The Pop-up Pumpkin Patch has popped up again in Stokenchurch HP14 3YF, for its third year, 23rd-31st October. Brooke White tells us more!
October sees the welcome return of the Pop-up Pumpkin Patch, the brainchild of Brooke and her husband Tom, a second generation farmer who has always farmed in and around the Chilterns.
Brooke says: “Usually rearing cows and sheep, we first started diversifying the farm and growing pumpkins in 2022 after a random ‘image if’ conversation over dinner one evening. That conversation turned into reality the following October!
“We love opening up the farm and giving people the opportunity to have fun with their families while picking their pumpkins from the field in which they were grown.
“With three young children, George, Mollie & Harry we are always looking for activities that we can enjoy as a family without spending a fortune at the same time! Entry to the patch is free and there’s lots for the little (and big!) ones to keep them entertained. Climb to the top of our straw bale mountain, play on a ride on tractor, spot the spooky clues with our Scavenger hunt, enjoy a tractor and trailer ride around the field, take some Insta-worthy photos and get lost in the maize maze!”
Ibstone C of E Primary School will also run a pop-up café serving hot drinks and cakes, raising funds for the PTA. Entry to the patch is free, parking is free. Simply pay for what you pick. Pumpkin prices start from £2.
Brooke adds: “We donate 100% of our café and Scavenger hunt takings to Ibstone C of E Primary School, so you can enjoy a coffee and slice of cake whilst raising money for charity. We can’t wait to welcome you to the farm!”
The patch will be open 23rd-31st October, 11am-3pm. Find more info on Instagram or find The Pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Facebook.
Liz Nicholls chats to Geoff Wickett, founder of Chiltern Venison, who helps protect local landscapes and is on a mission to encourage us to eat sustainable, ethical venison, year-round
Twilight is a magical time in the deep, dark woods. As the autumn mist rises and sunshine dapples the undergrowth at dawn and dusk, you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of the fallow deer, even if it’s only a twitch of its distinctive white tail.
But, as Geoff Wickett knows all too well, this majestic, mystical creature is likely to have spied you first… “Deer are truly astonishing creatures,” he says. “They’re beautiful, sentient, and their hearing is exceptional: their ears operate independently, alerting them to any danger. Their ability to register visual changes around them is astonishing, it’s as if their eyes take a series of pictures, with the brain then overlaying them for any changes.
“When you’re sneaking up on a herd of fallow deer, say, and there are 100 pairs of ears and eyes, it doesn’t take much for them to notice you. And the wind swirls swiftly around these hills; one can sniff you out, and they’re off!”
Roe deer are a native species; they’ve roamed this land since the Ice Age. Fallow deer were introduced by the Romans, extirpated and reintroduced by the Normans for the chase. You’ll also find smaller, barking muntjac who ancestors escapees from the Duke Of Bedford’s herd at Woburn, and Chinese water deer, whose forefathers scarpered from Whipsnade.
So, the question is, why kill these beautiful animals? The wild truth is that deer have become the single biggest threat to woodland in the UK, which is why Geoff is employed by land-owners and conservation charities, including the National Trust & Woodland Trust, to help manage their population. Deer, who have no natural predators, reproduce at a startling rate. In fact, numbers have doubled since Covid. Left unchecked, they will destroy the landscape, its distinctive flora and fauna.
“This deeply layered habitat is being trashed by deer,” says Geoff, who moved to Hughenden Valley ten years ago, leaving a career in tech accessories. “The shrub layer of most local woodland has been entirely eaten by the deer. Unlike other deer, muntjac eat the bluebells which won’t return the following year. This woodland provides nesting habitat, shelter, nectar, berries and nuts for a whole range of birds, mammals and insects. With the shrub layer gone, all life suffers and if a wood can’t produce young trees, it eventually dies. In larger numbers, deer need to go further for food and cause great damage to local farmers’ crops, as well as causing up to 74,000 vehicle collisions every year on UK roads, some fatal.”
