High friers! Top fish & chips

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Well done to the team at Bucks & Oxfordshire takeaway favourites Howe & Co who have been named one of UK’s 50 best fish & chip takeaways for the sixth time in eight years

If you’ve stopped to enjoy fish & chips from Howe & Co’s familiar blue & cream vans, you’ll know how delicious they are. 

So well done to Charlotte and Jamie Bachman who have owned and operated Howe and Co Van 22 & 55 since 2017.  

Since then, the business has successfully expanded from one van to two vans in 2022, serving customers across Bucks (including Thames, Lane End and Stokenchurch) and south Oxfordshire (including Wheatley, Eynsham & Forest Hill).  

This growth would not be possible without their dedicated team, which includes Kyle, Emma, Leanne, and Tina, along with many others working behind the scenes, such as Kirsty, Michael, Jan, Louise and Tony. In recognition of their excellence, Howe and Co has been named one of the UK’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways for 2025. 

It follows two rounds of mystery dining visits by leading trade publication Fry Magazine in which judges meticulously inspected aspects including food quality, cleanliness, staff expertise, value for money, ease of ordering, and social media presence. 

With the pass mark set high at 96%, Howe and Co scored an impressive 97% with the mystery diner commenting: “The van was very clean, both inside and outside. The staff were very polite, smiling, warm and friendly. The fish had been well drained and it hadn’t even soaked into the outer paper that it was wrapped in. The batter was crisp, golden and even. It was not soggy or greasy at all. I had a very good-sized portion of chips which were a golden colour and not too pale.” 

Commenting on their success, competition organiser Reece Head, , says: “Another year has passed and, once again, these shops have shown resilience, adapting to today’s challenges with remarkable dedication. At a time when inflationary pressures are being felt, these businesses continue to stay positive and prioritise their customers, maintain exceptional standards, and find innovative ways to keep fish and chips affordable. 

“Starting the year as award winners is a fantastic way for fish and chip shops to kick off 2025, setting the tone for a successful year ahead.” 

Fry Magazine’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways is in its 13th year and sponsors include Frymax, Seafood from Norway, Pukka, KFE, The NFFF, 555 Amanda Roe, Central Foods, BD Signs & BDigital, Friars Pride, VA Whitley, Henry Colbeck, Superior Frying Fat, Kerry Foodservice and Drywhite.

Van 55is also available for event hire. To find out more & enjoy your next takeaway see www.Facebook.com/mobilechippy 

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Calamity Jane’s UK & Ireland Tour

Round & About

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Round & About

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The full cast has been announced for the musical Calamity Jane, starring award-winning West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher. The production opens at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from 14–18 January before touring the UK and Ireland ahead of its West End run

Joining Carrie Hope Fletcher as Calamity Jane are Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill Hickok, Luke Wilson as Danny, and Seren Sandham-Davies as Katie Brown. Additional cast members include Peter Peverley (Henry Miller), Hollie Cassar (Susan), Isaac Savage (Francis Fryer), Molly-Grace Cutler (Adelaide Adams), Richard Lock (Rattlesnake), Ben Mabberley (Hank/Stage Door Keeper), Fergus Murphy (Joe/Harry), Tomas Wolstenholme (Buck), and Claire Greenway (Doc). The ensemble is completed by swings Emma Jane Morton, Lara Lewis, Jacob Leeson, Theo Diedrick, and Stephen Scott Stark.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the show’s first tour, this production reunites the original creative team. Directed by Nikolai Foster (An Officer and a Gentlemen, Kinky Boots), with co-direction and choreography by Nick Winston (Shrek The Musical, Burlesque The Musical), orchestration and music supervision by Catherine Jayes (The Colour Purple, Merrily We Roll Along), and set/costume design by Matthew Wright (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Evita). Lighting design is by Tim Mitchell, sound design by Ben Harrison, and casting by Debbie O’Brien.

Carrie Hope Fletcher, a three-time WhatsOnStageBest Actress in a Musical winner, recently originated the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella. Her previous roles include Veronica in Heathers, Wednesday in The Addams, and Éponine in Les Misérables. A 2022 GRAMMY nominee for two musical theatre albums, Carrie has also enjoyed success with her solo tours (An Open Book and Love Letters) and is a bestselling author with a significant social media following.

