Why not join your local u3a?

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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On Saturday, 14th September, the Chiltern branch of the u3a will welcome you at The Chilterns Lifestyle Centre in Amersham for an open day to showcase their varied activities

Chiltern u3a was formed in 1999. All the group’s activities are run and supported by members.

Membership is open to all adults: You don’t have to be retired – just not have a full-time employment or caring commitments. Activities aim to offer fun and stimulating environments where you can learn new skills and make new friends.

Annual membership is £28pp. Should a group require specialist facilities or a professional tutor a small additional charge may apply, but this is kept to a minimum. This u3a currently has about 1,350 members who between them offer 90+ interest groups, ranging from ancient cultures to badminton, board games and bowls through drama, dancing, language, music, science & technology to walking, wine tasting and yoga. There’s also a monthly general meeting with external speakers covering varied topics. These groups in a member’s home or at local venues (e.g. in Amersham, Chalfont St Peter, Chesham, Hyde Heath and Holmer Green). Some have been visits to properties, gardens and theatres.

Chiltern u3a is affiliated to a national network of about 1,000 u3as with 400,000 members. The UK u3a Week is all set for 21st-28th September. In advance of this, you’re all welcome to the open day, 10am-4pm at The Chilterns Lifestyle Centre on 14th. Many groups will host information stands and there’s a membership offer of £14pp if you join on the day!

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Vocal locals: South Bucks Choral Society!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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South Bucks Choral Society are in fine voice, rehearsing for upcoming concerts at St Mary’s in Old Amersham. Jay Roff tells us more and invites you to audition on 7th & 8th September

Do you enjoy singing? Even if you haven’t sung in a choir before, why not give it a try? Choral singing is a fun and rewarding pastime that has been proven to promote a sense of wellbeing.

South Bucks Choral Society have established an excellent reputation in the area, performing some of the greatest choral works in western music. Our next performance, the ever-popular Handel’s Messiah on 30th November, is a great intro to choral singing.

South Bucks Choral Society was founded by our conductor, Iain Ledingham, in 1980. Iain is a professor at the Royal Academy of Music. He has been Director of Opera there and was musical director of the Academy’s prestigious and highly successful Bach Cantata series from 2009 to 2018. We have received great reviews in the local press.

Accompanied by a first-class professional orchestra and excellent soloists from the Royal Academy of Music, our main concerts are centred around one of the great choral works. Past performances include Verdi’s Requiem, Bach’s St Matthew Passion and Christmas Oratorio, Handel’s Samson, Haydn’s Creation, Mozart’s Requiem & C minor Mass. The choir have also taken part in operas by Handel and Mozart. In 2019 we performed Mozart’s great opera Idomeneo with the amazing young tenor Freddie de Tommaso in the title role. He is now singing major roles at the Royal Opera House and throughout Europe.

Even after the most challenging day at work, going to rehearsal takes away the stress, I feel happier and have so much more energy. I’ve been a member of SBCS since I was 18! Verdi’s Requiem was the first work I learned, and I was hooked. Singing with the choir is exhilarating. Together we can create this amazing sound – the sum is so much greater than the parts.

Each year we perform two major concerts with orchestra, in November and April. There’s also our popular carol concert in December and a summer concert featuring opera choruses, folk songs and shorter choral works. We are aiming to increase our number to nearer 100 (so we can return to performing works that demand a larger choir such as Verdi’s Requiem.

We meet for rehearsals 8-10pm on Tuesday evenings, from September to April, in St Joseph’s School Hall, Chalfont St Peter. We also run an optional summer programme during May and June. Why not head to a 10-minute audition at Chalfont St Peter Parish Church 9.30am to 3pm on Saturday, and 2-6pm on Sunday 8th? Feel free to bring a piece of music to sing if you wish. Ability to sight read is not essential, we just ask that you can sing in tune!

If you’d like to take part, please email [email protected]. For more info please also visit South Bucks Choral Society

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Fashion & beauty night in Marlow

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Enjoy a fashion & beauty night out in Marlow on 26th September with a talk from Lucia Santa-Maria, a screening of The Devil Wears Prada, hair & make-up tips & more

September is the perfect month for new starts, so don’t miss this opportunity for some shopping style!

Krista Madden has organised an evening kicking off with a talk, 5-6pm at Court Garden House, from Lucia Santa-Maria who has been working on Marlow Murder Club this summer. She’ll talk about Building Confidence with Fashion, picking key high street pieces.

Find out about health and fitness tech at Sweaty Betty, including the next-generation Power Plate and a lymphatic drainage compression, with experts on hand, and health & make-up showcased in Jigsaw.