Image: Piers Photography
Image: Piers Photography
Geoff’s mission is to encourage us all to eat venison, year-round. This natural, ethical, sustainable meat is showcased on menus at restaurants including The Oarsman in Marlow (pictured), The Nags Head in Great Missenden, White Oak is Cookham Dean, The Griffin in Amersham, Three Oaks in Gerrards Cross and Peterley Manor Farm (where it’s also stocked in the shop). In addition to firearms and wildlife laws, stringent food handling laws apply, as soon as a deer hits the ground. Geoff has just invested in a walk-in larder and processing unit to meet demand and is happy to sell direct. “We have this idea venison’s ‘posh’,” he says. “In the past you might have been executed for poaching a deer by the king, but venison’s not just for high days. It’s a great, healthy everyday alternative to beef or lamb, with high zinc and protein. My wife and I love a rump or chump steak. I love to sell to foodies, which means minimal food miles, unlike meat shipped from New Zealand which is crazy!
“I can trace every detail about the animal which is being enjoyed in a delicious meal instead of going to waste. Surprisingly, I’ve had one comment in a decade along the line of being a ‘bambi killer’. But people have been very supportive when they understand the bigger picture. I’ve even sold boxes to vegetarians who know that this is a food source that’s unprocessed, and that the animal has had a good life, unexposed to steroids or antibiotics.”
Importantly, each deer has also had a ‘good’ death, unlike the majority of animals reared for their meat and slaughtered in much more dystopian settings. Geoff is sometimes accompanied on his stalking trips by his cocker spaniel Artemis (pictured above) and he also has a young blue roan Skadi (named after the Norse goddess of the hunt). Both enjoy the odd bone (“nature’s toothbrush”) and Geoff takes his role and animal welfare very seriously. He learned to shoot at school and with the army is trained in “gralloching” as well as all the other handling processes which cost about £150 per carcass.
“I must be mad to do this as there’s not much money in it,” adds Geoff. “But I love this glorious countryside – I won’t go back to a desk job!”
A real foodie destination returns on September 28th & 29th with a wonderful mix of more than 120 stalls in the Artisan Market
Thame Food Festival promises a delicious mix of sweet, savoury, vegan, vegetarian and flavours from around the world offering something delicious to suit every taste!
This will be alongside the Street Food market with an extensive range of carefully selected, passionate producers. All guaranteed to enjoy then and there or to take away and savour in another moment in this fabulous feast of an event sponsored by Lightfoots Solicitors.
Headlining the celebrated Big Cookery Stage this year will be Matty Edgell – winner of last year’s Great British Bake Off. He will be joined by fellow finalist Dan Hunter. Several familiar faces will be alongside them including Steven Carter-Bailey, Alex Hollywood, Eva Humphries, Dave Mooney, Val Stones, Tristan Welch, and for the first time DJ Supper Club. This includes Daniel Adams, an ex-three Michelin star-trained chef, who honed his skills under Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck. Joel Mignott, known for his cooking, fashion, entertainment as a DJ and model, and as a star on ITV’s Made in Chelsea, joins him as a dynamic culinary duo.
In addition, LumberjAxe Food Company will be really increasing the heat; with BBQ demonstration showing how to take your BBQ to the next level. Join them as they fire up the festival and offer delicious tastings too.
More than just food
The core of Thame Food Festival is always about the food and drink. However, no festival is complete without live music which will again feature alongside the ever-popular Pop-Up pub. Then for the shopaholics, step into the marquee of eclectic home and kitchenware which will be returning with Humble Country.
The dedicated children’s activity area will return with local charity Thomley entertaining the children with lots of art and fun things to do. And once again, there will be dog show and demonstrations by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People with all money raised going directly to the charities. Circus skills workshops will encourage younger visitors to try juggling, spinning plates and more.
Fast Track Priority Tickets are available to purchase online now, at £12 for adults (17+ yrs), £5 for children aged 12-16, all under 12s free. Family tickets for two adults and two children are available prior online for £29 (only available online until 20th September and not available on the day). Gates open at 10am each day and once within the festival site all the music, demonstrations, interviews, circus workshops and masterclasses are free.
Come eat, drink and do! Join for a fun, fabulous, feasting family day out!
Dick Morbey tells us about the enchanting West Wycombe Music Festival, 19th to 21st September, founded by international star (& Wycombe born & raised) musician Lawrence Power
West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival was established 13 years ago by Lawrence Power who is now recognised as a performer of the very highest calibre on the world stage.
