Meet exotic animals in Bucks!

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

Nature-lovers of all ages are invited to book in and enjoy a really wild animal encounter at Amersham’s Jubilee Hall on 14th August, Wendover Memorial Hall on 28th August & more

You’re unlikely to find lizards or tarantulas prowling Hervines Park… But the One World Animals team are bringing the Amazon to Amersham & Wendover!

This small, dedicated group of nature-lovers have been working with animals in films, TV and education for more than 20 years. One of the partners, Celso, grew up in the Ecuadorian jungle which awakened a lifelong passion for wildlife. He spent his childhood watching and learning about all kinds of native animals of jaguars, monkeys, kuatis, birds, as well as a multitude of creepy crawlies.

Celso came to the UK in 1984 and worked in rescue centres and other animal centres until One World Animals was ‘born’ in 2019. By that time he had accumulated so many rescued animals that it made sense to try to recoup some of the expense while also educating other about habitat loss and the need to protect and respect these precious creatures.

He says: “The One World Animals motto is ‘Experience the Wonder’. We want people to be aware of all the amazing creatures we share the earth with. By learning about them, and experiencing close-up encounters, people are much more likely to engage with conservation efforts to save those creatures still in the wild.”

Whether you’re a nature lover, a budding zoologist, or simply curious about the animal kingdom, the 75-minute encounters promise to a unique opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your animal understanding.

As well as the encounters at Jubilee Hall in Rectory Hill, Amersham, HP7 0BT, at 10.30am, 12.15pm & 2pm on Wednesday, 14th August, the One World Animals will also bring their animals to Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6AF, with encounters at 10.30am, 12.15pm and 2pm on Wednesday, 28th August. You can book tickets for either or both events at One World Animals Events where all the public events are listed.

To find out more about the team and animals, please visit oneworldanimals.com

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Which one is Bucks’ best-kept village?

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Marlow has won the Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village Michaelis Cup for small towns

Marlow has been awarded the Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village Michaelis Cup in the small towns category of the annual competition. The judging, which took place in early June, evaluated various aspects such as green spaces, children’s play areas, floral displays, the cemetery, war memorial, nature conservation areas and community engagement. The judging panel praised the town’s hanging basket displays, the tidiness of the Cemetery, and the maintenance of the Causeway and War Memorial. Marlow received an impressive 192 points out of a possible 200.

The competition, based in Buckinghamshire and held annually between June and July, was established in 1957 by Sir Francis Dashwood and the Local Councils’ Association. It aims to encourage community collaboration across all age groups to enhance the attractiveness of villages and town for both residents and visitors.

The Leader of Marlow Town Council, Cllr Chris Funnell said: “We are proud of this success and see it as a foundation for addressing greater challenges such as environmental issues. This recognition motivates us to continue improving our community and we would like to thank the council team, community groups and residents for their dedication and support of our entry.”

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Chris’s moving Rennie Grove Peace appeal

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Chris Everitt shares his thoughts about how Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care looked after his mum at the end of her life last year, ahead of the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge on 8th September

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is calling on people and local businesses to step up for the 15th anniversary Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge.

In the run-up to the event, Chris, whose mum Caroline was in the care of Rennie Grove Peace, has shared his experiences in the hope of promoting others to volunteer for the charity.

Caroline went into the care of Rennie Grove Peace in 2023 after her seven-year battle with cancer took a turn, with doctors identifying that cancer had returned in her brain.

Throughout Caroline’s end of life care, Chris said the nurses at Rennie Grove Peace were supportive and worked to find ways that she could remain independent.

Now Chris hopes his story will raise awareness of the work Rennie Grove Peace do and prompt more people volunteer to help out at the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge on 8th September.

Chris’s mum, Caroline, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of just 49. Months of treatment successfully treated her cancer until there was no evidence of disease remaining.

All was well until 2019 when an MRI revealed that the cancer had metastasised and was present in her liver, lung, spine, brain, head and jaw. Further treatment followed, to try and reduce the tumours and keep Caroline well for as long as possible.

