An exciting series of events marks Windrush Day 2024 in Oxford from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd June.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is ‘Women of the Windrush’. Traditionally, the focus has been on the men who disembarked from the Windrush ship, but this year’s festival will highlight the female arrivals, their stories, and their voices.
This marks the 5th year that Windrush Day has been officially celebrated in the city and the 76th anniversary of the HMT Windrush arriving at Tilbury Docks in Britain. While many passengers settled in large cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool, a number came to Oxford and built homes here. Over time, individuals and community organizations has established networks, advocated for equal rights and opportunities, and made significant contributions to the city, enriching its cultural life. Many of these organizations and networks have been initiated and led by women.
Euton Daley of the Oxford Windrush Working Group says, “Women of the Windrush Generation have made a huge contribution to communities around the UK, and Oxford is not the least of these. They have made their mark on the city and helped create its modern identity. It’s their voices we hear daily in social interactions in hospitals, shops, community centres, schools, and churches. This Windrush Day we are celebrating them, and everything they’ve achieved.”
An artist is being commissioned to work with Oxford’s young people over the school May half-term holiday at the Pitt Rivers Museum and other locations, as well as over the festival weekend at Florence Park. Sessions will also take place at local primary schools and with the Black Excellence Project Saturday group. Many organizations and individuals have come together to create this programme of events for local communities to get involved, share stories, learn new skills, and have fun.
This year’s events have been made possible thanks to a share of £500,000 in funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, administered by Near Neighbours.
The Dolphin recently picked up Greene King’s Community Pub of the Year for its excellent range of events and community initiatives, landlady Emma Cox shares her delight
To me the pub trade isn’t just about selling alcohol it’s about being an all-inclusive base where everyone can come together. For celebration, commiserations, for support through the high times and the low times.
I’ve been at The Dolphin working since I was 13 as a cleaner to start off with and my parents became managers when I was 16 so I’ve watched the trade change over the years.
I love Wallingford and we are in a position to give back some of the support we have been shown over the years. When lockdown happened I noticed there was so much more we could do. So many customer didn’t return through fear of covid that we started doing food parcels, prescription runs, phone calls for company, which lead to us getting involved in the different community centres.
The reason I do it is simple. If the shoe was on the other foot or one of my family or friends are in need I’d really hope somebody would be there to help – one of my mottos is ‘it’s nice to be nice!”
I love the kids eat free, my daughter Annie is six. She struggled socially for a long time after lockdown. I think social skills build such a great confidence in our children and that’s so important.
Winning the award is probably one of my greatest career achievements so far! But, it’s not just me. There’s a whole team of amazing people that work at The Dolly who go above and beyond everyday. And we couldn’t do what we do without each other.
Petersfield based charity Hounds for Heroes needs your support. Could you be a full-time volunteer and look after puppies in training?
Volunteering to be a puppy parent is a rewarding opportunity to become part of the Hounds for Heroes team and provide puppies with the training and care crucial for their development to become a life enhancing assistance dog.
Don’t want to read the full article? Jump to our FAQs here or enter this month’s competitions FOR FREE!
Prior experience or qualifications aren’t required, but a willingness to learn and meet certain criteria is necessary. The ongoing support and training provided by Hounds for Heroes ensures that volunteers are equipped to care for the puppies effectively.
The commitment involved, from opening up your home to a puppy for over a year to attending training sessions and classes, highlights the dedication required for this role. However, knowing that you’re contributing to the journey of these assistance dogs makes it a worthwhile endeavour.
Hounds for Heroes covers the costs of food, training equipment, and veterinary bills for the puppies.
Volunteering with Hounds for Heroes is not only beneficial for the assistance dogs but also for the individuals who will eventually benefit from their support.
Hounds for Heroes works to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled personnel of both HM Armed Forces and emergency services. We aim to provide help and practical support leading to an enhanced quality of life.
Hounds for Heroes assistance dogs can help overcome some of the physical barriers and obstacles caused by a disability; promoting an increased sense of freedom, providing a loyal comrade and just maybe the beginning of a new lease of life.
Hounds for Heroes believe that everyone who fits out criteria, and requires the services of one of our dogs, should be able to experience the positive and life enhancing impact they will bring. The cost of the assistance dog’s food, equipment, insurance and veterinary costs are all met by Hounds for Heroes’ therefore you can safely apply knowing that in having one of our dogs, there will not be a negative impact on your existing income.
