Music

Cara Dillon
Cara Dillon has a staggeringly beautiful voice whether she’s singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer. Cara and Sam also appeared in the Transatlantic Sessions,in a spectacular setting on the shores of Loch Lomond. Go to www.caradillon.co.uk. Tickets are £19.50 call 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.
16 May, 8pm, Town Hall, Wycombe Swan, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe.

Paul Brady
The singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is one of Ireland's most highly regarded and successful artists. He incorporates folk, rock, blues, traditional Irish and classic pop styles into his songwriting.
His songs have been covered by acts including Carole King, Art Garfunkel, Joe Cocker and Phil Collins. He performs from his extensive 40 year back catalogue. Supported by Lisbee Stainton. Tickets are £22.50 from 01628 788997 or go to www.norden.org.
16 May, 8pm, Norden Farm, Maidenhead.

The New Groove
And Freeway Mad live at The Life Of Riley Music Club. £10 in advance or on the door. Support a great cause and enjoy an excellent night of 'home grown' blues and rock. All profits go to Prostate Cancer UK.
17 May, 7.30pm, Christ Church Marlow

Clare Teal- The Divas and Me
The Queen of Swing celebrates the music of her heroines - including Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Judy Garland and Doris Day. The multi award winning singer and BBC Radio 2 broadcaster is known for her knowledge and love of the Great American Songbook. She is joined by top flight musicians, led by pianist and musical director Grant Windsor. Tickets are £17.50 from 01628 788997 or go to www.norden.org.
17 May, 8pm, Norden Farm, Maidenhead.

Dunfest Charity Music Festival.
A day of music and stalls for all the family. Bands playing:- Flicker, Raising Souls, The City Is Ours, Callow Saints, Silo 18, 2TONE and Stanley Dee. Beer tent supplied by Tring Brewery, BBQ, plus The Cinnamon Travelling Cafe and The Mashed TeaTent. For the children there will be inflatables, karting, crafts and a dressing up tent. Visitors may bring their own picnic, but no alcohol can be bought on site. See the Dunfest Facebook page for more details. Call 07913 782811. Tickets: Family Ticket £14 Adult £7 under 16 £3.
17 May, 2pm, Dundale Field, Silk Mill Way, Tring.

The Chiltern Camerata
The Chiltern Camerata, Conductor Sam Laughton with pianist Rupert Egerton-Smith, perform music by Beethoven plus other treats. The concert is in aid of the Scannappeal Charity. Tickets may be obtained from
Tourist Information Offices in: High Wycombe (Main Library); Marlow and Princes Risborough or call 01494 883112 or richard.morbey@gmail.com and on the door on the evening of the concert subject to availability. Tickets: £12 (£10 concessions). Under 18s: free.
17 May, 7.30pm, All Saints' Parish Church, Church Street, High Wycombe.

Mill End Voices
'Come and Sing' adult mixed choir - men are always welcome - meeting on every second Sunday of the month. Directed by Patrick Gazard, the choir sings a wide variety of repertoire, focusing on songs from musical theatre and film as well as some light classical works. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and no previous experience is necessary. All adults welcome. There is no membership or annual subscription: you just pay £10 on the door. Contact: Email patrickgazard@gmail.com for further information.
18 May, 2.30 to 5pm, Millbrook Combined School, High Wycombe HP12 4BA.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra arrives at your door step in a concert celebrating John Lill’s 70th Birthday who will perform Beethoven’s memorable and lively Third Piano Concerto. Conducted by the talented Rory Macdonald, the concert’s overture, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides, depicts a familiar Scottish scene as the grand finale takes us to America in Dvorák’s fiery and soulful Symphony No.9 ‘From the New World’.  Tickets £11.90 to £32.40 and a £2.85 booking fee from www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury or call 0844 8717627.
21 May, 7.30pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury.

