Jurassic Bark for Hearing Dogs puppies 

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Staff & volunteers from life-changing Bucks charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf people enjoyed a visit to see the dinosaurs recently. Maybe you could you join them as a volunteer? 

Visitors to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History were treated to an unexpected delight this summer, as a group of hearing dog puppies trotted in for a l training day – and came face-to-face with Stan the T. rex. 

Led by staff trainers and dedicated volunteers from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the visit gently exposed the dogs-in-training to unfamiliar sights and sounds. Neha Srivastava, the charity’s dog training manager, says: “In their everyday lives, our dogs need to stay calm and confident in all sorts of environments, from train stations to hospitals, even a museum filled with dinosaurs! That’s why visits like this are valuable.” 

Puppies padded through the museum, navigating curious exhibits and posing for photos. The T. rex encounter was a highlight, and no one batted an eyelid. 

Ellie Talbot, visitor experience manager at the museum, adds: “It’s been a joy welcoming the puppies and their trainers. We’re proud to support the incredible work Hearing Dogs does, and we want everyone to feel welcome in our museum.” 

With demand growing, the charity is urgently looking for more volunteer puppy trainers. If you’d like to help raise the next generation of these remarkable dogs, visit hearingdogs.org.uk, email volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk or call 01844 348100

Astrology & Tarot for September

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What’s in store for you this month? Melanie Harding, founder of Soul Healing Guidance, offers her new monthly guides for all signs…

Aries (21 March – 20 April)

September encourages you to step into your power at work. Early in the month, Mercury sharpens your mind for negotiations and strategic decisions. Tread carefully around the 4th, emotions could flare if you’re not mindful. The Lunar Eclipse on the 7th invites reflection; take time to recharge. By the 18th, communication with partners becomes clear, allowing misunderstandings to fade. Venus on the 19th smooths your professional relationships, and a Solar Eclipse on the 21st could open the door to an exciting new opportunity. Financial ambition rises when Mars energises your resources on the 22nd, and romance sparkles as the Sun enters Libra, stirring connection and potential commitment.

Tarot Insight – The Moon
This card stirs your inner world, urging you to trust your intuition rather than relying only on logic. The Moon suggests not everything is as it seems, there may be uncertainty or mixed signals around you. Instead of rushing forward, take time to sit with your feelings and allow clarity to emerge. Dreams and gut instincts are your guides now.

Taurus (21 April – 20 May)

Your heart comes alive this month. Mercury and the Sun on the 2nd enhance charm, sparking attraction and deeper connections. The Lunar Eclipse on the 7th may surprise you with news from friends, reshaping social dynamics. Bold gestures in love are favoured on the 15th, with Venus and Mars encouraging confident action. From the 18th, diplomacy guides your conversations, helping you navigate both work and relationships gracefully. Venus on the 19th sweetens romance, and the Solar Eclipse on the 21st may signal a new chapter in love. Be mindful of assertiveness when Mars energises partnerships on the 22nd, while the Sun brings leadership opportunities into focus.

Tarot insight – The Tower
The Tower brings change that may feel disruptive but ultimately clears space for something more authentic. This is a card of breakthroughs and sudden realisations, structures or patterns that no longer serve you are likely to fall away. Though it may feel unsettling in the moment, trust that what’s shifting is paving the way for renewal and strength.

Gemini (21 May – 20 June)

Home and family take centre stage this month. Mercury entering your domestic realm on the 2nd offers a window to organise, renovate, or connect with loved ones. Avoid sudden changes when Uranus retrogrades on the 6th. The Lunar Eclipse on the 7th could shake your work life but may ultimately reveal hidden benefits. From the 18th, Mercury in Libra enhances social finesse and charm. Venus moving into your home area on the 19th encourages beautifying your surroundings. The Solar Eclipse on the 21st favours launching projects or making transformative updates. Mars in your career focus on the 22nd fuels ambition, while romance hints at exciting possibilities as the month closes.

