Chiltern Toy Bank: could you help?

Liz Nicholls

Genre

Could you donate new & (giftable quality) pre-loved toys – between 28th September & 6th October – to bring Christmas cheer to local families in need?

Thanks to the hard work of between 30 & 50 dedicated local volunteers (“Elves”), Chiltern Toy Bank has been providing free toys and gifts at Christmas to children, aged 0-18, living in parts of the Chilterns who would otherwise not receive anything due to financial hardship or other disadvantages of their parents or guardians.

They have operated in and around Chesham, Amersham and Prestwood for over a decade formally became a registered charity in 2018-2019.

Their aim is to make sure that no child will go without a gift over the festive period.

What can I donate?

Any new or pre-loved toys and gifts that are clean, complete and in good condition are welcome. If you wouldn’t gift it to a child in your family for Christmas then they can’t take it. Chiltern Toy Bank particularly needs: arts, crafts and creative kits for ages 8+, science kits for ages 8+, gifts for teenagers aged 13+ (like make-up, toiletries, hats, scarves etc).

They cannot accept soft toys without their CE label attached, any games with missing pieces, books that are scribbled in or have missing pages, colouring and activity books or make-up and arts supplied that are used.

Where can I drop gifts?

Chesham:
• White Hill Centre, White Hill
• Post Office, High Street
• Chesham Town Hall, Parsonage Lane

Prestwood:
• Hildreths Garden Centre
• Wye Country Estate Agent, High Street
• The Pantry at 51
• (All subject to individual opening times)

Amersham:
• Chiltern Lifestyle Centre
• Amersham Common Village Hall, Saturday 28th Sept & Saturday 5th Oct 2-5pm
• King’s Church, Raans Road, Mon 30th Sept – Fri 4th Oct, 9.30am-12pm

To find out more about the charity, or offer to help, or request help, visit Chiltern Toy Bank – Christmas 2023


Latest posts

Everything is lovely!

Karen Neville

Genre

Browse and shop at The Lovely Vintage and Antiques Fair this autumn and find heirlooms and treasures galore

With autumn creeping in, the new season brings with it new thrills. The Lovely Vintage and Antiques Fair opens its doors for the first time at the River & Rowing Museum on October 5th. As the name suggests this fair is set to have a carefully curated collection of gorgeous vintage and antique wares from expert dealers around the country.

The stunning Thames Room with its floor to ceiling windows has stunning views of the River and Mill Meadows and makes the perfect backdrop for you to browse and be inspired by sustainable shopping particularly with Christmas around the corner.

Expect all sorts from our 20 dealers taking part with selection of art, ceramics, textiles, clothing, jewellery, household items, curiosities and ephemera and much more. Every era is covered From Regency to mid-century. There is a splash of brocante and a dash of rustic. Everything will of course be lovely!

Hosted by local vintage dealer Joanna Dickinson of Henley who during the pandemic supported the vintage community with social media marketing when all fairs and markets were forced to close. It was during this time that many dealers banded together on Instagram and took to virtual selling which was a huge hit!

Once life settled back down, Jo realised being a vintage dealer was a natural progression and opened an Etsy store called Jojo Jam Jar Vintage. The community have remained firm friends since and are always kind and helpful to each other.

Jo says: “All my friends who do the fairs up and down the country have the most stunning wares for sales. It seemed unfair to keep these treasures all to myself. I’m delighted to show off the best vintage with our town.

“The River and Rowing Museum is the perfect venue with its architecture and facilities. To avoid disappointment, arrive early as things do sell out quickly. Nothing is as unique and special as a treasured heirloom and the thrill of finding an old piece and giving it a new forever home really is lovely!”

The Fair is open 10am to 4pm. The museum has parking on site and nearby and you can walk into Henley in a matter of minutes. There also is a large café with indoor and outdoor seating. A newly constructed play park was installed in the summer to help lively kids burn off some energy if you need to entertain little ones.

For more details visit our Instagram and Facebook.


Latest posts

Get cosy with seasonal interior ideas!

Liz Nicholls

Genre

As summer draws to a close, the world of interior design embraces a shift toward spaces that are not only stylish but also profoundly reflective of personal taste. This season’s trends are about creating environments that stand out while providing comfort and a sense of individuality.

From luxurious textures to nature-inspired tones, here are the top trends to make your home a sanctuary of style and personality.

