Round & About Magazine

Author: Zoe Gater

  • ‘We are stronger together’ – how one Surrey charity is supporting children facing mental health challenges

    ‘We are stronger together’ – how one Surrey charity is supporting children facing mental health challenges

    The Bee-lieve Foundation is supporting children in north west Surrey facing mental health challenges – and Laura Butler tells us more about its work.

    The nation is facing a growing mental health crisis, with young people among the hardest hit.

    Over half a million children and young people are currently on waiting lists for support, often struggling long before help becomes available.

    Launched in July 2020, Bee-lieve Foundation is a registered UK charity dedicated to improving the emotional well-being and mental health of young people and their families.

    The charity’s work is rooted in prevention, early intervention, and the belief that strong, connected communities can make a lasting difference.

    Their vision: A future where children and young people are empowered to achieve positive emotional well-being and mental health.

    Their mission: To educate and empower young people with the knowledge, skills and strategies they need to navigate today’s world with resilience and confidence, helping to prevent difficulties from escalating and enabling them to thrive, not just survive.

    Bee-lieve works closely with schools, clubs, parents and professional partners to deliver teaching programmes, whole-staff training, early-intervention therapies and workshops.

    By breaking down barriers and challenging stigma through open conversation, they help ensure young people feel confident seeking support when they need it most.

    One of their most important initiatives is ‘Make a Difference for Molly’, a flagship programme for 2026.

    Created in memory of Molly, a much-loved young woman who tragically took her own life in 2023, aged just 21, the project is at the heart of everything they do.

    “Molly was funny, kind and creative, lighting up every room she entered, yet she struggled with her mental health for many years. Her legacy drives our determination to ensure other families don’t face the same heartbreak.”

    ‘The Molly Project’ brings schools, families and communities together to create safe, supportive spaces where young people feel seen, heard and valued.

    The pilot programme across Woking and northwest Surrey is already supporting over 450 school staff and more than 4,000 young people and their families.

    As a not-for-profit organisation, their work relies entirely on the generosity of the wider community. Donations of any size make a real difference.

    In 2026, Bee-lieve will once again take part in the Woking Lions Martian Race on June 21st – to run for Team Bee-lieve sign up at: go.wokinglions.org.uk/bee-lieve.

    “Bee-lieve isn’t just a name, it’s our story, our symbol and our promise to future generations.”

    Find out more at beelievefoundation.co.uk

  • Farnham Literary Festival brings 60+ unmissable events to Surrey

    Farnham Literary Festival brings 60+ unmissable events to Surrey

    As spring arrives in Surrey, Farnham Literary Festival 2026 is ready to unfold.

    Farnham’s fifth annual Literary Festival, coordinated by Farnham Town Council, is a vibrant celebration of literature in all its forms with over 60 events programmed across a dozen venues in 11 days.

    From Thursday 5 to Sunday 15 March 2026, the festival welcomes you to immerse yourself in the world of books, novels, spoken word, theatre, film, illustration and creative writing.

    Storytelling remains at the heart of the festival. Journalist and broadcaster Reeta Chakrabarti discusses her debut novel, Finding Belle, with former BBC Arts correspondent Rebecca Jones. Younger readers can embark on an interactive quest with Alexander Armstrong, host of BBC One’s Pointless, as he introduces Evenfall: The Tempest Stone, his epic second children’s book. Expect an evening of romance and dance as Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse shares insights into her debut novel as she reflects on her writing journey and explores the fiery allure of Latin ballroom.

    Thriller fans can look forward to a standout panel as Ruth Ware, author of The Woman in Cabin 10 (now a major Netflix adaptation), joins international bestselling authors Ava Glass and Elly Griffiths to explore what draws them to such dark, twisting plots. Audiences can also join three leading voices in historical fiction, Matthew Sweet, S.J. Parris and Anna Mazzola, as they discuss why the genre continues to captivate readers.

    Aspiring writers can take advantage of a varied selection of workshops, from crafting chilling ghost stories to exploring poetry of heritage and identity and sessions that demystify the publishing industry.

