Community & Charity Archives • Round & About Magazine

Entries open for Oxfordshire Business Awards

Karen Neville

January 21, 2025January 21, 2025

Community & Charity

Karen Neville

Community & Charity, Oxfordshire, Round and About

The Oxfordshire Business Awards recognise, reward, promote and celebrate the excellence of the country’s businesses & it’s time to enter

The Oxfordshire Business Awards are back for 2025 and encourage businesses across the county to get involved in the celebration.

Since the Awards began in 1994 they have had a positive impact on the county’s business community and individuals as well as helping to promote excellence. The OXBA continues to shine a spotlight on the incredible feats of hundreds of Oxfordshire businesses from startups to innovative game-changers right through to charity and community heroes.

Businesses have until March 17th to enter with the winners being crowned at a glittering awards dinner on Thursday, 12th June at John Henry Brookes Building at Oxford Brookes University.

The Awards welcome back many of the sponsors from 2024 as well as a few new names. For a second year, The Oxford Trust continues to sponsor the Emerging Tech Business Award in partnership with Oxford Innovation Space, Barclays Eagle Labs and IMed Consultancy.

Right Here Creative has been involved with the OXBA for a couple of years and are the Awards Video Content sponsor.

The OXBA sponsors committee has also been joined by Sandy’s Piano Bar – sponsor of the Awards Launch Celebration event which was held on January 16th.

2024 sponsors making a very welcome return are Cherry Picked Residential, Greatest Hits Radio, Hays, James Cowper Kreston, Mathews Comfort, Oxfordshire LEP, Oxford Science Park, RWK Goodman and That Event Company.

OXBA co chairs Heather Wood and Simon Bassett welcomed the 2024 sponsors back and those joining for the first time in 2025 as the OXBA approaches its 30th anniversary.

Heather said: “Your ongoing support and enthusiasm plays such a vital role in making these Awards truly special. A heartfelt thank you to each of you, not just for your financial contribution, but also for the time, energy and ideas you bring to the awards.”

“The Awards would not be possible without the dedication, hard work and financial support of the sponsors, who are driven by their desire to support and showcase the best of Oxfordshire business,” Simon added.

“We are blessed in our county by the excellence and diversity of our businesses and I would encourage as many of those businesses to consider entering these prestigious Awards.”

To find out more & for full details of the awards visit Oxfordshire Business Awards

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Care Worker Conquers Himalayas for Charity

Round & About

January 17, 2025January 13, 2025

Community & Charity

Round & About

Community & Charity, Round and About, Surrey

An intrepid team member from Barchester Healthcare’s new Burwood Grange care home in Walton on Thames set out on a challenging, extraordinary and life-changing trek, all in the name of checking chests!

Megan Best, a dedicated Home Services Advisor at Burwood Grange, joined Giovanna Fletcher and other well-known faces on a five-day trek through the Indian Himalayas to raise funds for CoppaFeel, a breast cancer charity focused on promoting early detection.

CoppaFeel works to combat late breast cancer diagnosis by encouraging young people to regularly check their breasts, pecs, and chests, empowering them to recognise changes and consult a doctor when something feels off.

Megan took on this challenge for a deeply personal reason: she carries the BRCA2 gene, which significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. In July 2023, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy as part of her preventative care journey to lower her risk of developing breast cancer.

“This was my first time taking on a challenge like this,” Megan shared. “I was excited but nervous, especially about the unpredictable weather. I’m grateful for the incredible support from my colleagues at Burwood Grange and my fellow climbers – it motivated me to push through. I’m proud to raise funds for CoppaFeel, a charity that’s so close to my heart. Breast cancer has affected my family and friends, and I want to help prevent others from experiencing what I’ve been through.”

If you’d like to support Megan, visit her JustGiving page, “Megan Best is fundraising for CoppaFeel!” All donations are greatly appreciated.

Burwood Grange’s General Manager, Dacre Lassauniere, expressed the team’s pride: “We’re all incredibly proud of Megan and her determination to take on this incredible challenge. We can’t wait to hear about her experience and are cheering her on every step of the way.”

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New Year, New Challenge, New Hospice

Round & About

January 13, 2025January 10, 2025

Community & Charity

Round & About

Community & Charity, Round and About, Surrey

Are you looking to push yourself in 2025? If your new year’s resolution is to see what amazing things you can achieve, why not start by signing up for one of Phyllis Tuckwell’s inspiring challenges and raise vital money for local Hospice Care!

