Aylesbury Homeless Action Group crowned Rothschild Foundation Charity of the Year 2026

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

The partnership marks a significant opportunity for AHAG to expand its reach and impact at a time when demand for homelessness support continues to grow locally.

Aylesbury Homeless Action Group (AHAG) has been awarded the Rothschild Foundation Charity of the Year for 2026, following a vote by staff and volunteers at Waddesdon Manor.

The local homelessness charity, which has supported people in north Buckinghamshire since 1992, provides advice and practical assistance to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

In the past 12 months alone, AHAG has helped more than 700 people – double the figure recorded in 2022 – reflecting rising demand for its services amid ongoing financial pressures in the region.

Its work includes housing and financial guidance, as well as access to legal and mental health support, with a focus on helping people move from crises into stable accommodation and longer-term independence.

As part of the 2026 partnership, AHAG will receive a £20,000 grant from the Rothschild Foundation, alongside support aimed at increasing awareness, volunteer engagement and fundraising capacity.

A calendar of community fundraising events is also planned, including a Solidarity Sleepout, Bake Off mornings, pub quizzes and bingo nights.

Sir Roger Wright, CEO of the Rothschild Foundation, said the decision reflected strong internal support for AHAG’s work and highlighted the importance of local charities making a difference across Buckinghamshire.

AHAG CEO James Boultbee welcomed the recognition, noting the growing number of people seeking help in recent years. He praised the dedication of the charity’s staff and volunteers, who support individuals “from crisis to being housed, settled and confident in their future,” and emphasised the vital role of community backing.

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Fleet Pond Society celebrates 50 golden years in 2026

Zoe Gater

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Cathy Holden from Fleet Pond Society shares the history of and love for the nature reserve as the society celebrates its 50th anniversary.

This year, Fleet Pond Society celebrates 50 years of caring for Fleet Pond Nature Reserve – an important local SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and Hampshire’s largest freshwater lake.

Over these 50 years, hundreds of volunteers have repaired footpaths, installed bridges, jetties, dipping platforms and look-out points. They have dredged silt and managed islands, along with a myriad of other conservation tasks, to keep this beautiful community asset accessible to both wildlife and people.

In 2003, recognition of the volunteers’ outstanding work led to the Society receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (‘Unsung Heroes’).

And in 2008, University College London carried out a depth survey as part of the OPAL (Open Air Laboratories) project. It showed the pond measured no more than 0.8 metres deep.

As a result, in 2010 the Society launched the ‘Clearwater Campaign’, a partnership between themselves, Hart District Council, Natural England, the Environment Agency, MoD and other interested parties.

Following successful fundraising throughout the community, along with grants and major awards from statutory bodies, dredging began in 2012.

Volunteers then created reed-covered islands from the removed silt. A small group continues to encourage reed growth on these islands, keeping them free from saplings.

The reedbeds and heathland areas form priority habitat, and volunteers work tirelessly to keep them viable – and for the first time, volunteers have recorded Nightjars on the Dry Heath.

Over the summer, the Society organises a range of education and conservation-related activities for local youth groups, including Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Rainbows and the Boys’ Brigade.

FPS Chairman Jim Storey said: “The past fifty years have shown that there is no limit to the enthusiasm, skill and tireless work of our fantastic volunteers. We could not do it without them. Onwards to the next fifty!”

To learn more, visit fleetpond.org.uk

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Didcot bingo jackpot winner scoops £250,000 at Coronet Bingo

Zoe Gater

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Family-run for 50 years, Coronet Bingo remains a cornerstone of the local community – and, it seems, a particularly lucky one too.

Coronet Bingo’s reputation just got another boost after a regular player scooped an incredible £250,000 jackpot during a casual night out with her mum.

The 59-year-old Didcot local landed the life-changing prize on Sunday 5 April at Coronet Bingo Club – and marked the third major jackpot to hit the venue in just 18 months.

She won the prize through the National Bingo Game’s headline-grabbing £250,000 jackpot, which has drawn players across the UK with its high-stakes twist.

To take home the top prize, players must call “bingo!” in just 14 numbers, which is no easy task!

Since launching in February, the game has created a string of big winners – but Didcot clearly enjoys a particularly lucky streak.

For the winner, a familiar face at the club for years, the experience felt nothing short of surreal. As each number came up, the reality slowly sank in…

“I love coming to Coronet Bingo Club in Didcot and have been a regular for years. When my numbers were called, I was in total shock, I was absolutely stunned.

