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Imagine you’re in a video game lab trying to make an original racing game and you splice together Motorstorm and Overwatch... Onrush is what would come out the other side.

Onrush is a vehicular combat game developed by Codemasters and published by Deep Silver for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows.

You take control of cars, motorcycles and off-road vehicles across huge levels over hilly terrains with nitro-style boosts to boot.

You earn said boost juice by performing stunts and slamming rival combatants to take them out.

But this is no racing game. Yes there are winners and losers but there’s not a finishing line in sight. And I love it.

For example in Overdrive, teams score points by boosting; the first team to boost enough to reach the target score wins.

Countdown involves a series of checkpoints and a timer that drains but teams can keep it from running out by successfully passing the checkpoints, and if one team’s timer runs out, the other team scores a point.

Lockdown is a King of the Hill-style mode in which teams fight to stay inside a zone that moves along the track with them for points.

Switch gives each member of the team three lives and tasks the teams with taking each other down to win, but upon crashing, a player will respawn in a more powerful vehicle if they have lives left.

I seem to have a bad habit of comparing video games to previous titles at the moment and Onrush really doesn’t compare to anything I’ve played before but it is like the Royal Rumble of racing game or a Super Smash Bros melee mix.

Literally buzzing with originality, online car-brawls are the new pick up and play addiction to bide the time between the next big first person shooter multiplayer release. This innovative approach screams of the kind of unique IPs that made Codemasters such a force in video game history.

The all-important gameplay is on point while superb graphics and a wide variety of vast tracks add icing to a delicious cake.

There are some issues with takedowns and there are reports that glitches are seeing teams awarded points they haven’t earned in some game modes - although for the record I am yet to experience or at least notice that myself.

But it takes little away from what is one of the best, most unique, original, fun, addictive and downright brilliant games I have played in a long time. Simply wicked.

We are set for a heatwave this week, bringing shining sun and warm weather.

While it is fun to spend the day outside during the fine summer conditions, it always poses the risk of sunburn especially when the UV levels are ‘very high’ as they will be over the coming days.

And it can be easy to forget to slap on the suntan cream before rushing outside when the sun begins to shine, leaving you at risk of being sunburnt.

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is when the skin is damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week.

The skin will normally start to flake and peel after a few days and will usually fully heal within seven days.

While sunburn is often short-lived and mild, it’s important to try to avoid it, because it can increase your chances of developing serious health problems, such as skin cancer, in later life.

And it can be easy to underestimate your exposure to the sun, as the red skin does not develop for several hours - by which point it is already too late to prevent sunburn.

How to treat sunburn?

Here is what the NHS says you should do to treat sunburn - as soon as you notice that you, a family member or your child has sunburn you should find a shady area or get inside ASAP.

Mild sunburn can usually be treated at home, the following advice may help to relieve your symptoms until your skin heals:

- Cool the skin by sponging it with cold water or by having a cold bath or shower – applying a cold compress such as a cold flannel to the affected area may also help.

- Drink plenty of fluids to cool you down and prevent dehydration.

- Apply a water-based emollient or petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to keep your skin cool and moist.

- Take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve any pain – aspirin should not be given to children under 16

- Try to avoid all sunlight, including through windows, by covering up the affected areas of skin until your skin has fully healed.

- Apply after sun lotion and cream to the areas of the skin affected by sunburn.

While these are the NHS approved treatments, others have their own home remedies to cure suburn which include tea bags and yogurt...

Tea Bags

Some people swear by the use of tea bags, claiming the tannins found in them help to reduce the inflammation of the skin - according to the remedy, you should drop a tea bag in a lukewarm cup of water, leave it for a minute or two and then gentle apply it to the sunburnt area, leaving it in place for several minutes to let it do its magic.

Yogurt

Yet another home remedy is to use yogurt to cure sunburn - apply plain unflavoured yogurt to the burnt areas and leave it for at least five minutes until the pain begins to subside and then gently wash it off with cool water.

Baking Soda

This home remedy says you should toss a handful of baking soda into a cold bath and then soak yourself for 20 minutes - bicarbonate of soda is said to soothe skin inflammation and reduce itching.

Vinegar

Apparently ordinary white vinegar is said to be way of treating sunburn because it contains acetic acid, which is also in aspirin, and can help relieve the inflammation, pain and itching caused by sunburn. The remedy says that you should soak paper towels in vinegar and apply to the sunburnt skin, leaving them until they are dry.

Milk

Cans of evaporated milk, yes that does still exist, are said to be a way to treat sunburn. You should pour some onto a clean cloth and then apply it to the sunburnt areas and it will provide a layer of protein that will lock moisture in and help to heal the skin.

Should you seek medical attention?

You should contact your GP or the NHS 24 111 service for advice if you feel unwell or have any concerns about your sunburn, particularly if you are burnt over a large area or have any of the more severe symptoms listed below.

You should also see your GP if a young child or baby has sunburn, as their skin is particularly fragile.

Signs of severe sunburn can include:

- blistering or swelling of the skin (oedema)

- chills

- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above, or 37.5C (99.5F) or above in children under five

- dizziness, headaches and feeling sick (symptoms of heat exhaustion)

Your GP may recommend using hydrocortisone cream for a few days (this is also available over the counter at pharmacies) to reduce the inflammation of your skin.

