Kind-hearted coworkers have banded together to support a very special colleague as she battles cancer.

Popular mother-of-two Sharon Finch, 45, who works at sales and marketing company Cosine in Haddenham, was diagnosed with the condition at the start of this year.

She has already endured a surgery and rounds of gruelling chemotherapy, and at the start of August will have a second more complex operation to remove a tumour.

On hearing the news of Sharon’s struggle - colleagues wasted no time in organising a string of challenges and activities to raise funds to give her a very special treat to look forward to as she recovers from the ordeal.

The firm set up a funding site to field donations - and hosted events including raffles, bake sales and silent auctions to raise extra money.

And this morning Cosine recruiter Catherine MacDonald - braved a head shave as part of the company’s morning ‘huddle’ meeting to help the company smash its £2,500 target.

Sarah Vaughan, performance manager at Cosine, said: “Big thanks go to Catherine, herself an amazing individual who organised the whole thing, from braving the shave to the crowd funding page, without her doing this we would be nowhere near the target we have achieved, as quoted by Catherine – its true from little acorns mighty oaks grow.”

She added: “Everyone in the company is totally on board and participating with the fund raising, as the crowd funding page states Sharon is our funny, special friend.

“We also use workplace (our office Facebook) to start posting silly pictures on there for Sharon to see when she needs a spirit raiser - even the people you’d least expect are posting pictures and it’s been fantastic.

“You only have to look at some of the comments on the crowd funding page to see the love.”

Catherine added: “Sharon is such a gentle soul, never a bad word about anyone, and always wishes the best for all.

“She is such an un-needy person and we want her to know that she is never on her own through this, we cannot be with her all the time but we are certainly with her in spirit and thinking of her all the time.

“We want for her to be able to look forward to something beyond the treatment and surgery, something nice. “

Sharon is currently in hospital in London where she will stay until the surgery date - supported by her friends, colleagues and family including her sons Cameron and Aaron.

And she said that she has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

She said: “I just can’t express how much all my friends and colleagues at Cosine have done for me this year.

"The support and love from all has been outstanding and there are just no words to express how grateful I am to everyone.”

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their kindness?

We’d love to hear from you!

Email editorial@bucksherald.co.uk

Enjoy a summer fun day and raise much needed funds for the animals care for at Blue Cross Lewknor.

The charity is holding the family event on Sunday, July 29 at Lewknor Village Hall on the High Street.

There will be a barbecue along with a fun dog show, raffle, games and stalls at the event, which will take place from 11am until 3pm.

Admission is £1, free for children under 12, with all funds raised on the day going to Blue Cross to help the pet charity care for even more cats, dogs and small animals that arrive at the centre.

Clare Cruttenden, manager at Blue Cross Lewknor rehoming centre, said: “We are really looking forward to this year’s event and hope to see lots of animal lovers join us on the day.

“Every penny raised goes towards helping us look after the many pets we take in and rehome each year.”

Blue Cross does not receive any government funding so it relies on the support of the public and events like this to continue its vital work.

For more information on the event contact Blue Cross at Lewknor on 0300 777 1500. You can also keep up with the latest centre news on the centre’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bluecrosslewknor

It might be scorching hot but its time to think about frosty evenings and Christmas in Thame.

Thame Town Council is looking to involve the community once again in the annual Christmas lights switch-on event in the town which will take place on Friday, November 30.

Residents are being invited to have their say on what attractions should be booked to attend the event. Search for the ‘Christmas in Thame’ Facebook page and comment with your suggestions on the pinned post by July 31.

Performance groups in Thame – singers, dancers, actors, and comedians – are all invited to perform at the event. Please get in touch with the Town Council if you are interested as space is limited.

Local traders and crafts people are encouraged to apply to have a stall at the event to sell their products. The food and gift market is a perfect way to start the Christmas shopping season and find unique presents, whilst supporting local independent crafters.

The council relies on the generous support of local businesses for sponsorship. Businesses can choose to sponsor a specific aspect of the event, for example the lantern parade, or choose a package from the sponsorship opportunities leaflet available via the Town Council’s website. Sponsorship starts from £50 and is gratefully received.

All of the event favourites will be returning, including a Santa’s grotto, mulled wine, live music and entertainment from local performers, the primary schools’ lantern parade, Christmas market, roaming characters, carol singing, and of course the big switch-on at 7pm.

More information about all of the above can be found at www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas. Please email info@thametowncouncil.gov.uk if you would like to be involved in the event.

An opening date has been announced for the new Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway heritage and main line rail interchange.

The Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway (C&PRR) will become the nearest main line connected heritage railway, with a cross-platform interchange facility, to London when the newly restored platform is opened at Princes Risborough.

The steam railway will be under 25 miles and 40 minutes from Marylebone.

The 100% volunteer operated C&PRR has announced that following the latest project review of track and platform construction progress at Princes Risborough, the new main line interchange facility will open on August 15.

The inaugural train will be for guests who have supported the project, such as the Department for Transport with their £75,000 grant funded by UK Government in August 2016, and Network Rail and Chiltern Railways who have worked tirelessly in this period alongside C&PRR volunteers to make sure the project was completed.

Public services will operate in the afternoon of August 15 running as ‘The Watlington Flyer’ travelling non-stop in around 15 minutes each way for the four-mile trip in each direction. Tickets at the normal Adult/Concession/Child price will only be sold in advance - they will be valid for one return journey between Princes Risborough and Chinnor or vice versa, and they are on sale at www.chinnorrailway.co.uk

Until August 15, trains will only operate between Chinnor and Thame Junction enabling the final track alterations to be carried out at Princes Risborough. Summer Thursday streaming on August 16, 23 and 30 services will also only operate to Thame Junction.

Saturday, August 18, will be a normal operating day but with trains commencing at 11am from Chinnor and 11.40am from Princes Risborough, with tickets valid for one round-trip only.

From Sunday, August 19, and subsequent weekend operating days will be as per August 18, but tickets will be valid all day as normal.

C&PRR chairman Danny Woodward said: “We have carried out a lot of research into what the opening afternoon loadings may be, but the truth is we don’t know what will happen! We have been advised by colleagues in the heritage railway sector to expect up to a 35% surge in passenger numbers, so to make sure of travelling, intending visitors are urged to secure their tickets in advance via the website.”

A new deputy lieutenant has been appointed for Oxfordshire.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson, has appointed the new deputy to assist in the role of representing Her Majesty the Queen in the county.

The new deputy lieutenant is Brigadier Dennis Blease who lives in Longcot, near Faringdon.

Brigadier Blease served in the British Army for 36 years and retired in 2008.

During the latter part of his service he worked mainly with NATO, but also with the EU and UN.

Since retiring from the army he has worked as an independent consultant lecturing and advising on security and justice reform in developing countries.

Brigadier Blease has also combined active involvement in local matters within the Vale of White Horse with part-time doctoral studies at Cranfield University, Shrivenham, gaining his PhD this year.

Along with a number of formal tasks, Brigadier Blease will help to encourage and support all positive contributions to community life in Oxfordshire - particularly from volunteering activity of all kinds.

Deputy lieutenants are appointed for the contribution they have already made to the life of the county, and for their potential for contributing even more in their new role.

The current deputy lieutenants are drawn from all walks of life, displaying a wide range of different skills and experience.

Mr Stevenson said: “I am delighted to announce this new appointment to the existing group of dedicated deputy lieutenants.

“I know that Brigadier Blease will bring skill, commitment and enthusiasm to his new role. Oxfordshire will benefit greatly.

John will play the villainous baddie Hook with Holly starring as Tinker Bell in Peter Pan from Friday to Monday December 7 to 31.
A familiar face to television, John has over 20 years of primetime series under his belt including Our Girl, Casualty and Taggart where he played DI Ross. As Karl Munro in Coronation Street John perfected his bad boy role setting The Rovers Return on fire, keeping his onstage wife Stella (Michelle Collins) hostage, then being arrested for murder and arson!

John also appeared in the film To Walk with Lions alongside Richard Harris. Having swapped the cobbles of Corrie for the hospital wards of Holby City, John is now set to fly into Neverland.
Talking about his role this Christmas John said: "Nothing compares to live theatre, it’s a completely different beast. Unlike TV programmes there’s no take two, you’re in the moment and go on an adventure with the audience and the buzz is unrivalled. Hook is a baddie you can have a lot of fun with, and I’m going to make it my mission to bring hisses and boos into Bucks like never before!"
Holly is a performer best known for her work with pop group Go!Go!Go!, as seen on Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. channel.
With Go!Go!Go!, Holly achieved a Top 75 album and completed two successful West End runs and a UK tour with Live Nation, culminating in a sell-out concert at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Holly has a wealth of experience in children's theatre and family entertainment, and has a natural flair for presenting and audience interaction.

Most recently, Holly completed the European Tour of Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show, in which she played the role of Columbia.
Holly enjoys playing Tinker Bell, a character she’s played before, and looks forward to bringing back to life: ‘I’m no panto princess, so I love getting stuck into the sassiness of Tink – she’s a real character, and - no spoilers! - but there’s going to be plenty of panto magic in store. I can’t wait to get in my wings and do my thing!’
John and Holly join the previously announced cast of local funny man Andy Collins as Smee and Britain’s Got Talent’s La Voix as Mrs Smee.

Tickets for the show can be booked by visiting www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre or call the box office on 0844 871 7607

Tickets will go on sale next week for the annual festival that puts the arts and literary spotlight on Thame.

The 9th Thame Arts and Literature Festival (TAL) runs from October 18 to October 21, with events at venues across the town, and tickets are on sale online from noon on August 1.

There is a feast of literary treats to enjoy, with author talks, music, literature, plays, readings, debates and more.

If you cannot buy tickets online, a box office will open at the Town Hall on Saturday, September 1 at 9.30am. Call 0788 548 4406.

Historian, author, curator and television presenter Lucy Worsley, recently awarded an OBE, will be talking about the world’s most famous divorce.

Lady Mary is the story of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon’s divorce told through the eyes of their daughter, Lady Mary, and you can hear this on October 20 at the Spread Eagle Hotel at 2pm.

British adventurer and writer Charlie Walker, who specialises in long distance, human-powered expeditions and has travelled by bicycle, foot, horse and dugout canoe, will share his experiences. In his first book, Through Sand and Snow, he takes you on the first 18 months and 18,000 miles of a four-year, 43,000-mile bicycle journey, at Christchurch on October 21 at 5pm.

Johnny Johnson is the last surviving member of the famous Dambusters. Hear, in his own words, the exploits of a man who survived one of Britain’s most risky operations from WW2. The Last British Dambuster is at the Players Theatre on October 18 at 12.30pm.

Shakespearean actor Michael Pennington joins the festival on October 20 to discuss ‘King Lear in Brooklyn’, when he performed in New York. Hear about his experiences at the Players Theatre, at 6.30pm.

Enjoy the words of poet Wendy Cope in Anecdotal Evidence, her first collection of poetry since 2011, on October 20 at the Players Theatre at 3.30pm.

The festival will also commemorate those who gave their lives during the two world wars in Thame Remembers, the project which has seen crosses placed on graves across the world. Hear more about this project on October 21 at Thame Barns Centre at 5pm.

New this year is the TAL Visitor Hub, hosted by Patrician Press at The Stables at James Figg. Grab a snack or a drink from the bar and enjoy free events, reading and poetry.

Music events include the ever-popular Rumsey’s Tea Concert, or the string quartet, Oxus, with Beer and Baroque at The Figg. And there’s Thame’s very own ‘Glyndebarn’ with the Music of Morse performed by the acclaimed touring opera group, Opera Anywhere.

For full programme details visit talfestival.org and keep an eye out in the Gazette as we will be featuring more of the events in the run-up to the festival.

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Anton Du Beke will head out on new tour which will mix the magic of dance and musicals on stage.

He will be perform alongside regular partner Erin Boag in the show Dance Those Magical Musicals will visit Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Sunday February 24 as part of a UK tour.

Ballroom will meet musical theatre in a show packed with stunning costumes and breath-taking choreography, set to iconic theatrical music from shows including Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins, 42nd Street, Wicked, Top Hat, Hairspray and Jersey Boys.