“I love coming to my local bingo club it is so social and friendly. Winning this amount of money is incredible. I will definitely be helping my family out and sharing it with my mum who introduced me to bingo and may even think of retiring! If you’ve never played before, go for it get yourself a National Bingo Game ticket – you’ve got to be in it to win it, and you never know”!

Understandably, the club team felt just as thrilled. Manager Sean Tucker said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see one of our players take home £250,000. It’s a truly life-changing win for her and her family. We couldn’t be happier for her, and we wish her and her family every success and happiness for their next chapter. We are also thrilled that this is our third big jackpot win in just 18 months”.

To get involved, visit coronetbingo.com.

All players must be aged 18 or over. The National Bingo Game is played under the provisions of The Gambling Act 2005 and played under National Bingo Game Players’ Rules. Players should always gamble responsibly. For more information and advice visit www.BeGambleAware.org.

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Haringtons Beaconsfield invites you to nominate your local heroes for a free haircut and blow-dry

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Liz Nicholls chats to Richard and the team at Haringtons Beaconsfield, who invite you to nominate your local heroes for the Community Chair.

Hair. Is. EVERYTHING! Yes, to quote Fleabag, a good hair ‘do’ can empower you more than any therapy session. And, after an hour in the chair with Haringtons super stylist Richard Scorer, I can attest to this – I turned up limp, flattened and frazzled by life, and floated out with a bouncy blow-dry feeling invincible!

It’s exactly this miraculous power that the Haringtons team are looking to share with those who need it most.

Over the past five years, the salon group have given more than 800 local charity workers, volunteers, carers and people in need of a boost free haircuts, helping them feel refreshed and looked after.

“Everyone deserves a bit of TLC and to feel their best,” says Richard, “and often it’s those who deserve it the most won’t or can’t come for a haircut or style. That’s why we love to treat people nominated by our customers.

“They might be a carer, a mum, a friend, perhaps someone going through a tough time who always puts others first. A complimentary cut and blow-dry and well-deserved pampering is fun for us to do, as it’s so rewarding. It’s all about giving back and paying it forward.”

The award-winning Beaconsfield new town salon specialises in precision cutting, expert hair colouring, balayage and restorative hair treatments.

The vibe is joyful and friendly with an elegant floral backdrop where the skilled team are a dab hand, tackling everything from grey blending, keratin smoothing treatments, Olaplex bond building and special occasion styling. Each appointment begins with a detailed consultation to understand your hair goals and lifestyle needs.

Whether you’re seeking a subtle refresh, a dramatic colour transformation or preparing for a wedding, the results are sure to exceed expectations.

Crying tears of joy in the salon is not infrequent – and I joke with Richard about how a drastic Lego chop some years back (after 30 years of frying my hair with Sun-In and other amateur home bleach jobs) sent me into hiding and despair…

“Yeah you only need to have a hair disaster to know how much hair can affect the way you feel!” he says.

“We understand this, so we’re always led by our client. A good hairdresser knows it goes far beyond cut, colour or style. Never underestimate the power of a good chat as well as a new look to give you bounce and lift!”

Always going to great lengths to help the local community, the Haringtons team also support The Little Princess Trust, donating hair to make wigs for children with cancer.

To nominate someone for the Community Chair, email julie.bentley@haringtons.com or visit haringtons.com/haringtons-helps.

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Over 100 cask ales on the lineup for Beerex 2026

Zoe Gater

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Get your taste buds ready to ‘drink for charity’ at the 48th Beerex this April 2026.

Beer fans can look forward to sampling more than 100 cask ales with an impressive lineup of new beers and specials to choose from at this year’s Farnham Beerex.

Taking place from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 April 2026 at Farnham Maltings, alongside the extensive array of cask ales from near and afar, visitors can experience an enlarged craft bar offering a great range of keg beers, pilsners, lagers and international beers – all relocated into the Main Hall.

There’s also a new Cans Bar which will offer global beers, a selection of no/lo variants and for the first time, wines, ready-to-drink cocktails and spirit/mixers. And cider drinkers aren’t forgotten either, with more than 30 to choose from.

If you’re feeling peckish, tuck into traditional bangers, smoked and smashed burgers, as well as Thai and Indian cuisine provided by a collection of street food vendors, along with the Maltings own offering and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Bringing the vibes, enjoy live music while you quaff at all sessions – excluding Friday lunchtime.

Beerex has now raised an impressive £1.1 million to support individuals, families and to fund local organisations providing specialist support within the community.

For more detail on what’s on offer at Farnham Beerex and to book tickets visit farnhambeerex.org.uk

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Haslemere Biodiversity launches series of free nature-focused events

Zoe Gater

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Nature recovery starts with us. That is the simple message from Haslemere Biodiversity, which says: “If we want nature to recover, we can’t wait for someone else to fix it.”

Haslemere Biodiversity is inviting residents to a series of public events exploring the Haslemere Nature Recovery Strategy (HNRS), a locally led plan to restore habitats, strengthen wildlife corridors and build resilience across the landscapes people depend on.

Across April and May 2026, the group will host four themed events, each focusing on a different strand of the HNRS.

Topics include woodlands and hedgerows, heath and grassland, aquatic habitats, and community spaces and wildlife gardening.

Each event will highlight projects and habitats linked to the theme. Partner organisations will also take part, including woodland charities, heathland specialists, water quality groups and community gardening networks.

The sessions aim to gather local insight, test project ideas and ensure the strategy reflects the knowledge of people who know the landscape best. Residents are encouraged to share ideas, concerns and local knowledge.

The team behind Haslemere Biodiversity said: “People who walk the footpaths, care for gardens, know the old field names, remember ponds that once held newts or have watched swifts return to the same street for decades – these are the experts plans like this need.

“Nature recovery does not happen only in remote reserves. It happens in churchyards, allotments, ponds, verges, school grounds, farms, gardens, footpaths and forgotten corners. It happens when communities stop waiting for saviours from above and start getting their hands dirty.”

Dr Philippa Guest, Chair of Haslemere Biodiversity, added: “What inspires me most is the way the community shows up for nature week after week. Our volunteers achieved extraordinary things in 2025, and we look forward to sharing news of a new biodiversity reserve later in 2026.”

To learn more or book a free ticket, visit haslemerebiodiversity.org.uk or follow Haslemere Biodiversity on social media.

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Daisy Sandwiches launches new food trailer popping up at events across Godalming

Zoe Gater

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Look out for a new trailer dishing up fresh sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats around Godalming as Daisy Sandwiches hits the road.

“These must be the best sandwiches in Godalming,” said one very happy customer of Daisy Sandwiches – and now locals will have even more chances to try them, with the launch of an eye-catching new food trailer popping up at events across the town.

Lizzie and James have been running Daisy Sandwiches at Godalming Station, serving commuters coffee and freshly made sandwiches, since taking over from James’s parents, who founded the family business in 2002.

Now, the couple are excited to bring their much-loved food to the wider community, with Daisy’s new trailer appearing at local events and gatherings.

Alongside the hand-prepared sandwiches that regulars already know and love, visitors can also expect homemade cakes and savouries, plus cold drinks and snacks – perfect for grabbing on the go.

All sandwiches are made to order using fresh, high-quality ingredients and locally baked bread. The menu is also designed with dietary needs in mind, with allergens catered for – something particularly important to Lizzie, who is gluten and dairy intolerant herself and understands how tricky it can be to find suitable options.

As part of the new venture, Daisy Sandwiches will also be supporting The Meath Epilepsy Charity, which has been providing specialist care and support for people living with epilepsy in the Godalming area for more than 130 years.

Keep an eye out for Daisy at upcoming local events including ChoirBlast, the Godalming Spring Festival on Friday 4 April 2026, Blackmoor Apple Day and more.

The trailer is also available to book for private events and parties.

For bookings or enquiries, call 07786 616221 or email daisytrailerevents@gmail.com.

For more information, visit daisysandwiches.co.uk.

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Eden Shopping Centre marks 18 years with ‘Faces of Eden’ community exhibition

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

To mark its 18th anniversary, Eden Shopping Centre presents Faces of Eden, celebrating 18 local people whose contributions shape the character and community spirit of High Wycombe.

Situated in the centre of High Wycombe, Eden Shopping Centre marks its 18th anniversary in 2026 with its special Faces of Eden exhibition celebrating the people who bring the centre and community to life.

Running from Saturday 28 March until Sunday 5 April 2026, the project shines a light on the diverse faces that live, work and visit the town centre – from students and families to local business owners, creatives and long-time residents.

Displayed throughout the centre, stretching from Skechers to Hotel Chocolat, the curated showcase features 18 portraits capturing the people behind the campaign. Each portrait highlights the personality, stories, and everyday moments that make Eden more than just a shopping destination. 

Alongside each image, visitors will be able to discover the personal stories and connections that link these individuals to the centre and the town.

Visitors are invited to explore the installation as they move through the centre, discovering the faces and stories that represent the community Eden has been proud to serve for nearly two decades. 

Rebecca Gomme, Marketing Manager at Eden Shopping Centre, said: “Faces of Eden is about celebrating the people and moments that make Eden the place it is.

“This exhibition brings those stories to life and gives visitors the chance to see and connect with the individuals who make our community so special.” 

For more information, visit edenshopping.co.uk.

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Explore West Oxfordshire’s vineyard and mental health recovery garden

Zoe Gater

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Wander the walled garden and vineyard at Bridewell Gardens in West Oxfordshire, enjoy homegrown produce, and discover the mental health recovery work happening behind its ancient walls during its Open Days in 2026.

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of West Oxfordshire, behind ancient walls and rolling vineyard rows, Bridewell Gardens is preparing to welcome visitors once again for its Open Days in 2026.

Taking place from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 19 April, 17 May, 14 June and 6 September, these special days offer a rare chance to explore a beautiful working garden and vineyard while learning about the life-changing work that happens within its walls.

Bridewell Gardens is a mental health recovery service supporting people in West Oxfordshire who have experienced serious mental ill health. Set within a walled garden and vineyard at Wilcote, Bridewell provides a creative, compassionate environment where recovery is nurtured through gardening and working with nature.

As one former gardener puts it, Bridewell is “a small mental-health charity with muddy paths, patient people, growing things — and absolutely no pressure to pretend everything’s fine when it isn’t.”

Open Days invite visitors to wander freely through the walled garden, vineyard and surrounding spaces, discovering fruit, vegetables, flowers and vines grown as part of Bridewell’s day-to-day work.

Plants propagated on site will be available to buy, alongside home-produced jams and chutneys and Bridewell’s acclaimed organic sparkling wine, made from grapes grown right there in the vineyard.

A pop-up café will be serving tea and cake, while those keen to linger are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and relax among the vines. Families and children are welcome to explore, spot dragonflies by the pond, and count the chickens roaming the vineyard, while dogs on leads are also very welcome.

Open Days are not just about enjoying a beautiful place. They offer an opportunity to meet Bridewell staff and volunteers, hear about the recovery service, and understand how working outdoors can help people rebuild confidence, develop skills and reconnect with their community.

For many, Bridewell provides structure, kindness and hope at a time when it is most needed. As one participant reflects: “Bridewell has been my parachute. It got me out of the house, gave me routine, and helped me find confidence again.”

Entrance is by suggested donation of £5 per person, with no booking required.

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A third Fearless Girls Club has launched in Surrey’s Knaphill

Zoe Gater

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Helping young girls gain self-belief and resilience that lasts into adulthood, a third Fearless Girls Club has opened in Knaphill.

More young girls will “have smiles on their faces” with the addition of another Fearless Girls Club, thanks to two local mums.

Adding to the provision in Chobham and Sunninghill run by Elle Wilks and Kate Cooper, girls aged 8-12 are given the tools to be “unapologetically themselves”.

Through a unique curriculum of Club Quests – fun, research-based activities that help girls embrace their boldness and learn to know and love who they are – they become ‘fearless’.

Quest areas include Knowing Myself, Leadership, Being Bold, Resilience, Speaking Up, Critical Thinking, Mind & Body, Friendships and Digital World.

Sessions are supported by older girls from local secondary schools called Quest Leaders, who volunteer their time to role model fearlessness and leadership to club members.

Since launching the first of the not-for-profit clubs in January 2025, demand has soared, with waiting lists and grateful parents praising the ethos and the effect it has had on their daughters.

Elle said: “Fearless Girls Club gives them space to explore who they are, to ask questions, take up space and learn to feel proud of themselves.

“We’re helping them build the kind of self-belief and resilience that lasts into adulthood, so when life gets tough, they know how to handle it. Club is a place where they can learn to be and love themselves, and know they’re not alone.”

The club meets at Knaphill Methodist Church Hall on Tuesday, from 5.30pm to 7pm.

To book, visit fearlessgirlsclub.co.uk/bookings.

To join the club or to find out more, please visit www.fearlessgirlsclub.co.uk or email clubhouse@fearlessgirlsclub.co.uk.

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