Children's activities for Half Term

Half term week at Roald Dahl Museum
There are events on all week at the museum in Great Missenden. It starts tomorrow (Saturday) at 12 and 2pm with an art workshop of youngsters to make one of James and the Giant Peach's insect friends. on Sunday create a cress-head at 12 and 2pm. On Monday at 10.30am and 12pm five plus years children can create two Oompa Loompa stick puppets and make up rhyming conversation. Also on Monday meet the Big Friendly Poet in Residence, Paul Lyalls, who will read from his children's poetry book at 1.30 and 3pm. On Tuesday make Roly Poly Puppets at 10.30am, 12, 2 and 3.30pm. On Wednesday you can make animals out of Plaster of Paris at the same times. Then on Thursday make Diddly Dream Pots at the same times. These activities range from £2 to £3. And you need to pay for museum entry on top of this. To book
call 01494 892192 to book. Children under five go free, children five to 18 £4.40 and adults £6.60.
15 February, 12 and 2pm, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, 81-83 High Street.Great Missenden.

February Half Term
Sessions start at 10.30, 11.30, 1.30, 2.30 and 3.30pm. By timed ticket on the day (places are limited). Children to be accompanied by an adult. Cost: £2.. On Tuesday and Thursday create your own magnificent mythical creature to take home. On Wednesday there is a Pop-ups and Moving Mechanical Workshop from 10am to 12pm or 2 to 4pm. Tickets £5. Discover how to create your own pop-up pages and moving pictures in this fun, practical workshop. Call 01494 421895 for more details.
17 to 21 February, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 6PX

Bekonscot Model Village
Re-opens tomorrow (Saturday) after a winter break. It is the world’s oldest and original model village, opening for the first time in 1929. With over 80 years of history, huge model railway, 1.5 acres of well kept gardens and finely detailed model buildings Bekonscot is a great day out for everyone. Tickets are £9.50 for adults, £5.50 for children two to 15 and under twos go free. Go to www.bekonscot.co.uk for full details.
15 to 23 February, 10am to 5pm daily, Bekonscot Model Village, Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2PL .

Hilarious Half Term Entertainers
Their crazy entertainers return to Odds Farm Park at February Half Term with a mix of magic, fun, entertainment and more. Don’t miss the shows at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. And don’t forget, all the extra fun is included in your entrance fee. Tickets are £10.95 for children aged two to 16, £11.95 for adults and £10.95 for senior citizens. Under twos go free.
15 to 23 February, 10am to 5.30pm, Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common. 

Half term fun- create a crest 
Design and make your own family crest at this National Trust property. Be inspired by Benjamin Disraeli's Coat of Arms and have a go at making one for you and your family. This is a free event but normal admission charges apply. For the whole property tickets are £8.50 for adults, £4.25 for children. National Trust members go free. Children of all ages welcome to have a go. For more information go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden or call 01494 755565.
15 to 23 February, 11am to 4pm, Hughenden Manor, near High Wycombe.

Knights and Princesses week
Join in for crafts in the Coach House where you can make your own crown, swords and tiaras.  Hunt for all the hidden shields in the Gardens. £2 per child. Normal garden admission prices apply which are £8 for adults and £4 for children- entry free for National Trust members. Go to www.waddesdon.org.uk or call 01296 653 226
15 to 23 February, 11am to 4pm, Waddesdon Manor, Near Aylesbury.

Make an Opera at Half Term
Following the success of Garsington Opera’s first community opera Road Rage, their popular Make an Opera workshops for children aged seven to 11 and 11 to 19  will take place in two locations at half term:  Millbrook Combined School High Wycombe, 17 February and Cressex Community School, 18 February- both 10am to 3pm. Inspiring director Karen Gillingham, together with vocal director Laura Howe and film/TV composer Ross Power, will run a fun-filled day of music and drama inspired by Beethoven’s only opera Fidelio exploring its many themes including loyalty to friends. All  welcome  - even those who think they can’t sing! Admission Free (although donations welcome). To book your free place contact Garsington Opera on 01865 361636 or email office@garsingtonopera.org.
17 and 18 February, 10am to 3pm, Millbrook Combined School and Cressex Community School.

