You’re all invited to create your own autumn fundraising challenge to help Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) restore our wondrous nature.
BBOWT’s Big Wild Walk aims to be the biggest yet to encourage wildlife lovers to raise money and help restore nature across its three counties.
Supporters can create their own challenge, whether a trek through town or a long-distance hike in the countryside, in any way that suits them. The funds raised will support wildlife recovery and contribute to BBOWT’s mission to see 30% of land well managed for nature by 2030.
Image: Zsuzsanna Bird
Image: Laura Snell
This autumn BBOWT is encouraging participants to nominate friends and family to get involved too, with #NominateForNature. A digital fundraising pack will support everyone by providing a sponsorship sheet, distance-tracking form and social media posts.
The Big Wild Walk takes place across from Monday, 21st October, to Sunday, 3rd November. It’s half-term for schools and a great time for all ages to enjoy the great outdoors. Sign-up at Big Wild Walk.
Liz Shearer, community engagement director at BBOWT, said: “This challenge is the perfect chance to plan your autumn adventure and take it at your own pace! I love nothing more than putting my boots on and exploring the outdoors, and there are some wonderful place across our counties to do this, including more than 80 nature reserves.
“While you’re on your walk, you can listen out for wintering birds and spot mushrooms growing among the trees, all against the orange, bronze and red autumn backdrop. It’s also a great opportunity to raise money for The Wildlife Trusts, including BBOWT, to help us create more nature everywhere, for everyone. What are you waiting for?”
Rhiane Fatinikun, founder of Black Girls Hike and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Dip your toes into the outdoors this autumn, and join me, as well as thousands of others, to experience the joy that nature can bring. Supporting children, families, and individuals to get outside is a cause which is so close to my heart, as well as an incredible opportunity to raise money for a WILDlife-changing charity. Sign up today to get involved with The Big Wild Walk!”
A statue of everyone’s favourite marmalade loving bear will appear in Reading & Newbury this week, as part of Paddington Visits with more than 20 Paddington statues being installed on benches stretching from John o’Groats to Land End
Red hat? Check! Blue duffle coat? Check! Emergency marmalade sandwich? Triple check! STUDIOCANAL has announced production for Paddington Visits, a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru, arriving in UK and Ireland cinemas on November 8th.
From Liverpool to Land’s End to Birmingham to Bury St Edmunds, and of course, London Paddington, bear-y special statues are coming to cities, towns, and beauty spots across the UK and Ireland in early October. Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw. Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!
Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film, comments: “I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear. Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington… coming to a bench near you!”
Paddington In Peru will see Paddington return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears. With The Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.
Tour guide and expert in all things wine, Marcus Rees invites his fellow enthusiasts to embark on a delightful journey around the winemakers of Oxfordshire and the north Cotswolds
This unique guide reveals the beauty of English wine, and Marcus would argue there are none better than those from Oxfordshire and its surrounding counties! From one of England’s oldest wine producers at Stanlake Park to newcomers like JoJo’s Vineyard, Oxfordshire Uncorked shines a light on the often unsung past and bright future of great British wine.
Marcus fell in love with Oxfordshire after his studies at Oxford University and has travelled the length of the county and beyond to explore its many vineyards and wineries. Whether you are a travelling tourist, staycationer, or local Oxfordshire tippler, this guide is essential reading for anyone wanting a taste of luxurious wine right on their doorstep. Marcus explores each site, doing a deep dive into the wines they produce and how to best enjoy them. From the delectable notes of elderflower in Oaken Grove’s Bacchus Reserve, to the tantalising tingle of Wyfold Vineyard’s 2017 Sparkling Brut, this guide will help you discover your new favourite bottle. If a vineyard’s story is what sparks your curiosity, however, you may also find yourself tempted by the rich history of Kidmore Vineyard or the humble, intimate setting of Little Oak.
Oxfordshire Uncorked’s detailed profiles provide an in-depth look into each vineyard and winery’s processes and ethos, as well as tasting notes for the wines they produce. The book includes essentials like the vineyard’s first vintage, its acreage, and visitor and tour information, with each site description offering further insight into the story of the land, the wine, and the people behind its production.
Follow this guide to discover the amazing wines and events these vineyards have to offer. For anyone mad about wine, Oxfordshire Uncorked beckons you to travel the picturesque English countryside and explore the wonders of its bountiful vineyards.