Tarot Insight – The Lovers
A powerful card for your sign, The Lovers highlights choices, partnerships, and the importance of aligning actions with your deeper values. Relationships may feel particularly significant now, or you may be standing at a crossroads that calls for honesty with yourself. Choose what resonates with your heart, not just what looks good on the surface.

Cancer (21 June – 22 July)

Travel and adventure nourish you this month. Short trips or longer journeys around the 7th or 21st bring rejuvenation and perspective. Mercury on the 2nd helps you plan efficiently and discover opportunities with ease. The Lunar Eclipse adds a touch of magic to your experiences. Mercury moving into Libra on the 18th encourages balancing home and exploration. Venus on the 19th invites shared journeys and spontaneous moments. The Solar Eclipse on the 21st may spark a transformative adventure. Romance intensifies on the 22nd as Mars energises passion, while the Sun’s move reminds you to savour the comfort of home after your travels.

Tarot Insight– Two of Cups
This card speaks of harmony, connection, and shared understanding. Whether it’s love, friendship, or collaboration, bonds formed or deepened now have a sense of balance and mutual respect. It’s a reminder to welcome intimacy and to trust the beauty of heartfelt connections.

Leo (23 July – 22 August)

Your finances are lively this month. Fresh ideas for income emerge as Mercury joins the Sun on the 2nd, and the Lunar Eclipse on the 7th may bring an unexpected windfall. Communication clears from the 18th, helping you resolve delicate matters. Venus on the 19th boosts your ability to attract resources, and a Solar Eclipse on the 21st may reveal a new stream of income, a side project or opportunity that calls for swift action. Mars entering your home focus on the 22nd sparks inspiration to refresh your surroundings, while the Sun invites you to embrace travel or spontaneous escapes. The Sun-Pluto alignment on the 24th gives you determination to create powerful change.

Tarot Insight – Three of Swords
The Three of Swords points to the healing of wounds, whether from disappointment, miscommunication, or loss. While the emotions may run deep, there’s also potential here for release and growth. This is a month to acknowledge what hurts and to let that honesty open the way for greater strength and compassion.

Virgo (23 September – 22 October)

Confidence radiates this month. With the Sun and Mercury energising your sign on the 2nd, attention and recognition are yours. The Lunar Eclipse on the 7th may bring revelations in your relationships, guiding important decisions. Hold off on financial or career commitments on the 17th, then use Mercury’s move into your money focus on the 18th to advance practical plans. Venus on the 19th encourages a style refresh, while the Solar Eclipse on the 21st supports debuting your transformation. Mars in Scorpio on the 21st strengthens focus and resolve, and the Sun entering your financial area on the 22nd energises your efforts to grow wealth and material security.

Tarot Insight – The Empress
The Empress calls you back to nature, creativity, and nourishment. This is a card of abundance and fertility, urging you to tend to what you’d like to grow, whether that’s a project, a relationship, or your own sense of wellbeing. It’s also a reminder to rest and replenish, trusting that growth happens in its own time.

Libra (23 September – 22 October)

This month invites quiet reflection and self-care. Mercury joining the Sun on the 2nd encourages introspection and personal insight. The Lunar Eclipse on the 7th prompts attention to health and routines. Mercury in your sign from the 18th sharpens your communication, perfect for deep conversations or creative projects. Venus entering your hidden pleasures zone on the 19th brings secret joys or romantic intrigue. The Solar Eclipse on the 21st may reveal a powerful insight, prompting an important decision. Mars in your financial focus on the 22nd fuels ambition, while the Sun’s entrance into your sign encourages you to embrace confidence, magnetism, and personal power.

Tarot insight – Knight of Wands
This fiery knight brings energy, adventure, and momentum. You may feel inspired to start something new or to take bold steps forward. The challenge is to balance enthusiasm with focus, don’t scatter your energy too thinly. Harness this drive and you can make real progress toward your goals.

