About 500 people are expencted to take party in a big family orienteering event, the Thame Urban Race.

Organised by Thames Valley Orienteering Club (TVOC)and being held on Sunday, September 9, the event has the support of Thame Town Council.

There’ll be courses for all ages and abilities, and the event is described as like a giant treasure hunt around the town - with a twist.

A chance for families to get outside, explore the town and race around the checkpoints, it also ties in with the Town Council’s current Green Living Plan consultation.

The race is a unique opportunity to explore the streets, alleys and parks of Thame in an adventure race for all the family. No experience is necessary to take part.

It’s an urban orienteering event, with several courses of varying length and difficulty, suitable for families and children, from 1km to 8km. The longer courses are also geared up for the more competitive and for runners looking for a new challenge.

It’s also a race with a twist; the twist being that there is no set route to the courses. Each competitor is given a special orienteering map, showing a series of checkpoints.

The challenge is to visit all the checkpoints around Thame, choosing your own route between each one. Each checkpoint is marked by a flag and an electronic timing chip is used to record progress.

Mike Shires, from TVOC, said: “Most people don’t realise that orienteering is a competitive running sport. However, orienteering really is a sport for all. Our events attract keen runners as well as plenty of families who come along for a jog or walk around a course. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to have a run while the children tackle a junior course. At Thame, we’ll also have a special junior course too around Cuttlebrook Nature Reserve which is safe for young children to have a go.”

TVOC is Clubmark accredited and has around 300 members from Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley. The club was recently awarded Orienteering Club of the Year and organises around 35 events per annum, ranging from local events for 150 competitors to larger regional events with over 1,000 runners.

Club member Blanka Collis, 32, said: “It’s a good way of keeping fit and for me it is also more interesting than just jogging. It’s an extra mental challenge. Sometimes people think it’s like treasure hunting. They say: “I did that at school once-upon-a-time’ but it’s a running sport for all the family.”

To have a go at Thame, just turn up to Thame Town Hall between 9.30am and 11.30am. There will be plenty of help on hand for newcomers.

The cost is £7.50 for the shorter courses and £14 for longer courses, including a special map of Thame to keep as a souvenir, and hire of a timing chip.

For more details visit TVOC’s website at www.tvoc.org.uk or see the Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/tvoclub

A theatrical show which is likened to an extreme version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? is returning to Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre following a sell out performance earlier this year.

Extreme Championship Improv is a fully improvised sketch comedy show with brand new games as well as classic games loaded with extreme twists based on suggestions from the audience.

The twists change the rules to make scenes more challenging and ridiculous than ever before and include scenes performed with blindfolds, tight time limits, whilst drinking alcohol and whilst tied together.

The cast will feature veteran improv performers and comedians facing off against one another for a chance to win the coveted Extreme Improv Championship belt.

The show is presented by Aylesbury-based Sparky Buddy Productions, a film/theatre company founded by Aylesbury’s David Pustansky who has been heavily involved with Queens Park Arts Centre over the years. Sparky Buddy Productions has long supported the performing arts scene in Aylesbury, regularly collaborating with the town council to create the popular Pantoween shows and annual walking plays.

David is one of the performers in the improv show alongside Annie Harris, Adam Hughes, James Little and Paul Boichat together with local guest performers Miranda Dawe, Sean Micallef, Vicky Poole and Toby Hannen.

Extreme Championship Improv has played at many London venues since its debut at the Camden Comedy Club last year and sold out the Second Space of the Waterside in March.

Sparky Buddy Productions has a long history of improv comedy at some of London’s top off West End venues. And over the past year the Extreme Improvisors have gone international with performances in Denmark and Japan. They will perform in America at the San Francisco Improv Fest one week prior to their show in Aylesbury.

The show at the Waterside takes place at 8pm on Saturday September 29.

Tickets cost £11 and are available from the box office, 0844 871 7607 or book online at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

The latest instalment of the hugely popular Call of Duty franchise is out next month but it has caused a bit of a stir with a noteworthy omission.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is out in October, but what does this year’s iteration have in store?

It is one of the few games that needs little or no publicity such is the clamour for each new iteration.

But some of the pre-release hype this time around has been dampened by what many feel is the glaring omission of a single player campaign mode.

Clearly with all COD games and indeed any modern day shooter, it is all about the multiplayer modes.

But Call of Duty games are well known for their brilliant single player story modes that play out like a big budget Hollywood movie.

Black Ops 4 will be the first NOT to feature a single-player campaign mode, though.

As you might expect that has gone down like a lead balloon with some fans.

But there is a method to the madness according to Dan Bunting, the studio co-head of developers Treyarch. Simply put the move is a reaction to the ever-changing behaviours of gamers.

“We are delivering so much more of what players spend most of their time doing in our games in the series,” Bunting told Eurogamer.

That should - we hope - translate to an even bigger, better and badder multiplayer mode. Information put out in the gaming world reveals there have been a number of tweaks, most notably that automatic health regeneration has been ditched in favour of a manual healing system, which is hoped will give the game more tactical depth and an emphasis on teamwork.

Black Ops 4 launches on October 12 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

Get your dancing shoes back on as two of the professionals from Strictly Come Dancing will be heading out on tour at the beginning of next year.

Husband and wife duo Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara will be bringing their news show Remembering the Movies to Northampton's Royal & Derngate on Thursday April 18 and Aylesbury's Waterside Theatre on Sunday May 5.

Following on from their two hugely successful Remembering Fred shows, which celebrated Fred Astaire, they are celebrating a remarkable, unique and star-studded rollercoaster ride through some of the most successful, memorable and Oscar-winning films of all time.

From the Golden Age of Hollywood through to the modern mega musical, audiences will enjoy tributes to Audrey Hepburn, Saturday Night Fever, Gene Kelly, The Greatest Showman, Marilyn Monroe, La La Land, James Bond, Cabaret and many more.

Strap yourself in, hold on tight and allow yourself to fall in love all over again with the classic movie songs and dance routines as Strictly Come Dancing’s favourite couple celebrate the history of the movies with dazzling choreography, imaginative sets, spectacular backdrops and a huge multimedia LED screen.

Supported by an incredible cast of live singers and dancers, this amazing new show will guarantee to have you Remembering The Movies.

The 42-date UK tour begins in March next year.

Janette Manrara said: "If you loved Remembering Fred then get ready for what we hope will be another remarkable show. Remembering The Movies is a brand new show that will feature a host of great songs and dances from the movies that we all know and love. Instead of celebrating just one legend in Fred Astaire, we will be celebrating classic movies

and Hollywood stars that stretch from the Golden Age right up to modern-day blockbusters.”

Aljaž Škorjanec said, “We will still have a huge LED screen and wonderful stage and set design, but this time we will have an even larger cast of some of the UK’s finest dancers. We are really excited to bring this show to the stage.”

Tickets for the date at Northampton can be booked by calling the box office on 01604 624811 or by visiting www.royalandderngate.co.uk. The Aylesbury date can be booked by calling 0844 871 7607 or visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/aylesbury.

Further tour dates can be found by visiting www.rememberingthemovies.com

Legendary film and stage actor Ian McKellen will be in a show beamed live to Aylesbury later this month.

The National Theatre's production of King Lear will be shown at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Thursday September 27.

The Lord of the Rings and X Men star appears in the Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of one of William Shakespeare’s best known plays.

The production has received many five star reviews for its sell out run and is appearing in the West End for a limited season.

The show will be a chance to see one of the true masters of the stage without heading down to the capital.

The Independent described McKellen’s portrayal as extremely moving while The Times said the play is both nuanced and powerful.

This latest version of the Bard’s work is a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare packed with emotion, violence and moments which will still shock.

Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, King Lear sees two ageing fathers – one a king, one his courtier – reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.

The screening starts at 7pm. Tickets cost from £13.50. They can be booked by visiting www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/.

The following people from Aylesbury Vale and beyond have been sentenced at Wycombe Magistrates Court between September 3 and 8.

Simon Emmette, 25, Levings Close, Aylesbury: possession of a black lock knife in Kingsbury Square, Aylesbury. Committed to prison for four months because of nature of offence. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

Jake McKenna, 20, Lambe Road, Wendover: drove a black Audi A4 on the A41 Bicester Road, Aylesbury, while over the alcohol limit. Fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85. Disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Christopher Smith, 33, Goosen Green, Aylesbury: possession of a credit card knife on Tring Road, Aylesbury. Fined £530, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £53 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Sandra Taylor, 59, Spicers Yard, Haddenham: sending a false message via a public communications network. Fined £733, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £73 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Little old Aylesbury is mentioned in the latest TV advert for Aviva insurance which has been broadcast during prime-time shows such as X Factor.

Aylesbury has been unwittingly thrust into the national spotlight thanks to one of the most random and attention-grabbing television adverts of the year.

Aviva’s Drive App with Dash Cam advert has proved popular due to its excellent composition and its randomness.

The Aviva Dash Cam uses the camera on your phone to film the road ahead and saves footage from your journey whenever you like.

The catchline for the advert is “Some things are tricky to explain, that’s why at Aviva we’ve added a FREE dash cam to our drive app”.

In the advert a man is being interrogated in a police-style interview as he tries to explain an incident he encountered on the road, presumably for insurance claim purposes.

The 30-second ad, which you can see above, is currently running on TV and even aired during X Factor on Sunday night.