Half term activities
It starts on Monday with sessions on global warning and climate change at 10am and 2pm for teenagers and adults.  Then on Tuesday there is a jewellery workshop, cooking lessons on Wednesday, garden activities on Thursday and crafts on Friday.  Booking is essential for gardening and cookery workshops, and appreciated for other sessions. For full details email office@ecobuzz.org.uk or call 01494 526667.
17 to 21 December, various times, The Environment Centre, 17, West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe

Children's prize bingo

Youngsters can take part in a game of bingo. It is £2.50 per child. The tuck shop will be open. Call 01494 883878 for more details.

18 February, 1.30 to 3.30pm, Lane End Youth and Community Centre, Edmonds Road, Lane End. 

Hellfire Caves
Throughout the Bucks school holidays on Wednesday and Friday the School of Witchcraft offers an hour of spooky fun. The friendly Wandmaster will ensure that children learn to cast spells, banish werewolves and how to fly a broomstick. Upon arrival guests will be issued with a witches hat, broomstick and glow wand before descending into the caves. Tickets are £7.50 from  01494 533739. Recommended for juniors five to 10 years.
19 and 21 February, 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4pm, The Hellfire Caves, West Wycombe.

Spring Dance 'Street Styles'.
Spring Dance 'Street Syles' is a new multi genre dance project. The project includes a masterclass in February half term, three evening sessions and a weekend residential trip. You don't need experience, just enthusiasm to explore Urban and Street dance. For more information and an application form call 01494 523994.
17 February, 11am, Roundhouse CYAC, St Mary's High Street.High Wycombe.

Wild Wednesday at Cliveden
This is Cliveden's first Wild Wednesday of the year. There is fun to be had whatever the weather. Ideal for children between the age of four and 11. This is a drop in session so no advanced booking is required. All children must be accompanied by a responsible at all times. Normal entry charges apply (£9 for adults, £4.50 for children, NT members free) and last admission to this event is at 2.30pm.for More Information call Katherine Walton, 01628605069 or go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden.
19 February, 11am to 3pm, Cliveden, Taplow.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
The centre occupies an extensive site in rolling Buckinghamshire countryside. Exhibits range from large express passenger locomotives to the humble shunting engine together with a host of smaller items recreating the golden age of steam. There are steaming days during the half term where a full size engine will be offering unlimited train rides. Tickets are £8 for children aged five to 15, senior citizens £10 and adults £11. Call 01296 655720 for more details.
16, 19, 23 February, 10.30am to 4.30pm, Quainton Road Station, Quainton near Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 4BY

Music

Be Our Valentine- A 3Point3 Valentines Special .
Wine, dine, dessert and listen to five piece resident band 3point3 as they return to play the best in vocal jazz, Latin grooves and soul from 10pm. Whether you’re looking for a night out with your partner or with a group of friends. Resident band 3point3 perform their own interpretations of classics including Good Times by Chic, Get Lucky by Daft Punk and many more. Free entry. Early arrival recommended. Bookings taken from 6pm onwards for those that will be dining on the night. Tapas, wine & dessert for two for £40. Call 01628 488 404.
14 February, 6pm, Clayton's Marlow, 16 Oxford Road, Marlow, SL7 2NL.

Live Jazz in High Wycombe
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Renee Sears and The Big River Band at the Tree Hotel at Cadmore End and enjoy dinner this Valentines Day.
14 February, 8pm, The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End, Marlow Road.Lane End.

Hedsor club rock'n'roll jukebox
Hedsor rock'n'roll night with top live band Tear It Up + DJ Jivin' George. Great dance floor, bar, real ales, parking. All welcome. Serving members of HM forces get free entry. For more details call 07721 642142 or go to justdanze.co.uk. Tickets: £9.
14 February, 8pm, Hedsor Social Club, Hedsor Road.Bourne End.

Johnny Wheeler Band
Their repertoire includes songs from the 50s right through to the 2000s. This is a charity night. Tickets from Marleen Jones on 01844 342012.
15 February, 8pm, Community Centre, Stratton Road.Princes Risborough.

Hedsor Club Valentines.
Valentine's dance night with DJ Jivin' George. All types of music and dancing- great dance floor and bar. All welcome. For more details call 07721 842142 or go to justdanze.co.uk. Tickets: £5 members £7 non members.
15 February, 8pm, Hedsor Social Club, Hedsor Road.Bourne End.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
After the phenomenal success of their 2012 UK tour, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac are back to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Fleetwood Mac's 11th studio album, Rumours. One of the decade-defining albums of the 70s, Rumours, described by Mick Fleetwood as 'the most important album we ever made', has since transcended its era to become one of the greatest and most compelling pop albums of all time. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac replicate perfectly the power, subtlety and lush, hypnotic & blissful emotion of Fleetwood Mac at their breathtaking best. TIckets are £26.40 to £36.40 (£2.85 booking fee) from 0844 8717677 or go to www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury
20 February, 7.30pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury.

