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
As we all try to follow the official instructions and/or guidance about social distancing, it’s great news that some of the open spaces that the National Trust and English Heritage manage will remain open for the public to enjoy. Our … Continue reading This weekend: open spaces to enjoy
Can local people help to revive their high street while addressing the implications of the world climate emergency? A new café in the central Chilterns village of Prestwood is giving it a try. The Pantry at No 51, which opened … Continue reading Something old, new… or refilled
A little piece of history has returned to the hamlet of Ford in the Vale of Aylesbury. Just before Christmas, the Dinton Hermit – a historic coaching inn and pub which closed in 2013 – re-opened for business. It’s being … Continue reading The Hermit is back
If you’re a sucker for science fiction and fantasy, especially in the movies and on TV, the ‘Robot’ exhibition at Bucks County Museum in Aylesbury has been – to quote the Cybermen – an ‘excellent’ place to visit in the … Continue reading To boldly go in search of our only hope…
If you’re one of those people who laments the lack of variety in British high streets these days, a display in the newly re-opened North Hertfordshire Museum may interest you. It’s a reconstruction of part of Parks and Llewelyn, a … Continue reading Blood, bone and a snappy opening
While they are wonderful places for a day out, historic houses aren’t always as accessible as everyone might ideally like. This can be an issue before you even set out; not many such houses can be reached by bus, or … Continue reading The Greenway to a slow day out
After a summer break, the most distinctive building on Great Missenden’s High Street re-opened. A few doors down, an old building began a new life. Both got an enthusiastic reception from families warming up for half-term. The re-opening was at … Continue reading Gazumptious: two Missenden openings
A sunny Sunday morning in June is the perfect time for a walk in the countryside. Conjuring up the devil is a less common pastime, I hope, but I had the opportunity to combine both. Our walk from Oving to North … Continue reading Raising the Devil
Wing, Tring and Ivinghoe Three churches in a row I have known this couplet* since childhood, but have never actually visited any of the three churches until now. My attempt to remedy this with the church of St Peter and … Continue reading That Name Rings A Bell….
Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley 