Go on safari in Fleet

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Fleet & District Carnival Chairman Leanne Walmsley invites us all to a fun-filled day with fantastic events and all for a wonderful community cause

On Saturday 6th July, we will be celebrating the 67th Fleet and District Carnival! We have an awesome line up of events for you this year and look forward to you helping us raise money for this year’s charity.

Chosen by our Facebook supporters the 2024 charity is Parity for Disability, a local association which enables adults with multiple disabilities to continue to be a part of the wider community, supported by trained and caring staff.

The theme for this year is ‘safari’, and we can’t wait to see all those fantastic procession entries roam through the streets of Fleet.

The procession is just the start of this fantastic day, and once they lead onto Calthorpe Park, we have a whole host of entertainment lined up for you including the main stage featuring six amazing acts; traditional fete games are back after proving so popular in 2023; Searle’s fun fair and we have an awesome petting zoo which will be next to the ever-popular dog show. The Park will be filled with plenty of refreshment options and the other local charity and community stalls.

We also welcome our 2024 headline sponsor – Untold Reality. Located on Fleet high street, Untold Reality is the premier destination for futuristic experiences.

They will be in Calthorpe Park for the carnival, and with top-of-the-line modern VR systems and a wide range of games, they will be the place to be to try out a VR game, escape room, and many other VR experiences.

Come down and join us for what will be an absolutely fun packed day which you don’t want to miss out on!

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Celebrating Down’s syndrome & Sparkles charity

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Life-changing charity Sparkles helps children with Down’s syndrome & urgently needs your donations to keep going. Mum Emily Reay tells us more…

“Down’s syndrome”… What do you think of when you hear these words? Probably some sort of stereotype. Sadly, people with Down’s syndrome (DS) face this all the time and assumptions can become reality, a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Since having Teddy – and knowing other families who have a child with DS – I’ve heard all sorts of negative things… “He may never talk.” “He may never walk, run, jump climb.” “He might not ride a bike, read or write, get a job.” Teddy can do all these things and more; he’s incredible! Yes some things take him a little longer, but he never stops trying and we’ll never stop helping him. However, if a child can’t do these yet, then that’s OK too. But let’s assume that they can, so that maybe they will.

The biggest challenge faced by families and people with DS is the barriers we face, because of expectations or the fact that equality doesn’t exist. Let’s take the UK abortion law. A baby with DS can be aborted up to the point of birth, 40 weeks. But for all other babies there is a 24-week limit. That’s inequality right there.

Lots of healthcare professionals ask “What do you want for your child?” and initially when I used to say, “I just want him to be happy” (which is another stereotype by the way, people with DS are not always happy; come over when he’s tired and hungry!) However, this is a cop-out answer. What I want for Teddy is exactly the same as what I want for his sisters. I want him to thrive and be the best he can be.

“What I want for Teddy is exactly the same as what I want for his sisters. I want him to thrive and be the best he can be.”

If you meet someone with DS, treat them as you would anyone else, because they are. They have a right to be included, fully and equally, respected and accepted. In our house we say “everyone’s different, and different is good”. When I tell people I have a child with DS I’m often greeted with a sad face or “I’m so sorry”. Don’t be! There’s nothing to be sorry about. He’s Teddy first, who’s cheeky, funny, loves school, football and the Rolling Stones. He also happens to have Down’s syndrome.

Teddy has received wonderful support from Sparkles. The team support pre-school children with DS with weekly speech and language therapy, OT and physio. This is an invaluable supplement to the NHS therapy which is not as frequent. The charity is entirely parent-led and relies solely on fundraising. With the cost-of-living crisis and Covid, the charity is struggling so Teddy and his friends have just completed a sponsored litter pick around the local village. Anything you can do will really help Sparkles.

Please visit sparkles.org.uk for donation info. Or if you could sponsor a child’s therapy for a year email [email protected].

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Vox pop Q&A with Holt Dugan

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Carpenter & dad Holt Dugan, 45, tells us his best bits of Bucks after swapping America for Amersham

Q. Hi Holt. Where do you live?
“I live in Amersham with my wife Emily and our kids Ada (4), Sam(2), and our English Springer Spaniel Sonny. We live in Amersham and moved here from SW London in 2021. However, I grew up on a row-crop farm in the American mid-west and moved to England from Nashville at the end of 2018 after meeting Emily when she was visiting for work – we’ve been busy!”

