Film in memory of loved ones

Liz Nicholls

Film-makers David & Debra Rixon invite you to watch Footloose in Iceland in aid of hospice charities on Thursday, 12th December, in memory of much-missed daughter Zoe & David’s first wife Alison

Zoe Rixon followed in her father’s footsteps, enjoying a career with the BBC. So, while local film-makers David & Debra have been coming to terms with losing her, a film fundraiser for her, & also her late mother, seemed especially fitting.

Debra and Dave have made more than 30 travel films for Amazon Prime. Both widowed with two daughters and a son between them, they married in their 40s and formed Grindelwald Productions to make their own productions after David’s retirement.

This year they made the film Footloose in Iceland in the aftermath of the loss of daughter Zoe at the age of 44, from bowel cancer. Debra says: “We decided to show the new film in Zoe’s memory as she died one year ago. But also it will mark the 30th anniversary of the passing of David’s first wife Alison at the age of 40, from breast cancer.

“The Risborough Brushwood Suite feels like the perfect place to premiere the film to friends, neighbours and locals; Dave was born and bred in the town. “Zoe, along with her sister Emma, went to Brownies and roller skating in the community centre in Princes Risborough. Later she followed her father into the BBC to carve out her own career in broadcasting.”

Footloose in Iceland is dedicated to the memory of Zoe and Alison. The screening at 7pm on Thursday, 12th December, will raise funds for the Rennie Grove cancer nurses who looked after Alison at home and supported the family, and the Meadow House Hospice team at Ealing Hospital, who cared for Zoe so personally. Debra adds: “Dave and the family lost Alison in 1994, and the Rennie Grove nurses were a tremendous support. We support both charities throughout the year, but thought we could use our latest film as a fundraiser – it will also help promote this new(ish) venue in our home town, Princes Risborough!”

The two-hour film will be shown at 7pm on Thursday, 12th December, in the Brushwood Suite of the Community Centre at Wades Park, HP27 9AX, with an intermission to visit the bar. Tickets £5pp, cash only, from the Crew Cafe at the community centre, and on the door on the night, with all proceeds to charity.


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Have a ball to help youngsters

Liz Nicholls

The Marlborough Guild’s 2025 Charity Ball on 25th January at Marlborough Town Hall will benefit Julia’s House and Bridge for Young People.

The 2025 Charity Ball welcomes all community members for an enjoyable evening featuring signature cocktails courtesy of James at The Marlborough Tap, a delicious two-course dinner catered by Rachel at Square Root events, the fantastic live ceilidh band Bowreed and more.

100% of the profits from the event will be split between the two charities. Julia’s House provides essential support to families of children with life-limiting conditions, while Bridge for Young People offers safe housing and guidance to young adults facing homelessness or transitioning out of foster care, helping them build a more stable future.

“We are delighted to host this event for Julia’s House and Bridge for Young People,” said Jenny Quinlan, founder of The Marlborough Guild and Design Director of Studio JQ Ltd. “Both charities have a huge impact in the lives of children and young adults and we’re hopeful that our community will join us in showing their support.”

Tickets for the event, 6.30pm – midnight are £55pp or £495 for a table of ten. Further info at The 2025 Charity Ball Tickets, Sat, Jan 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite.

Ticket booking: email [email protected] or call 01672 560236.

Businesses interested in sponsoring or supporting the event are encouraged to contact the organiser for details: email [email protected] or call 
01672 560236. 


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Join Ben’s hike to support veterans

Liz Nicholls

Ben Scurr is stepping up to help the military charity Walking With The Wounded to raise funds for veterans and their families. Could you join him?

An Oxfordshire wellbeing and physical fitness business specialising in outdoor fitness and adventures, led by local man Ben Scurr, is taking part in the Walking Home Campaign this winter to raise funds for veterans and their families.

The initiative aims to raise funds to support WWTW’s vital mental health, employment, and social care services for veterans. Project Active will host walks on 1st December and 1st January and invites anyone in the local community to join them.