Regular tests helped the family understand how Caroline’s tumours were responding to treatment and by 2020 many of the tumours had cleared up, so they remained in just her lung and liver. This was celebrated by the family, Caroline’s friends and anyone that knew her.

However, in 2022 tests revealed that the tumour had returned in Caroline’s brain. At this point, the family was told that her prognosis would be shorter. By 2023, Caroline was starting to deteriorate and that’s when the Rennie Grove Peace team stepped in.

Chris says: “The Rennie Grove Peace nurses were so supportive and really worked to find ways for Mum to stay as independent as possible. The nurses visited regularly, and they could advise us when we were ready for the next step, like suggesting when we might like to think about a stair lift or a hospital bed.”

As Caroline began to deteriorate, she was referred to the Rapid Personalised Care Service, which sees Rennie Grove Peace healthcare assistants visit up to four times per day to support with personal care such as washing and dressing.

Chris continues: “Everybody who visited from Rennie Grove Peace was compassionate and honest with us. At one point the nurses told us that, based on her deterioration, they thought she would probably die within a week.”

Sadly, Caroline died three days later, on 6th October, four days before Chris’s 30th birthday.

During the time Rennie Grove Peace staff were visiting, Chris learned how little of the charity’s funding comes from the government and how reliant the organisation is on fundraising. He decided to start fundraising to ensure other families can access the same care his family benefitted from. Most recently, Chris completed the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise vital funds for Rennie Grove Peace.

Now, Chris wants to encourage people in Buckinghamshire to get behind the Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge on Sunday, 8th September, to ensure other local people can benefit from the support his family received.

Rennie Grove Peace is also appealing for on-the-day volunteers to help the event run smoothly. Various roles are available, including road crossing marshals and car park marshals, with volunteers asked to commit to four hour shifts on the day.

Anyone wishing to help on the day is asked to email: [email protected]. For more information about the event visit renniegrovepeace.org/C3P

For more information on the work of Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, visit Home – Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care or call 01923 330 330.

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Don’t miss this magical Beaconsfield festival!

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Book your tickets for the sober, wholesome Back To The Roots festival in Bucks, 9th to 11th August

Created by the people for the people, Back To The Roots is a collaboration of diverse and cultural backgrounds to offer world sounds, a co-creation of art, music, education and innovative ways to bring us together to unite in love, music, dance, discussion, and commUNITY.

This will be the third year running Back To The Roots, an all-inclusive nature fest no matter your background or age to celebrate how we can live more consciously and harmoniously together in a world with so much diversity. This is a sober, family-friendly and pet-friendly event.

The Back To the Roots stage is the main hub with musicians, workshops, and drum circles. It’s been erected with a prayer from Jote Prakash, each pole placed in the ground with intention and love and there’s a sola PA system from Solar Sound Tribe.

Nestled in the trees, The Tree Of Life stage comes alive with acoustic vibes, spoken word and storytelling. At night the trees are illuminated and the party vibes come alive with Freedom dance sets and soundscapes, powered by battery-operated sound system by CopperBottomSounds.

If you are looking for a place where you can let your imagination run wild, embrace your creativity and learn in a fun and interactive way, The Forest School is the perfect place for you.

Festival-goers can also enjoy the amazing Cacao Temple, Fire Side, herbal organic mocktails, smoothies, and organic living deserts, face painting with Amy ‘SpacePony’, a children’s nature craft area and more!

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Join a naked walk in Missenden!

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

You’re all invited to a liberating eight-mile naturist walk through the Misbourne Valley and parts of the Chiltern Hills, 12-5pm on Friday, 9th August.

Have you ever wanted to enjoy the beauty of the countryside with the sun on your skin?

Well you can soak up plenty of this (weather-permitting!) with a walk this month, in your birthday suit, to see whether naturism is for you.

The walk organisers have arranged a pick-up from Great Missenden station to the start point. The walk is mainly through open country and common land with some woodland, along mostly flat terrain with some slight to moderate hills. The circular route follows a network of public footpaths, starting near the village.

