Music

The Best Bands in the Land
We strike up the band in a gala concert featuring the Bisham Concert Band, Chiltern Hills Brass Band, Maidenhead Concert Band and High Wycombe Music Centre Big Band. A feast of varied music, to which we will also welcome the Mayor of Marlow. See www.musicinmarlow.org.uk for detailed timings. Call 01628486227 or email info@musicinmarlow.org.uk for information. Tickets £8.
16 May, 4pm, All Saints' Parish Church, High Street, Marlow.

Chiltern Camerata: Music in the Great War
Music in the Great War is the Chiltern Camerata’s contribution to the Wycombe Arts Festival. The programme includes George Butterworth (arr. Roderick Williams): Six songs from ‘A Shropshire Lad’ (with Bene’t Coldstream, tenor), Herbert Howells:   Elegy for solo viola solo, string quartet and strings (with Fiona Brodie) and Frederick Septimus Kelly: Elegy ‘In memoriam Rupert Brooke’. Tickets are £12, available at www.chiltern-camerata.org.uk, or by contacting Dick Morbey on 01494 883112 or richard.morbey@gmail.com.
16 May, 7.30pm, The Church of St Lawrence, West Wycombe Hill, West Wycombe, HP14 3AP.

Johnny Wheeler Returns to Denham Garden Village
Welcome back the talented singer/guitarist Johnny Wheeler. He'll be entertaining with an evening of live music from the days of swing through Rock 'n' Roll to ballads, reggae and (a little) country. Feel free to either sit and relax or dance to your favourite songs.
Large car park. Dance yourself dizzy! Call 01895 836328 for more information. Free event.
16 May, 8pm, Denham Garden Village (Lounge Bar), Denham Green Lane, Denham.

Shades of Night
Musical entertainment with live band Shades of Night. Call 01494 440349 for more information.
16 May, 8.30pm, Cressex Community Centre and Social Club, 203 Cressex Road, High Wycombe.

Come and Play workshop for classical wind musicians
A friendly play-in for amateur wind musicians, to include tea break (refreshments provided) and a short informal concert at 6pm. All welcome. Free event but donations invited. For players of minimum Grade 6 standard with good sight-reading skills. Call 01628486227 or email info@musicinmarlow.org.uk for more information. Tickets £10.
17 May, 2.30pm, Christ Church URC, Oxford Road, Marlow.

Purple Light Night
A night of pure intrigue. The fastest up and coming band with a different style drawing attention from all over the country, teaming with Bucks locals for a fantastic energy fuelled night. To understand more check out www.facebook.com/purplelightsmusic. Free for students.
21 May, 8pm, Bucks Student Union, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, HP11 2JZ.

Marlow Jazz Club: Derek Nash and Martin Shaw
Part of the Marlow Wind & Brass Festival. The highly acclaimed partnership of Derek Nash and Martin Shaw will be on stage, with backing by the resident Frank Toms Trio. Derek is one of the busiest and most in-demand jazzmen in the country – leader of his own award winning ‘Sax Appeal’ band, lead soloist in the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, plus running a successful recording studio. Martin Shaw appears with him on many recordings and live dates, and is rated as one of the country’s finest on trumpet and flugelhorn. Music starts 8.30pm with pay at the door admission of £8.
19 May, 8pm, Royal British Legion Hall, Marlow.

Theatre

A Tomb with a View
Stoke Poges Players present a comedy thriller by Norman Robbins. This is the first of three plays about the unusual Tomb family. The six family members are a strange bunch one whose hobbies sees more than flowers buried in the garden as visitors to Monument House, the family home, do not usually leave. Throw into the mix two of the men, one who thinks he is a werewolf and the other Julies Caesar and comic situations develop. Come along to see what happens. Call 01753677032 or email stokepogesplayers@hotmail.co.uk for information. Tickets £8, £6 for 60+ and under 15s, £18 families.
Until 16 May, 7.30pm, Village Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges.

Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man
The Car Man is loosely based on Bizet’s popular opera and has one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures’ repertoire. The familiar 19th Century Spanish cigarette factory becomes a greasy garage-diner in 1960’s America where the dreams and passions of a small-town are shattered by the arrival of a handsome stranger. Fuelled by heat and desire, the inhabitants are driven into an unstoppable spiral of greed, lust, betrayal and revenge. Tickets range from £25 to £40, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling the ticket office on 01494 512 000.
Until 16 May, 2.30pm and 7.30pm showings, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE.