Luxurious textures: deep jewel tones

Deep jewel tones are the hallmark of the next season’s decor, brining a rich and sophisticated colour palette into your home. These bold hues – ruby red, sapphire blue, and emerald green – are not confined to small accents but are embraced in larger, more impactful ways.

Whether it’s a plush sofa, an upholstered chair, or even a statement rug, these vibrant colours add a touch of elegance and warmth to any space. The intensity of jewel tones creates a striking contrast that elevates your decor, making it both inviting and opulent.

Natural materials: wood beyond the basics

Wood is making a solid statement in Fall 2024 decor with its timeless appeal. This season focuses on high-quality, beautifully crafted wooden pieces that add warmth and a sense of wellbeing to your home.

Whether a handcrafted dining table that becomes the heart of your home or a sleek wooden side table, these elements bring enduring elegance and character to your space. Far from being mundane, these wooden pieces are designed to stand out, offering both style and durability.

They’re not just furniture but investments in your home’s aesthetic and comfort.

Warm embrace: earthy tones

Earthy tones are taking centre stage this season, bringing the warmth and tranquillity of nature into your home. Inspired by the rich palette of the outdoors, shades like deep terracotta, rich browns, muted greens and warm ochres create a cozy, grounding atmosphere perfect for the fall season.

Imagine a living room bathed in a soft clay tone, enhanced by a warm nude velvet bench and a deep red marble coffee table – together, they craft a serene and sophisticated space.

Sculptural pieces: art meets functionality

Sculptural furniture and decor are all about bold, artistic shapes that double as functional pieces. This trend brings in items like totem sculptures and furniture with striking, unconventional forms, turning everyday objects into statement pieces that define the room’s character.

These sculptural elements add a layer of sophistication and intrigue to your space, blending art with utility. Whether it’s a bold dining table with sweeping curves or a dramatic lamp, these pieces transform your home into a gallery of modern design.

Made for you: personalised & unique pieces

Personalisation is mandatory this fall, with a strong trend toward unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your style. Whether it’s an antique mirror, a handwoven rug, or a bespoke piece of art, incorporating these items into your decor adds a layer of personal storytelling to your home.

Custom-built furniture tailored to your space is the perfect way to embrace this trend. A bespoke piece doesn’t just fit perfectly. It also is a testament to your taste, making your home truly yours. These personalised touches create a space as unique as you are, filled with items that carry meaning and tell your story.

Textured designs

Textured rugs add depth and visual interest to any interior space. The interplay of materials, shapes, and colours creates a visually dynamic surface and a tactile experience that enhances comfort.

Geometric shapes and varied pile heights, such as high-low designs, bring a sculptural quality to the rug, while cut and loop pile combinations add intricate patterns and subtle dimensions. Embossed or carved patterns elevate the aesthetic appeal by giving the rug a captivating three-dimensional effect.

These elements work together to create a harmonious blend of style and warmth, making textured rugs perfect for creating cosy, inviting spaces rich in character and design.

HOUSE OF HOMMÉS is the home of three bold and unique design brands that share the same vision – to deliver essential designer furniture, bold decor objects, luxe pet accessories, and stylish rugs for ultra-modern interiors, paying particular attention to how they fit in the same space. Shop at hommes.studio


Latest posts

Poetry, prose & birdsong at Petersfield

Karen Neville

Genre

A world of discovery awaits at the Edward Thomas Literary Festival 2024 focussing on the themes of nature and birdsong

Petersfield Museum is celebrating the life and work of Edward Thomas at the Edward Thomas Literary Festival 2024 from October 3rd to 12th.

This year’s festival promises to immerse participants in the beauty and power of poetry, with a special focus on the themes of nature and birdsong. Whether a long-term lover of poetry and Edward Thomas, or new to the wonderful world of words, there is something for everyone.

Attracted by the landscape and the South Downs, Thomas and his family lived in Steep, near Petersfield for 10 years, from 1906.

Known during his lifetime as a critic, essayist and writer of books about the countryside, Thomas moved towards writing his own poetry in late 1914, initially publishing under the name Edward Eastaway. Before he saw his poetry in print under his own name, he was killed at the Battle of Arras on Easter Monday 1917. Since then, Thomas’s reputation as a poet has increased greatly and his posthumous influence on the development of English verse has been widely recognised.

Edward Thomas Literary Festival Highlights:

Family Creative Workshops: Fun and engaging activities designed to inspire young poets and their families including on Saturday 5th when you can create your own artwork ‘inspired by the word’.

Poetry Readings and Performances: Enjoy live readings and performances by renowned poets.