Ben says: “My grandparents served in World War Two, and other family members have been in military service over the years, so I’ve always had the utmost respect and gratitude for those who dedicate themselves to something greater than them. I was keen to pursue a career in the military myself, but unfortunately due to an injury that dream was not realised, so I instead embarked on an alternative path, which led me to become an Outdoor Fitness and Neuro-Linguistic Programming coach, and I now operate Project Active. Project Active is all about helping people relaunch and rediscover themselves through both mental and physical approaches, and our mission aligns perfectly with the work of Walking With The Wounded, so signing up to Walking Home felt like a natural step.

“We’re organising two walks that we invite people to join us for, one on the 1st December and one on 1st January, both in Woodstock. We are really proud to be supporting this cause, so we hope to get as many people as possible joining us and donating to Walking With The Wounded.”

The Walking Home campaign was launched by former Army Reservist and presenter of the BBC’s Escape to the Country, Jules Hudson. Jules took part in a sponsored walk at Monmouth Castle where his former regiment, the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, is stationed. Alongside him were local cadets from Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and Monmouth School Combined Cadet Force.

Latest research commissioned by WWTW shows six out of 10 veterans at least sometimes experience feelings of loneliness, a 10% increase on the same statistic for the general public. As daylight hours decrease during winter, it’s common for feelings of loneliness to increase, meaning now is the time to show support for our veterans.

As well as combating loneliness, this year’s motto of Let’s Talk looks to encourage conversations about mental health more widely. The research highlighted outdoor exercise as veterans’ most popular mental health boosting activity, a contrast to the general public which showed socialising with friends and family as its primary mental health booster. Data also showed 90% of veterans agree that the key to improving mental health is spending sufficient time outdoors.

Jules says: “I am immensely proud to be supporting such a worthy fundraising campaign. Veterans are rightly admired for their courage in serving our country yet the mental, physical, and social challenges they face when returning to civilian life can easily be lost on us as the general public.
“By taking part in this year’s Walking Home fundraiser, I hope to inspire as many Brits as possible to follow suit in contributing to the excellent work Walking With The Wounded continues to do for our veterans.”

Tony Hulton, WWTC CEO, added: “The festive season is an ideal time for friends, families, and service members to come together to tackle the winter blues, enjoy the outdoors, and take on a sponsored walk to support those who served. This year’s Walking Home. Let’s Talk campaign encourages everyone to break the silence around mental health and start meaningful conversations. A huge thank you to all who have already signed up for Walking Home. Your support will help transform the lives of veterans and their family members.”

As well as supporting veterans with mental health, physical health, and social support, another key focus is to educate the general public on the often misunderstood struggles veterans’ face post-service. Over half (54%) of the general public feel upholding mental health is the biggest challenge facing veterans when returning to civilian life.

Yet, when asked on whether they feel veterans receive the appropriate level of mental health support, just 21% of the general public agreed, highlighting how this year’s Walking Home fundraising effort is the ideal time to take part in supporting our veterans this winter.

To add to the more than £2 million raised in the past decade of the annual Walking Home fundraisers, 2024’s participants are invited to once again take on a sponsored walk alongside friends, family, or colleagues. There is no minimum distance or fundraising target.

Sign-up today at Walking Home – Lets Talk


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Wine expert Marcus Rees’ top picks

Liz Nicholls

After careers in retail buying and professional brewing, Marcus now shares his love of wine and ale as a tour guide and writer. He shares his Bucks beauties.

My new book, Oxfordshire Uncorked, features 15 local wineries and vineyards, and the wines they produce, including two in Buckinghamshire and several others clustered just over the border around Henley.

Nowadays the standard of English wine generally, and the wine produced locally is excellent. You no longer need to worry that investing £15 for a still wine or £30 for a sparkling wine is a risk not worth taking. And the wines made locally have won awards and medals that prove just how good they are. What could be better than an English Sparkling wine to enjoy this Christmas, made by the same method as Champagne?

October was harvest time for most of thee local vineyards. Many of them encouraged volunteers to come and help harvest the grapes where they were rewarded with lunch and wine for their efforts. Winter can be a quiet time in the vineyards but many still welcome visitors over the colder months and have cafes or shops on-site where you can spend a pleasant couple of hours. In addition, several local vineyards host other events year-round.

Let’s focus on three in or near Buckinghamshire, all of which have wineries making wine on-site as well as their vineyard producing the fruit: Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery, near Henley and right on the Buckinghamshire-Oxfordshire border, continues to run regular tours and tastings throughout November, December and January. Winter is a good time to visit so you can also enjoy discounts on their luxury, B&B accommodation – no need to drive home! In addition, dinner can be arranged at the lovely, local Stag & Huntsman pub in picturesque Hambleden with return transport included. Book now for best prices and availability. They even offer a cookery school as well as weddings and Christmas parties in their lovely, converted barn.

Chiltern Valley was established in 1980 and is one of the older establishments in the region. They are well set up for visitors and attract a lot of walkers and cyclists exploring the Chiltern Hills AONB. Chiltern Valley produces a wide range of still and sparkling wines, all available to take home or to enjoy on-site by the bottle or glass. In addition, they offer bottle-conditioned ales brewed on-site, and a food van open every day serving coffee as well as hot and cold food. Try the lovely sparkling wines which have an extremely fine fizz on the palate, or their oaked white wines with tropical fruit flavours which are not always expected in English wines. 

Further north in the Chilterns, at Radnage between Chinnor and High Wycombe, you can find Daws Hill vineyard and winery. Planted in 2004 and run by Holly Morgan, Holly produces sparkling wines only, made by the traditional method, like Champagne. Holly relies on a team volunteers to help her in the vineyard, many of whom love to be outdoors and talk about the positive impact the work has on their mental health.  

Daws Hill hosts regular events. October saw another successful Sushi and wine evening  in partnership with Sakana Oxford – an online Japanese food service based in Chinnor. Other popular events have included Food Foraging (next planned for March 2025), a Wine blending workshop, and regular Wine & Cheese pairings. Daws Hill produces lovely sparkling wines from the Auxerrois grape – common in Cremant d’Alsace wines – and from the big three Champagne grapes – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. They even produce an unusual, elegant cider made in the same way as the wines with a second fermentation in the bottle – a lovely match for traditional English cheese or pork pie. Look out for Holly at local Christmas markets such as Waddesdon. 

Just outside Marlow, Harrow and Hope focuses on making high-end sparkling wines from the three classic Champagne varieties – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Henry and Faye Laithwaite planted the vineyard in 2010 and aim to let the grapes and their wines express the ‘terroir’ of the vineyard. The vineyard and its wines are now certified Organic. Prices start around £33 and are available from Laithwaites as well as independent delis and wine merchants such as Grape Expectations in Marlow. Henry and Faye produce wines with weight, texture and complexity. 

Tours run in the summer but sell out and should be booked well in advance. Harrow & Hope also hold pre-release launch days in summer which are probably the best time to visit, taste the current range, and to purchase newly launched wines. In the meantime, a traditional method sparkling wine from Harrow & Hope would be an excellent choice for a Christmas or New Year treat.  https://harrowandhope.com/ 

If you can’t wait until Christmas to get into the local festive spirit, you could consider joining Marlow-based floral designer, Joanne Caldwell, on weekend of 6th-8th December. She is running three Christmas Wreath-making workshops at Oaken Grove vineyard, near Henley-on-Thames. Joanne will be providing all the materials and her expert knowledge on how to use seasonal foliage and festive decorations to create your own wreath design just in time for Christmas. Mulled wine and sparkling wine from Oaken Grove are included in the ticket price with the bar open throughout the workshops.

Check out Oxfordshire Uncorked for details of more regional vineyards including visitor facilities and the wines that they produce… An excellent Christmas present for any wine lover.

