Sculpture in Seer Green

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Seer Green sculptor Sarah Allen tells us about her work as she prepares for Bucks Art Weeks, 7th to 22nd June 

Sarah Allen is passionate about creating sculpture that works, in the round, drawing the eye to new perspectives.  
She likes to try new techniques and different materials to keep her work fresh.  

“I rarely make the same thing twice,” she tells us. “When creating a new piece inspiration will come from a connection, whether that’s to an emotion or something visual, perhaps encountered on a walk, in a conversation or a global event. Then I develop the concept with sketches and prototypes or a maquette but I like to get on with the making and feel my way with the clay.  

“I adopted a kiln that was being booted out and that’s when I started my journey away from cast sculpture on the exploration of ceramics and the multitude of techniques that this affords. Once I start working on a sculpture I work ‘in the round’ to ensure that the final piece works from all angles.” 

Sarah has lived in Seer Green for 25 years (with a side trip to South Africa for a few years). “My husband is often called upon as my glamorous assistant when I require a special tool crafting or an armature rigging for a new piece. Most of the family have flown the nest but we’ve still got one son at home doing A levels and he’s very supportive when I’m caught up making a new piece, spending long hours in my studio. Our dog, a rescue from our time in South Africa is excellent for getting me out of the studio for long walks and our two cats like to ‘help’ around the studio when allowed in!” 

“The village has so much to offer, among my favourites are the excellent butcher, J&L Mash, the Jolly Cricketers, known for its wonderful hospitality and food and Holy Trinity church open every day for those seeking some sanctuary. 

“Last year I exhibited with the artists of HP9 Art Trail and this year will be supporting them whilst holding a stand at the Elite luxury fair for the first time, with Nic Weavers, talented artist of Absolutely Hanging on 15th & 17th May at Booker Airport.  

“I am excited to be exhibiting in Bucks Art Weeks and after many years of exhibiting from my studio, this year I’ll be celebrating the 40th anniversary year by exhibiting as part of the #chalfontsummerarttrail with wonderful local artists, Johanci and Caro Friend at the Hub community space in Chalfont St Peter.” 

More info at sculptureintheround.co.uk 

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Hester Grainger’s ADHD Unmasked tour 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Neurodiversity advocate Hester Grainger will bring her ADHD Unmasked show to Camberley Theatre on Thursday, 29th May, to Guildford’s G Live on Tuesday, 10th June, Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on 13th June, Wycombe Swan on 15th June & more as part of a UK tour

These four little letters – ADHD – seem to be everywhere, with the best neurodivergence advocates offering life-changing support.  

For years now, Hester Grainger has been speaking about neurodiversity, specifically ADHD. “My husband and I set up the Perfectly Autistic consultancy in 2020, so we’ve been offering talks, training, webinars etc for a long time now!  

“My children were diagnosed as autistic when they were seven and nine and then, a few years later, with ADHD. It was during one of their appointments that the psychologist asked if I’d been diagnosed with ADHD. I explained I hadn’t and she suggested I was. So, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD when I was 43 – I am now 47. We had also launched Perfectly Autistic, so the two went hand in hand. I didn’t set out to be a public advocate, I just wanted to raise awareness and understanding and I love to share my knowledge with anyone who will listen.” 

Hester is the go-to ADHD expert in the press and is a regular guest on podcasts. She even went viral after her appearance on ADHD Chatter with Alex Partridge, with clips being viewed more than 22 million times. She’ll bring her show ADHD Unmasked to Camberley Theatre on 29th May as part of a UK tour. 

“It’s going to be a fantastic, uplifting and fun evening – I can’t wait!” adds Hester. “ADHD Unmasked is all about stripping away the myths and misconceptions and talking about what it is really like. It’s not just about the struggles, though we’ll talk about those, too – but also about the strengths people with ADHD have.  

