Free screening of the National Emergency Briefing heads to Abingdon

Zoe Gater

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community

A free community event in Abingdon this September invites us to explore the latest climate science & discuss how we can make a difference.

As conversations around climate change continue, a community event aims to unite people to better understand the challenges ahead – and, vitally, to explore what can be done locally.

Abingdon Carbon Cutters (ACC) invite us to a free screening of the National Emergency Briefing on Wednesday, 16th September, at Abingdon Baptist Church in Ock Street, OX14 5AG.

Beginning at 7.30pm, the evening will combine a thought-provoking film with an open discussion about practical steps communities can take in response.

Coming after another period of unusually hot summer weather, the event offers an opportunity to hear about the latest climate science in an accessible and engaging way.

The National Emergency Briefing (visit nebriefing.org) has been shown across the UK, helping explain both the scale of the challenges and practical actions closer to home.

Following the screening, attendees will be invited to share their thoughts and ideas in a friendly, informal discussion. Organisers hope the evening will encourage people from all backgrounds to consider how Abingdon can respond together, whether through everyday lifestyle changes, local initiatives or simply by learning more.

Abingdon Carbon Cutters have been working for a number of years to inspire local action on climate change through talks, workshops, projects and community events. The volunteer-led group believe meaningful change happens when people work together and support one another in making sustainable choices.

The event is open to everyone, regardless of their level of knowledge or experience. Whether you’re already involved in environmental projects, curious about the latest scientific evidence or simply looking to hear different perspectives, organisers say the evening is designed to be welcoming, informative and constructive.

Entry is free, but advance booking is required, with organisers expecting strong interest.

For more information or to book, visit abingdoncarboncutters.org.uk.

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Want to make a difference? Help a child discover the joy of reading with ABC to Read

Zoe Gater

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community

ABC to read’s 2026 School Impact Survey found 100 per cent of children supported improved their reading age or level, accuracy and confidence – and now the charity is looking for more Berkshire volunteers to help even more children thrive.

Volunteers for local literacy charity ABC to read are making a profound difference to children’s lives as shown in their 2026 School Impact Survey.

The survey found 100% of children improved their reading age or level, 100% improved their reading accuracy, 100% increased their reading confidence and all developed a more positive attitude to reading.

Schools have reported reluctant readers who now want to read daily with one child adding “they help us believe in ourselves”.
Marcia Rowlinson, CEO of ABC to read said: “Learning to read changes a child’s future. These results show what can happen when a child receives regular one-to-one support from a caring volunteer who believes in them.

“Every week our volunteers help children build the confidence, skills and resilience they need to succeed, not just in reading but across their whole education. We are incredibly proud of the difference they make.”

The charity is now recruiting new volunteers across Berkshire to meet increasing demand from schools. Anyone with patience, enthusiasm and around two hours a week to spare can make a lasting difference to a child’s future.

Schools interested in receiving support, or individuals wishing to volunteer, are encouraged to contact ABC to read to find out more.

Visit abctoread.org.uk.

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The Gardens Trust’s annual conference is heading to Milton Keynes

Zoe Gater

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community

A major conference in Milton Keynes this September will explore how greener thinking could help shape Britain’s next generation of communities.

As Britain embarks on plans for thousands of much-needed new homes, experts will unite this month to ask a vital question: how can we build communities that put people and nature first?

The Gardens Trust’s Historic Landscapes Assembly, on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September 2026, will explore how lessons from historic landscapes and successful new towns could help create healthier, greener and more sustainable communities.

Titled New Town Landscapes: Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future, the conference will bring together experts from the UK and around the world to consider landscape-led planning, biodiversity, climate resilience, art and green spaces’ role in everyday life.

Milton Keynes makes a particularly fitting setting. Famous for its innovative planning and extensive network of parks, lakes and green corridors, the town offers a golden example of how nature and development can work together. Campbell Park (pictured by David Bailey), with its sweeping lawns, waterways and varied planting, is one of its best-known green spaces.

Speakers will look at case studies including Redditch and Warrington, alongside projects across Europe, the US and Asia.

