Easter weekend activities

Marlow Walk of Witness

All Christians in Marlow are invited to walk in silent procession behind the cross of Christ on Good Friday. The Procession ends at Higginson Park with an Ecumenical Act of Worship.
18 April, 11am, Assemble at Quoiting Square, Marlow.

Easter Egg Steam Specials
Join them on Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday for a traditional Easter steam train ride. All children on board will receive a chocolate egg and every adult gets a traditional hot cross bun. Trains depart Chinnor station at 10.15, 11.45am, 1.30, 3 and 4.30pm. No advance booking required - simply turn up, purchase your tickets and enjoy the journey. Fares: Adults £11, Seniors 60+yrs £10, children 3 to 15yrs £6, families 1ad+2ch £20 / 2ad+2ch £28. See www.chinnorrailway.co.uk for details.
18 until 21 April, Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Station Road, Chinnor.

Norden Farm's springtime youth arts festival
There are lots of fun and creative things to see and do this Easter at Norden Farm’s Springtime youth arts festival, running throughout the school holidays until Saturday, April 19. It is packed full of family shows, Japanese inspired arts and crafts sessions, Japanese and spring themed storytelling, and screenings of animated films. On Friday 18 and Saturday 19 April, children and families have the chance to try their hand at something creative and completely different in two whole days of taster workshops. All activities across these two days cost £2 - £4 per person, giving families a budget friendly way of trying new things and spending time together. As ever, these Easter Weekend activities always prove hugely popular, and booking in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Call 01628 788997.
18 and 19 April, Norden Farm, Maidenhead.

Easter Treasure Hunt
Sue Ryder charity shop in High Wycombe invites you to join in for a day filled with fun. A treasure hunt as well as a variety of very special offers. There will be cake, music and a raffle. Call 01494 450115 for details. Tickets: £1.
19 April, 9.30am, Sue Ryder, 10-12 Queens Square, High Wycombe.

Easter Sunday Family Fun Day
There will be an Easter Egg hunt in the grounds, a bouncy castle and face painting, and a three course lunch in Glaze Restaurant. Admission free with Easter Sunday lunch. Call 01628 496800 to book.
20 April, 11am, The Crowne Plaza, Marlow.

The Wycombe Heights Golf Centre
Mascot, Chip the Bear, will be handing out chocolate eggs and welcoming families from across the region on Easter Sunday. Led by the loveable mascot, families are invited to take part in Easter Egg trails and become ‘Eggsplorers’ for the day. Visitors to the public pay-and-play centre can try their hand at a number of garden games, including egg and spoon, giant Jenga and colouring competitions. There will be a BBQ or there is a café, bar and grill. Easter Egg Trails will take place at 12 and 2pm. Families to register upon arrival. www.wycombeheightsgc.co.uk.
20 April, 11am to 3pm, Rayners Ave, Loudwater, High Wycombe.

The Thame Country Fair
In the Andy Singleton Arena two of the new entries are the Horsemen of the Knight and the Walk Up Shoot, which features top gundog handlers and dogs. There's the new eagle show in the falconry village. There are lots of activities in the country kitchen with chefs. There are lots of shopping opportunities and food courts. Tickets are £12 adults, £11 over 65s and £4 children. For full details go to www.livingheritagecountryshows.com.
20 and 21 April, 10am to 6pm, Thame Showground, Kingsey Road, Thame, OX9 3JL.

Events at Roald Dahl Museum

George's Marvellous Chicken Pots
For 6+ years: make a clay pot in the shape of a chicken, ready to store lots of eggs inside. Listen to some storytelling from George's Marvellous Medicine. £3.50 per participant in addition to museum entry.
18 April, 11am, 1 and 3pm.
Dory-hunky ducks' nests.
For 6+ years: get inspired with some storytelling from The Magic Finger and create a propsposterous paper plate ducks' nest collage. £3.50 per participant in addition to museum entry.
19 April, 11am, 1 and 2.30pm.
Wonka Egg Heads
For 6+ years: get messy with sweeties to transform an ordinary chocolate egg into a Roald Dahl character. Will you make a Mr Twit, or a BFG? £3 per participant in addition to museum entry.
20 April, 10.30am, 1 and 2.30pm.
Easter trail.
For all ages: follow the egg pictures to find out fantabulous facts about the Museum and win yourself a tasty treat. Free for museum visitors.
20 April, 11am.
Bogswizzling Cloth Bags.
For 6+ years: create a crackling cloth bag by decorating it with fabric paint. Will you make a book bag for Matilda, or a mischievous swag bag for Mr Fox to keep his chickens in, or your own chocolate egg bag?
£3 per participant in addition to museum entry.
21 April, 11am, 1 and 3pm.