Scorpio (23 October – 22 November)

Your social life is vibrant this month. Mercury moving into Virgo on the 22nd energises gatherings and interactions. The Lunar Eclipse on the 7th may surprise you with a romantic connection or the return of someone from the past. Mercury entering your introspective zone on the 18th clarifies relational choices. Venus on the 19th enhances charm at social events, and the Solar Eclipse on the 21st invites celebration and connection. Mars entering your sign on the 22nd boosts energy, determination, and self-confidence, while the Sun in Libra encourages balance and rest amid the excitement.

Tarot Insight – Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel turns, reminding you that cycles are shifting and change is underway. Fate and timing play a big role this month, so be open to unexpected opportunities or twists of destiny. What feels like chance may in fact be aligning with a deeper rhythm. Trust in the unfolding process and stay flexible.

Sagittarius (23 November – 21 December)

Career opportunities are highlighted this month. The Sun and Mercury early in the month lift your professional presence, though the Mars-Jupiter square on the 4th calls for mindful restraint. Family matters may arise around the Lunar Eclipse on the 7th. Mercury moving into your social zone on the 18th encourages connection and networking, while Venus on the 19th enhances recognition and admiration. The Solar Eclipse on the 21st could bring a major career breakthrough. Mars in introspection from the 22nd favours behind-the-scenes planning, while the Sun in Libra draws you into social events and gatherings.

Tarot insight – Knight of Cups
This knight brings charm, sensitivity, and a touch of romance. It’s a card of following your heart, whether in love, creativity, or a personal calling. Invitations, opportunities, or gestures of kindness may appear, asking you to respond with openness. Let your emotions inspire your next step.

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)

Travel and new experiences energise you this month. The Lunar Eclipse on the 7th and Solar Eclipse on the 21st offer optimal windows for journeys. Mercury in your professional focus from the 18th enhances clarity and decision-making. Venus on the 19th brings romantic potential during trips, while Mars entering your social zone on the 22nd encourages lively gatherings. The Sun’s shift into career focus reminds you to balance enjoyment with responsibility to maintain energy and success.

Tarot Insight – Two of Wands
This card shows you standing on the edge of possibility, considering where to go next. Planning and vision are key now, you’re asked to look beyond the familiar and dare to expand your horizons. It’s a reminder that growth comes when you take action toward the future you’ve been imagining.

Aquarius (20 January – 19 February)

Financial matters come into focus. The Sun highlights money and resources, while Mercury entering Virgo on the 2nd allows careful review. Uranus retrograde on the 6th encourages patience before major decisions. The Lunar Eclipse on the 7th may reveal urgent financial needs. Mercury moving into your travel focus on the 18th opens the door to journeys, while Venus on the 19th draws wealth and shared resources closer to you. The Solar Eclipse on the 21st may bring unexpected financial gains. Mars entering your career focus on the 22nd energises ambition, and the Sun in your 8th house enhances opportunities for income and professional growth.

Tarot Insight – Seven of Cups
The Seven of Cups speaks of choices, dreams, and sometimes confusion. There may be many options before you, but not all are realistic or grounded. Take your time to discern what truly matters, avoiding distractions or illusions. The card asks you to focus your vision and commit to what feels most aligned.

Pisces (20 February – 20 March)

Boundaries and self-respect take priority this month. Saturn retrograde on the 1st challenges your ability to assert yourself, and the Lunar Eclipse on the 7th tests resilience. Mercury in Libra on the 18th supports financial improvements and practical ideas, while Venus on the 19th encourages harmony in relationships. The Solar Eclipse on the 21st may offer a fresh start in love or partnerships. Mars entering your travel zone on the 22nd energises long-distance journeys, while the Sun in your 8th house heightens intuition, trust your inner guidance.

Tarot Insight – Five of Swords
The Five of Swords highlights tension or conflict, but also the chance to step away from battles that drain you. This card often asks: is winning worth the cost? It may be time to release old struggles, forgive, or walk away from dynamics that no longer serve your peace of mind. Clarity comes through letting go.

Wallingford School pupils aiming high! 

