Clarinet & piano highlight in Goring 

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Olivia Canolle and her son, Elisha Canolle-Forkin will star at a clarinet and piano recital in Goring on 8th February

Music lovers in and around Goring are in for a treat this February, as St Thomas’ Church prepares to host a beautifully curated clarinet and piano recital featuring the talented mother-and-son duo Olivia Canolle and Elisha Canolle-Forkin. 
 
The performance, at 3pm on Sunday, 8th February, offers a rare opportunity to enjoy expressive French music performed by two musicians at different – yet wonderfully complementary – stages of their musical paths. 
 
The programme centres on works by Poulenc, Debussy and Saint-Saëns, composers treasured for their colour, charm and lyrical warmth. French repertoire has long held a special place within both clarinet and piano traditions, often blending elegance, playfulness and sparkling virtuosity – qualities Olivia and Elisha bring to life with insight and instinctive rapport. 
French-born Olivia is a Guildhall-trained pianist and accompanist whose career has spanned performances across the UK and Europe. Although health considerations mean she is less active professionally at present, she continues to bring her hallmark sensitivity, intelligence and artistic depth to carefully chosen musical projects – including collaborations that remain close to her heart. 
 
She is joined by her son Elisha, a gifted young clarinettist currently balancing A levels with a fast-developing musical life. While not planning a professional career in music – he hopes to study maths and computer science at university – Elisha has already achieved notable milestones, including Grade 8 distinction (2023) and finalist in the Berkshire Maestros Young Musician of the Year 2024. He also serves as principal clarinet of the Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra and is now working towards his performance diploma. 
 
Together, Olivia and Elisha create ensemble playing that feels warm, natural and full of character. Their shared musical connection adds an emotional depth that makes this recital appealing to both seasoned classical listeners and newcomers alike. 
 
The recital is free, with a retiring collection; donations are welcome towards church expenses at St Thomas’ Church. 

enjoy an hour of expressive, uplifting music from two talented local performers. 

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Share Oxford steps into 2026 

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Ben Tuppen tells us about the brilliant community project helping Oxfordshire borrow more, waste less and learn new repair skills.

January is a month full of good intentions – fresh starts, new habits, and the urge to tidy, mend and make space again after the festive whirlwind. It’s also the perfect moment to discover SHARE Oxford, a brilliant charity powered by more than 60 active volunteers and two part-time staff, all working to help us consume less, waste less and share more. 

SHARE Oxford runs three core services: the Library of Things, monthly Repair Cafés and Tech Rescue IT sessions. Together, they help people borrow instead of buy, fix instead of bin, and give unused items a new life. 

The Library of Things, based at Makespace in Jericho, is a treasure trove of practical tools and fun equipment you only need occasionally. Instead of buying a hedge trimmer you’ll use once a year or a gazebo that gathers dust in the shed, you can borrow them for a fraction of the cost. Carpet cleaners, projectors for film nights, chocolate fountains, thermal imaging cameras (perfect for checking your home’s heat loss in winter) and even fruit presses, it’s all there to hire. And with bike or electric van delivery available across Oxford, it couldn’t be easier to get your hands on what you need. 

If your motto for 2026 is “mend more, waste less,” SHARE Oxford’s Repair Cafés are a revelation. These friendly, free monthly events bring together skilled volunteers who can fix everything from electronics and appliances to clothing, bikes, jewellery, furniture and even well-loved books. There’s tea, cake, good chat and the chance to learn skills yourself – whether that’s sharpening tools, darning a jumper or watching your broken lamp come back to life. You can book a slot online or simply drop in. 

Alongside this is Tech Rescue, a monthly IT-focussed session helping people get old laptops running smoothly, transfer data, understand alternatives to unsupported systems and donate unwanted tech to Getting Oxfordshire Online. January is a perfect time for a donation drive – especially for anyone who upgraded their devices over Christmas. 

SHARE Oxford is also part of a connected network of sustainability groups, including the Community Action Groups (CAG) and Cherwell Collective’s WISH network, meaning they can help signpost whatever you need – from loaning a bike to finding volunteers to gather your apple harvest. 

Whether you want to borrow tools, learn to repair, donate unused tech or simply meet like-minded people, SHARE Oxford is a welcoming place to start the year with less waste and more community. New volunteers are always welcome, and every small action helps build a greener, kinder Oxfordshire. 