    Beyond the page, the Museum of Farnham unveils Farnham’s Literary Landscapes, a new exhibition honouring the town’s contribution to literature and illustration and a groundbreaking Tate Britain exhibition adds a cultural highlight with a screening of Exhibition on Screen: Turner & Constable, marking the 250th anniversary of both artists’ births.

    The festival welcomes major political heavyweights, with Lord Heseltine, Sir Jeremy Hunt and Sir Vince Cable, each offering their perspectives on Britain’s past, present and future.

    BBC Antiques Roadshow presenter Steven Moore is bringing his trademark charm to Farnham and local authors will be celebrated at a special event hosted by Farnham Library.

    A major addition for 2026 is the introduction of Farnham Film Festival, organised in partnership with the University for the Creative Art, and is set to feature a series of film-based events including an unmissable appearance from Merlin Crossingham, BAFTA‑winning Art Director at Aardman Animations, the studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.

    Visit www.farnhamliteraryfestival.co.uk for full details and keep up to date on festival news by following @farnhamlitfest on Instagram and Facebook.

  • Bestselling Farnham spy novelist Ava Glass releases new book

    Bestselling Farnham spy novelist Ava Glass releases new book

    Written by Farnham spy novelist, Ava Glass’s new book, The Hiding Season, promises to have you on the edge of your seat.

    “She’s seen too much. Now nowhere is safe.” Got you hooked? Find out more in the latest spy thriller from ‘insider’ Ava Glass.

    Ava has sold more than two million copies of her books about the world of female spies based on her firsthand experiences having worked in British intelligence for almost a decade.

    Dubbed the “female heir to James Bond” by James Patterson and “the Queen of spy fiction” by The Guardian, this fourth novel explores the damage spies do to those who accidentally cross their path.

    The Hiding Season follows an ordinary woman running for her life after she witnesses the murder of one of America’s most powerful senators.

    Escaping from a broken marriage, Maya Landry moves to the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, working at an exclusive private ski resort in the off-season. Her new quiet life is going well until she stumbles across a dead body.

    She races down the mountain to get help but when she returns with the police, the body is gone and no-one believes her. A call later from an FBI agent tells her that if she doesn’t leave the state tonight, she’ll be dead by morning. But can she trust those she thinks are helping her?

    Ava (not her real name) worked with MI6, MI5 and the FBI, has signed the official secrets act, been befriended, vetted and duped by spies, seen everything from the real Bond Girls – Britain’s brigade of female spies, participated in terrorist simulations on British soil where the British Government blow up more buildings than a Mission Impossible film so spies can practice for the real thing; and has some brilliant stories to share from the secret spy nod, secret spy doors, to why not to tussle with a spy in public.

    Prior to working with MI5 and MI6, Glass had a career as a crime reporter in the USA covering murders and kidnappings alongside the FBI and has written for the New York Times and Reuters. Ava also frequently appears on BBC Radio 4 and Sky News covering the latest spy stories.

    The Hiding Season follows her successful Emma Makepeace series, which included The Chase, The Trap, and her critically acclaimed 2023 thriller The Traitor, which was a Grazia Book of the Month, a Washington Post Book of the Year, a Cosmopolitan Book of the Year and a Richard and Judy Book Club pick.

    Film rights to The Chase and The Traitor series have been acquired.

  • How one Buckinghamshire charity is helping those facing redundancy

    How one Buckinghamshire charity is helping those facing redundancy

    After the shock of redundancy, Bucks charity Careers Springboard could help with the next step in your career.

    For many senior managers in their late 40s and 50s, being made redundant can make them feel like the rug has been pulled from under their feet.

    Alongside the financial impact, losing a long-held role can very often trigger a sense of uncertainty about your career path, your professional identity, and what comes next.

    IT professional Paul Christopher knows this experience all too well.

    “Redundancy is no picnic,” he says. “With its financial and professional impact, it has been one of the toughest periods of my life.”