Special events

Musical bingo and disco night
Hosted by the LRB Radio Trio from Marlow FM's The Sound of Musicals, Duke Street Theatre is delighted to present a night of traditional bingo - with a musical twist. Lots of prizes to be won. Once we have reached a 'full house' we will continue dancing the night away with a disco till midnight with the LRB ladies playing some classic dance tunes to keep you on your toes. Email enquiries@dukestreettheatre.co.uk or call 01494 524233 for information. Visit https://dukest.tixato.com/buy/bingo for tickets. Tickets £5 in advance, £10 on the door.
15 May, 7.30pm, Duke Street Theatre, 11 Duke Street, High Wycombe.

NGS Gardens Open For Charity
Thoughtfully designed garden with many interesting features . Herbaceous borders and bonsai collection. Newly developed area incorporating water with grasses. Tickets £3.50, children free.
17 May, 2pm, Fressingwood, Hare Lane, Little Kingshill, Great Missenden.

Down on the Farm
Come and enjoy a gentle stroll and meet the animals at the farm. Followed by a special afternoon treat with scrummy delights from Seasons Café. Booking is essential at www.chilternsociety.org.uk. Call 01494 771250 or email eanderson@chilternsociety.org.uk for more information. Tickets £7 per adult £5 per child.
16 May, 2.30pm, Home Farm, North Dean.

You Only Die Once: Talk, Plan, Live
Get thinking, talking and acting during this National Dying Matters Awareness Week. Planning for death when you’re healthy means there is less to think about if you get sick. In all these Risborough events there will be guest facilitators all of whom have expertise in supporting the changing attitudes and behaviours towards dying, death and bereavement. Call 01844345927 or email lailaking1948@gmail.com for information. Free event.
18 May until 21 May, 10am, Princes Risborough, High Street, Princes Risborough.

Priestfield Arboretum open day
Private collection of rare and specimen trees in delightful six acre woodland setting. Managed by volunteers. Admission £2. Free guided tours throughout the day. New Guidebook available. Regret uneven terrain not suitable for disabled people. Contact Coralie Ramsey 01344 774620 or email curator@priestfieldarboretum.org.uk.  
May 21, 10.30am to 4pm, Priestfield Arboretum, Stony Lane, Little Kingshill, HP16 ODU.

Talks, meetings and exhibitions

Lutes, Lyres and Ukeleles
Spectacular display of historical musical instruments; ukuleles, guitars, lutes, harps and hurdy-gurdys, created by musician and instrument maker, Zachary Taylor. Free entry. For further details visit www.buckscountymuseum.org or call 01296 331441.
Until 22 August, 10am, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.

Buckinghamshire convicts 1600-1870
In his talk, Ken Griffin will explain who is a convict and who is not, and why, describing the various categories of crime, and comparing the county's crime with that of its neighbours. He'll also give a timeline for transportation from 1597 to 1870, and look at the courts and sentencing and the changes implemented by Government between 1770 and 1870. The talk will be illustrated by some cases from the Bucks records, and will conclude by considering what Australia was like in 1810. Free event; non-members of Buckinghamshire Family History Society are very welcome. A small donation will be appreciated.
16 May, 2pm, Prebendal Farm Community Centre, Somerville Way, Fowler Road, Aylesbury.

Climate Change: can we learn from the past?
Why did many once-great civilisations collapse, and did climate change play a part in their demise? Look at why climate changes, and take case studies of vanished societies such as Doggerland, the Indus Valley and the Maya, to see what conclusions can be drawn about their passing. Tutor: Gordon Tripp. Tickets £40. Call 01628 810341 or email susan.m.mahoney@googlemail.com.
13 April, 10am, Liston Hall, Chapel Street, Marlow.

