UCA winter market on 11th November

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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An upcoming highlight at University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham invites you to shop for locally made gifts

Celebrate the handmade when you visit the Students’ Union winter market at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS.

Unearth affordable art and shop for colourful prints, handcrafted ceramics, and decorative jewellery, designed by UCA students, staff, and local craftspeople – the perfect place to pick up a Christmas gift. Entry is free.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a creative university defined by adaptability and innovation. We’re excited by change and difference, and the possibilities they open up.

Specialising in creative Arts, Business and Technology, we help students find opportunities that speak to them, and make the future their own.

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Chiltern Made gifts at The Elgiva

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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The fourth Chiltern Made artisan gift fair in Chesham on Saturday, 30th November is a great chance to shop for goodies crafted with love by Bucks creatives

One of the highlights of the year returns to The Elgiva for its fourth outing, running 10.30am to 4pm.

This vibrant fair brings together 35 hand-picked artisan makers and artists, showcasing some of the finest craftsmanship the Chilterns has to offer. Explore unique, high-quality gifts, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, handmade produce, glass art, hand weaving, blacksmithing – and much more. It’s the perfect chance to support local creatives and discover one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations for your loved ones (or yourself…) and celebrate local talent!

Chiltern Made organisers Liz Turner and Laura Collins, who are makers themselves, say: “As always, it was a challenge to choose from so many amazing applications, but we’re confident that visitors will love this year’s fair. Along with some fantastic new makers, we’re also welcoming back a few returning favourites. It’s going to be a wonderful event!”

These include Widmer End-based Create Your Happy, Marie Jones who specialises in felt and embroidery work and stocks DIY needle felting kits and Chesham jewellery maker Made to Scale. You can also enjoy contemporary, affordable fused glass pieces from JHS Glass designed and made by Jenny Hoole and wood-lathed pieces and bird boxes, bat roosts and more crafted by Chris at Holmsdale Wood.

Run by Anna, Wildflower Botanicals is an independent Chesham-based business offering natural products for wellbeing and Heidi H Studio makes and designs contemporary jewellery and wall art.

Entry is £2.50pp, and there’s a café on site and car park outside. For info visit Home – Elgiva Theatre Chesham

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Celebrate non-fiction November in Bucks

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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The Non-Fiction November hobby show highlight is all set for 2-4pm on Saturday, 9th November, at St Mary’s Church, Wooburn Green, HP10 0LU

The South Bucks Children’s Book Group is very excited to invite you to a fun-filled afternoon of exploration and creativity. Enjoy an engaging experience that combines a whole host of books and hobbies.

Activities you can expect include:

• Camping: Pick up great skills, from setting up a tent to cooking over a campfire. Perfect for future adventure in the great outdoors!
• Makaton Sign Language: An interactive session where you can learn Makaton signs to communicate in a fun and inclusive way.
• Jewellery Making: Create unique pieces of jewellery using various materials. A perfect keepsake or gift!
• Diving Discovery: Explore the basics of diving with equipment, information and safety tips.
• Origami Workshop: Learn the art of paper folding and create beautiful origami designs.
• Quiz: Various books will be available for you to take part in our quiz.

If you have a hobby that you’re passionate about and are able to bring something to show, the team would love for you to share it.

Part way through the workshop, refreshments will be provided and donations for these are welcome.

This event is perfect for families with children aged between 7 and 13. Head along, bond over shared interests and learn new skills. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone.

Buy your tickets at The Hobby Show : Non-Fiction November at St Mary’s Church Hall, Wooburn Green event tickets from TicketSource. Please RSVP asap so the team can ensure they have enough materials and space for everyone.

Non-fiction isn’t just for November! Although information books are being published, read and enjoyed throughout the year, NNFN provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the best books around, while celebrating the positive impact that reading information books can have and exploring some of the trends and challenges in current publishing.

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Poem for every day of Christmas

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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A collection of 31 poems takes includes poems from Tennyson, T.S. Eliot, Benjamin Zephaniah, Thomas Hardy, Lemn Sissay, Dylan Thomas, Wendy Cope, Robert Burns, E.E Cummings, Christina Rosetti, is perfect for reading aloud and sharing with all the family.

Beautifully illustrated by Allie Esiri, the UK’s No.1 bestseller in children’s poetry books.

Published by Macmillan Children’s Books on 7th November, A Poem For Every Day of Christmas includes firm Christmas favourites and much more.