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7th Manor Farm Scouts Need You

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Shaun Letley from Tylers Green shares his story and invites new members and volunteers to join the thriving 7th Manor Farm Scout Group in Hazlemere.

Shaun Letley is a familiar face to many families in Bucks. At 55, he balances life as a computer consultant with an impressive commitment to the local community as a scout leader with the 7th Manor Farm Scout Group. The group, who meet every week at Manor Farm School in Hazlemere, is on the lookout for new members, both young people and adults, and Shaun is keen to help spread the word. 

Shaun lives in Tylers Green with his wife Natalia and their children, Tomas and Grace. The family settled here in 2006, moving from Wooburn Green. Originally from Kent, Shaun’s career has taken him across the UK, Europe and the US, but he says this area has always felt like home. “Within five minutes I can be in the countryside and away from it all,” he explains. “We love the green space and hope the council do not allow it to be turned into housing.” 

A keen walker, he spends much of his free time exploring the beautiful paths and woodlands surrounding Tylers Green. His regular routes take him through Knotty Green, Seer Green, Penn, Penn Street, Great Missenden, Downley, Speen and the rolling hills in between… “If there happens to be a welcoming pub on the route, even better!” The Mayflower is his nearest. Shaun is also a supporter of local businesses. Essentials at Hazlemere’s Cozy Corner is a favourite spot, as are the area’s farm shops, particularly those in Booker and Prestwood. He singles out Joe Gleesons butchers in Penn Road as a long-standing favourite. “Never had a bad piece of meat from him in nearly 20 years,” he says. 

His biggest passion, though, is Scouting. Shaun has been a leader with 7th Manor Farm Scouts for the past five years, helping run Beavers for ages 6 to 8, Cubs for ages 8 to 10 and Scouts for ages 10 to 14. “It’s a great team,” he says. “But we could do with more young people and people willing to help out and become leaders.” 

The group teaches life skills, encourages young people to explore the local countryside and regularly gets involved in community events such as Hazlemere Fete. Members learn everything from teamwork to cooking to map reading, and they head out for hikes, litter picks and all-weather adventures. Camps are a big highlight. The group runs at least three each year but Shaun says they would happily offer more if they had extra adult help. 

“7th Manor Farm Scouts is run by people in the community for people in the community,” he explains. “We teach skills, explore the local area and give young people a chance to try new things and have fun.” 

The group is actively seeking new young members as well as adults willing to lend a hand, whether that’s supporting sessions, teaching a skill or becoming a leader. “No experience is required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in.” 

Are you interested? Please email ManorFarmScouts@gmail.com for more info. 

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Plan your summer cutting garden now 

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Make 2026 the year you grow your own armfuls of flowers, with these tips from Carolyn of Missenden Seeds

I can’t think of a better New Year’s resolution than to create your own cutting garden. Imagine filling your home with fresh, homegrown flowers all summer long – it’s one of the most rewarding gardening projects you can plan, and it can be scaled to any space, from a few pots on a patio to a full flower patch. 

The secret to a successful cutting garden is choosing the right varieties. To help you get started, here are five must-grow flowers – all easy to grow from seed and perfectly suited to the UK climate. 

Sweet Peas 

If there’s one flower that defines the cutting garden, it’s the sweet pea. With their exquisite scent and romantic blooms, they’re irresistible. Sow seeds now in pots on a bright windowsill or in an unheated greenhouse. By early summer, you’ll be rewarded with scented stems galore – just protect young plants from slugs! 

Ammi majus 

A favourite among florists, Ammi’s airy white umbels add elegance and movement to any bouquet. This hardy annual thrives in cool conditions, so start seeds under cover in January or February for a head start. 

Calendula ‘Snow Princess’ 

Not all marigolds are orange! ‘Snow Princess’ produces soft, creamy blooms that pair beautifully with both pastels and bold colours. Calendulas are generous bloomers – the more you cut, the more they flower. 

Poppies 

From rich crimson to pale ivory, poppies add texture and drama. Sow directly into the soil later in spring for a natural, meadow-style look. Their dried seed pods also make wonderful decorations for arrangements that last all year. 

Cosmos 

Few plants flower for as long as cosmos. Choose ‘Purity’ for tall stems topped with classic white blooms that mix beautifully with any palette. Cut regularly to keep the flowers coming right into autumn. 