Nutritionist Brigette Hancock will launch her first book, Live Like a Lobster, at The Marlow Bookshop. The shops will stay open until 8pm with free drinks, special offers and lots of activities along the high street for you to enjoy. The evening will showcase local fashion, beauty and creative talent in Marlow.

Tickets to Lucia’s talk are £10pp including a drink & free for Marlow Living Loyalty App subscribers. For more details visit In Your Element Festival. Book your tickets for The Devil Wears Prada at Everyman Cinema. Follow In Your Element on Instagram for more updates!

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Meet exotic animals in Bucks!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Nature-lovers of all ages are invited to book in and enjoy a really wild animal encounter at Amersham’s Jubilee Hall on 14th August, Wendover Memorial Hall on 28th August & more

You’re unlikely to find lizards or tarantulas prowling Hervines Park… But the One World Animals team are bringing the Amazon to Amersham & Wendover!

This small, dedicated group of nature-lovers have been working with animals in films, TV and education for more than 20 years. One of the partners, Celso, grew up in the Ecuadorian jungle which awakened a lifelong passion for wildlife. He spent his childhood watching and learning about all kinds of native animals of jaguars, monkeys, kuatis, birds, as well as a multitude of creepy crawlies.

Celso came to the UK in 1984 and worked in rescue centres and other animal centres until One World Animals was ‘born’ in 2019. By that time he had accumulated so many rescued animals that it made sense to try to recoup some of the expense while also educating other about habitat loss and the need to protect and respect these precious creatures.

He says: “The One World Animals motto is ‘Experience the Wonder’. We want people to be aware of all the amazing creatures we share the earth with. By learning about them, and experiencing close-up encounters, people are much more likely to engage with conservation efforts to save those creatures still in the wild.”

Whether you’re a nature lover, a budding zoologist, or simply curious about the animal kingdom, the 75-minute encounters promise to a unique opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your animal understanding.

As well as the encounters at Jubilee Hall in Rectory Hill, Amersham, HP7 0BT, at 10.30am, 12.15pm & 2pm on Wednesday, 14th August, the One World Animals will also bring their animals to Wendover Memorial Hall, HP22 6AF, with encounters at 10.30am, 12.15pm and 2pm on Wednesday, 28th August. You can book tickets for either or both events at One World Animals Events where all the public events are listed.

To find out more about the team and animals, please visit oneworldanimals.com

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Join a naked walk in Missenden!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

You’re all invited to a liberating eight-mile naturist walk through the Misbourne Valley and parts of the Chiltern Hills, 12-5pm on Friday, 9th August.

Have you ever wanted to enjoy the beauty of the countryside with the sun on your skin?

Well you can soak up plenty of this (weather-permitting!) with a walk this month, in your birthday suit, to see whether naturism is for you.

The walk organisers have arranged a pick-up from Great Missenden station to the start point. The walk is mainly through open country and common land with some woodland, along mostly flat terrain with some slight to moderate hills. The circular route follows a network of public footpaths, starting near the village.

The event is organised by British Naturism is association with the Milton Keynes Naturist Meet and Greet Group. It’s open to all members of British Naturism and other naturist (walking) groups; anyone new to naturism is welcome. When booking, just state whether you’re a member of BN or other naturist groups.

A 2015 survey proved that Naturists have higher self-esteem and better body confidence. Shedding your clothes might also help you shed a few of the burdens of everyday life.

Fancy giving it a go and embracing this liberation? The Diogenes Sun Club in Gerrards Cross will host a sport taster day on 14th September.

For further info please contact Andrew and Amanda Roch by emailing [email protected]. Joining details will be provided to those who register. For more about the naturism movement visit British Naturism (bn.org.uk) & also visit Diogenes Sunclub for info.

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BBOWT’s Andree Church’s best of Bucks

Liz Nicholls

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Andree Church tells us about moving from Ontario to south Bucks and her wildlife trust role helping protect & enjoy the countryside

Hi Andree. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
“I’m 33 and have a very energetic 18-month-old who keeps me on my toes! I’m a learning manager for the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust [BBOWT], which means I’m lucky to spend my ‘work’ days on beautiful nature reserves teaching people of all ages about local wildlife. I manage BBOWT’s education centres in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, and we have centres near Tring, Maidenhead and Windsor. I enjoy sharing my love of nature and fielding questions from inquisitive children. One of my recent faves was ‘Do you sleep at the nature reserve?’ (I don’t, but there’s an event idea!).”

Q. Where do you live?
“I’ve lived in Chinnor with my husband since 2017. I grew up in Ontario, Canada, and came to the UK in 2013 to do some postgraduate studies. I planned on staying for a year but met my husband at university! Here I am, still in the Thames Valley area eleven years later!”