Each September Lawrence returns to the area to direct and perform in this three-day music festival which offers audiences five attractively programmed concerts. He brings with him an array of top-flight musicians who join him to perform in this exclusive series of concerts.
The festival has firmly established its place as one of the key musical events in our locality. It was hailed by the Guardian newspaper as “One of the top ten classical music events of 2021”.
After last year’s success in Hambleden, where we received a very warm welcome from the community and our audiences, we are delighted to be returning to the village this year. The festival will take place from Thursday 19th to Saturday, 21st September.
Five concerts will be given, with an Enchanted theme, all in the beautiful 12th century Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hambledon, RG9 6RX, in the heart of one the most attractive villages in the Chiltern hills in Buckinghamshire. In addition to three evening concerts, there will also be a lunchtime concert on the Friday and a late morning concert on the Saturday. You can find full details of the five concerts and performances & book at westwycombemusic.org.uk and also follow the Facebook page. For further details, ticket sales and enquiries please email the festival organisers on [email protected] or you can call 01494 528659 or 07948 897148.
The West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival is an entirely non-profit concert series which aims to bring the very best of live music performance to the area, given by top calibre musicians. In current times this is increasingly costly, but thanks to the support of audiences and Friends of the Festival we are able to cover most, but not all of our costs.
We invite music-lovers to consider becoming a Friend. The Friends of the Festival are a thriving, friendly group who have offered great support for the festival for over a decade. Friends’ subscriptions and subsequent generous donations have been instrumental in supplementing the income we receive from our generously-priced concert tickets and enabling the continuance of the concert series.
For further info, ticket sales and enquiries please email the organisers by emailing [email protected] or call 01494 528659 or 07948 897148.
The Jordans Picture House team look forward to welcoming you back, with September’s super screenings: A Man Called Otto and Jojo Rabbit
Starring Tom Hanks; Marian Trevino & Rachel Keller and directed by Marc Forster, A Man Called Otto (15) will be screened at Jordans Picture House on Friday, 13th September. Doors open at the new time of 6.45pm and the programme start at 7.30pm.
Otto is a grump who has given up on life, following the loss of his wife. He’s ready to end it all but his plans are interrupted when a lively young family moves in next door and he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol. She challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship which turns his world around. This is a heart-warming and funny story about love, loss and life, showing that family can be found in the most unexpected places.
“This is the perfect vehicle for Tom Hanks and he makes the most of the opportunity,” says one IMDB user. “Well written and well-acted this is great entertainment moving seamlessly from comedy to drama and ultimately packs an emotional punch that makes it memorable and pushes it into one of the best movies of the year. A great reminder of why Tom Hanks has been at the top for so long.”
On Friday, 27th September, Jordans Picture House will screen Jojo Rabbit 12A (6.45pm for 7.30pm).
Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie & Scarlett Johannsen and directed by Taika Waititi, it tells the story of a young German boy in the Hitler Youth whose hero and imaginary friend is the country’s dictator is shocked to discover that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.
“Jojo Rabbit demonstrates that there is hope, both for humanity and Hollywood,” says one reviewer. “The characters are charming and quirky, the dialogue clever and the plot wisely confines itself to telling an intensely personal story rather than one of the war itself. The young male star is perfect.”
Book your tickets now: £8pp or £5 under-15s. Visit Jordans Picture House, or call Gill on 01494 678050.
Pangbourne High Street is becoming even more of a must-visit destination for locals & visitors. We’re celebrating this boom, including two new boutiques for style-lovers…
Already home to beloved establishments such as Cheese Etc, Kiki & Bow Interiors, The Rhubarb Tree, Nino’s Deli and Artichoke Café, the high street is now welcoming two exciting new boutiques to enhance its charm and appeal.
In April, Amy Grace, who has a background in footwear buying and design at renowned high street brands, launched Grace. This chic boutique offers a distinctive shopping experience, featuring her own footwear brands, Grace, and Feather & Sole. Additionally, the store showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of accessories sourced from Europe and the UK, making it a go-to spot for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique and stylish pieces.
“I’ve lived here for seven years, originally as it was on the commuter line into London and I wanted the village vibe with easy access to the city,” Amy tells us. “I’ve stayed because I love this quaint little spot. We get quite a few people coming here to picnic by the river in the summer and it seems to be a meeting point for surrounding villages due to the cafes, shops and strolls by the river.”