You can buy Oxfordshire & Uncorked from Blackwells, Waterstones, Amazon and more. Oxfordshire Uncorked – A Guide to the Vineyards and Wines of Oxfordshire and North Cotswolds


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Vicar Sam Brewster’s journey to faith

Liz Nicholls

Sam Brewster, Trinity Henley’s new vicar, shares his thoughts about his journey as he prepares to take over the friendly flock from Duncan Carter

Two things have filled my Decembers the last few years: Jesus and 5ks. The 5ks have been a more recent addition since my brother-in-law introduced me to the concept: run 5k every day in December. Including Christmas Day. Even when you’re a vicar. Which brings me to the first thing that fills my Decembers: Jesus. I’ve recently been appointed as the vicar of Holy Trinity Church Henley. It’s a dream job: filling my hours with a single task – helping people get to know Jesus better. As you can imagine, there are also quite a few nuts and bolts that need attending to, and it’s strikingly easy for vicars like me to lose track of the big thing we’re meant to be all about. But the heart of the job is clear and glorious.

My journey to Christian faith was a somewhat meandering one. Mum and Dad are Christians and did a wonderful job encouraging us all to church, which I and my two siblings generally loved. But like so many things in life, it’s easy to underappreciate what you have always grown up with. It wasn’t till I attended a summer holiday camp run by Christians that I engaged more personally with Jesus. It dawned on me then that Jesus was real, and was calling me personally to follow him. It also stuck me that Jesus was much better than I had previously realised. He wasn’t an unattainable moral example which I should strive, but always fail, to match. He wasn’t a kindly, but slightly disapproving headteacher figure up above. I encountered a Jesus who pulsated with life, and was constantly giving himself out to others in love. I still remember when the penny dropped about his death on the cross. It wasn’t just an inspiring gesture of self-sacrifice. It was an actual sacrifice for me. Jesus died for me. Such was his love that he effectively said: you’re in a mess you can’t get yourself out of; you’ve rejected God and deserve his rejection. But God loves you, and I’m here to lift you out of the mess, and back into a relationship with God. The only way that can happen is if I die for you. So be it.’

Following Jesus is like seeing the world in colour for the first time. Everything makes sense. But it’s no easy path. Jesus called it ‘the narrow way’. There have been plenty of times I’ve nearly fallen off that narrow way. Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t just set us off along it with a ‘good luck – hope to see you at the end!’ Rather, he walks with us every step of the way: Leading us through times of tragedy and sadness, guiding us back on track when we wander away, and gently reminding us of his love through it all.

For me that pathway led me through some years leading youth work at a church in Leicestershire, a call to get ordained in the Church of England, a happy three years at Wycliffe Hall, a vicar college in Oxford, meeting my wife Lucy who was training to be a teacher at the same time. After five happy years working as a curate at St Mary’s Church Maidenhead, we moved to Henley in 2018, with two small children (three and 18 months at the time), and a vision to launch a new Sunday congregation to reach out to the many families in Henley with the good news of Jesus.

Six years on, and it’s been an amazing journey to look back on. We’ve now got four kids (Amelie – nine, Jojo – seven, Barney – four and Esther two!). Our new congregation, Trinity at Four (meeting each Sunday at 4pm) has grown. We now regularly have 70 adults and 50 children Sunday by Sunday. We have fallen in love with Henley – not just the place, but the people. It’s been a wonderful privilege to help lots of people from lots of different starting points get to know Jesus better. It’s been wonderful to see so many children and young people. It’s been amazing to serve the wider community with mid-week baby and toddler groups and after-school clubs.

And now, a new chapter, as Trinity Church’s much loved and long-standing vicar, Duncan retires, and I step into the role. As well as continues to lead our 4pm congregation, I’m now also lead our 10am service and take responsibility for ministry in the parish as a whole. I’m excited to keep doing what I’ve always been most passionate about: helping people get to know Jesus better. I hope that Trinity Church Henley will be a place full of the life and love of Jesus, and where many more people in and around Henley, young and old, can get to know Jesus better themselves. Why not come join us one of these days? We’d love to see you! And now I’d better get on with today’s 5k.

Christmas Services 2024

Sunday, 15th December, 4pm – Community Carols 

Sunday, 22nd December, 10am – All Age Carol Service. 7pm – Candlelit Carols 

Tuesday, 24th December, 4pm – Christingle, 7pm – Candlelit Carols, 11.30pm – Midnight Communion 

Wednesday, 25th December, 10am – Christmas All Age Celebration 

All services will be held at Holy Trinity Church, RG9 1SE. No booking required. 