You can find the programme and booking details at eventbrite.co.uk; alternatively, visit thegardenstrust.org.

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Experience Welsh musical magic in Wantage this September

Zoe Gater

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London Welsh Male Voice Choir bring their celebrated sound to Wantage for a special charity concert this September.

Wantage music-lovers are in for a very special evening of music when the renowned London Welsh Male Voice Choir bring their powerful harmonies to the Parish of St Peter & St Paul.

Performing at 7pm on Saturday 12 September 2026, the choir will raise funds for the Ray Collins Charitable Trust, helping support the local community through its charitable work.

And this is no ordinary choir. The London Welsh Male Voice Choir has performed on some seriously prestigious stages, including the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony and events marking the 100-year anniversary of the end of the First World War in Ypres.

More recently, the choir filled the Royal Albert Hall in June – so Wantage audiences can expect a pretty impressive night of singing.

The choir’s repertoire celebrates the rich tradition of male voice choral singing, with the distinctive warmth, power and emotion that have made Welsh choirs famous around the world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of choral music or simply fancy an uplifting night out, this promises to be a memorable performance.

There’s also an opportunity to hear the choir before the big night, with recordings available on Spotify and plenty of uplifting video clips to discover on Facebook.

Most importantly, your ticket helps support a good cause. All proceeds from the Wantage concert will go towards the Ray Collins Charitable Trust and its work supporting the community.

So, if you fancy an evening filled with glorious harmonies, a touch of Welsh musical magic and the feel-good factor of supporting a local charity, this is one to put in the diary.

Tickets are £20 per person.

For more information or to book, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-welsh-male-voice-choir-in-concert-tickets.

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Care options: Where your heart is

Zoe Gater

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Wherever you call home in later life, make the most of your golden years with assistance and advice.

Home sweet home or a move to a new home? The options for later life care are many and essentially come down to any medical needs you may have, your budget, and your desired level of independence.
You love where you live, great friends, an ideal location with good proximity to shops and services so why would you want to leave all that behind?

Domiciliary care could be the answer with visits from a carer who will provide assistance with specific needs and personal care needs such as washing, dressing or cooking. Domiciliary care is tailored to specific needs and routines. With the help of a caregiver you can continue to enjoy your independence and to maintain the relationships and connections you’ve spent a lifetime building.

Staying in your own home may also involve a few changes with adaptations, mobility aids and alterations or additions to everyday equipment.

If you feel unsteady or unsafe on the stairs, now’s the time to invest in an Acorn Stairlift. Easily installed on almost any type of stairs, it will help safeguard your wellbeing and independence at home for many years to come. Acorn’s British-made stairlifts can be installed within just a few days even on non-standard staircases. Designed with you in mind, they are reliable and simple to operate, with expert help just a phone call away should you ever need it. Imagine being able to go up and down your stairs whenever you like, free from pain or discomfort and, most important of all, safe from the worry of falling. Now that really is reassuring, for you and your loved ones alike.

A bath lift will support you as you get in and out or consider swapping it out for a side -opening door which negates the need for climbing in and out if you’re struggling. If you prefer a refreshing shower then how about converting to a wet room-style alternative so you can just walk straight in and out? Make sure you have a suitable non-slip bath mat to step on to.

Simple “fixes” in the kitchen can ensure it continues to be the “heart of your home” with adaptive cutlery and aids to assist opening jars and tins being small but essential changes.

Fiona and Stuart are in their seventies and have spent more than 40 years in their semi-detached in a leafy suburb making a lifetime of memories, friends and fun and with family members close by want to keep up with all this for as long as possible.

Stuart explained how a few changes have made this possible for them: “We’re lucky enough to still be in good health generally but we all need a bit of help sometimes. I had a bit of a fall and with Fiona’s arthritis she struggled to do some of the basics I needed. For us, having someone come in for a few days for a few weeks made all the difference. Should we need further help we wouldn’t hesitate to ask for more home care visits if needed.”

More help may mean moving to a residential care home where you can enjoy comfortable living and a lifestyle that offers choice allowing you to live life your way.