Joining Anton and Erin live on stage will be the London Concert Orchestra with conductor Richard Balcombe, a sensational West End dance ensemble and the brilliant star vocalist, Lance Ellington. The show will also feature the very popular Q and A section providing some fun interaction with the audience.

Anton said: “Get ready for West End live on the dancefloor. Erin and I can’t wait to bring our new show to a venue near you. Expect fabulous dancing, music and song.”

Tickets for the show will go on sale on Friday July 27 at 10am. To book call the box office on 0844 871 7607, visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/aylesbury or www.raymondgubbay.co.uk

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

Wycombe Magistrates Court

July 16:

Kelly O’Beirne, 33, Balfour Way, Aylesbury: used threatening and/or abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Stole alcohol valued at £101.50 and £141.50 in two separate incidents from Sainsbury’s, Buckingham Street, Aylesbury. Assaulted two women and one men at Sainsbury’s, Aylesbury, in three separate incidents.

Given suspended prison sentences running for a totally of 36 months which are suspended for 12 months. Ordered to pay compensation of £30.

July 17:

Laura Cuss, 26, Prince Rupert Drive, Aylesbury: assaulted a constable in the execution of their duty by punching their face and pulling their hair. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay compensation of £150, a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Charles Molyneux, 37, Coxhill Way, Aylesbury: theft from a shop - stole a barber jacket valued at £199 from House of Fraser, Aylesbury. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20.

July 18:

Shaun Brown, 47, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury: produced seven plants of cannabis. Fined £415, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Sandra Taylor, 59, Spicers Yard, Haddenham: drunk and disorderly behaviour at Fort End, Haddenham. Fined £146, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

July 20:

Guiseppina Rossetti, 37, Friarage Road, Aylesbury: criminal damage to property - damaged a police vehicle belonging to Thames Valley Police. Ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next year and pay compensation of £81.

Assaulted two constables in the execution of their duty in two separate incidents. Ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next year and pay compensation of £50 for each incident.

Interfered with a motor vehicle with the intent of committing theft. Ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next year.

Stefan Greco, 35, Griffin Lane, Aylesbury: theft from a shop - stole DVDs from Sainsbury’s. Discharged conditionally for 12 months and ordered to pay compensation of £257.

Less than 3 years left for the Sony PlayStation 4?

It has been one of the biggest successes in video game history but the PlayStation 4 is officially entering ‘the last phase of its life cycle’.

Depending on when you were born and when you got into gaming you will have been here before ushering in a new generation of console and waving goodbye to a trusty old friend.

From the C64 to NES, Master System, SNES, Megadrive, N64, Mega CD, Gamecube, Dreamcast, PlayStation, XBox and their derivatives ever since to name but a few, technology is constantly advancing and so that goes hand in hand with the video game industry.

And it seems we could be waving goodbye to the PS4 - which has sold a staggering 74 million units worldwide since its release in 2013 - in the next couple of years.

During Sony’s Corporate Strategy Meeting, Playstation boss John Kodera was reported as saying that the console was entering the “final phase of its life cycle”.

Wall Street Journal reporter Takashi Mochizuki reported it on Twitter, mentioning that membership services like Playstation Plus will continue to provide revenue for Sony despite the obvious hit to sale of the PS4 now gamers know it won’t be around too much longer.

Kodera then gave another interview, where spoke about Sony “preparing for the future” and games industry consultant Serkan Toto translated the key points on Twitter.

“While he doesn’t use the word “PS5”, Kodera says (again) the PS4 entered the final stage of its lifecycle and that Sony will spend the next three years “preparing for the future”.

If your dream is to own a property bursting with period details and charm, then Rectory Farm could be for you.

Situated on a no-through road and immediately adjacent to the village church, this historic Grade II listed farmhouse in Pulloxhill, Bedfordshire, sits in almost four acres of partly walled grounds with landscaped gardens, fields, outbuildings, a greenhouse, orchard and pond.

With origins in the 16th and 17th centuries, ancient symbols known as witches’ marks are still visible on some timbers and were carved possibly in medieval times when the practise was thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Further evidence of this fascinating heritage is an exposed panel of the kitchen wall which reveals the wattle and daub construction, the oldest known method of building walls in medieval Europe. Inglenook fireplaces, quarry tiled floors and sand blasted and exposed beams and timbers combine to make this an exceptional property.

Inside, everywhere is light and bright thanks to virtually every room being dual aspect, many with garden views over to the Chilterns countryside beyond.

As befits an authentic farmhouse, there is a traditional farmhouse kitchen perfect for family dining, a pantry and boot room.

A unique feature is the galleried landing area, arranged on two levels and with timbers dating from 1568.

Off this landing area on the first floor are four of the six bedrooms, including one currently used as a snooker room.

Two further bedrooms are found on the second floor.

Outside, a driveway has parking for twelve cars and branches one way to the garden machinery store/workshop and in the other to the garage block which has pre-application planning approval and is prime for residential conversion.

The grounds include a field which is available by separate negotiation.

Rectory Farm enjoys a rural setting in the village of Pulloxhill which has a school and the renowned Cross Keys pub.

For shopping, the thriving market town of Bedford is 12 miles away with the smaller town of Flitwick just two miles away where a mainline station offers a whistle-stop, 39-minute train service to London St Pancras.

The property is available for offers in excess of £1,350,000 through Michael Graham Bedford Office, 01234 220000

Visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BED160017 for more.

It is one of 17 archives services across the country to receive the Accredited Archives Services award, bringing to 141 the total number of services nationally with accreditation.

The team running Buckinghamshire County Council's archives have been praised for doing a good job acquiring and preserving the county's heritage and making it accessible.

They manage around 750 cubic metres of records and artefacts - equivalent to nearly 12 double deck bus loads - the earliest of which is a grant of land to the monks of Biddlesden Abbey, dating from around 1150.

The accreditation acknowledges the archives service's expert staff, who are clear about their mission, plan effectively, make sound decisions and use resources well.

A delighted Laura Cotton, who heads the team of 17 staff and 42 volunteers, said: "This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the high quality of the work we do to preserve the unique and irreplaceable collections in our care, of our efforts to make them available to the people of Buckinghamshire and beyond, and of our plans to ensure they remain safe for generations to come”.

Noel Brown, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Public Health, said: "We recognise the importance of preserving the county's heritage records and I want to congratulate our great team, who are well known for their expertise, knowledge and for providing a superb service to those who use our archives."

The award was granted by the UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee, which represents the nation's archives sector.

Police are appealing for information after a VW Golf was stolen from outside a home in Haddenham.

The incident happened at an address at The Gables sometime between July 21 and July 25.

The burglary was discovered by a neighbour, while the occupant was away.

Police say burglars appeared to use a ladder to access a first floor window before searching the property, stealing car keys and then a Volkswagen Golf parked outside.

The reference for this burglary is 43180227264.

In a separate incident in Haddenham, a burglary occurred in the early hours of Monday July 23 from a shed on Townsend.

The shed had been left insecure and bottles of wine were stolen from inside.

The reference for this burglary is 43180225290.

PC James Lacey, based at Aylesbury Police Station is investigating the burglary at The Gables.

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area is asked to call PC Lacey via the 101 number.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Staff at Center Parcs Woburn Forest have discovered one of the resort’s lodges has been keeping a secret… and a very cute one at that.

Just outside one of the lodges at Woburn Forest, tucked behind the cycle rack, a family of six hedgehogs, with mum and her five babies were all snuggled up together.

It is where the mummy hedgehog must have had her nest and raised her little ones there ever since.

The hoglets (baby hedgehogs) and their mum were discovered by Center Parcs Woburn Forest’s Technical Services team who heard them scratching and snuffling around.

Woburn Forest conservation ranger Lucie went to check they were okay and estimated they are around eight weeks old. With the dry, hot weather, Lucie made sure she left the hedgehog family some water and let the guests know why there was a bowl of water outside their lodge.

The family staying in the lodge became quite attached to the hedgehog family, and with Lucie put out a pouch of cat food so that the hedgehogs were well fed, and the family could have an evening encounter with the hedgehog family. The bowl of water was then filled each day, and the family began to look after the hedgehogs like an extension of their own family, making sure the hedgehogs were all there when the family returned from their day of adventures.

If you have a little family of hedgehogs near you – either at Center Parcs or at home – in this hot, dry weather please place a bowl of water out for them if they are regular visitors just to help them during the summer.

Matt Adcock reviews Mission Impossible: Fallout (12A)

Here we go then for the sixth instalment of the Mission Impossible franchise which has banked almost $3 billion so far. And the good news is that director Christopher McQuarrie delivers possibly the strongest Mission yet.

Following on from the events of Rogue Nation, we find Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team up to their necks in strife. It seems that a botched mission leaves nuclear materials about to fall into the hands of an evil genius looking to bring suffering to the world. So the fearless IMF agents who include Simon Pegg’s comedy sidekick Benji and Ving Rhames’ Luther must face try to track down and acquire the warhead before millions die.

Along on the mission, at the insistence of the CIA, is agent August Walker (Henry Cavill) – a one-man wrecking machine who oozes threat. Then there is also disavowed MI6 operative Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) who returns with a personal objective that could put her in conflict with Hunt.

From the second the pre-credits action starts this movie grips and thrills in equal measure – the stunts and set pieces are jaw-dropping and the adrenalin rush that it takes you on is liable to leave you exhausted after this 147-minute ride.

Boasting possibly not only one of the best car chases ever but also the best helicopter action sequence and a crunching fight in a men’s bathroom that must push the 12A rating, it’s high praise that the director manages to deliver such high octane and ‘just brutal enough’ thrills without having to resort to graphic violence.

Everything is machine-tooled and slick and refreshingly free of shoddy CGI. The chemistry is enhanced with a richness and intensity that comes from the characterisations. If you’ve been following the film series you’ll already be invested in many of these folks so the jeopardy feels real.

Fallout is the film of the franchise that stands as an almost perfect state-of-the-art espionage masterpiece – out ‘Bond-ing’ James Bond and kicking Bourne into touch.

Action blockbusters really don’t come much better than this.

Do you really want to make the most of the heatwave this summer?

If so, then one of these five properties on the market with Michael Graham could be right up your street.

From entertaining decks to swimming pools, here are five homes with gorgeous gardens on the market right now.

1. The Old Rectory, in Akeley, Buckinghamshire, is on the market for £3.3 million.

This impressive Grade II listed 19th century house has five bedrooms and comes with a separate Coach House.

A patio area overlooks the main garden which includes a new herbaceous border with over £5,000-worth of plants and bulbs from Preston Bisset nurseries.

With 4.5 acres and an entertaining deck and summer house, this is the perfect property for garden parties.

Visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BUC180043 for more.

2. Somerton House, in Daventry, Northamptonshire is on offer for £1.25 million.

Featured in Country and Town House Magazine, this exquisite stone property sits in an acre of land with glorious views over the surrounding Capability Brown parkland.

With beautifully well-kept gardens and a summerhouse to retreat to for some shade, this property has gardens to enjoy all year round.

For more information, visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-TOW180141.

3. The Oak House, in Flitton, Bedfordshire, is available for £1 million.

Built in 2013 this contemporary property was featured in Build It magazine in 2017 and Waitrose Weekend Magazine in 2018.

In the village of Flitton overlooking the historic church and churchyard, the garden is beautifully landscaped with well-stocked borders and terrace areas perfect for enjoying a glass of wine on a summer’s evening.

Visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BED160572 for more.

4. The Manor is in the village of Thurleigh, Bedfordshire, and is available for £1.25 million.

This beautiful Grade II listed wisteria-covered farmhouse has four bedrooms and sits in two acres of formal gardens.

A 12-acre meadow is available by separate negotiation.

A large natural pond to the right of the sweeping gravel driveway is believed to be part of the former moat to the original Manor House.

A charming three storey former Water Tower, a Wagon House and an orchard with a variety of fruit trees and two weeping Ash trees are highlights of these glorious gardens.