Severe sunburn may require special burn cream and burn dressings from your GP or a nurse at your GP surgery. Very occasionally, hospital treatment may be needed.

How to prevent sunburn?

Perhaps the most obvious way to stop yourself from getting sunburnt is to lather up with sunscreen, in particular one that stops ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays, and also make sure to reapply if you are spending significant time out in the sun.

According to the NHS you should apply around 35ml or 6 to 8 teaspoons of lotion, and do it 30 minutes before going out and again just as you are leaving.

You should also wear suitable clothing when going out in the sun to prevent sunburn, which includes:

- a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck and ears

- a long-sleeved top

- trousers or long skirts in close-weave fabrics that do not allow sunlight through

- sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms with the CE Mark and European Standard EN 1836:2005.

Advice for babies and children

Children aged under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.

- From March to October in the UK, children should:

- cover up with suitable clothing

- spend time in the shade (particularly from 11am to 3pm)

- wear at least SPF15 sunscreen

To ensure they get enough vitamin D, children aged under five are advised to take vitamin D supplements even if they do get out in the sun.

A team of staff from a law firm have raised thousands after taking on the Three peaks Challenge.

The team from Lightfoots Solicitors, based in High Street, had successfully hit their target of £3,000 for the British Heart Foundation before the first mountain steps were taken and with more offline donations to add, the total raised is now more than £5,000.

The challenge, on June 16 and 17, included climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and finished off atop Snowdon in Wales, with the aim of completing the feat within 24 Hours. Of the 16 team members, eight reached the summit of each mountain and four managed to do this within the magical 24-hour target time.

Joe Middleton, partner at Lightfoots who took part in the challenge, said: “To complete all three climbs in 24 hours meant we were on a very tight and ambitious timeframe so not everybody was able to make it to the summit of all three. Regardless of that, I can hand on heart say that whatever height or distance any team member reached, they did so giving their all.”

The two daytime climbs were both done in less than ideal conditions with rainfall on Ben Nevis reaching near ‘biblical’ proportions. Scafall Pike was climbed in dry conditions but it has by far the steepest gradient and unforgiving terrain - all this at 1am using head torches! Snowdon is an ‘easier’ ascent. However after 3 hours sleep and two previous gruelling climbs, the team say it did not feel that way!

Ian Norman said: “When we started out on Ben Nevis we were told we had 15 minutes to conquer “heart attack hill” as it (aptly for our charity) is known, otherwise we would not hit the 24-hour target! After that section I doubted I would scale all 3 mountains let alone in under 24 hrs but with immense team spirit, grit and determination we hauled ourselves up one mountain after another and I crossed the finish line in 23 hrs 48 mins. Amazing!”

Despite the pain, the team are already planning future challenges to raise money for good causes.

Jodie Pike, who organised the challenge said: ‘It really was a fantastic but brutal weekend and I’m already thinking about the next challenge.” To support the team, visit the fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lightfootsteam

TV presenter and wildlife expert Chris Packham has joined forces with pet charity Blue Cross, which has a rehoming centre in Lewknor. as their education ambassador.

He is encouraging teachers and youth leaders to sign up to free classroom talks to create a future of compassionate pet owners.

Blue Cross is hoping to hear from any schools or community groups who would be interested in the education team visiting for a talk and presenting them the Chris Packham videos.

The videos focus on teaching children in key stages 1 and 2 the five welfare needs which includes aspects like suitable diet and environment, enrichment and companionship.

Chris said: “It is very important to me to be part of encouraging current and future pet owners to learn more about the needs of the animals that share our lives. I feel strongly that being able to engage children in the classroom can have a huge impact for the future and how they will safeguard and protect pets and other species. I was glad to be able to record these films for Blue Cross and hope our messages can help more pets through education.”

To book a free school talk, teachers can visit this link or contact education@bluecross.org.uk

If you like slapstick, farce, cases of mistaken identity and plays on words, you’re in for a real treat at The Players Theatre in July.

Thame Players are putting on a thoroughly modern production of Shakespeare’s farcical tale, The Comedy of Errors. One of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, first performed in 1594, it‘s been performed and adapted many times since for opera, stage, screen and musical theatre.

Thame Players’ production, directed by Martyn Ross, is set somewhere in the early to mid-twentieth century in a Greek town called Ephesus.

The story involves two sets of identical twins, separated many years earlier in a violent storm at sea. They are both called Antipholus – one from Syracuse and one from Ephesus. Their servants, both called Dromio, also come from Syracuse and Ephesus. Antipholus of Syracuse sets out with his servant to find his long-lost brother in Ephesus. Meanwhile their father, Aegeon, also sets out to find both sons in Ephesus. The only snag is that people from Syracuse are banned from Ephesus on pain of death. As a Syracusian, Aegeon is sentenced to death by the ruler, Duke Solinus. But the Duke is sympathetic to Aegeon’s plight and gives him until dusk to raise 1000 marks or the death sentence will be carried out.

Learning of the ban on Syracusians, the visiting Antipholus and Dromio take on local dress and explore the town. But they don’t know that their separated twin brothers have since become prominent residents in Ephesus. Many scenes of mistaken identity take place when the two sets of twins are confused with one another. Accusations and counter accusations abound until eventually both sets of twins meet and all ends happily in true farcical style.

