Join Paint Abingdon Pink for a day that proves community spirit really can change lives

Zoe Gater

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Paint Abingdon Pink returns this July 2026 with lots of family-friendly music, colour, creativity and community spirit, for Against Breast Cancer.

Abingdon is preparing to turn gloriously pink once again as one of the town’s most uplifting community events returns bigger, brighter and bolder.

Paint Abingdon Pink is back on Saturday 4 July 2026, transforming the Market Square into a sea of colour between 10am and 3pm, all in support of Against Breast Cancer.

Now in its 11th year, the much-loved fundraiser has become a highlight of the local calendar, bringing together residents, performers, businesses, volunteers and community groups for a joyful day with an important purpose.

What to expect

This year’s event promises a packed programme of entertainment, creativity and family fun. Town-centre shops and independent businesses will once again join in by decorating their windows in pink, creating a vibrant trail through the town, while Market Square will come alive with live music, dance, games, crafts and plenty of surprises.

Among the performers helping raise the roof are Abbey Brass, Rock Choir’s Abingdon singers, the uplifting voices of Harmony InSpires, the sparkle of Strawberry Fayre Majorettes, and live favourites The Undercovers.

Visitors can also enjoy face painting, a treasure hunt, a pink-themed “Hook a Ribbon” game, hand massages, tombolas, raffles, delicious homemade bakes and a sizzling barbecue.

Themed dog walks will be hosted by The Dog Spot encouraging four-legged friends to “get their pink on”.

Art lovers can contribute to a collaborative community canvas hosted by Beckrah Studios, while students from Abingdon & Witney College are helping shape the future of the event by designing a brand-new logo set to feature on future posters, banners, merchandise and social media.

A special exhibition at Abingdon County Hall Museum will celebrate the fundraiser’s 11-year journey, while organisers promise “lots, lots more” still to be announced.

Every penny raised supports life-changing breast cancer research, helping fund earlier diagnosis, better treatments and hope for future generations.

So dig out something pink, gather friends and family, and join Abingdon for a day that proves community spirit really can change lives.

To donate

To find out more or donate, visit against breastcancer.org.uk/charity-news/paint-abingdon-pink-this-july.

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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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Macular Society volunteer supports Cranleigh sight loss group

Zoe Gater

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Regan Ruther is a retired ophthalmic nurse now volunteering to help others in Cranleigh with the biggest cause of sight loss.

Have you heard of macular disease? It’s the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, and as with any visual impairment, it can lead to loneliness and isolation in people of all ages.

National charity the Macular Society runs support groups including one in Cranleigh where Regan Ruther helps to oversee the monthly get-togethers.

Regan, 75, was as an ophthalmic nurse for 44 years which inspired her to volunteer in the sight loss charity sector when she retired.

She knows all too well then impact it has after being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2023 after visiting her optician having noticed small print was getting harder to read.

Regan says:

“I always found eyes so fascinating and their link to our overall health. It’s true when people say the eyes are the window to your soul, you can tell a lot about someone’s health through their eyes.

“Volunteering was a natural progression for me, wanting to help people once they’re outside of the clinic, going from that hospital setting to being in the community; knowing you could help with a little bit of background knowledge and signposting people where they needed to go for further help.”

“I enjoy bringing people together so they aren’t isolated, seeing them have fun because it doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom with sight loss. It’s important they mix with other people with similar conditions, they can have a chat, make friendships and therefore understand their diagnosis more.

“When people first come to the group, that alone is a big step for them. It’s being able to speak to other people who you can then open up to and relate with because you all have similar or the same sight issues. That’s when people begin to feel more confident, they buddy up and rediscover their confidence again because that is something easily lost after you get a diagnosis.”

Regan believes being positive will stand her in good stead should her sight change in the future.

Part of that comes down to knowledge and she encourages others to find out as much as they can about their own diagnosis, to help them on their own journey which is where the Macular Society helps.

Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk.

It leaves many unable to drive, read or see faces. There is still no cure, and most types of the disease are not treatable.

Contact details

The Macular Society Cranleigh Support Group gets together on the last Tuesday of every month, 2-4pm at The Manor, Elmbridge Village, GU6 8TR.

