This is the moment a wildfire engulfed fields in Buckinghamshire during a searing heatwave before more than 100 firefighters extinguished the 50ft flames.

CLICK THE PICTURE GALLERY LINK ABOVE TO SEE IMAGES FROM THE FIRE

Around 20 fire engines were called to the 500sqm field after a tiny fire turned into fierce flames and thick plumes of smoke in just 20 minutes.

Eyewitness footage shows the flames spread across the dry Little Marlow field in Pump Lane South, Buckinghamshire, at 4:30pm yesterday.

Eyewitness Tony Allen, 52, said: “My wife noticed black smoke bellowing from the other side of the dual carriageway. I left my house to see if I could help.

“I noticed the wind was starting to blow over embers from the other side of the dual carriageway which were landing in the field.

“The farmer had just harvested the field for wheat and barley that morning so there was hay laying around the place.

“I tried running over and stamping on the embers but by time I got one out another bit would land 100ft away.

“But within 20 minutes the whole field was alight.”

Father-of-two Tony added: “It was memorising to see my usual dog walking route go up in flames.

“I started to run away when the flames reached 50ft.”

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

A spokesman for Buckingham Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received a call shortly after 4pm Monday afternoon after reports of a fire in the Marlow area.

“Working alongside Thames Valley Police we sent 20 fire engines and 100 crew to tackle the blaze. We threw everything at it.

“At one point the fire was spreading faster than you could run.

“At this point the cause of the fire is not yet known but is currently being investigated.”

The popular Thame 10k saw 880 runners cross the finishing line, with the biggest race ever held.

The race on Sunday, June 24, was held in warm rather than baking hot conditions.

First runner across the line was Karl Spielman in 33:37, and first lady was Sophie Carter from Woodstock Harriers in 39:58.

As well as local running clubs making Thame 10k part of their race schedule, for many the Thame 10k is their first race. Many local residents return each year and the popular event was sold out three weeks beforehand.

Thame Runners, the event organisers, are seeing running becoming more popular and are encouraging people across a wide range of capabilities to discover and enjoy the physical and social aspects of belonging to a friendly running club. They are running a number of open events over the summer for runners to try their training sessions.

Club chairman, Andrew Newton, said: “We want people of all abilities to get involved. We often see runners in Thame who might not know Thame has a running club which has been established for over 30 years.

“Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned runner, Thame Runners really does have something for everyone. We’re a friendly bunch and love to share our passion for running with others.”

Visit www.Thamerunners.co.uk or find them on Facebook ‘Thame Runners’.

Six kittens named after members of the Royal family are now in the care of Blue Cross pet charity after being found dumped in a box outside a charity shop.

Kate, William, Charlotte, Meghan, Harry and Doria were found outside a PDSA shop in London, and brought into pet charity Blue Cross’s animal hospital.

They have now been transferred to the pet charity’s rehoming centre in Lewknor, .

Hannah Owen, animal welfare assistant at Blue Cross Lewknor, said: “They are getting on really well here at the centre and are typical cute and crazy kittens.

“Every year we see an influx of kittens at our rehoming centres and animal hospitals. We would remind owners to make sure they get their pets neutered to prevent unwanted litters and also ensure their pets stay healthy.”

If you’re looking for advice on rehoming a cat from Blue Cross visit www.bluecross.org.uk/rehome/cat

A new president has taken over the chains of office at the newly-named Rotary Club of Thame and District.

Graham Colverson , a retired banker from Wheatley who dedicates his spare time to volunteering and fundraising in the local community, has taken up the reins.

The takeover coincides with a name change as the Rotary Club of Thame will now be known as the Rotary Club of Thame and District to reflect the diversity of members, many of whom live in villages such as Chalgrove, Chinnor, Long Crendon, Great Milton, Longwick, Towersey and Wheatley.

Graham was welcomed as the new president on Wednesday, June 27 during a charity evening presentation which took place at the Spread Eagle in Thame.

He takes over from John Singer who has inspired the community and his club members to fundraise just under £12,000 for good causes.

John, whose main charity he supported was SeeSaw, said: “I’m delighted that this past year the club has been able to support a wide range or organisations both locally and internationally.”

The most important fundraising event during John’s year was the Thame Swimathon. A record number of teams from Thame Swimming, Barley Hill School and other local groups took part in the fun event and raised funds for their preferred causes.

Jo Sackett, trustee of Barley Hill PTFA, said: “It has been an absolute privilege working with the Rotary Club over the past few months. The children at Barley Hill School love the Swimathon event and we have been lucky enough to enter a number of teams over the past two years and we will certainly be doing it again next year.

“The fact that we get to raise money for so many wonderful charities at the same time as having fun is just amazing. Thank you so much for all that you do for our community and we very much look forward to joining forces on more ventures over the coming years.”

