Amersham Concert Club’s clarinet highlight 

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Emma Johnson will perform with Gregg Drott at 7.30pm on Saturday, 27th September, at Amersham Free Church, HP6 6AJ, thanks to Amersham Concert Club 

Dreading the darker evenings? Amersham Concert Club’s 59th season gets off to a tremendous start when Emma Johnson and Gregg Drott come to Amersham to perform their Clarinet Celebration on 27th September. 

“A classical music superstar” (Clarinet & Saxophone Magazine) and “Britain’s favourite clarinettist”, (The Times) are two descriptions of Emma who is one of the few clarinet players to have made a career as a soloist and is an internationally acclaimed musician, composer and lecturer. Since winning BBC Young Musician of the Year aged 17 she has gone on to become one of the UK’s biggest selling classical artists and is known for her diverse range of repertoire. She was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 1996. 

In this programme she’ll explore all the major styles of clarinet music from Variations based on Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet to the romantic (Schumann and Clarke), and Poulenc’s Sonata for clarinet & piano. In the second half she’ll explore the jazz influence on the clarinet with works by Benny Goodman, John Dankworth and Duke Ellington. Emma introduces pieces in a relaxed, informative way. 

Tickets are £25pp at amersham concerts.org.uk or please call 01494 765420. The club is keen to encourage young people to hear live music performed by outstanding musicians, so tickets for under-21s are free at all of their concerts.

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Amanda Boulding’s new book, Too Much! 

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Cookham author Amanda Boulding tells us about her newest children’s book TOO MUCH! & what she loves about local life

Children’s author and illustrator Amanda Boulding is no stranger to the power of storytelling. Her gentle, joyful picture books are designed to help children navigate big feelings and nurture a connection with the natural world, which are two themes close to her heart. But Amanda’s work is also deeply rooted in her love of community and belief in the importance of education that meets children where they are. 

After a successful 13-year career with the BBC, Amanda turned her creative talents toward picture books, inspired by her own two children. “I believe stories can be powerful tools for understanding emotions and for fostering compassion,” she explains. “They give children – and grown-ups – a gentle way to connect with themselves and the world.” 

Between the ages of six and 10, Amanda lived in Hong Kong, where her dad managed PR for the Navy. “This meant incredible holidays to places like the Philippines, Maldives, and Thailand, which really sparked my curiosity about the world,” she says. “When we returned to the UK, we settled in Little Chalfont, near where I was born. I went to school there, then studied engineering at Birmingham University.” Amanda has lived in Cookham for more than 16 years and says that the local schools have played a huge role in her family’s life. “Both of my children thrived at Cookham Nursery, Cookham Rise, and Holy Trinity Primary,” she says. “I’ve been especially moved by how supportive teachers have been since my daughter’s recent dyslexia diagnosis. Mrs Lucas at Holy Trinity deserves a big thank you for helping her stay confident and engaged with learning, even when things felt tough.” 

Amanda’s latest, TOO MUCH! is about helping children aged between four and seven recognise sensory overload and discover calm strategies. “I wanted to create something that felt reassuring and gentle, like a hug in book form.”  

Education continues to play a role in Amanda’s day-to-day life. Whether she’s leading a workshop during World Book Week (she ran 26 sessions earlier this year) or sharing ideas with fellow writers at Cookham Library’s writing group or digging in with WildCookham, Amanda is a believer in lifelong learning, creativity, and community.  

When she’s not writing or illustrating (or keeping her two mischievous cats off her keyboard), Amanda loves walking the Thames Path, mooching around Marlow’s indie shops and hosting coffee-fuelled meetups at Daisy Love in Cookham. She’s a regular at The Bounty pub – “only reachable on foot, which makes it even more charming” – and is grateful to The Marlow Bookshop whose team have been incredibly supportive, stocking her work. 

Her magic wish for the world? “That every child grows up surrounded by love, nature, and stories,” she says, “and that we all try to tread just a little more gently on the planet.” 