If you would like to become a volunteer with the Cranleigh group, please contact Jo Fishwick on 07542 505 127 or email jo.fishwick@macularsociety.org.

For more information about the Macular Society, please call 0300 3030 111, email help@macularsociety.org or visit macularsociety.org.

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Haslemere Museum celebrates 100 years with 1920s-themed summer fair

Zoe Gater

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This summer, Haslemere Museum invites the community to step back in time while it celebrates 100 years on the High Street.

A 1920s-themed summer fair and two special exhibitions bring Haslemere’s rich history vividly to life in June 2026.

The Summer Fair stands as the highlight of the celebrations and takes place on Saturday 27 June. The museum first moved into its current home during that decade, and the gardens will fill with stalls, games, and entertainment. The event features live music from the Haslemere Town Band, along with cream teas, Pimm’s, and a display of vintage 1920s cars that create an authentic atmosphere.

The fair runs from 11am to 4pm, and organisers encourage everyone to join the spirit of the era. Visitors are encouraged to wear 1920s attire, with the museum awarding a prize for the best-dressed guest.

After the fair, a family-friendly exhibition opens on Tuesday 30 June and explores life in the town over the past century. It welcomes all ages and includes hands-on activities for children, alongside recorded memories from residents that give a personal view of the town’s changing story.

Another exhibition in the museum’s Terrace Room runs throughout summer and celebrates its century-long role in the community, showcasing objects added to the collection over the past 100 years.

The collection spans natural and social history, educational scientific equipment, and the oldest hand-made item in the building, offering something for every visitor.

The museum purchased its Georgian building in 1925, when it carried the name The Lodge. The Hesse family had owned the building since 1848. Over the following months, workers converted it from a private home into a public museum space.

The former museum off East Street closed on 20 May 1926.

Local carrier Mr Smithers and his sons transported its contents to 78 High Street, where they filled the new galleries and display spaces. The museum officially opened at its current site on 27 August 1926 – 100 years ago.

The museum’s survival over the past century depends on the efforts of dedicated people. Staff and volunteers continue to support its work in the community and beyond.

And a special display in the gallery spotlight area will recognise some of the early contributors who helped shape the museum’s history.

Plus, as part of its centenary celebrations, the museum has launched a fundraising appeal to support the upkeep of its Grade II listed building and ensure it remains a vibrant community space for the next 100 years.

Find out more about the Summer Fair, exhibitions, and fundraising appeal on the Haslemere Museum website.

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Designer Roger Bennett reflects on a lifetime of creativity in autobiography Chair Man

Zoe Gater

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Still working at the age of 94, local furniture designer & father Roger Bennett reflects on a remarkable career and life in his book, Chair Man, with profits to Great Ormond Street.

At an age when many have long since retired, Roger Bennett is still working, creating, reflecting and sharing the story of a life shaped by design.

Now aged 94, the father, grandfather and great-grandfather has published his autobiography, Chair Man, charting a career that spans decades and captures the spirit of a transformative era in British furniture design.

Written in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, the book offers both a personal and professional journey through changing times.

Roger made his mark during the “swinging sixties”, working with leading names including G-Plan and contributing to projects for major clients such as the Hilton Hotel Park Lane.

It was a time of bold ideas and evolving tastes, where furniture design began to reflect a more modern, aspirational lifestyle.

His story is also closely tied to Bucks, long regarded as a powerhouse of British furniture making. During the 1960s, the county was a hub of innovation, with manufacturers experimenting with new materials and forms that helped define the era’s distinctive look.

Among Roger’s most recognised creations is the internationally renowned GoGo chair, produced by Evans of High Wycombe. With its bucket-shaped design and bold vinyl finish, it perfectly captured the energy of 1960s pop culture. The chair was exhibited across Europe.

Like much of Roger’s work, it balances function with flair – a hallmark of his design philosophy. But Chair Man is more than a catalogue of achievements. It’s also a deeply personal account of a life lived with curiosity and resilience, offering insight into challenges and triumphs behind the scenes.

Describing himself as a “restless creature”, Roger’s memories of his childhood and early fatherhood offer charming glimpses of a bygone era, as well as his own impressive paintings.

