Host a ‘marvellous picnic’ this summer and help support seriously ill children

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

The Amersham headquartered Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is encouraging families, friends and communities across the UK to host a picnic this summer, helping to raise funds for specialist Roald Dahl Nurses who support seriously ill children and their families.

Launching on Monday 30 June 2026 to coincide with National Children’s Nurses Day, Marvin’s Marvellous Picnic invites people to gather friends, family, colleagues and neighbours for a fundraising picnic in support Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

Led by Marvin, the charity’s mascot, the campaigns aims to bring communities together while raising vital funds to help establish more Roald Dahl Nurses across the UK.

Participants can download a free fundraising pack, filled with picnic essentials, including invitations, games, a picnic checklist and fundraising ideas designed to help hosts create a memorable event.

Whether it’s a garden gathering, a picnic in the park or an office lunch break, the charity says taking part is designed to be simple and accessible for everyone.

As an incentive, anyone who raises more than £250 will be entered into a prize draw to win an exclusive signed copy of Revolting Recipes, alongside a selection of Roald Dahl-themed prizes.

Sophie Fanning-Tichborne, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, said: “Marvin’s Marvellous Picnic is an exciting way to bring people together this summer and do something for an incredible cause.

“Every picnic will directly help to establish more Roald Dahl Nurses, who provide specialist care and life-changing support to seriously ill children and their families when they need it most. We can’t wait to see picnics taking place all over the country this summer.”

Funds raised through the campaign will support the charity’s network of specialist nurses, who help children with complex and lifelong conditions navigate treatment and everyday life.

Roald Dahl Nurses work closely with families, hospitals and healthcare teams, coordinating care, explaining medical information and providing support during particularly challenging times.

The charity’s mission is to ensure that every seriously ill child who needs one has access to a Roald Dahl Nurse, helping families feel more informed, supported and in control.

For more information or to download a fundraising pack, visit roalddahlcharity.org.

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

Zoe Gater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Go behind the scenes at Wildlife Aid’s annual Open Weekend this summer

Zoe Gater

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Zoe Gater

From behind-the-scenes wildlife hospital tours to arts, crafts, activities and food stalls, Wildlife Aid’s popular Open Weekend returns this July, raising vital funds for the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of wild animals.

Wildlife lovers can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK’s busiest rescue charities when Wildlife Aid opens its doors for its much-loved Open Weekend on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.

Taking place from 10am to 5pm on both days, the event is the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year, helping to raise vital funds to support the treatment and rehabilitation of thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals.

Visitors can discover more about the charity’s work caring for species including hedgehogs, foxes, birds of prey and pigeons, while enjoying a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment, activities and stalls.

There will be plenty to explore across the site, with local arts and crafts, wildlife photography, handmade gifts and artwork available to browse and buy.

Guests can also get hands-on with activities such as bird feeder making, while learning more about the wildlife that lives on their doorstep.

Food and drink will be available throughout the weekend, with popular local favourite Gosia’s Table returning alongside a bar and ice cream stall for those looking to make a day of it.

One of the event’s standout attractions is the opportunity to take a guided tour of the wildlife hospital. Offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes, the tours give visitors the chance to learn more about the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals carried out by the charity’s dedicated team.

While Open Weekend admission tickets can be purchased on the day, hospital tour tickets must be booked in advance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours cost £3 per person, with free admission for children under five.

The event remains a vital source of funding for the charity, with supporters raising an impressive £20,644.70 during the 2025 Open Weekend alone.

Entry to the Open Weekend is £5 per person, per day, with under-fives attending free of charge.

Free parking will be available in the field on Springfield Drive next to the hospital, courtesy of KBR Leatherhead, while the venue is also within easy walking distance of Leatherhead town centre and railway station.

For more information, visit wildlifeaid.org.uk/open-weekend.

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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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