s annual calendar it features a funfair and refreshments as well as the spectacular fireworks themselves. This year offers more food and drink stands and a bigger variety than previously while the new dodgems ride will be one you won’t want to dodge!
Once again Radio Woking’s star presenter Justin Coll will rock the crowd during the big build up to the display which starts at 7.30pm.
The event is arranged by Woking District Rotary for the community to enjoy, and all proceeds from the event will go to carefully selected causes and charities.
Club President Gill Colbeck said: “We have been busy this year investing in many worthwhile local community projects using the profit from last year’s very successful event. This year, local organisations and charities need our support more than ever before, so we are hoping for another great fundraising night.”
Tickets can be purchased online in advance at discounted prices, and will also be available on the night by using contactless payment at the entrance gates, open from 5.30pm. Further information and tickets at wokingfireworks.org
More about Woking District Rotary at wokingdistrictrotary.club
Kris Lawrence invites you to join Jackstraws Morris where dancing is for fun and fitness!
Morris dancing has to be one of the most social ways to keep fit and local team Jackstraws Morris invite anyone to come and have a go to see what it’s all about.
This form of dancing is very energetic – and a lot more complex than you might think. It offers good exercise and co-ordinated teamwork, in a very sociable and friendly environment. You don’t need to be an expert dancer to come and have a go, but just a willingness to learn. We dance to live music and welcome budding musicians to try their hand at playing for the Morris.
In the warmer weather we perform publicly, often at a local pub, but there is also the opportunity to go out to events and festivals and meet new people. Being based in Hale, we like to be seen out and about locally. This year we danced at the Hale Carnival, even winning a prize for our efforts! But we also like to travel further afield to meet up with, and build relationships with, other Morris teams at ‘weekends of dance’ or folk festivals.
And importantly we are keeping an old tradition alive! 500 years ago, royal courts and wealthy houses throughout Europe were hiring Morris dancers – the style of dance is unknown, but you can see statues of ‘Morisktanzer’ carved in 1480 in the museum in Munich, Germany.
Changes in fashion, and the movement of country people to towns in the 19th century led to Morris dancing being almost extinct in Britain. Then in 1899 a folk music researcher called Cecil Sharp saw a group of dancers at Headington in Oxfordshire and realised that they were the heirs to an ancient tradition. He went on to travel all over the south midlands to track down dancers and those who remembered dances. Those dances, now called ‘Cotswold Morris’, form the basis of what Jackstraws perform.
Jackstraws was originally a team of female dancers, but has now opened the doors to all, including youngsters aged 11-16 years (accompanied by an adult). We meet every Monday evening to learn the dances 7.30 – 9.30pm, at the Hale Institute, Wings Road, Upper Hale, GU9 0HN (overlooking the cricket field). For further details, contact secretary@jackstraws.org.uk or check out the Jackstraws website.
If you are interested in:
• Having fun
• Keeping fit
• Trying something new
• Being part of something meaningful
• Meeting new people
• Getting out and about to events and festivals
Why not come along and give Jackstraws Morris a go!
We chat to Marlborough writer Chris Page (AKA Quinton Rumford) about his cheeky rugby-inspired book The Furious Fannies
With women’s rugby front and centre in our minds (see our article with Heather Fisher), it’s the perfect time to scrum down with a bold new novel celebrating women, friendship and a try at glory.
The Furious Fannies by Quinton Rumford (AKA Chris Page) is the first in a trilogy of funny, heart-warming stories about a group of Wiltshire women who decide to form a rugby union team. This debut instalment introduces a lively cast of characters who, despite barely knowing the difference between a ruck and a maul, share determination, humour, and sisterhood in spades.
The novel captures the chaos, camaraderie, and sheer joy of throwing yourself into a team sport, while never dropping the ball on real friendships. As Chris explains: “These are humorous, sassy stories written to become bestsellers – and it’s designed to win over both female and male fans of team sports.”
The Furious Fannies offers an entertaining, fictional counterpart that celebrates the growing enthusiasm for women’s rugby at all levels. However, it’s more than a sports story: it’s about friendship, diversity, and the thrill of taking a few cheeky risks – even if it means getting tackled along the way.
At 335 pages, the £12.99 paperback is a substantial read, full of quick-fire banter and larger-than-life personalities. An eBook edition is also available, and Chris adds that there are generous discounts for bulk purchases, making it a fun choice for women’s groups, rugby clubs and book clubs. Chris is even offering free copies to sporting organisations and media outlets keen to get involved.
Behind the pen name is an author with genuine rugby credentials. A former player and coach, Chris knows the game inside out and brings authenticity to every training scene, bruising tackle and triumphant try. But he also knows how to tell a story. Alongside the sporting action runs a narrative about resilience, empowerment and what it means to find your tribe. Chris says: “In today’s world, women’s sport deserves to be celebrated with energy, humour and heart. That’s what The Furious Fannies is all about.”
Chris, pictured here with his dog Freddie, is married to Lindy with whom he has two adult children. He adds: “I am drawn to the raw, humorous and sexually challenging but ragged edge of contemporary life where creativity jostles with reality to form unusual narratives and unique characters. If there is one constant in my books it is the outrageous and always blasphemous characters conduct their rackety, sassy and always deeply uninhibited lives.
Book two of the trilogy is expected within the next few months. The Furious Fannies is available now in paperback and eBook from major online retailers. qrumfordauthor.com
A trio of feline-lovers are offering new hope thanks to Nine Lives Cat Rescue
A new beacon of hope shines in Witney for the area’s vulnerable and abandoned cats. The three founders, Becs, Heidi, and Karen, formed Nine Lives Cat Rescue to provide a safe haven and new start for our feline friends.
The grassroots organisation was born from a desire to “do more” to help with the current and ongoing cat crisis. Having previously volunteered with Sunshine Cat Rescue, the trio recognised there was a need for felines in need, while also providing an educational and social focus for the community.
“Rescues are constantly being contacted by the community to help with the rehoming of cats or the stray population,” explains Becs. “It became clear that we needed to create additional support and as a dedicated organisation all our cats receive personalised care and will be given the time they need to fi nd their forever homes.”
The philosophy behind Nine Lives is simple yet powerful: every cat deserves a chance at a happy, healthy life, no matter what their past. Karen shares: “Our rescue operates on a policy of quality, ensuring each cat benefits from personalised attention, veterinary care, and rehabilitation within a calm, nurturing environment. From fragile kittens to elderly strays, our volunteers strive to meet every individual cat’s needs – whether that means a special diet, ongoing medical treatment, or simply a warm lap and a gentle hand.”
Heidi highlights the vital role the community plays in this mission. “This isn’t just about us; it’s about everyone who loves cats. We rely heavily on the generosity of volunteers and donors. Every bit of support, whether fostering a cat, donating to our fundraisers or giving monthly makes an enormous difference.”
The founders’ passion is contagious, quickly attracting support from local businesses and residents, with many attending their initial fundraiser and volunteer drive in Witney town centre on National Cat Day. Nine Lives Cat Rescue plans to host further fundraising events, educational workshops, and adoption drives to secure the charity’s future while fostering awareness about responsible pet guardianship, especially amongst younger generations.
Nine Lives Cat Rescue stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the belief that even the most vulnerable creatures can be healed and loved again. For Witney’s many feline friends now facing brighter futures, they can look forward to not just a ninth life, but a brand new beginning.