Roger and his first wife Joyce opened In Time in Hazlemere, where he served as postmaster for 23 years and was given exclusive rights for sales of Paddington Bear, thanks to a young Jeremy Clarkson. Today, he continues to run In Time in Hazlemere.

His passion for design remains evident, not just in his past work but in his ongoing engagement with the industry.

Perhaps most striking is the book’s final chapter, where Roger reflects candidly on ageing. With honesty and warmth, he explores both the rewards and realities of growing older – a perspective that resonates far beyond the world of design.

You can buy a copy of Chair Man for £5.95 from In Time in Hazlemere; 01494 718497.

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7 of the best independent bookshops to visit in Buckinghamshire

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

In an era of algorithm-driven recommendations and endless online scrolling, there’s still something unbeatable about finding your next favourite read because somebody behind a counter loved it enough to put it face-out on a shelf.

From beautifully curated market-town indies to hidden second-hand gems tucked away in the Chilterns, Buckinghamshire’s bookshop scene is one to be admired.

Whether you’re hunting for your next literary obsession, a thoughtful gift or simply somewhere to spend a rainy afternoon, these seven shops are worth knowing about.

The Marlow Bookshop

Sitting among Marlow’s boutiques and cafes, The Marlow Bookshop is a much-loved indie spot that mixes bestseller appeal and unique titles.

Inside, expect carefully styled front tables, excellent children’s selections, and staff recommendations that may result in an extra purchase you didn’t plan on making… Its author events are some of the strongest in the county too, regularly bringing big literary names to Buckinghamshire.

The Snug Bookshop, Olney

Tiny, welcoming and incredibly charming, The Snug Bookshop in Olney has become one of Buckinghamshire’s most beloved literary spaces. If your ideal bookshop involves cosy corners and discovering books you didn’t know you needed, this is the one.

Originally known for its brilliant children’s offerings, the shop has evolved into a community-focused indie, packed with thoughtful fiction and beautiful gifts. Expect handwritten staff picks and events bringing local readers together throughout the year.

Real Magic Books, Wendover

Beautifully curated and refreshingly modern, Real Magic Books in Wendover specialises in contemporary fiction, memoir, politics, nature writing and children’s books. It’s the sort of place where you walk in for one title and leave with a reading list for the next six months (not that we’re complaining!).

The events programme is growing quickly too, helping establish it as one of Buckinghamshire’s most exciting newer independents.

The Buckingham Bookshop

The Buckingham Bookshop offers a broad, thoughtfully selected range of books spanning fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s titles.

It’s known for its hands-on approach to recommending books and its willingness to help readers discover something new – including its ‘blind date with a book’ style selections that encourage stepping outside familiar genres. The shop also supports reading communities through events and book-related activities.

Crocus Books and Gifts, Gerrards Cross

Part bookshop, part lifestyle destination, family-owned Crocus Books and Gifts blends contemporary reads with stationery, gifts and beautifully presented displays that make it dangerously easy to ‘just pop in’.

The team is passionate about literature and creativity – always eager to share recommendations and insights to help you find exactly what you need. They offer a range of books for all ages, from children’s books that spark the imagination to classic literature that inspires. It also hosts community events such as book clubs and author-focused gatherings.

​Chapter Two Community Bookshop, Chesham

A true hidden gem, Chapter Two Bookshop is a much-loved second-hand bookshop with a strong community focus.

Its shelves are deliberately eclectic, offering everything from well-loved paperbacks to unexpected finds that reward a bit of browsing patience. All proceeds support The Hospice of St Francis, giving every purchase an added sense of purpose beyond the page.

Chorleywood Bookshop

A long-standing independent on the edge of the Chilterns, the award-winning Chorleywood Bookshop has been a local fixture since the 1970s. Carefully chosen front tables and handwritten staff picks make browsing feel personal, whether you’re after a bestseller or something a little more unexpected.

Beyond the shelves, it’s known for its strong community presence, hosting regular author events and supporting local schools and readers.

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Three Counties Cycle Ride 2026 returns to Bracknell this June

Zoe Gater

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Cyclists of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to sign up for the 43rd Three Counties Cycle Ride this June, with routes through Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire helping raise money for good causes.

