Halloween Events

Horrible Halloween at Waddesdon
It just wouldn’t be Halloween without pumpkins! Get creative and choose from 1,000 pumpkins grown especially for Waddesdon and paint or carve your spooky designs (£4 a child). To celebrate Waddesdon’s ‘Creatures and Creations’ exhibition, this year’s Horrible Halloween trail takes you through the woods in search of some creatures of the night. See how many creatures you can find as you explore the illuminated woodland trail (£1 a child). For a fang-tastic finale, there’s Waddesdon’s Fête Worse Than Death (October 28 and 29, 10am-4pm), a two day Halloween party full of games, face painting, live music and much more including a photo booth and light-up candyfloss. Normal grounds admission applies.
Until 29 October, 10am, Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury.

Pumpkin Carving
Carve a pumpkin to take home. Come along to Hughenden this October half-term and carve a pumpkin with a spooky design to take home. No need to book.
27 October, 10am, Hughenden, Valley Road, High Wycombe.

Family Fun at Hellfire Caves
Face Painting, colouring competitions, fancy dress competitions and more. All hosted by friendly spooks. Face painting is available for a small charge. There is no charge for the fun and games or access to the courtyard and delightfully decorated café, but normal entry times (11am to 5pm) and prices apply if you want to enter the Caves to see the amazing Halloween display. There will also be witches workshops at 10.30am, 12pm, 1:45pm and 3pm – booking required. Call 01494 533739 to book.
Until 28 October, 11am to 5pm, Hellfire Caves, West Wycombe.

Walk with the Ghosts
Join fellow ghoulish thrill seekers at Stubbings for dinner and a walk to remember. Included in the ticket price will be a light dinner in the cafe, along with a 20 to 30 minute walk round the grounds of the old manor house. On each of the three evenings there will be three sessions: 1st scare - walk at 5:45pm with dinner at 6:15pm. 2nd scare - dinner at 5:45pm with the walk at 6:30pm and 3rd scare - dinner at 6:30pm with the walk at 7:15pm.
27 and 28 October, Stubbings Nursery, Stubbings Estate, Henley Road, Maidenhead.

Pumpkin Carve Spooktacular
Get in the spirit of Halloween at Missenden Abbey's Pumpkin Carve Spooktacular in aid of the Thomas Ball Children's Charity. Open from 12pm to 3pm, guests of all ages are welcome to put their creativity to the test and carve your most ghoulish idea. For the little ones who are too young to carve, there will be a 'creepy colouring' station with lots of spooky pictures to choose from. Feeling fiendish? Indulge in some cakes from the cauldron in a bake sale which fully contributes to the charity. The entry fee is £3 per person (under 2's go free), with all profits being donated to the Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund. Pumpkins and carving tools will be provided by Missenden Abbey and Halloween costumes welcome/optional. Carvers must register for their pumpkin either online or call Missenden Abbey on 01494 866811. All carvers must register by the 20th October and must be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 16.
27 October, 12pm, Missenden Abbey, London Road, Great Missenden.

Halloween Ghost Tours
Explore the horrible history and spooky side of Buckinghamshire's towns, presented by Wycombe Paranormal Investigation. Over the Halloween weekend they will visit Amersham, Beaconsfield and High Wycombe and look into some of the more unpleasant goings on in these towns' past. Are the numerous tales of the paranormal related to these events? Or is it just coincidence that there are decades worth of witnesses to peculiar sightings and phenomena? Join them and visit the locations of some of these haunted and historic events. £12 per person. Keep an eye out for special child friendly tours (ages approximately 8+ with adult supervision, other tours suitable for 16+). For each child friendly tour one child goes free for each paying adult. Visit www.wycombeparanormal.com/store/c5/Halloween_2017.html, call 07980160381 or email info@wycombeparanormal.com for more.
27 October until 31 October, 4:30pm, Old Library, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe.

Halloween Spectacular!
Bring the family for an unforgettable, unmissable evening of spooky fun for all ages in the unique and atmospheric setting of the museum’s historic buildings and woods. Pre-booking is essential for this extremely popular event. Take a trip around the spooky walk… if you dare. Discover the monsters, fire-breathers and witches. Listen to spine-tingling stories by our scary storyteller. Trick-or-treat around the museum’s historic buildings. Enjoy barbecue food, soups, snacks and drinks including cider and premium beer on the Village Green. Make Halloween souvenirs. Get your face painted, make a spooky candle or enter the frightening fancy dress competition. The museum will be closed during the day and will open at 5pm for the event. Children £12, adults £8. Call 01494 871 117 for more.
27 October, 5pm, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles.

Tunnel Tours
Discover what’s hiding in the cellars below the County Museum. For the first time ever, Bucks County Museum will take you behind the scenes to explore its underground passageways and reveal secret discoveries. By the light of torches, hear tales of intrigue, superstition and magic from the museum’s past. Numbers are strictly limited so book early to be one of the lucky few. Tours last 45 minutes. Adults and children aged 7 and over only. Tickets £3.50 per person (includes a minimum 10 per cent voluntary Gift Aid donation). Caution – be aware that this tour will involve some areas of low lighting, walking along full height tunnels, spooky tales and objects relating to beliefs and superstitions. Telephone 01296 331441 to book a place or book online at www.buckscountymuseum.org.
Until 28 October, 2pm and 4pm, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.

Children’s Events

Pottery Puppets
With Elizabeth Browning. Put your imagination to the test to design and sculpt a unique puppet out of clay. Wear an apron and bring a packed lunch. Workshops must be booked in advance – Call 01296 424332.
27 October, 10am, Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury.

Disgusterous Dinner Plates
This disgusting duo are even bad to each other! Hear more about their revolting tricks and then decorate a disgusterous plate to take home. Cost: £3 per participant. Adults are welcome to pay to make their own. Price does not include Museum entry which you will also need to book to take part in the workshop. Age: suitable for 4+ years. Call 01494 892192 to book.
27 October, every hour between 11am and 4pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Mix ‘n’ Match Baddies Book
Make your own bogtrotting baddies book with artist Ruby Runnalls. Find out how Roald Dahl created some of his meanest, most horrible characters, then create your own baddies. You’ll make a mix and match book of your of dastardly characters, so you can flick through for inspiration whenever you need a baddy. Cost: £3 per participant. Adults are welcome to pay to make their own. Age: suitable for 4+ years. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by an adult. Call 01494892192 to book.
28 October, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Sponge and Spiker Spoon Puppets
James’ loathsome aunts are terrible baddies – and some of the first nasty characters the author created. Hear more about the gruesome twosome and then make your own spoon puppet versions. Cost: £3 per participant. Adults are welcome to pay to make their own. Age: suitable for 4+ years. Call 01494 892192.
29 October, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Sales and Fairs

Jig Fest
A festival of jigsaws. Completed jigsaws to view, new and preloved puzzles to buy, partly made puzzles to complete on the day over a cup of tea and cake, Tangrams to try. Admission £1 (children free) and refreshments and cakes on sale. All profits towards the church building fund. Email rodandlizthorpe@gmail.com or call 01844 351565 for more information.
27 October until 29 October, 2pm (Friday and Sunday), 11am (Saturday), Chinnor Methodist Church, Station Road, Chinnor.

Beaconsfield Farmers’ Market
This popular market always guarantees an amazing selection of quality, local produce. As well as a prodigious selection of fresh meats they have free range poultry, game, award-winning cheeses, seasonal fruit and veg, locally produced cider and wines, artisan breads, meat and savoury pies, cakes, patisserie and baked goods, honey and preserves. Don't miss the fresh trout and sea fish and hot food stall too. Free parking in Windsor End.
28 October, 9am to 12:30pm, Windsor End, Beaconsfield Old Town.