Call 01494 892192 to book.
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Comedy

Dave Fulton
Comedian Dave Fulton is headlining, and also performing are Jim Smallman and Steve Gribbin at this regular comedy night. Tickets at £15 to includes food in the interval. Choose between blackened cajun swordfish with roasted mediterranean vegetables or homemade chicken and chorizo pie with butter mash.  Call Richard for tickets on 01494 726 222.
24 April, 8pm, The Potters Arms, Winchmore Hill.

Music

Beer Festival
Many different beers and soft drinks available at all times. Live music throughout the weekend. All welcome. Call 01494 448800 for details.
18 until 21 April, 12pm, Legion Hall (Formerly Royal British Legion Club), St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

The Johnny Wheeler Band
Since the early days of the club Johnny Wheeler has been playing music for the members. Firstly with Free Man Banned in the 70s through to the 2000s and now along with Steve Wells on keyboards and vocals plus Roy 'the boy' Challis on drums. Non- members to be signed in- call ahead for peace of mind. Call 01494 440349 for details. Tickets: a small fee on the door.
19 April, 8.30pm, Cressex Community Centre & Social Club, 203, Cressex Road, High Wycombe.

The Drifters in Concert
Presenting ‘The Optimum Tour’, featuring the current line up Pierre Herelle, Michael Williams, Ryan King and Carlton Powell. Following on from the success of the 60th Anniversary Diamond Dynasty World Tour, they are proud to bring a fast moving, exhilarating show bringing the optimum of their own historical legacy along with events, people and culture over the decades of the dynasty, along with brand new recordings released late 2013. Including songs such as ‘Under The Boardwalk’, ‘Saturday Night At The Movies’ and  ‘Up On The Roof'. Tickets are £25, with a £1.50 booking fee. Call 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.
19 April, 7.30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Marlow Jazz Club
They welcome back a special favourite, the maestro of the vibraphone Anthony Kerr, with the Frank Toms Trio. Belfast born Anthony came to prominence in the Georgie Fame Blue Flames, with whom he still occasionally appears, but he is now a big solo star on this rare and beautiful instrument. www.marlowjazz.co.uk
22 April, 8.30pm, The Royal British Legion Hall, Marlow.

Gypsy Fire's 'Acoustic Spectacular' show
Gypsy Fire’s new ‘Acoustic Spectacular’ theatre show, www.gypsyfire.co.uk, propels you on a fabulous musical journey through style and time. Narrated by the mysterious ‘creator’ this dynamic show combines breathtaking musical performances with an otherworldly theatrical ambience. Featuring Ben Holder (violin) Will Barnes and Stuart Carter-Smith (acoustic guitars) and Paul Jefferies (double bass), these four virtuoso musicians weave darkness, excitement, exuberance and great beauty through some of music’s most iconic eras. Tickets are £14 from 01494 552875.
23 April, 8pm, Wycombe Town Hall, High Street, High Wycombe.

Bike check

Free Dr Bike
Sustrans has teamed up with Cycle Chilterns and CycleFleet to put on a free bike maintenance session at Cafe Africa. Bring your bike along to receive a safety check and any minor repairs.
19 April, 10am, Cafe Africa, Chesham Road, Amersham.

Gardens

NGS - Gardens Open For Charity.
Artistic chalk garden on two levels. Potager/herb garden with spring bulbs -, hellebores, primulas, pulmonarias. Tickets: £3.50 child 50p.
20 April, 2pm, Overstroud Cottage, The Dell, Frith Hill, Great Missenden.

NGS - Gardens Open For Charity
A south facing garden developed over last 22 years. The lawn is bordered by box hedging and the borders feature spring flowering bulbs including extensive collection of hellebores. Home made teas and plants for sale.Tickets: £3.
21 April, 2pm, Rivendell, 13 The Leys, Amersham.