It features a horse being ridden into the road by a man in armour as the man piecing together the barely believable incident explains: “a tabbard, poncho” before exclaiming “Not what you see everyday on the way to Aylesbury.”

It has left many scratching their heads as to ‘Why Aylesbury?’.

And we can reveal the - admittedly not very exciting - reason behind Aylesbury’s inclusion in the national advert after contacting Aviva.

A spokesman for the company told us: “The simple answer to why Aylesbury is mentioned is that one of the team who worked on this advert lives in the town.”

Who that person is was not divulged but there you have it, the reason behind Aylesbury’s latest five minutes of relative fame.

Popular Midsomer Murder walks now have an added element -  a train journey with cream tea.

Thame is one of the most frequently used filming locations for the ITV series and the Midsomer walking tours of the town have grown in popularity since their highly successful debut last year.

Now, on selected Sundays, the walking tours will be followed by a trip to Chinnor Railway Station, which became Holm Lane Junction in the Death in a Chocolate Box episode.

Taking a reserved seat in the afternoon tea car, visitors will pass over the level crossing at Wainhill, featured in The Made to Measure Murders. During the journey visitors will be served cream tea with locally baked scones, cream, butter and jam. The round trip lasts about 55 minutes.

Ray Gomm, special events manager at Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway (C&PRR), said: “We are absolutely delighted to be joining forces with Thame Midsomer Tours to provide a new Midsomer adventure, enhancing the experience that people have when they visit Midsomer County and highlighting C&PRR as a unique Midsomer filming location.”

Volunteers conduct the walking tours and the train rides and the funds generated are donated to local charitable causes and help to maintain the railway. Last year over £700 was donated to the Mayor’s Charities and Thame Museum.

Becky Reid, market town co-ordinator at Thame Town Council, said the tours have been good for the local economy, and Rumseys Chocolaterie (another Midsomer filming location) is now selling Barnaby Buns and Midsomer chocolate lollipops.

The new combined Thame/Chinnor Midsomer tours start on Sunday (September 17) and repeat on Sunday, October 7, and Sunday, October 14. The tour begins in Thame at 2pm and ends at the railway station at approximately 5.30pm following the train journey and cream tea.

Special joint tickets cost £25 for adults and can be booked in advance at www.chinnorrailway.co.uk/product.php/204/midsomer-adventure-cream-teas

Residents are being reminded of road closures as Thame prepares to welcome the fair back to town.

The September Fair will be in Thame between Thursday, September 20 and Saturday, September 22.

The fair will be open from 4pm to 11pm on Thursday and noon to 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

The President of the Showmen’s Guild and the Mayor of Thame will be ringing the bell to officially open the fair on Thursday at 4pm at the Dodgems.

Thame Town Council would like to remind residents and businesses of the road closures which will be in place for the event.

During the fair, a Temporary Road Closure and Traffic Regulation Order will be in force, which will restrict the entry of vehicles to the centre of Thame from 4pm on Wednesday, September 19 until noon on Sunday, September 23.

Traffic movement will be restricted and barriers will be in position at the following locations:

High Street at the junction with Bell Lane.

North Street at the junction with Wellington Street.

Upper High Street at the junction with East Street.

Rooks Lane at the Upper High Street junction.

Nelson Street at the Upper High Street junction.

Vehicles will not be allowed to park in the road or on the pavements of these affected roads.

Anyone parking will run the risk of causing an offence by obstruction and cars will be removed.

Both the High Street and Upper High Street car parks will be closed.

During the road closure, town centre bus stops will relocate to: The Thatch (buses to Oxford), Thame Museum (buses to Aylesbury) and Old Police Station (buses to High Wycombe). The taxi rank will move to North Street.

Parking regulations on Wellington Street, North Street and Southern Road will commence at 7am on Wednesday, September 19, to assist with traffic flow ahead of the town centre road closure.

Access permits are available for residents whose property is located within the road closure and have off-street parking. To apply for a permit, please contact Thame Town Council or visit the Town Hall.

Full details of the Road Closure Order can be viewed at the Information Centre in Thame Town Hall.

Which of the following would you choose to do: listen to music, sample some of the world’s best port wines, or enjoy a leisurely cruise?

Here is some really good news. On the ‘Gilbert & Sullivan On The Douro,’ Saga Travel river cruise that my wife and I were lucky enough to check out recently, you don’t have to choose at all. You can do them all!

Our seven nights Portuguese adventure began with a short flight from London to Porto and an included seamless transfer to the Douro Queen river cruise ship, chartered by Saga Travel.

It is a fact that in the last five years, the popularity of river cruising has massively increased. This positive trend has given river cruise operators however, the business challenge of how to differentiate their respective offerings. Saga Travel’s answer has been to create a range of special interest musical river cruises, to give an additional dimension and focus to the overall experience.