Q. What are your favourite walks?
“Any along with Ridgeway. The stretch between Bledlow and Princes Risborough is a particular favourite – the rolling hills provide some great viewpoints of the Chilterns. Amazing to think that people have been using these paths for thousands of years.”

Q. Any favourite local shops or businesses?
“Oakley Village Shop (recently opened) for delicious baked goods, great coffee and a park/playing field next to it. And Gloria’s in Thame.”

Q. What highlights are you looking forward to?
“Some summery family picnics in parks and local woodlands. Just need all this rain to stop!”

Q. What do you most love about where you live?
“The rich cultural history coupled with gorgeous countryside. As somebody who didn’t grow up in this area, I have a real appreciation for how lucky we are to live where we do.”

Q. What are hidden gems locally?
“Our local nature reserves, there are plenty just on our doorstep. BBOWT are a fabulous group of people who work tirelessly to look after wildlife and habitats in our area. We look after more than 80 nature reserves, run five education centres and two visitor centres. We feel everyone benefits from access to wildlife and nature – physically, mentally and/or emotionally. We offer programming for everyone, from Nature Tots (12 months+) through to our Teen Rangers clubs and events for adults. If you’d like to find out more about any of these, check out our website.”

Q. How can we help?
“As a charity, BBOWT relies on donations to fund our conservation work in the local community. If you’re not already a member and would like to support our work you can join us by visiting our website. Alternatively, you can donate to our Nature Recovery Fund [Nature Recovery Fund], our biggest fundraising campaign to date which aims to raise £3 million for nature climate and people.”

Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?
“That we all treat others as we wish to be treated. And that we do a better job of looking after this planet – after all, it’s the only one we’ve got! Oops, that’s two wishes!”

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Royal swan upping event

Liz Nicholls

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Picture 1 shows: Cllr Jocelyn Towns, Cllr Carol Heap and the Swan Uppers

Our local swan population has seen a considerable decrease, say the King’s Swan Uppers

This summer’s Royal Swan Upping took place on Tuesday, 16th July, with the vibrant red outfits of the Swan Uppers providing a colourful sight for walkers along the Thames towpath.

Marlow’s Mayor David Brown accompanied the Swan Uppers on the river from Marlow to Cookham and back to Marlow, where he held a reception at the Two Brewers pub. “I was delighted to be part of this traditional event,” he said. “The Swan Uppers ringed cygnets between Cookham and Marlow as part of the process of checking on the health of swans and cygnets on behalf of His Majesty, the King.”

Swan Upping is an important event in the calendar each year. It plays a crucial role in the conservation of the mute swan and involves the King’s Swan Warden collecting data, assessing the health of young cygnets and examining them for any injuries. Cygnets are extremely vulnerable at this early stage in their development and Swan Upping provides an opportunity to help both adults and cygnets that might otherwise go untreated. Swan Upping started on July 15th from Sunbury lock and finished at Abingdon on Friday, 19th July.

Picture 2 shows: Stacey Brown, Mayoress of Marlow, Mayor of Marlow, David Brown, David Barber, Swan Marker to His Majesty The King

According to the Swan Marker, last year saw a considerable downturn in cygnet numbers due to the loss of many breeding pairs during the outbreak of Avian Influenza.  “So far this year we have received very few reports of Avian Influenza cases within the swan population in the Thames Valley,” David Barber said. “This is very positive; however, the swans are contending with very high water levels and strong streams due to the widespread flooding that has washed many nests away. In some cases, the swans may rebuild their nests, which could result in a late breeding season this year.”

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Freddy, steady go in Seer Green!

Round & About

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Star pianist Freddy Kempf will star in Seer Green on Sunday, 14th July, as the final highlight in Jordans Music Club’s 81st summer festival

Jordans Music Club’s members are delighted that Freddy Kempf is returning to play for them again after his triumphant concert in 2018.

Chairman Marian Pell says: “Freddy is one of today’s most successful pianists, performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. Exceptionally gifted with an unusually broad repertoire, Freddy has built a unique reputation as an explosive and physical performer unafraid to take risks as well as a serious, sensitive and musical artist.

“The concert opens with one of the great achievements for piano in Beethoven’s middle period, the C major Sonata dedicated to Count Waldstein, a sonata which reflects both the grandeur and the brilliance of the Eroica Symphony, composed the previous year.

