Hazlemere expo for Amani UK charity

Liz Nicholls

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Community & Charity

Liz Nicholls

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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

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Community & Charity

Liz Nicholls

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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

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Round & About

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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

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Be a foster carer in Oxfordshire

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Maria White tells us about fostering in Oxfordshire and how you could make a difference to a child’s life

Here in Oxfordshire, we have an incredible network of local foster carers, but we need more so that we can keep Oxfordshire children local. It’s common sense that they’ll do better if they’re close to schools, friends and family, even if they’re no longer in the same town.

Being a foster carer is rewarding but we will be honest it’s not always easy. Our children have often been through a lot and can need plenty of support. But every day we see the impact that support has, seeing them grow in confidence – nothing beats that.

Fun trips to the shops, cuddles after a bad dream, helping with homework, being there during those tricky teen years – foster caring is about providing stability, positivity and reassurance when a child needs it most. And you won’t be alone, we will be supporting you all the way.

What do our carers say? Lucy told us: “Fostering is a collaborative effort – you are not parenting on your own, but as part of a team. You spend a lot of time talking with social workers, school staff, GPs, mental health workers and a whole array of other professionals.

“My one piece of advice would be don’t pretend you’re ok when you’re not. You’re not alone, and there’s always help available – you just have to ask for it.”

We fit around you. You may be single, work full time or have kids, foster carers come in all shapes and sizes and that’s why we keep things personal. Even if it’s early days and you just want a chat to find out more, we work at your pace, so that when you’re ready, we’re ready, whenever that may be.

To help you with the transition to foster are we pay a £1,500 welcome payment. We pay an enhanced fostering fee alongside an allowance for the child to help make fostering more affordable. You receive support from your social worker and other foster carers who are all part of a local fostering community. Our carers love seeing the difference they make to a child’s life… you could do that too!

If fostering is not something you are able to do, no worries, but please help us by spreading the word and encouraging others to find out more about fostering with Oxfordshire County Council.

Start your conversation today, one of our recruitment team will be happy to help you. Get in touch: email [email protected], call 0300 131 2797 and at Fostering | Oxfordshire County Council

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Pictures on Parade in Bourne End

Liz Nicholls

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Community & Charity

Liz Nicholls

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Photographer & lecturer Nicholas Brewer has spent a year capturing as changing way of life in his home village

Nicholas Brewer’s photography career began in the 1990s, freelancing for Cosmopolitan, Telegraph Magazine and Smash Hits. His first job after leaving college was photographing Take That.

Now 55 and a photography lecturer, he moved to Bourne End with his wife at the end of last year. They fell in love with the perfectly formed community here and he decided to turn his lens on the shops he regularly frequents last January. “During this time shops have changed, and so have the seasons,” says Nicholas. “This project reflects our shifting needs and way of life.”

He photographed E. Collias, the old butcher’s shop that closed during the pandemic. Opening in 1896, the shop in Wooburn Green sold meat to regulars including Edgar Poe and Kenneth Connor. Of another famous local neighbour, Nicholas says: “Hopefully Enid Blyton would be pleased by the Co-op and its goal of cheaper food and community spirit.

“We loved Bourne End, especially, the fruit market! I love the smell and the atmosphere. There is always a delicate hum of conversation, and the flowers make me happy. My wife loves the raspberries. We have two favourite restaurants, The Wimpy and El Cedric. I love the jazz on a Sunday and being by the river.”

Nicholas is planning an exhibition in the spring. “The work is ongoing, and I am excited to see how it progresses before the exhibition.”

There will hopefully be a book to go along with the show and you can not only buy a copy but have your name in it. “I intend to make it a good quality hardback book, with a limited edition of 100. The work will also serve as a historical document for others. There was an exhibition of old pictures in the community centre early in the year.”

If you’d like to see more, or have your name or business in the book (or to ask about dog walking!) – search for The Parade Bourne End on Facebook or visit Gallery – Nicholas Brewer’s

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Chattertots children’s charity

Karen Neville

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Community & Charity

Karen Neville

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Thanks to an amazing local charity, children with Down’s Syndrome can enjoy therapy sessions here in Woodley

Chattertots is the wonderful Berkshire-based charity whose team support children with Down’s Syndrome.

The charity has recently relocated its weekly pre-school speech and language therapy sessions in Woodley, making these essential services more accessible to local families.

Chattertots, which supports about 30 families across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, provides specialist speech and language therapy through weekly sessions delivered by experts from Symbol UK, recognised leaders in supporting children with Down’s Syndrome.

“We’re excited to bring our services to Woodley,” says Clare McIntosh, chairman of Chattertots. “This move allows us to reach more families in the area while continuing to provide the high-quality, specialist support that’s so crucial for early development in children with Down’s Syndrome.”

The weekly sessions, which take place during term time, focus on developing essential communication skills through speech sounds, Makaton signing, vocabulary building, and oral motor skills. For many families, these sessions provide vital early intervention that isn’t readily available through standard NHS services.

One parent, whose child has been attending Chattertots sessions since September 2022, said: “Our son has made incredible progress, learning over 50 Makaton signs and mastering 31 speech sounds. These sessions have been transformative for our whole family.”

Chattertots, established in 2015 and registered as a charity in 2022 (charity number 1198362), has seen significant growth in demand for its services. The move to Woodley represents an important step in the charity’s development, allowing it to better serve families in the local community.

The charity also provides educational consultancy, school starter boxes, summer camps, and social activities, all designed to support children with Down’s Syndrome in reaching their full potential.

Families interested in Chattertots’ services or local groups who might want to help with fundraising can contact Clare by emailing [email protected]. You can also visit Chattertots for more info.

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Protecting nature with World Land Trust

Liz Nicholls

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Community & Charity

Image: Chantelle Melze

Liz Nicholls

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As we step in 2025 – perhaps with new year’s resolutions fresh in our minds – it’s the perfect time to make a pledge for nature. You can do just that with World Land Trust (WLT), a conservation charity working to protect threatened wildlife and habitats around the world. Bex from WLT tells us more about this vital work and how you can help in the year ahead…

At WLT, we believe land is at the very heart of conservation. Our mission to help people across the world protect and restore their land, to safeguard biodiversity and the climate for generations to come.

For more than 35 years, we’ve been working with our growing network of international conservation partners, funding the creation of nature reserves and putting the ownership and management of land into the hands of local communities who know it best.

We’ve already helped fund the protection of over 2.5 million hectares – an area significantly larger than the size of Wales.

By conserving land, we can keep whole ecosystems healthy, including all the incredible species and habitats they contain. As described by our patron, Sir David Attenborough: “If you want to save Jaguars and hummingbirds the only way to do so is to save the places where they live.”

In this time of climate crisis when the treats facing the natural world are so severe, it can be difficult to feel like you can make a difference as an individual, and it’s easy to ask: “what good can I really do?” But with WLT, every single donation truly make a tangible impact.

Through our programmes, our supporters are planting trees, protecting acres, safeguarding species, and empowering local people to preserve their ancestral homes.

Image: Gandy Grefa

Each supporter is a key part of the WLT community. Our Director of Brand and Communications, Dan Bradbury, says: “We often speak about the importance of community at WLT. That’s because our impact comes from bringing people from all over the planet and all walks of life together in the pursuit of a common goal.”

Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we funded over 80 projects in 2024 alone, from the Amazonian rainforests of Ecuador to the South African Savannah and the arid steppes of Armenia.