Sport

Tennis rusty racquets.
Haven't played tennis for a while, then come and brush up those skills, have some fun and some 'me' time while being coached in this great sport. Call 01494718457 for more details. Tickets: £54 for 10 lessons.
22 April, 10am, Widmer End Lawn Tennis Club, Grange Road, Widmer End.

Weekly Hash (Run).
High Wycombe Hash House Harriers - drinkers with a running problem - meet every Tuesday at a local pub (normally within a 10-mile radius of HW town centre) and go for a run, seeking out a trail that has been previously laid by one of our number. Welcome anyone regardless of how fit you are (or aren't) and they end up back at the pub for a post-run drink. Find out more at www.hwh3.co.uk
22 April, 7.45pm, The Chequers, 51, London Road West, Amersham.

Great Missenden Lawn Tennis Club
Is holding a number of open days in the coming months.
27 April 2 to 4pm, 9 May 6 to 8pm, 6 June 6 to 8pm, London Road, Great Missenden.

Talks and groups

Aural History with Mark Langley
Discover and document the extraordinary stories and characters of High Wycombe. Join artist Mark Langley to create a sound map of your town by capturing local history using state of the art zoom audio recorders. To book - email, stating which course you are interested in, your name and contact number to:- info@arts4every1.com. Ca;; 01494 445517 for more details.
22 April until 3 June, 6pm, Arts4Every1 - Arts Centre, Desborough Road, High Wycombe.

London's More Important River
The river in question is the Lee, which runs from Hertford to the Thames at Limehouse Basin. Development of the navigation began as early as the 13th century and continued into the 1800s. Jeremy Batch returns for a fourth visit to the branch; a recognition of the excellence of his presentations. Jeremy keeps lock at Limehouse and is a boater and sailor. Call 01932 248178 for more details. Tickets: donation.
23 April, 8pm, Little Chalfont Village Hall, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont, Amersham.

Local National Trust Properties
A talk by Gary Marshall, regional archaeologist with the National Trust. Gary gave a fascinating talk in early 2013 on the activities of the archaeologists who work for the National Trust and their investigations into a range of issues and opportunities that arise on local properties. He will provide an update on this work and new developments. The hot summer of 2013 resulted in interesting sets of parch marks appearing on a number of properties so there should be plenty to talk about. www.archaeologyinmarlow.org.uk. Call 01628 481792 for more details. Tickets: £3.50 non members, £2.50 members of AIM.
24 April, 8pm, Garden Room, Liston Hall, Liston Road, Chapel Street, Marlow.

Theatre

Backstage at the Big Top
The Court Youth Theatre (CYT) runs weekly sessions for young people aged five to 18 years, and each year the CYT Production group devises an original piece of theatre to be performed at the Court Theatre.
This April, CYT returns for its annual main-scale production. Backstage at the Big Top is an exciting exploration of the circus and what goes on behind the shiny curtains, sparkly costumes and fierce animals. Tickets £8 (£6 cons) available from www.courttheatre.co.uk or the box office: 07543 560 478.
18 and 19 April, 7pm, sat matinee at 3pm, The Court Theatre, Tring

Blackbird
A fascinating and un-nerving tale of revenge and intrigue. Fifteen years ago Una (played by Buxton Fringe best Female Actor 2013 Sian Weedon) and Ray (played by Best Actor Nominee Cheshire Theatre Guild) had a relationship. They haven't set eyes on each other since.  Now, she's found him again. Stickleback Theatre Company perform this play. Not for the faint hearted, this electrifying and explosive play has Ray confronting his past when Una arrives unannounced at his place of work, years later.  Guilt and raw emotions run high as they unpick their passionate, forbidden love affair. Tickets are £14 from 01494 512000 or www.wycombeswan.co.uk.  
22 April, 7.30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Encore Dance Company
The performance premieres three new works by international choreographers, Christopher Moore (Ballet Theatre UK), Jodie Blemmings (Matthew Bourne New Adventures) and David Wood (Kylie Minogue). This stunning evening of dance celebrates the high energy and talents of young professional dancers graduating from the Tring Park School of  Performing Arts. Tickets: £16.50 full / £15 concs / £12.50 under 12s.
Box office: 01494 582900 or www.elgiva.com.
24 April, 8pm, The Elgvia, Chesham.

