Jazz up your Saturday night and support St Frideswide’s community curry

Zoe Gater

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fundraising

Enjoy live jazz while helping provide a new servery for St Frideswide’s free community curry this September.

Jazz lovers can enjoy an evening of live music while supporting a brilliant local community initiative when the Rory McInroy Jazz Quartet performs at St Frideswide’s Church on Saturday 26 September 2026.

The concert, starting at 7.30pm, will raise funds for a new servery at the church on Botley Road, which hosts the popular Friday Community Curry.

Rory McInroy is an accomplished jazz pianist and will be joined by Terry Hutchins on guitar, Steve Kershaw on bass and Ben Twyford on drums for an evening of live music in support of the project.

The Friday Community Curry provides a free meal and welcoming space for around 100 people every week, bringing together a wonderfully diverse mix of students, commuters, local residents who may be feeling isolated, families and people experiencing homelessness.

Even the food has a community focus, with the curry made using surplus vegetables from Oxford Food Hub.

As numbers grow, the new servery will help the church continue providing meals in a welcoming and hospitable environment.

And this is one fundraiser where you certainly won’t go hungry.

Concert tickets cost £20 per person and include a glass of wine and cheesy nibbles, making for a rather appealing Saturday-night combination of jazz, refreshments and a very good cause.

The evening offers a chance to support a practical improvement to a community project that has become an important weekly gathering point for people from across Oxford.

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Wallingford care home worker takes 12,000ft skydive for dementia charity

Zoe Gater

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Waterside Court Activities Coordinator Blerta Cesula has raised £650 for Alzheimer’s Society after taking a 12,000ft leap to support people living with dementia.

A Wallingford care home worker has swapped activities on the ground for an adrenaline-fuelled challenge after completing a 12,000ft skydive to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Blerta Cesula, Activities Coordinator at Barchester’s Waterside Court Care Home in Wallingford, took on the skydive after choosing to support the charity’s work with people living with dementia and their families.

Known for organising activities and helping residents make the most of life at Waterside Court, Blerta has now added freefalling to her list of achievements, raising an impressive £650 through donations from residents, relatives, friends and colleagues.

Blerta said the experience was both exhilarating and emotional, with the knowledge that the money raised would support people affected by dementia making the challenge particularly meaningful.

“Skydiving from 12,000 feet was both exhilarating and emotional,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who supported me. Knowing that the money raised will help people living with dementia makes the experience truly meaningful.”

The Waterside Court team said they were “immensely proud” of Blerta, praising her bravery and commitment to supporting both residents and the wider community.

The money raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide support, guidance and research for people affected by dementia.

Waterside Court provides residential and nursing care for older people, including specialist dementia care, in Wallingford.

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Sophie Tea’s viral charity shop visit brings millions of TikTok views to Bicester

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

A Bicester charity shop has had a major social media boost after artist Sophie Tea stopped by to transform a second-hand rocking horse for her hugely popular TikTok series.

A Bicester charity shop has gone viral after a visit from one of TikTok’s biggest art stars brought more than two million views to the store.

Artist Sophie Tea, who has more than 1.3 million followers on TikTok, dropped into the Sobell House Hospice Superstore in Bicester as part of her popular charity shop series.

The series sees Sophie hunt through charity shops for pre-loved pieces, give them a colourful artistic makeover and then raffle the finished creations to raise money for good causes.

For her Bicester visit, Sophie settled on an unlikely canvas: a rocking horse, which she picked up for £40 before transforming it with her signature colourful style.

The finished piece was then raffled to her followers, while fans flocked to the shop to meet Sophie, enter the raffle and get items signed.

And the visit proved to be a win for Sobell House beyond the social media numbers, too. The hospice estimates the shop took more than £500 above its usual takings that day, thanks to the extra footfall.

The resulting TikTok has now clocked up more than two million views and 254,000 likes, putting the Bicester store in front of a huge new audience.

For Sobell House, which provides specialist care for people with life-limiting illnesses across Oxfordshire, that extra attention could make a real difference.

The hospice relies on its charity shops to help raise the millions of pounds needed each year to support its services, so every sale and donation counts.

The Bicester Superstore is open seven days a week, with everything from clothes, books and music to furniture and electricals up for grabs.

So, if you fancy hunting out a pre-loved bargain, you never know what you might find – or who might have transformed it into something rather special.

Find out more at sobellhouse.org.

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Test your music knowledge with Chris Tarrant at this charity quiz night in Berkshire

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

Enjoy an evening of live entertainment, a two-course supper and a charity auction as television presenter Chris Tarrant hosts a special music quiz in support of Swings & Smiles.

