On the north-eastern edge of the Chilterns, seven miles north of St Albans in the ancient village of Flamstead, a bizarre annual celebration has resumed after a four year hiatus. The Flamstead Scarecrow Festival first ran in 2002 and now … Continue reading When Harry met Crow-ie: the scarecrows return
It’s a bold claim, by no less an authority than Country Life magazine (which must have profiled some eccentric estates in its time). The comment relates to Fawley Hill, near Henley-on-Thames. You can see why the esteemed magazine on country … Continue reading The ‘most bonkers estate in Britain’?
The Chilterns Society has announced the programme for its 4th annual Heritage Festival. Events run between Saturday 18 September and Saturday 2 October. Highlights include:- A viewing of a replica of the Watlington Hoard A guided tour of Frogmore Paper … Continue reading Chilterns Heritage Festival 2021
As we emerge from the latest (and, we hope, the last) lockdown, two classical music events are set to brighten the early summer. The Vache Baroque Festival, which runs at The Vache near Chalfont St Giles, made its debut last … Continue reading Hitting the high notes
First: Merry Christmas! Or, at least, as merry a Christmas as circumstances will allow. Our thoughts go, in particular, to everyone who’s alone and doesn’t want to be, and/or those who have lost loved ones and friends in 2020. The … Continue reading World go local
In the midst of various stages of lockdown, we always remember how lucky we are to live in the Chilterns. And even though the region is now, like much of southern England, within Tier 4 of the latest restrictions, there’s … Continue reading A Christmas walk: Chequers
Those lovely people at Bradt have published an item online about one of the many excellent local suppliers here in the Chilterns. If you haven’t already made your Christmas lunch arrangements – and particularly if you’re on the lookout for … Continue reading Proof of the pudding…
Three men with links to the Chilterns and Thames Valley, who served in World War I, put their experiences into poetry. As we pause today, let’s remember them: The Soldier by Rupert Brooke (1887-1915) If I should die, think only … Continue reading The Chilterns remembers
I was delighted that the autumn Chilterns Walking Festival could go ahead. Guided walks are exempt from the rule of 6, provided safety measures in place. The walk I had originally planned for the May festival includes sites associated with … Continue reading A Walk in John Hampden Country
Inspired by the beauty of the seasons in the Chilterns, Sophie Lacey from Linden Tree Meditation will be teaching an online meditation class on Friday 23 October. Sophie is an accredited meditation & mindfulness teacher specialising in nature-based practice. Her … Continue reading Tree for all seasons: a meditation
Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley 