Meet exotic animals in Bucks!

Liz Nicholls

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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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Meet mural painter Lisa Made It!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Legendary Oxford mural artist Lisa Made It has collaborated with patients at Sobell House Hospice to create a ‘personal and touching’ design for this summer’s OxTrail event.

Running until the end of August, the family art exhibition OxTrail sees a herd of more than 130 ox sculptures take over Oxfordshire. The incredible collection, now on display, showcases 31 large oxen sculptures, each uniquely decorated by artists and placed in key locations across the city.

As part of the art event there are more than 100 mini oxen set up in mini herds across the county. Among these calf-sized sculptures, illustrator Lisa Curtis has crafted a collaboratively designed ox which is now on display at the heart of the trail – Sobell House Hospice.

To create the Sobell House ox, Lisa spent a morning drinking tea and talking with patients and staff at the Living Well service facility, working together on collages to make the base of her oxen design.

Lisa says: “It was great to meet people and hear about the different activities they do. We worked together to make some lovely collages, letting the scissors do the work and not thinking too much about the outcome.

“It was really moving to hear what a difference the hospice’s Living Well service makes to patients, just enjoying the company of others, having a chat and taking part in creative activities like gardening or sewing together.”

The design is for the hospice ox is bright and colourful. It includes parts for the collage designs made by staff and patients, including a big green rabbit, geometric flowers and abstract shapes.

Lisa continues: “I also added two hands giving the Ox a hug, some long wiggly arms drinking cups of tea and a few plants growing up the side and over the head of the Ox, in my usual bold and colourful style. I was really inspired by the joy and creativity among the team, and I hope the ox brings even more colour and warmth to Sobell House.”

Lisa Made It is a mural painter and illustrator based in Oxford. Her unique and brightly coloured designs feature bold shapes and crisp lines often inspired by nature and community.

For the last 10 years, Lisa has worked with local schools, charities and independent businesses in Oxford, and she has painted mural walls in all corners of her home city.

Amelia Foster, CEO of Sobell House Hospice Charity says: “Lisa has truly captured the heart of the OxTrail campaign with her ox. Sobell House is funded by the community, and we are delighted that OxTrail allows us to give something back to the community we serve. The design of the hospice ox is hopeful and personal, and embodies the spirit of our Living Well service, which helps people to find new ways of living well with their life-limiting illnesses. We are very proud of her design and thankful for the input of our wonderful patients.”

The OxTrail art, including Lisa’s piece, will be on display until the end of August. On Friday, 13th September, many of the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for the hospice.

Amelia adds: “OxTrail is off to a brilliant start, and it is wonderful to see the public engaging with the oxen and using the app to find them in their iconic locations. If you haven’t yet joined the moo-vement and started ox-ploring… what is stopping you?”

Families can explore the city and spot the oxen in and around the county, following the trail by using the app or map. You can find the official OxTrail merchandise shop in the Westgate Shopping Centre, next to Blackwell’s.

For more information on OxTrail head to OxTrail 2024.

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Don’t miss this magical Beaconsfield festival!

Liz Nicholls

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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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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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Ewe-nique entertainment at South Downs Show

Karen Neville

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Head to Queen Elizabeth Country Park for attractions and entertainment galore for the whole family on August 10th and 11th at the South Downs Show

Awesome arena acts, entertaining attractions, dog shows and demos and so much more are all in store at this year’s South Downs Show.

Set in Queen Elizabeth Country Park with some of the most spectacular views, the South Downs Show is a weekend show with plenty to do for the whole family – including the dog!

The awesome arena acts include The Knights of Nottingham. Knights and horses will combine for hard hitting medieval jousting displays and tournaments and the jousting shows will be filled with sword swinging and gut punching thrills. Anything can happen and often does, with fantastic audience participation for all ages and comedy included!

Little Nippers allows spectators to see Ridgeside group’s fantastic dogs do what comes naturally to them! In the arena they will race both over obstacles and chase the electric lure at full speed. The public will have the chance to ‘have a go’ with their own dogs – whatever their breed and ability!

One act you won’t want to miss is the ‘ewe-nique’, educational and seriously funny Dancing Sheep Show, a fun-filled presentation showcasing nine different breeds of sheep. Each one has a story to tell with interesting facts and figures relating to their variety. Look out for Nobby the Norfolk Horn – he’s the star of the show… and he knows it.

Test your skills on miniature catapults and crossbows with Fireside Attractions, or take up the challenge of archery of laser clay pigeon shooting. You can even try medieval axe throwing or how about getting up close animals of all kids with Reptile Academy, Miller’s Ark, and Dunreyth Alpacas. Sadly you can’t take them home!

View the South Downs from above aboard the new Ferris Wheel and the Old Thyme Funfairs’ Helter Skelter, the only complete wooden example still on tour. Watch out for the Magical Musical Bike with his catchy tunes and quirky activities, and be amazed by Jake’s Circus Skills. Can you pick up a few tricks of your own?