The event is organised by British Naturism is association with the Milton Keynes Naturist Meet and Greet Group. It’s open to all members of British Naturism and other naturist (walking) groups; anyone new to naturism is welcome. When booking, just state whether you’re a member of BN or other naturist groups.

A 2015 survey proved that Naturists have higher self-esteem and better body confidence. Shedding your clothes might also help you shed a few of the burdens of everyday life.

Fancy giving it a go and embracing this liberation? The Diogenes Sun Club in Gerrards Cross will host a sport taster day on 14th September.

For further info please contact Andrew and Amanda Roch by emailing [email protected]. Joining details will be provided to those who register. For more about the naturism movement visit British Naturism (bn.org.uk) & also visit Diogenes Sunclub for info.

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Affinity Water’s eco garden competition winners

Round & About

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Well done to Sam Proctor of Amersham’s Chiltern Garden Design and other local stars in Affinity Water’s competition

Sam brought her debut show garden to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, to much acclaim. The Water Saving Garden was designed to highlight the urgent need to save and reuse rainwater, a cause inspired by Chiltern chalk streams.

After the show, the award-winning garden was generously offered in a unique competition by the garden’s sponsor, Affinity Water, open to be won by a community garden or local initiative that’s beneficial to people and planet.

Three entries were shortlisted for consideration by the judging panel, all of extremely high merit. The winner is Iver Environment Centre, run by charity Groundwork South which delivers inspiring ecology-based learning to primary local school pupils. They also run volunteering programmes for skills development and to improve mental and physical health for young and old alike.

Iver Environment Centre will incorporate The Water Saving Garden into an educational water garden to inspire people to learn about pollinators, plants and changing weather patterns. Together with Holmer Green-based Castle Landscapes, who built the garden at RHS Chelsea, the team worked with volunteers to install the show garden to be enjoyed and looked after by the centre’s 8,000 visitors and volunteers per year.

Honourable mentions also go to the runners up Stony Dean School in Amersham, and Watford & Three Rivers Trust in Watford, which had strong entries to the competition and both do really beneficial work helping local people with significant needs.

Sam tells us: “Chiltern Garden Design offers a bespoke garden design service to homeowners, offering everything from conceptual design and planning to detailed design, bespoke built-in furniture, outdoor lighting design, planting design, irrigation, aftercare and more. We were honoured to have been able to create our first show garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, for which we received a bronze medal. Our passion is bringing people joy through creating beautiful gardens that suit them and their family’s needs.

“My wish is that humanity wakes up and gets together to find solutions to the climate crisis coming down the track before it’s too late.”

Sam, 51, lives with her husband Nigel, an award-winning photographer, and moved to Bucks from Manchester. “We love Nena in Amersham as well as the Grocery for brunch and coffee. Gershon & Sons in Old Amersham and No.2 Pound Street in Wendover are both fabulous for a bit of cheese indulgence. No 1 High St in Wendover is a lovely moochy shop for gifts and treats. We were so sad that Drop in Old Amersham has recently closed – great wine and company were always to be found there and we wish James all the best for his next venture.

“We have spent many happy evenings at the Queens Head in Chesham, and enjoy a walk down to the Crown, the Swan or the Elephant & Castle in Amersham old town for a drink or a bite. The Griffin and Hawkyns Brasserie in old Amersham are both lovely for special dinners, as well as Brazils in Chesham. An honourable mention to The Drawing Room in Chesham which is quirky and fun, and actually where Nigel and I had our first date!

“We love Heritage Day in Old Amersham and are looking forward to introducing friends from outside the area to its delights this year.”

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Magical music with Raans Coffee Concerts

Round & About

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The recent classical concert series at the beautiful Richard Lawson Pianos showroom in Amersham proved to be a fab four for music-lovers!

“Relax and enjoy Sunday morning Chamber Music concerts this summer…”

This was the intriguing promotion for a new series of Raans Coffee Concerts on at the Richard Lawson Piano studios in Amersham. Concerts that aim to bring music and inspiration to the community are to be welcomed anywhere, anytime so this was an opportunity not to be missed.