Autumn Craft Fair
Craftworkers displaying their products on 14 stalls. Also books and plant stalls, toys, Christmas cards and paper. Traidcraft stall. Coffee and lunches from 12 noon. Proceeds for Christian Aid. Free entry.
28 October, 10am to 3pm, Amersham Free Church, corner of Woodside Road and Sycamore Road, Amersham.

Dogs' Big Tabletop Sale
Big Portacabins of donated new and nearly new goods come up for grabs in near end of season sale of clothes, household goods, bric a brac, toys, books, DVDs, plants, strange things - and more. All in aid of saving dogs' lives. The next similar sale will be at Longburrow Hall, Park Lane, Stokenchurch, on Saturday November 25, 11am till 1pm. This charity will also hold large Christmas bazaar with Santa on duty, in this hall on Saturday, November 18, from 11am till 2pm. Bargains galore again. Call 01494 482695 or email debby@stokenchurchdogrescue.org.uk for more information.
28 October, 10am, Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, Oxford Road, Stokenchurch.

Talks, classes and exhibitions

Bucks Pottery and Sculpture Society
This month's meeting will include a talk by ceramicist and artist Diana Tonnison. Inspired by visits to local markets at home and abroad, Diana creates ceramic wall sculptures based on displays of food (fish in particular) waiting to be prepared for cooking. You can see examples of her work at www.dianatonnison.co.uk. Call 01844 342355 or email Chris.inder@gmail.com for more information. Tickets £2 for members, £5 for visitors.
27 October, 8pm, Little Kingshill Village Hall, Windsor Lane, Little Kingshill, Great Missenden.

Chesham Photographic Club Annual Exhibition
Not only will there be the usual display of members work there will be an adults and children's tombola and legendary homemade cakes for sale for a well-earned break after viewing all of the works. Chesham Mayor Emily Culverhouse will also present the schools competition trophy, a competition which has been run for many years in conjunction with the local high schools to encourage and inspire those students who wish to take part. This year they are introducing displays for 'Meet the Committee' and 'Get to know Judges & Speakers' so that you can get to know everyone. This year the exhibition will be dedicated to a dear friend and long-standing member Richard Sanders who sadly passed away in August. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
28 October, 10am to 4pm, Chesham Town Hall, Chesham.

Classic Model Train Show
A classic model train show organised jointly by the Chiltern Hills Vintage train group and members of St John's Methodist Church, Amersham with all profits going to support local community projects. There will be up to 16 working layouts and displays, and light refreshments will be available. Many of the model trains originate from the classic period of toy trains from the 1920s to the 1960s. Lots of action is guaranteed and there may be an opportunity to help operate one of the layouts. Admission: adults £4, children £2 (up to 15, under 5s free), families £10.
28 October, 10:30am to 5pm, St John Methodist Church, 60 Woodside Road, Amersham.

The Birth, Renaissance and Exciting Future of Car Design
Fundraising talk in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care. Frank Stephensen, who designed the new Mini and now designs 'super cars' for McLaren will take part. Come and hear him chat about his career and join a question and answer session. Tickets £20 including glass of beer/wine and homemade canapes. Call 01628530899 or email roclarkson@btinternet.com.
30 October, 7:15pm, Davenies School, Station Road, Beaconsfield.

The Last Charge – Centenary Exhibition of the Charge at El Mughar
The charge of the 6th Mounted Brigade at El Mughar in Palestine on 13 November 1917 can claim to be the last great British cavalry charge, although there were later charges in Syria in 1918 by an Indian regiment and by the Australian Light Horse. Significantly, James Prinsep Beadle was commissioned to paint the charge at El Mughar as the cavalry contribution to a representative collection of Great War studies for the United Services Club in Pall Mall. Never previously exhibited outside of the building, Beadle’s painting depicts ‘B’ Squadron of the 1/1st Royal Bucks Hussars leading the charge against the Ottoman Turkish defenders. This exhibition brings together Beadle’s painting, Thomas Cantrell Dugdale’s painting of the same charge, and other artefacts and images, to commemorate the service of men from Buckinghamshire in Palestine. It is one of the forgotten campaigns of the First World War, yet one that left a profound legacy. Call 01296 331441 or email museum@buckscountymuseum.org for more. Entry by donation.
31 October until 6 January, 10am, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.