Graham, who has been a Rotarian for almost 15 years, said: “This October we celebrate 50 years of Rotary in Thame. Our aim during the next year is to consolidate our many achievements during that time and to prepare the club for our next 50 years.”

Graham will be looking for inspired and enthusiastic men and women to join the club. To find out more about the Rotary Club of Thame & District or becoming a member, visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or follow us on www.facebook.com/thamerotary

A comedy double bill is coming to Thame with Fringe previews for Edinburgh.

Top comedians Matt Forde and Ed Gamble will be on stage at The Players Theatre, on Friday, July 20, at 7.45pm.

Matt Forde is an ultra-topical comedian and star of Unspun on Dave. He’s also been seen on The Royal Variety Performance, Mock the Week, The One Show and Question Time.

Reviews have said that this is “possibly the best political comedy show on the Fringe” described Matt as “a first-class comic.”

Matt’s show is called ‘Brexit Through the Gift Shop’ so expect some up to the minute, hard hitting topical satire, including some excellent impressions of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson.

Matt is to join Absolute Radio to front the station’s prime time Rock n Roll Football Show (Saturdays from August).

Also on the double bill is Ed Gamble with his new show ‘Blizzard’. Ed is frequently seen on BBC’s Mock the Week as well as Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central and Man Down (C4). Reviews say “he is on irresistible form” and “a master of unlocking the humour in everything.”

MC for the evening is popular local comedian Andy Gleeks.

A spokesman for the show said: “It promises to be a great night with a chance to see two comedians at the very top of their game at our local theatre. The gig will be popular and is selling fast so comedy fans should get their tickets soon.”

Tickets are £12 (or £10 if 4 or more tickets booked) and available from Spear Travels, call 01844 217228 or www.thameplayers.co.uk

Here is our guide to this weekend's British Grand Prix.

The winners of this year’s High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Young Engineer Awards have been announced at a ceremony held in Thame.

The awards were made at a ceremony at the offices of Lucy Electric in the town and were presented by High Sheriff Richard Venables, on Wednesday, June 27.

The five category winners were:

>> Best Student aged 14 – 16

Winner: Alisha Budziszewski – University Technical College (UTC) Oxfordshire

Alisha has a natural aptitude for design and problem solving and has impressed her engineering teacher with her dedication and determination to succeed. Her love of engineering has led her to work with the sculptor Michael Condron on his engineering and science public artwork called ‘Reach’ which is soon to be unveiled in Great Western Park, Didcot. Alisha has made significant contributions to employer led projects such as designing a new dashboard for a Mini and representing her school on International Women in Engineering day at Williams F1.

>> Best Student aged 16 – 18

Winner: Ryan Donnelly – University Technical College (UTC) Oxfordshire

Since year 11 Ryan has matured into a truly dedicated and talented engineer, excelling in the skills needed to be a successful engineer. He is not only a skilled practical engineer with a talent for CAD and the workshop, but he is also keen to learn the theoretical maths and mechanics needed to back up his practical skills. Ryan is a strong leader and has led the winning group on four occasions in a diverse range of employer led engineering projects, including designing a glider which was launched from the school roof and building the fastest rocket car in his year with Bloodhound. >>Most Improved student aged 14 – 16

Winner: Arley Watson-Pill – University Technical College (UTC) Oxfordshire

Nominated for his tremendous improvement during year 10 and his commitment to ensure he stays on in sixth form and gains the entry requirements for the level 3 BTEC in Engineering. Arley has joined in with extra-curricular engineering projects with great enthusiasm such as the glider project and two Mini projects. He has become very good at working with others to solve a design problem and overcome technical difficulties. His teacher considers Arley to have improved more than any other key stage 4 engineering student.

>>Most Improved student aged 16 – 18

Winner: David Tillin – University Technical College (UTC) Oxfordshire

Studying a very challenging A level programme at UTC Oxfordshire, taking maths, further maths, physics and product design, David is excelling in his A level subjects and is working extremely hard to achieve the grades he needs for a university place to study civil engineering. David showed his mechanical skills through designing an exceptional Vex robot to solve a remote handling challenge with Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. He was also part of the school team which launched a Raspberry Pi computer to the edge of space on a weather balloon, recording physical features such as height, UV radiation, and temperature as well as sending pictures back to school.

>> Best Apprentice aged 16 – 18

Winner: Lewis Burke – University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science

Lewis has been attending ATG training in Aylesbury since October 2017 studying mechanics standards level 2. He left school in June and then started his apprenticeship with the University of Oxford Department of Engineering Science on September 19.