Music fans are invited to put their knowledge to the test at a special charity quiz night hosted by one of Britain’s best-known television presenters, Chris Tarrant, this September.

Taking place at The Retreat Hotel, Elcot Park, on Friday 25 September 2026, the fundraising event promises an evening of music, laughter and friendly competition, with guests challenged to identify classic tunes in a lively music quiz led by the former Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? host.

As well as the quiz, guests will enjoy a two-course supper with wine, before taking part in an exclusive charity auction hosted by TV personality Thomas Forrester.

Every ticket sold will support Swings & Smiles, the Berkshire charity that provides services for children and young people with disabilities, complex needs and life-limiting conditions.

Tickets cost £80 per person, including a two-course supper and wine.

Guests should arrive from 6.30pm.

For more information or to book, visit swingsandsmiles.co.uk/event-details/music-quiz-with-chris-tarrant.

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Take the Trunks across the Thames trail home with a brand-new Top Trumps pack

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

Fans of the Trunks across the Thames elephant trail can continue the adventure long after their visit, with a new Top Trumps pack launching this August, to raise money for Thames Hospice.

Visitors to the popular Trunks across the Thames art trail will soon be able to put their favourite elephant sculptures head-to-head, as a brand-new Top Trumps pack launches on Monday 10 August 2026.

Created to celebrate Thames Hospice’s first-ever public art trail, the special edition card game features the colourful elephant sculptures that have been delighting visitors across Windsor, Eton and Slough this summer.

Inspired by the classic family game, the pack allows players to compare the trail’s much-loved elephants through a series of fun facts and unique statistics, offering a new way to discover the herd while testing their knowledge of the trail.

Jane Symmons, Director of Fundraising at Thames Hospice, said: “We’re delighted to bring Trunks across the Thames to life in a whole new way through this exciting partnership with Top Trumps.

“The trail has captured the imagination of thousands of people this summer, and now families can continue the adventure at home while discovering even more about their favourite elephants.

“Every pack sold helps support the vital work of Thames Hospice, so it’s a fantastic way to take home a lasting memento of the trail while making a real difference to local people and their families.”

The Trunks across the Thames trail, created by Thames Hospice in partnership with Wild in Art, features more than 90 decorated elephant sculptures displayed across Windsor, Eton and Slough until Sunday 13 September 2026. Following the trail, the large sculptures will be auctioned to help raise funds for hospice care.

The new Top Trumps pack will be available to buy from 10 August at Thames Hospice shops in Windsor, Slough, Langley and Maidenhead, as well as at the hospice itself and online.

For more information, visit thameshospice.org.uk.

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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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Celebrate 30 years of Maggie’s Oxford with an exclusive prosecco garden party at Merton College

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

Maggie’s Oxford is marking its 30th anniversary with an exclusive prosecco garden party in the historic grounds of Merton College, giving guests the chance to enjoy afternoon tea, explore rarely accessible gardens and support people living with cancer.

Marking three decades of supporting people living with cancer, Maggie’s Oxford is inviting supporters to an exclusive prosecco garden party in the beautiful grounds of Merton College this summer.

Founded in 1996, Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and psychological support to anyone living with cancer, as well as their family and friends. From expert advice on treatment and financial concerns to one-to-one counselling, group sessions and family support, the charity is there for people for as long as they need it.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, guests are invited to enjoy an afternoon in one of Oxford’s most historic settings. The event includes a glass of chilled prosecco, afternoon tea and the rare opportunity to explore the private gardens of Merton College, which are not usually open to the public.

Visitors can relax among the College’s ancient trees and colourful herbaceous borders, overlooking Christ Church Meadow, with the gardens home to a historic mulberry tree believed to have links to King James I.

As part of the experience, guests can also take guided tours of Merton College’s historic chapel and Upper Library. Dating back to the 13th century, the chapel sits at the heart of the college, while the Upper Library, built between 1373 and 1378, is the oldest surviving library in Oxford and one of the oldest continuously functioning academic libraries in Europe.

Maggie’s Oxford relies entirely on charitable donations to fund its services, receiving no government or NHS funding. Every ticket sold will help the charity continue providing free support for people living with cancer across Oxfordshire for years to come.

Tickets can be booked at eventbrite.co.uk/e/maggies-oxford-summer-garden-party-at-merton-college-tickets or by emailing oxford.fundraising@maggies.org.

For more information about Maggie’s Oxford and its work supporting people affected by cancer, visit maggies.org.

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Thatcham teenager launches £2 summer trail to help fund Ecuador and Galápagos expedition

Zoe Gater

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A Thatcham teenager is raising money for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands by organising a series of affordable summer holiday activities for local families, including a town trail, craft sessions and a fundraising raffle.

