No ticket needed!

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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To mark its 180th anniversary the Old Ticket Office at Culham will open to the public as part of this year’s Heritage open Days on September 14th & 15th

This year Heritage Open Days celebrates Routes, Networks & Connections, and this will provide a rare opportunity to see inside an original Brunel designed broad gauge station building.

The old ticket office at Culham is one of the best preserved of Brunel’s characteristic and charmingly designed small country station buildings, and the only survivor of this particular Tudor Revival design.

The office is Grade II* listed and retains many of its original features including, large fireplace, glass ticket window, unique architectural details and original 1844 work tops. On display will be original signal box equipment, models of local coal wagons, and much more with some items of memorabilia on sale and many free souvenirs to take away including postcards, colouring sheets, tickets and our 32-page illustrated Discovery Trail booklet.

Keen model makers can also download free model sheets of the old ticket office from the website.

Come and explore inside the building and its surroundings using the Discovery Trail booklet, you may be surprised to see just how much there is to discover. See if you can find where a bullet ricocheted from the ticket counter when a passenger was shot in 1868!

The Old Ticket Office is on Platform 2, Culham Station OX14 3BT. Free parking is available both by the ticket office and on the opposite side of the tracks at The Railway Inn. The station will also be served by certain local buses and trains on Saturday.

For more information about the Old Ticket see Culham Ticket Office

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Six By Nico Istanbul-inspired menu

Ellie Cox

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Ellie Cox

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From 23rd September to 13th October diners can enjoy the latest menu at Six by Nico Oxford, that will transport them to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul

Six by Nico, renowned for its innovative dining experience and ever-changing tasting menus, has announced its next destination menu, promising a true feast for food enthusiasts across the country. This time, Six by Nico invites diners seeking adventure to journey through the spice-laden streets of Istanbul and savour the rich, aromatic dishes inspired by the Turkish city’s iconic bazaars.

The Istanbul experience will be available from 23rd September to 13th October, offering diners a culinary journey where ancient traditions meet bold, modern flavours. This menu is designed to amaze, celebrating the richness of Turkish cuisine and embracing the culture at every turn. Diners will be transported to bustling bazaars and the vibrant streets of this captivating Turkish destination.

The menu includes the following:

Course One – Memories of Mikla
Cucumber & Barbecue Lettuce Gaspacho, Lemon Verbena & Lor Cheese

Course Two – Chef Ahmet’s Pida
Grilled Chicken Shish Pida, Sesame Flat Bread, Rose Harissa & Sumac

Course Three – Kibe
Toasted Bulgar & Aged Beef, Smoked Black Garlic Ketchup & Cep Mushroom

Course Four – Fishing on Galata Köprüsü
Seabass, White Bean, Fennel Jam, Preserved Lemon, Smoked Almond Foam

Course Five – Adana Lamb Kebap
Cumin Belly Pressé, Ancient Grains Pilaf & Sweet Roasted Tomato

For an additional £7, food enthusiasts can add on Golden Peyniri, Crispy Filo, Lor Cheese, Acili Same Chutney to their fifth course.

Course Six – Spiced Date Cake
Candy Walnut, Caramelised Pear & Sour Yogurt Sorbet

For £50, guests will be able to enjoy a taste of Istanbul, with a matching wine pairing from £38.

This tasting menu is a culinary journey through the heart of Istanbul, drawing deep inspiration from Turkey’s rich and diverse food traditions. It masterfully combines authentic Turkish flavours with modern techniques, paying homage to classic dishes while introducing contemporary twists. From the refreshing notes of gazpacho to the hearty essence of lamb kebap, each course reflects the vibrant and varied culinary heritage of Istanbul. This menu captures the essence of Turkish cuisine – bold, aromatic, and deeply rooted in regional traditions – while presenting it in a way that is both innovative and sophisticated.

Andrew Temple, Chief Creative Officer, commented on the new menu: “We’re excited to transport diners to the vibrant streets of Istanbul and bring authentic yet bold flavours from Southeastern Europe to cities around the UK and Ireland.”

Six by Nico caters to all dietary requirements, offering a full vegetarian menu for each new menu concept. Plus, customers can swap courses from the meat menu to the veggie alternative, if they wish.

For bookings of the Istanbul menu, visit the website Istanbul – Oxford – Six By Nico

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Barn storming fun!

Karen Neville

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The Great Barn Festival offers a perfect combination of events to keep adults, families and children of all ages entertained.

The Great Barn Festival is a family friendly event celebrating the best of music, theatre, art, and nature in an ancient rural setting.

Set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, the Great Barn in Coxwell was built over 700 years ago. It was a favourite of William Morris who would regularly bring his guests to wonder at its structure. Morris called it ‘unapproachable in its dignity’.

Music from the best home-grown talent and international musicians combines with some of the best local community groups and choirs. Take your seat for performances from Dan Sealey from Ocean Colour Scene and Merseyside hero Ian Prowse & Amsterdam.

