Roll up at Marlow Bowls Club! 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

Felicity Rees invites you all to roll up at Marlow Bowls Club which will welcome you for open evenings from 25th April & open days on 2nd, 4th & 26th May 

Tucked away in the corner of Pound Lane car park and backing on to Higginson Park is the delightful bowling green of Marlow Bowls Club.  

The club is over 100 years old and has more than 100 members. However, we are always keen to welcome new players of all ages. Our outdoor season starts mid-April and continues through the summer months until mid-September. A variety of bowls can be enjoyed: including friendly roll-ups, matches against other clubs, club competitions, county matches and competitions, or even national events. 

The clubhouse has good facilities including a kitchen, changing rooms and a bar where members can buy drinks at very reasonable prices.  

Lawn bowls is an easy sport to learn. A few hours on the green with a coach (which is free of charge) teaching the basics of the game will enable you to deliver a bowl towards the jack.  It takes practice to perfect the skills of the game and learn the rules but you will soon be able to join in with others.  We have bowls available in the club for beginners to use.  

You don’t need any particular clothing for a roll-up – just a pair of smooth-soled shoes.  Members are asked to wear a club shirt and navy shorts or trousers if playing against other clubs in friendly matches or competitions.  

Potential members are welcome to come and try the game on any Friday evening from 25th April and specifically on our open days; from 6pm on Friday, 2nd May, and 10am-1pm on Sunday, 4th May, and also on Bowls England’s Big Bowls Weekend on Monday, 26th May, 10.30am- 3pm. 

For further information please contact our secretary, Peter Barltrop on 07485 289235 or email p.barltrop@btinternet.com or visit marlowbowls.co.uk. 

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Suum Marlow: happy Vietnamese new year!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Nhan Nguyen, co-owner & head chef of award-winning Suum Vietnamese Kitchen, shares his thoughts on food, family & Vietnamese New Year

Q. Hello! What does the new year, “Tet”, mean to you?
“Tet it the biggest celebration of the year. It centres around family, community and paying respects to ancestors and roots. Everyone returns home, if they can, celebrating for a week with prayers for health, safety, and prosperity. Traditions include giving lucky money to elders and children for blessings and offering food to ancestors with a 10-course meal (e.g. red sticky rice, stir-fried seasonal greens squid, chicken vermicelli mushroom soup, crispy spring rolls, lotus salad). For us, Tet is a time of gratitude, reflection, and resetting life’s purpose. It’s vital for me to pass on this beautiful tradition to my boys, teaching them its meaning and encouraging them to carry it forward.”

Q. Where do you live?
“My family and I have lived in Marlow Bottom for three years. As father to two boys (aged seven and 10) life is always busy, but I love the fast pace and the constant activity. It’s a fantastic place to raise kids, with a great sense of community. I love to play sports when I can and I’m part of Danesfield Dads Football Club. I love the strong sense of community here – it’s supportive, safe, and family-orientated, surrounded by beautiful scenery and thriving!”

Q. What are you favourite shops?
“My wife’s favourites include Marlow Green (for fresh produce), the Meat Hook (for meat!), and Twenty Three Living for gifts. She loves food shopping days and cooking for the family.”

Q. How about local restaurants?
“I’m a big fan of Indian cuisine; Atul Kochhar’s Vaasu in Marlow is a favourite. Atul has changed the way people perceive and experience Indian food in the UK, which is exactly what I’m aiming to achieve with Vietnamese cuisine. My kids love the burgers at The Butcher’s Tap (as do we!). I enjoy the vibe and food at The Oarsman and Sunday roasts at The Coach.”

Q. Your restaurant is so loved! What was it like opening Suum?
“Opening Suum came with countless challenges, sleepless nights, and tough times. Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey; it’s been a huge period of personal growth and development. I’ve met so many people, each leaving me with lessons and impacts I carry forward. What drives me most is seeing customers enjoy our food, especially those trying Vietnamese cuisine for the first time. Their enjoyment and feedback motivates me to keep improving and give my best.”

Q. What’s your favourite dish on the menu?
“I’m a snacker, so the Saigon Sizzling Pancakes! I love the crunchy outer layer, the freshness of bean sprouts, the savoury combination of pork and prawns, and the bold flavours from the herbs and chilli fish sauce. It’s so light and delicious, I could munch on it all day.”

Q. What highlights are you looking forward to?
“This year is a transformational one for me and for Suum. As an introvert, I’ve mainly run Suum through word-of-mouth, but I’m stepping out more. I’m excited to connect with local businesses and the wider community, showcasing our cuisine to Marlow and beyond.”

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Vox pop: Orega Marlow’s Samantha Perry

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Samantha Perry of Orega Marlow tells us what she loves about local life

Q. Hi Samantha! Tell us a bit about yourself!
“I’m 53 years old and married. I have an adult son and five granddaughters who keep me on my toes! I work as a customer service representative for Orega Marlow.”

Q. Do you have pets?
“Poppy, a beautiful Cavachon. I recommend her groomer, Sally Henwood from the Grooming Studio in Holyport. Poppy’s favourite walk is along the river, stopping off for a pub lunch and doggy treats at The Bounty in Cookham.

Q. Where do you live?
“In sunny Maidenhead. I’ve lived here for 15 years. I moved away for 16 years but I missed Berkshire, so I returned to what I call home. I love it around here. It’s a quiet and friendly neighbourhood. Everyone is really supportive and caring.”

Q. Did you go to school in these parts?
“I went to Altwood School in Maidenhead and one teacher who always sticks in my mind is Mr Baig. He was a really kind soul.”

Q. What are your favourite local shops or local businesses?
“I do like a mooch around the Thames Hospice charity shop in Maidenhead. It’s always well laid-out, fresh and spacious. There are lots of hidden gems in there. You can’t beat Marlow for its boutiques, places to eat and lots of unique shops like R.M Williams which recently opened its first store outside London. Also, a special mention for the Everyman Cinema which is a great spot to unwind with a film and a bite to eat.”

Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?
“My family enjoy a Sunday roast at The Shire Horse in Maidenhead. We go every weekend without fail! The food is delicious, plus it’s family-friendly for the grandchildren. The conservatory area is ideal for large groups. I also have Lavvin in Marlow on my list to visit as I hear that their Sunday roast is the best in town.”

Q. What highlights are you looking forward to later this year?
“I’m looking forward to spring with the longer days, more sunlight and milder temperatures. At Orega Marlow we offer state-of-the-art serviced offices, co-working spaces, fully equipped meeting rooms and virtual offices. We’re located in Marlow International, a 35-minute commute to London and with excellent links to the M40 for the surrounding towns. We’ve recently introduced free business breakfasts for the local business community, and the first event was a great success. We’re excited to host more throughout 2025 – keep an eye on our socials and Eventbrite for upcoming dates and details!” 

Q. Are you a member of any local groups? “I’ve got friends and colleagues who all shout about the brilliant networking events in and around Marlow. Marlow Chamber has been so welcoming as well.” 

Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be? “My only wish for the world is no crime or cruelty.” 

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Stylish footwear from R M Williams

Round & About

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Round & About

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Australian brand R.M.Williams has a stylish new store in Marlow showcasing the brand’s footwear & accessories

Marlow is literally half a world away from the rugged Aussie outback. However, this well-heeled town might well be the perfect stomping ground for R.M.Williams, the heritage footwear, apparel and accessories brand.  

Founded 92 years ago, Reginald Murray Williams’ vision was to craft high quality, durable boots and leather goods, built to last in the Australian landscape. Renowned for signature one piece of leather construction, R.M.William’s technique not only enhances the boot’s durability and integrity but also creates a seamless look that’s stylish and functional, at home in the countryside and a busy city office.  