Open Mic Night: Share your own poetry or simply enjoy the creative atmosphere.

Adult Workshops: Deepen your understanding and craft with expert-led sessions. Join poet Isobel Dixon and artist Douglas Robertson for a lively poetry-art workshop inspired by nature and nature-loving creators over the centuries on Friday 4th.

Talks and Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking conversations about poetry, nature, and Edward Thomas’s influence. Enjoy The Spirit of the Song, a talk by Sean Street on 4th, The Notes that Did So Haunt Me – Birdsong, Song and Sound in Edward Thomas’s Poetry with Edna Longley on 5th and Andrew Motion and Alice Oswald in conversation on 12th.

You can also join a walk on 6th of around five miles through the landscape of Edward Thomas, culminating at his memorial The Poets Stone.

For tickets please see the full list of events to book, visit Edward Thomas Literary Festival 2024: Poetry, Prose and Birdsong | Petersfield Museum


Latest posts

Hot stuff at ProCook Westgate launch

Liz Nicholls

Genre

Get all the tools needed for home comfort autumn cooking with the opening of the new ProCook store at Westgate Oxford on Friday, 27th September, with exciting offers, goodie bags and Bake Off’s Steven Carter-Bailey.

The new ProCook store at Westgate Oxford opens on Friday with exciting offers, goodie bags and a special guest appearance from Bake Off’s Steven Carter-Bailey.

To celebrate the opening, ProCook is running a special in-store event on Friday 27th September with ProCook’s Food Expert and Great British Bake Off alumni Steven Carter-Bailey, who will greet customers, demo products, and offer handy hints, tips and tricks. So, for anyone who has some burning baking questions, ProCook at Westgate Oxford will be the place to be.

On Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September, the first 50 customers into ProCook’s new store each day will receive a free goodie bag also.

The bright and airy store features ProCook’s full range of high quality products, from stunning tableware and barware to colourful cast iron casserole dishes and cutting edge knife ranges. ProCook’s new small kitchen appliance range recently launched, with the full range being available to purchase in store including the Good Housekeeping Institute Accredited Air Fryer Health Grill, Stand Mixer and Hot Chocolate Maker.

ProCook’s Autumn Sale will also be in full swing, offering customers 20% off all cookware and tableware, up to £30 off all electricals, and money off select ranges. Plus, students can get 10% off when they spend £30 or more – perfect for those beginning a new university life.

Westgate Oxford’s new ProCook store is the first for Oxford and the wider Oxfordshire area and is creating up to 10 new jobs.

Andy Kerr, ProCook Retail Director, said: “We’re thrilled to open our newest store at Westgate Oxford, and to be continuing our partnership with Landsec shopping centres. We know that our customers love to shop for kitchenware in store, so our friendly, expert team are ready to share their knowledge and welcome keen home cooks from Oxford and the wider area.”

Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, commented: “We’re delighted to have become home to Oxford’s first ProCook store. The stores array of high-quality cookware paired with expert advice is bound to be a hit, and the opening date is perfectly timed for guests to get their kitchen prepped and ready for the festive season.”

ProCook’s brand new store can be found at Unit 20, 209 Westgate Oxford, Queen Street, Oxford, OX1 1PE and is open Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 9am-8pm, and Sun 11am-5pm.


Latest posts

Chiltern Camerata’s charming cello & more!

Liz Nicholls

Genre

Chiltern Camerata will perform at St Mary’s Church in Old Amersham on Saturday, 9th November. Star local cellist Nicky Tait Baxter, who will perform, tells us more.

Music-lovers! An eagerly anticipated event is all set for St Mary’s in the form of the Chiltern Camerata’s autumn concert.

Local stars violinist Ruth Schulten and cellist Nicola Tait Baxter will perform one of the most intriguing of concertos ever written, Brahms’ Double Concerto, featuring two soloists & orchestra. It’s piece full of colours and warmth, with bold orchestral textures, offset against sumptuous and singing solo lines.

Nicky tells us: “I performed Shostakovich 1st concerto with the orchestra last year and I can’t wait to return for this performance. The Brahms happens to be one of my favourite pieces; it’s tremendously exciting and challenging to play and just brilliant to listen to!”

Other pieces in the programme are Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony. Now in their 29th season, The Chiltern Camerata string orchestra include professionals and advanced amateurs. The orchestra perform music from a widely drawn repertoire, this season under the baton of various guest conductors. Their guiding aim is to entertain audiences with music, from the Baroque era to the present, in a friendly, un-stuffy environment.