The Comedy of Errors is being performed at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, from Tuesday, July 10 until Saturday, July 14, with shows at 7.45pm. Tickets are £9, concessions £8, available from Spear Travels, Greyhound Walk, Thame, call 01844 217228 or online from www.thameplayers.co.uk

Visit www.thameplayers.co.uk

The UK is set to sizzle this week as a heatwave sweeps across the country but does it ever get too hot to be sent home from work?

The Met Office has forecast that the mercury will reach highs of up to 27C in the UK today and its only going to be slightly cooler on Friday.

Very high levels of pollen and UV mean that hay fever sufferers are in for a difficult time.

Met Office forecaster Mark Foster said it is possible the hottest day for the year for all parts of the UK could be bettered this week.

But how high does the temperature need to go before it becomes too hot to work?

Workers must be protected from the heat

The TUC has called on bosses to make sure staff working outdoors are protected from the sun and the heat.

Workers including builders, agricultural workers and gardeners who are outside for lengthy periods in high temperatures are at risk of sunstroke, sunburn and skin cancer, the union organisation warned.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: ‘We all love to see the sunshine, but working outdoors in sweltering conditions can be unbearable and dangerous.

‘Bosses must ensure their staff are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing.’

Unfortunately, there isn’t a legally defined maximum temperature for the workplace but the Heath and Safety Executive has issued a number of guidelines.

They have said that, during working hours, the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be reasonable.

The temperature should be at 13C if employees are doing physical work but there is no maximum temperature given due to high temperatures of working in some places, for example a glass works or foundry.

While ‘reasonable’ is rather ambiguous, the law does say that an employer must act if a ‘significant number of employees are complaining about thermal discomfort’.

If this is the case then your employer should carry out a risk assessment.

Risk assessment

There are six basic factors an employee should look at including air temperature, radiant temperature (ie, the temperature radiating from warm objects), air velocity, humidity, and what clothing or insulation workers are expected to wear.

A HSE spokesperson said: ‘As an employer you should be aware of these risks and make sure the underlying reasons for these unsafe behaviours are understood and actively discouraged and/or prevented.

‘The more physical work we do, the more heat we produce. The more heat we produce, the more heat needs to be lost so we don’t overheat. The impact of metabolic rate on thermal comfort is critical.”

The talented and versatile international singer Jonathan Veira is coming to Long Crendon

The ‘Jonathan Veira and Sons: Songs and Tales!’ show is being held at the Baptist Church on Saturday, July 7.

A spokeswoman for the event said: “Jonathan is essentially a musical chameleon - performing songs of great diversity to an incredibly high standard – which quite possibly makes him unique in the world of entertainment.

“From Billy Joel to Mozart and everything in between – nothing seems too hard for him. Ballads, blues, rock ’n’ roll, jazz and even opera – everything sounds completely authentic and exhilarating.

“Jonathan Veira’s show is distinctive because you get so much more than just ‘the voice’. He is a superb comic raconteur, whose anecdotal storytelling has people of all generations laughing helplessly.

“A naturally funny man, Jonathan’s infectious humour draws you in to his joyful presence – before long he feels like a good friend.

“His stunning show also features his three highly talented sons as his band. You will hear popular songs, classics and so much more. He chats about his life and faith in a totally natural and honest way. It is an evening you will remember for a long, long time.”

Recently praised in The Independent for his brilliant performance – ‘larger than life and utterly credible’, and by The Arts Desk for being ‘a comic (bass) baritone now in his vintage prime’, international singer Jonathan Veira is no stranger to venues that hold thousands of people, but he is changing his habits.

Instead of appearing on stage singing - to great acclaim - to thousands, he is now performing his show in far more intimate settings.

Jonathan said: “I’m energised by doing these shows because of the closeness and interaction with the audience. It’s wonderful to be able to incorporate the wide variety of music that I love to perform. I love having the freedom to tell the stories of my life and faith in an open, honest – and mostly funny – way. I believe that all this together makes my show unique. And with my talented sons playing beside me, I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Doors open at 7pm with drinks available, with the show starting at 7.30pm.

Book tickets, priced £10, £5 for under 18s, from the church office on 01844 201335 or admin@lcbc.org.uk

Visit www.jonathanveira.com

An amateur rider from Ickford, Katie Baldwin, has qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

Sarah rode her horse, Moelfryn Golden Wonder, to a win in the working horse class at the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Bucks on June 10 to qualify for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Barry Fehler founded SEIB as a 17-year-old in 1963 when the concept of horse insurance was virtually non-existent.

He created how own insurance for one of his very successful show horses, found a company to underwrite it, and everything began from there.

They set up the Search for a Star series over 20 years ago to give amateur riders and their horses the chance to compete at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The series has led to many thrilled competitors achieving this dream.

This was Katie’s second ever trip to Search for a Star. She said: “I can’t quite believe it, I never thought that I would be riding at HOYS.”

Katie and ‘Crispy’ attended the same Search for a Star class at this qualifier a year ago and took second place.

Katie, who works as an estate agent, added: “We said it had to be worth another go this year and it definitely was.

“I bought Crispy four years ago and Search for a Star is the first time we have had a go at showing.”

The pair have had a busy spring season and last month finished in 38th place in the Badminton Grassroots Championships.

SEIB marketing manager Nicolina Mackenzie, who sponsor the event, said: “The standard at Search for a Star increases year-on-year and this season we have some absolutely stunning horses through to compete in the Search for a Star final which is now in its 20th year at HOYS.