Based on the beloved Doris Day film, this vibrant production features iconic songs such as The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and the Oscar-winning Secret Love.

Whip-crack-away and book today at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office

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Haggis highlight for Burns Night

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Enjoy a Burns Night supper in Gerrards Cross on Friday, 31st January, and raise funds for Gerrards Cross Community Association (GXCA), a charity which formed in 1947

Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of Scottish poet Robert Burns (25th January 1759 – 21st July 1796).

One of its traditions is the address to the haggis and this speciality (plus a veggie option) will be served at The GXCA supper, along with neeps and tatties, served with whisky and redcurrant gravy. Guests can also tuck into starters of smoked salmon with prawns and avocado mousse or grapefruit and watermelon salad with rocket and mozzarella and pudding is a trio: raspberry and Drambuie trifle, double chocolate brownie and lemon tartlet.

GXCA was formed in 1947 to promote the wellbeing of the community and “to advance education, to provide a meeting place… for recreation and social, moral, spiritual and intellectual development and to foster a community spirit.”

Today, the team offer educational classes in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council and other adult education providers.

Gerrards Cross Community Association in East Common, SL9 7AD, is home to clubs, societies, adult education groups, a youth centre and leisure facilities. Rooms can be booked for a variety of social functions (clubs, parties, weddings etc) and for business meetings.

The charity is financed by subscriptions, rentals and various fund-raising activities throughout the year, including the February Attic Sale and the Jumble Sale in September. More local members are welcome. To find out more or to book your Burns Supper tickets (£60pp) please visit Community Events l Venue Hire l GXCA or you can call 01753 883759.

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Hazlemere expo for Amani UK charity

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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You’re all welcome to find out more about the lift-changing work of humanitarian charity Amani UK at Holy Trinity Church in Hazlemere, HP15 7PZ, between 10am & 3pm on 8th February

Amani UK is a humanitarian charity which has been operating in rural west Kenya for 25 years, supporting and assisting development across a whole range of community activities.

After nearly 15 years or working at grassroots level in Kenya, Elizabeth Feliden founded Amani UK as a Charity Commission registered charity at the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Amind many challenges, it became the foundation on which the charity grew, harnessing the motivation of the rural community to form groups through which Amani UK was able to channel help and support.

The support grew rapidly, through the community groups, to focus across the essentials of life; food, water, housing, health and education. From the initial basis of support, the priority moved progressively to development of the groups through self-help projects. With an ever-increasing flow of annual youth group and adult trips from the UK, the support and interest base in the UK grew rapidly. This enabled the development of a strong trustee base, centred from 2003 on Hazlemere and Derby, with age and gender balance and growing Kenya experience.

Peter Fish of the charity says: “From these trips came totally unexpected and inspired initiatives, of which you will be able to hear more at the Expo; the creation of the Ted Rayner Memorial Clinic; the launching of the Keep a Girl in School (KaGiS) project, both now 10 years on and mature beyond any expectations; the establishment of the Schools Link project in 2008 and currently linking 19 UK and Kenyan schools.

“Visiting the Expo will enable you to hear how we are funding a medical clinic, supporting thousands of schoolgirls with sanitary needs, supporting communities through agriculture and business development. And working with local schools to help partner and create links with Kenyan schools to enable mutual learning. “You will meet our team of UK volunteers and learn about the Kenyan NGO team we helped establish in 2007 and have partnered with ever since; learn how you can support children to receive an education, enable families and community groups to become self-sufficient and ensure rural communities can access vital medical care. “See how our young adults are fundraising for a trip of a lifetime to Kenya, an experience already enjoyed by hundreds over the years, and find out how you can get involved and maybe even plan a visit too!”

Refreshments will be available and car parking immediately adjacent. Plan a visit between 10am and 3pm. To find out more about getting involved please email [email protected] or visit AmaniUK – AmaniUK

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Join Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Phil Thomas tells us more about why you should join the local members of Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir, whether you’re a beginner or a pro!

Most men can sing. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned singer, Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir invites you to become part of something special.