Now, in a new year, we can achieve even more together. And you can be part of the journey…

Image: Jo Dale

Here’s how you can make a difference in the year ahead:

Become a WLT Friend – If you want to make a regular commitment in 2025 you can sign up to become a WLT Friend. The monthly donations of our Friends are incredibly important to our work, and can be as small or large as you choose.
Plant a tree – A tree today, a forest tomorrow! Just £5 will fund a new tree from seed to sapling to success. Reforestation is one of the main ways of restoring ecosystems, and with Plant a Tree, you can help to bring vital forest habitats back to life one tree at a time.
Buy an acre, save a home – Habitat loss is the greatest threat facing wildlife worldwide, but protecting land gives species the chance to thrive. When you donate £100 to Buy an Acre, one of our partners can purchase one acre of habitat and protect it in perpetuity.
Support Action Fund – Action Fund provides urgent conservation resources whenever they are most needed. Every donation, no matter its size, helps our partners rapidly respond to the unforeseen, from tackling forest fires and ever-worsening climate disasters to quickly purchasing land to extend a reserve. It’s time to fight for the future of our natural world. With every tree planted and acre protected, the actions of WLT supporters lead to incredible chain reactions across the globe.

Make this the year you have a tangible impact on nature. Find out more about World Land Trust and how to donate at Rainforest and Wildlife conservation in action with World Land Trust

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Go nuts for PeCAN’s tree project

Karen Neville

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Community & Charity

Karen Neville

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Get your trees for Petersfield Climate Action Network’s Fruit Tree in Every Garden project

Petersfield Climate Action Network’s project encouraging people to plant fruit trees in their garden is back for a fifth year and the first round of orders is open now!

Over the last four years PeCAN has distributed nearly 2,000 fruit trees for gardens across East Hampshire as part of its Fruit Tree in Every Garden scheme.

This year choose from apple, pear, plum, greengage, cherry, apricot and filbert (cobnut). There is a limited stock of each variety – so get in quick to secure your top choice! Each fruit tree costs just £12.50 and comes with a stake and instructions on how to plant. These trees usually cost between £25-£35, but thanks to East Hampshire District Council (this project has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund) you can buy them at a heavily subsidised price.

On Saturday 22nd February you will be able to collect your fruit trees from collection points in Alton, Liphook, Petersfield and Rowlands Castle. At Petersfield Community Garden you will also benefit from free expert advice, workshops on how to plant, train and prune your tree, and activities for the whole family – at a Festival of Trees. You can select your preferred pick-up point when you place your order and PeCAN request that you please order a maximum of five fruit trees per household.

Trees provide nesting places and materials, food sources and cover for wildlife – so by planting a tree in your garden you can have a positive impact on local populations and increase our collective resilience in the face of climate change.   

To order your subsidised fruit trees (before Thursday, 6th February or until stocks last), go to: petersfieldcan.org/projects/trees   

Petersfield Climate Action Network (PeCAN) is an environmental charity, set up in 2020 by local residents. PeCAN’s aims are to reduce carbon emissions in Petersfield and the surrounding villages, mitigate the effects of climate change on the natural environment, and increase biodiversity, which they do by leading and supporting decarbonisation and nature projects in the community.   

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King’s award for Farnham Repair Café

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Farnham Repair Café has been honoured for the difference it is making to the community with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Founded in 2015 and gaining charity status in 2017, Farnham Repair Cafe has grown into a vital resource for people seeking to repair broken or faulty items, reducing waste and saving money.  

It repairs household objects including electricals such as irons and kettles, mechanical items, furniture, laptops, bikes, clocks, clothing and textiles.  

The café, which operates monthly at The Spire Church, has welcomed almost 6,000 product owners and successfully repaired more than 2,600 items. Repairing the products has diverted over seven tonnes of waste from landfill, avoided over 68 tonnes of carbon emissions and saved residents an estimated £220,000 in replacement costs.  

Everything FRC does is done by volunteers, from repairs to running the welcome desk, to marketing, fundraising, strategy and everything in between. The current team of volunteers contributes an estimated 2,220 hours a year. The repairers have an amazing set of skills and relish the challenge of some of the trickier items that come in for repair. Between them they have decades of experience in electrical and mechanical engineering, software development, making clothes and furniture and much more.  

