Seeds of change in Missenden gardens

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Your garden might look bare right now but Missenden Seeds can help you plant a brighter future thanks to sustainable seeds & tubers, including dahlias

Missenden Seeds is a small, independent company run by enthusiastic local grower Carolyn. Summer might feel forever away but this month Carolyn is sowing sweet peas… “I love sweet peas,” she tells us. “I find they make stronger plants and flower earlier if I start them off in autumn. I’m also sowing lots of hardy annuals, biennials and perennials, things like calendula, poppies, astrantia, foxgloves, hollyhocks. As soon as we get the first frost I’ll dig up and store all the dahlia tubers, which is a lot of work but with our heavy clay soil I can’t leave them in over winter.

Carolyn is passionate about perennials, biennials and annuals which make beautiful cut flowers and good for pollinators. “We believe growing flowers should be simple and sustainable. All the seeds and tubers we stock are grown by us, we don’t import or repackage seeds or dahlia tubers. We also only stock open-pollinated varieties from which you can save seed year after year – no F1 varieties here!”

On a small site in the village, Missenden Seeds uses no chemicals and is peat free. “As the seeds are open-pollinated there is always the chance that the odd seedling may not appear exactly the same as its parent, but may be something even lovelier. Some can produce beautiful variations – particularly in the case of dahlia seeds where every plant you grow will be different to its parent and totally unique.

“I’ve lived in Great Missenden for many years and my children all go to school locally. I feel very lucky to live somewhere with such beautiful countryside on the doorstep and such a great range of local shops and places to eat.

“It’s hard to choose my favourite flower but if I had to pick just one thing to grow it would be dahlias. There’s a dahlia for every situation, they flower for months until the first frost and come in such a range of colours, forms and sizes. My favourite this year has been Labyrinth, a striking large decorative variety in pink and peach.”

Claim a 10% discount with Carolyn’s code, BLOOM at Missenden Seeds. Also follow @missendenseeds on Instagram for news.

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Live music at Dawkes in Maidenhead

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Dawkes Music in Maidenhead will welcome you to its wondrous new warehouse studio & bar for highlights this season including the Emma Rawicz Trio and Greg Coulson Band

Fresh on the heels of their stunning refurb, the team at Dawkes are thrilled to welcome you for more live music highlights to build on the popularity of their previous Sunday Live music sessions.

The beautifully redesigned new premises in Reform Road, SL6 8BT, have been created to provide a comfortable and stylish environment where you can enjoy the magic of live music, with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. There’s also a permanent on-site bar offering a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

“Every part of the store is a family affair, and the live events are no exception,” says event manager Julia Bentley-Dawkes. “Here at Dawkes, we are passionate about creating, inspiring and supporting musicians of all ages, and as such, we have curated a programme of free and paid events for everyone, aged from 0 to 100+. We have seen first-hand how music brings people together, and our aim is to provide an opportunity for everyone to hear really great quality live music and to inspire them to embrace music in their lives, whether that be learning an instrument, joining a choir or going to see more live music events.”

On 10th November you can enjoy the Andy Mears Octet. Consisting of five horns and rhythm, this versatile ensemble showcases some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians working today. They have extensive repertoire of intricately crafted arrangements of jazz and big band classic, as well as some original material.

Saturday, 30th November & Sunday, 1st December is Clarinet & Sax Weekend. Dawkes Music hosts clarinet and sax-related workshops, masterclasses and live performances with inspiring visiting professionals.

On 1st December, Emma Rawicz stars. She’s a young saxophonist, bandleader and composer with an astonishing musical maturity. At just 22 years of age, Emma has achieved a huge amount including the release of two critically acclaimed albums, Incantation & Chrome, and extensive headline tours across 15 continents!

MD Jonathan Dawkes adds: “Helping live music happen is why we do what we do in the shop; selling new instruments and repairing old ones! We are very excited to be hosting some old friends and new ones to bring a bit of that jazz club vibe to Maidenhead.”

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Christmas at Camberley Theatre

Round & About

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Buckinghamshire

Round & About

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Experience a Magical Christmas with Snow White: A Fun-Filled Pantomime Adventure!

Get ready for a spellbinding pantomime like no other! This Christmas, Snow White takes the stage in an exciting new production full of laughter, magic and surprises. Join Snow White and her lively band of friends in a charming adventure packed with unforgettable songs, hilarious moments, and stunning scenery.