“There will be real-life stories and practical strategies that actually work. You can expect honesty, humour, oversharing (I just can’t help myself) and probably a few ‘aha!’ moments along the way. I want the show to be completely interactive so if people have questions in the first half, they can ask those too. If they are anything like me, I would feel like I was going to burst if I had to wait to ask my question! This is going to be a safe and inclusive space where people can be themselves.  

“The show is for people who want to understand more about ADHD, maybe their partner, child or friend has it, or maybe a family member has recently been diagnosed and people want to know more about what it actually is and how it affects them. And it’s also just for anyone with an interest in ADHD who wants to learn more. The more, the merrier!  

“You’ll leave feeling uplifted, empowered, understanding more about yourself and how your brain works and most importantly, knowing you aren’t alone on this journey.” 

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Comedy at Oxford Castle, 16th May 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Book in for a dark tourism show inspired by Graham Norton Show to launch at Oxford Castle & Prison hosted by comedian Alex Farrow

A dandy highwayman and a pilloried bookseller will be among the guests on a one-night-only TV talk show taking place in Oxford. 

Oxford Castle & Prison will host the unique, late-night event which will blend history with humour alongside real-life characters from Oxford’s dark past. 

The show is in collaboration with the award-winning Jericho Comedy and Oxford Brooks University and will see legendary figures including Queen Elizabeth I ‘hater’, Rowland Jenkes, and promiscuous highwayman, Isaac Darkin, return to the scene of their demises. 

Kesia Middlemore of Oxford Castle & Prison says: “If you’re wondering what the night will look like, think Graham Norton with ghosts! We’re thrilled to be bringing history to life in such a bold and entertaining way. 

“Comedy at the Castle is not just a night of laughs – it’s a celebration of the colourful, and often chilling, stories that shaped our city. What better way to connect people with the past than through a comedy?” 

Comedian Alex Farrow, host of the multi-award-winning Jericho Comedy in Oxford, will begin the evening with a stand-up performance. Alex’s writing has appeared on Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, as well as in The Times as part of the best jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe. 

Alex will be joined by Caitriona Dowden, who will perform extracts from her critically acclaimed show ‘Holier than thou’. Caitriona is a DPhil medieval history researcher with a penchant for medieval bestiaries and was Chortle Student Comedian of the Year 2022. Shortly after, the ghosts will take centre stage. 

Guests ‘returning’ to Oxford Castle & Prison will include: 

  • Isaac Darkin aka Dumas: The original dandy highwayman, who spent his cash on looking flash and grabbing your attention… especially if you were a married woman of means who shared his insatiable appetite. 
  • Felicia Skene: Pen pal of Florence Nightingale. Felicia was a philanthropist, prison reformer, friend of the poor and sex workers. 
  • Rowland Jenkes: A devout Catholic and Queen Elizabeth I ‘hater’. If only he’d kept his thoughts to himself, he wouldn’t have been put on trial for seditious libel.  

The talk show segment was the brainchild of students Milind Singh, Takumi Oya, Max Gleeson and Debarshi Kalita, who pitched the concept to the Oxford Castle & Prison team as part of Oxford Brookes Business School’s Dark Tourism postgraduate module. Comedy at the Castle follows in the footsteps of ‘Afternoon Tea with Mary Blandy which took place last year. 

Dr. Brianna Wyatt, Senior Lecturer and Module Leader of the Dark Tourism module at Oxford Brookes University, said: “The module uses experiential learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice so that students not only have the chance to apply their learning, but they are able to make industry impacts.  

“Student feedback has shown this way of learning is not only helpful for them in understanding what industry is looking for and needs in the current experience economy, but it also supports them in developing transferable skills needed for their future careers.  

“I have been impressed with all the ideas that have been pitched over the last two years of this module running. Seeing the students’ ideas implemented is a great motivator for future students of the module, and it has been a joy to watch them learn from and work with the management team at Oxford Castle & Prison. I am grateful to the Oxford Castle & Prison team and Continuum Attractions for their continued support and engagement with the students and this module”. 