Without question it works. As we leisurely cruised the spectacularly scenic Douro Valley, past the terraced vineyards, we were entertained with two lectures and five concerts about the life and music of Gilbert & Sullivan, all professionally delivered by onboard performers Leon Berger and Carol Anne Wells.

They were both superb. Baritone Leon Berger, particularly known for his Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire, has guested with the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, and with many touring companies, singing over 100 operatic roles. Additionally, for several years Leon was also a collaborator with the late Donald Swann, performing in several of his operas and he is now archivist and editor of his music.

Pianist and singer, Carol Anne Wells, with her duel interest in classical and light music is well known as one of Britain’s first ‘crossover’ artistes. She has performed worldwide, on TV and radio and at many concert venues including the Royal Albert Hall. Commenting on one of her solo piano medleys, a listener commented: “she plays the piano as though it is an extension of her soul”. When not performing on for Saga holidays, she also has her own ‘Magic of the Movies’ multi media presentation.

Our entertainers shared the traditions of this influential 19th century musical double act with great authority and fun. We heard how WS Gilbert, the librettist, wrote the witty often ‘topsy-turvy’ words and composer Arthur Sullivan wrote the music for their wonderful and influential operettas, initially brought to the stage in 1881 by producer and impresario Richard D’ Oyly Carte.

Sitting in the ship’s lounge, cruising down the Douro drink in hand, we heard songs from Gilbert & Sullivan’s first joint venture Thespis and of course from all the major well known shows including: Trial by Jury; The Sorcerer; H.M.S. Pinafore; The Pirates of Penzance; Patience; Iolanthe; Princess Ida and many others.

We also heard about George Grossmith, the lead performer in most of Gilbert & Sullivan’s big shows and a real superstar of his generation. The final concert looked at the influence of Gilbert & Sullivan on other performers such as the works of Tom Lehrer and Flanders & Swann.

Both performers were always accessible to chat with cruise guests and to share their personal knowledge and enthusiasm.

When we weren’t enjoying the music, we were out and about discovering some of the beautiful and fascinating highlights that lie along the river Douro and beyond. Saga Travel had included several excursions. Amongst others these were:

Lamego - to see the elaborate Shrine of Our Lady Of Remedies, which is set atop nine steep terraces overlooking the town. We had free time to explore this impressive baroque church and the more adventurous and fittest amongst us had the opportunity to walk down into the city using the ornate staircase. Actually, no mean feat in a record heatwave of 46 degrees, especially as there are around 700 steps! Thankfully we didn’t have to walk up them!

Castelo Rodrigo - a small medieval village with a stunning hilltop location. The village is surrounded by a fortified wall and the view over the valley is dramatic.

The history of the village is also particularly interesting. When the Jews were forced to convert or leave Spain in 1492, a number came to this village. You can see the marks on the houses of Jewish families, as well as the vestiges of a Mikvah (Jewish ritual bathing house).

Quinta do Seixo - After a ‘white knuckle’ coach ride up the mountain, with sheer drops and hairpin bends, we finally arrived in one piece at the Sandeman Port Winery at Quinta do Seixo. Here we enjoyed a tour of the estate, followed by an opportunity to taste two of their port wines. We definitely needed the drink to give us courage to face the coach journey down!

Salamanca – This was a highlight of the excursion programme for many. With its ornate sandstone architecture, Salamanca across the Spanish border, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site particularly famed for its old university buildings of golden-coloured stone and its famous cathedral, built in two parts.

Mateus Palace - Remember Mateus Rose wine and the distinctive shaped bottle? Well, our excursion took us to visit the gardens to the palace, which gave its name and image to the brand and label. Other than that, ironically it has nothing to do with Mateus Rose wine. This is one of the loveliest country houses in Portugal and the immaculately manicured designed gardens hugely impressive and enjoyable.

Porto – Our river cruise journey began and ended in Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. Here we visited yet another port wine manufacturer for the obligatory tasting and had the opportunity of a panoramic coach tour. Despite the horrendous traffic, we still managed to visit both the Cathedral and the famous Porto train station.

The Estacao De Sao Bento, in Porto is listed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world and attracts many visitors. It is not difficult to see why. The atrium, worth a visit even if you don't have a train to catch, is covered with 20,000 ceramic tiles. These depict scenes of Portugal's history, including various battles and royal events.

Overall cruise verdict? Well the music was first class, the scenery magnificent and there was a wonderfully friendly atmosphere onboard. Additionally, Saga Travel really understand their guests and look after them very well indeed. The arrival and departure day support was excellent and the onboard Saga escort Daniella, literally mothered everyone, always remembering any special needs.

As regards the ship however, this Azul owned vessel chartered by Saga Travel, does not have the gloss, choices and service finesse of some of the more modern river cruise ships, operated by the leading specialist river cruise brands.

Travel Facts:

The Gilbert & Sullivan On The Douro Cruise includes: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners, included travel insurance, UK travel service, return flights and transfers, drinks reception and Captain's dinner, entertainment and activities on the ship, expert host, Gilbert & Sullivan talks, five onboard performances from your host and guest musician, Saga Cruise escort on board. Prices from £1549pp departing 31/07/2019 for 7 nights from London Gatwick. Contact: Saga Holidays 0800 300 400 or visit https://travel.saga.co.uk/cruises/river/where-we-go/the-douro/gilbert-and-sullivan-on-the-douro.aspx

Saga also offer general cruises on the Douro and other special interest river cruises too: https://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/holiday-types/special-interest-holidays/music.aspx

Thame’s MP was truly in the pink at the launch of a cancer campaign.

John Howell, MP for the Henley constituency, added a splash of pink to his usual attire to support Breast Cancer Now’s wear it pink fundraiser which will take place on Friday, October 19 to raise money for vital breast cancer research.

John was joined by over 200 other parliamentarians in Westminster, all encouraging people across the UK to take part on wear it pink day and raise money for Breast Cancer Now.

John is calling for his constituents to join him, as well as thousands of others across the UK to sign up and take part in wear it pink which takes place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and to date has raised over £31 million towards Breast Cancer Now’s important work.

Anyone can take part in wear it pink, whether at work, school or in your community. All you need to do is wear something pink, or hold a pink themed event, and donate to Breast Cancer Now. With every penny raised, fundraisers across the UK will be helping the charity achieve its aim that, if we all act now, by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live, and live well.

John said: “Breast cancer is still the most common form of cancer in the UK. Each year around 11,500 women and 80 men lose their lives to the disease. That’s why I’m so passionate about encouraging everyone in the constituency to take part in wear it pink day on Friday, October 19.

“Wear it pink is a great way to come together with friends and family to have fun whilst raising money for Breast Cancer Now’s vital research. As you can see from my photograph, all it takes is an additional splash of pink to your normal outfit!

“Breast cancer affects so many people in this constituency, so I hope that everybody here will get involved this October and support this very important cause.”

Joining the politicians at Westminster was Donna Fraser, four-time Olympian for Great Britain and Breast Cancer Now Ambassador. Donna, 45, retired from participating in professional athletics after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, aged just 36.

Donna, who is now equality, diversity and engagement lead at UK Athletics, said: “I’m delighted to be supporting wear it pink this year – it is a fun and fabulous fundraising event which brings families, friends and work colleagues together to help fund research into this devastating disease.

“Breast cancer awareness and raising funds for research is hugely important to me - there are too many women being diagnosed with breast cancer, and sadly too many women still lose their lives each year. This cause is very close to my heart, and as someone who has personally been through breast cancer, I know just how important it is to raise money for research, to help reach a day where nobody dies from breast cancer. For me, that day can’t come soon enough.”

Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We are really grateful for the enthusiasm and support shown by the MPs at Westminster. Everyone looked fabulous in their pink accessories and showed just how easy it is to add a touch of pink to your everyday outfit.

“We hope that by wearing pink, John will encourage his constituents to get involved and fundraise in their homes, schools or workplaces, and help us to continue to fund world-class research into this devastating disease.

“Wear it pink is a fantastic opportunity for communities across the UK to come together, have fun and show their support to this very important cause. By simply wearing something pink and donating what you can, you are helping raise much-needed funds to stop breast cancer taking the lives of those we love. Together we can take one step forward to help reach our goal that, by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer will live, and live well.”

To take part in wear it pink this October, visit wearitpink.org/2018MP for further details, fundraising ideas and how to register for your free fundraising pack.

Tasty treats and music will feature highly on the agenda to sustain visitors to Thame Food Festival.

After you’ve taken in a demonstration or two and checked out the delights of the artisan stalls, you can grab a delicious drink at one of the lovely bars and join in the vibe at the Music Stage.

Sponsored by Festivales, Grant & Stone and Business Buddy there will be some amazing live acoustic music throughout Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30, with plenty of seating.

Enjoy the beautiful sound offered up by John Buckley with his guitar or dance to the Dung Beatles, a five-piece Beatles tribute band on the Saturday. Whatever your music preference there will be something to get your toe tapping including on Sunday Elemental Joe, a jazz fusion band or A Little Bit of Country.

The Pop Up Pub will be packed with tasty tipples such as local award-winning brews including Crafty Fox, Rebellion IPA and Zeberdee.

There will also be a secret brew which will be revealed at the festival, brewed just down the road by XT Brewing.Sample the delights of traditional hand-picked ciders or a full range of wines and cocktails, such as Tipsy Gypsy Ice Tea – a lightly sparkling blend of award-winning British vodka, gooseberry, elderflower and Earl Grey.

The Botanical Gin Garden returns and is bigger and better than last year with an enchanting list of gins including The Lavendula G&T, made with aromatic Cotswold Gin with Cotswold Lavender served with Fever Tree Tonic, pink grapefruit and a bay leaf. Festivales will also be launching a sustainable reusable cup scheme this year. You pay a deposit on the cup and can reuse it as many times as you like, once you are finished you can return it and receive a refund for the cup.

To reduce the amount of single-use plastic, bottled water will not be sold over the bars. Instead, customers are encouraged to bring their own vessels and fill up freely at several water container points either around the festival or on the bars.The Festivale Bars will accept debit cards.

While you are wandering around the 150 plus foodie stands, the Prosecco Bicycle Bar will be doing the rounds to ensure you are topped up whilst you browse.

Visit www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk

An evening with a TV legend can be enjoyed in Thame next month.

Thame Players present ‘Only Fools and Boycie - an Evening With John Challis, on Sunday, October 14 at 7.45pm.

The show is an intimate evening with Only Fools And Horses actor John Challis.

Enjoy a very special evening with John Challis, one of the nation’s greatest comedy actors, best known as Boycie in BBC1’s Only Fools and Horses.

In this one-off show the national treasure will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career.

Having worked with some of the biggest names in show business, he’ll be spilling the beans about Only Fools and Horses co-stars like Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst and friends and fellow performers like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Oliver Reed and George Best.

He’ll also recall tales from his time in Dr Who, Coronation Street and other TV classics.

Mr Challis will also meet fans after the show to sign autographs and pose for pictures, while signing copies of his autobiography, Being Boycie, and novel, Reggie: A Stag At Bay.

A spokesman for the players said: “This is a real coup to get John Challis in the Players Theatre in Thame as part of his UK tour.

“So join us for this very special evening and see the real man behind the legend. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

John Challis, born in 1942, is an English actor best known for portraying Aubrey “Boycie” Boyce in the long-running BBC television comedy series Only Fools and Horses and its sequel/spin-off The Green Green Grass. Since 2015, he has made guest appearances as ‘Monty Staines’ from the seventh series onwards in the hit ITV comedy Benidorm, later becoming a regular from series 10 in 2018.

His other television appearances include Dixon of Dock Green, The Sweeney, Doctor Who (The Seeds of Doom), Dracula, Beau Geste, Juliet Bravo, Coronation Street, Bloomers, Citizen Smith, Ever Decreasing Circles, Doctor Snuggles, Chance in a Million, The Bill, One Foot in the Grave, Open All Hours, The New Statesman, Don’t Wait Up, Soldier Soldier, Brass Eye, My Family, In Sickness and in Health, Last Of The Summer Wine, and Heartbeat.

He has also featured in a number of stage roles.

Tickets for the show in Thame are £17 available online from www.thameplayers.co.uk or Spear Travels, Greyhound Walk, Thame, call 01844 217228.

A survey is being held to discover more about the cultural life in Thame and how much residents and visitors know about what’s on offer.

The survey organisers hope that by taking part, people will find just exactly how much there is to enjoy on their doorstep.

Could you answer these questions - where can you go locally to:

Watch an animated film about an 11-year-old girl’s courage on the streets of Kabul?

Spend an evening with John Challis, star of Benidorm and Only Fools and Horses?

Hear about the canal that Thame might have had?

A spokesman said: “You’ll be Thame’s top culture vulture if you can answer these questions! But if you couldn’t, maybe it’s because you didn’t realise that Thame has its very own theatre and museum.

“You’d be excused for not having noticed them - the theatre is inside a 100-year-old church hall just off Upper High Street and the museum is inside the former magistrates court building at the lower end of the High Street.”

The Players Theatre puts on a wide range of entertainment throughout the year – from plays and pantomime to music and comedy. It also has celebrity appearances – such as one by John Challis later this year. It also hosts film screenings organised by Thame Cinema For All, including recent releases such as The Breadwinner, an animated film about an 11-year-old girl living in Afghanistan.

The Thame Museum exhibits include fascinating glimpses of life 400 years ago that can be viewed with 21st century technology. It also has a regular programme of talks such as one coming later this autumn on ‘The Canal That Thame Never Had’.

The spokesman added: “We’d like to help the Players Theatre and Thame Museum by introducing them to a wider audience and letting people know what wonderful cultural and historical resources we have on our doorstep. So we’ve put together a survey that we’d like as many people as possible to complete, so you help by taking part. It doesn’t matter whether you’re aware of either the theatre or the museum or whether you’ve visited either in the past three years - all feedback is welcome. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete the survey.

“You might find something you didn’t know you could get in Thame, whether it’s the chance to experience great stand-up comedy every month, see brilliant films from Ladybird to On Chesil Beach, look at original Elizabethan wall paintings or hear about the history of plastic.”

The survey is open until the end of October, and to remind you to take part, you’ll find a link on social media too.

Find the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C7T8FJB

1 Military
Meet the Tommies, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, 10am - 5pm Saturday September 15 and Sunday September 16
World War I soldier re-enactors explain what life was like for them and show off a replica Airco DH2 single seat fighter plane. Visit the museum’s World War Two Nissen hut and a fully furnished 1940s prefab house, used in the television series Call The Midwife. Entrance £10.50 adults, £6.50 children aged four to 16, concessions and family tickets also available. Further information from 01494 871117 or online:
www.coam.org.uk
2 Heritage
Halton Heritage Day, Halton House, The Officers’ Mess, RAF Halton, Wendover, 10am - 4pm Sunday September 16
A rare opportunity to see the interior of this historic house, built by Alfred de Rothschild in 1883, a lasting reminder of Victorian decorative taste. The house has been used extensively as a location for filming including James Bond ‘The World Is Not Enough’, The King’s Speech and The Queen. In addition to the house, other places open to the public on this special day are the Trenchard Museum (where more can be learnt about the history of the RAF station and the apprentice scheme), the James McCudden Flight Heritage Centre, the reconstructed trenches and St George’s Chapel. Transport will be provided between Halton House and the other venues.
www.haltonhouse.org.uk
3 Music
Music at Lunchtime, Church of St Mary the Virgin, Aylesbury, 12.45pm tomorrow (Thursday)
Guitarist John Breese performs a pleasing selection of favourites from the standard classical repertoire as well as lesser known contemporary works by Vincent Lindsey-Clark, John’s distinguished teacher, and Nikita Koshkin. A CD is hoped to be available for purchase. Admission £5, 18 and under free. The payment desk is open from 12.15pm.
www.aylesburylunchtimemusic.co.uk
4 Music
Cantlos, St Laurence Room, Market Square, Winslow, 6.30pm Saturday September 15
Ever popular song duo Cantlos perform their favourite songs from the British Isles and Ireland. Refreshments will be in the very capable hands of Winslow Earlybirds WI. Cantlos, who take their name from the last month in the ancient Celtic calendar, are Kirsty Morris Selley on clarsach (Celtic harp), bodhran and vocals; and Great Horwood resident James McCafferty on cittern, guitar, dulcimer, melodon and vocals. Their performances are a rich harvest of traditional songs and the duo has attracted a strong following from audiences delighted to hear once more the almost forgotten folk songs of these islands. Doors open and refreshments are served from 6.30pm, the concert begins at 7pm, and refreshments will also be available during the interval. Advance tickets £5 from the Tourist Information Centre in the Old Gaol, Buckingham. Tickets on the door (cash only) are £8. Enquires to 07974 949996 or email:
tickets@cantlos.com
5 Cinema
The Lost Boys, Open Air Cinema, Stowe, 6.30pm Friday September 14
There will be a licensed bar and food option on site. Gates open 6.30pm, the film starts at about 8pm. General parking is free.
www.thelostcinema.co.uk

One of the most acclaimed theatre shows of the century so far gallops in to Milton Keynes Theatre next week.

War Horse can be seen at Milton Keynes Theatre from Wednesday September 19 to Saturday October 6

The show has been seen by more than seven million people worldwide and completed its record-breaking eight year London run at the New London Theatre in March 2016. It has won 25 awards including the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway.

Directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, Nick Stafford’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship, about a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War, is the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history.

The show features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping horses to life on stage.

Michael Morpurgo said: “After a few months’ rest, out at pasture, Joey, the War Horse and his great team from the National Theatre, will be touring the UK again, taking their show all over the country, to towns and cities, many of them places War Horse has not been seen before. I am so pleased this is happening – that so many more people will have the chance to enjoy this unique theatrical event. Steady boy, steady Joey. Trot on!”

War Horse received its world premiere in October 2007 at the National Theatre, where it played for two seasons before opening at the New London Theatre in March 2009. Since then, War Horse has been seen in 97 cities in 10 countries, including productions on Broadway, in Toronto and Berlin, with touring productions in the UK and Ireland, North America, the Netherlands, Belgium and China.

The tour of War Horse coincides with the centenary commemorations of the end of the First World War and follows the production’s sold-out tour of the UK and Ireland in 2013-2014.

Thomas Dennis, fresh from playing Christopher Boone in the National Theatre’s West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will play the central role of Albert Narracott. It will be a special date for him as he is from Milton Keynes.

Tickets cost from £19.50.

For more details visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes.