For more, click on michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BED140751.

5. The Old Vicarage is in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, and is on the market at £900,000.

This classic late Victorian five-bedroom detached property sits in half an acre of gardens which include a secluded heated swimming pool.

The brick built changing room with a shower and sauna and a separate studio with a kitchenette and cloakroom mean you can hang out poolside all day.

Visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-OLY180106 for more.

If a wisteria-clad Georgian vicarage is your ultimate rural idyll, then Glebe House in Sandy in Bedfordshire is the answer to your prayers.

Built in 1833, the property was formerly the vicarage to the village church of St Mary’s and sits in 3.6 acres of gardens and grounds at the end of a tree-lined drive.

Inside, a combination of its period features with refurbished luxury living makes this house the ideal place to call home.

For buyers who make their decision based on a property’s kitchen, this one can’t fail to impress.

Open plan to the dining room, the space is wonderfully bright thanks to full length windows and walls of glass folding doors to the manicured gardens and terrace.

Highlights include a sleek kitchen island and breakfast bar, a three-oven range, exposed oak flooring and display shelving.

A bespoke range of hand painted Shaker style units by Orwell furniture complete the designer look.

Also downstairs, four reception rooms offer a combination of sash windows with working shutters, dual aspect views over the gardens and limestone fireplaces.

Across the two upper floors are six bedrooms and three bathrooms, including a covetable dressing room off the master bedroom.

Outside, landscaped gardens and terraced areas offer plenty of opportunity for alfresco dining and entertaining, and paddocks and a stable block make this a perfect property for horse lovers, or for making a rental income from the equestrian facilities.

Everton is small village with a pub, a school and a church, so shops are a hop, skip and a jump away in the market town of Sandy, where you can also find a mainline railway station.

Glebe House is available through Michael Graham for £1.7 million.

For more information, visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BED180032.

Recent changes to the law have now made psychological abuse within a relationship illegal.

The offence of coercive control now recognises that domestic abuse can take several forms and is not strictly limited to physical violence.

Changes to legislation

The changes now outlaw a number of things that were not previously covered by existing legislation, meaning emotional abuse of a partner is now also illegal.

Coercive control is the psychological abuse of a partner, which can be committed through threats and restrictions, as well as physical violence, and carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

In Scotland, changes to the Domestic Abuse bill were passed by Parliament earlier this year, making psychological abuse and coercive controlling behaviour within a relationship a criminal offence.

The bill was amended to include behaviour that could not easily be prosecuted using the existing criminal law.

The laws have now been enforced in England and Wales, with the amendments making the following 11 acts towards a partner illegal.

1. Sharing sexually explicit images of you – either online or not

New laws surrounding ‘revenge porn’ make it illegal for someone to share intimate photographs of you with anyone, whether that is on or offline.

2. Restricting your access to money

Even if they are the breadwinner, the law says one partner cannot stop the other from accessing money and should not give them “punitive allowances”.

3. Repeatedly putting you down

Constant insults from a partner might not be typically thought of as domestic abuse, but under the new law, persistent name-calling, mocking and other forms of insulting behaviour are now illegal.

4. Stopping you from seeing friends or family

If your partner continually isolates you from the people you love – whether this is in the form of monitoring or blocking your calls or emails, telling you where you can or cannot go, or preventing you from seeing your friends or relatives – it is against the law.

5. Scaring you

Your partner might not physically assault you, but if they are doing enough to frighten you, they are committing an offence.

Women’s Aid says this can include, but is not limited to:

* Making angry gestures

* Using physical size to intimidate

* Shouting you down

* Destroying your possessions

* Breaking things

* Punching walls

* Wielding a knife or a gun

* Threatening to kill or harm you, your children or family pets

* Threats of suicide

6. Threatening to reveal private things about you

Whether your partner is saying they will tell people details about your health or sexual orientation, repeated threats to reveal personal and private information is a form of abuse.

7. Putting tracking devices on your phone

The Crown Prosecution Service says it is illegal under the new legislation to “monitor a person using online communication tools or spyware”.

If your partner is reading your Facebook messages without permission, or insisting they track your devices, it is against the law.