Listen to storytellers and watch roaming performers throughout the day. Entertainment includes family performances of The Tempest and Robin Hood as well as the return of the Three Inch Fools with The Secret Diary of Henry VIII. Get involved in circus skills, a silent disco and craft in the Children’s Tent. There’s also pond dipping and barn tours to enjoy with The National Trust.

Tuck into some fabulous food with a cold drink and settle in to enjoy music or theatre set against one of the most impressive Festival backdrops around!

A Gate Pass which allows entry to the grounds for a whole day with non-stop action and if you want even more add separate ticketed performances to build your perfect event. A Friday Evening Gate Pass costs £6. Saturday Gate Pass costs £10 and a Sunday Evening Gate Pass costs £6 per person. Under 2s are free.

Full details can be found on Great Barn Festival

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Curtain-up on a new film season!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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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.

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Frimley & Camberley Society of Arts

Karen Neville

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Be inspired by the talented members of Frimley & Camberley Society of Arts and vote for your favourite at the annual exhibition on September 13th & 14th at High Cross Church

Frimley & Camberley Society of Arts is getting ready for its annual exhibition, the main event of the society which was formed in 1961.

FCSA are a friendly group of amateur and professional artists of all abilities and interests who meet to paint together every second Friday of the year.

Members enjoy a varied programme of events including workshops and demonstrations from visiting professional artists as well as meeting regularly to paint together every second Friday of the year.

Members enjoy a varied programme of events including workshops and demonstrations from visiting professional artists as well as meeting regularly to paint and enjoy each other’s company. Members are given several opportunities to exhibit their paintings during the year culminating with the annual exhibition.

This year’s event will be opened at a reception by the Mayor of Surrey Heath on Thursday, 12th September who will present prizes to winning artists (entry by invitation only). Invitations are available from a member of the committee at Contacts (fcsaonline.org.uk) or from the office at High Cross Church. The reception will include a glass of Pimm’s and the chance to view the paintings displayed in several rooms at the exhibition.

There are several prizes to be won under different categories. The prize for the best watercolour/mixed media painting is called the Winsland Prize which has been generously donated by Leonie McGuigan for many years. The best oil/acrylic painting will be awarded the Graham Scandrett Memorial Prize in memory of the past President of the Society. The Valerie Brooks Pastel Trophy is awarded for the best pastel painting in the exhibition. There is also the ever-popular themed competition which this year is entitled Action. Last year the subject was Old & New and the winning painting was Lesley Kilner’s St Paul’s from New Change Street.

Everyone who visits the exhibition is invited to vote for their favourite painting. At the end of the exhibition all the votes are counted and the winning artist will receive The Seward Memorial Trophy which has also come to be known as The People’s Prize. This is presented at the AGM in February by the President and well-known local professional artist Liz Seward. Lesley Kilner’s painting won this trophy too.

For more information about future events and if you are interested in membership please see the website fcsaonline.org.uk

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Friday 13th is lucky for some!

Ellie Cox

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Cadbury World counters cursed calendar date with free entry for all those celebrating their birthday on Friday 13th September

No such thing as bad luck at Cadbury World! The Bournville attraction is celebrating ‘unlucky’ birthdays by gifting a free-entry offer to all those with birthdays on Friday 13th September 2024.

For guests whose birthday falls on Friday 13th September – it’s their lucky day! In defiance of superstitions, those with a birthday on 13th September can celebrate with a day that’s choc-full of fun. To change their fortunes, all guests will need to do is bring a valid proof of ID to the reception team on the day, and they will be granted a free entry ticket for a brilliant Bournville birthday, filled with chocolatey fun.

Speaking about Friday 13th September at Cadbury World, Gerrard Baldwin, General Manager at Cadbury World said ‘What could be unlucky about free chocolatey fun?! We can’t wait to welcome guests to celebrate their Friday 13th birthdays with us here at Cadbury World, Bournville. There’s so much on offer here for all the family and we look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate a choc-tastic birthday with us.”

Guests can enjoy a variety of chocolatey activities while at Cadbury World. Jump aboard the new Cadbury Chocolate Quest ride and zap up the ingredients needed to make a Cadbury Dairy Milk, get creative and doodle with chocolate in the newly refurbished Have A Go zone. Guests can even meet their favourite iconic Cadbury characters including Freddo, Caramel Bunny, Mr Cadbury’s Parrot and Bertie Basset.

For more information about the conditions of entry, please visit https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/policies/terms-conditions/

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Join Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester

Karen Neville

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Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester is sharing tales from the auction room and more in a fundraiser for Corn Exchange Newbury’s Old Library Campaign

Who doesn’t love a bargain and who doesn’t love TV show Bargain Hunt?