Theatre

The Two Worlds of Charlie F
Winner of the 2012 Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award, The Two Worlds of Charlie F is performed by serving and veteran soldiers, and explores the effects of injury and its impact on others, before, during and after. A darkly comic, authentic and uplifting tale of survival. Tickets are £17 to £26, with a £1.50 booking fee from 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.
19 to 21 May, 7.30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Close Distance
A show about next door. Close Distance is an engaging, acrobatic and thought-provoking show which explores our relationships with our neighbours, it revolves around the lives of four people, brought together by where they live.  An explosive, helter-skelter ride of dance and impressive contact work, speech, animation and visual projections that will grip you, tickle you, pull on your heartstrings and make you ponder on your own life. Tickets are £12 with £2 off for concessions from 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk
20 May, 7pm, Town Hall, High Wycombe.

All Creatures Great and Small
Theatre Royal Windsor are thrilled to be the first venue on the UK tour of Bill Kenwright’s brand new production. The starry line-up includes Oliver Mellor from Coronation Street, Susan Penhaligon much loved for Bouquet Of Barbed Wire, Clare Buckfield from 2Point4 Children,  TV regular and Blue Peter favourite Mark Curry and heartthrob Lee Latchford-Evans from multi-million selling pop sensation Steps. The tender and heart-warming tales of country vet James Herriot, among the dales and moors, farmhouses and public houses, were expertly captured in a series of novels which have sold in their millions all over the world, and have been made into two films and a classic BBC TV series. Now these stories are being brought to the stage in a major new dramatisation. To book tickets go to www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/
20 to 31 May, Theatre Royal Windsor.

Kidnapped
An adventure tale for all the family, Kidnapped tells the story of Davie Balfour as he survives shipwreck and attempted murder to dramatically escape to the Highlands of Scotland. Set against the fierce social and political backdrop of 1750s Scotland, this gripping, fast paced adventure story is packed full of physical storytelling and imagination. Adapted by emerging playwright Ivan Wilkinson Sell a Door Theatre Company launch their 2014 season with this highly imaginative re-telling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story, perfect for young and old audiences alike. Tickets £10 with a £1.50 booking fee from 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.
21 May, 1.30 and 5pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Cycling

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. Tickets: free.
17 May, 10am, Cafe Africa, Chesham Road.Amersham.

The 12th Champneys Charitable Foundation Bike Ride
Last year’s bike ride raised £20,000 from the 165 riders who took part and this donation was distributed in equal shares to the Target Ovarian, Prostate Cancer, The Silver Star Appeal and to the Champneys Charitable Foundation. This year they are aiming to beat this total. Get on your bike and have some fun with friends, family and work colleagues and challenge yourself. It’s an enjoyable day out with a little bit of exercise in the wonderful Bedfordshire countryside thrown in and a fantastic way to help some great charities. Open to all, entry forms and further information can be downloaded from:
http://www.champneys.com/spa-resorts/meetings-events/whats-on/charity-bike-ride/. Entry costs £25pp or £100 for a team of 5.
18 May, Champneys Henlow, Bedfordshire, SG16 6DB.

Children's activities

Norway trail.
Oompa Loompa trail. For all ages: celebrate Norwegian Day and find out fantabulous facts about Roald Dahl's connection with Norway. Free for Museum visitors. Book Museum admission: http://www.roalddahl.com/museum/tickets or call 01494 892192.
17 May, 11am, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street.Great Missenden.

Writing Hut talks
For all ages: learn about Roald Dahl's writing routine and the funny objects he kept near his writing desk. Free for Museum visitors. Book Museum admission: http://www.roalddahl.com/museum/tickets.
18 May, 12pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street.Great Missenden.

Fairs and sales

Coleshill CofE Infant School May Fayre
Great Raffle Prizes, adult tombola, kids craft, plant stall, amazing home produce - the list goes on. A great day out for the whole family and a wonderful way to support a local school. Call 01494 727206. Tickets: £1 / Adults 50p OAP / Kids Free.
17 May until 18 May, 11am to 2pm, Coleshill CofE Infant School, Village Road, Coleshill, Amersham.