Care homes offer companionship and community and activities to enjoy with others – want to get your hair done or enjoy a movie in cinema-like surroundings, enjoy picturesque gardens without having to do any of the work yourself or perhaps you just want to catch up over a cuppa or even treat yourself with an early evening glass of wine?

Julia took the decision to move into a residential care home when her own home became too much for her and, with a friend having recently made the move elsewhere, she decided to take a look and see what it could offer her. “I wanted somewhere I could still look after myself and have some independence on a day-to-day basis but with the added bonus of knowing there was help at hand if necessary,” she explained.

“I’ve had some problems with my hip so some days walking too far can be an issue. Here I can pop down to the café for a mid-morning gossip with my new friends, get my hair done and relax in the cinema room. Of course my family come and visit whenever they like and they have the peace of mind of knowing that I’m living my best life as I enter my eighties.”

Living her best life also includes taking part in regular activities such as quizzes, singing afternoons and arts and crafts as well as exercise classes to aid mobility and ensure Julia and others enter their later life in as best shape as possible.

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Enjoy an evening of open-air theatre at Basset Manor while supporting Citizens Advice Oxfordshire

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

Illyria’s acclaimed adaptation of The Three Musketeers is coming to the beautiful grounds of Basset Manor this August, with an evening of outdoor theatre, picnics and a silent auction raising vital funds for Citizens Advice Oxfordshire.

Audiences are invited to enjoy a summer evening of swashbuckling adventure as Baroness Sheehan hosts an open-air production of The Three Musketeers at Basset Manor, with all proceeds supporting Citizens Advice Oxfordshire.

Taking place on Saturday 1 August 2026, the historic grounds of Basset Manor will be transformed into 17th-century France as acclaimed outdoor theatre company Illyria brings Alexandre Dumas’ much-loved classic to life.

Renowned for its energetic performances and spectacular stage combat, Illyria’s adaptation follows the young D’Artagnan as he sets out to prove himself worthy of joining the King’s elite Musketeers — Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Along the way, audiences can expect daring duels, royal intrigue, dramatic twists and memorable encounters with the formidable Cardinal Richelieu and the scheming Milady de Winter.

Running for approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, the production promises an evening packed with romance, betrayal, humour and action beneath the summer sky.

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, blanket or folding chair and settle in for an atmospheric outdoor performance, with refreshments also available to purchase on the night. As the performance continues into the evening, warm clothing is recommended.

Alongside the performance, visitors will have the opportunity to bid in a silent auction, featuring a carefully curated selection of prizes, with every bid helping to support the charity’s work.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Citizens Advice Oxfordshire, helping the organisation continue providing free, independent and confidential advice to people across the county.

The venue is wheelchair accessible via a gravel path, and only assistance dogs are permitted.

For more information and to book tickets, visit ticketsource.com/illyria/the-three-musketeers-at-basset-manor/e-bgypjl.

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Meet the team behind Wantage’s community-focused Bad Knees Brewing

Zoe Gater

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community

We raise a toast to the Bad Knees Brewing team who have turned a home brewing hobby into a thriving community brewery on the Ridgeway.

What began as a hobby in sheds and garages has grown into one of south Oxfordshire’s newest independent breweries, with Bad Knees Brewing earning a loyal following for both its craft beers and welcoming atmosphere.

The brewery, run by Amber, Jack and Manu, was born from what they jokingly describe as a “mid-life moment”. After years of home brewing, they decided to take the leap and launch their own venture in 2024. Today, the Wantage pico brewery produces a range of small-batch craft beers inspired by the Ridgeway National Trail, proudly describing itself as “Where the Trail Meets the Ale”.

Having moved to Wantage relatively recently after living in places including Wallingford, Thame and Lincoln, the trio quickly fell in love with the countryside and strong community spirit. Their brewery sits just off the Ridgeway, making it a natural stopping point for walkers and cyclists exploring the ancient route.

Their black cocker spaniel, Florence, is a bit of a celebrity too, inspiring the brewery’s American IPA, Ridgeway Rascal. Four-legged visitors are welcome in the tap yard during open days, with the team praising local dog walkers Rambles for helping keep Florence entertained.