The Prestwood Nature team invite you to enjoy the season of mellow fruitfulness with a wildflower walk on 6th October, volunteering sessions at Boug’s Meadow & more!
Botanist, educator and Prestwood Nature Council member Karen van Oostrum will lead a gentle stroll discovering autumn fruits in the hedgerows, woods and field edges near Great Missenden.
The walk is ideal for families, and for anyone who enjoys a stroll in the countryside. Karen will share her passion for and knowledge of plants in an infectious way. The walk’s free for Prestwood Nature members; non-members are requested to make a minimum £2pp donation to help Prestwood Nature’s work for the local environment.
Book at Autumn wildflower walk. The walk start in Boug’s Meadow, HP16 9AL, which is looked after by the volunteers (parking at Link Road car park nextdoor). Also at Boug’s Meadow, why not join the friendly volunteers 10am-1pm on Sunday 13th? You can just turn up or, for info, email Paul on [email protected]
There’s also an Autumn in the Orchard event, 11am-4pm on Saturday 12th at Kiln Common Orchard and volunteers are also welcome at a pollinator-friendly garden work party in Greenlands Lane, 10am-12.30pm on 19th.
The judges were impressed with the extremely high standard of entries in the recent photography competition
Wild Marlow is a group of enthusiasts passionate about wildlife and protecting biodiversity in the Marlow area, engaging the local community through fun events, competitions, volunteering and work parties to raise awareness of the importance of a balanced ecosystem.
This year’s competition winner in the junior school category is Theo Walker, with Imogen Bater coming a close second.
The senior school winner is Ben Mills and runner-up Skylar Regan.
The winner of the adults is Neil Richards, closely followed by Graham Parkinson.
We love their efforts: what do you think?
The best photos in each category will be featured at the 2024 Wild Marlow photo exhibition and in the Wild Marlow 2025 calendar, on sale soon. The winners will also take away a total of £300 in prize money.
“We were impressed at the quality of the entries,” says Jon Perry of Marlow Camera Club. “It was a tough call! These photos demonstrate both the variety and beauty of the wildlife in and around Marlow, and the photographic skills of all the entrants.”
You can all see the winning photos 10.30am-4.30pm on Saturday, 26th October, at All Saints’ Church Hall, where 12 photos to be featured in the calendar, along with the very best of the entries. The prizes for the winners of the three age categories will be awarded at the exhibition, and the new calendar will be on sale. Visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite photo, The People’s Choice, on the day.
Wild Marlow covers all areas of Marlow within the SL7 postcode, including Bisham, Great Marlow, Marlow Bottom and Little Marlow.
The Chiltern Kills crime writing festival in aid of Centrepoint, returns to Gerrards Cross on Saturday, 5th October, with a stellar line-up including Jeffrey Archer, Louise Minchin, Sir Ian Rankin, Robert Thorogood and more.
Best-selling crime authors and TV detectives are converging on Gerrards Cross for the Chiltern Kills 2024 crime and thriller writing festival on Saturday, 5th October.
Sir Ian Rankin of Rebus fame, storytelling genius Jeffrey Archer, and Peter James of the Roy Grace book and ITV series will be joined by TV crime busters Dempsey and Makepeace and the cast of The Bill, from 9am-11pm at the GX Community Association at the historic Colston Hall on East Common in Gerrards Cross.
It’s the second year of Chiltern Kills with all ticket sales again going to the Centrepoint charity to combat youth homelessness. Sir Ian Rankin says: “Centrepoint is a very special charity whose work is – sadly – more necessary than ever. I’m pleased to be able to support them.”
Tickets cost £40 via https://www.chilternkills.com/ or for a little more, you can book a one-to-one session with top literary agent Nicky Lovick from WGM Atlantic. (And whisper it, she’s looking for new authors to join her list.”
Jeffrey Archer said: “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at Chiltern Kills on 5th October. I’m a great admirer of the work Centrepoint does.”
Chiltern Kills founders, authors Paul Waters and Tony Kent said: “What makes Chiltern Kills special is that authors. including our patron Fredrick Forsyth, and fans all mingle off-stage, in our luxury food village, in our WhoDunHim Inn – where famous authors will be pulling pints, and at our famous Murder A Song karaoke at the end of the day.”
There will be 60 top authors from across the UK, Ireland, north America, Africa and India, on the Poirot and Marple stages. They include debut crime author and former BBC Breakfast TV star, Louise Minchin, Robert Thorogood the creator of Death In Paradise, Harriet Tyce, Nadine Matheson, Ajay Chowdhury and Sarah Pinborough.