You’ll be able to enjoy singing in a welcoming, fun and relaxed atmosphere with a non-judgmental, supportive group. Also connect with fellow singers and make lifelong friendships, take part in vibrant concerts that will leave you feeling inspired, and benefit from expert leadership provided by our musical director. There are no voice tests.

You’re not too young or too old. We have members bringing up young families who view the choir as a mindful, relaxing, but purposeful break from their busy lives… and members who have been in the choir for 50+ years!

So why not be our guest for four weeks to see if you enjoy the experience and would like to become a member? We’ll ensure you’ll be seated next to an experienced member to guide you and answer any questions. Should you then decide “this is for me!” you’ll be enrolled to full membership (see our contact details at the end of this article).

Founded in 1923, Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir are a vibrant group of enthusiastic singers who come from all walks of life. We meet at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at the Wesley Methodist Church in Priory Road, HP13 6SE, to rehearse for various concerts and events that we perform for the public. In many cases our concerts are in support of local or national charities.

Male voice choirs are generally arranged in four-part harmonies. Two tenor sections (higher voices) and two bass sections (lower voices), each sing their own part. Members join the section most suited to their range, which they will be helped to assess when they join.

We enjoy singing both well-known traditional pieces but also popular songs from musicals, films and the pop world. Some random examples are; Angles, One Moment In Time, The Rose, God Only Know, Do You Hear The People Sing, Morte Criste, What Would I Do Without My Music and songs from the Beatles, Abba, Queen and Coldplay, to mention but a few.

Although reading music is helpful, it is absolutely not a requirement. Sheet music is provided to all singers, but each tenor and bass part is fully supported by easily downloadable mp3 recordings via our excellent website.

New members will also be assigned a ‘buddy’, being a more experienced member of the choir, who would be happy to answer any questions and help you to find your way around.

The next step is to get involved: email [email protected]. Or why not come to our next rehearsal? No auditions required, just show up and either listen or join in… see if our choir feels like the right fit for you. Visit Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir

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Pictures on Parade in Bourne End

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Photographer & lecturer Nicholas Brewer has spent a year capturing as changing way of life in his home village

Nicholas Brewer’s photography career began in the 1990s, freelancing for Cosmopolitan, Telegraph Magazine and Smash Hits. His first job after leaving college was photographing Take That.

Now 55 and a photography lecturer, he moved to Bourne End with his wife at the end of last year. They fell in love with the perfectly formed community here and he decided to turn his lens on the shops he regularly frequents last January. “During this time shops have changed, and so have the seasons,” says Nicholas. “This project reflects our shifting needs and way of life.”

He photographed E. Collias, the old butcher’s shop that closed during the pandemic. Opening in 1896, the shop in Wooburn Green sold meat to regulars including Edgar Poe and Kenneth Connor. Of another famous local neighbour, Nicholas says: “Hopefully Enid Blyton would be pleased by the Co-op and its goal of cheaper food and community spirit.

“We loved Bourne End, especially, the fruit market! I love the smell and the atmosphere. There is always a delicate hum of conversation, and the flowers make me happy. My wife loves the raspberries. We have two favourite restaurants, The Wimpy and El Cedric. I love the jazz on a Sunday and being by the river.”

Nicholas is planning an exhibition in the spring. “The work is ongoing, and I am excited to see how it progresses before the exhibition.”

There will hopefully be a book to go along with the show and you can not only buy a copy but have your name in it. “I intend to make it a good quality hardback book, with a limited edition of 100. The work will also serve as a historical document for others. There was an exhibition of old pictures in the community centre early in the year.”

If you’d like to see more, or have your name or business in the book (or to ask about dog walking!) – search for The Parade Bourne End on Facebook or visit Gallery – Nicholas Brewer’s

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Marlow Energy Group’s heat pump advice

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Considering a heat pump? It could protect the planet for future generations

Two years ago, Ann and John, who live in west Marlow, decided to replace their ageing condensing gas boiler to reduce their carbon footprint.

During the two years of researching and investigating the purchase of a Heat Pump to warm their house and heat their water, they contacted 12 companies and had 12 visits and subsequent quotations varying from about £12,000 to more than £19,000. However, the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants of £7,500 to reduce the overall cost. Eventually, they decided to spend £5,700 to buy a Vaillant Arotherm plus 5KW heat pump.