Live Music
Live acoustic music from the Valley Network.
21 February, 7.30pm, Mom's Diner, High Wycombe

Sales

Table Top Sale.
Entrance 50p Children Free. Call 01494 711144 for more details.
15 February, 10am to 2pm, Holmer Green Royal British Legion, 48 Beechtree Road, Holmer Green.

Attic Sale.
Come and browse through more than 30 stalls at the Memorial Centre’s annual Attic Sale. There will be refreshments available and plenty of free parking Entry £1.
15 February, 9:30am to 12pm, Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre, East Common, Gerrards Cross.

Special events

Amersham Dr Bike.
Sustrans have teamed up with Cycle Chilterns to offer free bike maintenance. Bring your bike along to receive a full safety check, any necessary repairs. They will also be providing and fitting lights and mudguards. All for free!
15 February, 10am, Cafe Africa, Chesham Road.Amersham.

Clubs and talks

High Wycombe Spanish Speakers Meetup.
A meetup of the High Wycombe Spanish Speakers group - friendly and informal Spanish conversation over a few drinks. Register with the group at http://www.meetup.com/High-Wycombe-Spanish-Speakers to find out more, and you'll get an invite to join in.
19 February, 8.15pm, The Falcon, Cornmarket.High Wycombe.

Amersham - A Town on the Road
Julian Hunt, popular speaker and author on local history will present an illustrated talk on this Bucks Market Town that has a rich history. He has written several histories of Buckinghamshire market towns, including A History of Amersham, published in 2001, A History of Gerrards Cross, 2006 and A History of Beaconsfield, 2008. Julian's talk on Amersham will focus on the Drake family of Shardeloes, Weller's Brewery in Church Street and the six coaching inns on the London Road. He will bring the story up to date with the coming of the Metropolitan Railway in 1892 and the development of Amersham on the Hill. Cost: Members free; Visitors £3. No booking required. Contact: John Lovelock 01753 647 187; email jdlovelock@btinternet.com
19 February, 8 to 9pm, Hedgerley Memorial Hall, Kiln Lane, Hedgerley, Bucks SL2 3UZ

Recent Research into Shakespeare's London Theatreland.
A talk organised by Archaeology in Marlow. Julian's talk will focus on the archaeological investigations of the playhouses or 'open' amphitheatre type structures which were a unique feature of the London landscape in what is now known as the Shakespearean Period between 1567 and 1642. These include the Rose, Globe, Theatre, Curtain, Boars Head and the Hope as well as two of the Bankside animal baiting arenas. There is also much evidence about the people who attended and worked in these venues.He has published extensively on the archaeological excavations in London's early theatreland and his book Shakespeare's London Theatreland is short-listed for Current Archaeology's Book of the Year 2014. Copies of Julian's book will be available on the night. Call 01628 481792 for more details. Tickets: £3.50 non AIM members, £2.50 members.
20 February, 7pm, Liston Hall, Garden Room, Liston Road, Chapel Street, Marlow.

Film

Film Evening in aid of Citizen Advice Bureau.
Friends of High Wycombe CAB invite you to a Film Evening, West Side Story. Tickets at £15 include a glass of wine on arrival, canapés and a chance to see this wonderful musical about two youngsters from rival NYC gangs who fall in love. Call 01494 817254 to book.
20 February, 7.15 for 8pm, National Film & Television School, Station Road, Beaconsfield.

Theatre

Julie Madly Deeply
Celebrate the life and voice of Dame Julie Andrews. Dame Julie Andrews is a legend of entertainment and show business, known for her starring roles in Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady. West End actress and Fascinating Aida star Sarah-Louise Young takes the role of Julie for this charming, candid and cheeky look at her life. She has been picked by Time Out as one of London’s top ten cabaret performers. Sarah is accompanied by musical director Michael Roulston.  Tickets are £15 (£13 conc) from 01628 788997 or go to www.nordenfarm.org.
16 February, 7.30pm, Norden Farm, Maidenhead

Derren Brown Infamous
The multi-award winning acknowledged master of psychological illusion continues to tour with his new one-man show. The show promises to demonstrate once again why Derren is one of the world’s most renowned live performers; a dark manipulator of magic and mind control. The performance is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Tickets are £30 to £38 from 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.
17 to 22 February, 8pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Some Girl I Used to Know
Denise Van Outen stars in this one woman show which is about a woman called Stephanie Canworth. She has it all- a successful career, a supportive husband and she's a media darling. But it takes such one Facebook poke from a former flame and all the old memories start flooding back. Featuring songs from the 80s and 90s this is one for a girls night out. Tickets are £16 to £25 from 0844 8717607 or go to www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury. Read an interview with Denise Van Outen this week in Freetime.
17 to 19 February, 7.30pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury.