Special Performances:

• Relaxed Performance: Sunday 15th December, 2pm
• Integrated BSL Signed Performance: Sunday 22nd December, 2pm
• Captioned Performance (live subtitles of the show): Friday 27th December, 1pm

7th December, all tickets are £20

To book tickets and to find out more visit Camberley Theatre

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Soumya Dinesh’s best bits of Bucks!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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In our latest Bucks vox pop, the MD & co-founder of Atula Technologies shares what she loves about Stokenchurch & the surrounding area

Hi Soumya! Please could you tell us a bit about yourself?
“I’m just on the cusp of moving to the other side of the 50s. I have two grown-up boys I’ve lived in Stokenchurch for the past 15 years. As for work, at Atula Technologies we build e-commerce platforms and software to solve unique business problems. I take the fear and uncertainty out of technology so it’s accessible to everyone. I love it when I can explain to small business owners how they can add value to their business using technology or plan a business exit strategy or a passive income during retirement.”

Q. That sounds rewarding!
“Yes, I like to spend time understanding the business values and mission so that technology can be used to achieve them. For example, I’m helping build a website that’s accessible to the sight-impaired to help achieve the company’s mission for accessibility and inclusivity.”

Q. Are there any local teachers worth a shout-out?
“Both my boys went to school locally, and I am so glad they did! I’d love to give a huge shout-out to the lovely Mrs Katie Hayes who has been a music teacher for over 50 years and also Mr Venvell who used to be the music director at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe.”

Q. What are you favourite walks?
“There are far too many! Along the canal in Wendover is just as rejuvenating as the walk in the woods and fields behind Peterley Manor Farm, as is the walk inside West Wycombe Estate. I also enjoy visiting the woods in Hughenden and Bradenham. The beautiful views from Whiteleaf Hill are also well worth mentioning.”

Q. What do you most love about where you live?
“Having the gorgeous countryside on our doorstep! I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?
“I really enjoy Vaasu in Marlow and Wagamamas in High Wycombe.”.

Q. What about shops or local businesses?
“The Apple Orchard in West Wycombe village all day long! Their café serves up the best coffees and cakes and the gift shop is such a wonderful place to just meander around.”

Q. Where is your favourite landmark or hidden secret?
“The churchyard near the river in Marlow and the bridge over the river.”

Q. Are you a member of any local groups?
“I’ve recently become a member of the BoB High Wycombe networking group. Although it is business-focused, the people there are absolutely fantastic. Not only do we get business done, but everyone supports each other outside of work, raises money for charity and has fun along the way.”

Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?
“That people are more accepting: of themselves, and the people around them!”

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Dazzling seasonal highlights across Bucks

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Winter is coming, which means dark nights! But here’s our guide to highlights which are sure to lift spirits & keep the gloom at bay…

November beckons… so are we safe to start talking about Christmas now?! I know it’s not technically Advent yet (before the sticklers write in!) but, after the dazzling delights of Diwali and Bonfire Nights have finished lighting up the skies, we’re looking for other seasonal highlights. And there’s plenty cheer here to light up our lives!

Get your flow on at The Realms of Mystica lantern festival walk at the Dinosaur & Farm Park in Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT, from 1st November; Land of Lights Festival Milton Keynes | Land of Lights Festival Milton Keynes

The atmospheric greenhouses at Peterley Manor Farm near Great Missenden, HP16 0HH, will be chock-full of goodwill and festive cheer for the Christmas Market, 14th-17th November. You’ll find more than 70 boutique shopping stalls, food and drink, a local talent music tent, street food area, fire pits & more; visit Peterley Manor Farm | A family run farm set in the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire

With a sprinkle of magic, between 15th November & 5th January, Waddesdon Manor and its gardens, HP18 0JH, turns into a Sleeping Beauty-inspired wonderland with light projections on the manor’s façade. Explore the beautifully illuminated gardens and woodland trails; perfect for families or couples looking to light up date night! Inside the manor, opulent decorations and exhibits will offer a Victorian Christmas. The Christmas market, running until 22nd December, offers hand-crafted gifts, festive food and more. Waddesdon Manor | A French Renaissance-style château

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is returning for its fourth year to light up the iconic Great Park, SL4 2HT, 15th November to 4th January and dogs are welcome, too! For more info & to book please visit Windsor Great Park Illuminated: light up your year!

High Wycombe will offer you a warm welcome in the High Street & Frogmoor, 1-6pm on Saturday, 16th November for the Christmas Lights Festival featuring music, entertainment & more; visit – HWBIDCo for more info.