Community is central to everything the Bad Knees Brewing team do. The team credit friends and family for helping during busy tap yard events and is grateful to fellow businesses that have supported their journey. They single out Indigenous Brewery in Chaddleworth for sharing expertise and equipment, Oak Taverns for giving their beers an early home in local pubs, and The Malt Miller in Swindon, where they continue to source brewing ingredients.

When they’re not making beer, you’ll often find the team enjoying the local pub scene. The King’s Arms in Wantage remains a favourite thanks to its ever-changing craft ales and popular beer festivals, while the town’s other traditional pubs continue to champion independent breweries.

Bad Knees Brewing is preparing new seasonal beers alongside pop-up tap yard open days on Saturday, 22nd August, and 19th September, with hopes of pouring pints at more local festivals. As the brewery is only open to the public for these events, check Bad Knees Brewing’s social media for dates and updates.

For the team, however, success isn’t just measured by the beer they brew. It’s about creating a place where neighbours, walkers and visitors can share stories and enjoy good company. If they had one wish, it would simply be for a little more kindness, connection and community – values that already flow as freely as the ale at Bad Knees Brewing. Visit badkneesbrewing.lovable.app

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Friendship cafés helping older people feel connected across Oxfordshire

Zoe Gater

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From cuddling lambs at Roves Farm to sharing stories over tea in Faringdon, two friendship cafés are tackling loneliness and bringing older people together through companionship, community and care.

A cup of tea, a slice of cake and a friendly conversation can make all the difference – and across Oxfordshire, two community cafés are helping older people build friendships, boost wellbeing and combat loneliness.

This summer marks the fourth anniversary of the Roves Farm Seniors Friendship Café, a monthly gathering created through a partnership between Roves Farm and Home Instead Charities, led by volunteers from Home Instead Swindon & Vale of White Horse.

Held in the peaceful surroundings of the working farm, the café offers older adults the chance to enjoy refreshments, spend time with friendly farm animals and, perhaps most importantly, connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming setting. For many regular visitors, it has become a much-anticipated monthly highlight.

Keeley Lally of Roves Farm said: “We’re very happy to be able to provide a unique and engaging experience for everyone involved with the Seniors Friendship Café. Part of our ethos has always been to offer opportunities for people of all ages to experience a working farm, meet our friendly animals and enjoy the countryside. It’s a pleasure to be part of this wonderful initiative.”

As well as offering companionship, spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and encourage social interaction, benefits that visitors experience first-hand during each session.

Elsewhere in the county, the Faringdon Friendship & Memories Café continues to provide a welcoming, dementia-friendly space for older people, their families and carers.

Supported for a second year by Faringdon & District Rotary Club, the café benefits from guidance provided by Dementia Oxfordshire adviser Maria Kempson, visits from therapy dogs Rosie and Tango, and a dedicated team of volunteers creating a safe and supportive environment.

Rotary Club President Mohinder Kainth said: “The Memory Café is more than just a place, it’s a lifeline for many in our community. It offers friendship, understanding and a safe space where people feel truly seen and supported.”

For Cat Attewell, Community Engagement Officer for Home Instead Swindon & Vale of White Horse and a Home Instead Charities volunteer, the impact of both cafés is evident.

She said: “These cafés are more than events for local people, they are lifelines. We see first-hand the difference that companionship, community and meaningful activity make to the wellbeing of older adults.”

The Faringdon Friendship & Memories Café is currently looking for volunteers to help serve refreshments and support guests.

To find out more or get involved, email cat.attewell@homeinstead.co.uk or call 01793 232585.

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Inside Witney Museum’s major heritage transformation

Zoe Gater

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Denise Berkley tells us about Witney Museum which has reopened with major heritage revamp.

A fresh chapter has begun for Witney and District Museum, which reopened on 8 April 2026 following a major redevelopment supported by a £198,096 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The volunteer-run museum, first opened in 1996, has undergone an extensive transformation designed to secure its future while bringing the town’s story to life in new and engaging ways.