Lewis started at ATG with a 12 week in house block release course studying five days a week. He has completed four weeks of training for hand fitting, basic turning and basic milling. As getting to and from work was a challenge for Lewis, he took the tough decision to stay in a guest house during the week to enable him to concentrate on his studies.

John Griffiths, chief executive officer of Lucy Electric, said: “Lucy Electric has been supporting and recognising the talents of young engineers in Oxfordshire through the High Sheriff Young Engineer Awards which was introduced by Richard Dick, chairman of the Lucy Group during his tenure as High Sheriff in 2009.

“The initiative is aimed at inspiring young people to consider a career in engineering and we work in partnership with schools and local companies across Oxfordshire to encourage an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.”

A reminder that the Upper High Street will be host to the main stage for the Thame Town Music Festival next weekend.

There will be more than 60 acts across seven venues for the main event on Saturday, July 14 from noon and admission is free with rhythm and blues band Dr Feelgood headlining.

The festival is opened with a classical concert on Friday, July 13, the only event not free, at St Mary’s Church and a songwriters’ competition in the Barns Centre on the same evening.

Festival director Johnnie Littler said: “We are really excited to add more choice and opportunity to TTMF, particularly the Songwriters Competition final to showcase emerging talent and the Music Convention.

“The 10 songwriter finalists were picked out of a huge number of high quality entries so we want people to come to this free event and see if they can spot the next Ed Sheeran. Similarly, the Convention on Saturday is a free event for everyone who is interested in music and the people who make it. We have BBC Radio 6 Music’s top DJ, Tom Robinson hosting it and interviewing Mark Gardener from Ride, producers John Leckie and George Shilling talking about recording Radiohead and Stone Roses and loads of industry figures including our own Towersey Festival director Joe Heap. It’s a real coup for Thame to get all these people.

“The advice is to get a programme and plan your day. All except the classical concert is free entry so you can move around the town and pop in to see different acts and speakers throughout the event.”

For the full programme visit http://www.thametownmusicfestival.org/

A headteacher from Thame is appealing to the Government for a change in the exam system.

David Wybron, headteacher at Lord Williams’s School, has asked the Gazette to air his views on what he describes as ‘The Perfect Storm’.

He says: “Over the last month, students at Lord Williams’s and thousands of state schools across the country have been ploughing through the new GCSE examinations. Some of them have had 26 examinations.

“The Department for Education has confirmed to the school that these are the ‘very best’ qualifications and that the IGCSEs which some of our students did in English and mathematics two years ago lacked the same rigour.

“It therefore staggers me that independent schools are having nothing to do with the new GCSEs. Students attending our leading independent schools can still do coursework and end of course assessments which are less memory based and content heavy. The Department has informed the school that our students, despite taking harder examinations, will not be disadvantaged in terms of grades but:

“>> Why should state school students be put under greater examination pressures than their independent school peers?

“>> Why should state schools be penalised in league table positions if they pursue the same courses as students in our independent schools?

“>> What are we going to do about increasing numbers being put off further study in English and other hitherto popular options?

“Another feature of the storm is the recruitment crisis affecting our schools. The Department for Education has missed its target for recruiting to initial teacher training for the last five years. (According to TES analysis the country needs an additional 47,000 secondary teachers by 2024 to cope with the huge increase in the number of secondary school pupils.)

“Recruitment is getting harder, year on year. We accept the challenge of being pro-active in our recruitment strategies and we are very pleased with the calibre of teachers appointed at Lord Williams’s from overseas. What is incredibly frustrating, however, are the immigration controls which are making it very difficult to appoint the best overseas teachers.

“This school supports the ‘Let Them Teach’ campaign and requests that, as it has done with health workers recently, the Government changes its policy and allows teachers in all subject disciplines to be added to the ‘shortage occupation list’. (Currently teachers in a handful of subjects – maths, physics, computer science and Mandarin are listed as shortage occupations, which are prioritised for visas every month).

“And to fuel the storm we have the ongoing issue of funding. Alongside many others, this school faces huge financial challenges. Staffing costs and inflation are set to rise and we have to replace the heating system at our Oxford Road site.

“Funding per student is set to increase but because the Government has set a 3% cap on how much well-funded authorities would lose in the new funding formula, students at Lord Williams’s will be receiving over £1,000 less per head than students in well-funded authorities and this is before additional funding is added for deprivation.

“There are some very concrete things that need to be done. My appeal is for fairness in terms of recognising that it is not acceptable to put students in state schools under additional pressures and that a rethink of examination content and structures is vital.

“The obsession with prescribing so much content in the new GCSEs appears political; it certainly isn’t for educational reasons and moves us away from the skills our students need in the 21st Century and certainly away from the skills businesses are requesting.

“Schools should have the option of which GCSE courses they pursue but there should not be any ‘league table’ penalty if they choose IGCSEs.