A Poem For Every Day of Christmas is Allie Esiri’s 13th poetry anthology, while Esiri remains the UK’s no.1 bestseller in Children’s Poetry Books, having sold over a quarter of a million books. Described by the Sunday Times as a ‘Poetry Powerhouse’, Allie consistently sits at number 7 in the children’s non-fiction chart where she is the only representative of poetry. Her books are regularly chosen for National Poetry Day and have been picked as best books of the year by The Observer, New Statesman and The Thames.

Her bestselling poetry anthologies include Shakespeare For Every Day Of The Year, A Poem For Every Day Of The Year and 365 Poems For Life. They have lit an explosion of interest in poetry in the UK, are regularly chosen for National Poetry Day and have been picked as best books of the year by The Observer, The Times and New Statesman. Yearly sell out performances at the National Theatre and major book festivals with some of our best-loved actors reading poetry – from Helen Bonham Carter to Dominic West – are capturing and enthralling a new generation of poetry lovers.

Esiri read Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge then worked as an actress for ten years in the English Shakespeare Company and on TV in shows such as Sharpe, Howard’s End, Men Behaving Badly and Poirot, before moving on to create the first poetry apps, daily poetry anthologies (for all ages) and live shows.

For more info visit Allie Esiri’s Works

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Accessible Boating Thames’ fab new ‘wheelyboat’

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Thanks to a dedicated team, the Bisham charity Accessible Boating Thames has launched a new ‘wheelyboat’ to help more people enjoy the river, regardless of ability or mobility

Old Father Thames has carved out much history in this part of the world, as well as the landscape.

But people who have some form of disability haven’t always found it easy to enjoy messing about on the river, which is why Accessible Boating Thames began its mission.

The charity based at Bisham Abbey has for many years provided water-based experiences for those who are not usually able to do so. By using specially adapted boats, trained and qualified volunteers and a hoist, the severity of disability has never been a barrier to participation.

After identifying a real need, the charity began working with national charity The Wheelyboat Trust and together embarked on a major fundraising initiative to secure the £68,000 required to fund a new ‘Wheelyboat’. As a result of these tremendous efforts, a Coulam V20 Wheelyboat was launched at the Bisham Abbey Sailing & Navigation School earlier this autumn.

Charity chairman Gavin Tisshaw said: “This is a momentous occasion for ABT – securing our own Wheelyboat will make such a difference and ensure we can continue to help those who need our services. We’re immensely grateful to all those who’ve helped us raise the funds. Our volunteers do a fantastic job and we offer opportunities from family picnics to full sailing opportunities, Bellboat sessions & Duke of Edinburgh trips.”

Visit Accessible Boating Thames

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Messiah highlight for Wallingford Food Bank

Liz Nicholls

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An intimate candlelit highlight from Waterperry Opera on 8th December in St Mary-le-More in Wallingford will raise much-needed funds

Demand is outstripping support for the first time in 13 years at Wallingford Food Bank.

Book your tickets to enjoy Handel’s Messiah, performed by Waterperry Opera Festival, 7-9pm on Sunday, 8th December, at St Mary-le-More Church, OX10 0EG.

Waterperry Opera Festival will bring their ensemble of renowned singers and period instrumentalists to perform a candlelit Messiah concert. With a reduced orchestra and five soloists this intimate performance closely resembles how the piece would have been originally performed, using period instruments.

Doors open at 6.30 pm and mulled wine and soft drinks will be available. Tickets: £22

Limited seating. Book now at Wallingford Emergency Foodbank

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Windsor Theatre Guild’s ghostly Christmas Carol!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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The Windsor Theatre Guild proudly present A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story at The Old Court, Windsor from 27th to 30th November

Let’s set the scene. It’s a cold, cold Christmas Eve and miserly money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge has an unexpected visitor: the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley. Having been bound in chains for years as punishment for his lifetime of greed, Marley explains to Scrooge that he too will suffer the same fate unless he changes his behaviour.

It’s not too late, but first he must face three more ghostly encounters – the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future – who show him the error of his ways and that redemption is still possible. In turn, they show him the mistakes of his past and present, and the future implications for both himself and those around him, including his long-suffering employee Bob Cratchit, if he doesn’t change his ways. Can Ebenezer make amends? This much loved festive classic by Charles Dickens has been adapted by Mark Gatiss and promises an evening of spine-tingling suspense and joyful, musical delight.

Enjoy A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story at The Old Court, Windsor between 27th & 30th November, thanks to Windsor Theatre Guild, Windsor’s longest-established non-professional theatre company with an illustrious history with a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fun! Visit Windsor Theatre Guild | Community Theatre Company in Berkshire

To book your tickets please visit The Old Court | or call 01753 911333.

