Meet exotic animals in Bucks!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Nature-lovers of all ages are invited to book in and enjoy a really wild animal encounter at Amersham’s Jubilee Hall on 14th August, Wendover Memorial Hall on 28th August & more

You’re unlikely to find lizards or tarantulas prowling Hervines Park… But the One World Animals team are bringing the Amazon to Amersham & Wendover!

This small, dedicated group of nature-lovers have been working with animals in films, TV and education for more than 20 years. One of the partners, Celso, grew up in the Ecuadorian jungle which awakened a lifelong passion for wildlife. He spent his childhood watching and learning about all kinds of native animals of jaguars, monkeys, kuatis, birds, as well as a multitude of creepy crawlies.

Celso came to the UK in 1984 and worked in rescue centres and other animal centres until One World Animals was ‘born’ in 2019. By that time he had accumulated so many rescued animals that it made sense to try to recoup some of the expense while also educating other about habitat loss and the need to protect and respect these precious creatures.

He says: “The One World Animals motto is ‘Experience the Wonder’. We want people to be aware of all the amazing creatures we share the earth with. By learning about them, and experiencing close-up encounters, people are much more likely to engage with conservation efforts to save those creatures still in the wild.”

Whether you’re a nature lover, a budding zoologist, or simply curious about the animal kingdom, the 75-minute encounters promise to a unique opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your animal understanding.

As well as the encounters at Jubilee Hall in Rectory Hill, Amersham, HP7 0BT, at 10.30am, 12.15pm & 2pm on Wednesday, 14th August, the One World Animals will also bring their animals to Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6AF, with encounters at 10.30am, 12.15pm and 2pm on Wednesday, 28th August. You can book tickets for either or both events at One World Animals Events where all the public events are listed.

To find out more about the team and animals, please visit oneworldanimals.com

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Think you know Oxford’s history?

Liz Nicholls

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Oxford: A Potted History by retired clergyman David Meara offers an accessible history of Oxford from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day highlighting the city’s significant events and people.

Oxford’s history begins with the story of a king’s daughter, Frideswide, who founded a nunnery in the meadows where the River Thames and River Cherwell meet. A settlement grew up around her shrine, which was built on the site of the present cathedral and it was also a good place for cattle to cross, hence the name “Ox-Ford”.

A Norman castle built after the Conquest, and students were first attracted there in the reign of Henry I. The town and university continued to grow through the ravages of the Black Death, and in the Civil War became the home of Charles I’s royal court. The pioneering Radcliffe Observatory was built in the 18th century and railway network, printing and publishing, car manufacturing and brewing among other industries, and suburbs were built to house the working population.

Today, alongside its universities, its role as a technological and medical hub is demonstrated by its development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, but it is also home to the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, founded in 1942, which opened its first Oxfam shop in 1949. The shop is still there on Broad Street today.

This book will look back over the centuries to uncover the fascinating history of the city. This accessible historical portrait of the transformation that Oxford has undergone through the ages will be of great interest to residents, visitors and all those with links to the city.

David Meara is a retired Church of England clergyman who worked in the Oxford Diocese for 27 years, and then served as Rector of St. Bride’s Fleet Street and Archdeacon of London until 2014. He has made a lifetime study of Church movements and brasses and has published extensively on the subject.

He has published on a range of topics, including Anglo-Scottish sleeper trains and the scuttling of German ships at Scapa Flow. His father-in-law fought in Burma in the Second World War.

Oxford A Potted History, £15.99, ISBN: 9871398116801 https://www.amberley-books.com/oxford-a-potted-history.html

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Which one is Bucks’ best-kept village?

Liz Nicholls

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Marlow has won the Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village Michaelis Cup for small towns

Marlow has been awarded the Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village Michaelis Cup in the small towns category of the annual competition. The judging, which took place in early June, evaluated various aspects such as green spaces, children’s play areas, floral displays, the cemetery, war memorial, nature conservation areas and community engagement. The judging panel praised the town’s hanging basket displays, the tidiness of the Cemetery, and the maintenance of the Causeway and War Memorial. Marlow received an impressive 192 points out of a possible 200.

The competition, based in Buckinghamshire and held annually between June and July, was established in 1957 by Sir Francis Dashwood and the Local Councils’ Association. It aims to encourage community collaboration across all age groups to enhance the attractiveness of villages and town for both residents and visitors.

The Leader of Marlow Town Council, Cllr Chris Funnell said: “We are proud of this success and see it as a foundation for addressing greater challenges such as environmental issues. This recognition motivates us to continue improving our community and we would like to thank the council team, community groups and residents for their dedication and support of our entry.”

