Roald Dahl’s Marvellous children’s charity  

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We’re sharing Oliver’s mother’s story: one of hope, gratitude and the life-changing difference a Roald Dahl Nurse will make to a family, with your help! 

When Kathryn’s baby son Oliver was born last autumn, joy quickly turned to fear. Within weeks, Oliver fell seriously ill and was admitted to hospital for what became a nine-week stay. Tests revealed complex feeding and breathing problems, and Kathryn and her husband James suddenly faced a blur of specialists, wards and unanswered questions. 

Then Shannon, a Roald Dahl Nurse, came into the family’s lives and everything changed. 

“It was a few weeks into our stay, but I swear we wouldn’t be here, at home, without her support,” says Kathryn. “There were so many different nurses and teams, and we felt nothing was being decided. Shannon spoke to everyone for us, found out what needed to happen and made sure things moved forward. She gave us energy and the fight to keep going.” 

Roald Dahl Nurses are specialists who support seriously ill children with complex conditions – and their families – across the UK. Funded by Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, they work within NHS hospitals to provide expert care, consistency and compassion. 

For Kathryn, the support was transformational. “Shannon didn’t just help with Oliver’s care, she supported me, too,” she says. “She’d check in to see how I was coping. I was in hospital every day and night, trying to keep Oliver calm because crying affected his breathing. It was overwhelming at times, especially with two other children at home. Shannon would remind me to rest and ask what I needed.” 

The charity’s work ensures that families like Kathryn’s never face the uncertainty of long hospital stays alone. “I don’t think anyone can understand what Shannon did for us,” she says. “Or how grateful parents like us are for this kind of support – and for everyone who’s raised funds to make it possible.” 

With the help of Roald Dahl Nurses like Shannon, families find strength, reassurance and a sense of hope when they need it most. This Bucks charity, founded by Felicity Dahl, proves that, just like in the stories that inspired the charity’s name, even in the darkest moments, kindness can make all the difference. 

Donate & read more at roalddahlcharity.org 

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Playback brings retro rentals back home

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Princes Risborough’s shop Playback revives classic film rental, community spirit & nostalgia too… 

Playback, the nostalgic new addition to Princes Risborough High Street, is the brainchild of Dean and Carl; two lifelong local film lovers who have taken a bold step into the world of bricks-and-mortar retail. They instantly felt a pull toward Risborough’s warm, community-driven character. It’s exactly the kind of place, they say, where a love of movies, memories and mooching feels right at home. 

Since opening their doors, the pair have found themselves welcomed by fellow independents. They’ve enjoyed chats with the teams at Preluvable, K&B Family Butchers and Oxfam, while Crumbs Too has quickly become their go-to for a quality coffee. The sense of camaraderie on the High Street fuels their belief that Playback can be more than a shop – they hope it will become a social space, a place to browse, reminisce and maybe even discover something unexpected. 

When Carl and Dean do get time off from building the business, they’re slowly working through the area’s pubs. So far, The Whiteleaf Cross gets top marks for a pint of Guinness served just right. But for now, most of their focus is on what comes next. 

Looking ahead to the coming year, Dean and Carl are excited to welcome more locals into the store and grow their rental membership service. Their wish for the world, however, comes with a sprinkle of nostalgia: “to go back to the 1980s & ’90s, when life felt simpler and a Friday night trip to the local video shop was a highlight of the week.” That spirit; warm, communal, and analogue in the best possible way sits right at the heart of Playback. 

The shop offers DVD rentals as a cost-saving alternative to the rising monthly fees of endless streaming services, not to mention a cure for the mind-numbing scroll. Every film is under £5 to rent, with no subscriptions or annual commitments. Their catalogue mixes new releases with classics spanning the 1960s onward, ensuring there’s something for film buffs of every generation. 

Playback is also branching out beyond films: they offer IT and tech support, TV and film memorabilia, merchandise, confectionery and, naturally, popcorn. Whether you’re chasing childhood memories or simply looking for something new to watch, Playback aims to rekindle the joy of choosing a film the old-school way – in a shop filled with personality, passion and plenty of cinematic charm. 