The Village Pre-School Baby and Children's - Nearly New Sale
Fantastic pre-loved toys, clothes and baby equipment all at bargain prices. All money raised will go to The Village Pre-School, Coppice Farm Road. Wycombe based children's charity The Dorcas Project will also be there. Please support them as all their proceeds will help disadvantaged children in the area. Interested in a Stall? Stalls just £10 for a double table and you keep 100% of your profit. Cost: Entry only £1 (under 16s free) - lots of free parking. Contact: Email Lee-Ann at village-nearlynew@outlook.com; call Nicky Lovegrove during school hours on 01494 817 093 or find them on www.facebook.com/thevillagepreschoolcoppicefarmroad
18 May, 10am to 12pm, Hazlemere Community Centre, Rose Avenue, HP15 7UB

Groups and talks

Permaculture Course and Grow your Own Food.
Beginning in the Arts For Everyone gardens, and extending into the kitchen creating and sharing seasonal delicious dishes that reflect Wycombe’s diverse cultural backgrounds with permaculture experts and artists. Eight sessions. Led by artist growers, Lise Hovesen and Javier Rodriguez. To book simply email stating the name of the course or call leaving your name and details- 01494 445517 or info@arts4every1.com.
17 May, 2pm, Arts4Every1 - Arts Centre, Desborough Road, High Wycombe.

Chilterns Commons and their Wildlife
An illustrated talk for the Wycombe Wildlife Group by Rachel Sanderson, Commons Project Officer at Chilterns Conservation Board, concentrating on local commons.
Cost: £3 (including refreshments). Public car park at rear of building (free after 7pm). Contact: 01494 438 374
19 May, 7.45 to 9.45pm, The Sanctuary, Trinity United Reformed Church, London Road, High Wycombe, HP11 1BJ (opposite Pann Mill).

Upper Thames Patrol
Bill King will describe the organisation and role of a unique river-based civil defence force known as the Upper Thames Patrol (UTP) which from 1939 to November 1944 patrolled the River Thames from Cricklade to Teddington. In May 1940 the force became part of the Home Guard. Its tasks were to protect the many assets of the non-tidal Thames. Primary concerns were the inspection and safety of locks, weirs and other vulnerable points such as bridges and pumping stations. The role included policing the river and its banks, searching boats, keeping watch for clandestine wireless transmitters and preventing signalling to enemy aircraft. Very little recognition has ever been given to this little known branch of the Home Guard whose members undoubtedly served their country well. Organised by the Hedgerley Historical Society.
Cost: Members free Visitors £3. Contact: John Lovelock 01753 647 187 or email jdlovelock@btinternet.com
21 May, 8 to 9pm, Hedgerley Memorial Hall Kiln Lane Hedgerley Bucks SL2 3UZ

History of Cliveden.
A presentation by Maggie Blakeslee - a Cliveden guide - about the building's history as well as about some of the occupants, both famous and infamous. Organised by Friends of High Wycombe Library. All welcome. Call 01494 713912. Tickets: £2 pay on the door.
21 May, 2pm, High Wycombe Library, 5 Eden Place.High Wycombe.

Mars and Venus in the marketing suite.
Speaker: Gloria Moss, Professor of Management and Marketing at Bucks New University and Visiting Professor at ESG, Paris. Companies market different products for men and women, yet Hamleys and M&S have stopped differentiating boys and girls toys. Are males and females cognitively different or are they approaching androgyny? Gloria will look at men’s and women’s visual creations and preferences, and show the impact of thousands of years of hunter/gatherer activity and how organisations can use this information for competitive advantage. Email Lorna.West@bucks.ac.uk to book a place on 01494 522 141.Tickets: free.
21 May, 5.30pm, Owen Harris Lecture Theatre 1, Bucks New University, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe

The King under the Car Park: The Search for Richard III
Mathew Morris MA AIFA, Fieldwork Director for the Search for Richard III Project, University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS). A talk organised by Archaeology in Marlow (AIM). Mathew led the Field Work on the ‘Greyfriars’ Project in 2012 that resulted in the discovery of the last resting place of Richard III, often talked about at the time as the archaeological event of the century. He will talk about the archaeology behind the discovery and the evidence behind the identity of the remains. Copies of 'Richard III: The King under the Car Park' by Mathew Morris and Richard Buckley will be available on the night and he will be happy to sign any purchased. Tickets on the door and in advance from 01628 - 481792 (pay now and collect on door or send SAE for tickets)or from The Tourist Information Centre, Institute Road, Marlow, SL7 1BA. Go to www.archaeologyinmarlow.org.uk. Tickets: £5 (Archaeology in Marlow members £4).
22 May, 8pm, Main Hall, Liston Hall, Chapel Street, Marlow.

Weddings

Wycombe Swan and Town Hall Wedding Fair
All the needs of your special day under one roof. Call 07990 711444 for more details. Free entry.
18 May, 11am, Wycombe Swan and Town Hall, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Gardens

NGS - Gardens Open For Charity.
Two acre plantsman's garden with a wide range of plants aimed at providing year round interest. A particular feature is the meadow with numerous bulbs and wild flowers. Tickets: £3.
18 May, 2pm, Beech House, Long Wood Drive, Jordans.Beaconsfield.

NGS - Gardens Open For Charity.
Thoughtfully designed garden, shrubbery with ferns, grasses. Pergola with wisteria, roses and clematis. Bonsai collection. Home made teas and plants for sale.Tickets: £3.50 children free.
18 May, 2pm, Fressingwood, Hare Lane, Little Kingshill, Great Missenden.

Walks

Spring walk at Holtspur Bank
A walk around the Holtspur Bank Local Nature Reserve with the Friends of Holtspur Bank. Cost: free. Contact: 01628 526553.
18 May, 2.30 to 4.30pm, Meet by the scout hut in Cherry Tree Road, off Holtspur Top Lane, Holtspur (OS map reference SU923904).

Night Walk and Meteor Storm!
A potentially fantastic chance to see meteors, or shooting stars as the earth passes through the dust cloud of an ancient comet. A spectacular display of shooting stars could result - some estimates indicate several hundred per hour. A short walk around this fascinating site, then settle down to watch. Go to www.chilternsociety.org.uk or call 01494 771250.
24 May, 9 to 11.30pm, Whiteleaf Hill, Princes Risborough.

Quiz

Quiz Night at Clayton's Marlow.
The Marlovian Maverick Quizmaster Tosh hosts their monthly charity quiz. With rounds such as 'The Family Fortunes Round' and 'The Blockbusters Round', this quiz is designed to be fun so if you take yourself a little too seriously, this may not be your thing. £3 entry per person (maximum of 6 people per team)- all proceeds go to the charity. Quiz starts at 7.30pm. Booking a table for your team is essential to guarantee a seat. For information on all future events, visit www.claytonsmarlow.com or call 01628 488404.
21 May, 7.30pm, Clayton's Marlow, 16 Oxford Road, Marlow, SL7 2NL.

Classes

Come and try Croquet
Free 'come and try' croquet session. Contact: http://hwcroquetclub.com, email enquiries@hwcroquetclub.com or call 01494 858 202.
18 May, 11am to 5pm, Hazlemere Recreation Ground, Amersham Road, Hazlemere, HP15 7QW.

Comedy

Lee Hurst "Things that make you go aaarggh!"
In his new stand up show, comedian Lee Hurst is back on the road to ask audiences what winds them up? Mostly people get on with living their lives, but everyone has at least one thing that gets on their nerves and makes their blood boil. What's yours? Lee, like all Brits, loves a right good moan, but he also likes to come up with solutions too. Tickets are £16 from 01494 5482900 or go to www.elgiva.com.
16 May, 8pm, The Elgiva, Chesham.

