Oxford’s residents are proud to announce the line-up for this year’s free-to-visit Oxford Canal Festival, 11am-6pm on Saturday, 21st September
Head along and enjoy a community day of festival fun on the Aristotle Lane Recreation Ground, OX2 – entry is free!
Proceeds will go to ‘The Kilsby Theatre Boat Project’ – the 108-year-old narrowboat being rescued to become a new community theatre boat for Oxford’s waterways.
The music line up included the Jericho Singers, Ben Avison & Three Idle Women, Weekend Warriors, The Dirty Big Canal Dance Band, Mambo Panthers, Papa Nui, and Senegalese kora musician Jali Fily Cissokho.
Visit the Spoken Word Tent for a fantastic literary experience with Sir Philip Pullman reading live on stage, Roy MacFarlane, our Canal Laureate announcing the winning performances from this year’s poetry competition and the hugely fun University Challenged quiz with local teams taking on Oxford University finest brains!
Enjoy stalls selling jewellery, clothing, treats and local crafts on the Oxford canal running alongside the Aristotle Rec. There will be fun activities running all day for children including: face painting, art, a bouncy castle, a Canal Olympics, Arts and Crafts projects, and a Cinema showing local history short films.
Visitors can also enter a fun dog show – a hugely entertaining and impressive competition with our winners taking home fantastic canine prizes.
Craft beers and non-alcoholic drinks will be available in the bar tent, and a big selection of food vendors will be on site offering international cuisines.
The Kilsby Boat Project is rescuing and restoring a 1912 canal boat, reinventing it as a community venue for storytelling, music and boat trips. Kilsby is moored at Tooley’s historic boatyard awaiting restoration works that will enable her to make the trip back home to Oxford.
Get a free Wildlife Recording Kit and monitor local green spaces
Want to know what wildlife might be making its home on ground you own, manage or work on with a community group?
Help is at hand thanks to Surrey Wildlife Trust’s new Wildlife Recording Kits – boxes filled with surveying equipment to help community groups undertake species monitoring on sites from gardens and recreation grounds to local woodland.
The kits are available free of charge from Guildford and Godalming Libraries and directly from the Trust’s head office in Pirbright, and can be reserved for one or two weeks at a time.
Image by: Jon Hawkins
With one-third of local species in trouble, Surrey Wildlife Trust is on a mission to encourage more people to take action to protect and provide homes for native plants and animals – and these kits will help people identify what wildlife, from minibeasts to moths to small mammals, is present, enabling them to make better informed land management decisions to benefit nature. Actions could include putting up signage to encourage people not to walk on wildflowers, installing bird feeders filled with suitable food for a particular species, installing bat boxes, planting hedgerows to support butterflies and moths or creating ponds for newts.
The Trust currently has the following equipment available:
• Bat kit including high-viz jackets for working at night, a bat detector and call frequency guide.
• Pond kit including nets, trays for specimens and identification guides for a range of species.
• Minibeasts kit including magnifying pots, equipment for handling specimens and ID guides.
• Small mammals kit including footprint tunnels and plates, feeding kit and ‘tracks and signs’ ID guide.
• Soil kit with a corer and tester kit to establish soil chemistry.
• Plant kit including quadrats, magnifiers and ID guides for a huge range of local native flora.
• For those with a cinematic bent, a trail camera kit is also available. This can be set up to record badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, birds, mice and other creatures that might visit when you are not present.
Once people have completed their surveys, the Trust is encouraging users to report their findings to the Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre (SBIC) to help it gain important information on the distribution and abundance of species and habitats across the county.
SWT’s Community Engagement Manager Claire Harris says: “You don’t have to be a professional to contribute to science and conversation. SWT is proud to work with a broad range of community organisations across the county, but we want even more people to get involved in mapping, understanding and restoring the natural world. It’s great the local Libraries of Things are working with us to help people find out more about what lives on their doorsteps. If we all play our part, we can open minds, transform local areas and ultimately create a much wilder environment for everyone to enjoy.”
SWT also runs courses that enable people to learn more about species and habitats in Surrey. Any adult can register to attend here. The Trust also offers a limited number of FREE places to Surrey-based community groups, who are signed up to its Wilder Communities programme.