As of 2021, there are over 900,000 injured servicemen and women in the country and that number continues to grow on a daily basis. The unique mental attitude of service personnel means that only a handful so far have chosen to have an assistance dog provided by the civilian offerings, many will battle on in silence.
Find out more about their work and to register your interest in becoming a Puppy Parent visit Homepage | Hounds for Heroes
FAQs
1. How do I get in touch with Hounds for Heroes? – You can email [email protected] or call 01730 823118 Mon – Fri 8.30am – 4pm
2. How do I apply for a dog? – For enquires regarding applying for one a dog please contact: [email protected]
3. How do I volunteer? – If you are interested in becoming a Puppy Parent or Foster Puppy Parent please contact: [email protected]m or if you are interested in general volunteering opportunities please contact: [email protected]
4. How do I find Hounds for Heroes? – Hounds for Heroes, Unit 2B Rookery Farm Buildings, Ramsdean, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 1RU
Amersham & Villages Community Board invite you all to a free volunteering fair 1-6pm on Wednesday, 5th June, at Chilterns Lifestyle Centre
Are you new to the area? Retiring soon and looking for a new purpose/new challenge? Looking for a new career path? Leaving school/university and boosting that CV…?
Maybe you just get a buzz from helping people. There are so many charities and community groups making a big difference. This event invites you to find out what Amersham has to offer, helping make a difference to others’ lives and improving yours, too.
Members of the helpful Amersham & Villages Community Board have partnered up with the local voluntary sector to put you in touch with more than 35 local organisations which would love your support, whatever time you can spare. These include volunteering opportunities outdoors, such as gardening and at sports clubs close to home. And, as David Cash points out: “It’s also a great way to celebrate our fantastic community!”
Can’t make the event? You can sign up to volunteer at any time using the Volunteer Matching Service hosted by Community Impact Bucks. Visit the website and the team will help you match your interests and criteria to a specific role.
Summer is finally here, which means it’s cricket season. John Rolfe tells us about Bledlow Ridge Cricket Club and invites seniors, umpires & scorers to join the club.
Bledlow Ridge CC is a village cricket club with a big club mentality. We’re based at ‘Meadow Styles’ with two distinctive landmarks.
There are two Senior Saturday Xls playing in the Cherwell Cricket League, Sunday friendlies and a thriving Junior section for age five and up, who practise on Friday nights and play matches during term-time.
After the summer term ends, we play T20 friendlies which keeps the Friday night bar and barbecue busy until September. We’ve just invested in a ‘Frogbox’ system to enable us to show matches in real time.
The senior club is always looking for new playing members, and volunteer umpires and scorers. The ground sits in stunning countryside and has earned a reputation both for its beautiful location and for the quality of its playing surface. Visitors to ‘Meadow styles’ as it’s known, will also see two larger-than-life sized wood carvings hewn from the trunks of two fallen trees. Spectators are welcome at all matches and Martina runs The Clubhouse Café from our pavilion on Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays.
Senior net practice is on Wednesday evenings from 6pm. New players are welcome to just turn up, or you can call John Rolfe on 07873 516568 first for more info. There is plenty of information online at Bledlow Ridge Cricket Club
Discover the diversity and creativity of Surrey artists as they open their doors for you to explore, meet and enjoy at Surrey Artists Open Studios, June 1st to 23rd
This year’s Surrey Artists Open Studios features more than 250 artists taking part in 165 studios across Surrey with a fantastic array of artworks and disciplines on show to browse and buy.
As well as a chance to meet and talk to artists in their place of work, the summer open studios event offers visitors the opportunity to view demonstrations, buy artwork, enter a free prize and even get involved in creative workshops.
The SAOS launch weekend takes place on Saturday 1st and Sunday, 2nd June with artists offering an array of activities exclusively for first weekend visitors to this popular county-wide event, complete with taster workshops featuring different materials across the arts and crafts.
SAOS has been running for 24 years representing the best in the county’s creativity and shining a light on makers, artists and creatives producing everything from ceramics and jewellery to paintings and sculpture.
SAOS Manager Caitlin Heffernan says: “SAOS is a wonderful opportunity to discover the county’s creativity on your doorstep. Not only will you uncover a vast range of artworks made by a truly impressive array of hundreds of individual artists, you will also find some unique pieces to take home with you.
“This year there is an impressive range of workshops to learn new techniques delivered by highly experienced artists. Whatever your taste or budget, SAOS artists offer unique artworks across virtually every discipline from ceramics and sculpture to paintings and jewellery.”