The opening concert on 16th June featured clarinettist Lesley Schatsberger, pianist Paul Nicholson and the cellist Nicola Tait Baxter who play together as Amabile, a trio formed in 2021. They played two pieces: Louise Farrenc’s Trio in E flat opus 44 and the better-known Brahms Trio in A Minor Opus 114.

An immediately attractive feature of the event were the extensive programme notes provided to peruse over coffee before the concert began and the additional introductions to each piece provided by the players. Thus, we knew a lot more about the gifted and productive mid-19th century composer, Louise Ferenc before hearing a single note of music. Despite her prodigious talent and prestigious appointment as professor at the Paris Conservatoire, her music was largely overlooked in her own lifetime (because she was a woman!) and has only recently come to more prominence as society has adopted an approach to music based more on meritocracy than gender bias.

Farrenc’s trio of 1856 was a delight and a perfect example of why we should hear her work more often in the concert hall. The style is lyrical and original with the interplay between the three instruments perfectly balanced and allowing each to shine individually as well as combine in perfect harmony. The programme notes refer to hints of Mendelssohn and Weber and perhaps the tunefulness of the whole supports this contention. However, it was the originality of the writing that shone.

In contrast, the Brahms trio is a late work (1891) and much loved by chamber music enthusiasts. It was written five years before his death as a tribute to clarinettist Richard Muhfeld whom he had playing the Weber concerto in Meiningen. However, this is not a clarinet solo with accompaniment; like the Farrenc it embraces all three instruments to produce moments of expressive beauty, not least in the adagio section where the cello and clarinet sublimely juxtaposition themselves in exquisite interplay, and the spirited final movement which allows the piano particularly to produce a full range of pyrotechnics. It was played superbly and received rapturous applause by a very enthusiastic audience.

This concert was an absolute joy from start to finish and included a thoroughly deserved encore of an arrangement of one of Shostakovich’s short pieces. The playing throughout was scintillating, not just because of the technical excellence of the individual players but also because of their ‘togetherness’ brought about no doubt by such thorough preparation that was demonstrated in an intimate knowledge of the music where the differing shades and dynamics were emphasised superbly. A subtle balance between the instruments was maintained such that no individual took centre stage. This was music making of the highest quality and made more so by the smiling relaxed approach of each of the three players which was in stark contrast to the histrionics and absurd facial expressions so often favoured by other musicians in similar circumstances.

Let us hope that this marks the beginning of ‘more of the same’ and let us hope that we can hear more of Amabile.

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Urgent plea for families in need

Round & About

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Buckinghamshire

Could you help The Link Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting children affected by domestic violence, bereavement, disability and poverty?

This amazing volunteer-powered local charity is currently experiencing an unprecedented demands for beds, cots and mattresses. The team are looking to partner with businesses and individuals who want to make a difference in our community.

Is there a challenge you have always fancied taking? Are you a business which could hold a team building fundraiser? Perhaps you fancy joining The Link Foundation as they raise awareness and funds at the Maidenhead Boundary Walk?

The team, who help families in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, are always excited to brainstorm ideas on how they could work together to provide all the beds needed to give local kids a good night’s sleep.

Please call 01628 400600 or donate at The Link Foundation – JustGiving

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BBOWT’s Andree Church’s best of Bucks

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Andree Church tells us about moving from Ontario to south Bucks and her wildlife trust role helping protect & enjoy the countryside

Hi Andree. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
“I’m 33 and have a very energetic 18-month-old who keeps me on my toes! I’m a learning manager for the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust [BBOWT], which means I’m lucky to spend my ‘work’ days on beautiful nature reserves teaching people of all ages about local wildlife. I manage BBOWT’s education centres in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, and we have centres near Tring, Maidenhead and Windsor. I enjoy sharing my love of nature and fielding questions from inquisitive children. One of my recent faves was ‘Do you sleep at the nature reserve?’ (I don’t, but there’s an event idea!).”