“I’ve stayed because I love this quaint little spot”
Adding to the vibrant mix, bespoke jeweller Nicola Bannister opened her atelier in July. Known for her exquisite craftsmanship, Nicola offers one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewellery that caters to those with a discerning eye for quality and elegance. Her atelier has already been attracting jewellery-lovers and provides a personalised shopping experience that’s both memorable and luxurious alongside a repairs and remodelling service. Nicola also offers workshops such as wedding-ring making for couples making their vows.
While Pangbourne has always been great for the foodie spots and Kiki & Bow interiors is a great asset, having more shops open has given people more reason to visit. Pangbourne High Street is nor just a shopping destination but a thriving hub of unique retail and culinary experiences, perfect for an afternoon mooch.
Head to Discover Bucks Museum near Aylesbury to see one of the finest collection of vintage Star Wars toys & original movie posters
One of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original movie posters is on display in a stunning exhibition at Discover Bucks Museum in Bucks.
Back when the movie Star Wars broke box office records in 1977 no one could have predicted that the merchandising would go on to earn even more than the film itself. The toys of Star Wars took the world by storm and became the must-have playthings for an entire generation. From 1977 to 1985 an estimated 300 million action figures were sold, allowing children to re-enact the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo.
May The Toys Be With You is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape.
For little kids and “big kids” alike this is an unmissable opportunity to view many rarely seen Star Wars treasures. This exhibition has broken visitor attendance records at a host of museums around the country, and the museum team are excited for its first visit to Aylesbury. The exhibition runs until 3rd November.
Continuing the sci-fi theme and a treat for those visitors who have fond memories of the 1980 BBC Television adaptation of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, we have on display until 3rd November the original, screen-used costume prop of Marvin the Paranoid Android.
For more information, opening times, ticket prices and to book visit Welcome to Discover Bucks – Discover Bucks. Discover Bucks Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP.
Peter Henry tells us more about Chesham Bois Tennis Club’s oldest member Roy Thorn who is still smiling at 100
As a member of Chesham Bois Lawn Tennis and Squash Club for some 30 years I have known and played tennis with Roy for a considerable time. On his 90th Birthday, when he was still playing twice a week, I had the opportunity to interview about his life and he turned out to be quite a character. Now that he reached 100 it provides the opportunity to share some of his stories with the world.
Roy was born on 7th August 1924 in Chesham where apart from his time in the RAF and 10 years working in London, he has spent all his life in the area. He was married to Mary, a talented painter and Sculptor, for 46 years until her death in 1997, with whom he had 3 children, Robin, Jane and Timothy, four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. His career was in the legal profession as first a solicitor’s clerk and later as a Legal Executive when he was a founder member of the Institute of Legal Executives. Outside work he has been a keen sportsman all his life with tennis and badminton as his two games. He founded Chiltern Badminton Club and has been a member of Chesham Bois LT&SC for 76 years.
Roy has always been a keen photographer and during the early part of the war Roy delighted in taking illicit photographs of the military vehicles and troop movements either from the offices of Blaser Mills which overlooked the Broadway or by concealing his camera under his coat on the Avenue in Lowndes Park where British Army vehicles were concealed under the line of trees.
“Roy has always been a keen photographer”
One night in 1941, during the period of the London Blitz, bombs were dropped on a field on the outskirts of Chesham. Roy went out early the next morning and picked up an unexploded incendiary bomb sticking out of the ground taking it home on his bike concealed in his gauntlet gloves much to his mother’s horror. On returning home for lunch the bomb had gone, taken away by the police. Roy went round to the Police Station in a high dudgeon, had a heated but failed argument with the sergeant to get ‘his’ bomb back.
In 1943 Roy joined the RAF and was then sent on an aviation course in Leicester where he flew Tiger Moths learning all the tricks of the trade including Acrobatics, Night Flying, Navigation and Forced Landings. As part of this course, they were required to travel an 80-mile route with an instructor and then retrace the route flying solo the next day. The course took them north from Leicester but Roy, who as shown by his clandestine military photography was always keen to take a risk, worked out that if he fiddled his log he could fly to Chesham and back. This he did successfully with the only difficulty being when he encountered 3 Bovingdon based US Flying Fortresses and was forced to climb so they couldn’t see his registration and possibly report his presence in the wrong part of the country!