“The UK has been part of the R.M.Williams story for many decades,” says Paul Grosmann, the brand’s CEO, “and we’re thrilled that our next chapter of UK investment is spearheaded by the impressive new Marlow opening. Marlow’s heritage and character makes the town an ideal setting for introducing the brand’s handcrafted products to a community who appreciate quality authenticity.”   

Located at 46 High Street, the 1,700sq ft store features R.M.Williams’ new retail design concept, first introduced at the brand’s global flagship store in Sydney last December. The new store embraces the skills of local British craftspeople, set against a backdrop of leading-edge retail innovation. In terms of product, the Marlow store will include new season boots, apparel and accessories, a Marine Blue Comfort Craftsman, exclusive to the Marlow store and the brand’s largest women’s offering in the UK.   

Among the British craftspeople R.M.Williams has partnered with for the Marlow opening are furniture makers Timberwoolf and Morgan and Rush Matters, the Bedfordshire creator of the Marlow window plinths and in-store risers, woven from British rush, harvested by hand.   

R.M.Williams operates two London stores in New Bond Street and Berwick Street, Soho, and sells through 90 wholesale partners nationwide. A second new R.M.Williams store will launch in Cambridge in December in line with the brand’s strategy to target UK towns with a high concentration of consumers who value quality, craft, and timeless heritage.    

Pop by the store, open seven days a week, for Christmas shopping! Visit Marlow | R.M.Williams®

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Merry Marlow fair on 7th December 

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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The Merry Marlow Christmas Fair on 7th December will offer lots of festive fun, with local artisans selling pottery, cards, Crochet, photos, memory bears, glass art, pebble art and much more! 

Looking for unique Christmas presents? A group of creative Marlow crafters have joined forces to create their second craft fair – this one with a Christmas theme – at All Saints Church Hall in The Causeway, SL7 2AA, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, 7th December.  

These include Debs Rayner who has been painting custom artworks for more than 20 years, in a variety of themes, subjects, and landscapes using a glass, ceramic and canvas. You can find out more about her seasonal work at debsglassart.com. John Baughn will showcase his pebble art and you can also enjoy crochet crafted by Sam Sutton. 

They’ll be selling quality crafts including fused glass, greeting cards, pottery, preserved and dried flowers, crocheted items, pebble art, environmentally friendly bags, pens, memory bears landscape prints and most importantly, Christmas goodies, as well as lots more.  

You’ll also find a charity stand selling items which are specifically raising money for charity. Hot drinks and cakes are on offer too – also being sold in aid of charity.  

Spread the word, head along to see what’s on offer and enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake. 

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Candice Brown stars at The Oarsman

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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On Monday, 28th October, bake-off winner & restauranteur Candice Brown will join head chef Scott Smith for a special dinner that celebrates the very best of British Pub cuisine.

The Oarsman, Marlow’s beloved bistro-pub, has been cooking up something special for the next instalment of its Great British Pub Series.

Candice Brown, co-owner of The Green Man in Eversholt and Winner of The Great British Bake Off 2016, will join The Oarsman’s head chef Scott Smith for a special dinner that celebrates the very best of British pub cuisine on 28th October.

Candice will bring her unique flair and passion for traditional British food to The Oarsman for one night only. The evening’s menu (£60pp) will feature six expertly created courses that showcase the culinary talents of both Candice and Scott, and that highlight exactly why we’re a nation of pub food lovers.

The six-course feast will include:

• Beetroot and feta, Nigella seed soda bread with whipped roasted garlic butter
• * Scallop, XO sauce
• * Ham hock and chorizo Scotch egg, Scotch bonnet jam
• Cod, Cullen Skink
• Beef shin ale pie with suet pastry, cheesy leek mash
• Sticky toffee pudding, skillet pan cookie

For wine enthusiasts, each course can be expertly paired with a handpicked selection of wines, curated by The Oarsman’s owner and resident oenophile, Nigel Sutcliffe.