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Sing Your Pain Away Windsor highlight 

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The Sing Your Pain Away singing groups from Bucks & Oxfordshire celebrated World Music Day by singing at Windsor Castle. Founder Jane Gatfield tells us more… 

By special permission of the castle, the group joined forces with sister choirs from Amersham, Chesham & Henley to sing eight of their favourite songs in the stunning Moat Garden in glorious sunshine. Songs included Thank You for the Music, Return to Sender, Under the Boardwalk and Top of the World. 

Jane Gatfield, who founded Sing Your Pain Away 10 years ago, lives with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and set out to create a choir that was inclusive, accessible and welcoming. She says “Our groups are all about inclusive singing for wellbeing, health and fun. It doesn’t matter if you can sing well or not, it’s about the joy of making music together.”  

“We’re so grateful to the team at Windsor Castle and the Royal Collection Trust, who were amazing and made us so welcome. Some of our members would find it difficult to visit Windsor Castle in the normal course of events. The castle team were incredibly accommodating, welcoming and made the experience inclusive.” 

Bourne End member Dorothy Boughtflower said: “What a wonderful day. I’m still in a dream and I don’t want to wake up! It was spectacular and I’ll carry the memories forever.” 

The Bourne End group meet at 6pm on Thursdays at the community centre and the Marlow group meet at 6pm on Mondays at Marlow Methodist Church. Email jane@singyourpainaway.co.uk  

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People power with Thame Players  

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Helen Johns tells us about Thame Players’ next production, People by Alan Bennett, at the Players theatre, 9th-13th September 

People spoil things: there are so many of them and the last thing one wants is to have them traipsing through one’s house. But with the park a jungle and a bath on the billiard table, what is one to do? Could an attic sale be a solution? 

Thame Players’ next production is People by Alan Bennett, which opens on Tuesday, 9th September. After centuries, a traditional stately pile lies in a state of disrepair, desperately requiring financing to restore and maintain the once grand residence. Lady Dorothy, an ageing aristocrat and ex-model, lives in this crumbling mansion with her companion, Iris, and shrinks from the idea of it being opened to the public gaze. She’s nostalgic for a world in which everything, including herself, is allowed to decay naturally. She’s even tempted by an offer from a valuer, representing a shadowy consortium, to transport the house to Dorset or Wiltshire. 

Meanwhile, Dorothy’s gruff sister, June, is close to doing a deal with the National Trust, which will make the house a piece of English history, filling it with racily interactive features. 

But a third possibility arises when a film company arrives to use the residence as a location for a porn movie. Lady Dorothy would rather sell off the contents or even allow explicit films to be made at the house, in order to save it from the grips of the National Trust. June wholeheartedly disagrees. This central conflict focuses on the philosophical and ethical dilemmas of restoration, in an age of rampant public consumption, with hilarious and touching results.  

People was premiered at the National Theatre in 2012. It features Bennett’s characteristic humour and pathos, and deals with themes explored in his other works. These include the challenges of old age – a sense of being abandoned by society. There’s also a strong sense of challenge to “the establishment”, a questioning of whose establishment it actually is. And, as usual, there’s a narrative of class: institutions such as the National Trust and the Church of England are complicit in maintaining a class structure serving no-one, not even the people who apparently benefit. 

Steve Lambell, who directs People for Thame Players, says: “This is a fascinating play, which critics have described as “provocative fun”. Bennett takes a swipe at the National Trust and has stated that the play was inspired by his sense of unease while visiting a National Trust house. The Telegraph critic said, “Bennett has lost little of his mischievous wit and sense of the ridiculous, and the result is entertaining, funny and touching”. For an entertaining evening, book your seats now!’ 

This amateur production of People is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. To book & find out more please visit thameplayers.co.uk 

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Thursday Murder Club at RHS Wisley

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There’s murder among the marigolds as Netflix teams up with the RHS to launch the Thursday Murder Club in Bloom

The Thursday Murder Club takeover is set to delight fans in RHS gardens across the nation from August 22nd to 28th.