“We head north to our next qualifier at Alnwick Equestrian Centre in Northumberland on July 8 which will be really interesting having not had a Search for a Star qualifier so far north for decades.”

Each SEIB Search for a Star qualifier holds classes for Working ponies and horses, riding horse hacks, show hunters and cobs.

Competitors have the chance to qualify for HOYS in each of these classes. SEIB Search for a Star is professionally run with strict entry criteria.

Thame could be the first town or city in the country to adopt a Green Living Plan, a public meeting in the Town Hall heard.

Members of the RSA Thame Group, led by Charles Boundy, presented their draft Green Living Plan to councillors and more than 60 members of the community on Tuesday, June 19, ahead of a vote for the GLP to go out for consultation with people, commerce and other interested parties over the next four months.

The GLP is a plan to protect and improve the environment of Thame for the long-term health and vitality of the town and its community.

Thame will be producing a new Neighbourhood Plan over the next two years and the Green Living Plan is intended to be a key part of the evidence base supporting and influencing the forthcoming revision of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Thame Town Council appointed the RSA Group, a local group of Fellows of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, three years ago to act as honorary consultants to assist the council to create a Green Living Plan. They have been working to produce the draft plan for the last 30 months consulting with many local volunteers and experts in the five areas covered by the plan.

These areas are colour-coded for ease of reference and are: green – open spaces, green routes and the natural world; blue – water; red – energy; grey – air quality and the natural environment; brown – waste.

The aim of the GLP is to help ensure that, as Thame grows and develops, the town remains a green, pleasant and healthy place to live and work. It should raise awareness and encourage action to enhance community quality of life.

Following the meeting, Thame Town Council issued a statement saying it “was very pleased to host an informative presentation by the RSA Thame Group on the draft Green Living Plan. The presentation was attended by more than 60 members of the community, with half the time put aside for questions.

“A wide variety of questions, on traffic management, single use plastics, biodiversity, the amount of commitment, the consultation process and other topics were raised which will help ensure that the Green Living Plan is right for Thame. At the Town Council meeting that immediately followed, the draft GLP was authorised to proceed to a consultation over the summer, probably starting in late July/ early August. The plan will be a living document, that will benefit Thame forever.”

RSA Thame Group chairman Charles Boundy said: “As the plan develops we’ll be exploring funding opportunities from development and other sources, including looking for local sponsors or partners with green living initiatives. It is only with the support of local people and volunteers that we can achieve our aims. Practical steps for getting involved are included in the plan.”

RSA Thame Group member George Westropp, who chaired the presentation, told the meeting: “It is worth pointing out that Thame is the first town or city in the country to try a Green Living Plan. As Charles Boundy has said, ‘Thame is a trailblazer’.”

The RSA (The Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce) is a long-established international charity with over 29,000 members at home and abroad. The RSA Thame Group is non-political and is a small group run by locally-based RSA members who are committed to the town’s future and are operating on a voluntary basis to assist the Thame Town Council.

World class performers will open the popular Thame Town Music Festival in style as the event arrives for the second year.

The festival organisers are proud to announce a very special evening of classical music on Friday, July 13 in St Mary’s Church, as part of this year’s musical celebration, which runs until Sunday, July 15.

The audience will be treated to a musical programme that journeys from Bach to Broadway via Chopin, Rachmaninov, Mozart, Puccini to Gershwin, Cole Porter and more.

Johnnie Littler, director of the Thame Town Music Festival, said: “We are delighted to have secured the internationally renowned soprano Anne Mackay and world class pianist Jack Gibbons, who is flying in from the US to play. This is the highest level of classical musical talent and a brilliant way to start this year’s music festival.”

Ann Mackay, who trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, has appeared with the Royal Philharmonic, London Symphony, BBC Symphony and the BBC Concert Orchestra, among a host of others.

Humphrey Burton, former head of music and arts at the BBC, said of Jack Gibbons: “Jack Gibbons is a unique phenomenon in the musical world of today. Thanks to his virtuosic skills, Gibbons can hold an audience in thrall. His concert-giving style is equally attractive: before his performances he talks unassumingly but with great authority from the platform, drawing the listeners into a special relationship.”

The concert is a new addition to the successful festival which this year features Dr Feelgood, Van Susans, Memphis Rattlesnakes, Luke Conconnan, The Ponderosa, and much more. The main stage in the High Street will be supported by venues around the town.

Admission to the festival is free and tickets for the concert, convention and song-writers’ competition final are available at the Town Hall, Thame Barns Centre, Vintage and Modern Guitars and The Book House or online at http://www.wegottickets.com

Thame Town Music Festival CIC is a Community Interest Company run not for profit by unpaid volunteers.

The festival organisers have announced that due to new sponsorship both the TTMF18 Convention and Songwriters Competition are free entry.

Anyone interested in music and how it works can attend the Songwriter’s Competition Final on Friday, July 13, and any of the TTMF Convention sessions on Saturday, July 14.

More details and the full programme can be found at http://www.thametownmusicfestival.org/

>> More details about the Songwriters Competition on page 5.

Thame Town Music Festival have announced the 10 finalists of the 2018 Songwriter’s Competition who will be performing their entries live at the final on Friday, July 13, at The Barns Centre, Thame, at 7.30pm.

Festival director Johnnie Littler said: “We received over 50 entries with some fantastic quality songs covering a wide range of styles and subjects. It has been hard to whittle it down to 10 but the panel felt that this list showed what a breadth and quality of songwriting talent there is waiting to break through.