    Like many experienced managers, he initially returned to familiar methods – updating an old CV and applying for roles the way he had years before. Progress was slow, and doubt began to creep in.

    Living locally, Paul was aware of Careers Springboard, a Bucks-based charity supporting jobseekers across the Home Counties. Initially sceptical, he eventually attended a weekly Zoom introduction session.

    “Immediately, it was helpful to speak with other people facing similar challenges,” he says. “The session gave me a clear perspective on how to present myself professionally and think strategically about my next move.”

    Working one-to-one with a volunteer adviser, Paul not only refined his CV but also learned how to position himself for senior roles and focus on the kind of opportunity that would advance his career.

    Beyond practical advice, Careers Springboards structured webinars and networking sessions gave him clarity and reassurance about his direction.

    The results were clear. After months of slow progress, Paul landed multiple interviews and two job offers in one week.

    “Careers Springboard helped me move forward and secure the role that was the next step in my career,” he says.

    Careers Springboard is run by highly qualified volunteers and offers free career coaching, CV development, mock interviews, LinkedIn guidance and networking opportunities, both virtual and face-to-face.

    Senior managers facing redundancy don’t have to navigate it alone.

    To find out more, please visit careersspringboard.org.uk

  • Discover the stories behind Britain’s gardens with historian Advolly Richmond

    Discover the stories behind Britain’s gardens with historian Advolly Richmond

    Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys the quiet beauty of a well-tended landscape, this event offers a window into the fascinating intersections of plants, people and society.

    Gardens are more than greenery; they are stories written in soil, plants and human hands – and this March 2026, Aylesbury will host a unique opportunity to explore this when plant, garden and social historian Advolly Richmond presents ‘A Quick Introduction to the Plants and People that Influenced Garden History’ at Aylesbury Methodist Church.

    From the introduction of exotic species to the evolution of Britain’s garden styles, the plants we nurture and the people who champion them have shaped the landscapes we cherish today.

    And on Saturday 14 March 2026 from 2.30pm, Advolly Richmond invites audiences to travel through centuries of garden history, uncovering the individuals whose curiosity, creativity and daring changed the face of gardens forever.

    Each plant has a story, each garden a lineage, and each style a reflection of society’s tastes, ambitions and ideas.

    Based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Advolly brings a wealth of expertise to this talk. She is a Fellow of the Linnean Society, a Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Champion, and lectures on garden history at the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education.

    Her work spans from the social and cultural history of Italian Renaissance gardens to the life and legacy of plant collectors and gardeners who introduced remarkable species to British soil.

    Advolly also produces The Garden History Podcast, presents features for BBC Gardeners’ World, and is the author of A Short History of Flowers: The Stories That Make Our Gardens, published in March 2024.

    This talk is designed for anyone who has ever paused to admire a garden, wondered about the plants within it, or considered the people who brought those spaces to life.

    By understanding the history of gardens, Advolly argues, we gain the knowledge needed to preserve them, ensuring that our parks, cemeteries, historic landscapes and private gardens continue to inspire and nurture future generations.

    Tickets are available through Ticketsource, costing £10 for members, £12.50 for non-members.

    Concessions apply to members of the Gardens Trust and affiliated county trusts.

    Doors open at 2pm for refreshments, and the talk starts promptly at 2.30pm.

    Limited blue badge parking is available upon request.

    For more information or to book tickets, visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/buckinghamshire-gardens-trust.

  • Experience the award-winning illusionist Derren Brown live in High Wycombe

    Experience the award-winning illusionist Derren Brown live in High Wycombe

    Derren Brown is extending his smash-hit Only Human UK tour, starring at Wycombe Swan to blow audiences’ minds.

    The multi award-winning illusionist and psychological entertainer brings his stage show, Only Human, to Wycombe Swan as part of 20 newly announced UK and Ireland dates.

    The tour, which opened in April 2025, has already been met with huge acclaim, with audiences keeping its secrets firmly under wraps.

    Brown himself has urged fans to “try and come without knowing anything about it”, promising an experience best enjoyed spoiler-free.