Look out for giant floral billboards, themed scavenger hunts and a tearoom takeover at RHS Garden Wisley to mark the arrival of the Netflix Originals film adaptation of Richard Osman’s much-loved book series.

Based on Osman’s international bestselling novel, and directed by Chris Columbus, the film stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie as the irrepressible retirees who solve cold case murders for fun before a thrilling turn of events leaves them with a real whodunit on their hands.

For a whole week and across five locations – RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, RHS Garden Bridgewater in Manchester, RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex and RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon – fans of the much-loved books will be able to immerse themselves in a heady combination of homicide and horticulture, all in the name of cosy crime fun.

RHS visitors can dive into the beloved The Thursday Murder Club phenomenon with an immersive experience across all five gardens. They’ll enjoy exclusive activities, clues, and prizes; from interacting with film billboards meticulously brought to life in flowers, to channel their inner sleuths in scavenger hunts for themed prizes.

For those with a taste for something truly killer, visitors to RHS Wisley can indulge in a murderously good afternoon tea at Joyce’s Tearoom. Named in honour of the character played by Celia Imrie in the film, the menu is packed with delightful nods to the gang, from Elizabeth’s Earl Grey (with a twist) to Ibrahim’s Calming Chamomile. And fans certainly won’t want to miss Joyce’s famous Lemon Drizzle or Ron’s must-try Sausage Rolls – some might say they’re to die for.

•          The Thursday Murder Club trail is included in the RHS Garden entry. Tickets for the gardens can be purchased online or on-site, see www.rhs.org.uk/gardens for details.

•          The Thursday Murder Club film will be in select cinemas August 22nd and on Netflix August 28th.

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Helios: Luke Jerram’s Sculpture at Basildon

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National Trust Images / Bec Hughes

The National Trust presents Helios, a striking 7-metre outdoor sculpture by renowned artist Luke Jerram—combining sound and visuals inspired by the sun—on display at Basildon Park near Reading from 15–18 and 22–25 August 2025

National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole

This summer, the National Trust invites visitors to experience Helios, a dazzling 7-metre solar sculpture by artist Luke Jerram, on display at Basildon Park near Reading from 15–18 and 22–25 August 2025.

Set in the Pleasure Grounds with the Palladian mansion as a backdrop, Helios blends art and science through light, imagery, and a surround-soundscape featuring real NASA recordings of the sun. Visitors can walk beneath the glowing sphere, relax on beanbags, and enjoy the installation from afternoon into evening as it radiates against the darkening skies.

To celebrate, Basildon Park will host a vibrant programme of activities including:

  • Evening BBQs and deckchairs on the lawn
  • A late-opening tearoom with a special Helios-themed menu
  • Live music, dance, Tai Chi, and children’s games
  • Astronomy talks and solar telescope viewing
  • Art stations, sensory exhibitions, and film-themed displays
National Trust Images / James Dobson

At a scale of 1:200 million, the sculpture’s surface reveals sunspots, flares, and filaments in striking detail, offering a safe, awe-inspiring view of our star. Helios continues Jerram’s legacy of large-scale astronomical artworks, following Museum of the Moon, Gaia, and Mars.

National Trust Director John Orna-Ornstein called the collaboration “a bold way to connect people with nature and culture,” while Basildon Park’s General Manager Sebastian Conway added: “We want everyone to feel welcome and inspired by this extraordinary artwork.”

Entry to Helios is included with standard admission (free for National Trust members).