At Missenden Seeds, we specialise in the best varieties for cutting gardens – including all these favourites and many more. Sowing from seed means fresher, longer-lasting blooms, and the immense satisfaction of knowing you grew them yourself. 

So while winter still lingers, why not plan ahead for your summer of flowers? A few packets of seed now will bring months of colour, fragrance, and joy – both in your garden and indoors. 

Special Offer: 

Enjoy 10% off all seeds at Missenden Seeds throughout January with code NEWYEAR. 

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The Travelling Tikki’s spice of life

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Parul Gupta is the founder of boutique catering business The Travelling Tikki in West Horsley creating food experiences inspired by India

I grew up in India, where the heart of the home is the kitchen. Socialising always centres around food!  

I had the fortune of growing up all over the country, I’ve lived in Mumbai, Kanpur, Chennai, Gwalior, Kolkata, Delhi and Bangalore. Food at home has always been a wonderful medley of recipes picked up from across the country. My grandmum and mum are fabulous cooks and queens of their kitchens. And it isn’t just the food, which is always finger licking good, all the decoration has to be just right too. So when you sit down at their table, it feels extra special.  

I came to England as a postgraduate student in 2005, and it was no surprise that food was my calling and creative outlet. A dream to one day build a business that would bring people together around food, was born.  

The Travelling Tikki was born in 2016. My band of helpers and I had the ride of our lives, trading at food and farmers’ markets in and around London, catering for events, and hosting supper clubs. My proudest moments were being invited to cook in Angela Hartnett’s kitchen at the London Evening Standard Night Market, and catering for two of Tesla’s launch events – still starry eyed about these!  

Fast forward to The Travelling Tikki today which is about me sharing my love for regional Indian cuisine and cooking, and for food rooted in tradition but not bound by it. My recipes are a medley of heirloom family recipes, regional favourites picked up from my travels and then those my own experiences thereafter have influenced.  

Our food is all handmade from scratch using homemade spice blends – all the roasting and grinding creating intoxicating aromas in the kitchen when that happens. Our fresh produce is locally sourced and we believe in sustainability as far as is possible. 

We believe food brings people together and all our food experiences from our catering offers to our High Chai (Indian-inspired afternoon tea) and supper club experiences are designed to be shared. We only take on small to medium sized catering requests, so we can focus on giving our clients a fantastic experience, with attention to detail in food preparation, ambience and presentation. 

We can create a private dining experience, 3-5 course meal at your home or venue of choice; a dabba club experience with mini à la carte menu with food delivered in lovely traditional tiered tiffin tins; a self-serve hot buffet experience and delicious seasonal grazing hampers to share. We also organise supper clubs. 

Everything that The Travelling Tikki is about is very much a piece of my heart! 

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Fernhurst Society joins the sloe lane

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The rich purple plumpness of sloes has been in abundance the past few months so make your own sloe gin and enter the Fernhurst Society competition

We all need a boost at this time of year so how about lifting your spirits by crafting your own ‘hedgerow spirits’? 

The Fernhurst Society invite you to make an entry or two for the competition they are holding on Saturday, 28th February in the Fernhurst Hub. 

“Two of the best things about living in the country are being surrounded by bountiful nature and having a wonderful community,” says Judith Turner from the society. “In Fernhurst, residents have been collecting treasures such as hazelnuts, sloes, rosehips, watermint, sweet chestnuts – and this year has been especially good. 

“They’ve been turning these riches into various concoctions from rosehip gin to damson vodka and are now holding a community competition to find the master distiller! 

“The Fernhurst Society, who are organising this Hedgerow Spirits competition, hope that many “distillers” will take the opportunity to share their foraging expertise in mixing nature’s bounty.” 

Anyone who has added alcohol to any fruit or vegetable can take part. There are seven classes: Sloe gin made                                                                                                       in the last six months, Sloe gin made any year, Gin, Whisky, Brandy, Vodka, Any other alcohol.  

February 22nd-26th: Register by emailing judithchurchcottage@gmail.com to help organisers know enry numbers. Saturday, 28th February: 12.30-2pm – Drop off your free entry at the Fernhurst Hub. It should be in a 50ml container, labelled with your name. 2-4pm –  Tea and cake while judging happens, followed by prizegiving. 

Any questions, ring 01428 653790.                                                                       

Judith adds that recipes for home concocted spirits are readily available online. She advises avoiding very cheap spirits; good-quality makes are relatively inexpensive online. Stored in a cool, dark cupboard, they will remain in excellent condition for three to five years or more, often improving as the flavours mellow. 