A company from west London installed their heat pump and ensured that their four thermal panels (water) and their 16 photo-voltaic (PV, Electricity) panels were incorporated into the system. The installation took four days, as some pipework had to be replaced, three of their eight radiators were replaced, the thermal panel had to be linked up to a new hot water cylinder and their PV panels were connected to provide some of the power the Heat Pump requires. Their house is now warm all through the day and night and the hot water for their shower is hot.

Although a new gas boiler will cost between £2,000 and £4,000, they contribute significantly to adverse climate change. In addition, an air source heat pump will save them money, now and in years to come, as electricity becomes cheaper and gas prices rise. Fortunately, some small inheritances allowed them to finance this project, but installation costs could be spread over a period of years.

John says: “If you have to replace an ageing gas boiler, or if you have some spare cash, a new heat pump is likely to save you money and reduce your carbon emissions and hopefully protect your children and grandchildren’s futures.”

Marlow Energy Group (MEG) is a non-profit Community Benefit Society formed with the purpose of reducing Marlow’s carbon footprint through the use of carbon-saving energy technology. To find out more visit MEG – Helping Marlow becoming a net-zero town

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Historic but modern Castle Hotel Windsor

Round & About

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Buckinghamshire

Round & About

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The Castle Hotel Windsor, which dates back to 1528, welcomes tourists from all over the world, including the Leaf restaurant’s afternoon teas

Once upon a time (in 1528 to be exact), The Castle Hotel opened its doors, albeit as The Mermaid Inn – humbly brewing beer and cider for the people of Windsor which, at the time, was a small town of just 1,000 people.

During the 1700s, innkeeper Richard Martin was awarded the first of the hotel’s eight Royal Warrants – to provide horses and carriages for the royal household. By the 19th century, The Castle Hotel had solidified its reputation as the connoisseur’s choice of accommodation.

And today the four-star hotel, occupying one of Windsor’s most opulent buildings, still offers the same fairytale feel, with an array of fabulous rooms, many overlooking the walls and turrets of Windsor Castle, which is a honeypot for tourists from all over the world. Even if you’re more of a republican at heart it’s hard not to feel childlike glee when the changing of the guard soldiers march right past the hotel’s windows, accompanied by rousing drums, overlooking the Prince Harry pub.

With eight Royal Warrants, The Castle Hotel, which has 108 rooms, is a dream destination. The historic hotel offers quiet luxury and all mod cons including tea & coffee making facilities, hair dryers, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, 100 Acres toiletries and more. What’s more, it’s studded with details that bring its royal links to life, including busts of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert that hark back to the tale of a birthday gift from the Queen to her consort. All of this makes for a right royal treat for visitors… and their consorts!

The vibey downstairs Leaf restaurant and bar offer superb breakfast all week as well as brunch, afternoon tea and all-day dining, 12-9pm. The menus showcase the finest locally sourced produce from trusted suppliers, promising visitors a tantalising tour of the globe. A popular choice is the Royal Afternoon Tea, served in the quintessentially English lounge, and rightly considered one of the best afternoon teas in Windsor (£40pp adults, children’s afternoon tea £22pp).

The Castle team, whose smiling service is second to none, also pride themselves on the Sunday roast (until 5pm) when diners can choose from beef topside, half roast chicken, seared Scottish salmon and vegetarian wellington on offer; two courses for £27pp, and three courses at £32pp.

A classic room starts at £209 per night including breakfast. To book a stay or a table to eat at the Leaf restaurant, please call 01753 252800 or visit The Castle Hotel Windsor | Boutique Hotel in Windsor, Berkshire

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Italian classics for music-lovers in January

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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The Amersham Festival of Music team invite you to look ahead to their next highlights including an Italian concert at 4pm & 8pm on Friday, 10th January at St Mary’s

Amersham Festival of Music’s team are making a significant milestone this year: four decades of delivering world-class music to audiences.

So far, this year’s winter programme has offered an unforgettable celebration of classical music, jazz, and an exceptional programme of Italian concertos.