Enjoy all the pomp and ceremony of the Proms during a special night with the Thame Concert Band.

The community wind and brass band is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

On Saturday, September 15 it will hold its ‘Last Night at the Proms’ concert at Christchurch, Thame.

It will feature all the favourites including Fantasia on a theme of British Sea Songs, Pomp and Circumstance, and Jerusalem.

There are a few tickets that will be available on the door but they have been selling fast.

The band received a grant from Thame Town Council which enabled it to buy some smart stand banners which will be on show, and a generous sponsorship from a local company purchased a smart new uniform.

If you would like an entertaining evening of popular music with refreshments and a raffle in the interval then head along to Christchurch.

The programme starts at 7pm, doors open 6.30pm.

Visit www.thameconcertband.org.uk and on Facebook at Thame Concert Band.

Following the hugely successful Piano Portraits tour last year, in support of the album of the same name, Rick Wakeman will return to Aylesbury later this month with his new tour Piano Odyssey.

The gig at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is on Saturday September 29 and will see even more classic tracks given Rick’s unique piano treatment.

He said: “In the footsteps of Piano Portraits, the new album Piano Odyssey features a collection of music old and new that includes some particular favourites of mine. I’m looking forward to performing tracks from it live on my own odyssey around the UK in the autumn!”

It will showcase music that has a special connection with Rick’s own personal musical journey along with memories, anecdotes and a few musical surprises.

For further information about the show or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/

So this is what it feels like to be Spidey?

Every now and then a game comes along that is hyped up beyond belief BUT manages to actually live up to it.

Well that’s 16 hours of my life I will never get back... which is only a shame because I would give anything to relive every brilliant, thrilling moment of it all over again.

That. In a nutshell. Is how sumptuously brilliant Insomniac’s PS4 exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man is.

Imagine some of the best elements of Grand Theft Auto, Assassin’s Creed and Crackdown but with your favourite superhero and his super spidey powers at your beck and call and you will be getting some way to knowing just how good this openworld sensation truly is.

The storyboard springs you straight into the action and swinging your way around the city is simply breathtaking.

The sense of freedom and speed married with the amazing design and graphics makes this not only great to play but also watch!

The combat is super quick and slick and ridiculously satisfying.

The crowning achievement of the combat system comes when you get to showcase your ever sharpened skills in superb boss battles and pivotal story moments.

As I mentioned this is a game that is so good it is actually nearly as enjoyable to watch as it is to play and much of that is down to the exquisite cinematic presentation we come to expect from Marvel movies and products.

There is so much to do and such variety that the 16 or so hours it took me to complete Spider-Man literally flew by faster than one of his melee attacks.

There are some elements of grind, particularly in some of the optional side activities which are a touch monotonous and feel a bit like padding. But as I say these are optional so don’t interfere with the overall experience.

As with any superhero game some of the combat animations and takedowns can become repetitive - see the Batman titles for example - but again in the grand scheme of things I would consider that nit-picking.

For a first effort on a Marvel franchise, Insomniac has absolutely smashed it. Like a big kid I actually got such a buzz being Spider-man swinging and webbing my way through New York.

But just as important is how expertly the developers handled the life of Peter Parker.

This is an utterly fulfilling thrill ride which is simply one of the must play games of the year for 2018. It also lays the perfect foundation for what could become - like the Batman games - a long-running franchise.

Timbers were shivered yesterday as the cast of Peter Pan flew into Go Ape Wendover to officially launch this year's pantomime.

The swashbuckling extravaganza takes place at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from Friday December 7 to Saturday December 31.

Starring as Hook and busting with badness, John Michie (Holby City, Coronation Street) was found at the popular local outdoor activity centre in Wendover Woods with cast members Andy Collins (BBC 3 Counties Breakfast Show) playing Smee, La Voix (Britain’s Got Talent) as Mrs Smee, Holly Atterton (Nick Jnr’s Go!Go!Go!) playing Tinker Bell and Natalie Hollingworth who was standing in as Peter Pan, but will be taking to the stage as Tiger Lily in the Christmas production.

Not to be overshadowed by last year’s record-breaking show, this year’s epic adventure is set to include out-of-this-world flying effects, galleons of laughter and lashings of fairy dust! The cast will be joined by The Nitwits – a team of acrobatic pirates on a mission to entertain and amaze with breath-taking stunts up their pantaloons.

When asked about playing the baddie in this year’s production John Michie said: "I’m really looking forward to it. The theatre is absolutely beautiful and I’m excited about getting a reaction playing one of pantomime’s best baddies."

Footage from the day will be appearing in the theatre’s first ever full-scale parody video, This Is Smee, being released in October.

For tickets call the box office on 0844 871 7607 or visit www.atgtickets.com/Aylesbury.