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Meet mural painter Lisa Made It!

Liz Nicholls

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Legendary Oxford mural artist Lisa Made It has collaborated with patients at Sobell House Hospice to create a ‘personal and touching’ design for this summer’s OxTrail event.

Running until the end of August, the family art exhibition OxTrail sees a herd of more than 130 ox sculptures take over Oxfordshire. The incredible collection, now on display, showcases 31 large oxen sculptures, each uniquely decorated by artists and placed in key locations across the city.

As part of the art event there are more than 100 mini oxen set up in mini herds across the county. Among these calf-sized sculptures, illustrator Lisa Curtis has crafted a collaboratively designed ox which is now on display at the heart of the trail – Sobell House Hospice.

To create the Sobell House ox, Lisa spent a morning drinking tea and talking with patients and staff at the Living Well service facility, working together on collages to make the base of her oxen design.

Lisa says: “It was great to meet people and hear about the different activities they do. We worked together to make some lovely collages, letting the scissors do the work and not thinking too much about the outcome.

“It was really moving to hear what a difference the hospice’s Living Well service makes to patients, just enjoying the company of others, having a chat and taking part in creative activities like gardening or sewing together.”

The design is for the hospice ox is bright and colourful. It includes parts for the collage designs made by staff and patients, including a big green rabbit, geometric flowers and abstract shapes.

Lisa continues: “I also added two hands giving the Ox a hug, some long wiggly arms drinking cups of tea and a few plants growing up the side and over the head of the Ox, in my usual bold and colourful style. I was really inspired by the joy and creativity among the team, and I hope the ox brings even more colour and warmth to Sobell House.”

Lisa Made It is a mural painter and illustrator based in Oxford. Her unique and brightly coloured designs feature bold shapes and crisp lines often inspired by nature and community.

For the last 10 years, Lisa has worked with local schools, charities and independent businesses in Oxford, and she has painted mural walls in all corners of her home city.

Amelia Foster, CEO of Sobell House Hospice Charity says: “Lisa has truly captured the heart of the OxTrail campaign with her ox. Sobell House is funded by the community, and we are delighted that OxTrail allows us to give something back to the community we serve. The design of the hospice ox is hopeful and personal, and embodies the spirit of our Living Well service, which helps people to find new ways of living well with their life-limiting illnesses. We are very proud of her design and thankful for the input of our wonderful patients.”

The OxTrail art, including Lisa’s piece, will be on display until the end of August. On Friday, 13th September, many of the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for the hospice.

Amelia adds: “OxTrail is off to a brilliant start, and it is wonderful to see the public engaging with the oxen and using the app to find them in their iconic locations. If you haven’t yet joined the moo-vement and started ox-ploring… what is stopping you?”

Families can explore the city and spot the oxen in and around the county, following the trail by using the app or map. You can find the official OxTrail merchandise shop in the Westgate Shopping Centre, next to Blackwell’s.

For more information on OxTrail head to OxTrail 2024.

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Chris’s moving Rennie Grove Peace appeal

Liz Nicholls

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Chris Everitt shares his thoughts about how Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care looked after his mum at the end of her life last year, ahead of the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge on 8th September

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is calling on people and local businesses to step up for the 15th anniversary Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge.

In the run-up to the event, Chris, whose mum Caroline was in the care of Rennie Grove Peace, has shared his experiences in the hope of promoting others to volunteer for the charity.

Caroline went into the care of Rennie Grove Peace in 2023 after her seven-year battle with cancer took a turn, with doctors identifying that cancer had returned in her brain.

Throughout Caroline’s end of life care, Chris said the nurses at Rennie Grove Peace were supportive and worked to find ways that she could remain independent.

Now Chris hopes his story will raise awareness of the work Rennie Grove Peace do and prompt more people volunteer to help out at the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge on 8th September.

Chris’s mum, Caroline, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of just 49. Months of treatment successfully treated her cancer until there was no evidence of disease remaining.

All was well until 2019 when an MRI revealed that the cancer had metastasised and was present in her liver, lung, spine, brain, head and jaw. Further treatment followed, to try and reduce the tumours and keep Caroline well for as long as possible.

Regular tests helped the family understand how Caroline’s tumours were responding to treatment and by 2020 many of the tumours had cleared up, so they remained in just her lung and liver. This was celebrated by the family, Caroline’s friends and anyone that knew her.