Hundreds of cyclists will take part in the annual Three Counties Cycle Ride on Sunday 7 June 2026, as organisers finalise preparations for the long-running charity event.

Now in its 43rd year, the charity bike ride gives cyclists the choice of 15, 34 and 52-mile routes through the Berkshire countryside, with parts of the courses extending into Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Cyclists of all ages and abilities will start and finish at Garth Hill College, while organisers have already put marshals, drink stations and route signage in place ahead of the event.

Since launching in 1983, the Three Counties Cycle Ride has generated well over £1 million for local charities and community causes, with more than 200 cyclists already signing up for this year’s event.

Amanda, Community Champion at Tesco North and one of the event’s supporters, praised the ride after taking part last year while fundraising for the British Heart Foundation.

She said: “It was a great day. Thanks to all the people involved in organising the ride. This year, I cycled for British Heart Foundation and with the help of my supporters raised over £2,000.”

The Ride Angels team from Bia Cycling Club will once again ride all three routes to support cyclists throughout the day.

Adults can register online in advance for £20 or pay £25 on the day, while accompanied under-18s can take part for £1.

Organisers also encourage non-riders to volunteer as marshals or registration helpers, with donations going to their chosen charities.

Bracknell Cycle Festival returns after the ride

After completing the ride, cyclists and supporters can head to the Bracknell Cycle Festival in Bond Square next to The Lexicon.

Avanti Cycling is organising the free festival in partnership with Trek Bicycle Bracknell and Bracknell Forest Council. The event will run from 11am to 4pm and include BMX stunt displays, obstacle courses, cycling stalls and family-friendly activities.

Visitors can also meet teams from Thames Valley Police and Thames Valley Air Ambulance, while organisers will donate profits from this year’s ride to the air ambulance charity.

How to register for the Three Counties Cycle Ride

People can register and find more information through the 3CCR official website, while the Bracknell Cycle Festival website includes festival details.

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100 years of swing and big band classics come to Wycombe Swan this May

Zoe Gater

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The LP Swing Orchestra returns to Wycombe Swan Theatre this May, with a spectacular swing concert raising funds for Karibuni Children.

A century of swing is coming to Wycombe Swan Theatre this spring, as the LP Swing Orchestra presents its spectacular fundraising concert, Another… 100 Years of Big Band Music, on Sunday 31 May 2026.

Led by acclaimed Artistic Director Georgina Jackson – who will both sing and play trumpet throughout the performance – the 17-piece orchestra will be joined by celebrated vocalists Matthew Ford and Nicola Emmanuelle for an afternoon of timeless swing classics and modern big-band favourites.

Audiences can expect a musical journey spanning 100 years, from the New Orleans sound of Louis Armstrong and the Paul Whiteman Orchestra to the golden age of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller.

The programme includes iconic songs such as Mack the Knife, St Louis Blues, What a Wonderful World, I’ve Got You Under My Skin and The Lady is a Tramp, alongside contemporary hits associated with Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr – while paying tribute to legendary big-band vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sammy Davis Jr.

Fans of last year’s performance can also look forward to the return of the orchestra’s much-loved rendition of Rhapsody in Blue.

More than just an afternoon of world-class music, the concert will raise funds for Karibuni Children, a Buckinghamshire charity helping communities in Kenya through education, vocational training and sustainable development projects.

David Farmer, Chair of Karibuni Children, expressed his sincere thanks to the LP Swing Orchestra and Wycombe Swan for their support of this fundraising concert. He stated, “I can’t think of a better combination for a May Sunday afternoon – listening to an exceptional big band playing some of my favourite music, while raising money for a great cause. I am hoping that we can fill the Wycombe Swan with like-minded people!”

Another… 100 Years of Big Band Music takes place at 3pm on Sunday 31 May 2026 at Wycombe Swan Theatre.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit trafalgartickets.com/wycombeswan-theatre/en-GB/event/music/another-100-years-of-big-bands-tickets.

In partnership with Karibuni Children

Karibuni Children is a Buckinghamshire-based charity that works to help Kenyan children to fulfil their potential and release themselves from the cycle of poverty.

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The Base Greenham’s Festival of Arts and Crafts returns this summer

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

From hands-on workshops and interactive art to live music and artisan food, the Festival of Arts and Crafts promises a full celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and community spirit.