Taking place on Friday 16 May, Comedy at the Castle offers audiences a rare opportunity to see the castle after dark, with shows running at 6.15pm and 8.45pm. 

The immersive format, styled as a late-night TV talk show, will include character interviews, surprising historical revelations, and a 20-minute interval to nip to the bar. Tickets are priced at £19 for adults and £17 for students, with age guidance set at 18+ due to adult themes. 

To book and for more details, visit: oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/events/event/comedy-at-the-castle 

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Muse Art School’s creative creature comfort 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Sculptor, mum & tutor Maísa Stolz tells us about her artistic journey, from Brazil to Abingdon, plus her Beatrix Potter-inspired workshops this month

Animals have always been an inspiration for Maísa Stolz. “Growing up in Brazil, I spent weekends at my father’s small farm,” she says. “It left a lasting impression and still influences my art today. Many of my sculptures feature animals, the connection between humans and nature. 

“Since moving to Abingdon, I’ve fallen in love with the local wildlife. I’m especially fascinated by the sheep in the fields, little hedgehogs, rabbits and the robins that visit our garden.” 

As well as being mum to two energetic girls, Maísa is an artist, sculptor and art educator whose journey started in her motherland where she taught art and fashion to people from vulnerable communities. Resources were often limited, so she found creative ways to use cheap, recycled, natural materials, an ethos she continues today.  

Maísa’s Muse Art School workshops – at Unit 25 in Abingdon’s Bury Street – offer fun, hands-on classes where you can transform recycled materials into charming characters, £15pp a week, including all materials. During May, 1-2pm every Thursday, she’ll lead Beatrix Potter-themed classes. “I live in Peachcroft, and we’ve called this town home for about four years,” says Maísa. “Moving here with my family was one of the best decisions we made. Here we find good friends, a kind neighbourhood, and a friendly school for our children. I love the peace of the countryside, it’s such a contrast to busy city life. And I adore the light here. On sunny days, when everything seems bathed in golden light, it feels magical. 

“I love browsing local charity shops! There’s something special about giving objects a second life, finding hidden treasures, knowing you’re helping others and reducing waste. It’s like a little adventure each time – and very much in line with how I approach art, turning overlooked materials into something beautiful. I’m a big fan of pubs with a good garden. I love enjoying a cider at The Nag’s Head, right by the river. It’s the perfect spot to unwind.” 

Maisa is excited to keep building The Muse Art School, setting up more classes, meeting new people in the community, making a positive difference. She’s happy to hear from schools who might like to run after-school sculpture clubs and welcomes collaborative projects related to sustainability and recycling. She also plans to launch a class for young Portuguese speakers. 

She adds: “As I say at The Muse: create, connect, inspire. That’s what I hope people feel when they join. My wish for the world would be for people to recognise God’s presence in their lives and feel grateful for the incredible gift life is. We can all look at each other, realise how alike we are and do our best for each other.” 

You can browse Maisa’s sculptures in Burford Art Gallery’s shop & find out more about her own work at maisastolz.com. You can email her on themuseartschoolox@gmail.com 

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Farnborough garden raises funds & smiles 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

The Old Rectory in Farnborough has been lovingly tended for more than half a century, helping raise funds for charity thanks to the National Garden Scheme, so why not visit?

Great gardens will inspire & delight in equal measure and that’s certainly true of The Old Rectory. Regional finalist in The English Garden’s The Nation’s Favourite Gardens 2019, this eight-acre garden features a series of immaculately tended garden rooms. 

The garden is especially stunning in the springtime, when it opens to visits who book through the National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk), which raises life-changing funds for charity.   

It features herbaceous borders, arboretum, secret garden, roses, vegetables, pool, bog gardens and woodland, with an explosion of rare and interesting plants, beautifully combined for colour and texture. The Old Rectory was once home to John Betjeman (you can see the memorial window by John Piper in church). It also offers magnificent views, from a blessed position, 250 metres high.  