Marlow’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Thursday, 21st November, will bring lots of sparkle to the high street with carol singers, live performances, and late-night shopping; Home – Marlow Town Council. More late-night shopping on 5th December, too! Marlow Chamber of Commerce | Business Networking & Events

Chesham’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is all set for 6-9pm on Friday, 22nd November. Enjoy live performances, Santa’s grotto at Chapter Two bookshop, a funfair, music and dance, food, drink & craft stalls. Visit Chesham Events.

Great Missenden High Street will be all-atwinkle, 3-8pm on Saturday, 23rd November. Head along to shop for artisan produce, tuck into street food and be dazzled by entertainment. Cooper’s Markets – Old Amersham Artisan Market

Enjoy a festive family adventure with rides, a Santa’s grotto & gifts, 23rd November to 23rd December at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT. Visit Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort | Milton Keynes

Christmas On The Cobbles in the Market Square & Exchange, Aylesbury, 12-5.30pm on Sunday 24th will offer market stalls, an illuminated parade, theatre stars, Santa & fireworks; Aylesbury Town Council

Christmastime at Stowe Gardens, MK18 5EQ offers a serene escape into one of Bucks’ most famous landscapes. From 24th November to 5th January, experience the stately grounds illuminated with interactive light displays, enjoy storytelling for children and warm up treats at the café or make a wreath.

Celebrate Christmas with a Scandinavian twist at Hughenden Manor, HP14 4LA, from 25th November to 3rd January. Disraeli’s former gaff will be transformed into a Nordic winter wonderland, the manor house, gardens, and stable yard adorned with decorations. Follow a festive trail, enjoy storytelling, take part in crafting activities, enjoy choir performances and seasonal food. Visit National Trust

Buckingham’s light switch-on will draw happy families, 4-7pm on Thursday, 28th November, outside The Old Gaol with stalls, lots of live entertainment & food; Buckingham Town Council

Beaconsfield Festival of Light will dazzle in the new town on Wednesday, 4th December, from 6pm. Enjoy the children’s lantern parade, Christmas Shopping, market stalls, a food court and lots of entertainment. For more info please visit Beaconsfield Festival of Lights

The Feast of St Peter team have organised a family friendly highlight in Chalfont St Peter on Friday, 6th December in Market Place. Head along to enjoy stalls, entertainment, family fun & more; Christmas Fun Night — Feast of St Peter

Finally, don’t miss perfect panto; Aladdin, 13th December to 5th January at Wycombe Swan. We’ll bring you our interview with shining star Vernon Kay next month! Book Show Tickets | Wycombe Swan Theatre

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Beautiful, bespoke lampshades made in Bucks

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Tracy Watson has turned her creative hand to a range of beautiful lampshades. Check them out at Peterley Christmas Market, 14th to 17th November

Looking to light up your life!? Wife & Mum Tracy Watson, who lives in Great Kingshill, has had the same bright idea.. And we’re thrilled to share the results as we enter the darkest months of the year.

Blue Boy Furniture is named after Tracy’s beloved little boy Charlie, who passed away when he was five and forever remains her ‘little blue boy’. Using her grief as a spark for creativity, Tracy has spent the past five years refreshing stylish homes across Bucks & beyond. This year she began making lampshades and fixtures from cotton and linen fabrics – often limited-edition remnants – ensuring individuality and style.

Tracy says: “I came up with the idea when I needed a new lampshade for my own home, and could only find white or grey in main high street stores. I wanted something which would add an injection of pattern and colour to the room, without a full-on maximalist look.

“Our stock is continuously evolving, but if you can’t see something that catches your eye, or have a traditional frame you would like recovering, please get in touch and let’s talk about a commission for you!”

Suitable for both ceiling fixtures and lamp bases, Tracy’s handmade lampshades are fire-retardant and compatible with bulbs up to 40 watts. Tracy has been painting furniture and crafting home decor items since she bought her first house in the 1990s. Inspired by upcycling programmes she began painting and refurbishing the quality vintage furniture finds.

“Blue Boy Furniture has mushroomed,” says Tracy. “I begam painting furniture for resale, quickly progressing into refurbishing customers’ own furniture. Having a piece of your own furniture painted can turn it from dull, drab and unfitting in your home into a stunning, unique statement piece you love.”

Tracy’s painting has expanded to kitchen cabinets and built-in wardrobes too. She says: “I’m painting kitchens for customers who want to refresh their homes without the expense and inconvenience of installing new cabinets” Tracy stocks a range of paints online and offers training videos.