Elizabeth is Missing book group evening
Elizabeth is Missing is the stunning debut novel by Emma Healey that has enjoyed success after success. It is one of those powerful reads that you think about long after you have read the last page, and that provokes such key discussion and debate. We will be joined by Dementia Friend, Nano Mulligan who will be training us on how to become dementia friends, and giving an important insight into this condition that devastates so many. Places are limited so please do book early. Call 01753 885429 or email janet@gxbookshop.co.uk. Tickets £5, includes a glass of wine.
19 May, 7.30pm, St Andrew’s Church, 12a Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross.

High Wycombe and District Cage Bird Society
An evening with Chris Green, keeper from Burford Wildlife Park. Further details 07811321328 or www.hwbbs.co.uk. All very welcome.
20 May, 7.30pm, Hazlemere Community Centre, Rose Avenue, Hazlemere.

Anything Goes, Poetry and Prose
Join this fun group for adults who are interested in poetry and prose. Group led by Zena Scharf. Call 08452303232 or email lib-bea@buckscc.gov.uk. Free event.
21 May, 2.30pm, Beaconsfield Library, Reynolds Road, Beaconsfield.

Archaeology in Marlow - Operation Nightingale
Operation Nightingale’ is a ground breaking project that used archaeology to aid the recovery of soldiers injured in Afghanistan. The idea came from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and has been supported by Wessex Archaeology since 2011. It has involved a number of project and sites but the most exciting was that at ‘Barrow Clump’ on Salisbury Plain where the team of soldiers and archaeologists unearthed a major 6th century burial site containing 60 graves with a host of artefacts from jewellery to shield bosses, spears and a sword. Phil Andrews will talk about the archaeology and his experience working with the injured soldiers and how archaeology offered an ideal aid to their recovery. Call 07789005248 or email jabirkett@btinternet.com for more information. Tickets £3 members of Archaeology in Marlow, £4 others.
21 May, 8pm, The Garden Room, Liston Hall, Chapel Street, Beaconsfield.

Children’s entertainment

Adventures with Pigsticks and Harold
As part of Wycombe Art Festival 2015, South Bucks Children's Book Group are delighted to welcome enthusiastic children's author and illustrator, Alex Milway to lead our exciting storytelling and illustrating workshop. Suitable for children from 7 years and up. Join Alex's latest crime-fighting characters Detective Pigsticks and his keen-eyed assistant Harold, in their fantastic adventures on an amazing journey to the Ends of the Earth. Call 01494 440849 or email jespaft@hotmail.com for information. Tickets £5 per child.
16 May, 2pm, St John Ambulance Centre, Harlow Road, off London Road, opposite the swings on the Rye, High Wycombe.

BeeMusic Fun Family Concerts
For this concert wonderful Bassoonist Rebecca Hammond and pianist Elena Kiseleva will treat you with their fancy dress box with lots of different costumes to try on. We will hear a train, a troll, a dinosaur, a clown, a teddy bear and the bassoon will sing a proud English song to celebrate the birth of a Royal baby. BeeMusic brings live music to babies and their parents and carers without the need to sit still and be quiet. Visit www.beemusic.co.uk for information and tickets or buy on the door. Tickets £9 online, £10 on the door, block of 3 concerts £24. Kids go free.
Until 6 July, 10am, St Michael's Church Hall, Grenfell Road, Beaconsfield.

Roald Dahl Museum events:

Village Visit Day
For all ages: live in HP? Visit for free. Local residents can visit us for free, simply bring along proof of your HP postcode. Join in with drop-in crafts, sensational storytelling, and our Trickster Trail.You can also join in with our workshop, Terrific Twit Pots for an additional cost. Free entry for HP residents. Call 01494 892192 or email admin@roalddahlmuseum.org for information.
16 May, 11am,

Terrific twit pots
Part of Village visit day. For 5+ years: make a terrific clay pot in the shape of Mr or Mrs Twit. £3 per participant plus Museum entry.
16 May, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm,

Twit trickster trail
For all ages: try our trail to find out about the crafty tricks from Roald Dahl’s life and his books. Beware of Mrs Twit’s glass eye! Free for Museum visitors.
17 May, 11am,

Chiddlers’ Hour: James and the Giant Peach
For 0 to 3 years: 30 minutes of songs, storytelling and adventure and 30 minutes of free play and crafts based on Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach.
£3 per child. Pre-booking is recommended as workshops can sell out in advance. Call 01494 892192 to check availability and to book up until 4.30pm the day before. Any unsold workshop tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis on the day. Doesn't include Museum entry, which is not necessary to enjoy this event. Call 01494 892192 for more information.
19 May, 10am, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Sales and fairs

Denham giant car boot
The biggest, busiest and best car boot west of London. With portaloos, refreshments, children’s rides and a huge car park. Enquiries to 07947 121 336 or visit www.giantcarboot.co.uk.
Every Saturday until 4 July, 9am to 3pm, Denham Roundabout, Main A40 Oxford Rd (Junction 1 off M40), Denham.