However, in 2022 tests revealed that the tumour had returned in Caroline’s brain. At this point, the family was told that her prognosis would be shorter. By 2023, Caroline was starting to deteriorate and that’s when the Rennie Grove Peace team stepped in.

Chris says: “The Rennie Grove Peace nurses were so supportive and really worked to find ways for Mum to stay as independent as possible. The nurses visited regularly, and they could advise us when we were ready for the next step, like suggesting when we might like to think about a stair lift or a hospital bed.”

As Caroline began to deteriorate, she was referred to the Rapid Personalised Care Service, which sees Rennie Grove Peace healthcare assistants visit up to four times per day to support with personal care such as washing and dressing.

Chris continues: “Everybody who visited from Rennie Grove Peace was compassionate and honest with us. At one point the nurses told us that, based on her deterioration, they thought she would probably die within a week.”

Sadly, Caroline died three days later, on 6th October, four days before Chris’s 30th birthday.

During the time Rennie Grove Peace staff were visiting, Chris learned how little of the charity’s funding comes from the government and how reliant the organisation is on fundraising. He decided to start fundraising to ensure other families can access the same care his family benefitted from. Most recently, Chris completed the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise vital funds for Rennie Grove Peace.

Now, Chris wants to encourage people in Buckinghamshire to get behind the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge on Sunday, 8th September, to ensure other local people can benefit from the support his family received.

Rennie Grove Peace is also appealing for on-the-day volunteers to help the event run smoothly. Various roles are available, including road crossing marshals and car park marshals, with volunteers asked to commit to four hour shifts on the day.

Anyone wishing to help on the day is asked to email: c3peaks@renniegrovepeace.org. For more information about the event visit renniegrovepeace.org/C3P

For more information on the work of Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, visit Home – Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care or call 01923 330 330.

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Don’t miss this magical Beaconsfield festival!

Liz Nicholls

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Book your tickets for the sober, wholesome Back To The Roots festival in Bucks, 9th to 11th August

Created by the people for the people, Back To The Roots is a collaboration of diverse and cultural backgrounds to offer world sounds, a co-creation of art, music, education and innovative ways to bring us together to unite in love, music, dance, discussion, and commUNITY.

This will be the third year running Back To The Roots, an all-inclusive nature fest no matter your background or age to celebrate how we can live more consciously and harmoniously together in a world with so much diversity. This is a sober, family-friendly and pet-friendly event.

The Back To the Roots stage is the main hub with musicians, workshops, and drum circles. It’s been erected with a prayer from Jote Prakash, each pole placed in the ground with intention and love and there’s a sola PA system from Solar Sound Tribe.

Nestled in the trees, The Tree Of Life stage comes alive with acoustic vibes, spoken word and storytelling. At night the trees are illuminated and the party vibes come alive with Freedom dance sets and soundscapes, powered by battery-operated sound system by CopperBottomSounds.

If you are looking for a place where you can let your imagination run wild, embrace your creativity and learn in a fun and interactive way, The Forest School is the perfect place for you.

Festival-goers can also enjoy the amazing Cacao Temple, Fire Side, herbal organic mocktails, smoothies, and organic living deserts, face painting with Amy ‘SpacePony’, a children’s nature craft area and more!

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Two Weeks In Nashville trio triumph 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

This Surrey band are earning fans and rave reviews thanks to their indie rock sound with a modern twist, and hard graft

Two Weeks In Nashville (TWIN) – who live together in Lingfield – have been making waves within the music industry for the past couple of years thanks to their indie rock sound with a modern twist, their love of live gigs and their aim to bring back fresh, raw energy, personality and big guitar riffs in a hark back to the 70s.

The three-piece band have already had multiple sell-out headline shows as well as supporting a series of major artists including The Hoosiers, Tom Grennan, Supergrass, Razorlight, the Boomtown Rats and more.

Their online videos have more than 8million views and their music has been steamed almost 3 million times.

TWIN won Glastonbury’s Pilton Stage competition in 2023 which led to them supporting Arlo Parks and The Streets at The Pilton Party in Glastonbury. They also reached the final of the Emerging Talent Competition 2024 and were Sir Michael Eavis’ choice and favourite act on the night. Also, in 2022 the band performed at the Silverstone Formula One Grand Prix.

The three band members (Billy LeRiff – Vocals and Guitar; Marc De Luca – Guitar; Ian Wilson – Drums) live together and have a busy summer of gigs ahead.