Outdoor activities

Birds and Birdsong in Wendover Woods
Join amateur ornithologist and bird song expert Richard Tomlin for a walk in Wendover Woods and discover just which birds are responsible for the beautiful morning birdsongs of the forest on this delightful woodland walk. Run by the Chiltern Society. To book call 01494 771250 or go to www.chilternsociety.org.uk for more details.
22 April, 8 to 10.30am, Wendover Woods, Bucks

Map Reading Course
This day course is suitable for everyone aged 10 and over, and covers a wide range of skills that will help you to navigate confidently around the countryside. Learn about map reading, access, equipment and lots more, with a Chiltern Society expert.
23 April, 10am to 4pm, Wendover Woods, Bucks

Coffee morning

Coffee morning
The High Wycombe and District MS Branch are holding a coffee morning. It is for anyone with MS (Multiple Sclerosis), their family and friends.
24 April, 11am to 12.30pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Marlow.


On The Radar

Anyone for croquet?
High Wycombe Croquet Club invites you to join them to celebrate the opening of the new croquet lawns. After the ceremony attended by Steve Baker MP and representatives of Wycombe Council and the Croquet Association, there will be free "come and try" sessions for anyone to enjoy trying out their existing or potential croquet skills. Free refreshments will be served. Anyone who is, or might be, interested in the game is very welcome but please wear flat-soled shoes. For further details contact 01494-858202 www.hwcroquetclub.com
3 May, 2pm, Hazlemere Recreation Ground, HP15 7QW.

Summer Entertaining Masterclass
Learn how to become a top host or hostess by enjoying demonstrations to improve summer entertaining at home. A local interior designer, a top florist and a catering firm will show how stunning yet simple it can be. A finger buffet and glass of Pimms will be included in price. Money raised goes to Scannappeal. For full details visit www.scannappeal.org.uk/events.
8 May, 10.30am to 2.30pm, Fitzwillliam Centre, Beaconsfield.

Nancy Astor’s Birthday Party
The National Trust estate of Cliveden in Bucks invites you to join a glamorous garden party in celebration of the birthday of one of its most remarkable owners - Nancy Astor. The event takes Cliveden back to the glamorous era of the 1930s when Nancy Astor and her friends and family would have celebrated in the glorious grounds. The picturesque Water Garden will be transformed for the day, with live music, traditional Punch and Judy, party games and of course a birthday cake.  There will also be free face painting as well as Cliveden’s giant maze and the storybook themed play area provide further fun for youngsters. Visitors will be able to chat with famous characters from Cliveden’s glittering past, as celebrities¹ from Nancy’s heyday stroll through the grounds whilst live musical entertainment from the Marlow Town Band will help ensure the day goes with a swing.  Everyone is welcome to bring their own picnics; however, delicious refreshments are also on offer, including sandwiches, cream teas and other sweet treats. Normal admission charges apply. Go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
18 May, 11am to 4pm, Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0JA.

Blofeld and Baxter
Henry Blofeld and Peter Baxter invite you to join them on a trip down memory lane to discover fascinating untold stories from the Test Match Special commentary box and beyond. Hear tall tales from across the globe with exclusive behind-the-scenes adventures about the characters that make TMS so special and discover the extraordinary escapades of players both on and off the pitch. For both cricket and non-cricket lovers alike. Tickets are £19.50, with a £1.50 booking fee. Go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk or call 01494 512000.
11 June, 8pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Chilfest
Pop icons Jason Donovan and Boomtown Rats have been confirmed to play at the festival, which aims to bring you the best of the sounds from the 80s and in contemporary pop. Other acts confirmed are Heaven 18, Dr & The Medics, Toyah, Go West, Union J, 911, Amelia Lily and more. The event will also be raising money for The Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care and Macmillan Cancer Support. For ticket information go to http://chilfest.co.uk/
4 to 7 July, Pendley Meadow, Cow Lane, Tring, Hertfordshire.

The RAF in Concert
Following their sell-out performance last year, tickets are on sale for a special concert later this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the UK’s greatest national icons - the Red Arrows. The RAF in Concert tour returns to the Wycombe Swan  with a programme of music to match the colour, flamboyance and entertainment provided by the world’s most exciting aerobatic display team during the past five decades. Compered by BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce. For more details visit rafinconcert.com. Tickets priced £17 to £23, from the Wycombe Swan Box Office on 01494 512000.
16 October, 7.30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.