“It is also an appeal for honesty in terms of the state of teacher recruitment and a request for education to be treated in the same way as health in terms of visa applications and visa extensions, so that schools at least have a chance to recruit the teachers they want. With regards finance, I am not sure if anyone is really listening in Government.”

Gorilla-sized expansion to mash-up madness that could pass as a sequel.

Mash-up crossovers are all the rage and another has been added to the collection with the Donkey Kong Adventure expansion of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle for Nintendo Switch.

Donkey Kong Adventure lets you play as everyone’s favourite gorilla, but the crazy new storyline is about so much more.

Rabbid Peach is separated from her friends and must team up with Donkey Kong and the stubborn Rabbid Cranky.

The DLC introduces new gameplay mechanics, new enemies, new environments, and an epic fight against the vengeful Rabbid Kong, who has used his powers to take control of a mysterious island.

This is a proper bona fide expansion and along the way you will meet some classic Donkey Kong enemies, mixed in with the Rabbids while Kong sports some of his iconic attacks, like bongo-ing enemies and swinging from vines.

The new expansion features over 10 hours’ worth of new gameplay and is so big it could almost stand alone as a sequel to the original game rather than simply an expansion.

There is so much fun to be had and Donkey Kong is a genuine game-changing character.

The Nintendo poster gorilla does not feel like he has been shoe-horned in to front some cheap and easy new content.

He boasts abilities that are fun to get your head around and try out, and Cranky Kong’s is a great addition to the line-up too.

The sheer size of the expansion and how seamlessly DK fits into the Mario + Rabbids world is the crowning achievement by Ubisoft.

But there are some negatives, mainly the fact that you have to make do with one set team line-up, which therefore limits your ability to vary your strategy and tactics and also takes away from what would have been even greater longevity.

Members of the public across Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Hertfordshire are being warned over a heightened risk of wildfires following major incidents this week.

ABOVE: WATCH VIDEO AND CLICK GALLERY LINK TO SEE PICTURES FROM FIELD INFERNO IN BUCKS

CLA South East - the membership organisation for owners of land, property and business in rural England and Wales - is calling on the public to be on alert especially on hillsides, moors and heathland as warm, dry, and settled conditions have elevated wildfire conditions across large swathes of the country.

For more than a week fire crews have been tackling blazes including a terrifying incident which required over 100 firefighters to tackle 50ft flames as an inferno took over a 500 sq m field of grassland in Buckinghamshire.

That fire spread to nearby industrial units and the A404 was closed in both directions due to smoke billowing across the road earlier this week but thankfully nobody was hurt in the incident.

Wildfires have the capability to devastate farmland, wildlife and also pose a risk to the lives of people living and working in rural and adjacent communities.

Reducing the risk of wildfires is key at this time of the year, and raising awareness is one way in which the risk can be reduced.

Wildfires can be prevented by not discarding cigarettes or other smoldering material. The same can be said for litter as quite often bottles and shards of glass can spark a fire.

Some CLA members have highlighted the increased fire risk associated with disposable barbeques that are used in the countryside, urging the visiting public not to barbeque in rural areas. Barbeques should only take place in sheltered areas well away from combustible material, and properly extinguished afterwards.

The CLA has also long called for the ban on sky lanterns as these pose a serious risk of fire, especially in the countryside. At present the Government is unwilling to introduce a ban as they do not consider the dangers significant enough, despite animal deaths and fires as a result of sky lanterns.

Regional director for CLA, Robin Edwards, said: “We have witnessed the devastating impacts of the recent fires, both on communities as well as scarring the landscape and destroying wildlife, and we appeal to the public to be extra vigilant when out and about in the countryside.”

Rob Gazzard, chairman of the South East England Wildfire Group, said: “If you find a wildfire, do four things.

“First get to a place of safety, then dial 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.

“Tell fire control about the location of the fire, its size and any other relevant information.

“Finally meet the fire and rescue service at a pre-arranged entrance point, direct them to the fire and be on hand to provide other information. Be #wildfireaware.”

For more information about the CLA and its work, visit www.cla.org.uk and follow @CLASouthEast on Twitter.

Supermarket chains including Waitrose, Tesco and Aldi have been forced to remove dozens of items from sale, following an outbreak of listeria.

As reported earlier this week, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that frozen sweetcorn is the likely source of listeriosis – reportedly leading to nine deaths so far.

Listeriosis is a rare but serious foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It can be more critical for those people with a weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, pregnant women and infants.

Listeriosis causes vomiting and diarrhoea and usually goes away on its own. However, it can cause serious problems in the elderly, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems. It can cause serious infections like meningitis and miscarriage.

The FSA released a list of 43 frozen vegetable items that have since been recalled.