This summer, The Base Greenham will transform into a lively hub of creativity as it hosts the Festival of Arts and Crafts 2026, running from Saturday 6 to Sunday 21 June.

Across two weeks, visitors can explore a packed programme celebrating local makers, artists, and hands-on creativity.

Opening weekend

The festival launches with a vibrant Craft Fair on 6–7 June (10am–5pm), taking over the grounds around The Base.

Visitors can expect a bustling marketplace of handmade arts and crafts, accompanied by live music from local performers, supported by sponsor Honesty Group, alongside artisan food and drink stalls and the on-site café.

Entry is via a suggested £2 donation, supporting The Base’s charitable work in the community. Free parking is available nearby, with Blue Badge parking on site and accessible public transport links.

Art exhibition and interactive installations

Running daily throughout the festival (10am–5pm), a major art exhibition will showcase over 150 original works by local artists, all available to purchase. Entry is free, though booking is recommended.

The Runway Gallery will also be transformed into a large-scale interactive chalkboard doodle wall, inviting visitors of all ages to contribute and watch the artwork evolve across the fortnight.

Workshops, experiences and creative sessions

A series of taster workshops returns, offering opportunities to try printmaking, beginner oil painting, pottery throwing, willow coaster making, and experimental landscape art.

Sessions are designed for all abilities and are expected to book quickly due to demand.

Plus, families and young visitors can enjoy free activities led by Berkshire Youth during the opening weekend, while additional storytelling and gallery sessions run on 11 and 13 June.

Unique experiences and family highlights

A standout feature includes bespoke dog “PAWtraits” by canine artist Dogs by Jeff, offering both live sittings and photo-based commissions.

These sessions are the perfect way to capture a unique snapshot of your four-legged friend. Please note, pre-booking is essential for these sessions.

For bookings and more information, visit thebasegreenham.co.uk/basefest.

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Could this be the longest Morris dance in history?

Zoe Gater

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One man will morris dance from London to Abingdon and back in just seven days, turning the Thames Path into a travelling folk festival while raising funds for six Thames Valley charities.

This May, the Thames Path will play host to a world-first challenge with a distinctly English twist. Duncan Bhaskaran Brown is attempting to morris dance 200 miles in seven days – from London to Abingdon and back – in a bid to set a new Guinness World Record.

Part endurance challenge, part travelling folk festival, 200 Miles of Morris will bring the Thames Path to life with ringing bells, flying hankies and a string of free performances in communities along the route.

And to make the record count, Duncan will dance every step of the way – maintaining the rhythm, footwork and spirit of morris across the full 200 miles. It’s a demanding physical test, powered by a commitment to keeping one of England’s oldest traditions alive.

The route traces some of the Thames Valley’s most scenic stretches, passing through Taplow, Reading, Windsor and Kingston upon Thames before returning to the capital.

“It’s going to be tough, but I’ve got a great team behind me,” Duncan says. “I’m so proud of the way the morris dancing community has come together to create this.”

Alongside the record attempt, the challenge is raising funds for six charities doing vital work across the region:

The Rowan Trust

Maidenhead Alzheimer’s Dementia Support

The Brain Tumour Charity

Thames Valley Adventure Playground

The Sherwood Foundation

and The Listening Post.

“We’re supporting some great charities from across the Thames Valley,” Duncan adds. “I’m so pleased we can support so many local charities that are important to local morris sides.”

Where to watch

That’s not all, each day finishes with a free public performance – no tickets, no booking, just turn up.

Highlights include:

Taplow – Sunday 10 May, 7pm
Reading – Monday 11 May, 7.30pm
Abingdon (Market Place) – Tuesday 12 May, 5pm
Windsor (Eton Bridge) – Thursday 14 May, 7.30pm
Kingston upon Thames (Eagle Brewery Wharf) – Friday 15 May, 7pm
Tate Modern, Bankside (grand finale) – Saturday 16 May, 3pm

Expect noise, colour and a proper celebration of English folk –with a potential world record landing at the finish line.

For more information, visit 200milesofmorris.co.uk or donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/duncan-bhaskaranbrown.

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