Peter James said: “I’m hugely looking forward to Chiltern Kills. It is so wonderful to support Centrepoint, a brilliant charity that does so much to combat youth homelessness – and all the hopelessness and despair that goes with it.”
Every festival goer gets a free tote bag filled with festival goodies. Last year visitors came from as far away as Scotland, Ireland, Devon, Yorkshire, Kent, Manchester and Birmingham. One said: “What a joyous day I had at Chiltern Kills. The vibe was amazing, the choice of food fabulous, drinks were flowing and author panels exceptional!”
Another festival-goer said: “Impeccably organised, with the feel of a family festival, informal, really interesting panels, relaxed writers, so much goodwill, good food and lots of laughter! Bravo Chiltern Kills.”
After last year’s festival, Centrepoint said: “A big thank you to everyone involved with Chiltern Kills for helping us support more young people to reclaim their dreams and build a future beyond homelessness.”
Chiltern Kills 2024 is on Saturday 5th October at Colston Hall on East Common in Gerrards Cross. Tickets via https://www.chilternkills.com/. It would be a crime to miss it!
A beloved pub is due to open soon in the historic village of Waddesdon, on the doorstep of Waddesdon Manor, after being bought by The Rothschild Foundation
Known as The Bell in the 19th century, and after that The Long Dog, the pub has been renamedThe Bow in tribute to its older sister establishment in the village, the Five Arrows Hotel, and will open to the public in October.
The Grade II listed building first opened as a public house in 1863. Before that, it housed the bell room for the adjacent 800-year-old St Michael’s and All Angels church.
In the heart of Waddesdon, The Bow has been reborn as a lively, welcoming pub, offering a fresh take on the classic village experience. The team at The Bow aim to offer a true celebration of community spirit, top-tier quality, and locally sourced produce.
Head chef Anthony Skeats, formerly of The Punter in Oxford has more than 25 years of culinary experience. He has crafted an inventive, seasonal menu to highlight fresh ingredients, where possible sourced within ten miles, with meat from nearby farms and vegetables from the surrounding Waddesdon Estate, Eythrope Walled Garden and local farms.
Expect signature smashed burgers, delicious modern pub classics and wonderful desserts, such as a brioche sticky toffee pudding. The kids’ menu features fun and nutritious options and favourites like homemade jellies and ice cream. Families are welcome, with a secure play area.
The welcome news of The Bow’s renaissance comes after TV star Jeremy Clarkson was lauded for his purchase of The Windmill pub overlooking the Windrush Valley in the Cotswolds. Although, when it opens the Bow won’t be serving its own beer – a la the former Top Gear presenter’s Hawkstone brewery – it will support local producers, such as the Boobytrap microbrewery based a couple of miles away in Westcott.
There is a bold wine list catering for all palettes – including a range of Rothschild wines – from the old to the new worlds. The Bow is also offering an exclusive membership programme with access to the pub’s upstairs rooms with quiet, comfortable, collaborative spaces with desks, free WiFi, and cosy seating. For social or business meetings, there is also a private dining room available for members’ parties of up to 12 guests. Director of hospitality Holly Saunders says: “Whether you’re meeting with friends or dialling into a work call, The Bow will be your go-to spot for both social and virtual connections. We’re so excited to be bringing this lovely pub back where it belongs to the heart of this vibrant community and are dedicated to offering delicious food, quality drinks, and a space where everyone feels at home – all at reasonable prices. Join us for our grand opening week and discover why The Bow is set to become the new local favourite. We can’t wait to welcome you!”
Some pub history:
The Grade II listed building is located on the northeastern side of the High Street opposite the Rothschild Estate Office, which has been owned by the Rothschild family since 1874. Parts of the building date back to the 17th and 18th centuries but it has undergone many alterations over the last 200 years.
Before it was bought by the Rothschild Foundation and renamed The Bow, the pub last traded as The Long Dog, before closing in 2022. Before then it was called The Bell, also known historically as the Bell Inn. In 1864, the village of Waddesdon boasted five public houses: the Bell Inn, the Ship Inn, the White Lion, the Baker’s Arms and the Marlborough Arms. The latter is now The Five Arrows Hotel and Restaurant, The Bow’s sister establishment, both of which are run by the team at Waddesdon.
