Local News By Email
This page is relevant to all villages.
Added 13 August
Victorian Rogues and Vagabonds Take Over Chiltern Open Air Museum
Victorian Rogues and Vagabonds Take Over Chiltern Open Air Museum this August
On 16–17 August, visitors to Chiltern Open Air Museum will step back in time to the grimy underbelly of Victorian England as “The Ragged Victorians” living history group brings the era’s less savoury characters vividly to life.
This family-friendly event will see the museum’s historic buildings and grounds filled with authentic Victorian re-enactors, portraying shady characters such as:
· The rat catcher and his rats
· Mischievous street urchins
· Shifty rogues, vagabonds and pickpockets
· The ever-suspect Victorian doctor
“The Ragged Victorians” are an award-winning living history group, renowned for their realistic portrayal of the working-class poor who made up the majority of Victorian society. Through interactive performances, visitors will gain a gritty yet entertaining insight into the daily struggles of 19th-century street life.
Families are encouraged to pack a picnic, explore the museum’s 45-acre site, or enjoy refreshments from the on-site café — but beware of lurking pickpockets!
This engaging and educational event offers a unique way to experience history up close and is suitable for all ages.
For further information and to book tickets, visit www.coam.org.uk.
Added 13 August
New ‘Move Together Buckinghamshire’ service launches to support over-50s with long-term health conditions
A new initiative aimed at helping older residents live healthier, more active lives has officially launched. Move Together Buckinghamshire is a free physical activity and movement support service available to residents in eligible areas of Aylesbury, Chesham and Wycombe, who are aged 50+ and living with an eligible long-term health condition.
The programme offers personalised, one-to-one support and guidance over a 12-week period, helping individuals to move more in a way that works for them. This in turn leads to improved mental wellbeing, social connection, and independence.
Commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council and delivered by Active in the Community (AITC), in partnership with Leap and Age UK Buckinghamshire, the service aims to support 3,000 residents over the next three years.
The service is underpinned by the JOY platform, a new digital tool that connects residents with local activities and services, bridging the gap between primary care and community support.
Residents can find out more and register for the scheme online.
Boost your job prospects with a Skills Bootcamp.
We have the courses – all we need is you!
Whether you’re looking for your first job or keen to progress your existing career, having the right skills and knowledge is essential in today’s competitive marketplace. To help residents in Bucks to boost their employability prospects, Buckinghamshire Council has launched its latest programme of Skills Bootcamp courses and is encouraging people to sign up now.
Funded nationally by the Department for Education and coordinated locally by Buckinghamshire Council, in partnership with a variety of education providers, Skills Bootcamps are free courses offered to anyone aged 19 or over in a range of specialist fields of work. Courses in the latest programme in Bucks include catering & hospitality, early years & childcare, construction, technology, film & TV, management & leadership and digital.
All courses are free and are flexible in nature, allowing participants to fit their learning in around existing commitments. Experienced tutors lead the courses, offering expert knowledge of the subject area. At the conclusion of each course participants are given a guaranteed interview to help them prepare for applying for jobs in the real world.
Ade Osibogun, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education & Children’s Services said: “We know how hard it can be to get that first foot on the career ladder or to change your career path. Not everyone wants to go to university or spend years studying for a particular type of role. That’s where Skills Bootcamps come into their own. These short, tailored courses are accessible to anyone aged 19 or over, giving people a chance to learn new skills in an area of their choosing, giving them a boost in their job-seeking journey.
Ade continued: “Hundreds of people have taken part in previous courses and have told us how useful and interesting they found them. Many courses are very popular and get booked up quickly, so I’d advise taking a look now and get booking quickly.”
To find a full list of Skills Bootcamp courses and to book your place visit the website: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-and-safety/skills-opportunities-and-employment/enrol-in-a-skills-bootcamp/
Added 23 July
Buckinghamshire Council rolls out summer support for families
This summer, Buckinghamshire Council is once again offering a range of support for eligible families to help children stay active, engaged and well-fed during the school holidays.
The popular Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is returning with a wide variety of free, fun-filled holiday clubs and activities for children and young people from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals. Funded by the Department for Education, the HAF programme also includes a healthy meal with every session, helping to ensure children are fuelled for a day of fun and learning.
From sports and outdoor adventures to creative arts and cookery, there’s something for everyone, with sessions running across dozens of venues throughout Buckinghamshire. Families can book up to 16 sessions over the summer period using a HAF voucher, which will be sent via email or text message from HolidayActivities.com.
In addition to the HAF programme, the council is also providing £50 digital food vouchers to eligible families to help with grocery costs over the summer holidays. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions through the Household Support Fund, these vouchers are sent via schools or early years settings and can be used at most major supermarkets.
For more information on the HAF programme and how to book, visit the Buckinghamshire HAF webpage. To learn more about the food voucher scheme, visit the Free Food Vouchers page.