“Several potential entrants have had personal experience of family vintages going back a decade or more with no ill effects so try not to drink it all in the first year!” 

She reminds us to “please be mindful to take only what you need, leaving plenty behind for wildlife and for the plants to regenerate”. 

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MenWalkTalk mental health support

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Having experienced various traumas himself, Mate Antosik knows the importance of men supporting one another through tough times by walking and talking

Walking side by side can change lives – that’s the simple belief of charity MenWalkTalk which provides a supportive space for men to walk, talk and connect with others. 

The free, volunteer-led groups walk in parks, along seafronts, through woods and towns bringing men together in a relaxed, pressure-free way to support their mental wellbeing. The walks are about more than exercise, they are about making connections and supporting each other. There’s no pressure to talk and no judgment is made, they invite you to open up or just listen to others. 

The groups run at locations across the UK. Mate Antosik set up a fortnightly MenWalkTalk get together in Guildford in July when he found there were no existing walks nearby. He wants to spread the word about the benefits of the free walks, open to all men, designed to encourage community, conversation, 
and wellbeing. 

He says: “The main motivation is that men’s mental health remains a topic that isn’t widely discussed, even though suicide is one of the leading causes of death among men in the UK. 

“Part of the challenge lies in the wider expectation that men should be ‘tough’ and not talk about their feelings or emotions. Having gone through various traumas and hardships myself, I’ve come to realise just how important it is to talk openly about these issues. Many men struggle to do so – and I’ve found, through personal experience, that being outside on a walk can make those conversations a little easier. 

“During these walks, we aim to create a friendly, supportive, and non-judgemental environment where men can talk and be listened to. While the goal isn’t to solve anyone’s problems, we’ve found that listening and sharing can make people feel less alone with their challenges.” 

Join Mate’s next walk on Saturday, 10th January at 10am at the Tunsgate Arch for a relaxing walk around the grounds of Guildford Castle and every fortnight after. 

For more about MenWalkTalk, to help as a volunteer leader and to join a walk, please visit menwalktalk.co.uk 

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Roots of care 

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Charlotte Karmali nurtures volunteers and nature alike, earning BBOWT recognition for her extraordinary work at Finemere Wood.

Charlotte Karmali’s impact on the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) goes far beyond her role as volunteer warden at Finemere Wood. Awarded a BBOWT Outstanding Contribution Award, Charlotte has inspired volunteers, welcomed newcomers, and shared the beauty of her local ancient woodland with infectious warmth. 

“I’ve always seen my work with volunteers as much about people as nature,” she says. “Whether I was caring for patients as a district nurse or guiding volunteers in the woods, patience, encouragement, and a cup of tea make all the difference.” 

Charlotte has led the volunteer team at Finemere Wood since 2013. Here, amid carpets of bluebells in spring and the glorious succession of wildflowers through summer, she has created a space where volunteers feel valued, connected, and inspired. Her leadership style, rooted in kindness and attention, keeps people coming back year after year. 

The woodland is more than a patch of green; it is a sanctuary for wildlife and a community hub for those who visit. Rare species such as black hairstreak and purple emperor butterflies and Bechstein’s bats thrive under the careful stewardship of Charlotte and her team. She also encourages a wider audience to connect with nature through her blogs for BBOWT and local newsletters, sharing insights, seasonal work party highlights, and stories that spark curiosity about the natural world. 

“Finemere Wood is a haven, especially now as HS2 reshapes the landscape around us. I feel privileged to care for it and to bring others along on the journey,” Charlotte reflects. Her dedication ensures the woodland remains a place for discovery, learning, and joy. 

Beyond Finemere, Charlotte enjoys exploring the Chilterns and Oxfordshire’s nature reserves, swimming with the Bluetits Chill Swimmers in the Thames, and supporting mental health initiatives through Lindengate Charity. Her love of the outdoors and her community is palpable, whether she’s baking potatoes in a Christmas work party bonfire or crafting a wreath at a workshop. 

Her wish for the world is simple and profound: “For people to care for nature and act to reverse climate change. Every living species deserves a safe space to flourish, and it’s our shared responsibility to protect that balance.” 

In Charlotte’s hands, the care of Finemere Wood is more than volunteer work — it is a testament to what happens when passion, community, and kindness meet the natural world. 