Get back in touch with traditional skills and the great outdoors with Blackwell Bushcraft or take on a new challenge and try the climbing wall and VR experience provided by the British Army.

Do you have a four-legged friend or want to meet some more? Head to the Dog Zone for competitions, displays, and retail therapy. Enjoy a game as a family, including Giant Outdoor Games or Crazy Golf, best undertaken with an ice cream or take a drive on the Mini Landrovers – no parents allowed!

There’s so much to do you’ll need to go both days. The South Downs Show is prebooked tickets only so make sure you book at South Downs Show.

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London City Ballet at Theatre Royal

Liz Nicholls

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Activities & Events

Liz Nicholls

Resurgence tour comes to Windsor for three performances, August 9th and 10th, after 30-year break

London City Ballet, the new company of celebrated dancers from around the world, will return to touring after a break of almost 30 years, arriving at the Theatre Royal Windsor.

Formerly the resident company of Sadler’s Wells, and internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading dance collectives, the prolific touring company was famously patronised by Diana, Princess of Wales. The original London City Ballet closed its doors in 1996 after 18 years of operations.

The Resurgence tour includes performances at many of the former company’s beloved venues in the UK, including the Theatre Royal Windsor. The company will also perform in Italy, Portugal, China and New York. The UK tour concludes at Sadler’s Wells in London in September.

London City Ballet is a touring company for a new generation bringing their experience and artistry to the stage, presenting engaging stories through dance. Under the direction of Artistic Director Christopher Marney (former principal dancer at New Adventures and director of the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company of Chicago), the company will present a programme of acclaimed works by British choreographers including the revival of Kenneth MacMillan’s 1972 one-act ballet Ballade, unseen in Europe for over 50 years.

The repertoire also includes Ashley Page’s Larina Waltz marking the ballet’s 30th anniversary, and Olivier award-winner Arielle Smith premieres a new creation Five Dances. A full company work by Christopher Marney called Eve, which premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 2022, will close the evening.

Christopher Marney has spent two years rebuilding London City Ballet with insights from its early pioneers. The works selected for the 2024 international tour pay homage to the company’s roots in the form of rarely seen archival footage. The Resurgence tour is shaped by the repertoire selected and to highlight the re-launch of this famous dance company.

He said: “London City Ballet informed my own career. Seeing the company perform as a child stimulated my enthusiasm for the artform.

“I am drawn to reviving past repertoire of influential choreographers alongside presenting dynamic new works from current dance talent.”

Christopher continues: “The Resurgence tour offers audiences the chance to enjoy some of the most compelling dancers from around the world perform choreography rarely seen, many of whom are former principals from leading dance companies. We’re a progressive and diverse company celebrating exceptional dancers presenting engaging work for a new generation.”

The company comprises 14 dancers, many of whom are former principals from leading dance companies. This international troupe originate from countries including Brazil, South Korea, UK, Romania, Canada, Spain and from ballet companies including the Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Ballet Black, San Francisco Ballet, Staatsballet Berlin and ENB.

Performances: Friday 9th @ 7.30pm and Saturday 10th @ 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets: £23.50-£39.50. Book at Resurgence – Theatre Royal Windsor

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Discover Didcot Dairy story at Cornerstone

Round & About

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Take a trip down memory lane this month and explore some local history

Job’s Dairy was once the largest privately owned dairy in the UK with many farms, processing plants, depots and stores located in the south of England and now its story is being shared thanks to the hard work of a group of volunteers.

The project which has been curated by Dr Leah Hewerdine and Ruby Livesey in partnership with other organisations is celebrating the heritage and community of the former Didcot Dairy.

The Didcot bottling plant played an important part in the diary industry, and local community, from 1935 and 1987 and was located west of the old railway line. The land, once used by the dairy in Didcot was purchased and re-developed for housing in the late 1980s. The house located on Western Avenue are believed to be the original location of the Didcot Dairy.

Job’s was a family owned business, and often employed whole families within local areas. Some sites included accommodation for employees, and their families.

To acknowledge and celebrate the town’s agricultural roots, an exhibition entitled Didcot Dairy Story tells the tale through a cow-fully curated displays of objects, photographs, video footage, and community memories. For those who can remember the dairy, it holds a special place in their heart.

Take a trip down memory lane to fresh milk and eggs on your doorstep, social events for all the family, and the crowning of Miss Job’s! The exhibition which is part of the Oxfordshire OxTrail is raising funds in support of Sobell House Hospice and other important local causes.

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Portraits of Brotherhood exhibition in Guildford

Round & About

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Head to Guildford House Gallery to enjoy the solo exhibition by Curtis Holder, winner of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2020, before 28th September

Curtis Holder: Portraits of Brotherhood features a compelling selection of large-scale figurative drawing depicting imitate portrayals of Black men, rendered in vibrant in vibrant coloured pencil on paper.