Enjoy a budget friendly summer in Buckinghamshire
The school summer holidays are nearly here. If you’re looking for ideas for low and no-cost things to do, don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. You don’t need to venture far either, there’s something to suit all tastes and ages right here in Buckinghamshire.
ParkPlay is a new initiative, supported by Sport England, that has launched in three locations in Buckinghamshire, Booker Recreation Ground in High Wycombe, Alfred Rose Memorial Park in Aylesbury and Windsor Road Park in Chesham. The scheme offers two hours of free organised community-led play, every Saturday or Sunday morning with active and inclusive games where all generations can play together, offering a safe and welcoming environment for people to connect and have fun. Find out more: https://park-play.com/
Country parks, Black Park, Langley Park and Denham Park - are great places to explore. With miles of footpaths, play areas and café facilities you can make a day of it. A range of family friendly events are taking place throughout the summer including outdoor theatre productions, dinosaur trails and forest school sessions. Find details and book onto events online: Buckinghamshire Country Parks Events - 18 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
oth Black Park and Langley Park were recently awarded a Green Flag, along with six other parks and open spaces in Buckinghamshire. The international accreditation scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. Many of our local parks have upgraded play facilities and Bedgrove Park in Aylesbury recently benefitted from the opening of a new community-funded BMX Pump Track.
There are lots of exciting summer activities happening throughout the school holidays in your local libraries. From creative workshops to family-friendly performances, there’s something for everyone - check out your local library to see what’s on.
Events include Mrs Armitage on Wheels, a joyful theatrical adventure brought to life by Scoot Theatre and Farnham Maltings. Based on the much-loved story by Quentin Blake, this interactive show features live music, puppetry, and physical comedy - perfect for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups. Performances will take place at libraries and parks across Buckinghamshire, including High Wycombe, Chesham, Aylesbury, and Chandos Park in Buckingham. Don’t miss out - book your free tickets now online.
The Summer Reading Challenge is all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children’s reading skills and confidence. This year’s theme of Story Garden is all about Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors and inspires children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature. The Challenge is open to children aged 4-11 and runs through to 13 September. Visit the Summer Reading Challenge website to sign up online, or alternatively, pop into your local library.
Our local museums both have lots of family friendly activities on throughout the summer holidays. Enjoy some Cosmic Adventures at the Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury with a range of space-themed craft making and activities for all ages. At the Wycombe Museum in High Wycombe you can get messy with clay, delve into science or take part in a bug trail. Get all the details on the websites. Discover Bucks Museum – www.discoverbucksmuseum.org and Wycombe Museum – www.wycombemuseum.org.uk
Buckinghamshire leisure centres are also a great place to spend a few hours enjoying a fun swim, soft play or other sports including climbing and badminton. Each centre has its own timetable so take a look and book ahead as some sessions fill up quickly: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/leisure-centres
Don’t forget, the Buckinghamshire Culture Open Weekend takes place from 28 to 31 August. Over four days, groups, organisations and creatives will hold events across the county, with immersive and interactive activities around the theme of Stories and Nature. From workshops to crafts and immersive music to cooking – there’s something for everyone. Find out all the detail on the website: https://buckinghamshireculture.org/events/category/open-weekend-2025/
There are also free Weekends of Wonder events taking place across the county throughout the summer as part of this year’s WhizzFizz festival. Visit the website to find out more: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/campaign/whizzfizz-2025/
Peter Brazier, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure said: “With so much to choose from right here on our doorstep in Buckinghamshire, families really will be spoilt for choice this summer.”
Peter added: “We know entertaining the kids over the long summer break can be an expense and so it’s great to know that there are so many low or no cost things to do so that whatever your budget, no-one misses out on having a fun and carefree summer holiday.”
Added 16 July
COAM Summer Holidays Begin
With the summer holidays beginning, we will be open daily 10am - 5pm from 18 July until 8 Septermber when we will return to our normal term time hours.
With a summer full of fun activities there is something for everyone.
With something to do everyday, why not take out a COAM Annual Membership? Adult membership costs £38 and family membership starts from £66.
The annual canvass is about to begin in Buckinghamshire – are your electoral details up to date?
The annual canvass ensures that we keep the Register of Electors updated. It also helps us to identify any residents who are not currently registered to vote, so they can be invited to register.
Please look out for messages from us during July and August, so we can make sure that we have all the current and correct details on the register.
You will receive either an email or a letter in the post from Buckinghamshire Council and all you need to do is to read the email or letter carefully and follow the instructions on how to respond, if necessary. It’s very quick and easy! We recommend responding online where possible, but you can also respond by phone or by post.
If you’re not currently registered, your name won’t appear on the messages we send. If you need to register to vote, the easiest way to apply is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, but you will still need to respond to our message.
It’s important you’re registered to ensure that you have your say in the next election, simply follow the instructions sent to you.
Further information on the annual canvass can be found on the Election pages of the council’s website
Any residents who have any questions can contact the council’s Electoral Registration team at elections@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or by calling 01296 798 141.