Billy and the Minpins: An Exhibition of Quentin Blake’s New Illustrations For Roald Dahl’s Last Book
Almost 40 years after his first collaboration with Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake was asked to illustrate Billy and the Minpins, Roald’s last story. This exhibition unites a selection of prints from Quentin’s brand-new drawings with extracts copied from Roald’s original manuscripts for the book: two heroes of the imagination together again. Call 01494 892192 to book.
Until 15 April 2018, 11am, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

An Evening With Kirstie Allsopp
Join Chorleywood Bookshop for an evening with Channel 4 favourite Kirstie Allsopp, Kirstie will be discussing her delectable and first ever cookbook 'Real Kitchen’, which is packed with delicious recipes and stories from her family life, the book gives a unique glimpse into the kitchen of the Queen of home-making, Kirstie Allsopp. The perfect night out for craft queens, culinary masters and those of us who love to create a family feast. Single event book vouchers £25 to include a copy of Kirstie’s latest book Kirstie’s Real Kitchen: Simple Recipes for Modern Families. Couples event book voucher £35, which allows admission for two people with one copy of the book, Kirstie’s Real Kitchen: Simple Recipes for Modern Families included. Buy tickets at chilternbookshops.co.uk/events.
2 November, 7:30pm, Dr Challoner's High School (Challoner's Girls School), Cokes Lane, Amersham.

Advanced Blacksmithing Classes
Blacksmithing with Nicholas Packham. Visit a practising workshop to learn and refine the art of blacksmithing. These classes for those students who have completed Nicholas' Beginners' class. Classes take place at Nicholas’ workshop in Milton Keynes. Call the centre for address. Places must be booked in advance - don't forget to bring a packed lunch. Call 01296 424332 or email members.info@qpc.org for more. Tickets £45.
29 October, 10am, Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury.

Music

Robbie Williams Tribute Evening
Rennie Grove Hospice Care and the Mayor of Beaconsfield invites you to a Robbie Williams tribute evening including dinner at the Old Bengal restaurant in Beaconsfield Old Town.
For tickets contact Chris Owen on 0777 0888997 or email chris24owen@gmail.com.Tickets £28. 29 October, 7pm, The Old Bengal Indian Restaurant, Wycombe End, Old Beaconsfield.

Turtle Song
An English Touring Opera, Royal College of Music and Turtle Key Arts collaboration, in partnership with Waddesdon Manor. Turtle Song is an opportunity to compose and sing your own songs with professional musicians. It is for people with memory problems and all forms of dementia and for their companions (husbands/wives/carers). The group will meet weekly over a nine-week period between October and November. The aims are to enjoy singing together, to write a song cycle, to record the songs on CD/DVD, and to have an experience that is both fun and inspiring. All the ideas for the songs will come from the participants, and the final piece will be performed live to friends and family at the end of the nine weeks. They'll be led by professional composer, director and supported by music students from the Royal College of Music. There is no need for any previous experience or skill, and everyone is welcome. Email charlotte@turtlekeyarts.org.uk or call 2089645060 if you are interested and would like an application form.
Until 28 November, 10:30am, Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury.

Songs of Glaze with a Slice of Brass
A wonderful evening with Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir and Marlow Town Band. The best of voices and brass band sound together. Supporting Cakes4Casualties. Call 07973985603 or email louise@louisechild.co.uk for more information. Tickets £12 each.
28 October, 7:30pm, All Saints Parish Church, High Street, Marlow.