A Thatcham teenager is inviting local families to enjoy a range of affordable summer holiday activities while helping raise money for a life-changing expedition to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.

Charlie is aiming to raise £8,000 to take part in a four-week expedition with Kennet School and Camps International in July 2028. During the trip, participants will help build sanitation facilities, plant trees in the Amazon Rainforest, support conservation projects and take part in beach clean-ups in the Galápagos Islands, contributing to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

To help reach the fundraising target, Charlie has organised several family-friendly events throughout the summer holidays.

Throughout August, families can take part in the Thatcham Summer Trail, an interactive adventure around the town where children hunt for QR codes, unlock the next location, collect secret letters and solve a mystery word. Everyone who completes the trail will be entered into a prize draw to win a family ticket to 4 Kingdoms. The trail costs £2, with all proceeds going towards Charlie’s expedition.

Charlie is also hosting Summer Craft Sessions at Thatcham United Reformed Church Hall on 31 July and 28 August, from 10am to 12pm.

Children can enjoy crafts, biscuit decorating, LEGO, Play-Doh, an animal trail, refreshments and a craft stall. Entry is by a minimum donation of £2 per child.

There is also a fundraising raffle, which will be drawn on 1 August. Local businesses have donated a range of prizes, including a £100 Amazon voucher from Premier Home Improvements, Vue Cinema tickets, a Bucklebury Farm Park family pass, two hours of table time at Rocket Propelled Games Board Game Café and several other prizes. Tickets cost £5 for five entries.

Charlie said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to visit Ecuador and the Galápagos and make a positive difference. Every trail completed, every craft session attended and every raffle ticket bought brings me one step closer to making this amazing opportunity possible.”

As well as helping fund the expedition, Charlie hopes the events will provide local families with fun, affordable activities to enjoy during the school holidays.

More information about the Thatcham Summer Trail, Summer Craft Sessions and the fundraising raffle is available at charliesecuadorexpedition.carrd.co.

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Rare garden Open Day in Cocking to raise funds for Dogs for Autism

Zoe Gater

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Sculptor Philip Jackson opens his private garden to the public for one day in support of Dogs for Autism.

Enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the stunning private gardens of renowned sculptor Philip Jackson with a limited number of guided tours at his home in Cocking on Saturday 13 June 2026.

Set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, the Jackson family are opening their grounds in support of Beech-based Dogs for Autism.

This special open garden event invites visitors to enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, while helping to raise vital funds for a cause close to the family’s heart. 

Philip and wife Jean, who have long been passionate dog lovers, were deeply moved by the work of Dogs for Autism, a pioneering charity that provides highly trained life-changing autism assistance dogs to children and adults, completely free of charge. 

These remarkable dogs offer far more than companionship. They are trained to carry out specific tasks that support their autistic partners, from keeping them safe in public spaces to helping reduce anxiety and build confidence, opening up opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach. 

Visitors will be able to: 

• Wander through the gardens at their own pace  
• Enjoy homemade refreshments and cakes  
• Meet some of the charity’s dogs and volunteers  
• Take part in a raffle featuring a selection of unique prizes  
• Follow a sculpture trail designed especially for children  

Philip Jackson will also be offering a limited number of guided tours during the day at his home in Mill Lane (GU29 0HJ), giving a unique insight into the gardens and the inspiration behind them. 

Laura McCreadie, Fundraising Manager at Dogs for Autism, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Jackson family for opening their gardens and supporting our work in this way. Every pound raised helps us continue training and supporting our dogs, creating partnerships that can truly change lives.” 

Dogs for Autism currently supports families across the UK, with each partnership costing around £25,000 from puppyhood through to retirement. Demand for these dogs continues to grow, making community support and fundraising events like this more important than ever. 

The event runs from 11.30am to 4pm, with all proceeds going directly towards supporting Dogs for Autism. 

Tickets cost £6 per person, under 5s free, and further information are available at: dogsforautism.org.uk/philipjackson.

Tickets will also be available on the day with parking at Cocking Village Hall.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome, making this a truly inclusive event for the family. 

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Discover National Garden Scheme spaces open near you

Zoe Gater

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fundraising

Need some inspiration for your garden? Visit an NGS garden near you, as part of another record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the National Garden Scheme.

Every year, thousands of people up and down the country open their gates to their gardens, their pride and joy, lovingly crafted and tended to, ready to welcome in visitors who come to marvel at their handiwork, pick up tips and no doubt, copy a few ideas – all to raise some funds for the charities supported by the National Garden Scheme.

Find out which ones are open near you to explore and make the most of the brighter days.

Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Hampshire
Oxfordshire
Surrey
Wiltshire


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