Among artists taking part are Joanna Lloyd Glass in Woking whose work includes sculptures cast from everyday objects such as her mum’s sewing utensils and her dad’s DIY tools. Elaine Winter is opening her studio in Woking for the first time in five years, where you’ll find the walls covered in paintings. Art on A Pot is on show in Woking, with an array of ceramics, jewellery and wall pieces while Louise Rowe whose work can also be seen in Woking, often uses gold leaf as a background to pen and ink drawings of wildlife.
In Englefield Green, printmaker and painter Stefanie Smith employs a variety of methods of produce art work inspired by local woodlands, wildlife and seasonal treasures.
Maria Billington takes much of the inspiration for her metal work from her garden to create her work in steel, copper and aluminium at her studio in Frimley Green. There’s a unique behind the scenes opportunity to ask and learn about the clay to bronze portrait commission process of Marian Rowling in Farnborough where you can ‘get the sculptor’s insight’.
Visit and marvel at the work of landscape painter Stephen Kinder in Godalming. Georgie Gardiner makes vessels and bowls on her potters wheel in Godalming using the technique of paper resist. In Cranleigh you’ll find Monique Birley’s contemporary landscapes, figurative work and still lives, while in Petworth, Sue Ransley takes a lighter look at life through her portraits. Retirements led Michael Colbourne to take a fine art degree and has resulted in the creation of more than 250 pieces of art at his home studio in Fernhurst. Impressionist oil paintings of iconic London, coastal scenes, landscapes, portraits, animals and still life are conjured up by Wendy Richards in Liphook. Jessica Stroud specialises in stained glass in Haslemere where you can see her current commission and small panels for sale.
There are a whole array of creative folk in the Farnham and Alton areas. In Sue Cook’s garden in Dippenhall, visitors will see many paintings on a variety of subjects: landscapes, seascapes, boats, architecture, house portraits, still life and patina. If photography is your thing then you need to visit Kiln Photo in Badshot Lea where you’ll find members’ work in various forms.
The Mill at Elstead is home to Becca Clegg, Beth Kirby, David Dragon and Robyn Horsburgh who collectively will be showing artwork and sculpture alongside smaller more affordable pieces in a rustic setting with food and refreshments on the premises.
In Farnham you can enjoy the work of painter Jackie Rennie, Ruta Brown makes jewellery from precious metals and stones rich in contrast and texture and for something different, take a look at the exquisite hand woven silk scarves made by Carolyn Wallis.
Emma Dunbar is inspired by her daily dog walks and even by supermarket trips to create her colourful paintings in Bordon. Take a trip to Upper Farringdon to view the local landscapes created by artist Fiona Pearce, Andrea Merron has a unique take on the sky in her work and at Atherton Green Art Gallery you’ll find work by more than 25 artists and sculptures in the former Victorian rectory. Seascapes and ceramics can be viewed courtesy of Susannah Acland and Clare Mattey in the Hay Barn Studio.
View the work of a cluster of artists in Guildford including self-taught figurative painter Sinclair Webster, landscapes and still lifes are created by Julie Verity in her Shed aka studio, photography and ceramics are displayed in the peaceful setting of Cathy Pyle’s garden studio and greenhouse alongside Bonnie Rasmusseun’s ceramics. Rosalinda Kightley is inspired by the natural world in her vibrant and colourful floral paintings and for something different how about the comic art / colouring projects of John Charles @ Art & Grind. See abstract landscapes as well as musical figurative work in a variety of media from Andrew Curtis while the love of colour comes through in Sarah Cox’s joyful paintings of the Surrey Hills and Cornish coastline. Pop in to see Gina making lampwork beads in her garden studio. You will also be able to peruse a range of jewellery, ornaments and pictures created using individually made beads.
Artventure Trust is a charity providing visual art sessions for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs through drawing and painting to printmaking, textile, photography, pottery and much more in their purpose-built studio in the grounds of St Peter’s School in Merrow.
Brochures are available from libraries, key galleries and at artists’ studios. Full details, studio addresses and booking for workshops can be found at Open Studios (surreyopenstudios.org.uk)
Alexandra Lhomond, 28, marketing manager at Ibanista, tells us about swapping the Mediterranean for Bucks
Q. Hello Alexandra. How are you? “Life’s a whirlwind of excitement! I’ve got my hands full at Ibanista, where we help expats navigate the currency landscape. I love helping people realise their dreams! My husband started the venture two years ago and I joined last year. But the real joy? My little boy, Lucas. He’s two and a half and has a knack for melting hearts with his bright blue eyes and blonde hair – the total opposite of me! And let’s not forget my cats, Sushi and Katsu.”