The band were founded in 2019 after a two-week trip to Nashville which helped them gain clarity on their sound… and their name.

Billy, Marc and Ian all bring their own unique style and personality to the band, with interests varying from tennis, bitcoin, skiing and cooking to Formula 1, handstands and service stations! The band are part of the Purple Heart Records and the lead singer Billy LeRiff also runs a recording studio in Lingfield which is used by other artists and producers, as well as podcast recordings.

You can catch them on tour this summer at Priory Live Festival in Orpington on 10th August, Tilford on 20th September and more dates including London. Make sure to catch the TWIN wave, and watch this space for more from them!

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Join a naked walk in Missenden!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

You’re all invited to a liberating eight-mile naturist walk through the Misbourne Valley and parts of the Chiltern Hills, 12-5pm on Friday, 9th August.

Have you ever wanted to enjoy the beauty of the countryside with the sun on your skin?

Well you can soak up plenty of this (weather-permitting!) with a walk this month, in your birthday suit, to see whether naturism is for you.

The walk organisers have arranged a pick-up from Great Missenden station to the start point. The walk is mainly through open country and common land with some woodland, along mostly flat terrain with some slight to moderate hills. The circular route follows a network of public footpaths, starting near the village.

The event is organised by British Naturism is association with the Milton Keynes Naturist Meet and Greet Group. It’s open to all members of British Naturism and other naturist (walking) groups; anyone new to naturism is welcome. When booking, just state whether you’re a member of BN or other naturist groups.

A 2015 survey proved that Naturists have higher self-esteem and better body confidence. Shedding your clothes might also help you shed a few of the burdens of everyday life.

Fancy giving it a go and embracing this liberation? The Diogenes Sun Club in Gerrards Cross will host a sport taster day on 14th September.

For further info please contact Andrew and Amanda Roch by emailing easternwalks@bn.org.uk. Joining details will be provided to those who register. For more about the naturism movement visit British Naturism (bn.org.uk) & also visit Diogenes Sunclub for info.

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London City Ballet at Theatre Royal

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Resurgence tour comes to Windsor for three performances, August 9th and 10th, after 30-year break

London City Ballet, the new company of celebrated dancers from around the world, will return to touring after a break of almost 30 years, arriving at the Theatre Royal Windsor.

Formerly the resident company of Sadler’s Wells, and internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading dance collectives, the prolific touring company was famously patronised by Diana, Princess of Wales. The original London City Ballet closed its doors in 1996 after 18 years of operations.

The Resurgence tour includes performances at many of the former company’s beloved venues in the UK, including the Theatre Royal Windsor. The company will also perform in Italy, Portugal, China and New York. The UK tour concludes at Sadler’s Wells in London in September.

London City Ballet is a touring company for a new generation bringing their experience and artistry to the stage, presenting engaging stories through dance. Under the direction of Artistic Director Christopher Marney (former principal dancer at New Adventures and director of the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company of Chicago), the company will present a programme of acclaimed works by British choreographers including the revival of Kenneth MacMillan’s 1972 one-act ballet Ballade, unseen in Europe for over 50 years.

The repertoire also includes Ashley Page’s Larina Waltz marking the ballet’s 30th anniversary, and Olivier award-winner Arielle Smith premieres a new creation Five Dances. A full company work by Christopher Marney called Eve, which premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 2022, will close the evening.

Christopher Marney has spent two years rebuilding London City Ballet with insights from its early pioneers. The works selected for the 2024 international tour pay homage to the company’s roots in the form of rarely seen archival footage. The Resurgence tour is shaped by the repertoire selected and to highlight the re-launch of this famous dance company.

He said: “London City Ballet informed my own career. Seeing the company perform as a child stimulated my enthusiasm for the artform.

“I am drawn to reviving past repertoire of influential choreographers alongside presenting dynamic new works from current dance talent.”

Christopher continues: “The Resurgence tour offers audiences the chance to enjoy some of the most compelling dancers from around the world perform choreography rarely seen, many of whom are former principals from leading dance companies. We’re a progressive and diverse company celebrating exceptional dancers presenting engaging work for a new generation.”

The company comprises 14 dancers, many of whom are former principals from leading dance companies. This international troupe originate from countries including Brazil, South Korea, UK, Romania, Canada, Spain and from ballet companies including the Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Ballet Black, San Francisco Ballet, Staatsballet Berlin and ENB.