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It’s not just our local independent schools on target to help students thrive. Archery is among the sports enjoyed by Wallingford School pupils 

Wallingford School has a clear identity and values, with a curriculum designed to offer a clear pathway to life after school. 

As Head John Marston explains: “An important aspect of this identity is to create a thriving school community beyond the classroom, including educational trips and visits, sports competitions, performing and creative arts, and our ever-growing list of lunchtime and after-school clubs. 

“Each year, there’s always a new addition to our list, and this year, it has been wonderful to see the growing interest and success of our Archery Club. The club is open to students from Year 7 to Sixth Form, and offers a fantastic opportunity to develop skills, build confidence, and most importantly have fun! 

“Our students have excelled in local club and school championships over the year, winning gold, silver and bronze medals. This reflects an individual commitment to excellence, but also the strength of our training programme at school and their respective clubs. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all members and aspiring archers within the community. 

“The vigour and variety of life outside the classroom are both a cause and symptom of a happy and thriving school community, and each and every student is proud to play their part.” 

For more info visit wallingfordschool.com 

Three Counties Bridge – education & fun 

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Nothing trumps learning a new skill, pick up a pack of cards with 3 Counties Bridge 

Learning isn’t just about books and classrooms, it can be fun, challenging and sociable too. 

The card game of Bridge is growing in popularity especially with the young according to Douglas Wright of 3 Counties Bridge who says: “By every measure the number of young people playing the card game Bridge is rising. Young people are enjoying the fun, making friends and the fiendish game of Bridge.” 

A taster session was held for 120 pupils at Boxgrove Primary in Guildford in July with more planned elsewhere. The Surrey Schools Cup attracted 150 young players in February with 200 expected in 2026. 

The Autumn Youth Camp is October 31st – November 2nd at Juniper Hall, Dorking. All levels welcome including new players, and parents and grandparents can come too. 

A Schools League is thriving and there will be another Inter Schools Competition in March 2026. 

If you’ve ever considered getting involved, Club Teacher Training courses and a How to teach Bridge in Schools course is planned for Friday, 31st October. Register at bridgewebs.com/cgi-bin/bwx/bw.cgi?club=3counties&pid=display_page121 

Schools who would like to start a bridge club, players and teachers interested can get in touch with douglaswright@3countiesbridge.com 

Grief support highlight at Chiltern Park 

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An event with Dr Bill Webster at Chiltern Park memorial ground near Beaconsfield on Tuesday, 11th September, invites you to a free, supportive event on navigating grief  

Grief is something we all face, yet remains one of life’s most difficult journeys. Internationally renowned grief counsellor, author, and speaker Dr Bill Webster BEM is coming to the UK to offer comfort, connection and hope to those living with loss. 

With decades of experience – and his own deeply personal story of bereavement – Dr Webster understands that no two people grieve the same way. His approach is gentle, compassionate, and refreshingly human, offering practical tools for understanding grief and learning how to live with it. 

Dr Webster will host a series of free in-person seminars across GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks, including Chiltern Park off Potkiln Lane, Jordans, HP9 2XB, which is a calming and restful place set in 72 acres of beautiful woodlands. This welcoming event, 2.30-4pm on 11th September, promises a safe space for reflection, support, and healing. 

Whether your loss is recent or from several years ago, these seminars are open to anyone who is grieving – or supporting someone who is. Guests are encouraged to take along a friend or family member who may also benefit. In Dr Webster’s own words: “Grief is not a sign of weakness, but a sign that you cared.” 

Spaces are free for all, but limited so please book yours at greenacresgroup.co.uk/events 

Holy Trinity helps African school peers 

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Pupils & staff at Holy Trinity School in Cookham have been fundraising for Partners For Change Ethiopia, helping their peers in Africa. But more is needed! Could you help? 

The kind staff and pupils at Holy Trinity School have been raising funds to help their peers at Tibase M. School in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia. 