Despite being subject to winds from the downs, this garden has been created over more than 60 years, helped by the original planting of large trees and hedges. The house is very pretty and sits at the heart of the garden. Deep parallel herbaceous borders are backed by yew hedges. The planting in front of the house is subtle and effective, and the smaller areas have been laid out for sun or shade-loving plants.  

Woodland contrasts with shrubs and lawns, and the fast-growing arboretum now contains more than 150 trees. The swimming pool is surrounded by a large hydrangea sargentiana and potted lilies, with mixed roses and clematis around the outside walls. There is a collection of old roses and small flowered clematis, and wild flowers line the front lawn by the ha-ha.  

The tennis court has been turned into a “boule a drome” with four large beds, beautiful wrought iron gates and a gazebo.  

l You can visit The Old Rectory, OX12 8NX, between 2pm & 5pm on 18th May, 25th & June & 30th July. Adults £7pp, children free. You will also find specialist plants and homemade preserves for sale, as well as teas & cakes. 

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Flight Club Oxford hits the bullseye! 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Sam Drake steps up to the oche to enjoy a great night of darts, plus great food and drink, as the fabulous Flight Club atop Oxford’s Westgate

If you’re looking for a top-flight night with friends, or a quirky date night, check out Flight Club which landed at the Westgate at the end of last year.  

Flight Club offers 11 social darts playing areas, a beautiful fairground-themed bar, and a great outdoor terrace which is perfect for the longer evenings. 

I had such a great experience at Flight Club from the moment we stepped inside. The staff explained how the different games work and how to order food and drink, regularly checking in to see if we needed any more food and drink. It’s so refreshing to enjoy such a warm welcome rather than being rushed along, and I can’t fault the service.  

And, as a foodie, oh my word the food was amazing and the portion sizes impressive; my personal favourite (I know it’s very basic) was the hummus board with plenty of pitta which kept us going and was to die for!  

With more bank holidays on the horizon, Flight Club is a great venue to welcome to sip, savour, and celebrate! Enjoy a drink or three in the lively, cocktail bar, or alfresco on its beautiful rooftop terrace, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, with a picturesque view of Oxfordshire. 

If spring sips and picky bits sound like your perfect plan, Flight Club’s limited-edition seasonal Spring Tipples cocktail menu is a must-try, from the sweet and tangy Sunkissed Rhubarb, to the creamy Pistachio Martini or how about the alcohol-free Botanical Burst? Food on offer includes yakitori beef skewers or pizzas, from classic pepperoni to Italian plant-based pork sourdough. 

You can book in for a two-hour bottomless brunch at £38pp which includes an hour competing for Social Darts glory, a choice of a bottle of Prosecco or four beers each, two hours of endless sourdough pizza paddles and a table at the bar to polish off the pizza and Prosecco post-darts, with a live DJ for unforgettable vibes.  

I will definitely be back with a larger group next time; my birthday is coming up so it’s on my list for sure!  

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Guilty pleasures with jeweller Heather Larson 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Jewellery maker Heather Larson tells us about her craft, inspired by her childhood on the Canadian prairies, ahead of Bucks Art Weeks  

If you’ve ever wanted to peek underneath the layers of creativity, Great Missenden jeweller Heather Larson is one of the hidden gems whose process you can explore in Bucks Artweeks, 7th to 22nd June. 

Heather is an enameller who uses traditional techniques to create work with a clean and modern aesthetic. Most of her pieces are one of a kind and feature hand engraving, sometimes with a glint of gold or gemstones.  

“I was born in Canada and grew up on the prairies, which are beautiful but in a very subtle way with big sunsets and waving grasses,” Heather tells us. “That environment definitely informed the way I look at the world and the style of my work. 

