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.
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
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Is your vehicle attracting thieves? Don’t let car thieves get an easy ride.
Keyless car theft or ‘relay theft’ is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.
Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.
How to protect your keyless entry car
• Fit a steering wheel lock as a physical deterrent. Some models can link to pedals and gear sticks. • Consider blocking in your keyless car with another non-keyless entry car if you have one. • When at home keep your car key (and spares) well away from the car. • Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag. • Re-programme your keys if you buy a second-hand car. • Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.
If you have seen anything suspicious, have CCTV or Dashcam footage of suspects, or any information regarding car crime in your neighbourhood, please report this by using the Thames Valley Police online reporting portal at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ or by calling the non-emergency number 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.
If you wish to remain anonymous or don’t want to speak to the police you can pass any relevant information via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 free of charge.
Peter Henry tells us more about Chesham Bois Tennis Club’s oldest member Roy Thorn who is still smiling at 100
As a member of Chesham Bois Lawn Tennis and Squash Club for some 30 years I have known and played tennis with Roy for a considerable time. On his 90th Birthday, when he was still playing twice a week, I had the opportunity to interview about his life and he turned out to be quite a character. Now that he reached 100 it provides the opportunity to share some of his stories with the world.
Roy was born on 7th August 1924 in Chesham where apart from his time in the RAF and 10 years working in London, he has spent all his life in the area. He was married to Mary, a talented painter and Sculptor, for 46 years until her death in 1997, with whom he had 3 children, Robin, Jane and Timothy, four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. His career was in the legal profession as first a solicitor’s clerk and later as a Legal Executive when he was a founder member of the Institute of Legal Executives. Outside work he has been a keen sportsman all his life with tennis and badminton as his two games. He founded Chiltern Badminton Club and has been a member of Chesham Bois LT&SC for 76 years.
Roy has always been a keen photographer and during the early part of the war Roy delighted in taking illicit photographs of the military vehicles and troop movements either from the offices of Blaser Mills which overlooked the Broadway or by concealing his camera under his coat on the Avenue in Lowndes Park where British Army vehicles were concealed under the line of trees.
“Roy has always been a keen photographer”
One night in 1941, during the period of the London Blitz, bombs were dropped on a field on the outskirts of Chesham. Roy went out early the next morning and picked up an unexploded incendiary bomb sticking out of the ground taking it home on his bike concealed in his gauntlet gloves much to his mother’s horror. On returning home for lunch the bomb had gone, taken away by the police. Roy went round to the Police Station in a high dudgeon, had a heated but failed argument with the sergeant to get ‘his’ bomb back.
In 1943 Roy joined the RAF and was then sent on an aviation course in Leicester where he flew Tiger Moths learning all the tricks of the trade including Acrobatics, Night Flying, Navigation and Forced Landings. As part of this course, they were required to travel an 80-mile route with an instructor and then retrace the route flying solo the next day. The course took them north from Leicester but Roy, who as shown by his clandestine military photography was always keen to take a risk, worked out that if he fiddled his log he could fly to Chesham and back. This he did successfully with the only difficulty being when he encountered 3 Bovingdon based US Flying Fortresses and was forced to climb so they couldn’t see his registration and possibly report his presence in the wrong part of the country!
During his time in the RAF, he was working alongside the now famous actor Robert Hardy. Robert asked Roy to take some photographs and, being enamoured of the Laurence Olivier 1944 film of Henry V, came to the shoot with full costume including armour, hired for the occasion.
Roy left the RAF in 1946 and returned to his old firm of Blaser Mills and then spent 10 years working in similar roles in London from the late 1950s but returned to Chesham and joined the solicitors Iliffes (now– IBB).
With two friends, who both safely survived the war, he founded Chiltern Badminton Club in which he was involved for the next 25 years including the roles of secretary and chairman. Roy joined Chesham Bois LT&SC in 1948, was made an honorary member on the Club’s Centenary in 2008 plating until he was 97.
Three further facts that demonstrate his character are; that he rode a motorbike until he was 87, and at the age of 96 he also managed to climb through a very small window that was a good 6ft above the ground, after he’d locked himself out of the house upon return from his granddaughter’s wedding. Having achieved entry with the aid of a ladder he then took it outside, locked himself out again, and had to repeat the whole process!
Roy lived independently in Amersham until February this year when he moved to The Willow Care Home in Chesham where he continues to make the most of life.
Dawn French, the Queen of British comedy, returns to the stage this autumn with a brand new solo show, ‘Dawn French Is A Huge Twat‘.
Dawn will tour the UK from 15th September, opening at Peterborough’s New Theatre and then perform a further 19 shows across the country until 16th October. Tickets for all shows are on sale now from https://dawnfrenchontour.com/
The award-winning actor, best-selling novelist and all-round very funny lady is here to tell us more:
“This show is so named because unfortunately, it’s horribly accurate. There have been far too many times I have made stupid mistakes or misunderstood something vital or jumped the gun in a spectacular display of twattery. I thought I might tell some of these buttock clenching embarrassing stories to give the audience a peek behind the scenes of my work life…
Roll up! Book early to see the telly vicar lady be a total twat on stage, live in front of your very eyes. And ears.”