Whether a seasoned cyclist or an enthusiastic amateur, participants in Pedal to Paris will face a true test of stamina. Taking place from 10th to 13th September, this event challenges riders to cycle 333km from Farnham to Paris, raising funds for Phyllis Tuckwell’s new Hospice. This state-of-the-art facility will enable the charity to provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care for thousands of local individuals living with advanced or terminal illnesses, such as cancer.

The route includes stops in Lewes and Newhaven, a ferry crossing to Dieppe, and scenic rides through Forges-les-Eaux and Cergy to Paris, featuring both level stretches and rolling hills. Upon reaching Paris, participants can enjoy the sights while their bikes are transported back to Farnham.

How to sign up

Organised by Cycle4Good (C4G), the event offers full support, including directions, bike maintenance, spare parts, and accompaniment throughout the journey. Phyllis Tuckwell can accommodate up to 40 cyclists and aims to recruit a minimum number of participants by 31st January. Interested individuals can sign up at Pedal to Paris | Phyllis Tuckwell or email [email protected] for more details. Each participant must raise a minimum sponsorship of £2,000, with self-funded options available.

The event package includes four nights’ shared accommodation (with an option to upgrade to a single room), the ferry crossing to France, meals (excluding food purchased on the ferry), soft drinks, snacks and water during the day, bike transportation back to Farnham, and a Phyllis Tuckwell-branded cycling jersey.

How about a skydive?

For those seeking a different thrill, Phyllis Tuckwell also offers skydiving experiences. Participants will reach freefall speeds of over 120mph before transitioning into a gentle parachute descent. These challenges, run by the Army Parachute Association at the Skydive Centre in Wiltshire, will take place on 22nd March, 8th June, and 27th September. The registration fee is £50, with a minimum sponsorship requirement of £450 per person.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, Phyllis Tuckwell offers alternative challenges, such as the Surrey half or full marathon, the Guildford Inflatable 5K, the Tough Mudder, or even international marathons. Details of these events can be found on Phyllis Tuckwell’s Run for Charity page at Run For Charity – Charities

“All the money raised through these exhilarating challenges will go towards helping us care for people living with advanced or terminal illnesses, such as cancer”, said Ruth Masters, Fundraising Manager at Phyllis Tuckwell. “We’d love to welcome participants to one of our events, but if someone prefers to take on their own challenge, we’ll provide full support.”

For those with a personal challenge in mind – whether it’s climbing the Three Peaks, diving into open water swimming, running an ultramarathon, shaving their head, or participating in a sponsored silence – Phyllis Tuckwell’s Fundraising team is available to offer tips, advice, materials, and information.

To sign up for any of these challenges or to learn more about supporting Phyllis Tuckwell, visit Take on a challenge | Phyllis Tuckwell, call the Fundraising team on 01252 729446, or email [email protected]

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Local care home marks century celebrations

Round & About

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025

Community & Charity

Round & About

Community & Charity, Round and About, Surrey

Celebrations have been in full swing at Corrina Lodge Nursing Home, as one of its residents reaches his centenary in style

Ken was joined by family, friends, staff and fellow residents as he received a telegram from the King in recognition of his landmark birthday. A champagne reception was held at the home and guests enjoyed a selection of delicious cupcakes made by the home’s chef Kathleen.

Ken was Born in Leeds in January 1925. Before starting his new chapter of his life at Corrina Lodge Care Home, Ken and his wife Sylvia, lived locally and were residents locally in Heatherside since 1970.

After a Napier apprenticeship in Acton, having previously worked as a 15yr old on Spitfires part at Hendon, and managing an Anti-Aircraft Battery in Gunnersbury Park, he attended Loughborough College to complete his education. He spent a year at the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in Abadan (Iran), then worked as a Mechanical Engineer for EMI. He then joined the Medical Research Council Unit at Hammersmith Hospital.

After retiring he was a volunteer at the Army Logistics Museum in Deepcut and the Parachute Regiment in Aldershot.

Ken, took all the celebrations in his stride and has thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories from his life with everyone. Among those relatives attending was Ken’s three children Susan, Andy, Kate, his five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Speaking about her centenarian Dad, daughter Susan said “during this time talking to Dad I have found out so many new stories I have never heard before and even about people I didn’t know about and it is wonderful to listen to Dad speak about his life. We are all so incredibly proud of Dad and all he has achieved in his hundred years, and it’s wonderful to be with him on this very special day to say just how proud he makes us feel.”

Dumitru Varzaru General Manager or Barchester Corrina Lodge added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable Ken as he reaches this amazing milestone.