“The final is going to be a fantastic night showcasing this talent and all are welcome to come and watch and support the artists. I’m especially pleased that due to the incredibly generous sponsorship from Christopher Ward, the British watch company who passionately believe in supporting emerging talent and challenging established thinking, that the event is free entry to everyone.”

The winner will be given the opportunity to perform the song on the festival main stage on Saturday, July 14, be nominated for the Christopher Ward Challenger programme for financial and corporate support and the song will be professionally recorded and videoed for use by the artist. The winner will also receive promotion and support from the TTMF and its affiliates.

The finalists are: Alex Hedley, Possibility

Andy Robbins, All out at sea

Ben Corby, Fancy supermarkets

Bisola, Be yourself

Elisha Green, Empty nets

Francesca Luker, Eyes

Katey Brooks, Call out

Rhys Warriner, Half way to heaven

Simon Davies, Hear what I say

Zach Johnson, New Blockbuster

Youngsters are being sought to star in Nativity! The Musical coming to Milton Keynes Theatre later this year - and auditions will be held this Saturday.

Bright young stars from across the country will have a chance to sparkle and shine as one of the children from Oakmoor School. Auditions will be held around the country, coming to Milton Keynes.

All children auditioning must be:

 Children must be age 9-12 years old by 1st September 2018

 Strictly no taller than 4ft 7inches

 Children must live within 45 miles commute to the venue and be available to perform the

playing dates of the venue they are auditioning for – tour dates listed below

 Characterful but disciplined children with strong singing, acting and movement skills and with

a passion for performing

Nativity! The Musical is written and directed by the creator and director of the blockbuster film series, Debbie Isitt. She said; "We are looking for characterful but disciplined children who can 'act' as snobby and superior and yet have a sense of fun and can give over the top performances if required. We need the children to have good movement ability - marching, basic choreography and have excellent posture. They should also be able to sing confidently, have basic acting ability and enjoy performing."

Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette’s School they’ve decided to mount a musical version! Join teacher Mr Maddens and his crazy assistant Mr Poppy as they struggle with hilarious children, and a whole lot of sparkle and shine to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true.

The musical features sing-a-long songs from the smash-hit films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth and One Night One Moment.Nativity! The Musical promises to be the perfect feel-good comedy for all the family.

To audition, children must be pre-registered with Keston and Keston the Children’s Regional Casting Directors via the iOS App ‘Keston Casting- downloadable’ which can be downloaded for free via the app store or registration can be via the website www.kestonandkestoncasting.com.

All children who fall within the criteria above will be sent an invite with full information and the location for the audition.

Public nominations are now open for the annual Aylesbury Vale District Council design awards, which brings together designers, architects, builders and contractors to showcase their excellence.

Now in its 25th year, the AVDC design awards are designed to celebrate projects across the Vale which have made an outstanding contribution to the design quality of the built environment - maintaining the special qualities and distinctiveness of our areas.

Nominations and entries are welcomed until 31 August, when the shortlist will be decided.

Each of the shortlisted projects will then be judged by an expert panel against six key criteria: quality of design/construction, fitness for purpose, sustainability, accessibility, attractiveness and innovation.

This year, AVDC will also be inviting the public to vote for the People’s Choice Award (details on how to vote for this will be available once the shortlist has been finalised).

Councillor Carole Paternoster, cabinet member for growth strategy said: “Over the years, we’ve seen a number of high-quality developments across Aylesbury Vale and these awards celebrate those projects which complement our environment and heritage and raise the standard of design across the Vale, while supporting sustainable growth in our area.

“We’re delighted to invite our residents to make their own nominations for these awards and, for the first time, to be able to vote for the People’s Choice Award.”

Members of the public who’ve admired a high-quality building within Aylesbury Vale, whether this is a residential, commercial or community scheme or a special public space such as a new playpark, can make nominations by emailing designawards@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk.

This year’s winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Gateway in Aylesbury on Thursday November 29.

It’s all a bit quiet out there in video game land at the moment.

Some interesting titles have dropped like Tour de France and the Donkey Kong add-on for Mario + Rabbids but I guess the biggest news is that you can play epic shooter Destiny 2 this weekend FOR FREE.

PlayStation 4 owners can play the hugely popular Destiny 2 for nothing this weekend.

So those interested in giving Destiny 2 can pre-load the game from today for quicker access come Friday.

The free trial starts Friday, June 29 at 8:01am and ends on Monday, July 2 at 6pm.

Throughout the trial, players will be able to experience the full Destiny 2 campaign, create their own character and collect weapons and gear, try out the Crucible and more.

All progress will carry over to the full game upon purchase.

Xbox One users were given a free trial the weekend of June 7, but Xbox Live Gold was required. Needing a subscription doesn’t seem to be the case on PS4 this weekend, as PlayStation Plus wasn’t mentioned.

Meanwhile, Sony is “looking at a lot of the possibilities” when it comes to crossplay on the PS4.

That’s according to president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America Shawn Layden who was responding to pleas for more crossplay for the likes of worldwide hit Fortnite.

“We’re hearing it,” Layden said when asked whether or not Sony is listening to its fans.

“We’re looking at a lot of the possibilities. You can imagine that the circumstances around that affect a lot more than just one game. I’m confident we’ll get to a solution which will be understood and accepted by our gaming community, while at the same time supporting our business.”