Well-known auctioneer and BBC Bargain Hunter Thomas Forrester is hosting a terrific fundraising auction for Corn Exchange Newbury’s Old Library campaign on Wednesday, 11th September.

The antique expert will talk about his work as an auctioneer and his time on TV with Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, highlighting heart-warming tales of his foray into antiques and how he landed a sport on the beloved British show.

As well as his time on Bargain Hunt, Forrester’s long list of accolades also includes also includes being Director of Special Auction Services in Newbury. Guests can expect Forrester to lend his valuable insight into the antiques market, sharing a look into what is currently selling and what is struggling. He will also delve into personal stories from his time working in antiques, including fascinating and one-of-a-kind items he has sold, as well as things he couldn’t shift!

Guests can also get actively involved in the evening, with the chance to bring along a small antique or collectable. Audience members who have brought items will be drawn at random to go on stage and tell the audience what their item is and why they bought it, before Forrester provides a live valuation.

All proceeds will be going towards the reopening of the historic Old Library in Newbury which will be a permanent home for the Corn Exchange’s creative participation work. This much-loved building will provide opportunities for all to take part in creative activities, benefitting more and more local people with the positive impact that engagement in the arts has.

£2.6 million is needed to fulfil the Corn Exchange’s plans to open the Old Library in early 2025; £1 million of which has been funded by Greenham Trust, for the acquisition of the building, repairs, and conservation. The public phase of the fundraising campaign will repurpose the interior space, and complete plans.

Jessica Jhundoo-Evans, Director of Corn Exchange Newbury & 101 Outdoor Arts, said: “We’re really excited about the Old Library becoming the permanent home for our creative participation work. This area of our work provides a lifeline to many local people, with over 27,000 engagements in 2022/23. The Old Library will help us to benefit many more local people with the positive impact that participation with the arts has, increasing engagements to over 40,000 a year.”

For tickets to this or any of the other fundraising events visit Events at the Corn Exchange Newbury

For campaign updates and to donate, please visit Old Library Fundraising Campaign

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Sole mates on Pangbourne High Street!

Karen Neville

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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…

Already home to beloved establishments such as Cheese Etc, Kiki & Bow Interiors, The Rhubarb Tree, Nino’s Deli and Artichoke Café, the high street is now welcoming two exciting new boutiques to enhance its charm and appeal.

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.

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Discover Bucks Museum’s Star Wars adventure

Liz Nicholls

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Head to Discover Bucks Museum near Aylesbury to see one of the finest collection of vintage Star Wars toys & original movie posters

One of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original movie posters is on display in a stunning exhibition at Discover Bucks Museum in Bucks.

Back when the movie Star Wars broke box office records in 1977 no one could have predicted that the merchandising would go on to earn even more than the film itself. The toys of Star Wars took the world by storm and became the must-have playthings for an entire generation. From 1977 to 1985 an estimated 300 million action figures were sold, allowing children to re-enact the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo.

May The Toys Be With You is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape.

For little kids and “big kids” alike this is an unmissable opportunity to view many rarely seen Star Wars treasures. This exhibition has broken visitor attendance records at a host of museums around the country, and the museum team are excited for its first visit to Aylesbury. The exhibition runs until 3rd November.

Continuing the sci-fi theme and a treat for those visitors who have fond memories of the 1980 BBC Television adaptation of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, we have on display until 3rd November the original, screen-used costume prop of Marvin the Paranoid Android.

For more information, opening times, ticket prices and to book visit Welcome to Discover Bucks – Discover Bucks. Discover Bucks Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP.

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Roald Dahl Story Day helping children

Liz Nicholls

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13th September is Roald Dahl Story Day and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is inviting schools to celebrate by hosting their very own Roald Dahl Story Day event to fundraise for the charity.

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity establishes specialist nurses to care for children with complex lifelong conditions.

There are more than 150 Roald Dahl Nurses caring for more than 36,000 children across the UK, including lots in the Round & About counties, such as Roald Dahl Nurses Stephanie Lawrence in Surrey, Hannah Gerrard in Berkshire, and Katrina Williams in Hampshire.

Hosting a dress-up day for Roald Dahl Story Day is one fantabulous way to support the charity while having lots of fun and celebrating the joy of reading and the power of spellbinding stories. There are so many inspiring characters for children to choose, from Willy Wonka to Matilda to Fantastic Mr Fox! You may even get a Giant Peach or two turning up!

Teachers can visit the schools fundraising page at http://www.roalddahlcharity.org to register and the charity’s schools team will be in touch with buckets of fundraising support and resources to make your Roald Dahl Story Day a truly splendiferous one. There are even some dressing up tups on the website – it couldn’t be easier!

All funds raised will go towards establishing Roald Dahl Nurses and the incredible work the charity does caring for seriously ill children living with complex medical conditions and supporting their families who find life very tough. Every seriously ill child deserves a Roald Dahl Nurse.

Watch this space for our interview with Dame Felicity in our October editions.

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