Corrina Lodge Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Corrina provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 58 residents from respite care to long term stays.

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Godalming Rotary clubs’ Young Citizen Award

Karen Neville

January 9, 2025

Community & Charity

Karen Neville

Community & Charity, Round and About, Surrey

Rotary in Godalming member Colin Simmons invites nominations for this year’s Young Citizen Award and shares news of the chosen charity for 2025 of Godalming Woolsack

Following the success of our award in 2023 and 2024, the Rotary Clubs in Godalming are running our Young Citizen Award again in 2025.

Our late member Malcolm Keene worked tirelessly inspiring the young in Godalming. So, in his memory, the Rotary Clubs in Godalming, in conjunction with and supported by Malcolm’s wife Barbara, wish to reward and inspire a young person or group of (up to 6) young people who have made outstanding contributions to our local community and deserve recognition.

This may be as a carer, fundraiser for good causes, involvement with voluntary organisations or similar tasks that a young person has, or group of young people have, done to benefit the community that often has not been recognised.

If you know a young person, or group of young people, aged between 10-18, who is/are doing good things within the community, then please nominate them for our award.

The nomination form is available at Godalming Woolsack Rotary website or send an email to [email protected].

A cash prize together with a commemorative plague will be awarded to the young person or the group of young people that the judging panel (comprising of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Godalming and the Rotary Club of Godalming Woolsack) consider to be the most deserving. The judging panel’s decision will be final.

All nominees, including each member of a group, will receive a certificate recognising their nomination.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, 11th April with an award evening planned for Friday, 9th May at the Burton Pavilion, Milford.

The photographs here show last year’s winner Andrew Busby receiving his award with his family from the mayor plus a photo of all the winners with the mayor and his consort and the Woolsack YCA committee.

The Rotary Club of Godalming Woolsack President, Graham Sopp, has chosen the Godalming & Villages Community Store as his Charity of the Year. A very generous donation was made on behalf of the Woolsack Club of £1,000 to the Chair of the Community Store Estelle Spencer to ensure their clients had access to fresh fruit and vegetables over the Christmas period.

This donation funded vouchers which Community Store clients could exchange for fresh fruit and vegetables at DMF Fruits, owned by Danny Taylor, when they operate at the Pepperpot in Godalming.

To find out more about Godalming Community Store and how you can help visit Godalming & Villages Community Store

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Fundraising Concert Supporting Cut Out Cancer

Round & About

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025

Community & Charity

Round & About

Community & Charity, Round and About, Surrey

On Saturday 1st February, 2025 Godalming Minster is hosting a fundraising event in aid of Rotary’s Cut Out Cancer campaign.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Royal Surrey Hospital to help provide specialist high-tech, robotic surgical equipment for its new cancer centre. This state of the art medical technology will improve the experience and outcomes of thousands of people in the local area whose lives are affected by cancer each year.

This unique, two hour event will offer special performances from local musicians across a range of diverse and eclectic genres including jazz, gospel, folk, country and classical. Featured artists are: MBM Gospel Choir, Brighton Road, Classical duo Caroline and Jim and the DRCS Jazz Ensemble.

This concert will be an uplifting, emotional and entertaining event for the local community. Everyone is welcome and admission is free but we hope that the audience will be generous in their appreciation, make a donation and help make this a successful fundraising evening. By working together I know that we can make a really positive difference so please do come along.

Tickets are not required for this event but if you would like to attend, please email to
[email protected] or WhatsApp +32 476 046815 for event planning purposes.

There will be an intermission when refreshments will be available

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Haggis highlight for Burns Night

Liz Nicholls

January 6, 2025January 6, 2025

Community & Charity

Liz Nicholls

Buckinghamshire, Community & Charity, Food & Recipes, Round and About

Enjoy a Burns Night supper in Gerrards Cross on Friday, 31st January, and raise funds for Gerrards Cross Community Association (GXCA), a charity which formed in 1947

Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of Scottish poet Robert Burns (25th January 1759 – 21st July 1796).

One of its traditions is the address to the haggis and this speciality (plus a veggie option) will be served at The GXCA supper, along with neeps and tatties, served with whisky and redcurrant gravy. Guests can also tuck into starters of smoked salmon with prawns and avocado mousse or grapefruit and watermelon salad with rocket and mozzarella and pudding is a trio: raspberry and Drambuie trifle, double chocolate brownie and lemon tartlet.

GXCA was formed in 1947 to promote the wellbeing of the community and “to advance education, to provide a meeting place… for recreation and social, moral, spiritual and intellectual development and to foster a community spirit.”