Full list of all the recalled products (source: FSA):

Pinguin Frozen Sweetcorn

* Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Pinguin Supersweet Sweetcorn

* Pack size – All

* Batch code – All

* Best before – July 2020

Tesco Frozen Broccoli, Carrot and Sweetcorn Steamer

* Pack size – All

* Batch code – All

* Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Tesco Frozen Every Day Value Sweetcorn

Pack size – All

Batch code – All

Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Ross Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – 12x450g

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2021

One Stop Frozen Sweetcorn

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Aldi Four Seasons Frozen Vegetable Steamers

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Aldi Frozen Four Seasons Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size - All

*Batch code - All

*Best before - All codes to Jan 2020

Pinguin Sweetcorn

*Pack size – 1×10 kg

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Aldi Four Seasons Supersweet Sweetcorn

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Waitrose Essential Supersweet Sweetcorn

*Pack size – E1kg

*Batch code – All

*Best before – Oct 2019, Nov 2019, Aug 2019

Waitrose Essential Mixed Vegetable

*Pack size – E1kg Batch code – All

*Best before – All up to Dec 2019

Tesco Frozen Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Waitrose Fine Cut Vegetable Steamer

*Pack size – E640g (4x160ge)

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All up to Jan 2020

Waitrose Love Life Vegetable Medley Steamers

*Pack size – E640g (4x160ge)

*Batch code – P6163 P7021 P7080

*Best before – May 2018, Jul 2018, Sep 2018

Sainsbury Frozen Special Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Growers Pride Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – 12x450g

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2021

Sainsbury Frozen Basic Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Sainsbury Frozen Rice Broccoli and Sweetcorn

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Sainsbury Frozen Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Sainsbury Frozen Carrot Broccoli and Sweetcorn

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Pinguin Supersweet Corn

*Pack size – 1×10 kg

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Lidl Frozen Green Grocer Supersweet Corn

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Tesco Growers Harvest Frozen Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Lidl Frozen Freshona Vegetable Mix

*Pack size – All Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to July 2020

Iceland Frozen Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – 900g

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to 22 June 2020

Pinguin Frozen Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – 1×10 kg

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Independent Mix Vegetables

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2019

Ross Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – 10x1kg

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Pinguin Mixed Vegetable

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Pinguin Frozen Cut Beans

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – NA

*Best before – July 2020

Growers Pride Mixed Vegetables

*Pack size – 12x750g

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Ross Mixed Country Vegetables

*Pack size – 10x1kg

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Growers Pride Supersweet Sweetcorn

*Pack size – 12x750g

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Pinguin frozen Golden Rice and Vegetables

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Growers Pride Supersweet Sweetcorn

*Pack size – 12x450g

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2021

Ross Sweetcorn

*Pack size – 12x450g

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2021

Ross Sweetcorn

*Pack size – 10x1kg

*Batch code – All

*Best before – July 2020

Tesco Frozen Sweetcorn

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

Tesco frozen Mixed Vegetables and Peppers

*Pack size – All

*Batch code – All

*Best before – All codes to Jan 2020

What to do if you have bought one of these products?

The FSA advice states: “If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return the product to the store from where it was bought for a full refund”.

Gordon is a moron! Buyers of just about any punk rock compilation album ever will have heard this song, and many more besides - the work of Jilted John, otherwise known as Graham Fellows.

The novelty single, which was released in 1978 turns 40 this year - and to celebrate, Graham - who is also well known for his comedic alter ego John Shuttleworth, is going out on tour.

Graham sat down with Hayley O’Keeffe to spill the beans on punk rock, doing it yourself and getting a snog from Blondie’s Debbie Harry!

Jilted John came into being while Graham was still a drama student at Manchester Polytechnic. He wrote Jilted John during a lunch break at college on an acoustic guitar that was lying around in the canteen.

A demo was heard by local punk label Rabid Records who signed Graham up, and a single was recorded by the legendary Martin Hannet who produced Buzzcocks, Joy Division, Magazine and John Cooper Clarke.

Graham said: “It does feel like 40 years, but in a way it doesn’t. For years and years people would say they wanted to hear that I succumbed to playing it at a benefit about four years ago. I was then asked by Rebellion Festival (Blackpool punk rock festival) to do it and I got a band together. It went really well and we thought we would do the odd gig - and now we want to mark 40 years and celebrate the album.”

He added: “I don’t really feel punk now and I didn’t really identify with punk at the time - I’m punk in the way that I am a cottage industry. It’s always been just me going out with my keyboard and I’ve never had a big team - I’ve always made my own CDs too. That’s the punk ethos.”

He added: “I am a Green and I did a song for Greenpeace, I am eco and into recycling and I set up a recording studio in Orkney. Part of me would like to see the world destroy itself though - but hopefully that won’t happen.”