This concert, the first in the new season, starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12pp (18s and under go free) and you can book yours at ticketsource.co.uk/chiltern-camerata or email [email protected]


Latest posts

Early bird rates for Santa run

Karen Neville

Genre

Image by: Paul Fitchett Images

Join the Santa Fun Run in Farnborough on Sunday, 1st December and raise vital funds for Phyllis Tuckwell

Sign up now at the Early Bird rate for Phyllis Tuckwell’s Santa Fun Run and get sponsored to walk, run, jog, hop, skip and support local hospice care.

This festive fun run will take place at 11am, at The Wavell School, Farnborough. It’s a great way to get the whole family or a group of friends together over the festive season, and you can even bring along your four-legged friend – dogs are welcome on a lead. If you sign up now, you’ll take advantage of the Early Bird registration fees (until October 31st) of £12 for adults and £5 for children (age 14 and under). Registration includes a Santa suit for adults or reindeer antlers for children.

All the money you raise in sponsorship will go towards helping local charity Phyllis Tuckwell provides its vital care for patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer – so please do try to raise as much as you can!

The route covers two laps of Queen’s Avenue playing fields, a total of approx 5k, but you can do just one – everyone who takes part will receive a medal and you can complete it at your own pace – running, jogging, walking or even hop, skip and jumping your way round!

“Our Santa Fun Run is always a really enjoyable event, and it raises such important funds to help support our case,” said Fiona Chapman, events fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell. “We would like to say a big thank you to The Wavell School for hosting it once again and to Vale Furnishers for kindly sponsoring the event.”

Sign up now at Santa Fun Run | Phyllis Tuckwell (pth.org.uk) and pop this fun festive date in your diary!


Latest posts

Fun for Halloween & half term

Liz Nicholls

Genre

Halloween and half term are on the horizon. Luckily, Buckinghamshire is a county that’s (witch’s) brimful of great family-friendly fun! Here are our top picks!

From 25th October to 3rd November you can enjoy an intriguing Aesop’s Fables interactive trail at Hughenden. The same week, there’s a nature trail at Cliveden; National Trust

The Pop-up Pumpkin Patch has popped up again in Stokenchurch, HP14 3YF, for its third year, 23rd-31st October. Pick a pumpkin from £2, and enjoy the PTA café. For more info please follow thepopuppumpkinpatch

The fun-packed Odds Farm in Wooburn Green, HP10 0LX, also has a pumpkin patch, carving corner, arts and crafts and spooky surprises, 26th October-3rd November; Odds Farm Park

Over at wondrous Wendover Woods in Aston Clinton, HP22 5NQ, pick up your £4 party pack from the information point and set off on The Gruffalo Party Trail! Find out more at Wendover Woods

The Halloween spectacular and bonfire is back at Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont, HP8 4AB, 5-9pm on Friday, 1st November, promising an evening of spooky fun for all ages in the atmospheric historic buildings and woods. Enjoy spine-tingling stories, marshmallow-toasting and scary woodland walks. For more info please visit Chiltern Open Air Museum

Enjoy Hogshaw School of Witchcraft & Wizardy at the farm & wildlife Park, MK18 3LA, 26th October to 1st November with pumpkins, potions, creepy crawlies, owls & extra fun! Visit Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park to find out more.

Gorgeous Peterley Manor Farm in Missenden, HP16 0HH, will sell pumpkins in the farm shop, or PYO. Visit Peterley Manor Farm

Majestic Waddesdon Manor, HP18 0JH, will welcome you for an autumn adventure trail, 2nd-27th October. You can also enjoy Creepy Critters with the ZooLab animal-lovers on 19th, 20th, 26th & 27th October. Or why not book in for a spooky afternoon tea, for children or adults, on 26th & 27th? Waddesdon Manor

The Spookfest Family Fun Day at Haddenham village hall, HP17 8EE, 12-4pm on Saturday, 26th October, will offer lots of free fun including owl-handling, slime-making, biscuit decorating, arts & crafts, as well as a pop-up café. Get your free tickets at Eventbrite.

Wishing you lots of safe, scary fun!


Latest posts

Sir Cliff Richard visits Thames Hospice

Liz Nicholls

Genre

Last Saturday, music legend Sir Cliff Richard paid a heartfelt visit to Thames Hospice, where he met patients, staff and volunteers, spreading joy and happiness to all.