“Bucks Art Weeks is the most important event of the year for many artists and makers. Professionals and amateur artists exhibit side by side and with some artists opening their studios to the public. It’s a great chance to see behind the scenes and learn how things are made. The committee does a super job with the directory and now with art trails springing up around the county, visitors can link together stops to see their favourite local artists and to discover new ones. It creates a buzzy atmosphere. I always look forward to exhibiting my new work and having time to chat with visitors in a more relaxed setting.” 

Heather enamels on silver and hand engraves the textures you can see underneath. “I tend to use soft colours, sometimes with painting enamel or gemstones. My sketches have lots of notes jotted in the margins and usually start with a photograph. My phone is full of photos of interesting things I’d like to turn into jewellery ideas one day! Over time, these sketches develop into a series of work and most of my pieces are one of a kind. The lovely thing about enamel is that I get to play with colour in a way that most jewellers don’t. 

“Enamelling is my second career. I spent 20 years working as an engineer and it was that work which allowed me to move around the world and to finally settle in Bucks. I like to keep busy! I’m in a band with my neighbours and we sometimes play at our village pub. I’m also a very keen but novice gardener.” 

Heather now has a cat but when she first moved to Missenden she had a very elderly dog. “One of my favourite walks was through the woods from Nags Head Lane to Prestwood, then back down through Angling Spring Wood, stopping at Matilda’s Bistro for a coffee. Woody and Friends has been a great addition to the High Street, with pet food, gifts, and grooming.  

“I’m a member of Buckinghamshire Craft Guild and I love their gallery at Layby Farm in Stoke Mandeville as well as Obsidian Art next door. Closer to home are Little Wren Collections and The Jeweller’s Bench. Peterley Farm holds several craft fairs and Pantry at 51 in Prestwood also hosts artists and makers through the year. It’s lovely to have so many businesses run by and supporting local makers.” 

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Vox pop with conductor Chris Hopkins 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

We chat to Chris Hopkins, the new artistic director of Amersham Festival of Music, about music & his love for local life

Chris Hopkins’ parents weren’t musicians… “but we did have a Casio keyboard,” recalls Chris, 39, a professional conductor and pianist who has been playing music for as long as he can remember. “I was sold on the ‘bossa nova’ button aged four, and from there I started learning piano and violin first with my auntie and then with other brilliant teachers.”  

Chris began conducting in his late teens and now his career is a happy mix of the two. “A lot of my work has been in opera which would have been a surprise to teenage me,” he adds. “I’ve also worked with orchestras all over the country, and I recently started working at the Royal Academy of Music where I was a student some years ago – a place with an amazing energy and a terrifying amount of talent.  

“My brilliant wife and I have been happily married for 10 years. We have two wonderful, and hilarious, children Emma and Louis, and a new rescue cat, thanks to Cats Protection.” 

Chris & his family have lived in Chesham, a couple of minutes’ walk from The Queen’s Head, for six years. “We love this area, the independent businesses, walks, and the warm, friendly people. Our children have had great times at Hyde Heath and Great Missenden schools. Louis is in reception with Mrs Rolfe who is a legend, and we’ve been lucky to have a string of wonderful teachers. One of the highlights for Emma was when Little Missenden Festival organised John Webb – composer, educator and music leader extraordinaire – to run workshops in Hyde Heath and other schools, culminating in a performance with songs the children had written. It’s a reminder how integral live music should be in the curriculum to inspire young minds. 

“We love a high street wander – in Chesham it’s got to involve a stop in Roots, Amersham is often coffee at Sycamore and something naughty from Nena or the old town market, and we enjoy Great Missenden market after a walk in the park. We adore The Queen’s Head, a Sunday walk to the Boot & Slipper and Colombo 7 is top of the list for special occasions. 

“This year’s is the first Amersham Festival I’ve been involved in. It’s been Iain Ledingham’s final festival as artistic director, after over 40 years in charge. In October we start the winter series, the first I’ve had a hand in programming. There’s lots to look forward to, including an epic two-piano concert in the round at the King’s Church in November, a brilliant internationally renowned big band and more! 