Q. What are your favourite shops or local businesses?
“I can often be found at Timberstore in Beaconsfield where the team always look after me, and John Cox & Son Motors are top-notch mechanics and just generally good people. I work as a carpenter, specialising in bespoke garden rooms and outdoor kitchens, treehouses, pergolas and playground equipment, as well as fitted indoor furniture such as wardrobes, cabinets, bookshelves etc.”

Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?
“Lunches at Darmon Deli and at Spiga in Amersham are always great. In both instances, the proprietors are as terrific as the food. With two small children my wife and I are more likely to enjoy an evening takeaway from Tom Yum Thai in Amersham or from Kai at Shangri-La Chinese in Chesham. However, if we are going out, we do like to treat ourselves with the daal makhani at Hawkyns or a night at The Griffin in Old Amersham. I worked as a chef many years ago in Austin Texas so my ultimate treat is probably a tasting menu somewhere very fancy, which often surprises people! The Artichoke in Old Amersham for my birthday last year was exceptional.”

Q. What are your favourite walks?
“Sonny comes to work with me most days and my business partner Jon has a spaniel too so they have a great time! Our favourite place to walk is in the woods at Hervines Park near to where we live, particularly when the bluebells are out.”

Q. What highlights are you looking forward to later this year?
“Workwise we’re about to start building a three-tier treehouse with a zip line and climbing wall which I am excited about. With the weather finally turning nicer we are getting more outdoor kitchen projects being booked in. We just finished a really fun one in Chalfont St Giles and have another really unique one booked for Beaconsfield in a couple of weeks. We also have a massive timber-framed barn restoration and conversion on a farm outside of Chesham we’re really looking forward to. We’ve got a really enjoyable next few months coming up. Outside of work my family has a couple of holidays coming up. In July, my parents are coming over for my daughter’s nursery graduation after which we are all heading to Menorca for two weeks. Then in October my wife and kids and I are joining other friends for a week in Turkey.”

Q. What do you most love about where you live?
“I just love Amersham. The people are lovely. My neighbours are kind and amicable. The town itself has everything I need from hardware and timber to speciality groceries to Michelin star restaurants. Not to mention the absolutely breathtaking rolling hills and centuries old architecture. I can be lost in the woods, on a playground with the kids, picking up dinner, getting a cup of coffee or catching the tube to London, all within a 15-minute walk from my house. Y’all know how to design a town over here!”

Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?
“I would wish for everyone to live with a little more love and a little less fear. To work hard, laugh loudly, eat well, and be kind. Also, hire us for your next building project!”

Call Holt on 07379 209449.

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Henley Symphony Orchestra summer concert

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Enjoy a delightful evening of music in Henley in the company of Greig, Weber & Shostakovich

The beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Church are the setting for Henley Symphony Orchestra’s summer concert on Saturday, 29th June, 7.30pm.

The concert will be led by guest conductor Jacques Cohen, Principal Conductor of the Royal College of Music Junior Department Symphony Orchestra and Lloyd’s of London Choir.

Emma Johnson is one of the few clarinettists to have established a career as a solo performer, after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year at the age of 17. She has appeared as soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras, playing all the major clarinet works as well as special commissions.

She will play Grieg Peer Gynt: No.1, Weber Clarinet Concerto No.2 and Shostakovich Symphony No.9.

Greig found it difficult to write the music for Peer Gynt after being asked to do so by Ibsen. Greig himself said the Hall of the Mountain King, now the theme music for Alton Towers, ‘reeked of cowpats’.

Weber’s interest in the clarinet began in 1811, when he met Heinrich Baermann, the greatest clarinettist in Germany, for whom he composed two concertos.

Shostakovich wrote his Ninth Symphony in 1945 after Russia’s defeat of Hitler. It should have been a glorious ode to Stalin and Russia’s heroes, but instead Shostakovich seemed to make fun of the leader.