Sony has weathered a lot of criticism recently over how it’s handling crossplay with its console competitors, especially with the launch of Fortnite on Nintendo Switch. Switch owners can play the popular online battle royale game with others on PC, Mac, Xbox One, and mobile devices but Sony refuses to allow crossplay on its platform.

A whopping 180 morris dancers from across the country will descend on Aylesbury Vale this weekend - to help celebrate the Whitchurch Morris Men’s 70th birthday.

On Saturday 19 morris sets from areas as far afield as Manchester and Durham will perform at locations around the Vale.

Four separate tours will then culminate at Watermead Piazza at 4.30pm for a spectacular display.

And on Sunday morris performers will join the festivities at the Aylesbury On Sea event - fresh from a special service of celebration at St Mary’s Church.

The Whitchurch Morris was born in 1948, when two families, the Hogstons and the the Aldermans decided that they wanted to start dancing.

Alan Hogston, son of founding member Charlie remembers: “Morris dancing is something that has always been a big part of my family’s life, since I was very young.

“I remember trying to copy my father.

“I didn’t join as a teenager because I felt that it was really my dad’s thing, but I kept in with the lads after my father died in 2009, and about six years ago I started dancing.

“My father never saw me dance and I wish that I had started earlier.”

He added: “The wonderful thing about morris dancing is the fun and cameraderie, we go out every Tuesday evening in the summer, and in the winter we practice every Tuesday evening in Wilstone Village Hall.

“It is so much fun - but it is important to do it properly and get the dances right.”

And the group - which is known in the morris world as a ‘set’ has gone from strength to strength - with dancers from all walks of life talking part.

Alan said: “We’ve had vicars, plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, school teachers and bankers - we say that within the Whitchurch Morris you can get anything done!”

Many people will be familiar with the Whitchurch Morris, from their tradition of dancing at Coombe Hill at the May Bank Holiday - which began in 1989.

In 2008 the set had a big celebration to celebrate 60 years together - but it is thought that this year’s event is set to be the biggest and best yet.

Alan added: “I remember going to the 60th, but I think that 70 years is an extra special event.

“We’ve got many more people coming this year than in previous years.”

If you would like to find out more about the Whitchurch Morris - or would like to register an interest in becoming part of the set, you can go to www.whitchurchmorris.org.uk

All tours will leave Stoke Mandeville Stadium at 9:15am, and return there by 6:30pm.

Tour 1

09.40 – 10.25 Jansel Square, Bedgrove, Aylesbury HP21 7ET

10.40 – 11.25 The Broad Leys, Wendover Road, Aylesbury HP21 9LB

12.00 – 12.30 Top of Aylesbury High Street, HP20 1SH

14.15 – 15.00 The White Swan, Whitchurch HP22 4JT

15.15 – 16.00 The Pilgrim, North Marston, MK18 3PD

16.30 – 18.00 Watermead Piazza, Aylesbury HP19 0FX

Tour 2

09.45 – 10.30 The Manor Waste, Wendover HP22 6EA

11.00 – 12.00 The Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne HP23 5QE

12.30 – 13.15 The Half Moon, Wilstone HP23 4PD

15.00 – 16.00 The Rose and Crown, Wingrave HP22 4PD

16.30 – 18.00 Watermead Piazza, Aylesbury HP19 0FX

Tour 3

10.00 – 10.45 The Amersham Memorial Gardens HP7 0HR

11.15 – 12.00 The Red Lion, Little Missenden HP78 0QZ

12.30 – 13.15 The Hampden Arms, Great Hampden HP16 9RQ

15.00 – 16.00 The Manor Waste, Wendover HP22 6EA

16.30 – 18.00 Watermead Piazza, Aylesbury HP19 0FX

Tour 4

09.45 – 10.30 Princes Risborough: Horns Lane [in front of M&S] HP27 0AJ

11.00 – 11.45 The Whip, Lacey Green HP27 0PG

12.30 – 13.15 The Three Horseshoes, Towersey OX9 3QY

14.30 – 15.15 The Bell, Chearsley HP18 0DJ

15.30 - 16.15 The Crown, Cuddington HP18 0BB

16.30 – 18.00 Watermead Piazza, Aylesbury HP19 0FX

Morris Sides attending:

> Benfieldside Morris Men, Durham

> Dartington Morris Men, Totnes, South Devon

> Durham Rams Sword and Morris Men, Durham

> Ellington Morris, Maidenhead, Berkshire

> Etcetera Morris Men, Enfield

> Jockey Men’s Morris, Birmingham

> Leeds Morris Men, Leeds, West Yorkshire

> Leicester Morrismen, Leicestershire

> Letchworth Morris Men, Letchworth, Hertfordshire

> Manchester Morris Men, Manchester

> Martlet Sword and Morris Men, Chichester

> Mersey Morris Men, The Wirral, Cheshire

> The Three Horseshoes Morris, Towersey, near Thame, Oxfordshire

> Trigg Morris, Bodmin, Cornwall

> Wessex Morris Men, West Dorset

> Whitchurch Morris Men, Vale of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

> Whitethorn Morris, Harrow

> Woodside Morris Men, Watford, Hertfordshire

Also in attendance:

Ed Worrell, Squire of the Morris Ring, Saddleworth Morris Men

Clayton Francis, Treasurer of the Morris Ring, East Surrey Morris Men

Pete Simpson, Squire Elect of the Morris Ring, Jockey Men’s Morris

It promises to be a day of sizzling sunshine and whizzfizzing fun in Aylesbury on Saturday.