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Launchpad’s all-star candlelit carol highlight

Liz Nicholls

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Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity invite you to enjoy Carols by Candlelight on Tuesday, 3rd December

This fantastically festive evening will return to Reading Town Hall from 6pm, with Launchpad patron and BBC presenter Matt Allwright and long-term supporter Andy Briggs as the hosts for the evening.

Enjoy a magical night of music and carols with the Take Note Community choir and the Reading Phoenix Choir. As well as seasonal songs there will be readings and inspiring stories about how, with your help, Launchpad is changing lives in Reading.

Every ticket sale will help Launchpad continue to provide homes for Reading’s most vulnerable this winter. Launchpad’s supported housing offers warm, clean, and safe accommodation for over 100 people in need – which are a lifeline to the many individuals, couples, and families at risk of homelessness, or who have already lost their homes.

Fiona Keyte, fundraising manager at Launchpad, says: “Every year, people tell us that Carols by Candlelight marks the start of their Christmas celebrations. Our event is a beautiful reminder of the spirit of community and the joy of giving during the festive season. We’d love to see you there!”

Tickets start at £12 per person and under-threes can attend for free. For more information and to buy your ticket, visit Carols by Candlelight 2024 – Launchpad

For anyone who is unable to attend, you can still support Launchpad’s work with a donation so the charity can help ensure local people have a roof over their head and a place to call home, for Christmas and beyond. Simply visit Donate – Preventing Homelessness In Reading

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Peterley Christmas Market starts 14th November

Liz Nicholls

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The magical Peterley Christmas Market promises to give you a warm welcome from 14th to 17th November

The market at the beautiful Peterley Manor Farm in Great Missenden, HP16 0HH, will feature over 70 boutique shopping stalls nestled in our atmospheric greenhouses.

You can look forward to a diverse range of offerings, including artisan goods, from interiors and jewellery to candles and crafts.

Tuck into delicious food and drink: Enjoy gourmet street food, luxury handmade chocolates, cocktails from Rythmik Cocktails, and unique wholesome, vegan and gluten-free food from Wild Rose Kitchen.

Experience live music and DJ sets that will enhance the festive atmosphere. With act including Jazz trio Blue in the Green, vocal harmony trio The Santa Babies or local artist Soraya Ray.

Adults-only shopping evenings offer you the chance for a magical evening filled with twinkling lights, a glass of prosecco, and a goodie bag from VIP event partner Mulberry’s. There will be live music, DJ sets, cocktails, wine tasting and the food trucks will be serving all evening too.

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Old Amersham Christmas Festival, 6th December

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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You’re all invited to celebrate the Magic of Christmas in Amersham Old Town, 4-8pm on Friday, 6th December

It’s that time again, the Old Amersham Christmas Festival is back!

The new-look Christmas Festival 2023 was a huge success and attracted over 5000 visitors. This year’s Festival is set to be even bigger and brighter.

Taking over the historic Old Town on Friday 6th December, 4-8pm, this magical late-night shopping extravaganza is the place to be.

Expect festive fun for all the family. Enjoy live music from the Amersham Band and the Barbershop Choir while shopping for Christmas gifts in the local shops and boutiques – most stores offering exclusive special offers for one-night-only. Browse the carefully curated collection of local traders in Cooper’s Market, all while indulging in mulled wine and delicious foodie treats from the local restaurant, cafes and pubs.

Twinkling Christmas lights are set to illuminate the town with the Christmas tree light switch-on at 6pm from a surprise local celebrity guest. No festive event would be complete without the most famous guest for all – little ones can meet Father Christmas and his ‘real life’ reindeers for a magical moment. A vintage fair with traditional ferris wheel, swing boats, go-carts and roaming stilt walkers add to the enchanting atmosphere. While face painting, Christmas-crafting, selfies with Rudolf and ‘pig-petting’ bring more family fun to the festivities.

Diana Halley, co-owner of Fabric Boutique which will be open late during the festival, says, “This fabulous Christmas Festival not only provides a platform for local artisans and businesses, but it’s also a gathering place for the community to join together to support and celebrate their town during the festive season. A torch light procession with pupils from St Mary’s Primary School will parade from the church to the Christmas Tree for more festive cheer and carol singing. The vision is to create a sparkling festive event for the whole community, and as with previous Christmas evenings our charity partner is ScannAppeal who will be running their popular Golden Tombola and offering hot chocolate in a ‘warm space’ upstairs in the Market Hall.”

Mark the date in your diary, it’s a not-to-be-missed event and prepare to be dazzled by a truly magical experience. Combine Christmas shopping with exploring the Old Town in all its festive glory, from the lights and fun entertainment, to the fabulous in-store offers, tasty foodie treats and artisan gifts from the Cooper’s Market stalls.

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