Taplow-Maidenhead giant car boot sale
With portaloos, refreshments, children’s rides and a huge car park. Enquiries to 07947 121 336 or visit www.giantcarboot.co.uk. Also open on the bank holiday Monday.
Every Sunday until 5 July, from 10am, Main A4 Bath Road, Opposite Taplow Station (Junction 7 off M4), Maidenhead.

Grand jumble sale
Grand jumble sale in aid of seventh High Wycombe (Manor Farm) Scout Group. Toys, Bric a Brac, Books and many clothes. Refreshments available. Enquiries to 01494 813000 or email penn.consult@btinternet.com.Tickets 50p.
16 May, 12pm, Hazlemere Community Centre, Rose Avenue, Hazlemere.

The Oakley Court wedding fair
All the needs of your special day under one roof enhanced by a beautiful venue and attended by local and reputable wedding businesses. Call 07708249440 or email joanne@berkshireweddingfairs.co.uk for information. Free event.
17 May, 11am, The Oakley Court, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5UR.

May Fayre
Join the May Fayre celebrations this weekend. The fayre will commence at 2pm in the communal room. Admission is free.
16 May, 2pm, Edgewood sheltered  complex, Chestnut Avenue, High  Wycombe.

Marlow and District Horticultural Society Plant Sale
We are holding our annual plant sale which will include perennial and bedding plants, fruit and vegetable plants and freshly cut organic rhubarb. There will be light refreshments for sale throughout the morning. Free admission, everyone is welcome.
16 May, 10.30am to 12pm, Liston Hall, Liston Road, Marlow, SL7 1DD.

On the Radar

Arthur Smith’s House of Fun with the Christians and Richard Herring
An uproarious night of variety with fantastic comedy, amazing music, spellbinding magic and more in the company of Arthur Smith, compere beyond compare, playwright, king of comedians and radio and TV. Joined by The Christians and Richard Herring. Tickets £17.50, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
18 June, 7.30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Reginald D Hunter
Reginald D Hunter returns to the UK in 2015 with a brand new tour following a hugely successful year filming and performing around the world. Having appeared at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Sydney Opera House Gala in Australia, Reginald then made his debut in New Zealand. He then moved closer to home with his first tour of mainland Europe before travelling back to his birthplace in America to film Reginald D Hunter’s Songs of the South. Tickets range from £27.90 to  £43.90, available online at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury or by calling the box office on 0844 871 7607.
5 June, 8pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury.

Kathaliki
Kathakali celebrates the classical dance and drama of southern India, and the wider storytelling across Asia, performed by the The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company. Their stories are based on the great Hindu epic poems. They take in subjects that are as relevant today as when they were first written, including the greatness and failings of human relationships and the eternal search for spirituality. Tickets are £10, Family and Friends (4 people) £32, available at www.nordenfarm.org or by calling the box office on 01628 788997.
4 June, 7pm, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead.

Wizard of Oz
Like so many girls her age, little Dorothy Gale of Kansas dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to another world. Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination. Tickets are £15.50, available online at www.elgiva.com or by calling the box office on 01494 582900.
9 June, 7.30pm, The Elgiva, Saint Mary Street, Chesham.

Dash for Dad
Dash for Dad will return for its fifth year next month, raising vital funds for Child Bereavement UK. A fun morning out for all the family, Dash for Dad will consist of a 1K, 2K and 5K running event for children and adults, with the return of a more challenging 10k option. There will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, live band, craft stalls and refreshments at the day-long event in West Wycombe Park.
21 June, 10am, West Wycombe Park, West Wycombe.