National Trust – Basildon Park

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Astrology & Tarot for August

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What’s in store for you this month? Melanie Harding, founder of Soul Healing Guidance, offers her new monthly guides for all signs…

Aries (21 March – 20 April)

Mars moves into Libra on the 6th, stirring the pot in close relationships. You’ll need a softer approach this time, think charm over charge. The Full Moon on the 9th uncovers something revealing about a friend. Sit with it, then wait for Mercury to go direct on the 11th before making any big decisions. Speak your truth mid-month, it’ll land better then. Work ramps up when the Sun shifts focus on the 22nd, and the New Moon on the 23rd is your green light to aim higher. Venus brings romantic sparks from the 25th.

Tarot: Ten of Wands
You may be carrying more than your fair share this month. Be mindful of burnout and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Delegating brings relief.

Taurus (21 April – 20 May)

It’s a wobbly start as Mercury stirs up old family patterns, and the 1st might be extra sensitive. Best to tread gently. Mars turns your focus to work from the 6th – but don’t lose sight of home life. The Full Moon on the 9th puts a spotlight on your efforts – soak it in. From the 11th, words land better, and hearts soften. Romance takes a turn when the Sun lights up your love life from the 22nd, while the New Moon on the 23rd is a green light for dating or creative projects. Venus brings warmth to home and hearth on the 25th. Host something lovely on the 26th.

Tarot: Ace of Swords
This is your month for a clear breakthrough. Expect insight, honest words and the chance to cut through confusion.

Gemini (21 May – 20 June)

You’re not quite your breezy self as August begins as Mercury retrograde slows you down. Mars fires up your creativity on the 6th, so put your energy into something hands-on. The Full Moon on the 9th brings a burst of fun, even if plans start rocky. From the 11th, it’s smooth sailing. Home life calls when the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd. The 23rd is ideal for a move, a home revamp, or finally buying that thing you’ve had your eye on. Venus in Leo from the 25th adds a sparkle to your words and your charm.

Tarot: Page of Swords
Curiosity is your superpower now. Ask questions, listen well, and take time to study the finer details before leaping.

Cancer (21 June – 22 July)

Money feels slippery early in the month. Mercury’s up to tricks, and you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. The Full Moon on the 9th is the moment to clear debts and rethink your habits. From the 11th, the fog lifts. The Sun in Virgo from the 22nd brings clarity and a steady head. The 23rd is perfect for a short break, even a day trip will do wonders. Venus steps into your money zone on the 25th, bringing a chance to attract abundance.

Tarot: Nine of Swords
Worries may keep you up at night, but many are fears rather than facts. Reach out for support and speak your truth.

Leo (23 July – 22 August)

Your solar season is in full swing Leo, and you’re glowing. But Mercury retrograde means words can be tricky, so think before you roar. Mars keeps you busy with errands and quick trips from the 6th. Something changes in your relationships under the Full Moon on the 9th so give it time. From the 11th, communication clears. Finances take a turn for the better after the 22nd. The New Moon on the 23rd could bring a new income stream. Venus enters your sign on the 25th – time to indulge and be seen.

Tarot: Two of Pentacles
Balance is the theme. Juggle with care, and don’t forget to make time for yourself in the mix.

Virgo (23 September – 22 October)

August asks for softness, Virgo. Mercury’s retrograde at the start, and your energy is a little off. Mars may tempt you to hustle for cash, but burnout isn’t the goal. The Full Moon on the 9th is your best day to unplug. When Mercury goes direct on the 11th, your mind sharpens. With the Sun in your sign from the 22nd, you’ll feel stronger and more yourself. The 23rd is your moment to reveal a new look, project, or intention. Book a little pamper time around the 25th.

Tarot: Death
A cycle is ending, clearing space for renewal. What are you ready to release?

Libra (23 September – 22 October)

It’s a sociable month, and with Mars entering your sign on the 6th, you’re in your element. Just hold off on big decisions until Mercury turns direct on the 11th. The Full Moon on the 9th is ideal for romance, or a magical night out. After a whirl of activity, you’ll crave quiet once the Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd. The 23rd is best spent away from the noise. Venus, your ruler, enters Leo on the 25th, bringing joy and potential romance back into focus.