Earlier this year, PFC Ethiopia Ambassador and former Holy Trinity parent Sarah Parfitt visited with the Partners For Change Ethiopia team, including John Binns, Rose Yombo Djema and Caroline Field (pictured here with Mulugeta Gebru, executive director of Ethiopian partner charity JeCCDO), delivering letters from pupils. “We were moved by the fact that, in a community where there is so much poverty and so many people displaced by conflict, there was so much joy,” says Sarah. “Some families at Tibase M. School struggle to feed, clothe and educate their children. Along with our friends from Holy Trinity and William Hogarth School in Chiswick, we’ve raised over £7,000 and opened a Breakfast Club. The bad news if that we don’t raise more we won’t be able to keep the breakfast club open. We also want to offer some mums small business training so that, together we can bring about sustainable change. 

“Amazingly, this is the fifth school/friendship link Holy Trinity School has helped us with; the other schools are: Gende Tesfa School, Biruf Tesfa School, Basso School and Chole Schools. Just to give you an idea it costs £160 to provide a child with breakfast, clothes, stationery and some TLC for a year.” 

Please donate at pfcethiopia.org 

Princes Risborough’s Kop Hill Climb Festival

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Powered by volunteers, the Kop Hill Climb Festival in Princes Risborough on 20th and 21st September offers family fun & more, raising lots of cheer & funds for charities 

In the heart of the Chiltern Hills, a unique celebration of motoring history is gearing up for yet another unforgettable weekend for the whole community. Kop Hill Climb Festival, taking place on 20th and 21st September in Princes Risborough, is more than just a gathering of classic cars and motorcycles, it’s a living, breathing tribute to over a century of automotive innovation, community spirit, and good old-fashioned fun. 

Since its revival in 2009, Kop Hill Climb Festival has raised an astonishing £1,217,500 for local charities and community projects. Entirely volunteer-run, the event blends the thrill of vintage motorsport with the warmth of a family-friendly festival. It’s a rare gem in the UK’s motoring calendar – where nostalgia, engineering, and entertainment collide. 

Kop Hill Climb Festival is far more than a parade of polished chrome and roaring engines – it’s a full-blown celebration of community and creativity. In the Paddock visitors can get up close to the vehicles and chat with their passionate owners. Car clubs from across the country bring their finest machines, creating an ever-changing display of automotive artistry. 

Young minds and budding engineers aged between eight and 16 take centre stage in the Soapbox Challenge, designing, building and racing their own gravity-powered creations. The competition is fierce, the designs are imaginative and the coveted Beaumont Cup is up for grabs. 

The Family Area features a traditional fun fair, live lunchtime show, face painter, electric karts and much more. With plenty of space for kids to run, play and explore, plus a dedicated picnic area, it’s the ideal place for families to visit. 

When it’s time to refuel, the Food Court delivers a delicious array of options. Live music on the main stage keeps the atmosphere buzzing, while the shopping village offers everything from artisan crafts to motoring memorabilia. 

For the best seat in the house, Grandstand tickets offer an unrivalled view of the action. From this vantage point, witness the full drama of the ascent from the start line to the gentle lower slopes of the historic hill. 

Whether you’re a lifelong motoring enthusiast, or simply looking for a great family day out, Kop Hill Climb Festival promises a weekend of excitement, inspiration, and community spirit. 

Please visit ​kophillclimb.org.uk 

Screen on the Green in Jordans 

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Chris Waymouth invites you to enjoy two films on Sunday, 21st September, to raise funds to replace the Quaker village hall in Jordans 

Fancy watching Paddington while sipping a drink in the open air, with wireless headphones? Swap the silver screen for the village green in Jordans! 

Screen on the Green is a relaxed double-bill cinema event with a bar, raising funds for a new, much-needed village hall. The current timber hall, constructed over a century ago in just six weeks, was only ever meant to be a temporary structure. Jordans was founded as a Quaker model village in 1919, with links to William Penn and the Friends Ambulance Service during WWI. Built with spirit, community effort, and minimal materials, this hall has served generations with remarkable resilience. But now, time has caught up with it. With inadequate insulation, ageing facilities, limited accessibility, and soaring maintenance costs, the hall is in urgent need of replacement. 