At the heart of the project is a focus on Witney’s evolution since the closure of its last blanket factory in 2002, ensuring more recent history is captured alongside its industrial past.

Visitors will immediately notice the striking new gallery displays, created in collaboration with designer Sam Brown and studio work-form.

Inspired by traditional tenter racks once used in the town’s blanket industry, the installations give the space a distinctive and locally rooted identity.

A key feature of the redevelopment is the “Voices of Witney” project, which captures oral histories from local people, adding a rich and personal dimension to the museum’s collection.

Among those featured are individuals who have helped shape the town, from educators and creatives to community figures.

The museum also explores Witney’s wider heritage, including its long association with blanket manufacturing, as well as stories of healthcare and innovation, from traditional high street chemists to modern employers such as Abbott.

Chair of the management committee, David How, praised the impact of the funding. “We’re really grateful for the support from lottery players,” he said. “We’re proud to be launching our fresh, exciting showcases for Witney’s treasures and we see a bright future for the town’s heritage.”

Volunteer collections manager Beverley Sherwood highlighted the behind-the-scenes benefits, with funding enabling essential cataloguing and conservation work to protect the collection for future generations.

The project has also strengthened community connections, with new partnerships and plans for a Community Cabinet initiative inviting local groups to help shape future displays.

Housed in a historic Cotswold stone building once home to local builder Malachi Bartlett, the museum remains a treasure trove of Witney’s past and present.

The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm until October.

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How one Aylesbury volunteer is changing conversations around men’s mental health

Zoe Gater

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One simple question is changing conversations around men’s mental health – and one Aylesbury volunteer is helping men take that first difficult step.

“How are you?” It is one of the questions we ask every day. But for many men, the answer is often the same: “Fine.” “Not too bad.” “I’m alright.”

For Bucks teacher Steve, a volunteer captain for men’s mental health charity Talk Club, changing that conversation starts with adding three simple words: “Out of ten?”

“The number is personal to everyone,” Steve explains. “My eight might be somebody else’s five. But by giving ourselves a score, we stop and think about how we’re actually feeling in that moment.”

This simple idea lies at the heart of Talk Club, a men’s mental fitness and suicide prevention charity created after a group of friends lost someone close to them in 2014. They came together in the back room of a pub to talk, and from that moment a movement was born.

Today, Talk Club groups across the country provide a confidential, non-judgmental space where men can talk, listen and realise they are not alone.

Steve first became involved three years ago after looking for voluntary work. Already aware of Talk Club through one of its founders, he signed up to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for the charity.

“Whilst I was there, someone planted the seed about becoming a captain,” he says. “It didn’t take very long for that to grow.”

Since then, Steve has run regular sessions in Aylesbury, including Talk & Listen meetings and Talk & Box sessions at Pegasus Gym, where men combine conversation with pad work and physical activity.

“It’s not punching each other!” Steve laughs. “But that burst of intense exercise can do wonders.”

Talk Club’s approach is proving powerful. On average, members leave a session with their scores rising by 15%. But Steve believes one of the greatest benefits is simply hearing other men’s stories.

“People realise they’re not the only one experiencing something difficult. There’s a huge comfort in knowing you’re not alone.”

The hardest step, he says, is often the first.

“For a lot of blokes, walking through the door is the biggest challenge. We’ve had people contact us and express interest but never quite make it inside. We understand how difficult that can be.”

The message from Steve is simple: there is no expectation to be vulnerable straight away – just come along and see what it’s about.

“We’re ordinary people,” he says. “The captains aren’t therapists or counsellors. We’re there to listen.”

Talk Club is always looking for more volunteer male captains to help bring sessions to communities across the country, while its free app allows anyone to check in with their own mental fitness.

Steve will also be at Live in the Park in Aylesbury on Saturday, 29th August, when visitors can meet him, find out more and learn how a simple question could start a life-changing conversation.

For more information, to find a local group or download the free app, visit talkclub.org.

You can also follow @talkclubaylesbury on Instagram or contact the team directly for more details.

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