Q. Where do you live? “In High Wycombe. I made the leap across the channel from the sunny shores of southern France seven years ago. Trust me, the transition was quite the change of scenery! I can’t help but miss the sea and sun, but there’s something special about the English countryside that’s grown on me.”
Q. What do you most love about where you live? “I love that it’s so close to London, but also so close to nature. Bucks has the best of both worlds. I go on long walks and there are so many different routes here. We live across from The Rye Park, and every season I enjoy seeing the leaves change.”
Q. And what’s one thing maybe you’d change? “It’s disheartening to see the town centre’s decline, with numerous shops and restaurants shuttered. I hope things get better.”
Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants? “The Beech House in Beaconsfield & the Wild Strawberry Café and Barn Kitchen at Peterley Manor Farm in Great Missenden are personal favourites – serving great food with a fantastic atmosphere. When guests visit, it’s a muse to treat them to The Royal Standard of England in Beaconsfield – one of England’s oldest pubs.”
Q. What about shops or local businesses? “The Front Room and Django’s are my top picks for cosy vibes and delicious coffee. As for shopping, I love Søstrene Grene – I can spend forever just looking at everything.”
Q. What’s your local hidden gem? “Our go-to spot on weekends is Black Park in Wexham. No matter how often we go, we always get lost in the forest! Another favourite is the serene walk along the Thames from Bourne End to Marlow.”
Q. What highlights are you looking forward to? “Summer holidays for sure! I’m heading to the South of France to reunite with my family. It’s a time for beach days, sea breezes, and indulging in the simple pleasures of good food and wine. At Ibanista, we’re dedicated to simplifying foreign currency exchange, particularly for expats, with a focus on Brits or US citizens making the move to France. Our calendar is packed with exciting events, from engaging podcast episodes to webinars. Check out our blog, brimming with valuable resources for anyone considering a move abroad, investing overseas, or retirement overseas.”
Q. Are you a member of any local groups? “When I was on maternity leave, I used to go to the High Wycombe Mums Meet-Up. It’s a really supportive and friendly group for new mums.”
Q. What would you wish for the world? “Peace! With so much turmoil and conflict, my deepest hope is an end to wars and conflicts.”
We chat to Roger Runswick, dad, DIY lover & founder & director of The 50plus, about his best bits of Bucks
Q. Hi Roger. Where do you live & what do you enjoy doing? “I’m 72 and I still work full-time. I’ve lived in Chesham since the late 1970s (but with spells abroad for work). I have two adult children. My hobbies (and work!) are software coding, DIY (what a surprise!), applying technology in the home and (mostly) pleasure maintaining an old Morgan car and producing garden figures in acrylic.”
Q. Where are your favourite local haunts? “I love walking in the Chilterns, The Grand Union Canal and the BBOWT [Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust] reserves such as College Lake in Tring. I occasionally cycle, particularly along the Phoenix Trail from Princes Risborough to Thame – great for us oldies as being an old railway it’s reasonably level and Thame is a great coffee/snack halfway stop before returning.”
Q. What do you most love about where you live? “Who can complain about living in the Chilterns? An AONB with marvellous countryside coupled with easy access to London and transport links!”
“Who can complain about living in the Chilterns?”
Q. What don’t you like so much? “We’ve all got our gripes at the moment but as someone running a business what I’d really like is a few years without political instability, epidemics, wars so the global ‘we’ can instil confidence and grow the economy (politicians please take note!)”
Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants? “We often eat in Amersham. I’d mention the Pomeroy, Zaza, Bistro Twelve Twenty and Seasons Café.”
Q. What about shops or local businesses – any in particular you love to mooch round, or any worthy of a mention? “Being a (possibly typical) male, I shop when I need something and ‘mooching’ is unusual for me. That usually means shopping for birthdays and Christmas when I certainly like the street markets where I can find unique gifts. I also like Amersham Owned and its partner bookshop Chapter Two in Chesham. Both are Hospice of St Francis shops and well worth a visit.”
Q. Where is your favourite local landmark or hidden secret locally? “I suspect most people know about Wendover Woods, Coombe Hill and the Little Missenden to Amersham river walk but all are to commended.”
Q. What highlights are you looking forward to? “The first is spring and summer and hopefully less rain this year! A warm summer providing plenty of opportunity for garden works, walks and open-top car drives to some favourite destinations, especially the Chinnor & Princes Risborough railway for a good breakfast and a train ride if it takes your fancy.”