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Helen Lederer’s Hartwell House highlight 

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The Hartwell House team invite you to enjoy In Conversation With… actress & comedy legend Helen Lederer, an afternoon tea highlight on Friday, 27th February 

If anyone can bring grief, faith, celebrity and comedy together at the same table (preferably over cake) it’s Helen Lederer. The actress, comedian, author and all-round national treasure is bringing her trademark wit, warmth and wicked honesty to Hartwell House on 27th February, kicking off the stately home’s new In Conversation With… series. 

Helen will talk about her memoir Not That I’m Bitter, now out in paperback and freshly updated with two new chapters. Funny, frank and unexpectedly moving, the book charts her journey from being labelled a “show-off” by her mother to becoming a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of alternative comedy – all while navigating rejection, resilience, grief and faith. It’s laugh-out-loud in places, quietly devastating in others, and always unmistakably Helen. 

Finding fame as the gloriously dippy journalist Catriona in Absolutely Fabulous, Helen’s career spans television, radio, theatre and novels, with recent roles including Coronation Street, Midsomer Murders and a West End appearance in Fawlty Towers. She also founded the Comedy Women in Print Prize, championing witty women writers and proving she’s just as generous behind the scenes as she is entertaining on stage. 

The paperback release follows Helen’s much-loved appearance on the BBC’s Pilgrimage. The new chapters lift the curtain further, touching on the hidden impact of the Holocaust, celebrity secrets and the loss of her close friend Tony Slattery – all handled with that rare ability to make big, difficult subjects both funny and fascinating. 

Set within the elegant surroundings of Grade I-listed Hartwell House, the afternoon promises laughter, insight and plenty of personality. The event includes a live conversation, audience Q&A, book signing, afternoon tea (naturally) and a signed copy of the book to take home. 

Tickets are £75pp, and the event begins at 2pm. Expect honesty, humour and a reminder that bitterness is optional… but cake is essential, and Hartwell’s afternoon teas are unbeatabble! Find out more & book your tickets at hartwell-house.com/whats-on-events-at-hartwell-house 

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Smart energy show

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The Smart Energy Show returns to Cookham on Saturday, 7th February, with practical ideas for cleaner, cheaper home energy. 

The event is a free, friendly way for communities to explore smarter approaches to home energy. Taking place during a time of rapid transition to clean power, the show brings together local suppliers and independent experts to help visitors understand how new technologies can create comfortable, efficient and healthier homes. 

Whether you’re motivated by cutting carbon, cutting bills, or both, the show is designed for everyone, from gadget lovers to those seeking simple, low-cost solutions. Homeowners and renters alike can discover practical ideas, ask questions and explore options that suit different budgets, property types and lifestyles. 

Key themes include renewable and low-carbon technologies such as solar PV and battery storage, air source heat pumps, infrared heating, heat battery boilers, draughtproofing, and retrofit assessments. Exhibitors will be on hand to explain how these systems work in real homes, helping visitors make informed choices without pressure or jargon. 

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of talks and presentations runs throughout the afternoon, breaking down complex topics into clear, accessible guidance. Highlights include a 1.30pm talk by BBC presenter and meteorologist Peter Gibbs, who will explore climate change, energy and what the future may hold. 

The mart Energy Show takes place 1-4.30pm at the Chartered Institute of Marketing in Moor Hall, SL6 9QH. Entry is free, making it an ideal opportunity to learn, ask questions and take positive steps towards a smarter energy future – for your home and the planet. 

For more info please visit smartenergyshow.co.uk 

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Compassion shown at Amersham Owned 

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We’re raising a toast to Izabela Glogowska and the rest of the team at the Amersham Owned shop in Woodside Road which supports the Hospice of St Francis & local families

Tucked away in Woodside Road, the Amersham Owned shop is far more than a place to browse pre-loved treasures. It is a welcoming community hub that reflects the compassion and care at the heart of the Hospice of St Francis, which has supported local people and families for more than four decades. 