Tickets, £22 reserved; £20/£18 unreserved; £10 for U16s/students, by phone 07726 459261 or via Contact Henley Symphony Orchestra, Henley-on-Thames

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Puppy power! Volunteer for Hearing Dogs 

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Hearing dogs support their deaf partners by giving them invaluable practical and emotional support. But the charity can only train these amazing dogs with the help of its dedicated volunteer puppy trainers. Could you help train a pup and change someone’s life?  

Many deaf people miss out on vital sounds such as smoke alarms, alarm clocks and even baby monitors. Hearing dogs not only alert people to these sounds, they also provide unwavering love and companionship.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s work is only made possible thanks to its network of volunteer puppy trainers who care for and train hearing dog puppies in their own home.

Sue Davis, from Bledlow (above), became a volunteer trainer last August. “We live close to Hearing Dogs’ training centre in Saunderton, so I know of the charity and the many wonderful ways it supports deaf people”, she says.

“After losing our family dogs, we missed having a dog around the house, so applying for a volunteering role that involved spending time with puppies, while helping make a difference, seemed a no-brainer. Our first house guest was lovely cockerpoo Freddie who impressed our whole family with his nature and impeccable manners. Afterwards we had Henry, an eight-week old cockerpoo. It was so rewarding helping him learn about his new world.

“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to develop my own understanding of dog behaviour and effective training. I like to learn! And knowing that the puppies will go on to change the life of a deaf person is so rewarding.”

Teenager Zach Allen from Chalfont St Peter was partnered with hearing dogs Echo nine years ago. Before Echo, Zach struggled to get to sleep every night. His mum Kirsty explains: “Zach said that if he closed his eyes without his hearing aids in, he might not see or hear a burglar. He couldn’t hear us moving around the house, so he felt alone in the dark.

“He started going to bed with his hearing aids in. Then he wanted music on. Then a light. Then he wanted someone with him in his room. Soon he began to experience night terrors. Every day felt like a fight for survival. It affected everything, day in, day out. But then everything changed. And I do mean everything. Because Echo the hearing dog came into our lives.

“That night, out went the hearing aids, the music and the lights. Zach didn’t need them. He said, ‘Echo will keep me safe’, and that was the end of that! Zach is now 16 and about to sit his GCSEs. Prior to Echo’s arrival this would never have been possible as Zach wasn’t getting enough sleep to concentrate in a classroom.

“Zach doesn’t remember much about life without Echo, but we do. We remember the huge impact on our whole family and the immense confidence Echo has given him.”

Hearing Dogs is urgently looking for a volunteer puppy trainers in Buckinghamshire to train the next generation of hearing dogs. No experience is needed, just plenty of time and boundless love to give to an adorable pup. To find out more, visit hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer, call 01844 348129, or email [email protected]

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West Berkshire D-Day commemorations

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West Berkshire is honouring the vital contribution made by the area to the ‘turning point of WWII’

A convoy of approximately 80 classic military vehicles will take to the roads on Saturday, 29th June in ‘a salute to the fallen’.

Organised by Hungerford Town Council, the convoy is part of a two-day event to commemorate, inform and celebrate the vital contribution the area made in the build-up to, and launch of, the largest invasion in history and the subsequent turning point in WWII.

The convoy will depart Basingstoke at 10am on 29th June and will drive through the town to Kingsclere, and onto the Greenham Common where the convoy will pause for a small stop.

After departing Greenham Common, the convoy will drive through the centre of Newbury and into the A4 towards Hungerford.

The convoy will drive though the High Street which will be decorated with union flags and onto the show site at Triangle Field.

The weekend of commemoration will feature a full programme of activities and events including parades, a display, history talks and the unveiling of a D-Day commemorative stone on Hungerford Common.

The convoy team are also organising additional attractions which will be announced before 29th June, including a unique one-off special commemoration which is not to be missed.

Join this unique event to mark the 80th anniversary and raise funds for the Royal British Legion Riders Branch Poppy Appeal and local charities. It coincides with Armed Forces Day on 29th June.

Information and image source: Commemorative Convoys

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Encore Youth Theatre’s twisted fairy tales

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Join the youngsters of Encore Youth Theatre and journey into A Forest Full of Fairy Tales

Remember the rules of the woods’ as you enter A Forest Full of Fairy Tales in the company of Encore, the youth theatre of Sinodun Players at the Corn Exchange on June 28th and 29th.