Oxfordshire’s oxen are set to go under the hammer on September 13th to raise funds for Sobell House Hospice
More than 130 oxen decorated the county with people discovering hidden ox designs across the area, but now it’s time to herd them up and auction them off.
The auction will be held online and in person at the Saïd Business School, Oxford on Friday, 13th September at 7.30pm. The sale will feature a stunning selection of life-sized ox sculptures and mini oxen, all available for online bidding.
The event will be hosted by celebrity auctioneer, Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester. Those looking to attend can check out the online auction via the digital catalogue and register their interest today.
Thomas said: “I simply can’t wait to wield my gavel like am American cowboy in the mid-west driving my herd to an ox-tounding sale at auction, raising such much needed and valuable funds for Sobell Hospice!”
Among those at auction is Children’s illustrator KorKy Paul with his “Winne and Wilbur” inspired ox, and international artist, Amanda Quellin’s design inspired by the stained glass found in Oxford’s architecture. Both with starting bids at £2,500.
The much talked about BBC Radio Oxford ox has also gone up for auction. This sculpture features hundreds of crocheted segments stitched together representing the ‘colourful and diverse’ communities of Oxfordshire. Starting the bids at £1,300, this special Ox is named ‘Tony’ after the artist Yarnsy’s Grandad, who was cared for at Sobell House.
And those looking for a celebrity treat, the trail’s scribed mini ‘Post-ox’ is also starting at £1,300 in the auction house. As part of the ‘moo-vement’, Postb-ox features doodles and signatures from over 20 famous faces – including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Prue Leith, Ben Shephard, Radiohead and Miriam Margoyles.
Director of Fundraising, Beth Marsh from Sobell House Hospice, said: “The auction provides a fantastic opportunity to own a unique piece of art while supporting the vital work we do at the hospice. We are very excited for the sale, it’s the perfect opportunity to purchase one of the moo-jestic ox sculptures and share in the legacy of OxTrail 2024.”
Beth added: “We give people the chance to live well in the time they have left and provide them with compassionate and dignified end of life care. Please place your bids and make an ox-tra big difference this September.”
The Jordans Picture House team look forward to welcoming you back, with September’s super screenings: A Man Called Otto and Jojo Rabbit
Starring Tom Hanks; Marian Trevino & Rachel Keller and directed by Marc Forster, A Man Called Otto (15) will be screened at Jordans Picture House on Friday, 13th September. Doors open at the new time of 6.45pm and the programme start at 7.30pm.
Otto is a grump who has given up on life, following the loss of his wife. He’s ready to end it all but his plans are interrupted when a lively young family moves in next door and he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol. She challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship which turns his world around. This is a heart-warming and funny story about love, loss and life, showing that family can be found in the most unexpected places.
“This is the perfect vehicle for Tom Hanks and he makes the most of the opportunity,” says one IMDB user. “Well written and well-acted this is great entertainment moving seamlessly from comedy to drama and ultimately packs an emotional punch that makes it memorable and pushes it into one of the best movies of the year. A great reminder of why Tom Hanks has been at the top for so long.”
On Friday, 27th September, Jordans Picture House will screen Jojo Rabbit 12A (6.45pm for 7.30pm).
Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie & Scarlett Johannsen and directed by Taika Waititi, it tells the story of a young German boy in the Hitler Youth whose hero and imaginary friend is the country’s dictator is shocked to discover that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.
“Jojo Rabbit demonstrates that there is hope, both for humanity and Hollywood,” says one reviewer. “The characters are charming and quirky, the dialogue clever and the plot wisely confines itself to telling an intensely personal story rather than one of the war itself. The young male star is perfect.”
Book your tickets now: £8pp or £5 under-15s. Visit Jordans Picture House, or call Gill on 01494 678050.
Pangbourne High Street is becoming even more of a must-visit destination for locals & visitors. We’re celebrating this boom, including two new boutiques for style-lovers…
In April, Amy Grace, who has a background in footwear buying and design at renowned high street brands, launched Grace. This chic boutique offers a distinctive shopping experience, featuring her own footwear brands, Grace, and Feather & Sole. Additionally, the store showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of accessories sourced from Europe and the UK, making it a go-to spot for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique and stylish pieces.