Festival artistic director Iain Ledingham says: “We’re delighted to celebrate our 40th anniversary with such a rich and diverse programme. From timeless masterpieces to the thrilling sounds of jazz, we are excited to offer something truly special for our audiences.”

Countess Howe has bid a fond farewell to Ian whose time as festival artistic director is drawing to a close, and welcomed his successor, Chris Hopkins, and look to the future of our much-loved Festival.

In1983 Iain set up the festival. His own stellar career at the Royal Academy of Music reflects his exceptional musicianship, which he generously brought to Bucks by establishing South Bucks Choral Society in 1980. He recognised the transformational benefits, joy and camaraderie of communal singing, taking singers with a wide range of ability, nurturing them and improving their skills. The end-product of his remarkable abilities has been choral singing of which the community can be really proud.

On Friday, 10th January, at St Mary’s in Old Amersham, two identical performances – at 4pm and 8pm – will bring music-lovers some much-needed warmth with An Italian Concert for the New Year. You’re invited to ring in 2025 with a stunning programme of Italian classics, filled with passion and exuberance. Featuring renowned soloists including soporano Daisy Livesy and violinist Charlotte Edwards and ensembles, this concert is the perfect way to start 2025 on a high note! 

At 8pm on Friday, 14th February, at St James Church, Gerrards Cross you can enjoy music from Bach, Mozart, and Schubert. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with sublime music from these three legendary composers capturing the essence of love through timeless works. 

In addition to celebrating their 40th year, the Amersham Festival of Music team remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation. Through their annual bursary scheme, they have helped more than 100 young musicians, distributing more than £20,000 in the past five years alone. These bursaries have been used to cover tuition fees or help young artists acquire much-needed instruments.

Please visit amersham festival.org and ticketsource.co.uk/amershamfestivalofmusic 

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Tom’s greatest hits at The Coach

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Tom Kerridge & Sarah Hayward have brought some of their best-loved dishes back to menus to celebrate 10 happy years at The Coach

Behind every great team is (at least one) great woman, to mangle the phrase! And Sarah Hayward, who has worked alongside Tom Kerridge for 10 years, is at the heart of The Coach’s success.  

“The Coach has been my home for so many years and celebrating its 10th anniversary is incredibly special,” says Sarah.  

A selection of the pub’s most loved dishes from the past decade will be incorporated into the main menu throughout the birthday year and will change periodically to bring back a variety of cherished favourites from The Coach’s history. Each dish is embossed with a bespoke 10th anniversary logo. Dishes include potted Cornish crab with smoked paprika butter and cucumber chutney (£16.50), The Coach Chicken Kiev with Cauliflower Cheese (£29) and The Coach profiteroles with soured vanilla cream and dark chocolate sauce (£12.50). 

“This menu is a tribute to our loyal guests and the amazing team who make The Coach what it is,” adds Sarah. “I’m excited to revisit some of our best dishes and share them with everyone.” 

Tom Kerridge has also teamed up with the team at local brewery Rebellion Beer to create an IPA for the occasion called Decade. A local institution since 1993, Rebellion is renowned for its high-quality ales crafted using the Chiltern Hills’ natural resources and have collaborated with The Coach since the opening 10 years ago. A portion of proceeds will be donated to local charity, Meals from Marlow. 

In 2015, Sarah joined The Hand & Flowers, Tom Kerridge’s two-Michelin starred pub and after just three months was promoted to chef de partie. Just two years later in 2017, Sarah joined The Coach as junior sous chef, before promotion to her first head chef role at The Bull & Bear in Manchester’s The Stock Exchange Hotel in 2019. In 2021 Sarah returned to The Coach as head chef where she knows the kitchen inside out. She has led the team, and herself, to achieve prestigious accolades, including being named Michelin Young Chef of the Year 2023, retaining a Michelin Star since 2018, Number 21 in Top 50 Gastro Pubs 2024, and 3 AA Rosettes 2024. 

Tom Kerridge adds: “The Coach has always been about serving high-quality food in a relaxed and welcoming environment, and Sarah embodies that vision perfectly. I’m so proud of what the team has achieved and can’t wait to see how we continue to evolve in the years ahead.” 

For more info, the menu or to book please visit The Coach Marlow

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