Enter Jordans Village Hall Trust, a registered charity formed to deliver one of the most ambitious projects the village has seen. The plan? To design, fund, and build a sustainable, inclusive community hub that honours the spirit of the original while embracing the needs of today, and tomorrow. The new building will include improved access for disabled visitors, modern space for the children’s nursery, and energy-efficiencies such as solar panels and heat pumps. 

To raise the £1.6 million needed, the Trust is hosting a series of engaging community events. Following the sell-out success of the Spring Soirée dinner dance and the joyful Camp Out on the Green earlier this year, this event continues the theme of bringing local people together for a good cause. 

The family-friendly afternoon kicks off at 3pm with the much-anticipated new release Paddington in Peru (PG), followed by the gently funny and deeply touching What We Did On Our Holiday (12A) at 6pm. Audio will be delivered via wireless headsets (200 max, so please book  yours early!), with seating available, or bring your own picnic blanket. Admission is from 2pm & 5pm respectively. 

To book tickets or find out how you can support the project, please visit ticketsource.co.uk/jordans-village-hall-trust

Cutting-edge Guildford Fringe Festival

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Guildford’s largest independent arts festival returns for the 12th year, September 5th-20th

Take your seat for over 50 events from West End stars and free family entertainment to comedy, drag, theatre, live music and much more at this year’s Guildford Fringe Festival. 

The Fringe is an open access, multi-arts celebration featuring comedy, poetry, music, theatre, visual arts, cabaret, exhibitions, children’s shows, workshops, talks and more. Venues range from traditional pubs and historic churches, to a community library and tranquil nature reserve. 

From September 5th, audiences can choose from a wide array of live entertainment. Charlotte Wyschna, Managing Director of Guildford Fringe Festival, said: “Another joy of a Festival is ahead of us with a jam-packed three weeks of fun. We have everything from theatre right through to circus and street entertainers with a fantastic amount of comedy and cabaret thrown in as well, and lots more! Programming this festival is always so exciting, getting the applications in from artists and venues and matching them up is a puzzle I look forward to. I think we have the perfect mix of entertainment for you all and I am looking forward to seeing you there.” 

For the full programme, more information and to book tickets, visit: https://guildfordfringe.com or call the Box Office on 01483 361101. During the Festival, there will also be a daily Box Office at The Star Inn, Quarry Street, from 6-7pm – a great place to catch the Festival team for their top tips on what’s taking place. 

The joy of jazz 

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Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival is in full swing with marvellous music throughout September 

Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival is back after a successful debut last year welcomed thousands of music lovers to venues across the borough. 

This year, the festival run by Guildford Jazz, features another stunning line up of jazz and soul musicians ready to entertain. The headline events include Matt Skelton’s Blackhawk Quintet: A Celebration of Shelley Manne, pictured, on September 17th at Guildford Pavilion, with a tribute to one of the greats of the West Coast scene of the 1950s. 

The Stoke in Stoke Road welcomes Janette Mason with ReWired on September 26th with “a basketful of all the tunes that mean the most to her” and range from timeless standards to modern chart classics. 

Closing the 2025 Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival, Guildford Jazz presents Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory Sextet with Magnum Opus on October 1st at Guildford Pavilion. Kavuma aims to preserve jazz heritage while also inspiring the next generation. 

Other events to look out for are an acoustic soul and jazz night at Rogues with the Emily Windham Quartet on 5th, Tom Wild Trio on 6th, lunchtime jazz with Sarah Jane Eveleigh celebrates Irving Berlin on 8th, catch the Sam Parker Quartet at Cosy Club Jazz & Soul Night on 12th, take your seat for the Big Swing Showcase on 13th, there’s New Orleans jazz with The Alvar Tree Frogs on 21st, the Varley Parker Quartet on 29th and the free Festival Jazz Jam on 30th. 

Full details & tickets at guildfordjazz.org.uk/festival