Drawn from life in conversation with sitters, Curtis Holder’s works offer a multifaceted view of his subjects, exploring identity, masculinity and emotion in the face of society’s stereotypes. “Behind each drawing lies an unspoken narrative that we share in common – stories of conflict, exclusion and vulnerability interwoven with stories of perseverance, creativity and hope,” Curtis says.

Visitors can expect to see more than 20 works on paper, including two monumental room-length drawings, 10 large-scale multi-layered portraits and a selection of exploratory studies in both coloured and graphite pencil.

Exploring the intersection between drawing and dialogue, Curtis Holder’s works emerge from profound engagements with his subjects. “The subjects are men of different ages, backgrounds and occupations including; a dancer, an artist, a photographer, a business owner, a theatre director and a fashion model,” says the artist. “The final drawings reveal something of the inner world of individuals who would otherwise be unlikely to share this deeply personal part of themselves.”

Curtis Holder’s drawings invite viewers to look beyond the surface. As the artist explains: “I feel these works ask the viewer to look closer, not only at the febrile lines that form the figures in my drawings, but also inward at their own perceptions about the people looking back at them.”

Installed within the historic context of Guildford House Gallery, a 17th century Grade 1 listed townhouse, Curtis Holder’s works will be displayed in an intimate space with a rich history.

Guildford Borough Council Heritage Lead, Amanda Hargreaves, says: “We are excited to host this solo show. Especially curated for Guildford House Gallery, this exhibition of Curtis Holder’s dynamic drawings is sure to be a highlight of our 2024 programme. It should be a treat for all art lovers.”

The gallery’s opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.

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Join DINOTRAIL at the Friary

Karen Neville

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Roar into summer with the free family event in Guildford from August 5th to September 1st

Dinosaurs will be making a stomping comeback at The Friary’s roarsome summer holiday event DINOTRAIL with an exciting collection of lifelike dinosaur models.

From Monday 5th August until Sunday, 1st September, visitors of all ages will be able to embark on a prehistoric journey, encountering some of the biggest and most formidable creatures to ever walk the earth.

These amazing prehistoric displays will be located throughout Guildford’s biggest shopping centre and will allow dino fans the chance to get up close and personal with all their favourite dinosaurs to include Doris the Dilong Paradoxus, Danny the Deinonychus, Stan the Stegosaurus, Vanessa the Velociraptor and of course the king of the dinosaurs, Tony the T-Rex. Plus, there will also be a display of some adorable baby dinos and hatchlings! 

DINOTRAIL promises to be an unmissable experience for families to create memories and enjoy during the school summer holidays… and it’s absolutely FREE!

As part of this prehistoric adventure, visitors can participate in an engaging trail by collecting a free Dino Fact Sheet available in-centre or also online at the centre’s website. This fun educational activity will challenge young explorers to find out and learn more about each dinosaur while uncovering fascinating facts about these prehistoric creatures.

Katie Watt, Centre Manager of The Friary Guildford, said: “We’re delighted to bring the dinos back to The Friary this summer! It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a free, educational experience during the school holidays here in the heart of Guildford. After the success of our summer event ‘Dinos Rock!’ last year, we’re confident this year’s event will once again bring a lot of joy to all dino fans especially the little ones as they interact with these amazing life-like dinosaur models and embark on a thrilling summer adventure.”

DINOTRAIL at The Friary will captivate the minds of both young and old, fostering a love for history, science, and exploration allowing imaginations to take flight like a ptero-dactyl as visitors embark on a prehistoric journey right here in heart of Guildford. It also provides the perfect opportunity to capture a Dino selfie or two!

To find out more about DINOTRAIL visit The Friary Guildford or follow The Friary on social media channels, Facebook and Instagram.

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Discover Black Oxford

Karen Neville

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Join the inaugural Black Heritage Bus & Walking Tour with an expert guide

Take a one-of-a-kind journey back in time and into the present to discover the rich narratives of Black scholars who have made a lasting impact in academia, law, politics, and the arts.

Walk the paths they walked and explore the spaces where they exchanged ideas, nurtured their intellects, and made a difference, with expert insights from the friendly and skilled tour guides.

The highlight of the tour on August 10th, September 14th and October 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th, will be the engaging bespoke live commentary curated by author and historian Pamela Roberts, who’ll breathe life into the stories she so meticulously researched and studied, all while enjoying spectacular views of Oxford from the comfort of the bus.

Pamela is an award-winning creative producer, historian, and published author. She produces creative projects utilising archival or academic information, making projects accessible to the wider public by removing barriers of accessibility or academic jargon to present and bring untold stories to life via theatre, media, literature, lectures and tours.

The author of Black Oxford: The Untold Stories of Oxford University’s Black Scholars, her work as Founder and Director of Black Oxford Untold Stories has raised the profile of many black scholars at the University of Oxford.

Learn more about Black Oxford at blackoxford and book a tour at Oxford Bus & Walking Tour- Black Oxford Untold Stories

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