Collaborators
Fourways Theatre presents this play by John Hodge. Moscow 1938 and the celebrated Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov has been "respectfully invited" to write a play for Joseph Stalin's 60th birthday. It is not an invitation he is expected to refuse. Inspired by historical fact this play depicts a lethal game of cat and mouse through which the appalling compromise and humiliations inflicted on any artist by those with power are held up to scrutiny. "Killing my enemies is easy. The challenge is to change the way they think, to control their minds". Adults £14, Concessions £12 from 01494 522 722; or visit www.fourways.org.uk.
20 to 22 February, 8pm, The Kite Theatre, Cressex Community School, Holmers Lane, Cressex, High Wycombe

On The Radar

The Chiltern Camerata presents a concert of Choral Music
The programme includes Croft - Ode for the peace of Utrecht; Handel - The Utrecht Te Deum; Purcell - Hail! Bright Cecilia. Tickets (unreserved) £12 (£10 concessions).  Under 18s: free admission. Tickets can be bought from any of the following (there is no booking fee): Tourist Information Offices in: High Wycombe (Main Library); Marlow (Institute Road); Princes Risborough or from the Hon. Secretary, Dick Morbey:
01494 883112 or richard.morbey@gmail.com. And on the door on the evening of the performance subject to availability. Go to  www.chiltern-camerata.org.uk.    
1 March, 7.30pm, All Saints’ Parish Church, The Causeway, Marlow, SL7 2AA.

Stargazing Night.
The evening will start with a two course meal in the Manor Restaurant, followed by a  lecture from a local expert. Then join Wycombe Astronomical Society out on the Parterre for Stargazing (weather dependent).
£35 per ticket- book online. Full menus, wine lists and itineraries for each event can be found on our website www.waddesdon.org.uk.
1 March , 6.30 to 10.30pm, Manor Restaurant, Power House, Parterre

Bach's St John Passion
Conductor John Cotterill leads the Norden Farm Festival Chorus and orchestra and professional soloists to play this dramatic, devotional masterpiece. Soloists include Gwilym Bowen, Bradley travis, Lucy Hall, Anna Harvey, Nick Pritchard and Samuel Queen. Tickets are £15 (£13 conc) and £5 for under 16s. To book call 01628 788997 or go to www.nordernfarm.org.
2 March, 3pm, Norden Farm, Maidenhead.

Beginners' Beekeeping Course
A course of six Tuesday evening classes followed by practical experience with bees at the High Wycombe Beekeepers' Association teaching apiary. Cost: £85 prior booking essential. Includes course notes, a
book, and membership of local and national associations. Contact: Paul Hurley 01628 524 214 or email: beginners@hwbka.co.uk
4 March, 7.30pm, Trinity United Reformed Church, High Wycombe.

Leonardo da Vinci - The Renaissance Man.
This session, organised by the Beaconsfield Branch WEA (Workers Education Trust) is based mainly on Leonardo’s own notebooks and reveals the extent of his achievements in Sciences and arts. The tutor is  Paul Ranford. It costs £26. Contact: Anna Cherkas on 01494 813 529 or email annamariacherkas@gmail.com; Sarah Lock on 01494 816 501 or email ukandsar@gmail.com.
8 March, 10am to 4pm, Room 1, The Fitzwilliam Centre, Windsor End, Beaconsfield HP9 2JJ

Peter James' The Perfect Murder.
Starring Les Dennis, Claire Goose, Gray O'Brien, Steven Miller and Simona Armstrong. Victor Smily and his wife Joan have been married for a long time. But their marriage has reached crisis point and Victor has decided there is only one way to get Joan out of his life forever... but he is going to get a nasty surprise. As a young detective Roy Grace starts to investigate his very first homicide case, dark forces intervene and Grace begins to fear that nothing is quite as it seems. Tickets are £18 to £27 from 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.
10 to 15 March, 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.