If you’re coming down to sample the atmosphere enjoy the day and make sure you put on plenty of suncream!

If you can’t make it or would prefer to follow the action from the comfort of your home or the garden then you can do so with us.

Reporters Neil Shefferd and Rebecca Harty and photographer Derek Pelling will be out and about throughout the day.

You can follow the action on the day via our website and social media pages, starting with Facebook Live coverage of some of the parade between 11am and 12noon.

Later in the day famous faces including Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Dame Darcey Bussell and Tony Hadley will be speaking at special events in marquees which were put up in the town centre earlier today.

Pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Bucks Herald for more coverage and photos from WhizzFizzFest 2018.

There will be plenty of food and drink from in and around Milton Keynes served up as MK Feast returns to Bradwell Abbey this week.

It is the sixth event initiated by MK Food Revolution on Sunday July 8. It will showcase the best of Milton Keynes’ home-grown products and produce in a family-friendly and lively

atmosphere.

For this summer’s edition of MK FEAST, 14 artisan food and drink stalls, five select arts and craft businesses and six street food vans will set up camp for the day. There will be live music,

provided by a range of local artists and facepainting for the smallest visitors. Milton Keynes’ specialist craft beer shop, the MK Biergarten, will run a local craft beer bar, and gin and tonics,

coffee and ice cream will also be available in the court yard of the abbey.

Franzi Florack, the event organiser, said: "This is now the sixth FEAST and the festival has grown every year. It’s been brilliant to see the Milton Keynes community come out and support the local traders.

"All of our producers come from within half an hour’s drive and we can’t wait to celebrate another very special day. The atmosphere in the abbey is always fantastic and it’s going to be a great festival for the whole family."

MK FEAST has become a regular event in the diary of many Milton Keynes food lovers. The first event in January 2016 was organised due to a lack of city-centre opportunities for independent traders.

Dr Florack, from Walnut Tree, and her organisation are keen to increase awareness about sustainable food production.

She says: "Much has happened in the Milton Keynes food scene over the last two years and we are delighted that residents are increasingly recognising our fantastic local offer."

The event runs from 11am to 4pm, visitors will be able to tuck into all kinds of street food including gourmet burgers, Mexican, Indian, fried chicken, pizza and cheese toasties. The farmers market will boast locally made meat, bread, chocolate, chutneys, honey, juices and cakes and visitors can round off their day by shopping for candles, photography and other art.

There will also be a wider variety of producers who will offer vegan and vegetarian products.

Facepainters will be on offer for the youngest visitors and MK Food Revolution are running a tombola in aid of MK Snap. Entry is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate to MK Snap on the day.

For further information about the event visit www.mkfoodrevolution.org

The following people from Aylesbury Vale and beyond have recently been sentenced at magistrates courts in the county.

Wycombe Magistrates Court

June 11:

Ajvinder Bhullar, 30, Marsh Lane, Marsh: drove an Audi on the A413 while over the alcohol limit. Fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 16 months.

June 12:

Sorin Doru-Marcu, 24, Havelock Court, Aylesbury: drove a Volkswagen Golf on Monmouth Close, Aylesbury, while over the alcohol limit. Fined £300, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 16 months.

Daniel Rudkin, 20, Bierton Road, Aylesbury: assaulted two prison officers in the execution of their duties. Sent to prison for a total of ten weeks because of the seriousness of the offences. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

Thomas Hill, 27, Buckingham: used threatening and/or abusive words and/or behaviour which caused a person alarm or distress. Fined £150, ordered to pay compensation of £50 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Obstructed a constable in the execution of their duty. Fined £80.

June 13:

Christian Judges, 20, Bierton Road, Aylesbury: possessed an unauthorised weapon (a quantity of soap placed into a sock and tied up) inside HM Youth Custody Centre. Committed to eight weeks detention in a youth institution because of the seriousness of the offence. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

June 14:

Sian Munday, 25, Paradise Orchard, Aylesbury: damaged a front door belonging to the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust. Ordered to pay compensation of £300.

Adam Freeman, 33, Westwood Walk, Aylesbury: assaulted a woman by beating. Committed to prison for 18 weeks because of the seriousness of the offence. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £620 to the CPS.

June 19:

Michael Cave, 29, Grecian Street, Aylesbury: failed to provide a specimen for analysis. Community order made - ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £620 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 17 months.

Sarah Horsey, 27, South Hills, Brill: possessed a quantity of a class A drug (one wrap of morphine).

Stole food valued at £58.88 from the Co-Op, Fairford Leys. Ordered to pay compensation of £58.88.

Committed various offences jointly with Kerry Hawkins - stole alcohol belonging to Waitrose - stole meat and clothing - stole two telephone headsets valued at £130 - stole a Dyson vacuum hoover from Currys/PC World valued at £500.

June 21:

Christopher Sunney, 33, Ruskin Way, Aylesbury: pursued a course of harassment against an individual. Community order made - ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Michael Flynn, 50, Leach Road, Aylesbury: assaulted a woman by beating. Ordered to pay compensation of £100 and costs of £50 to the CPS.