The Hospice of St Francis provides specialist care for people living with life-limiting illness across Bucks and surrounding counties, offering physical, emotional and spiritual support not only to patients but also to those closest to them. For many families, this becomes a lifeline at the most difficult of times. 

One such person is Alan Garfield, who speaks with deep gratitude about the hospice’s care for his late wife, Sheila. He makes time to honour her passing every February. He describes Amersham Owned as a place filled with kindness, warmth and genuine connection – qualities that mirror the hospice itself. 

Managed by Izabela, the shop offers a carefully curated selection of furniture, clothing, accessories and homeware, with every purchase directly supporting hospice services. Volunteers and staff create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where customers feel valued. By shopping, donating or spreading the word, the community plays a vital role in sustaining the hospice’s work. Amersham Owned is a powerful reminder that everyday actions can make a difference. 

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Anong Thai is hot to trot

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Anong Thai in Cookham has earned a loyal  following for its authentic flavours and fresh dishes, as well as cookery classes & meal kits 

Home is where the heart is… and at Anong Thai in Cookham High Street, you can taste it in every dish.Whether you’re planning a cosy dinner, a special night out or looking ahead to Thai New Year (Songkran) celebrations, Anong Thai delivers a vibrant, deeply authentic taste of Thailand right here on our doorstep.  

This family-run restaurant, festooned with joyful blossoms, is the kind of place you’re quietly thrilled to discover, and even happier to return to. The menu spans the breadth of Thai cuisine, from comforting classics to regional specialities, all cooked with care and confidence. From fragrant green, panang and yellow curries to classic Pad Thai and steaming bowls of Tom Yum soup, there’s something for every palate – but everything feels personal. 

That’s because for owner Kitty (pictured), food is about home, heritage and heart. Originally from southern Thailand, Kitty met Paul Robinson in 1998 while he was living and working there for two years. The pair fell in love, married in 1999 and are raising two children here in Bucks, as they step into adulthood. Paul, a barrister’s clerk, also helps with the running of the business. 

Kitty brings generations of cooking knowledge to the kitchen. “I started cooking when I was very young, alongside my mother,” she says. “Our aim with the restaurant is to serve the kind of food you eat at home in Thailand. Everything is made fresh – no MSG, no shortcuts! For example, our coconut pancake uses young fruit you don’t usually see here, and customers really love that, and are loyal to us.”  

When Anong Thai first opened, the story caught the attention of the Bucks Free Press, which highlighted how Kitty’s love of home cooking evolved into a much-loved local restaurant, with her sister Kang in the kitchen, a reminder that the most memorable places often begin around a family table.  

And it shows. The food is outstanding. The yellow curry is gently warming, rich and comforting, while the seafood spicy stir fry is vibrant, generous and packed with flavour – the kind of dish that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. Mixed starters burst with fresh herbs and spice, and everything tastes clean, balanced and thoughtfully prepared. 

Beyond the restaurant, Anong Thai offers takeaway and catering, as well as cookery classes in High Wycombe for those keen to learn authentic techniques. Their meal kits are another inspired touch – perfect for students, people living alone, or anyone wanting to avoid food waste and enjoy delicious food at home. 

Looking ahead to Thai New Year in mid-April, a celebration rooted in renewal, joy and togetherness, Anong Thai feels like the perfect place to gather with friends and family around food that feeds both body and soul. Our independent hospitality business teams such as Anong Thai’s work incredibly hard – long hours, fresh ingredients, real passion – and they deserve to be cherished.  

Pop by, call 01628 532027 or visit anongthai.co.uk to find out more or book. 

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Choral singing finds harmony in Wantage

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Tom Kingston invites you to join Wantage Choral Society — a warm, welcoming choir offering joyful music-making, community spirit and concerts year-round. 

Singing is so enjoyable, and as Dr Michael Mosely told us, it is also good for mental and physical health.