    Only Human is Derren’s 11th live show, written by him alongside Andrew ’Connor and Stephen Long.

    Across a 20-year touring career, he’s become known for blending mind control, psychological illusion and theatrical storytelling into immersive, thought-provoking productions.

    His previous shows have earned a record-breaking five Olivier nominations for Best Entertainment, winning twice; the most nominations and wins for any one-person show.

    With its creative team including director Andrew O’Connor and set designer Simon Higlett, Only Human is recommended for ages 12+ and promises the trademark mix of astonishment, wit and unsettling insight that has made Derren Brown one of the UK’s most compelling live performers.

    The High Wycombe dates offer a rare chance to experience the show close to home – tickets are likely to sell out quickly.

    For full details and tickets, visit Derren Brown or Wycombe Swan’s website.

    Image © Seamus Ryan

  • Misbourne Symphony Orchestra welcomes Royal harpist Alis Huws to Chesham

    Misbourne Symphony Orchestra welcomes Royal harpist Alis Huws to Chesham

    Don’t miss the opportunity to see Misbourne Symphony Orchestra perform at Chesham’s St Mary’s Church in March 2026.

    There will be something distinctly regal in the air when the Misbourne Symphony Orchestra take to the stage on Saturday 21 March at 7.30pm, welcoming former Royal Official Harpist Alis Huws as guest soloist at St Mary’s Church, Chesham.

    The concert crowns an extraordinary few years for Alis. In 2023, she performed for the nation at the King’s Coronation, and in 2024 she was named one of Classic FM’s 30 Under 30 Rising Stars.

    On this occasion, she joins forces with the MSO and fellow Rising Star, flautist Daniel Shao, for Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto – perfectly showcasing the elegance and sparkle of both soloists.

    The orchestra is no stranger to Alis’ talents, though conductor Richard Jacklin admits he was initially unaware of quite how impressive her resume was.

    “It was only after the first time Alis performed with us that I found out she was the Queen’s Harpist and had also played at the King’s Coronation,” he recalls. “Alis is an amazing player.”

    Speaking ahead of the concert, Jacklin added: “It is always a privilege to have Alis perform with the MSO. She is an absolute joy to work with, which is why we are thrilled to be performing a concerto with her and her colleague Daniel. This concert will be an outstanding opportunity to hear two of the UK’s finest artists right on your doorstep.”

    The programme also includes Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis and Rachmaninoff’s lush Second Symphony.

    Tickets are £18 for adults and £5 for students and children, available at www.misbourne-orchestra.org.uk.

  • New Rennie Grove Peace Support Hub launches in Amersham

    New Rennie Grove Peace Support Hub launches in Amersham

    A new monthly Support Hub at Chilterns Lifestyle Centre in Amersham begins in March, thanks to Rennie Grove Peace.

    A new Support Hub is launching in Amersham this March 2026, offering a welcoming, supportive space for people living with a life-limiting illness or who are frail due to age.

    Run by Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, the hub is designed to help people connect with others who understand their situation, while learning more about the practical and emotional support available locally.

    The Amersham Support Hub will open its doors for the first time on Monday 16 March 2026, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre. It will then run on the third Monday of every month.

    Loved ones and carers are warmly invited to attend too, creating a shared space for conversation, reassurance and connection.

    Support Hubs offer a relaxed, drop-in environment, with friendly conversation, peer support and gentle wellbeing activities such as chair-based exercise, art collage, flower arranging and informal talks on topics including nutrition. Sessions are free, and no referral is needed.

    Members of the Rennie Grove Peace team will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance on the range of support available across Buckinghamshire.

    The hub is open to people living with conditions including Parkinson’s, mild dementia, progressive neurological and respiratory illnesses, incurable cancer and heart failure.

    Patricia, who has attended a Support Hub elsewhere, said: “It feels nice to be out and amongst people who understand. Knowing support is there if I need it makes such a difference.”