“I’m a member of Chiltern Creative, a great group for meeting creative people. From a musician’s point of view it’s quite incredible how many musicians live in this area: half the BBC Symphony Orchestra for one! We are members at 1879 Tennis Club which is amazing for the kids and gets my step count up too.” 

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Bucks Young Farmers Country Show time! 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

James Nixey, the new chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, will host Bucks Young Farmers Country Show at Manor House Farm, HP27 9PA, on 31st May 

Farming involves a lot of hard graft to feed us all well. James Nixey, a member of Princes Risborough Young Farmers’ Club (YFC), is the new chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.  

James, 28, who is a self-employed electrician, has been elected to represent more than 23,000 rural young people across England and Wales. He has been involved in his family’s farm for as long as he can remember. He went to Lord Williams School in Thame which, he says, gave him a great start in adult life.  

“I cannot speak highly enough of the YFC,” he says. “There’s a certain pride in being surrounded by young people who are feeding the nation, supporting their communities. YFC is an organisation like no other – if you’re thinking about joining, go for it! The opportunities are endless. Perhaps you’ve seen the charity Christmas tree collections or tractor run we organise in and around Risborough? 

“The highlight of my year will be Bucks Young Farmers Country Show on 31st May at Manor House Farm, Bledlow, by kind permission of Lord Carrington. It’s a great day out for all the family and showcases the best of rural life, from tractor displays, main ring entertainment, a market and craft stalls and entertainment with young farmers competing in an array of competitions to be crowned the best in Bucks. The atmosphere at a YFC show is unbeatable and there is something for everyone to enjoy.  
If you and your family are there on the day, make sure you come and say hi!” 

You’ll often find James browsing in Lacey’s Family Farm Shop, just outside Lane End. “This award-winning farm shop and butchers sell produce from their own farm as well as many other local producers,” says James. “It’s so important to buy good-quality, locally sourced British produce whenever we can. British food is some of the highest-quality, safest and most nutritious food in the world and you can tell the team at Lacey’s have sustainability and quality at the forefront of what they supply. I’ve always been impressed with the range and they also run great events and tours, such as Open Farm Sunday. Definitely one to visit.  

“We are so lucky to live in the foothills of the Chilterns – an area of outstanding natural beauty. With our lives more hectic than ever I think it’s super important to get outside and take in some of that countryside. Getting outside is so good for you, there are several studies showing nature helps our mental health, improving thinking and reducing stress. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and enjoy the countryside we have on our doorstep! 

“If I could make one wish for the world, it would be for everyone to have access to safe, sustainable, and nourishing food, grown by farmers who are valued, supported, and empowered. A world where agriculture thrives in harmony with nature, and every hand that feeds us is respected and never forgotten.”     

For more info about Bucks YFC Show & advance tickets visit bucksyfcshow.co.uk 

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Olly Murs to perform in Reading 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Olly Murs fans, get ready! The Palmer Park Summer Series proudly presents Olly Murs Live in Palmer Park, Reading on Friday, 13th June  

Some 15 years since Olly burst onto our screens, he remains increasingly ambitious about what’s to come. With seven hit albums, five of those reaching number 1, more than 2 million tour tickets sold, 7.6m monthly Spotify listeners & a combined following of more than 27m across social platforms, Olly has so far had an incredible career as a singer, songwriter & TV personality. 

2024 was another busy year as Olly spent 44 dates on the road with Take That & rounded off the summer with a run of his own headline shows.  

Having just announced a 2025 summer tour, Olly has another exciting year ahead & will be celebrating his 15-year anniversary performing all the hits as he takes to the road to Reading, Palmer Park with Legacy Live on Friday 13th June. Gates open at 4pm. 

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate 15 incredible years of Olly Murs in Reading! 

For an Exclusive Discount, please use code PPS and secure your tickets from – https://fatso.ma/1gLV 

For more information on Olly Murs playing Reading, please go to https://www.legacylive.co/  

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