“I’ve lived here for seven years, originally as it was on the commuter line into London and I wanted the village vibe with easy access to the city,” Amy tells us. “I’ve stayed because I love this quaint little spot. We get quite a few people coming here to picnic by the river in the summer and it seems to be a meeting point for surrounding villages due to the cafes, shops and strolls by the river.”
“I’ve stayed because I love this quaint little spot”
Adding to the vibrant mix, bespoke jeweller Nicola Bannister opened her atelier in July. Known for her exquisite craftsmanship, Nicola offers one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewellery that caters to those with a discerning eye for quality and elegance. Her atelier has already been attracting jewellery-lovers and provides a personalised shopping experience that’s both memorable and luxurious alongside a repairs and remodelling service. Nicola also offers workshops such as wedding-ring making for couples making their vows.
While Pangbourne has always been great for the foodie spots and Kiki & Bow interiors is a great asset, having more shops open has given people more reason to visit. Pangbourne High Street is nor just a shopping destination but a thriving hub of unique retail and culinary experiences, perfect for an afternoon mooch.
Peter Henry tells us more about Chesham Bois Tennis Club’s oldest member Roy Thorn who is still smiling at 100
As a member of Chesham Bois Lawn Tennis and Squash Club for some 30 years I have known and played tennis with Roy for a considerable time. On his 90th Birthday, when he was still playing twice a week, I had the opportunity to interview about his life and he turned out to be quite a character. Now that he reached 100 it provides the opportunity to share some of his stories with the world.
Roy was born on 7th August 1924 in Chesham where apart from his time in the RAF and 10 years working in London, he has spent all his life in the area. He was married to Mary, a talented painter and Sculptor, for 46 years until her death in 1997, with whom he had 3 children, Robin, Jane and Timothy, four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. His career was in the legal profession as first a solicitor’s clerk and later as a Legal Executive when he was a founder member of the Institute of Legal Executives. Outside work he has been a keen sportsman all his life with tennis and badminton as his two games. He founded Chiltern Badminton Club and has been a member of Chesham Bois LT&SC for 76 years.
Roy has always been a keen photographer and during the early part of the war Roy delighted in taking illicit photographs of the military vehicles and troop movements either from the offices of Blaser Mills which overlooked the Broadway or by concealing his camera under his coat on the Avenue in Lowndes Park where British Army vehicles were concealed under the line of trees.
“Roy has always been a keen photographer”
One night in 1941, during the period of the London Blitz, bombs were dropped on a field on the outskirts of Chesham. Roy went out early the next morning and picked up an unexploded incendiary bomb sticking out of the ground taking it home on his bike concealed in his gauntlet gloves much to his mother’s horror. On returning home for lunch the bomb had gone, taken away by the police. Roy went round to the Police Station in a high dudgeon, had a heated but failed argument with the sergeant to get ‘his’ bomb back.
In 1943 Roy joined the RAF and was then sent on an aviation course in Leicester where he flew Tiger Moths learning all the tricks of the trade including Acrobatics, Night Flying, Navigation and Forced Landings. As part of this course, they were required to travel an 80-mile route with an instructor and then retrace the route flying solo the next day. The course took them north from Leicester but Roy, who as shown by his clandestine military photography was always keen to take a risk, worked out that if he fiddled his log he could fly to Chesham and back. This he did successfully with the only difficulty being when he encountered 3 Bovingdon based US Flying Fortresses and was forced to climb so they couldn’t see his registration and possibly report his presence in the wrong part of the country!
During his time in the RAF, he was working alongside the now famous actor Robert Hardy. Robert asked Roy to take some photographs and, being enamoured of the Laurence Olivier 1944 film of Henry V, came to the shoot with full costume including armour, hired for the occasion.
Roy left the RAF in 1946 and returned to his old firm of Blaser Mills and then spent 10 years working in similar roles in London from the late 1950s but returned to Chesham and joined the solicitors Iliffes (now– IBB).
With two friends, who both safely survived the war, he founded Chiltern Badminton Club in which he was involved for the next 25 years including the roles of secretary and chairman. Roy joined Chesham Bois LT&SC in 1948, was made an honorary member on the Club’s Centenary in 2008 plating until he was 97.