During his time in the RAF, he was working alongside the now famous actor Robert Hardy. Robert asked Roy to take some photographs and, being enamoured of the Laurence Olivier 1944 film of Henry V, came to the shoot with full costume including armour, hired for the occasion.
Roy left the RAF in 1946 and returned to his old firm of Blaser Mills and then spent 10 years working in similar roles in London from the late 1950s but returned to Chesham and joined the solicitors Iliffes (now– IBB).
With two friends, who both safely survived the war, he founded Chiltern Badminton Club in which he was involved for the next 25 years including the roles of secretary and chairman. Roy joined Chesham Bois LT&SC in 1948, was made an honorary member on the Club’s Centenary in 2008 plating until he was 97.
Three further facts that demonstrate his character are; that he rode a motorbike until he was 87, and at the age of 96 he also managed to climb through a very small window that was a good 6ft above the ground, after he’d locked himself out of the house upon return from his granddaughter’s wedding. Having achieved entry with the aid of a ladder he then took it outside, locked himself out again, and had to repeat the whole process!
Roy lived independently in Amersham until February this year when he moved to The Willow Care Home in Chesham where he continues to make the most of life.
Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care announces the return of its Sustainable September campaign. The month-long event is back for its second year, bigger and better than before.
The charity is encouraging people in Bucks to participate in the challenge, whereby people wear one item of clothing or an accessory from a charity shop every day throughout the month of September.
Rennie Grove Peace will be sending out a weekly email newsletter with styling tips and tricks from personal stylist and founder of Luxe Leopard Lifestyle, Alex Standley (Alex Standley Personal Stylist St Albans (@luxeleopardlifestyle)). Each newsletter will feature a theme to inspire participants with their outfits for that week. Those taking part are asked to simply tag Rennie Grove Peace) on Instagram or Facebook and use #RGPSustSept. There will be a prize draw at the end of the month that will include anyone who has uploaded a photo and tagged the charity during the 30-day campaign.
In the same month, the Rennie Grove Peace Beaconsfield ReLoved Boutique, which stocks high-end and designer pre-loved items, will host its annual fashion show fundraising evening. The hugely successful event has already sold out for the second year running and will be hosted by Bucks-based personal stylist Emma Lou (Emma Lou Stylist (@emloustylist)).
Rennie Grove Peace currently has 33 high street shops, with 13 across Bucks which stock high-quality, preloved clothes, accessories and homeware. The charity also has an online presence via its eBay shop.
Rennie Grove Peace charity shops raise vital income to fund its services which support patients in Bucks with life-limiting illnesses. Items donated to the charity have previously included brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Mulberry and Christian Dior.
Deborah Gould, Director of Retail & Trading at Rennie Grove Peace, says:
“We’re delighted to be bringing Sustainable September back as an even bigger and better event in its second year. Second-hand fashion continues to grow in popularity and this challenge is a great way for us to showcase how pre-loved clothing can be part of your everyday routine.
“People who took part last year told us they enjoyed the challenge of creating different outfits throughout the month. We’re encouraging people to head down to their local Rennie Grove Peace shop to see what they can find. Whether it’s a whole outfit, one piece or an accessory, there’s something for everybody in our shops and the fun comes in how you mix and match items throughout the month!”
To find out more and register to receive the weekly email newsletter with styling tips and tricks for Sustainable September visit here.
To find your local Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care charity shop visit here.
Dawn French, the Queen of British comedy, returns to the stage this autumn with a brand new solo show, ‘Dawn French Is A Huge Twat‘.
Dawn will tour the UK from 15th September, opening at Peterborough’s New Theatre and then perform a further 19 shows across the country until 16th October. Tickets for all shows are on sale now from https://dawnfrenchontour.com/
The award-winning actor, best-selling novelist and all-round very funny lady is here to tell us more:
“This show is so named because unfortunately, it’s horribly accurate. There have been far too many times I have made stupid mistakes or misunderstood something vital or jumped the gun in a spectacular display of twattery. I thought I might tell some of these buttock clenching embarrassing stories to give the audience a peek behind the scenes of my work life…
Roll up! Book early to see the telly vicar lady be a total twat on stage, live in front of your very eyes. And ears.”