On the tour Graham will be supported by Aylesbury hero John Otway - who Graham says has been a huge influence on his musical output.

He said: “I supported him years ago and he has kept going being himself for years. He was a big influence on me as Jilted John - I was a teenager studying in Manchester and I heard I’m Really Free and that kicked it off for me.”

During his heady brush with pop stardom as Jilted John, Graham was played by John Peel, and also got to appear on Top of The Pops, where he achieved every teenage boy of that time’s dream - getting a ‘snog’ from Blondie’s Debbie Harry.

He said: “I did get a snog from Debbie Harry! But only on the cheek. Every adolescent teenage boy fancied Debbie Harry so it was part of a photoshoot for the NME ‘John Gets Lucky’ - I was hunk of the month in Jackie too you know?!”

So there you have it! 40 years since Jilted John - and he’s back for twelve dates in and around our area later this year, I wonder if Gordon and Julie got married?

Wednesday, October 3 - Harpenden Halls

Friday, October 5 - Liverpool 02 Academy

Saturday, October 6 - Cambridge Junction

Sunday, October 7 - Brighton Haunt

Monday, October 8 - London Koko

Thursday, October 11 - Frome Cheese and Grain

Friday, October 12 - Wolverhampton Slade

Saturday, October 13 - Glasgow King Tuts

Sunday, October 14 - Middlesborough Town Hall

Thursday, October 18 - Lincoln Engine Shed

Friday, October 19 - Sheffield 02 Academy

Saturday, October 20 - Manchester Dancehouse

The Kings Head in Aylesbury is hosting some free live music from 5pm this afternoon (Saturday).

Face 2 Face will strut their stuff on the cobbles from 5pm.

A spokesman for Chiltern Brewery, which owns the historic town pub, said: “We are delighted that Face2Face, a group of internationally renowned musicians, will be playing a free concert in the cobbled courtyard.

“Playing an eclectic mix of music, this family-friendly event is one not to be missed!”

Pictures and video show the a new adapted Treehouse at nearby Center Parcs Woburn Forest before final preparations ahead of the arrival of the first guests.

CLICK THE PICTURE GALLERY LINK ABOVE OR WATCH THE VIDEO FOR A SNEEK PEAK AT THE NEW CENTER PARCS WOBURN FOREST ADAPTED TREEHOUSE

Following the huge popularity of Treehouse accommodation at the short break provider’s other villages, Center Parcs has just completed the creation of three Treehouses at Woburn Forest, one of which is specially adapted for wheelchair access.

The new accommodation, sitting in amongst the trees can be found close to the lake, in the heart of the forest, in the perfect setting for wildlife spotting.

While the Bedfordshire-based location near Milton Keynes feels a million miles away from everyday life, it is just 50 minutes by train from London St Pancras train station, which Center Parcs feels makes it the ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital and for those living in the Home Counties.

This luxurious accommodation includes a large living space with a fireplace, stylish kitchen, outdoor terrace with dining space, four en-suite bedrooms with private balconies, an outdoor hot tub, sauna, games den, snug area and all the latest technology throughout.

This style of accommodation even comes with its own Treehouse Host, on-call if guests need anything during their stay. With a locally sourced welcome food and drinks pack on arrival and bikes already delivered, it’s definitely the most indulgent bolt hole you can have at Center Parcs.

Martin Dalby, Center Parcs CEO said: “It’s great that our guests have loved the Treehouses at other villages and it’s absolutely fantastic that we can now offer this amazing accommodation to families coming to Woburn Forest.

“Nature and family time are important aspects of the experience we offer, so something this unique and stylish, with family time at the heart of the design, nestled in the trees, is something very special.”

Breaks in Treehouses are available at Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest and now Woburn Forest.

For more information visit: www.centerparcs.co.uk/accommodation/treehouses

Prices for midweek and weekend breaks in this style of accommodation start from £3,099, prices correct at this time, please check www.centerparcs.co.uk for accurate, up-to-date pricing information.

Video footage shows two huge US military aircraft in England as the build-up to Donald Trump’s visit to Aylesbury Vale in Bucks gathers pace.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE TO SEE THE HUGE MILITARY AIRCRAFT WHICH ARE ACCOMPANYING TRUMP ON HIS VISIT

V22 Osprey tiltrotor military aircraft, which can take off and land vertically, were spotted in London on Monday afternoon as the security operation for Trump’s three-day visit this week - which takes in Chequers and RAF Halton in Bucks - is stepped up.

The operation is estimated to cost £30 million as 10,000 police officers are also deployed.

The mammoth military aircraft whipped up grass and litter as they skimmed the treetops on Monday afternoon.

One onlooker, who captured the footage, said he was blown off his bicycle as he stopped to watch the military aircraft.