Tarot: Six of Pentacles
Give and receive in equal measure. Generosity flows both ways this month.

Scorpio (23 October – 22 November)

You’re rising in your career, even if Mercury retrograde causes a few hiccups early on. Mars in your hidden zone from the 6th gives quiet support from unexpected places. The Full Moon on the 9th is best spent with loved ones, no need for anything grand. After the 11th, your words carry weight. From the 22nd, friendships and group events take centre stage. The 23rd is perfect for a gathering. Venus in Leo from the 25th helps you shine in public and private alike.

Tarot: The Tower
Sudden change shakes the foundations. Trust that what falls away was no longer serving you.

Sagittarius (23 November – 21 December)

August starts with your plans feeling stuck, Mercury retrograde might delay or derail travel. From the 6th, your calendar fills fast. A positive shift comes with the Full Moon on the 9th, news worth celebrating. Once Mercury goes direct on the 11th, go ahead and book that trip. The Sun lights up your career from the 22nd. Say yes to a promotion or opportunity on the 23rd. Venus in Leo from the 25th adds passion to your travels and charm to your encounters.

Tarot: The World
A cycle completes. You’ve come full circle. Celebrate your growth, and look ahead with confidence.

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)

Money’s a theme this month. Be cautious on the 1st, overspending could set you back. From the 6th, Mars gives your ambition a push. Finances settle after Mercury moves forward on the 11th. The Full Moon on the 9th may shift your income so don’t panic. Wait until things are clearer. Late August is perfect for a holiday, especially around the 23rd. Venus in Leo from the 25th turns up the heat in your relationships when intimacy deepens.

Tarot: King of Cups
Stay steady and emotionally wise. Others may turn to you for calm and counsel.

Aquarius (20 January – 19 February)

August brings growing pains in relationships. Miscommunication is likely until Mercury moves forward on the 11th. Mars in Libra helps you stay graceful under pressure. The Full Moon on the 9th is in your sign, it’s time to say what’s true for you. From the 22nd, your focus shifts to shared resources and money talks. Schedule financial planning for the 23rd. Venus brings fun and flirtation from the 25th, great for healing rifts or meeting someone new.

Tarot: Two of Swords
A decision is needed, but don’t rush. Find quiet and listen to your inner guidance.

Pisces (20 February – 20 March)

Work brings pressure early on and Mercury retrograde means nothing feels smooth. Mars adds emotional intensity from the 6th, but don’t let that spill over. A day off around the Full Moon on the 9th will do you good. Mercury turns direct on the 11th, breathe. From the 22nd, the Sun brings people into your life. A key relationship – romantic, social, or professional could begin on the 23rd. Venus in Leo from the 25th spices up work life, just be mindful who you mix with.

Tarot: Knight of Swords
You’re moving fast, but don’t forget to check the map. Stay sharp and direct, but grounded.

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Join the Wyfold RDA family! 

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Diane Lee tells us about Wyfold Riding for the Disabled Association whose equine helpers, including Archie, provide wonderful experiences. Maybe you could volunteer? 

Our workforce of nine horses and ponies give therapeutic riding and driving sessions to 57 people with physical, intellectual, social and emotional challenges.  

Activities take place in our purpose-built arena or on an all-weather track and with rides out through the beautiful woods and Wyfold Estate.  

We have 24 trained riding coaches and six driving coaches in a team of almost 90 volunteers who look after the horses and ponies under the guidance of our part-time yard manager. More volunteers are needed to help on Tuesdays. 

All nine are very special ponies as they carry such vulnerable riders, but they all know their job and can even step it up a gear and compete in regional dressage competitions. Back in May, we took seven of our riders to the RDA South Region Qualifiers where four of them qualified for nationals. We wish all our riders the best of luck! 

Another big piece of news at Wyfold is that, after a three-year hiatus from carriage driving, after our pony Lucky retiring and three previous unsuccessful attempts to get going, we have the lovely Archie signed off, having passed his “driving test”. Archie is a 14 hand, 18-year-old Welsh boy and is looking forward to welcoming a further 12 participants on to our books. Our final new addition to the herd is Ebony and she is our youngest pony.   