Following 2022’s acclaimed production of Shakespeare Shake Up, the young actors will once again take to the stage at the Corn Exchange with their interpretation of some of our best-loved fairtytales.

The forest is home to a world of adventures as Little Red Riding Hood fights off wolves, a Frog Prince tries to marry a Princess, Snow White is chased by an Evil Queen, four skilled sisters recuse a Prince, Cinderella goes from rags to riches and Rapunzel hears all of these stories in secret!

Join Footlights group (year 3-5), Limelights (year 6-8) and Spotlights (year 8-10) as they delve in to the world of these extraordinary characters. As always with the talented young people they will be putting their own spin on things… don’t expect feeble Princesses and traditional tales!

Tickets £8, under 18s £6. Book online at cornexchange.org.uk

Alongside regular weekly Encore classes, there are holiday workshops where children work together every day for a week to create a play which is performed to an invited audience on the Friday. During the week students make props, gather costumes, create characters, learn lines and make friends. It is a brilliant opportunity for children to experience the work of the theatre as well as the technical side. Another huge bonus in joining is the chance to be part of the Sinodun Players’ pantomime.

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Capture nature for BBOWT photo competition

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Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) has opened its annual nature photography competition for 2024 with new categories and prizes

Nature lovers of all ages are being invited to submit their best shots of animals, plants, people and scenery at BBOWT nature reserves and in the community.

This year the vote is also being thrown open to the public, with a new ‘People’s Choice Award’. There’s also an extra category for mobile phone photography.

This year’s top prizes include a high-spec birdbox camera, an exclusive wildlife photography masterclass with GG Wildlife Experiences and all winners will have the chance to see their photos featured in the Trust’s 2025 wildlife calendar. There are also bundles of nature books for younger entrants to win for their schools.

Rachel Levis, BBOWT’s Head of Events, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our photography competition again this year. It’s always such a treat to see so many amazing photos of wonderful wildlife taken on our patch. This year we have introduced a People’s Choice Award, which is a great way of getting our supporters involved with the very tricky judging decisions.

“The mobile phone has opened up nature photography to almost everyone, so we’re please to include a new category for that this year. Anyone from a six-year-old with a phone to a professional photographer with all the kit can enter – so why not send us your best shot?”

Categories:
• Children (ages 6-11) – in any of the categories.
• Teens (ages 12-17) – in any of the categories.
• Birds
• Mammals
• Butterflies & other insects
• Our nature reserves
• Urban nature
• Taking action for nature
• Mobile phone photography

Examples of last year’s winners/ runners up:

Photographs for most categories must be taken on BBOWT reserves, and all must be taken in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire or Oxfordshire. The closing dates for entries is Monday, 26th August. Entries received by Sunday, 28th July, will also be considered for the People’s Choice Award.

Steve Gozdz of competition sponsor GG Wildlife Experiences added: “Wildlife photography can require patience but can be very rewarding – spending time in nature and capturing ‘that moment’ with a bird, mammal or insect can turn a glimpse in time into a real memory that can be savoured and shared with others. You never know when those ‘moments’ will occur, take your camera wherever you go and be aware of the beauty in nature around you.”

For full entry details, visit: Photography Competition 2024 | Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (bbowt.org.uk)

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Be a heath hero

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Join a scavenger hunt, go on a wildlife walk, get up close with reptiles and ‘take a trip to the movies’ all as part of this year’s Heath Week

There’s no need to go abroad to find rare and amazing wildlife, fascinating history and beautiful landscapes. They’re right here, on your doorstep.

This year’s Heath Week, July 29th to August 4th, is timed for the beginning of the school holidays and is packed with free activities to get kids and the young-at-heart outside, enjoying the countryside and discovering local nature.

Celebrate a precious wilderness that’s home to flora, fauna, butterflies, nightjars, insects, reptiles and join scavenger and treasure hunts as you discover how precious our heathland is and why we all need to play our part in protecting it.