These 19th-century establishments not only catered to locals in the village but also to those passing through, as they travelled along the main Aylesbury-to-Bicester road. It may also be why two nightwatchmen were appointed by the parish council to patrol the streets of Waddesdon in the first half of the 19th century.
The Bow (Bell) originally faced the Ship Inn which was acquired by Miss Alice de Rothschild around 1910 from The Aylesbury Brewery company. The pub and two adjoining cottages adjacent were then demolished and replaced by a new house called The Cedars. In contrast, while The Bow has undergone and witnessed much change in the past two centuries, it will remain very much at the heart of Waddesdon village life.
Crazy Bear Stadhampton will host Okto-BEAR-fest – a wild twist on the classic Oktoberfest celebration.
Tickets grant you access to an unforgettable day filled with Bavarian vibes and the Crazy Bear’s very own crazy flair.
Incredible entertainment to see the mood, plus a fantastic selection of great food and beers from Wiper and True Brewery will be available for purchase throughout the day 2-10pm.
Whether you’re there for the beer, the pretzels, or just the good times, this is sure to be a day to remember!
HEY GIRL…HEY BOY… Superstar DJS…HERE WE GO! Jo Whiley is here with the ultimate 90s party… at Oxford’s o2 Academy on 3rd October and G Live in Guildford on 18th November
Get ready to be transported back to the decade that defined a generation – as the legendary Jo Whiley brings her electrifying new show Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems to your doorstep.
The undisputed queen of this decade of British music will be rummaging through her record bag, dusting off her vinyl and bringing you the biggest hits and hidden gems that shaped the soundtrack of the 90s.
From the rise and huge success of Blur and Oasis to the block rocking beats of The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy, with Jo behind the decks, this isn’t just a soulless 90’s playlist – it’s a journey through music history. Jo lived every moment, curated every track, and shared the studio and stage with the greatest acts of the decade.
Jo says: “I can’t wait to get back on the road in 2025 and bring the best of the 90s to audiences across the UK. There’s nothing like the energy of a 90s Anthems crowd, and I am looking forward to relive those moments with everyone – from Britpop to Rock to dance, it’s going to be an epic trip down memory lane.”
It really WAS better in the 90s… let Jo Whiley show you with this sensational new show. Prepare for a night of Britpop nostalgia, high-energy beats, the ultimate celebration of the era and let Jo remind you of what you’ve forgotten with this sizzling anthem-packed party to end them all.
Jo is still at the cutting edge of new music and will always be the ultimate authority on the very best of classical sounds of the 90s, Jo is an institution in her own right and a national treasure.
Whether you were rocking out to Britpop, raving to club classics, or living the indie dream, Jo’s got you covered – Jo loved it all and she’s ready to remind you why 90s really were the best time to be alive.
Could you donate new & (giftable quality) pre-loved toys – between 28th September & 6th October – to bring Christmas cheer to local families in need?
Thanks to the hard work of between 30 & 50 dedicated local volunteers (“Elves”), Chiltern Toy Bank has been providing free toys and gifts at Christmas to children, aged 0-18, living in parts of the Chilterns who would otherwise not receive anything due to financial hardship or other disadvantages of their parents or guardians.
They have operated in and around Chesham, Amersham and Prestwood for over a decade formally became a registered charity in 2018-2019.
Their aim is to make sure that no child will go without a gift over the festive period.
What can I donate?
Any new or pre-loved toys and gifts that are clean, complete and in good condition are welcome. If you wouldn’t gift it to a child in your family for Christmas then they can’t take it. Chiltern Toy Bank particularly needs: arts, crafts and creative kits for ages 8+, science kits for ages 8+, gifts for teenagers aged 13+ (like make-up, toiletries, hats, scarves etc).
They cannot accept soft toys without their CE label attached, any games with missing pieces, books that are scribbled in or have missing pages, colouring and activity books or make-up and arts supplied that are used.
Where can I drop gifts?
Chesham: • White Hill Centre, White Hill • Post Office, High Street • Chesham Town Hall, Parsonage Lane
Prestwood: • Hildreths Garden Centre • Wye Country Estate Agent, High Street • The Pantry at 51 • (All subject to individual opening times)
Amersham: • Chiltern Lifestyle Centre • Amersham Common Village Hall, Saturday 28th Sept & Saturday 5th Oct 2-5pm • King’s Church, Raans Road, Mon 30th Sept – Fri 4th Oct, 9.30am-12pm