Visit Blue Boy Furniture | Painting and Upcycling Home Furniture & follow blueboyfurniture on Instagram for more info to get in touch.

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Talking turkey at Mayo Brothers!

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Jenni & Rob Sawyer tell us a bit more about the much-loved Mayo Brothers butchers shop in Chesham Bois as the team get ready for the busiest season…

Christmastime seems to be celebrated earlier and earlier these days… So spare a thought for Jenni and the rest of the team at Mayo Bros butchers…

“We actually start our Christmas run-up in March!” says Jenni. “That’s when we put our order in to the turkey farmer, and then from September we really start prepping and preparing behind the series. We start opening our Christmas order book in October ready for the others and the busiest of the year.”

Beloved as a village institution by locals as well as foodies who flock from further afield, Mayo Brothers is an independent family butchers.

“We love being part of a community,” adds Jen who, along with Rob, grew up here in Chesham Bois. “It makes it even more special to be here.

“We believe in supplying a high-quality product to our customers and offer a wealth of experience and knowledge. The most rewarding aspect of business so far has been the support we felt from the local community during the pandemic and the support we had when we completed our new shop fit. Our customers are definitely the most rewarding part of the job.

“We are looking at providing new products all the time and the development of our ‘prepared by us’ meals continues all the time. Keep an eye on social media for new products!”

Jen, Rob and the team are very much involved in village life, especially Chesham Bois summer fete every other year. “It’s a real village atmosphere, and we enjoy doing the barbecue,” says Jen. “We now also provide our BBQ service for other local villages for their summer fetes and larger events. We are already booked for next year at Stoke Poges village fete and the Chorleywood car show. It’s so popular because it’s professional, friendly BBQ service, a fully managed BBQ for parties, weddings, special occasions… or just an excuse not to cook!”

All successful businesses have to evolve and, understanding that modern life keeps us busy, Jen and Rob recently created a range of homemade products for customers to take away and bake in the oven at home.

“We only use meat from our shop and fresh ingredients to produce the finest quality meals with the majority of our sauces being allergen-free,” says Rob.

“As for our favourite cut of meat… it has to be a rib-eye steak – a Saturday night treat! We also really like to eat at independent restaurants and support them, as we know how important it is to have the support of your locality. We love visiting Darmon Deli, the brewery shop in Amersham, and Jen loves a coffee (and sometimes an early breakfast before work) at Jester in Hill Avenue.”

Mayo Brothers, 32 Bois Lane, Chesham Bois, HP6 6BP. Find out more on the Facebook page & visit Welcome to Mayo Brothers award winning Butchers and Speciality Grocery for more info.

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Dazzling fireworks above local skies

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Bright & beautiful is not just a description of the pupils at Great Missenden C of E School but also the fireworks display with music on Saturday, 9th November, with more on 2nd in Holmer Green, too! 

Spectacular fireworks will light up the sky above Great Missenden C of E School in Church Street, HP16 0AZ.

The sparkling display – set to music – will raise funds for the school PTA as well as spirits, with a bonfire, entertainment, fairground rides, a hog roast and licensed bar. Gates will open at 5pm.

The school’s headteacher Mr Magee says: “The fireworks event at Great Missenden is truly a highlight of the year, bringing together not only our school community but also families and friends from the wider local area. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and enjoy a shared experience, strengthening the bonds that make our community so special.”

Family tickets (two adults, two children) are £29, adults £30pp, children £7pp and under-fours go free. To buy yours please visit Great Missenden School PTA
A reminder also about the evening of fireworks and fun planned for Saturday, 2nd November at Holmer Green Sports Association in Watchet lane, HP15 6UF.

The community event includes a professional firework display choreographed to music, licensed bar, food vendors, music, hot drinks, sweets, light up toys and more.

Gates will open at 5pm with the firework display at 7pm. Stalls, including those selling food and drink, will remain open after the display. This is a ticket only event, with a maximum capacity. For more info & to book visit Holmer Green Sports Association

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From Princes Risborough to Portugal

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Graeme Card BSc FCIPS (Retired) tells us abut his epic trip in aid of Cancer Research & urges you to donate if you can to The Rotary Club of Princes Risborough in memory of Barry Tomkins, Sharon Sullivan and Helen Harrison

Together with an old school friend, Martin, whom I have known for 55 years now, I walked the last section of the Camino Portuguese from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela.