Put the dates in your diary and join in:


Sensory Scavenger Hunt – Monday 29th, 11am-3pm. Lightwater Country Park & Wednesday 31st, 11am-3pm, Horsell Common.
• Bring the family and try out the Sensory Scavenger Hunt. Discover heathland in a different way and get all of your senses tingling. No booking required.
Butterfly Walk – Monday 29th, 2pm-4pm. Hazeley Heath.
• Join Hazeley Heath’s RSPB Warden for a gentle stroll to see what Heath Week butterflies are around. If the weather’s warm and there’s not too much wind, we should be able to see Silver-studded Blue butterflies, and that master of disguise, the Grayling. Booking essential.
Nightjar Walk – Monday 29th, 8pm-10.30p. Whitmoor Common & Wednesday 31st, 8pm-10.30pm, Chobham Common.
• Nightjars are almost impossible to see during the day, but at dusk there’s more than a chance of seeing and hearing them in their natural habitat. Join the wardens to learn more about these stunning birds and hopefully see one or two in flight. Booking essential.
Three Churrs for Horsell Common, Nightjar Walk – Monday 29th, 8pm-10.30pm.
• As the sun goes down, the magic begins… Explore Horsell Common with Education Officer Michael and discover the secret twilight world of the Nightjar! Booking essential.
Insect Walk – Tuesday 30th, 2pm-4pm & Thursday 1st, 2pm-4pm, Horsell Common.
•An opportunity for a leisurely walk with entomologist and Horsell Common Preservation Society trustee, Andrew Halstead, and a chance to see some of the insects that make heathland such a special habitat. Booking essential.
Wildfire Roadshow: Crowthorne – Tuesday 30th TBC. Wildmoor heath.
• Meet the folk that fight the fires! Come along to Wildmoor Heath and find out how the brave firefighters of Crowthorne keep our countryside safe from fires. Clamber into the cab of a fire engine and have a go with some of the equipment they use. Chat to a firefighter about how you can keep your countryside, and your home safe. No booking required.


Butterflies and other things with wings – Tuesday 30th, 10am-3pm. Chobham Common.
• Butterfly walks and arts & crafts activities available all day! Discover the butterflies and other invertebrates you might find on heathland in summer. If the weather is right, Chobham Common offers excellent opportunities to observe and learn about butterflies, bees, hoverflies and other flying insects, and learn about their special relationships with flowers, grasses and trees etc. In addition to some common butterflies, two rare heathland butterfly species are usually seen. No booking required.
Guided walk: Dragons and more of the marshlands – Wednesday 31st TBC, Thursley National Nature Reserve.
• Leisurely walk with the Reserve Manager at Thursley National Nature Reserve. Learn about this very special heathland nature reserve and the wildlife of its marshes. Booking essential.
Reptile & Amphibian Roadshow – Thursday 1st, 11am-3pm, Ockham Common.
• Come and meet the team from Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC). They’ll be showcasing some of our amazing native species with live amphibians and reptiles! There’ll also be a craft table where you can enter the ARC’s Heathland Art Competition and take a look at last year’s winners. No booking required.
Heathland History Walk – Thursday 1st, 2.45pm-4.30pm, Hazeley Heath.
Join us with Hart District Council for a walk exploring one of the rarest habitats in the world. As we walk, we’ll learn about the heathland and the history of this beautiful place. Booking essential.
Golden Letter Trail – Friday 2nd, 10am-4pm, Wildmoor Heath.
• Collect the golden letters to discover a secret word as you journey across the heath. Learn about this rare habitat as you go, and once your quest is complete, come and tell us the golden word… No booking required.
History Walk – Saturday 3rd, 10am-12.30pm, Chobham Common.
• A visit to Chobham Common, on a tour steeped in history. With Chobham Commons Preservation Committee. Booking essential.
Reptile & Amphibian Roadshow – Sunday 4th, 10am-3pm, Yateley Common.
• Say ‘hello’ to native reptiles and amphibians! Meet some of the amazing wild creatures that inhabit your local heath, with the team from HIWARG – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian & Reptile Group. They’ll be showcasing some of our amazing native species with live amphibians and reptiles! Or you can step into our arts & crafts gazebo for a spot of colouring. No booking required.
Forestry Fun – Sunday 4th, 10am-4pm, Bramshill Plantation.
• Discover the history of Bramshill Plantation and the birds, reptiles, butterflies and wildflowers that depend on forest’s habitats. There’ll be a nature trail to explore or you can step into our arts & crafts gazebo for free crafts such as ‘make your own Nightjar nest’ or stone decorating. No booking required.
Guided Walk: A Trip to the Movies – Sunday 4th, 10am-12.30pm, Chobham Common.
• Join Warden Steve on his Trip to the Movies… and a bit of TV… as he explores film and TV locations at Chobham Common. From Dad’s Army and Carry on Cowboy, to early 2000s science-fiction series Primeval and more recently Taboo. There are so many to mention! Booking essential.