Professor Martin Charter, Founder and Chair of FRC, thanked the volunteers’ unwavering commitment. “Our volunteers are the heart and soul of this initiative,” he said. “Their passion for repair not only helps individuals save money but also contributes to the larger goal of reducing CO2 emissions and combating the throwaway culture. We are thrilled to have received this recognition.” 

Clive Handy, long-time volunteer said: “I joined FRC shortly after it started and after I had retired as a jet engineer. For me, the best part is when you’ve fixed a product and you feel the gratitude of the owner and the sense of achievement that something has been saved from landfill. The camaraderie with my ‘fellow fixers’, many of whom have become friends over the years, is also important to me.” 

Satisfied ‘customer’ Mike Baker praised the “excellent service from FRC repairers” he has enjoyed on several occasions including a complicated hi-fi cassette player, adding: “Both me and my daughter were incredibly grateful to FRC textiles team who have brought back to life a teddy bear and Basil Brush.” 

FRC also supports the wider repair movement, welcoming groups from other towns who are setting up their own cafés, to share how they operate as well as initiating a knowledge sharing network of over 20 local repair cafés called the Greater Surrey Repair Café Network. With support from UCA, to help demonstrate its impact, FRC developed its website – frc.cfsd.org.uk – and a repair carbon calculator that is used by more than 100 repair cafés worldwide. 

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Pia Gill’s burnt peach design inspo

Liz Nicholls

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Community & Charity

Liz Nicholls

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Pia Gill, who is a local mum, graphic designer & founder of burnt peach design, tells us what she loves about Bucks life

Graphic artist, mum and self-proclaimed type addict Pia Gill cites her boys as inspiration for her creative portraits & gifts collection. 

After decades in the design and advertising world, Pia couldn’t find affordable wall art that suited her style…“That’s when I had my ‘aha’ moment and created burnt peach design,” she says. “My daily inspiration and exhaustion comes from my boys. They sparked the Little Peach Portraits collection. What began as a few portraits transformed into thousands of unique pieces sold worldwide. As the business expanded from my kitchen table, my customers grew from friends to celebrities. Soon, the portraits were featured in magazines and on popular gift guides. 

“As time went on, I decided to revisit my typography obsession (which started back in university!), and expanded my wall art offerings. Enter My Type Of…, a massive collection of designs that includes bold statement prints, graphic tees, cosy sweatshirts, cards, and so soon to me much more. My friends and family always joke that if you say a good quote in my presence, there’s a chance I’ll jot it down and turn it into something!” 

Pia, who lives in Haddenham with her boys aged nine and 10 and their cockapoo Lola, grew up in Chearsley. A freelance designer creating branding and logo design for businesses, Pia loves Bucks life, setting up burnt peach design after leaving London 12 years ago. “Our little Lola thinks she’s human!” she adds. “She always gets the best seat on the sofa! Our favourite walk is Haddenham to Dinton, ending in the Seven Stars Pub. We love lots of walks in the Chilterns, normally ending in a pub! 

“I’m a charity shop fanatic, so I love Thame, Haddenham, Princess Risborough and Marlow; all have fantastic charity shops where you can find amazing treasures. I love nothing more than a good rummage! My home is an eclectic mix of modern and vintage, as as my wardrobe.  

“As for food & drink, Cabin in Haddenham is run by my husband who’s an award-winning chef. We also love Arbequina in Oxford as well as the Magdalen Arms in Oxford.  

“I’m studying interior design and have slowly done up our bungalow over the years to make it a cosy home. I love sitting in our courtyard with a glass of wine! What I love most about this area is it’s so nostalgic from growing up here. I love being surrounded by the countryside. 

“The clothing has been selling really well at burnt peach so that’s something that I’m expanding. Still the focus is the artwork, customisable portraits and prints to create meaningful statement pieces for the home. I’m always coming up with new print ideas!”  

Pia has supported several children’s charities, including The Honey Pot Children’s Charity and Solving Kids’ Cancer and Pia sponsors a room at Centrepoint, providing shelter and hope for vulnerable youths facing homelessness.  

Visit Burnt Peach – burnt peach.

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