Q. Where do you live?
“I’ve lived in Chinnor with my husband since 2017. I grew up in Ontario, Canada, and came to the UK in 2013 to do some postgraduate studies. I planned on staying for a year but met my husband at university! Here I am, still in the Thames Valley area eleven years later!”

Q. What are your favourite walks?
“Any along with Ridgeway. The stretch between Bledlow and Princes Risborough is a particular favourite – the rolling hills provide some great viewpoints of the Chilterns. Amazing to think that people have been using these paths for thousands of years.”

Q. Any favourite local shops or businesses?
“Oakley Village Shop (recently opened) for delicious baked goods, great coffee and a park/playing field next to it. And Gloria’s in Thame.”

Q. What highlights are you looking forward to?
“Some summery family picnics in parks and local woodlands. Just need all this rain to stop!”

Q. What do you most love about where you live?
“The rich cultural history coupled with gorgeous countryside. As somebody who didn’t grow up in this area, I have a real appreciation for how lucky we are to live where we do.”

Q. What are hidden gems locally?
“Our local nature reserves, there are plenty just on our doorstep. BBOWT are a fabulous group of people who work tirelessly to look after wildlife and habitats in our area. We look after more than 80 nature reserves, run five education centres and two visitor centres. We feel everyone benefits from access to wildlife and nature – physically, mentally and/or emotionally. We offer programming for everyone, from Nature Tots (12 months+) through to our Teen Rangers clubs and events for adults. If you’d like to find out more about any of these, check out our website.”

Q. How can we help?
“As a charity, BBOWT relies on donations to fund our conservation work in the local community. If you’re not already a member and would like to support our work you can join us by visiting our website. Alternatively, you can donate to our Nature Recovery Fund [Nature Recovery Fund], our biggest fundraising campaign to date which aims to raise £3 million for nature climate and people.”

Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?
“That we all treat others as we wish to be treated. And that we do a better job of looking after this planet – after all, it’s the only one we’ve got! Oops, that’s two wishes!”

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Creation’s Treasure Island & Shakespeare outdoors

Round & About

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Book your tickets to enjoy As You Like It & Treasure Island thanks to Creation Theatre’s touring productions that stop at Heath Farm near Chipping Norton, Hughenden Manor, The Earth Trust Centre in Little Wittenham and Oxford’s Wycliffe Hall

“The rain, it raineth every day.” It feels that way this summer, doesn’t it?! But the show must go on, at Creation Theatre’s upcoming productions.

They will bring you Treasure Island (from 23rd July to 17th August) and As You Like It (24th July to 17th August) on the South Lawn at Wycliffe Hall in Banbury Road, Oxford.

Their fabulous production of Treasure Island brings Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling 1883 tale to life with theatrical magic. Whilst retaining the narrative of Stevenson’s classic, with depth, integrity, a dash of thriller and a large amount of silliness, Gari Jones’ adaptation zips along like a wacky race brimming with pirate speak, off-the-wall characters and a whole heap of original sea shanties.

You can also catch it at Heath Farm, near Chipping Norton at 7pm on 18th July, Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe in Bucks at 7pm on 30th July & The Earth Trust Centre, Little Wittenham on 6th August at 6pm.

As You Like It (on tour 12th to 19th July in Oxfordshire and beyond, offers an unforgettable evening as Lucy Pitman-Wallace, the award-winning director of productions for the RSC, Lord Chamberlain’s Men, Nottingham Playhouse, and Salisbury Playhouse, brings a fresh twist to Shakespeare’s beloved comedy.

Transport yourself back to the 1970s, the era of peace, love, and endless summer nights, in an enchanting outdoor setting, a perfect backdrop for this tale of love and laughter.

Take your friends, pack a picnic, and get ready to be transported to a world where romance and revelry reign supreme. As You Like It will be performed on the beautiful lawn in front of Wycliffe Hall, as well as on tour in Oxfordshire and beyond.

Visit Creation Theatre Oxford

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