To find out more, please call 01491 680541 or visit wyfoldrda.org.uk 

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Join the OX Trails community! 

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Dan Andrew tells us more about the OX Trails community who invite you to a fun, free biking event at Ladygrove Park Didcot on 23rd August 

OX Trails is the name for the Oxfordshire Trail Association, set up in September. We’re a group of off-road cyclists who have come together to form an unincorporated charity that promotes off road cycling. 

Our mission is to change the landscape of off-road cycling in Oxfordshire. We work with local land owners, local authorities and communities to identify, build, maintain and promote cycling trails and tracks. Not only that, our aim is to build the community around these tracks through community building and maintenance of trails and to promote off road cycling in a positive manner.  

Anyone who rides off-road knows the county has a lack of purpose-built trails and tracks. Bridleways are shared with walkers and horse riders which often creates conflict. A handful of small pump tracks cater for very young children, and the Ridgeway is great for cross-country riders and for developing fitness but offers little in the way of challenging terrain or features to ride. Little pockets of purpose-built trails do exist but are often built without permission so often kept secret. If discovered, they often get destroyed. To ride purpose-built trails means a drive to Swinley Forest, The Forest of Dean, Tidworth, Rogate or Wales. For the younger generation this is a real problem. 

Providing dedicated cycling facilities gives riders the opportunity to develop their skills in safe spaces. We aim to make off-road cycling accessible to newcomers and young people. The benefits of participating in any sport are well documented, including cycling. Our work promotes healthy lifestyles and wellbeing and has the potential to facilitate a passion for cycling that will impact sustainable transport.  

OX Trails are developing a collaboration agreement with the National Trust for the maintenance and development of Badbury Clump trails in Faringdon, Oxfordshires only sanctioned mountain bike trails. We’ve been looking after the trails for several months now and have repaired many of the trail features and trimmed much of the vegetation around them. We also have projects at the proposal stage in Didcot and Abingdon – the first modelled on the facilities they have at Edenbrook Country Park in Fleet and the latter to redevelop the BMX track in South Abingdon. There’s also lots in the pipeline that we can’t speak about yet! 

We’re always looking for volunteers to help at our trail maintenance sessions at Badbury Clumps; see our website or Facebook page for dates. We’re currently looking for an event coordinator to help arrange and manage our vegetation control sessions and fundraising. If you’re a passionate cyclist or just support our cause and want to make a difference we’d love to hear from you! And you can donate via our Gofundme page and come to see us on 23rd August a bike fun day, in association with minibikers.co.uk. We’d love to see you there! 

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Ayres House Studios art in Wallingford 

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Associations will showcase a diverse selection of crafts & art between 29th August & 7th September at Ayres House Studios tucked away behind Station Road in Wallingford 

Once an old rectory, the building now provides studio spaces and a gallery showcasing the work of resident and associate artists.  

The Associate artists have studios scattered around the area and meet up regularly at Ayres House Studios to discuss art and support each other’s artistic careers.  

Now in its third year, the Associations exhibition promises an exciting display of pottery, textiles, sculpture, jewellery and painting, with free entry for all. 

“We’re delighted to be sharing our work with visitors in our group exhibition Associations this summer,” says Josie Clouting. “The show brings together the work of more than 20 makers working in a wide variety of creative disciplines.  

“Ayres House Studios has always been a hub for the arts community, but in recent years it’s opened its doors to the public. This year we’re offering fun, easy-going drop-in workshops for adults and children as part of the BunkFest. All ages are welcome with something for everyone.”  

Workshops  include creative mask making, clay play and a Go Wild With Flowers collaborative mural. There’s limited parking in front of the building & more parking a five-minute walk away in St George’s Road. For more info please visit ayreshousestudios.co.uk 

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