Sir Cliff Richard took the opportunity to tour the facilities, engage with those receiving care and offer his support for the hospice’s vital work in the community. He shared wonderful stories and provided words of comfort, creating very special moments for patients, loved ones, staff, as well as many life-long fans.

Last weekend’s visit was made possible through Thames Hospice Ambassador Sunita Arora, who is a close friend of Sir Cliff. Sunita is one of the co-founders and an executive director of The Arora Group who have been supporting the Hospice since 2021, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Jane Symmons, director of fundraising at Thames Hospice, said: “We are incredibly thankful to Sir Cliff Richard for taking the time to visit us. His kindness and genuine care for our patients, families and staff have left a lasting impression. We also extend our thanks to Sunita Arora for her ongoing support and for making this wonderful day possible.

“Thames Hospice provides vital care and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Visit like this are a meaningful reminder of ensuring patients receive not only medical care, but also emotional support during their time at the Hospice.”

Sir Cliff also donated one of his iconic jackets to help raise funds for the Hospice. The jacket, personally signed by the singer, is a treasured piece from his personal collection and will be used in upcoming fundraising efforts, with all proceeds going towards supporting the charity. Further details about how supporters can get involved in the fundraiser and bid for this special item will be announced soon.

Sir Cliff said: “It was my pleasure to visit Thames Hospice and meet all the lovely staff and volunteers who work so hard to provide amazing care. Meeting some of their patients reminded me how important hospice care is. I hope they can raise a lot from my jacket, is a favourite of mine. I watched Andy Murray win Wimbledon while wearing it!”

To find out more about the charity’s work, make a donation, access services or join the amazing team of staff and volunteers, please visit Thames Hospice


Latest posts

The Greyhound is England’s top restaurant

Liz Nicholls

Genre

The Greyhound in Beaconsfield has been named the AA’s Restaurant of the Year (England), one of the most prestigious awards a restaurant can get.

Every year the AA independently inspects hundreds of restaurants across the British Isles. This award recognises cuisine of a ‘truly excellent standard’, as well as innovation and a high standard of hospitality.

Winning this award ranks the restaurant and pub among the best in the country, alongside previous winners including Tom Kerridge’s Hand and Flowers in Marlow, Sorrel in Surrey and the Fordwich Arms in Kent.

The Greyhound team received the award at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel in London. Hosted by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, the star-studded evening was presented by BAFTA-nominated television and radio broadcaster Angellica Bell, widely recognised for her victory on Celebrity MasterChef. The night celebrated the most outstanding hotels, spas, restaurants, inns and B&Bs, along with the people who drive them forward.

With nearly 900 guests, the event highlighted the very best in British hospitality, honouring achievements across 15 categories.

Co-proprietor Daniel Crump says: “When we opened in 2019 – and were closed again by coronavirus shortly afterwards – the possibility of receiving one of the most esteemed awards a restaurant in the UK can get felt so far away. This means so much to us and the team and we’re so honoured to receive this recognition from the AA.

“We are so proud of how hard our Greyhound family works day in, day out, front of house and in the kitchen, to make sure that our guests have the best possible experience from the moment they walk in the door, and it’s phenomenal to see their skills, passion and talent recognised at a national level.

“But we also wane to thank our wonderful guests, without whom we wouldn’t still be here. Seeing a restaurant full of happy guests is ultimately what drives us to do better every day.”

“Seeing a restaurant full of happy guests is ultimately what drives us to do better every day.”

Simon Numphud, MD at AA Media, expressed his pride in the resilience and creativity shown by the UK’s hospitality sector in 2024: “This incredible celebration is a true testament to the strength and innovation within our industry. The dedication and excellence demonstrated by all the hospitality teams have been nothing short of inspiring. Congratulations to the Greyhound team, all the winners, nominees, and new Rosette holders for their remarkable contributions.”

The Greyhound Pub & Dining is a Grade II-listed, 17th century former coaching inn in the heart of Beaconsfield. Owners, husband and wife Daniel Crump MCA and Margriet Vandezande-Crump, previously worked in some of London’s finest restaurants, including Michelin-starred Petrus and Trinity, three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, as well as the Oxford Blue in Old Windsor.

They reopened The Greyhound, their first solo venture, in December 2019. The pub and restaurant serves modern British food with a diverse wine list and local beers and ales. It also holds two AA rosettes and was recently named a Diners’ Choice award winner by OpenTable, as well as Buckinghamshire’s most romantic restaurant.


Latest posts