For those of you who do not know, the Camino de Santiago is a series of walks setting off from various locations (even the UK if you are so inclined), but all converging on Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

For completing one of these walks, as long as it is longer than 100km (about 62 miles in old money) you get a Compostela (a rather nice certificate in Latin) and the option to attend the service held at the main Cathedral in Santiago each Friday.

The Camino’s roots can be traced back to a legend from the 9th century. It was believed that the remains of St. James the Apostle, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples, were discovered in Northwestern Spain.

Upon hearing this revelation, King Alfonso II ordered the construction of a humble chapel to honour the apostle. Little did he know this chapel would blossom into the awe-inspiring Santiago Cathedral, the emblematic beacon for pilgrims known worldwide today.

As word spread of this sacred resting place, the Middle Ages witnessed a fervent surge in Christian pilgrims, making the arduous journey to pay their respects and seek spiritual solace.

Now I confess to not being in the least bit religious, but I am Rotarian and like to do ‘stuff’ whatever that may be, for charity, so, together with Martin we decided to raise money for Cancer Research, in my case in memory of a fellow Rotarian and in the case of Martin, in memory of his ex-wife and sister in law – both who died in their late 50s.

“I am a Rotarian and like to do ‘stuff’, whatever that may be, for charity”

We arrived in Vigo late Saturday 5th October to less than clement conditions, in fact, it was merrily chucking it down as they say. Things did not bode well. Sunday came somewhat overcast and we got into the habit of checking the weather forecast pretty much daily. Our route took us from Vigo to Redondela, then Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padron, Teo and finally, Santiago. Each port of call was between 16km and 21km apart, except for the final day as we only had 11km to do, it just felt like 20km by that time.

We would spend between 4 and 5 hours walking each day, mostly uphill it seems and for the first 2 days, in very damp weather. The best part of the whole experience for me is fellow ‘Pelegrinos’ Pilgrims you meet on the walk, I have previously done the rather quiet Camino Ingles but this Camino was VERY much busier. We lost count of the nationalities we met along the way with a Cheery “Buen Camino!” as they walked by.

Each day you have to collect at least to staps for your ‘Credencial’, a sort of Pilgrims Passport, to confirm you had done the route, or so, one at start of day, one at the end, each little cafe or bar or church will have their own stamp, in some places people set up little stalls selling foods and trinkets by the pathway. The Galicians are wonderfully friendly and whilst of course some knowledge of the language goes a long way, quite a lot of the locals have a smattering of English. Our accommodation was arranged for us in advance by a company called Galliwonders, a local firm, all-female run, I cannot recommend them highly enough! Superb little two – and three-star hotels in each port of call, you can even have your luggage shipped from place to place too, which is useful in winter so you can take a change of clothing.

Whilst we only did 100km in six days, the entire Portuguese Camino starts in Porto… so you need a fair while to do the entire thing! I intend to do another Camino next year, maybe another section of the Portuguese, maybe the French Camino, whatever, it will be fun, a truly uplifting experience, even if you are not religious and you will meet some wonderful people, to cap it all you end up in Santiago which is beautiful city.

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Concert to christen Bisham’s new organ

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Book your tickets to enjoy a recital by the internationally acclaimed organist, pianist and composer, Iain Farrington on the new organ on 1st November

Hallelujah: the new organ at Bisham Church has arrived!

On September 2nd and 3rd, Viscount Organs delivered and installed the new organ and speakers. They also “voiced” the organ (that means “tuned” for those of you who did not know the term). The whole process was completed in two days.

The organ was played for the first time at the service the following Sunday. By all accounts it is a fine instrument and a number of events have been planned to give everyone some appreciation of the organs potential.

On Friday, 1st November, 7.30-9.30pm you can enjoy a recital by the internationally acclaimed organist, pianist and composer, Iain Farrington. You may have heard one of Iain’s compositions at the coronation of King Charles and more recently, Iain’s piece weaving together TV sports themes performed at the Last Night of the Proms.

Rev John Smith of Bisham Church says: “Iain promises an evening to show off the possibilities of the new organ with music by a range of composers and in a variety of styles. We will hear Bach, Handel, Vaughan Williams and Widor. Iain is known particularly as one of the very few composers of jazz for the organ. We hope he will also play some of his compositions.”

Tickets cost £20 and are now available on the Ticket Tailor website: Buy tickets – Organ Recital by Iain Farrington – All Saints Church Bisham (tickettailor.com)

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