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Find your motivation with Alton Runners

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 Every runner, even the most dedicated experiences that winter motivation slump, Alton Runners have some tips to help you beat the exercise blues

As we approach the middle of January, the novelty of the New Year starts to wear off, and the dark, dreary Hampshire winter weather makes your warm duvet look infinitely more appealing than the pavement. 

Running mojo is a fickle thing, especially in the depths of winter. Here are our top four pieces of advice for getting out there even when you really don’t feel like it. 

1. Commit to a meet-up 

In winter, the hardest part of the run is often stepping out the door. The easiest way to overcome that struggle is through a pre-arranged commitment. This could be agreeing to meet a friend, turning up for your local parkrun every Saturday morning, or joining a local club, like Alton Runners. If you commit to be at a specific place at a specific time, you are far less likely to bail. You won’t want to leave your running partner alone in the cold! 

2. Be accountable 

Your friends and club mates are a great source of motivation. Share your running goals, however big or small. Simply announcing your resolution makes it real. Tell a friend or even share it on social media. Knowing others are interested in your progress can be the key to getting off the sofa. 

3. Focus on feel, not fitness 

When your motivation is low, shift your focus from pace or distance to the social element. Drop to a slower, more leisurely pace, perhaps even incorporating walking intervals. Often called ‘Jeffing’, this involves planned run/walk breaks, transforming your session from a tough workout into a chat on the move. You’ll finish feeling refreshed because you spent an hour catching up, not straining yourself, and your body will still release those lovely endorphins, so you will still achieve that glorious ‘runner’s high’. 

4. Remember how good you feel post-run 

It’s tough getting out the door, but when you get back home, you’ll appreciate the small, simple pleasures in life so much more. A hot drink tastes all the better when you’re really cold, and comfy slippers feel more luxurious after you’ve been pounding the pavements. Plus, because you will feel justifiably proud of yourself for going for a run, those simple pleasures will feel like well-earnt treats! 

We’re all in the same January boat: Remember, every single person gets low-motivation days. Don’t let the thought of a ‘hard run’ keep you on the sofa. Just focus on getting to the start point. If you’re looking for a ready-made support system to keep your New Year’s intentions alive, we’d love to have you. 

Join Alton Runners: We meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7pm in Alton. Find out more at altonrunners.co.uk 

Lydia, Alton Runners 

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Musical maestros in Egham

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Egham and District Music Cub celebrated 75 years of sharing the joy of classical music & more with audiences last year. Chairman Himadri Chatterjee looks ahead to their 76th year

We celebrated the 75th year of the Egham and District Music Club with a celebratory lunch and a concert befitting the occasion. 

Accomplished singer and pianist Sam Jewison sang from the piano with hits from Broadway and Hollywood musicals, and ended with a scintillating performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, arranged for solo piano by himself. It was the kind of concert anyone would have been happy travelling into central London to see, and here it was, in Egham, right on our doorsteps. 

Our repertoire is mainly classical, though we do venture, at least once every season, into jazz, or into lighter music. The purpose of this club is to bring performers of a high quality to Egham, and to provide within our community live music-making. For there is always a special frisson associated with live music-making: the excitement of seeing artists perform in front of you, in real time, is something AI will never be able to replicate. 

We have nine concerts per year, one of them being a concert featuring talented young musicians in the locality. The other eight concerts feature professional musicians, many already renowned in musical circles. We have also featured many young musicians near the start of their careers, who have later gone on to become stars. 

We try to cover a wide range: solo pianists; violinists and cellists and clarinettists; chamber ensembles; big bands and jazz orchestras; harpists and guitarists; singers performing all kinds of music from Broadway hits to opera arias; and so on. The level and variety of talent out there is quite extraordinary. 

We are a non-profit-making organisation, run purely on a voluntary basis; and we are open to all. Becoming a member saves money over the year if one is planning to attend a majority of the concerts, but there’s no obligation to join. Whether as member or as visitor, everyone is always most cordially welcome. Please see our website edmc.org.uk for details.  

We are back on January 18th when we’ll be hosting the Kucharsky String Quartet, who will be playing music by Mozart and Ravel. Our February concert (15th) will feature music for cello and piano; and the last concert of this season, in March, will feature music for the harp on the 22nd. Please see our website for the list of concerts. 

We’ve started now on the next 75 years, and we’d be delighted if you could join us, and help make the next 75 as fun and as enjoyable as the first 75 have been! 

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