Josh Widdicombe
Star of Channel 4’s ‘The Last Leg’ BBC1’s ‘Live At The Apollo’ and ‘Mock The Week’, Josh Widdicombe returns to the road this autumn touring his brand new show ‘Incidentally…’ The last twelve months have been incredible for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer nominee 2011 Josh Widdicombe, with the hit Channel 4 show ‘The Last Leg’ being commissioned for two series after its success during the Paralympics Games. Josh also picked up the coveted Saturday breakfast slot on XFM and his much-loved show features regularly in the iTunes Podcast Top 10. Widdicombe is fast becoming a TV regular with appearances on BBC1’s ‘Mock The Week’, Channel 4’s ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’, ‘Channel 4’s Comedy Gala in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital’ and ‘Stand Up The Week’. Tickets are £15, with a £1.50 booking fee from 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.
19 May, 8pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

On The Radar

Austentatious
Undoubtedly one of the most talked-about shows on the UK comedy scene, Austentatious: An Improvised Novel is a comedy play spun in the inimitable style of Jane Austen - and based entirely on audience suggestions.  After total sell out runs in London & Edinburgh, this critically acclaimed show is embarking on its first national tour in Spring 2013. Tickets are £13.50 with a £1.50 booking fee from 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.
6 June, 8pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Julian Siegel (saxes)
Julian Siegel is a prominent jazz player, arranger, composer and educator. He is supported by Simon Marsh (sax). They are joined by Alex Hutton (piano), Andy Cleyndert (bass) and Clark Tracey (drums). Tickets are £5 to £14 from 01628 788997 or go to www.norden.org.
13 June, 8pm, Norden Farm, Maidenhead.

Thriller Live
Direct from London’s West End, where it’s in its record breaking 5th year, Thriller Live is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the world’s greatest entertainer. Expect your favourite songs delivered by an exceptionally talented cast and band, including: I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off the Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Bad, Rock With You, They Don’t Care About Us, Dangerous, Heal the World, and Thriller.Tickets £20.40 to £31.90 from www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury or call 0844 8717627.
16 to 18 June, 7.30pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury.

Red Kite Ramble
Charities across the UK will benefit from the efforts of sponsored walkers embarking on a hike across the picturesque Chiltern Hills as part of The Clare Foundation’s annual Red Kite Ramble. Walkers taking part can choose to complete one of three routes, including a six mile, 11 mile or - for those ambitious enough - a 17 mile option which combines the two. Those involved can appreciate the beautiful Chiltern countryside along the way, with the opportunity to stop at the famous West Wycombe Caves. The Clare Foundation offers charities and individual walkers ready-made sponsorship forms, posters, and schedules for the event, all of which have been kindly provided by Colourpoint Litho Ltd and can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website at http://www.theclarefoundation.org/events.html. A registration fee is required - £10 for individuals over 17 years, £5 for children from five to 16 and children under five go free. Any surplus registration funds following the event, not used cover operational costs, will be placed in the Foundation’s Bursary Fund, which supports local charities. The Ramble starts and finishes at the Clare Charity Centre in Saunderton where charity stalls, refreshments, a bar and BBQ will be available for tired walkers to enjoy.
22 June, The Clare Foundation, Saunderton

Alice Through the Looking Glass
Quantum Theatre presents a brand new adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic, Through the Looking Glass (and What Alice Found There). With live music and the full array of Carroll’s fantastical characters, this lively new adaptation follows Alice’s adventures in the looking-glass world she enters through the mirror above her drawing-room fireplace. Adapted and directed by Michael Whitmore, this enchanting play faithfully charts the fabulous and wonderful world created by Lewis Carroll, retaining all its quirky British charm, classic characters and comedic poems in a true theatrical treat for all the family. Tickets are £12 for adults, £7 for children, £35 for family from 01494 582900 or go to www.elgiva.com.
22 June, 2.30pm, The Elgiva, Chesham.

Exclusive Evening Garden Tour and National Trust Supper
On arrival, enjoy a glass of champagne followed by a small group guided walk to see the garden in all its summer glory. Finish in the Orangery for a delicious two course home-cooked National Trust supper with one glass of wine. All Tickets £38. Booking essential on 0844 249 1895.
15 July, 6.15 to 9.30pm, Cliveden, Near Maidenhead.