“We are then treated to Moments Musicaux, first by Schubert and then by Rachmaniov. Schubert’s Moments are quite short, reflecting different moods from the melancholic to the whimsical. Rachmaninov’s versions show the influence of Chopin but are more monumental and virtuosic as Rachmaninov draws on models from high Romanticism and remoulds them. The mood moves from the intensely mournful through storms and calm to the majestic grand finale – a fitting close to our 2024 season.”

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Vox pop Q&A with Holt Dugan

Round & About

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Carpenter & dad Holt Dugan, 45, tells us his best bits of Bucks after swapping America for Amersham

Q. Hi Holt. Where do you live?
“I live in Amersham with my wife Emily and our kids Ada (4), Sam(2), and our English Springer Spaniel Sonny. We live in Amersham and moved here from SW London in 2021. However, I grew up on a row-crop farm in the American mid-west and moved to England from Nashville at the end of 2018 after meeting Emily when she was visiting for work – we’ve been busy!”

Q. What are your favourite shops or local businesses?
“I can often be found at Timberstore in Beaconsfield where the team always look after me, and John Cox & Son Motors are top-notch mechanics and just generally good people. I work as a carpenter, specialising in bespoke garden rooms and outdoor kitchens, treehouses, pergolas and playground equipment, as well as fitted indoor furniture such as wardrobes, cabinets, bookshelves etc.”

Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?
“Lunches at Darmon Deli and at Spiga in Amersham are always great. In both instances, the proprietors are as terrific as the food. With two small children my wife and I are more likely to enjoy an evening takeaway from Tom Yum Thai in Amersham or from Kai at Shangri-La Chinese in Chesham. However, if we are going out, we do like to treat ourselves with the daal makhani at Hawkyns or a night at The Griffin in Old Amersham. I worked as a chef many years ago in Austin Texas so my ultimate treat is probably a tasting menu somewhere very fancy, which often surprises people! The Artichoke in Old Amersham for my birthday last year was exceptional.”

Q. What are your favourite walks?
“Sonny comes to work with me most days and my business partner Jon has a spaniel too so they have a great time! Our favourite place to walk is in the woods at Hervines Park near to where we live, particularly when the bluebells are out.”

Q. What highlights are you looking forward to later this year?
“Workwise we’re about to start building a three-tier treehouse with a zip line and climbing wall which I am excited about. With the weather finally turning nicer we are getting more outdoor kitchen projects being booked in. We just finished a really fun one in Chalfont St Giles and have another really unique one booked for Beaconsfield in a couple of weeks. We also have a massive timber-framed barn restoration and conversion on a farm outside of Chesham we’re really looking forward to. We’ve got a really enjoyable next few months coming up. Outside of work my family has a couple of holidays coming up. In July, my parents are coming over for my daughter’s nursery graduation after which we are all heading to Menorca for two weeks. Then in October my wife and kids and I are joining other friends for a week in Turkey.”

Q. What do you most love about where you live?
“I just love Amersham. The people are lovely. My neighbours are kind and amicable. The town itself has everything I need from hardware and timber to speciality groceries to Michelin star restaurants. Not to mention the absolutely breathtaking rolling hills and centuries old architecture. I can be lost in the woods, on a playground with the kids, picking up dinner, getting a cup of coffee or catching the tube to London, all within a 15-minute walk from my house. Y’all know how to design a town over here!”

Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?
“I would wish for everyone to live with a little more love and a little less fear. To work hard, laugh loudly, eat well, and be kind. Also, hire us for your next building project!”

Call Holt on 07379 209449.

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Summer daze

Liz Nicholls

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Holidays are on the horizon so let’s get out and have a good time whatever the weather. There’s fun for all ages to enjoy!

Summer feels as though it’s been a long time coming this year, don’t you think? We’re determined to squeeze every last drop from it, once the holidays start!

Luckily, whether you have tiny tots or surly teens to entertain, there are lots of events and attractions nearby to make great memories.

Quainton has been home to a railway station since 1868. And today this lovely rural village is home to a working steam museum and heritage railway (with a smashing visitors’ centre) where kids can enjoy steaming days for just £1pp over the holidays., from 24th July to 1st September. On steaming days the whole 25-acre site is open including steam train rides, miniature and model railways, as well as a gift shop, and travelling post office – a great family day out! Adults £12.50; seniors £11.50; kids £1, under-3s free. If you’re quick you can catch Zog on 30th June and Emergency Services Day is on Sunday, 11th August (£7.50pp & ES workers get free entry with their work ID). And there’s more! A Classic Car Show on BH Monday 26th August & Dino Day on 15th September. Please visit Buckinghamshire Railway Centre for full info.

Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB, is always worth a visit, bringing stories from the Iron Age to the mid-20th century to life. There are 37 historic buildings for you to explore, filled with real objects, including historic toys and games. Try on WW1 uniforms, hats and pinnies, as well as Victorian clothing, accessories and more. Please visit Chiltern Open Air Museum for activities & what’s on.

Based largely in a medieval hall house, Amersham Museum brings to life fascinating local stories through exciting family-friendly exhibitions and events. You can travel through time with the new displays, join a guided walk, get creative in an activity session, or enjoy the herb garden. Also browse the shop full of locally inspired gifts! Amersham Museum

We love Wycombe Swan which offers the best of the West End with a spanking new season of shows, from The Rocky Horror Show starring Jason Donovan (call me, Jason!), to A Chorus Line, Grease, and Elf the Musical plus the magical pantomime, Aladdin, starring local hero Vernon Kay and the sensational La Voix. While we’re in Wycombe, a quick westwards mention for the fabulous Hellfire Caves: visit Hellfire Caves

We hope you enjoy our farms special! We can’t not give a friendly oink to one of our faves for animal adventures and indoor/outdoor fun, Odds Farm Park, HP10 0LX. oddsfarm.co.uk

Kew Little Pigs is the award-winning farm in the Old Amersham with piggy experiences, petting pens and a new barn (which you can hire). If you’re smitten with the porkers (stars on screen & field), there are piglets for sale. Word to the wise: wear wellies! Visit Kew Little Pigs Farm

The Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre in Great Missenden invites visitors to enjoy a peachy time (sorry) celebrating James and the Giant Peach from 20th July to 1st September. Enjoy Roald’s writing hut, and check out the activities lined up Tuesdays to Sundays including hands-on science workshops, daily storytelling, a themed trail and craft. Call 01494 892192 or visit Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre

Fancy getting some fresh air? You can go above & beyond at Go Ape which has adventurous sites at Wendover, and Black Park in Slough, among others. Check out the zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders, leafy hideout, Monkey Shuffle and more, including Captain Fantastic & co at the Black Park branch. Visit The Game Fair Festival of the Countryside

An Open Garden Tea Party at 2pm on Sunday, 4th August, at Woodlands House, SL7 3RN, will include a meadow walk, sculpture, arts & crafts, with added sparkle thanks to local wine heroes, Harrow & Hope. What’s more, proceeds will go to Medical Detection Dogs. For tickets & info please email [email protected].

I used to love taking my little tot to Gulliver’s Land and since then, the fun resort in Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT, has grown to offer even more giant fun! Book tickets to enjoy Dinosaur Discovery and Farmyard Fun from as little as £10pp and there are great stay & play packages too. Visit Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort | Milton Keynes (gulliverslandresort.co.uk) and also find our super-duper voucher deal opposite!

If Olympian Sharron Davies has inspired you, historic Wycombe Rye Lido, HP11 1QX, has family sessions and a great gym. Visit fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/wycombe-rye-lido/

Fancy a spin!? Rogue Leisure in Aylesbury, HP19 8DB, has the fastest indoor karts in the UK where you can test your skills on a banked corner up to 45mph. Or give Ten Pin Bowling a whirl, up to seven players per lane and you can wear your own shoes! If karaoke is more your jam, book a pod for up to eight singers with 80,000 songs to choose from all genres and eras, an amazing sound system and 50″ HD TV. To book your trip visit Activity Centre Buckinghamshire – Rogue Leisure

Bekonscot, HP9 2PL, features the world’s oldest and original model village, huge model railway, 1.5 acres of well-tended gardens and intricately detailed model buildings. Travel back to a 1930s idyll, see England how it used to be, and discover this wonderful little world tucked away from modern life. Visit Family Day Out | Beaconsfield | Bucks | Chilterns (bekonscot.co.uk)

Take your kiddies to see another type of kid and interact with the friendly team of animals at Aylesbury Goat Centre in a safe, and caring environment. Along with goats, you’ll find playful piggies, cheeky chickens, very inquisitive alpacas and cuddly rabbits (the best pets!). For more info visit The Bucks Goat Centre Aylesbury

Denham Country Park, UB9 5PG, has loads to keep young explorers occupied, not least Denham Adventure Zone for 12s and under, including a sand put, adventure trail, tube slide, treehouse, toddler swing and more. Join a bird-spotting safari, collect a map and enjoy some family orienteering. Home – Colne Valley Regional Park (colnevalleypark.org.uk)

Widmer Farm Park in Princes Risborough, HP27 0PG, is the perfect place for your little ones to meet llamas, alpacas, goats, sheep, ponies and donkeys amid the picturesque Chiltern Hills. Please visit Farm Attraction | Widmer Farm Park | England

Wishing you all safe, smiley, sunny fun!

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