Used threatening and/or abusive words and/or behaviour causing alarm or distress. Ordered to pay compensation of £50 and costs of £50 to the CPS.

June 22:

Elliot Linke, 27, Slave Hill, Haddenham: failed to provide a specimen for analysis. Ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £400 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 24 months.

A female healthcare worker is under arrest on suspicion of the murder of eight babies and the attempted murder of another six babies after an investigation of a neo-natal unit.

The arrest comes as part of a long-running police investigation following a high number of baby deaths at Countess of Chester Hospital, initially between June 2015 and June 2016.

Police say the investigation has since widened and they are now looking into the deaths of 17 babies and 15 non-fatal collapses between the period of March 2015 and July 2016.

Police have not said if the arrested woman is a nurse, doctor or other health professional.

Detective Inspector Paul Hughes, who is in charge of the investigation, said: “The investigation into the neonatal unit at The Countess of Chester Hospital is continuing. Since it was first launched in May 2017, a dedicated team of detectives have been working tirelessly on this case.

“This is a highly complex and very sensitive investigation and, as you can appreciate, we need to ensure we do everything we possibly can to try to establish in detail what has led to these baby deaths and collapses.

“When the investigation was first launched it was focusing on the deaths of 15 babies that occurred between the period of June 2015 and June 2016.

“In addition the investigation was also conducting a review of six non-fatal collapses during the same period.

“Since the start of our enquiries and, as the information gathering process has continued, the scope of the investigation has now widened. We are now currently investigating the deaths of 17 babies and 15 non-fatal collapses between the period of March 2015 and July 2016.

“Due to the nature of the case and, as part of our ongoing enquiries, we have consulted with a number of medical specialists to ensure that we carry out as thorough an investigation as possible. We have also spoken to a large number of people to gather as much information as we can.

“As a result of our ongoing enquiries we have today arrested a healthcare professional in connection with the investigation. She was arrested earlier this morning on suspicion of murder in relation to eight of the babies and attempted murder in relation to six of the babies and is currently in custody.

“Whilst this is a significant step forward in our enquiries it is important to remember that the investigation is very much active and ongoing at this stage. There are no set timescales for this coming to a conclusion but we remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation as soon as possible.

“We recognise that this investigation has a huge impact on all of the families, staff, and patients at the hospital as well as members of the public. Parents of all the babies are continuing to be kept fully updated and are being supported throughout the process by specially trained officers. This is an extremely difficult time for all the families and it is important to remember that, at the heart of this, there are a number of bereaved families seeking answers as to what happened to their children.

“At this stage we are unable to go into any further details about the investigation but as soon as we are able to provide any further updates we will do.

“If anyone has any information that they want to pass onto the investigation team they are encouraged to get in touch via the Operation Hummingbird mailbox at operation.hummingbird@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

Aylesbury was turned into a sea of colour on Saturday June 30 for the biggest and best WhizzFizzFest yet!

CLICK ON THE GALLERY TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM WHIZZFIZZFEST 2018

The parade kick-started the day off in style with more than 700 local children taking part.

The day continued with live music from groups including the Soul Samba band, opera in the High Street, fancy dress competitions, Bollywood dancing and activities for youngsters including inflatables and special guests Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Tony Hadley in conversation in front of an audience.

There was also a Magic of the Dance competition hosted by Dame Darcey Bussell - which featured seven local schools performing.

Brill Combined School won the competition ahead of Aylesbury High School Year Seven team.

The other participating schools were Aylesbury High School Year Eight team, Bedgrove Junior School, Cuddington and Dinton C of E School, Waddesdon Village Primary School and St Michael’s C of E School.

Darcey commented on the enthusiasm, creativity, costumes and smiles of all the performances.

She said it was very hard to choose and that being a judge is hard work!

Darcey: “I am very happy to be here today – the show was fabulous!

“I’m going to have to come back.”

Another special guest was the winner of Radio 2’s 500 Words competition last year Lauren Cook, who read her winning story The Kindest of Strangers.

Reacting to the day AVDC chairwoman Sue Renshell said: “I’m very happy with how the day has turned out, it has been a wonderful turnout with lots of people, especially children.”

Aylesbury Town Centre manger Diana Fawcett said: “It has been an amazing day.

“We are already planning next year’s event!”

Lauren Cook, who read her short story earlier in the day told the Herald it was a fantastic experience.

She said: “I was so excited to take part in the Whizzfizz Festival.

“When I heard my name announced and had to walk onto the stage and saw all the people there, I felt pretty nervous!

“But once I had got halfway into the story I started to relax and enjoy it.

“I kept thinking ‘wow I’m so lucky to be doing this when I’m only ten!’

“It was so cool to get to meet Darcy and Jessica.

“I loved the whole day!”

Jessica Ennis was interviewed by Ceri Perkins from Aylesbury Vale District Council and Jess brought along her gold medal from the London 2012 Olympics to show the audience.

She also read an extract from her current series of children’s books Evie’s Magic Bracelet.

Jess said: “Winning the gold medal in London 2012 was more than I ever could imagine.

“The World Championships in 2015 is also up there as the highlights of my career.

“I was terrible at training when I came back after having my son.

“It felt like I was a young athlete again.

“Writing stories is wonderful, it brings back memories, especially childhood memories.

“Evie, the main character, is loosely based on me, and the two other main characters are based on my close friends from primary school.

“I’m keeping with the theme of a heptathlon – seven events and the series is seven books!