Philip Robinson, 33, who works as a speech therapist near Regents Park, said: “It was unbelievable.

“These two huge American military helicopters came flying in, and hovered above the park for around 15 minutes.

“It was very noisy. There were a few people around, and most of them were intrigued. I think I was the only one who was a little bit annoyed.

“It’s a public park full of ordinary people just trying to enjoy some peace and quiet. They shouldn’t be allowed to do this here.”

Philip added that he got blown off his bike by the air from the helicopters blades, and said: “I blame Donald Trump.”

Controversial US President Trump is set to visit Aylesbury Vale to have lunch with Prime Minister Theresa May.

Mr Trump, will come to Chequers as part of his tour of the UK and it is believed that his wife Melania will take part in a different event, accompanied by Theresa May’s husband Philip.

READ MORE:

A rude message to Donald Trump has appeared as a crop circle on Stoke Mandeville farm

Eyes of the world on Aylesbury Vale as US President Donald Trump set to visit on Friday

UK Supermarkets have been forced to pull more frozen vegetable products from their shelves over fears that they may be contaminated with the listeria bacteria.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Iceland, Lidl and Aldi have all recalled a variety of products after a warning issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Last week 43 products were recalled with more added to the list this week after supplier Greenyard recalled its frozen corn, peas, beans, spinach and sorrel. Now 53 products have been recalled by supermarkets.

To date, 11 people in the UK have been ill with listeriosis dating back to 2015, with two cases proving fatal.

According to the FSA, the bacteria is mainly found in sweetcorn but could be present in other frozen foods. It has warned that if you have bought the products below, do not eat it. Instead, you can return the product to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.

The full list of products recalled

*Aldi Four Seasons Frozen Carrots, Peas & Supersweet Sweetcorn Steamers

*Aldi Four Seasons Frozen Carrots, Broccoli & Supersweet Sweetcorn Steamers

*Aldi Frozen Four Seasons Mixed Vegetables

*Aldi Four Seasons Supersweet Sweetcorn

*Aldi Four Seasons Frozen Vegetable Steamers

*Growers Pride Supersweet Sweetcorn

*Growers Pride Mixed Vegetables

*Iceland Frozen Mixed Vegetables

*Independent Mix Vegetables

*Lidl Green Grocer’s Carrots, Broccoli & Sweetcorn

*Lidl Frozen Green Grocer’s Supersweet Corn

*Lidl Frozen Freshona Vegetable Mix

*Lidl Green Grocer’s Mixed Vegetables

*Lidl Green Grocer’s Baby Carrots, Peas, Green Beans & Sweetcorn Steamers

*Lidl Green Grocer’s Fragrant Golden Rice Steamers

*One Stop Frozen Sweetcorn

*Oriental Express Chinese Chicken

*Oriental Express Chinese Prawns

*Oriental Express Egg Fried Rice

*Pinguin Mixed Vegetable

*Pinguin Frozen Sweetcorn

*Pinguin Supersweet Sweetcorn

*Pinguin Frozen Golden Rice and Vegetables

*Pinguin Country Vegetable

*Pinguin Frozen Cut Beans

*Pinguin Frozen Mixed Vegetables

*Ross Mixed Country Vegetables

*Ross Mixed Vegetables

*Ross Sweetcorn

*Sainsbury’s Mixed Special Vegetables

*Sainsbury’s Mixed Vegetables

*Sainsbury’s White Rice, Broccoli, Supersweet Sweetcorn & Peas Microwaveable steam bags

*Sainsbury’s Basics Mixed Vegetables

*Sainsbury’s Carrots, Broccoli & Sweetcorn Microwaveable steam bags

*Sainsbury Frozen Special Mixed Vegetables

*Sainsbury Frozen Basic Mixed Vegetables

*Sainsbury Frozen Rice Broccoli and Sweetcorn

*Sainsbury Frozen Mixed Vegetables

*Sainsbury Frozen Carrot Broccoli and Sweetcorn

*Tesco Frozen Mixed Vegetables and Peppers

*Tesco Broccoli Frozen Sweetcorn Peas and Spinach Steamer

*Tesco Growers Harvest Sweetcorn

*Tesco Frozen Growers Harvest Carrot Peas and Sweetcorn Steamer

*Tesco Frozen Growers Harvest Mixed Vegetables

*Tesco Frozen Broccoli, Carrot and Sweetcorn Steamer

*Tesco Frozen Every Day Value Sweetcorn

*Tesco Frozen Sweetcorn

*Tesco Frozen Mixed Vegetables

*Waitrose Essential Supersweet Sweetcorn

*Waitrose Essential Vegetable Mix

*Waitrose Essential Mixed Vegetable

*Waitrose Fine Cut Vegetable Steamer

*Waitrose Love Life Vegetable Medley Steamers

What to do if you have bought one of these products?