Follow the Star 2024 

Take a magical journey through the first Christmas story. An interactive, immersive experience for the whole family, 13th-14th December. Book your free place today at Christmas 2024 | Trinity at Four


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Podcast helping you heal from hurt

Liz Nicholls

In her new podcast Choose YOU Choose BLISS, Prestwood emotional health coach Vanessa Louise Moore takes on taboo topics such as abuse & relationship breakdowns

Vanessa believes there are three evils plaguing the world: ill health, addiction and violence. In her new podcast, which started last month, each episode will discuss one of these evils and how the power of love is always the answer.

Vanessa, who offers coaching, workshops, meditation and affirmation messages, says:” Now is the time to take back our power, reconnect with our true selves and each other, including the world around us, and live with confidence, purpose and joy. People spend their days seeking bliss, but often don’t realise it’s inside us all. Bliss to me means Boldly Living In Sweet Surrender. I want this podcast to be like the stabilisers on a bike. I want to help people come to terms with their issues and learn to love themselves. Choose YOU Choose BLISS is like a warm hug of reassurance that it will get better, no matter what stage of the journey you’re at. You are not alone.”

In the second episode, Vanessa talks with ex-husband Brian, whose addiction to alcohol led to the breakdown of their marriage. Over the years Brian has begun to heal and the pair have forged a powerful friendship through honesty.

Choose YOU Choose BLISS is available on major platforms, including Apple, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon with new episodes released every fortnight.


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Ukrainian gem, jeweller Iren Nikard

Liz Nicholls

Ukrainian jeweller Iren Nikard, who moved in with a local host family with her boys, tells us her Christmas wish as she continues to hand-make luxurious pieces from Swarovski crystals to support her family at home

Since war broke out in her Ukrainian homeland, Iren Nikard has found refuge here in Bucks with her sons, thanks to a local host family. “This country received me very well and sincerely,” she says.

Back home Iren had been hand-making stylish, luxurious, jewellery from Swarovski crystals, natural pearls and 925 sterling silver for over six years. She collaborated with wedding shops, boutiques, designers, make-up artists and photographers and set up her own online store.

After being forced to flee, leaving behind her husband who continues to defend Ukraine, she has dedicated her considerable talent and energy to helping her wartorn homeland from afar. “Here in Great Britain I realised I can work not only with my hands, but I discovered my talent for communicating with people and organising peace initiatives.” Iren has already held her first big event, at the Versace Damac Tower in Battersea, presenting her exclusive jewellery alongside the luxurious clothing range by her compatriot, the designer Alnest.

Recently Iren visited Blenheim Palace and – struck by the grandeur and luxury – was inspired to create a sparkling new collection. “Christmas for me is a fabulous family holiday,” she says. “From this day, a new year begins for me, new dreams, new hopes, new desires and accomplishments. Like a child, I believe in miracles and fairy tales. I have only one wish: peace in Ukraine and victory. And that people around the world never know what war is, live in joy and happiness. Every woman wants to feel beautiful, luxurious and satisfied every day. Our life consists of small, pleasant things. A small gift from a loved one or from a friend or for yourself brings joy and beauty to life.

“My jewellery is made with love and meaning, using quality materials and the energy of love. I hope that those who wear my jewellery will always be the centre of attention and radiate the light of love.”

Visit Iren Nikard and also shop at Gifts Instead of Flowers


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Eco Elves Teddy Trade in Wycombe

Liz Nicholls

From Saturday, 30th November, until Christmas, children can transform their old teddies into new ones at Eden Shopping Centre

Mrs Claus and her eco elves are back at Eden, ready to welcome little ones into a world of enchantment.

Children can transform their old teddies into new ones and experience the magic of giving in a festive and eco-friendly way.

In the spirit of giving, all pre-loved teddies will be donated to Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, where they’ll help bring Christmas cheer to rescue dogs waiting for a loving home. And to make this season of goodwill even brighter, 100% of ticket sales will go to local charities, with support from Heart of Bucks.