Born in north London, Candice grew up in the pubs her parents ran, an upbringing that she immortalised in her gingerbread showstopper on GBBO. Since her triumphant win, Candice has pursued a variety of exciting ventures, and in 2018, along with her brother Ben, she embarked on an exciting new chapter, taking over The Green Mann in Eversholt. Following a full refurbishment, the pub reopened in February 2019 to widespread acclaim and continues to be a hub of culinary innovation and community spirit.

“We are delighted to welcome Candice Brown to The Oarsman for what promises to be an unforgettable evening,” said Scott Smith, Head Chef at The Oarsman.
“Candice’s creativity and love for British pub classics perfectly align with our own philosophy, and I’m looking forward to getting in the kitchen with her to create something really special for our guests.”

Join The Oarsman for a night of exceptional food, great company, and the best of British pub culture! Tickets can be purchased here.

The Oarsman, 46 Spittal Street, Marlow, The Oarsman

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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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Qigong charms: free classes in Marlow!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Mark Heath invites us to enjoy the noble art of Qigoing (FYI it’s pronounced “chee-gong”), mindful flowing movements for wellbeing, with free hour-long classes in Higginson Park

In these modern times with so much pressure and stress, it is more important than ever to help ensure we maintain and protect both our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Fortunately there is an incredible tool available to us, which has been used exactly for this across millennia. This gentle form is the practice of Qigong.

Qigong is the ancient Chinese art of mindful moving meditation, to reduce stress, increase energy, balance emotions, and benefit body, mind and spirit, significantly increasing and maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

A series of slow flowing movements build harmony and balance, and can get us back in touch with ourselves, nature and the world around us fully, in a healthy practical way.

Qigong is the parent of, and precursor to, both Tai Chi and Kung Fu and forms of Qigong have been practised for over 4,000 years.

Anyone of any age can learn Qigong and with instruction can commence a personal practise, performed standing or sitting as required.

We practise together every Wednesday and Saturday morning (rain or shine) at 10am, near the Cricket Pavilion, in Higginson Park, Marlow. All classes are free and last an hour. Many of us meet at the Court Gardens Cafe after to chat and have a cuppa, on the veranda. This free local project is all about building connection through community, with each other, ourselves and with nature.

Over the coming months we will be holding additional free classes also, for specific aliments such as lower back, improving balance, and other conditions, shorter sessions designed specifically for children, and over the winter will also be engaging in some free Qigong workshops indoors too at local venues.

We have practised together now for just over a month, and the group is growing beautifully, with all feedback incredible, everyone noticing the benefits instantly. If you would like to join us please feel free just to drop in. Children are most welcome equally (accompanied by an adult).

For more information please visit Wild Swan – Flowing River and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions through website.

We look forward to seeing you there.
Peace, Love and Qigong!
Mark

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Which one is Bucks’ best-kept village?

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Marlow has won the Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village Michaelis Cup for small towns

Marlow has been awarded the Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village Michaelis Cup in the small towns category of the annual competition. The judging, which took place in early June, evaluated various aspects such as green spaces, children’s play areas, floral displays, the cemetery, war memorial, nature conservation areas and community engagement. The judging panel praised the town’s hanging basket displays, the tidiness of the Cemetery, and the maintenance of the Causeway and War Memorial. Marlow received an impressive 192 points out of a possible 200.

The competition, based in Buckinghamshire and held annually between June and July, was established in 1957 by Sir Francis Dashwood and the Local Councils’ Association. It aims to encourage community collaboration across all age groups to enhance the attractiveness of villages and town for both residents and visitors.

The Leader of Marlow Town Council, Cllr Chris Funnell said: “We are proud of this success and see it as a foundation for addressing greater challenges such as environmental issues. This recognition motivates us to continue improving our community and we would like to thank the council team, community groups and residents for their dedication and support of our entry.”

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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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