All events are free. Some are suitable for all ages and some for over 12s only. Dogs are welcome on some activities. Full details and booking at Thames Basin Heaths Partnership. Heath Week – Thames Basin Heaths (tbhpartnership.org.uk)

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Fitwaffle’s No-Bake Baking for families

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We’re sharing a taste of easy oven-free recipes from the book by Eloise Head AKA Fitwaffle who will star at Big Feastival

Microwave chocolate cake

No one will ever know this cake was made in the microwave! It’s unbelievably soft and moist, topped with a rich chocolate ganache. If you want to make a cake, but don’t want to turn on the oven, this chocolate cake is perfect. Plus it’s so easy to make and you don’t even need any eggs.

Ingredients:
For the cake
• 150g (1¼ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour, heat-treated
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 60g (8tbsp) cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 90g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted, or 6 tbsp vegetable oil
• 380ml (scant 12/3 cups) warm water

For the topping
• 150g (5.25oz) dark chocolate, broken into pieces
• 150ml (2/3 cup) double (or heavy) cream

Method:
Cake
1. Grease and line an 18cm (7in) round microwave-safe cake mould with non-stick baking paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder and baking powder using a balloon whisk until combined.
3. Pour in the melted butter or vegetable oil and warm water and beat until runny and smooth.
4. Pour the batter into your cake mould.
5. Microwave on medium heat for 5-6 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs on it. Check the cake about 1 minute before you think it’s cooked. If you overcook it, it can become dry and rubbery.

Topping
6. Put the chocolate and cream into a microwave-safe jug or small mixing bowl and microwave on medium for 1 minute 20 seconds. Leave to stand for 1 minute, then stir gently until smooth and combined.
7. Transfer to a serving plate and pour the ganache over the cooled cake, letting it drip over the edges slightly, and smooth it out.
8. Let the ganache set at room temperature, then cut into 8 slices and serve. Enjoy!
9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If eating the cake after it’s been in the refrigerator, leave at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Strawberries and cream cheesecake bars

These cheesecake bars are fresh and fruity and so creamy and delicious. They have a buttery biscuit base, a creamy cheesecake filing packed with strawberries, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Perfect for a summer barbecue.

Ingredients:
For the base
• 250g (9oz) digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)
• 100g (3.5oz) unsalted or salted butter, melted

For the filling
• 500g (1lb) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 150g (1¼ cups) icing (powdered) sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pink food colouring (optional)
• 100g (3.5oz) fresh strawberries, diced

For the topping
• 200ml (scant 1 cup) cold double (or heavy) cream
• 8 fresh strawberries, halved, to decorate

Method:
For the base
1. Line a 20cm (8in) square baking tin with non-stick baking paper.
2. Put the biscuits into a food processor and process until finely crushed. Alternatively, put them into a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Tip into a medium mixing bowl, then pour in the melted butter and mix with a spoon until fully combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared tin with the back of a spoon, then pop into the refrigerator while you make the filling.

For the filling
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, icing (powdered) sugar, vanilla extract and pink food colouring, if using, with an electric hand mixer until smooth, then fold through the diced strawberries.
5. Remove the chilled base from the refrigerator, then spoon on the filling, smoothing it out to the edges.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely set. Cut into squares.

For the topping
7. Whip the cream with an electric hand mixer to stiff peaks. Pipe the whipped cream in a swirl on top of each square. Place half a strawberry into the whipped cream, as shown in the photo, for decoration. (I find it easiest to do the topping after the cheesecake has been cut into squares).
8. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.




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