I have always sung in choirs, and as a boy treble, performed Britten’s War Requiem in Coventry Cathedral and elsewhere, and particularly enjoyed singing at the Albert Hall performance and in the subsequent recording of Mahler’s 8th Symphony with the LSO, conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

As a student, I sang in the College Chapel choir, and later – having moved into a village in Hertfordshire – I joined the local Choral Society and sang happily with them for many years.

We moved from there to Wantage in 2020, between Covid lockdowns, so we had to wait a while before we could meet people at all.

The first relief was the opening of the Tennis Club, but I was glad later when it was also possible to gather inside, and I could join the Wantage Choral Society, a friendly group of about 60 men and women. This was a great way of getting to know more local people, as well as having fun singing.

We have recruited a talented Director of Music, Hannah Zaki, and accompanist, Gabriele Damiani, to lead us, and we sing an interesting variety of music, with three concerts a year.

The summer concert is usually lighter music, with nibbles and a drink in Letcombe Regis Village Hall, while the other two concerts are a variety of works, classical and modern, with instrumental accompaniment and are performed in Wantage Parish Church.

As an example, last November we sang Finzi In Terra Pax, Pergolesi Magnificat, and Saint-Saëns Christmas Oratorio, with orchestra, harp and organ. These are three interesting pieces that were new to most of the choir.

“Singing is so enjoyable — and Wantage Choral Society makes it even more fun.” 

In March, we will be singing some better-known works – Haydn Te Deum, Mozart Vespers K339, and Vivaldi Gloria.

If you like choral singing and would like to part of the fun, please come and join us as we are looking for new members.

There are no auditions, so you can turn up on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, at Wantage CE Primary School (near Manor Park), or email us following the links on wantagechoralsociety.co.uk to tell us you are coming or for more information. We would love to see you. 

Alternatively, do come and listen to us at our concert on Saturday 21st March 2026 at Wantage Parish Church. 

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Design a card for Cardiac Health’s 50th anniversary

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Cardiac Health and Alton FC launch a competition inviting children to design a ‘heartfelt thank you card’ for the local charity.

Based in Alton, Cardiac Health helps people lead stronger, healthier lives through exercise.

Guided by skilled, British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) qualified instructors, participants undertake tailored exercise programmes with medical oversight.

In 2026, the charity is celebrating 50 years of operation in the town, helping exercisers regain confidence, stay active, and take control of their health.

To mark the occasion, Cardiac Health is launching a year of anniversary celebrations — including an art and design competition, with the charity inviting children from Alton Football Club and local schools to design a ‘heartfelt thank you card’.

Since July 2025, Alton Football Club has been its charity fundraising partner. And this week, the pair jointly launched the competition in the busy gym at Cardiac Health on Chawton Park Road.

Denise Ellis, Centre Manager at Cardiac Health, said: “So many local people have been supported by Cardiac Health over the last 50 years; it’s been a pillar of the community since Dr Hugh Bethell first launched the ‘cardiac rehab’ exercise sessions at Alton Sports Centre in 1976.

“Partnering with Alton Football Club for this, our 50th anniversary year, makes so much sense as health, fitness, exercise and community are at the heart of everything we do. I am so pleased that Carl and the team at Alton FC have agreed to help us launch this competition and provide some of the prizes. I can’t wait to see the entries!”

Cardiac Health will invite every child who enters the competition to see their design on display at their dedicated exercise centre in Alton on Thursday 26th March 2026.

As well as seeing the wonderful artwork, children and their families will be offered after-school refreshments and given a chance to tour the facilities at Cardiac Health.

From the entries, competition judges will choose one overall design to be used as a special charity thank you card. Each age group will also be awarded a prize for the most creative design.

The closing date for this competition is Saturday 28th February 2026. Entries must fit on a single sheet of A4 paper and be accompanied by:

Name and age of child

Name, email address and telephone number of a parent or guardian.

All entries must be submitted to Cardiac Health, Chawton Park Road, Alton GU34 IRQ.

Digital or photographed entries will not be accepted.