8. Being extremely jealous

If your partner persistently accuses you of cheating, simply for looking at another person, then this could constitute grounds for prosecution.

Humberside Police say “extreme jealousy, including possessiveness and ridiculous accusations of cheating” all come under the new legislation.

9. Forcing you to obey their rules

A relationship should be a partnership, with neither partner having control over the other.

If you are forced to abide by rules set by your partner, it could mean they are committing a crime.

The Crown Prosecution Service says these include rules which “humiliate, degrade or dehumanise the victim”, while Women’s Aid says examples include your partner telling you that you have no choice in decisions.

10. Controlling what you wear

Your partner taking control over any part of your life is highlighted in the new legislation, including restricting who you see and where you go.

Controlling what you wear or how you look could also now be grounds for prosecution under the changes.

11. Making you do things you don’t want to

Your partner forcing you to commit crimes, neglecting or abusing your children, or forcing you not to reveal anything about your relationship to the authorities all count as abuse.

Forcing you to have sex when you don’t want to, look at pornographic material, or have sex with others also falls under this bracket.

Tackling domestic abuse head-on

“These new powers mean this behaviour, which is particularly relevant to cases of domestic abuse, can now be prosecuted in its own right,” said Alison Saunders, director of public prosecutions at the Crown Prosecution Service.

“Police and prosecutors are being trained to recognise patterns of abusive behaviour which can be regarded as criminal abuse.

“We will do everything in our power to tackle this abhorrent crime.”

A fake Costa Coffee voucher scam is catching people out on Whatsapp and allowing criminals to steal personal data.

Police have issued an urgent warning about this new scam that starts with Whatsapp users receiving an offer for a £75 voucher in celebration of Costa’s 50th birthday.

Victims are then asked to enter personal information before they can access the ‘voucher’.

Costa has confirmed the message is a scam.

If you get this message, do not click on the link and do not enter any personal information.

Scams can be reported to Action Fraud UK on 0300 123 2040 or visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

Put your best foot forward this summer and help sick, injured and homeless pets cared for by the Blue Cross charity, which has a rehoming centre at Lewknor.

The pet charity is calling out for pet owners and animal lovers to raise money during the month-long ‘Steps for Pets’, challenging people to take extra steps each day to hit their targets and use these additional miles to help pets in need.

Participants can choose to take ‘Steps for Pets’ on their own, with a friend or in a group, and it can be as easy as adding extra steps on the daily dog walk or scale up and organise a bigger sponsored group walk – with or without a four legged friend.

The individual ‘steppers’ can set their own targets, or use a recommended daily target set by Blue Cross of as low as 5,000 or as high as 25,000.

Money raised by people taking part in this challenge helps pets like Cam, a one-year-old cat who came into the rehoming centre in Lewknor as a stray. Cam is a very playful chap who is desperate to find a loving home, and is featured below.

The fundraising pack, which is free, includes everything needed to organise sponsored events and a letter from Blue Cross Rehoming Ambassador, Pam Ferris as a ‘thank you’ for signing up to help pets. This year, people can purchase pedometers and t-shirts on the Blue Cross website*

There are lots of lovely walks to take dogs on and build up steps taken for this challenge and people can find pet-friendly walks on the Blue Cross website.

Jenna Martyn, senior rehoming manager at Blue Cross, said: “All money raised throughout Steps for Pets month will go to helping the smallest hamster to the biggest horse and lots of pets in between at the Blue Cross rehoming centre. We couldn’t do the work we do without the public taking up these challenges and raising money for the pets in our care. Good luck to all involved, and thank you.”

Blue Cross reminds all dog walkers taking part in the Steps for Pets challenge to always be mindful of the heat and the effect on their four legged friends. Heatstroke can be extremely dangerous for pets so it is essential you walk dogs in cool weather, keep them hydrated and always speak to a vet if you see any signs.

For more information on Steps for Pets and to download a pack, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/stepsforpets

For more advice on keeping your pet safe in summer visit www.bluecross.org.uk/summer or to make a donation towards caring for sick, injured and homeless pets visit www.bluecross.org.uk