The FSA advice states: “If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return the product to the store from where it was bought for a full refund”

More than 3,300 people enjoyed the Haddenham Summerfest in the blistering sunshine - and most managed to watch England win in the World Cup quarter final.

The committee of the annual Summerfest organised a large outdoor screen for those wanting to watch the football as part of attending the festival.

During the football around 2,000 people watched the screen and celebrated wildly when England scored. At the end renditions of ‘Football’s Coming Home’ could be heard as they all headed back to the bars to toast the victory.

There was the usual line up of local musicians along with a large array of food stalls and drinks. There was a gin bar this year for the first time with a selection of flavoured gins, along with 140 barrels of ale, 40 barrels of cider, 40 barrels of lager plus Pimms and wine.

A festival spokesman said: “It was a great day out enjoyed by families and groups of friends alike, all in an atmosphere of joviality and good humour whilst helping us raise money to support local good causes and organisations.

“Thanks to all who came on the day either as revellers, performers or food dispensers and especially to those who helped before, during and after.”

Next year’s event is on July 6 and Winterfest is held on December 8.

The supplier says that engineers have visited dozens of companies over the past two weeks to fix internal leaks for free and offer a 'wide range of water efficiency tips and advice, with demand now gradually reducing from record levels'.

They claims that the drive has saved saved tens of thousands of litres, including leaky loos fixed at the Aylesbury Holiday Inn, several old pipes and showers disconnected at the famous Stoke Mandeville sports complex and untreated water delivered in tankers to Wyevale garden centres for plants.

Thames Water has also appealed to customers via text messages, the local media and advertising – explaining there is currently not enough water to go round for sprinklers and hosepipes. They say that the problem still exists even though the firm has increased production in the local network by 25 per cent.

Andrew Tucker, water efficiency manager at Thames Water, said: “This is a team effort and together we’re making a real difference. Businesses have a huge part to play by reducing the amount they’re using, in every way possible, and these visits have been crucial to helping us meet record demand.

“We’re doing all we can to keep the taps flowing for everybody, but the situation is still tight. We all need to keep going as there will continue to be a risk to water supplies in the area for as long as this heatwave continues. Thanks for your efforts so far, and please keep it up – as every drop counts!”

Sunith Bose, hotel manager at Holiday Inn Aylesbury, said: “We’re a responsible business so when the Thames Water engineers offered to carry out repairs on some leaky loos and dripping taps, we jumped at the chance. It’s been really worthwhile. We’re the sixth biggest water user in the area so it’s great to know we’re saving water that other people in the community can use.”

Helen Wood, owner of the Broad Leys pub in Aylesbury, said: “The visit was brilliant. The engineers were really good, they fixed some leaking taps and loos, and nothing was too much trouble for them. It’s great to know we’re saving water.”

Peter Marks, owner of the Lost Sock Launderette, which had a leaky loo and dripping tap, added: “I would recommend the visits 100 per cent. The guys were so helpful, and now we’re saving hundreds of litres of water every day. I’ve already told some of the other businesses to book visits in – it’s really worth it and means there’s more water for people to use.”

A jubilant and celebratory Proms concert by Lord Williams’s Festival Chorus was enjoyed by an audience of 300 on Saturday at Thame Leisure Centre.

Amidst much flag waving the choir, accompanied by the superb Ealing Symphony Orchestra, performed Vaughan Williams’ ‘Toward the Unknown Region’, Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’ and three pieces by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry including his best-known work ‘Jerusalem’. Another Proms favourite, Elgar’s ‘Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1’, better known as ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ really did lift the roof with spectacular participation from the audience.

The orchestra performed several pieces including the rousing ‘Dam Busters March’ by Eric Coates, and the ‘Suffolk Suite’, a short work written in 1964 by local composer Doreen Carwithen who was born in Haddenham.

Laura van der Heijden, who was BBC Young Musician of the Year 2012, delighted the audience with a stunning performance of Dvorak’s ‘Cello Concerto in B minor’.

It was an evening of mixed emotions as the chorus said farewell to musical director John Gibbons. John, who has been with the choir for 13 years, is stepping down due to his extraordinarily busy schedule of commitments.

Chairman Karen Ross thanked John on behalf of the choir for all his encouragement, patience and belief in them over the years.

She said: “He has striven to get the very best out of us, introducing us to lesser known works and guiding us expertly through trickier pieces. We have also had the privilege of performing with the superb Ealing Symphony Orchestra, whom we shall also miss.”

The chorus will perform Handel’s ‘The Messiah’ on December 1 under the leadership of new musical director Jeff Stewart.