Three further facts that demonstrate his character are; that he rode a motorbike until he was 87, and at the age of 96 he also managed to climb through a very small window that was a good 6ft above the ground, after he’d locked himself out of the house upon return from his granddaughter’s wedding. Having achieved entry with the aid of a ladder he then took it outside, locked himself out again, and had to repeat the whole process!
Roy lived independently in Amersham until February this year when he moved to The Willow Care Home in Chesham where he continues to make the most of life.
Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care announces the return of its Sustainable September campaign. The month-long event is back for its second year, bigger and better than before.
The charity is encouraging people in Bucks to participate in the challenge, whereby people wear one item of clothing or an accessory from a charity shop every day throughout the month of September.
Rennie Grove Peace will be sending out a weekly email newsletter with styling tips and tricks from personal stylist and founder of Luxe Leopard Lifestyle, Alex Standley (Alex Standley Personal Stylist St Albans (@luxeleopardlifestyle)). Each newsletter will feature a theme to inspire participants with their outfits for that week. Those taking part are asked to simply tag Rennie Grove Peace) on Instagram or Facebook and use #RGPSustSept. There will be a prize draw at the end of the month that will include anyone who has uploaded a photo and tagged the charity during the 30-day campaign.
In the same month, the Rennie Grove Peace Beaconsfield ReLoved Boutique, which stocks high-end and designer pre-loved items, will host its annual fashion show fundraising evening. The hugely successful event has already sold out for the second year running and will be hosted by Bucks-based personal stylist Emma Lou (Emma Lou Stylist (@emloustylist)).
Rennie Grove Peace currently has 33 high street shops, with 13 across Bucks which stock high-quality, preloved clothes, accessories and homeware. The charity also has an online presence via its eBay shop.
Rennie Grove Peace charity shops raise vital income to fund its services which support patients in Bucks with life-limiting illnesses. Items donated to the charity have previously included brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Mulberry and Christian Dior.
Deborah Gould, Director of Retail & Trading at Rennie Grove Peace, says:
“We’re delighted to be bringing Sustainable September back as an even bigger and better event in its second year. Second-hand fashion continues to grow in popularity and this challenge is a great way for us to showcase how pre-loved clothing can be part of your everyday routine.
“People who took part last year told us they enjoyed the challenge of creating different outfits throughout the month. We’re encouraging people to head down to their local Rennie Grove Peace shop to see what they can find. Whether it’s a whole outfit, one piece or an accessory, there’s something for everybody in our shops and the fun comes in how you mix and match items throughout the month!”
To find out more and register to receive the weekly email newsletter with styling tips and tricks for Sustainable September visit here.
To find your local Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care charity shop visit here.
Churches across Newbury are holding a prayer week from 8th to 14th September, with many events happening each day.
The formats and venues are varied, with different topics and focuses for each meeting, but the churches are united in wanting to seek God together and bless the local area. Head along for a prayer walk, soak in meditative prayer, or join the prayers for global crises and the environment.
For the full schedule of events go to the website.
Birchgrove is a specialist developer of retirement properties, offering high-quality self-contained assisted living apartments in purpose-built developments.
All apartments are spacious and designed in a contemporary style with all the mod-cons you’d expect. Many also have private patios and balconies. Location is top priority too, with the communities built close to amenities and shops, plenty of places to walk, and good transport links.
We pride ourselves on the quality of our communal facilities; we know the benefits a positive, vibrant, social environment has on personal well-being. Residents have access to exclusive onsite amenities such as a restaurant, licensed bar, club room, wellness suite, landscaped gardens, and much more, providing well-thought-out spaces that are comfortable for people to meet, connect, and share experiences. From hobby groups to shared activities, our monthly events calendar has something for everyone: to turn ordinary and mundane into cherished memories you can fondly reflect on.
Retirement living isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about embracing a new chapter of life which can be filled with joy, connections, and meaningful experiences. At Birchgrove, we believe that the secret to truly enjoying your golden years lies in the power of community connectedness.
Loneliness and isolation don’t have to be the norm, the warmth of a community of like-minded people can create opportunities for people to form new friendships and meaningful interactions. Birchgrove residents come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience and skills. A simple stroll through the gardens could start conversation and lead to new adventures. Regular coffee mornings are a great place to catch up on what’s happening, and there’s always someone around who may share your passion or interest.