Performances: Friday 9th @ 7.30pm and Saturday 10th @ 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets: £23.50-£39.50. Book at Resurgence – Theatre Royal Windsor

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Open gardens highlights in West Sussex

Liz Nicholls

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Need some budget-friendly ideas for fun & fresh air? Kate Harrison invites us to visit some summertime beauties, including Whitehanger in Haslemere, thanks to the National Garden Scheme

Visiting a National Garden Scheme garden isn’t just for adults – there’s plenty of fun (and homemade cake) to be had this summer at our gardens for children too. And, with children going free at the majority of our gardens, a day out at a National Garden Scheme garden is a great way to have a budget-friendly break from digital devices, reconnect with nature and support great causes.

Whitehanger in Haslemere, GU27 3PY, is opening its stunning gardens 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday, 18th August, in support of NGS charities. Set in six acres on the edge of the South Downs National Park surrounded by NT woodland, this rural garden was started in 2012 when a new Huf house (not open) was built on a derelict site. Now there are lawned areas with beds of perennials, a serenity pool with Koi carp, a wildflower meadow, a Japanese garden, a sculpture garden, a woodland walk, a large rockery and an exotic walled garden.
Admission £6.50, children £6.50. Pre-booking essential, please visit National Garden Scheme for information & booking. Visits also by arrangement until 9th Sept for groups of 8 to 35. Final numbers must be given a week before visiting & payment made by BACS.

4 Hillside Cottages in West Stoke PO18 9BL, will open 11am-4pm on Sunday, 18th August. This stunning garden full of energy, and delight in a beautiful rural setting is set against the rolling hills is a riot of colour and scent. The densely planted and immaculate borders are filled with a large collection of shrubs, roses, clematis, fuchsias and dahlias. Yet more roses and clematis climb up every wall, fence and trellis. There is a tidy and well stocked vegetable garden which overlooks the countryside, lush green lawns and a terrace to sit and enjoy a drink and a piece of cake.
Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas in aid of local hospice. Book online or pay on the day. Visits also by arrangement until 18th August. Visit National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) for more details and booking.

The Folly in Charlton, PO18 0HU, will open 2-4.30pm on Sunday, 25th August and by arrangement. This colourful cottage garden surrounds a C16 period house (not open), set in the pretty downland village of Charlton, close to Levin Down Nature Reserve. The herbaceous borders are well-stocked with a wide range of perennials, grasses, annuals and shrubs to provide long season of colour and interest. There are places to sit and take in the garden and views with a cup of tea or coffee and home-made cake, an art studio open to visitors, winding grass pathways and a wealth of wildlife. Partial wheelchair access with steps from patio. Visitors with mobility issues can be dropped off at the gate.
Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas. Book online on the NGS website or pay on the day. Visit National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) for more details.

The Old Vicarage in Washington will welcome you every Thursday in August and 10am-5pm on Monday, 26th August, pre-booking essential. As well as the stunning views looking towards the North Downs, enhanced by mature and various specimen trees, the garden has many pockets of interest. There is a Japanese garden with its waterfall, pond, bamboo and grasses, a further large water garden and numerous creatively planted herbaceous borders. A working kitchen garden has glasshouses, fruit cages, orchard and vegetables. The Italianate gazebo with green oak columns and lead roof offers a wonderfully comfortable place to sit and contemplate the beauty of this garden. The treehouse is much loved by young and old alike, from here the nature viewing platform opens on to the woodland copse area which incorporates a stream and architectural stumpery. Everyone loves the topiary of characters who watch over the tennis court.
Entry £7pp children free. Book at National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk). Self service light refreshments (cash only) and picnics welcome.

Fittleworth House in Pulborough will open 2-5pm on Wednesday, 7th August. This is a three-acre tranquil, romantic, country garden with walled kitchen garden growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables and flowers including a large collection of dahlias. There’s a large glasshouse and old potting shed, mixed flower borders, roses, rhododendrons and lawns, a magnificent 115ft tall cedar overlooks wisteria covered Grade II listed Georgian house (not open), wild garden, long grass areas and stream.
Adults £5, children free. Book at National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) or pay on the day. Home-made teas.

Champs Hill in Pulborough will open 2-5pm on Sunday, 11th August. A natural landscape, the garden has been developed around three disused sand quarries with far-reaching views across the Amberley Wildbrooks to the South Downs. A woodland walk in spring leads you past beautiful sculptures, against a backdrop of colourful rhododendrons and azaleas. In summer the garden is a colourful tapestry of heathers, which are renowned for their abundance and variety.
Adults £5, children free. Book online at National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) or pay on the day. Home-made teas.

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