Lulu – All About the Music
Following on from her smash hit 2016 tour Lulu returns with her biggest tour yet. There is one overriding influence in the life of this acclaimed singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, Grammy and Novello Award nominee, and that is, it has always been All About the Music. Lulu delivers a show packed full of her hits, new songs and songs that have influenced and guided her throughout her incredible career. Tickets £39 to £40, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
30 October, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

The Stylistics
The Stylistics are known instantly for their recognisable hits such as the Grammy-nominated You Make Me Feel Brand New plus classics including Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love), Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart, You Are Everything and Betcha By Golly Wow. They are one of the most iconic and best-selling soul groups in history. Tickets £36, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
29 October, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Theatre

The Railway Children
E. Nesbit’s classic novel The Railway Children is brought thrillingly to life in a stunning new stage production. This best-loved tale, made famous by the iconic 1970 movie starring Jenny Agutter and Bernard Cribbins, delivers a compelling coming of age story and a fascinating insight into Edwardian rural life. Complete with beautiful period costumes and ingenious designs, this new production promises an uplifting theatrical experience for all ages, packed with intrigue, adventure, joy and jubilation. Tickets range from £12.25 - £28.75, available online at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury.
31 October to 5 November, 7pm and 2:30pm showings, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury.

A Murder is Announced
Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd present their acclaimed production of a classic Miss Marple mystery. The residents of Chipping Cleghorn are astonished to read an advert in the local newspaper that a murder will take place this coming Friday at Little Paddocks, the home of Letitia Blacklock. Unable to resist, the group gather at the house at the appointed time, when the lights go out and a gun is fired. Enter Miss Marple, who must unravel a complex series of relationships and events to solve the mystery of the killer. Starring Louise Jameson as Miss Marple. Tickets £19 to £31, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
1 November to 4 November, 7:30pm and 2:30pm showings, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Top five things to do

Live on Mars
A bold new stage production celebrating iconic pop hero David Bowie; his music, artistry, style and showmanship. Featuring the electrifying vocals and uncanny likeness of singer and lifelong Bowie fan Alex Thomas, with a hand-picked world-class band, and covering the Bowie back-catalogue from Space Oddity to Let’s Dance and everything in between. Tickets £28, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
27 October, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Real Ale and Sausage Weekend
Real ale and sausage weekend, with music and a quiz on Saturday and a singer on Sunday lunch time. Plus a selection of great ales and local sausages. Call 01494 711144 for more information. Free entry.
27 October until 29 October, 2pm, Holmer Green British Legion, 48 Beech Tree Road, Holmer Green.

Aylesbury Beer Festival
The 24th Aylesbury Beer Festival has moved to Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School for 2017. The festival will take place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th, offering real ale fans the chance to try local beers as well as award-winning ales and ciders from further afield, whilst raising vital funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Local CAMRA expert David Roe will be selecting the ales and ciders to include a range of old favourites and seasonal novelties. Following its enthusiastic reception last year, the Kings Farm Shop, Wendover will be bringing a range of delicious gourmet sausages to barbecue between 11am and 7pm on the Saturday of the festival and there will also be live music on Saturday. Prices are just £5 in advance or £7 on the door.
To book, and for more information go to www.fnhospice.org.uk/aylesbury-beer-festival or call 01296 429 975.
27 October until 28 October, 6pm, Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, Oxford Road, Aylesbury.

Petrifying Pumpkin Trail
Follow the map and clues to find all the pumpkin clues hidden in Black Park. Simply pick up your map from the Information Point to follow the self-led trail, answer the quiz sheet and earn yourself a little treat. No booking required, just turn up on the day. Suitable for: all the family - ghosts, ghouls and goblins and well behaved dogs are all welcome. Parking nearby. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: £3 per map, pay & display charges apply.
27 October, 10am to 3pm, Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham.

The Silver Screen Dance Show
Celebrating 40 years of excellence in dance and the performing arts the Carol Kristian Theatre School is proud to present The Silver Screen Dance Show a vibrant and exhilarating dance performance set to music from the movies spanning the decades. This thrilling performance demonstrates the talents of all our dance students, and is sure to be a night to remember. Tickets £15, available online at www.elgiva.com or by calling 01494 582900.
28 October, 2:30pm, The Elgiva Chesham, St Mary’s Way, Chesham.