See the full terms and conditions of entry here: https://cardiachealth.org.uk/about/news/can-you-design-a-heartfelt-thank-you-card-for-us/

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Batter the opposition in Reading’s 2026 pancake race

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Can your team take the Pancake Race title in 2026 and support Reading homelessness charity, Launchpad?

Launchpad’s flipping fantastic annual Pancake Race returns to Reading for its 28th year on Shrove Tuesday – 17th February 2026.

The challenge is simple: rally your most fearless, fancy dressed colleagues, grab a frying pan, and prove your team has what it takes to claim glory in the town centre…

Each year the costumes get wilder and more creative, with the popular event having seen everything from dinosaurs and astronauts to clowns, bananas and fast food icons racing through the town centre.

The stakes? Huge. The winners walk away with the people of Reading’s admiration, a fantastic prize donated by a local business and Launchpad’s coveted frying pan trophy.

Runners up won’t leave empty handed either, as there are prizes for second and third place, best team spirit, best fancy dress, and top fundraising team, too.

With the support of last year’s Pancake racers, more than 1,800 people facing housing or homelessness issues were helped last year.

Ready to compete? Here’s what you need:

• A team of four
• A brilliant fancy dress theme
• £150 team entry fee
• The courage to run, flip and battle it out against other teams

Last year’s fantastic champions, Davis Tate, have already signed up and are ready to defend their title bragging rights. Will they lift the title for a second time? Or will your team rise to the challenge and flip your way to first place?

Fiona Keyte, Launchpad Fundraising Manager, said: “Get ready Reading – you will not want to miss this cracking event! Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a sight to behold. The incredible fancy-dressed teams give it everything they’ve got, and over nearly three decades this event has raised thousands of pounds to support Launchpad’s work.

“We’re a local charity through and through, and the support we receive from Reading businesses at our very special race means so much!”

Be quick and sign up now — There are only 36 team places and entry fee is: £150 per team of four, first come, first served. You can secure your team’s place at: launchpadreading.enthuse.com/cf/pcr26.

Volunteers needed — Could you help with team registration, bucket collections and monitoring pancake flips. If you can help, email the team at: fundraising@launchpadreading.org.uk.

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‘I’m still Millie’: Life beyond chronic illness

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Millie Bridger’s life changed beyond recognition six years ago, here she shares her moving and inspirational story.

Six years ago I was living my dream, training as a professional dancer in London; then, my health changed and took everything.

I was later diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, PoTS, gastroparesis, intestinal dysfunction and many more complex conditions that have brought more than 15 surgeries, two battles with sepsis, and many long hospital stays — including seven Christmases and New Years spent in hospital.

I live with multiple feeding tubes and am connected to a medical pump for 22 hours a day. A quiet reminder of how fragile and precious life can be.

Rather than giving up, I decided to use what I’d been through to help others. I founded milliebridger.com which began as a small personal blog and has grown into a space where people living with chronic illness or disability can feel less alone, understood, and supported.

Through help guides, support groups, advocacy work and an online support community called ‘Finding Happiness, Together’, my goal is to help others rediscover confidence and purpose and to remind them that life can still hold meaning and connection, even when it looks completely different to what they imagined.

I’ve learned that when your world stops, the world around you keeps turning. You don’t get a choice but to keep going. When I lost my health and the identity I’d built as a dancer, I had to rebuild myself from the ground up.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped fighting to be the person I was and started embracing the person I’ve become. I’m still Millie, but now I live slower, smile wider, and find beauty in places I never used to look.

Illness gave me a perspective I never would have found otherwise. I’ve learned that joy can exist alongside pain, that meaning can survive loss, and that strength is often quiet. I’ve found light in hospital rooms, hope through community, and purpose in helping others find a way through their own darkness.

I also volunteer with Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, collaborate with charities and brands on accessibility and inclusion projects, and visit local schools and hospices with my therapy dog, Ralph.

Earlier this year, I joined Champions Speakers Agency to continue raising awareness through public speaking, sharing messages of hope and resilience.

You can find more about my work at milliebridger.com.

Millie Bridger is a writer, disability advocate, and public speaker based in the Camberley area.

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