Unlike most other assisted living developments, Birchgrove offers a unique blend of independent living with the benefits of assistance if you need it, while removing the complications of home ownership. Our high-quality apartments are solely for rent – no pressure to buy once you move in. There are no lengthy contracts or confusing small print.
At Birchgrove, our rent is inclusive and covers the large-ticket expenses like energy costs – electricity, heating and water – and many of the rising incidental costs that go along with owning your own home. This includes housekeeping, broadband, window cleaning, gardening, building insurance, security, and a whole host of other things. This all-inclusive approach ensures you can enjoy your retirement without worrying about unexpected expenses.
The rising cost of living is currently impacting most households. Here at Birchgrove, you don’t have any of the headaches of hassles associated with above. This is because we have one inclusive rent, which is reviewed just once a year, and any increase is in line with the retail price index. A one-off joining fee is also payable.
To find out more about Birchgrove and to explore your options, please get in touch with the team on 020 3929 5599 or visit https://www.birchgrove.life/
A dress from Omi Na-Na was all over the news this summer. The brand’s founder Esha Ahmed tells us about creativity, dyslexia, moving to Marlow & more…
Esha Ahmed has earned her stripes in more ways than one. Akshata wore a Lina dress from Omi Na-Na as she accompanied her husband Rishi Sunak on his exit from Downing Street in July. This resulted in this wondrous design being splashed all over the national press.
But, while all this is wonderful publicity, it’s not about the big names for Esha, but the bigger picture. She takes pride in being part of the UK’s sustainable fashion community, prioritising people over profits. As you can tell from her beautiful garments, she champions longevity through craftsmanship over disposability.
“I’ve always been passionate about advocating for doing better – not just for ourselves but for communities worldwide,” says Esha. “My journey began in the policy world at the EU, driven by a desire to make a positive impact. However, my early 30s sparked a creative awakening, leading me to leave my job and start Omi Na-Na. This platform bridges the gap between fashion lovers in the UK and the most talented, yet often under-appreciated, artisans in India. It’s a win-win, fostering a meaningful relationship that benefits everyone involved.”
“It’s a win-win, fostering a meaningful relationship that benefits everyone involved”
Omi Na-Na is an online shop full of statement clothing, made both sustainably and ethically. Unlike mass retailers, the brand curates breathtaking clothing designs from talented designers in the global south, crafted in partnership with local artisans and made to order just for you. Yes: that means you may have to wait three or four weeks for your bespoke piece, but it will be made just for you through the most intricate hand-crafted processes such as hand-dyeing, hand-blocking printing and hand-embroidery. Each piece is a wearable piece of art!
The made-to-order process means Omi Na-Na operates sustainably, minimising textile waste which represents a huge global environmental issue. Buying “slow” from them also means supporting a new way of bringing fashion to life as each order contributes to uplifting artisans communities that have struggled due to the rise of the exploitative fast fashion system.
The “slow shopping” trend is gaining momentum with London’s most popular fashion influencers, stylists, academics, activists, celebrities and even individuals in political circles (hello Akshata!) embracing Omi Na-Na and other slow fashion brands.
Esha was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child. “I struggled with the stigma and lack of support throughout my education and early career,” she says. “Everything changed when I read The Dyslexic Advantage by Broke Eide & Fernette Eide. This book highlighted unique skills such as big-picture thinking, creativity, and problem-solving that are perfect for entrepreneurship! Embracing my dyslexia rather than fighting it has made life so much easier and fulfilling.”
Esha moved to Marlow from south-west London this summer with her family. “The change has been incredibly positive! We’ve settled into a welcoming neighbourhood where everyone is friendly and kids play together on the street. We love exploring the local woods with my son. The vibrant high street, river, and parks which drew us to Marlow haven’t disappointed us either. We’ve already got our favourite local spots like Marlow Green and farm shops that we’ve been visiting weekly.
“As we settle in, I look forward to connecting with other passionate about sustainable fashion and finding a pop-up location to showcase our beautiful designs. Until then, visit us online at Omi Na-Na or catch us at the Marlow In Your Element Festival’s fashion night out on 26th September. Exciting times ahead!”