Rebecca Gomme, marketing manager at Eden Shopping Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back our Eco Elves. Building on the success of last year’s Eco Elves Tree-Cycle, where children transformed magic beans into miniature Christmas trees; this year the focus is on upcycling teddies. Mrs Claus can’t wait to welcome all the children and giving them a fun and engaging way to learn about sustainability and showing that even small actions – like repurposing toys – can make a big difference.”

For those without a teddy to trade, a selection of spares will be available, ensuring every child leaves with a special friend dressed in a cosy Christmas jumper.

Tickets for Eden’s Eco Elves Teddy Trade are £3.50 & booking fee and must be pre-booked and are available via the Eden Shopping Centre website. 100% of sales will go to charities, with support from Heart of Bucks.


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Amersham Rotarians, united for Ukraine 

Liz Nicholls

Peter McLoughlin tells us how Amersham Rotarians recently learned how Ukrainian heritage & culture is being protected thanks to community support 

The Rotary Club of Amersham was delighted to welcome Inna Hryhorovych MBE, the Headteacher of St Mary’s Ukrainian Schools and the CEO of Ukrainian St Mary’s Trust in London and Tanya Orlova, her colleague who is a clinical psychologist, chair of school PTA, psychologist and a founder of 2BWell. 

Inna offered a brief history of St Mary’s Ukrainian school, based in Holland Park, London, which was founded in 1955.While it initially had only one location, the school has grown to 14 locations across the London area and Glasgow since 2022. 

To meet the needs of the many displaced Ukrainian children now living in the Amersham area, St Mary’s has set up a local location. Every Sunday morning between 9.30am and 12.30pm, a group of 92 Ukrainian children meet at The Amersham School. They learn about Ukrainian history and culture as well as maintaining their language skills. 

These are children whose parents – in most cases only their mothers – have fled the Putin attack on Ukraine. Although safely settled in the Chilterns and the majority in mainstream schools these children clearly need to safeguard their Ukrainian culture and heritage because at some future date they wish to return. 

St Mary’s, in addition to providing cultural support, is also able to provide psychological support for children who may have suffered direct or indirect trauma as a result of the assault on their homeland. 

Rotary in Amersham has already supported Ukrainian children in local schools by providing Ipads with a programme to help with their understanding of English. 

Last year one Amersham Rotarian organised a screening of Paddington Bear in Ukrainian at the National Film School in Beaconsfield. Over 100 parents and children attended. The surprise was that the voiceover was done by a Ukrainian actor who is now the President of Ukraine!  

After the presentation the Rotary Club made a donation of £500 to St Mary’s. 


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Proud of Bucks winners at highlight 

Liz Nicholls

Local heroes will be honoured at this year’s Old Amersham Christmas Festival, 4-8pm on Friday, 6th December

Old Amersham will once again offer a warm welcome for the new-look Christmas Festival. 

Last year’s highlight was a huge success, attracting more than 5,000 visitors. This year is set to shine even bigger and brighter, offering festive family fun and live music from the Amersham Band and the Barbershop Choir while you shop for gifts. Most stores will offer exclusive offers for one-night-only. Browse the carefully curated collection of local traders in Cooper’s Market, and enjoy mulled wine and foodie treats from the local restaurants, 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. Little ones can meet Father Christmas and his “real life” reindeers.  A vintage fair with traditional ferris wheel, swing boats, go-carts and roaming stilt walkers add to the enchanting atmosphere, along with face painting, craft, selfies with Rudolf and pig-petting. 

Diana Halley, co-owner of Fabric Boutique which will be open late, says: “This fabulous Christmas Festival provides a platform for local artisans and businesses, and it’s also a gathering for the community to support and celebrate their town. A torch light procession with St Mary’s Primary School pupils will parade from the church to the tree for more festive cheer and carol singing.” 

Once again ScannAppeal will run the Golden Tombola and offer hot chocolate upstairs in Market Hall. 

Organised by the Amersham & Villages Community Board and sponsored by the Clare Foundation, the Proud of Bucks awards celebrate what makes a community thrive and honours volunteers and groups who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on their community.  

Present at the ceremony will be the Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Cllr Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, Mimi Harker OBE, Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council and Arif Hussain, Cabinet Member for Communities at Buckinghamshire Council.  


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