Q. What’s on the horizon for your business? “The 50plus is a business that provides a very broad range of home maintenance and improvement services. The name originally derived from the age of the service providers (the plumbers, electricians, and handypersons etc) but the company’s domestic customer base demographic and service offering is orientated toward the more mature customer – although the level of customer service finds fans across a broad age range.”
Do one wild thing every day for a month this summer, as the UK’s biggest free nature challenge returns for its 10th anniversary from June 1st to 30th.
Could you do one thing to connect with nature every day for a month and feel happier and healthier as a result? That is the 30 Days Wild challenge being laid down by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).
This June promises to be a bumper 30 Days Wild – people of all ages and abilities are urged to participate and BBOWT are offering free herb seeds and an inspirational guide to everyone who signs up to do one wild thing every day during the month. There are also special packs for schools, businesses and care homes.
Estelle Bailey, Chief Executive of BBOWT, said: “With wildlife in crisis across the UK, it seems fair to ask – are we still a nation of nature lovers? I believe the answer is a resounding yes. This year is the 10th anniversary of both 30 Days Wild and my own time with Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. Over those 10 years I’ve had the privilege of seeing our communities’ commitment to restoring nature where they live and enjoying all it has to offer. While our first year of running 30 Days Wild saw just over five hundred people sign up across our three countries, last year more than four thousand took on the challenge, which is brilliant.
“This momentum comes as no great surprise – connecting with nature is so important for our sanity and general wellbeing. My top tips to enjoy 30 Days Wild: Sit, walk, run, lay on the grass, look up, look down, fix on something, don’t be afraid to touch or smell it. Smile at the sun, throw your arms out in the rain, get wet, walk barefoot on grass and bare earth, have a cuddle with a tree – be in the moment.”
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, 30 Days Wild encourages individuals, families, schools, and businesses to connect with nature on a daily basis during what many argue is the best month for wildlife spotting. It could be going on a snail safari, eating your breakfast outdoors or closing your eyes to listen for bird song, to more adventurous endeavours such as outdoor yoga or forest bathing. This year’s participants will receive a special 10th anniversary park, designed to make their 30 days even more fun.
The 10th anniversary marks a real milestone for The Wildlife Trusts’ flagship 30 Days Wild initiative. The nature challenge has grown from 12,000 participants nationally in its first year to over half a million last year alone. 30 Days Wild has helped people to get outside, enjoy and connect with nature as part of their everyday lives.
Research has consistently highlighted the positive impact of nature on well-being. A study found a significant increase in people’s health, happiness, and connection to nature through participating in 30 Days Wild. People reported feeling more relaxed, reduced stress levels, and a greater motivation to protect wildlife which lasted long after the campaign ended.
So why not get in touch with your wild side this summer? Sign up today and receive a free pack in the post, plus lots of inspiration for activities: bbowt.org.uk/30-days-wild
Head to Northend Village Hall on Sunday, 9th June for a ‘brilliant collaboration’ between Eleanor Grant & Gus McQuade (voice, guitar & double bass)
The unique duo to Eleanor Grant and Gus McQuade are a brilliant collaboration, equally at home with Dowland or Gershwin, Joni Mitchell or Benjamin Britten, embracing as they go classical, folk and jazz influences.
The duo are the latest to appear at Northend Village Hall as part of the Northend Concerts series bringing the very best chamber music to audiences locally.
Enjoy a programme from Eleanor and Gus that includes:
• John Dankworth (1927-2010) – It was a lover and his lass. • Robert Johnson (1583-1633) – Where the Bee Sucks John Wilson (1595-1674) – Now the Lusty Spring is seen. • David Shire (b.1937) – Autumn. • Eric Wetherell (1925-2021) – How Like a Winter Eric Wetherell – Shall I Compare Thee? • Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979) – Cherry Blossom Wand John Duke (1899-1984) – Loveliest of Trees. • Elizabeth Machonchy (1907-1994) – Ophelia’s song. • Robert Johnson (1583-1633) – Have You Seen But a White Lily Grow Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) – Sweet Suffolk Owl. • Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) – The Trees They Grow So High Joni Mitchell (b.1943)- Circle Game.
For a sneak preview click HERE to watch them perform Shakespeare Song: How Like a Winter
Tickets £20, includes complimentary glass of wine. Buy tickets HERE (and available on the door subject to availability).