Today, the team offer educational classes in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council and other adult education providers.

Gerrards Cross Community Association in East Common, SL9 7AD, is home to clubs, societies, adult education groups, a youth centre and leisure facilities. Rooms can be booked for a variety of social functions (clubs, parties, weddings etc) and for business meetings.

The charity is financed by subscriptions, rentals and various fund-raising activities throughout the year, including the February Attic Sale and the Jumble Sale in September. More local members are welcome. To find out more or to book your Burns Supper tickets (£60pp) please visit Community Events l Venue Hire l GXCA or you can call 01753 883759.

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Hazlemere expo for Amani UK charity

Liz Nicholls

January 6, 2025January 6, 2025

Community & Charity

Liz Nicholls

Buckinghamshire, Community & Charity, Round and About

You’re all welcome to find out more about the lift-changing work of humanitarian charity Amani UK at Holy Trinity Church in Hazlemere, HP15 7PZ, between 10am & 3pm on 8th February

Amani UK is a humanitarian charity which has been operating in rural west Kenya for 25 years, supporting and assisting development across a whole range of community activities.

After nearly 15 years or working at grassroots level in Kenya, Elizabeth Feliden founded Amani UK as a Charity Commission registered charity at the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Amind many challenges, it became the foundation on which the charity grew, harnessing the motivation of the rural community to form groups through which Amani UK was able to channel help and support.

The support grew rapidly, through the community groups, to focus across the essentials of life; food, water, housing, health and education. From the initial basis of support, the priority moved progressively to development of the groups through self-help projects. With an ever-increasing flow of annual youth group and adult trips from the UK, the support and interest base in the UK grew rapidly. This enabled the development of a strong trustee base, centred from 2003 on Hazlemere and Derby, with age and gender balance and growing Kenya experience.

Peter Fish of the charity says: “From these trips came totally unexpected and inspired initiatives, of which you will be able to hear more at the Expo; the creation of the Ted Rayner Memorial Clinic; the launching of the Keep a Girl in School (KaGiS) project, both now 10 years on and mature beyond any expectations; the establishment of the Schools Link project in 2008 and currently linking 19 UK and Kenyan schools.

“Visiting the Expo will enable you to hear how we are funding a medical clinic, supporting thousands of schoolgirls with sanitary needs, supporting communities through agriculture and business development. And working with local schools to help partner and create links with Kenyan schools to enable mutual learning. “You will meet our team of UK volunteers and learn about the Kenyan NGO team we helped establish in 2007 and have partnered with ever since; learn how you can support children to receive an education, enable families and community groups to become self-sufficient and ensure rural communities can access vital medical care. “See how our young adults are fundraising for a trip of a lifetime to Kenya, an experience already enjoyed by hundreds over the years, and find out how you can get involved and maybe even plan a visit too!”

Refreshments will be available and car parking immediately adjacent. Plan a visit between 10am and 3pm. To find out more about getting involved please email [email protected] or visit AmaniUK – AmaniUK

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Join Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir

Liz Nicholls

January 6, 2025

Community & Charity

Liz Nicholls

Activities & Events, Buckinghamshire, Community & Charity, Round and About

Phil Thomas tells us more about why you should join the local members of Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir, whether you’re a beginner or a pro!

Most men can sing. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned singer, Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir invites you to become part of something special.

You’ll be able to enjoy singing in a welcoming, fun and relaxed atmosphere with a non-judgmental, supportive group. Also connect with fellow singers and make lifelong friendships, take part in vibrant concerts that will leave you feeling inspired, and benefit from expert leadership provided by our musical director. There are no voice tests.

You’re not too young or too old. We have members bringing up young families who view the choir as a mindful, relaxing, but purposeful break from their busy lives… and members who have been in the choir for 50+ years!

So why not be our guest for four weeks to see if you enjoy the experience and would like to become a member? We’ll ensure you’ll be seated next to an experienced member to guide you and answer any questions. Should you then decide “this is for me!” you’ll be enrolled to full membership (see our contact details at the end of this article).

Founded in 1923, Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir are a vibrant group of enthusiastic singers who come from all walks of life. We meet at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at the Wesley Methodist Church in Priory Road, HP13 6SE, to rehearse for various concerts and events that we perform for the public. In many cases our concerts are in support of local or national charities.

Male voice choirs are generally arranged in four-part harmonies. Two tenor sections (higher voices) and two bass sections (lower voices), each sing their own part. Members join the section most suited to their range, which they will be helped to assess when they join.