  • Amersham Festival of Music returns for the spring season in 2026

    Amersham Festival of Music returns for the spring season in 2026

    Amersham Festival of Music returns this spring with a rich line-up of concerts celebrating artistry, community and musical discovery.

    Amersham Festival of Music is back, offering a vibrant programme of concerts that celebrates artistic excellence, community spirit and the power of live performance.

    Running through March and April 2026, the festival welcomes music lovers of all ages to experience world-class repertoire – from orchestral masterpieces to inventive family-friendly events – across cherished venues in Buckinghamshire.

    Founded in 1981, the festival has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated cultural highlights, combining outstanding guest artists with local talent and fostering a lifelong love of music.

    At its core is the Amersham Festival Chamber Orchestra, led by artistic director Chris Hopkins, whose vision brings fresh energy and diverse programming to the season.

    On Sunday, 22nd March, audiences can enjoy a double bill featuring the Orchestra of the City – one of the UK’s leading non-professional ensembles – in a programme that includes Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Rachmaninoff’s thrilling First Symphony. Renowned violinist Victoria Mavromoustaki joins as soloist, bringing brilliance and passion to the performance.

    In addition to orchestral highlights, the festival offers something for all ages: a free children’s concert that introduces young audiences to orchestral music; the String Theory concert showcasing chamber brilliance; and two special screenings of Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers brought to life with live music from the Amersham Band.

    The festival’s commitment to accessibility remains strong, with efforts to keep ticket prices affordable and relaxed performances designed to welcome sensory needs and varied audience comfort levels. Whether you’re a seasoned concert-goer or discovering live music for the first time, there’s an event to delight and inspire.

    As spring unfolds, the festival continues through April with performances featuring the London Community Gospel Choir, acclaimed violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen, and a Festival Finale presenting Holst’s The Planets in a stunning chamber orchestra arrangement.

    From family-friendly afternoons to stirring orchestral evenings, the Amersham Festival of Music unites artistry and community in unforgettable live experiences.

    Visit www.amershamfestival.org to explore the full programme, book tickets and join a celebration of music that matters.

    Image © Marios Forso

  • The Shawshank Redemption comes to Wycombe Swan Theatre in March 2026

    The Shawshank Redemption comes to Wycombe Swan Theatre in March 2026

    The stage adaptation of Stephen King’s much-loved novella, The Shawshank Redemption, lands at Wycombe Swan Theatre in March 2026.

    Step inside the walls of Stephen King’s legendary maximum-security prison and experience the acclaimed stage adaptation of the much-loved novella, as The Shawshank Redemption arrives at the Wycombe Swan Theatre.

    On stage from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th March 2026, the story centres on Andy Dufresne, who is sentenced to two consecutive life terms for murders he insists he did not commit. Behind bars, he forms an unexpected friendship with fellow inmate and prison fixer, Red.

    Exploring themes of injustice, desperation, friendship and hope, the production captures the emotional power of the original story while delivering a gripping and deeply moving performance that lays bare the harsh and dehumanising realities of prison life.

    Joe McFadden stars as Andy Dufresne, the softly spoken banker wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Calm, clever and quietly resilient, Andy’s survival depends on connection – particularly with Ellis “Red” Redding, played by the outstanding Ben Onwukwe, who reprises his critically acclaimed performance from the show’s earlier tour.

    Their friendship forms the production’s emotional backbone, wry and tender.

    Completing the central trio is Bill Ward as the chillingly corrupt Warden Stammas, a performance that simmers with menace and control. As Andy’s talents for accountancy are exploited behind bars, a dangerous game unfolds – and a daring plan is set in motion, hidden in plain sight.

    Fans of the original 1994 film will appreciate the respectful nods to a cultural classic (nominated for seven Academy Awards and now considered one of the greatest films of all time), while newcomers will see why this story continues to resonate decades later.

    As The Shawshank Redemption itself reminds us: get busy living, or get busy dying… This production firmly chooses the former.

    For more information or to book tickets, visit Wycombe Swan’s website or call 0343 310 0060.

    Production photography © Jack Merriman