We enjoy singing both well-known traditional pieces but also popular songs from musicals, films and the pop world. Some random examples are; Angles, One Moment In Time, The Rose, God Only Know, Do You Hear The People Sing, Morte Criste, What Would I Do Without My Music and songs from the Beatles, Abba, Queen and Coldplay, to mention but a few.

Although reading music is helpful, it is absolutely not a requirement. Sheet music is provided to all singers, but each tenor and bass part is fully supported by easily downloadable mp3 recordings via our excellent website.

New members will also be assigned a ‘buddy’, being a more experienced member of the choir, who would be happy to answer any questions and help you to find your way around.

The next step is to get involved: email [email protected]. Or why not come to our next rehearsal? No auditions required, just show up and either listen or join in… see if our choir feels like the right fit for you. Visit Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir

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Crowning glory for Warren James Hairdressing

Round & About

January 3, 2025

Community & Charity

Round & About

Activities & Events, Community & Charity, Oxfordshire, Round and About

Becky Fanstone & her Wallingford team at Warren James Hairdressing are celebrating after winning three accolades at the UK Salon awards

Hair is everything! A good hair day and a bad hair day can lead to drastically different outcomes. So it’s no wonder that Becky Anderson finds her job taking care of hair so rewarding.

“The salon has gone from strength to strength over the last nine years and we are so honoured to receive these awards,” says Becky, who owns Warren James Hairdressing in Old Reading Road, OX10 8BW. “These latest wins are testament to the hard work and passion of our amazing team and the support of our incredible clients. The past year has been a period of growth and transformation for the salon.

“The team have expanded, bringing in fresh, amazing talent. The salon itself has undergone an exciting extension, creating even more space for new clients.”

Becky was born and raised in the area, growing up in Crowmarsh, and training in Wallingford. After years of honing her craft and working in various places, including Sydney, Brisbane, Oxford and Henley; Crowmarsh, Wallingford, seemed the obvious choice for her salon. The team at Warren James Hairdressing share this strong local bond – every member is from Wallingford or nearby areas.

Becky was crowned Oxfordshire stylist of the year, Katie won Oxfordshire New Talent of the year, and as a team they won Oxfordshire Colour Salon of the year in the highly regarded Salon Awards which are a testament to their commitment to excellence. Whether it’s innovation, customer service, or expertise in all things hair, each accolade reflects the salon’s dedication to exceeding client expectations.

“We’re thrilled to welcome new faces into the salon and the extension allows us to offer even more services and continue delivering the exceptional care and creativity our clients deserve,” adds Becky. “I would like to thank my team for their continued hard work, passion and eagerness to keep learning.”

Please visit Warren James Hairdressing, Wallingford UK

Thursday 23 Jan 2025

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Community & Charity

The Oxfordshire Business Awards recognise, reward, promote and celebrate the excellence of the country’s businesses & it’s time to enter

OXBA categories for 2025 are:

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Community & Charity

An intrepid team member from Barchester Healthcare’s new Burwood Grange care home in Walton on Thames set out on a challenging, extraordinary and life-changing trek, all in the name of checking chests!

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Community & Charity

Are you looking to push yourself in 2025? If your new year’s resolution is to see what amazing things you can achieve, why not start by signing up for one of Phyllis Tuckwell’s inspiring challenges and raise vital money for local Hospice Care!

How to sign up

How about a skydive?

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Community & Charity

Celebrations have been in full swing at Corrina Lodge Nursing Home, as one of its residents reaches his centenary in style

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Community & Charity

Rotary in Godalming member Colin Simmons invites nominations for this year’s Young Citizen Award and shares news of the chosen charity for 2025 of Godalming Woolsack

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Community & Charity

On Saturday 1st February, 2025 Godalming Minster is hosting a fundraising event in aid of Rotary’s Cut Out Cancer campaign.

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Enjoy a Burns Night supper in Gerrards Cross on Friday, 31st January, and raise funds for Gerrards Cross Community Association (GXCA), a charity which formed in 1947

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Community & Charity

You’re all welcome to find out more about the lift-changing work of humanitarian charity Amani UK at Holy Trinity Church in Hazlemere, HP15 7PZ, between 10am & 3pm on 8th February

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Community & Charity

Phil Thomas tells us more about why you should join the local members of Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir, whether you’re a beginner or a pro!

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Community & Charity

Becky Fanstone & her Wallingford team at Warren James Hairdressing are celebrating after winning three accolades at the UK Salon awards

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