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Programme and Geographic Flyers
Events Running 22-25 July
Make Stories Like Roald Dahl Walk
22nd – 25th July
Start walk from the Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.
Join our self-guided walk and complete story activities along the way. Follow in Roald Dahl’s footstep through the beautiful countryside and village where he lived. You’ll use the lovely views as well as getting close up with nature to help you create story elements. When you’re home again, head to our website for more content, including further activities, videos and a hashtag to share your work with us. Pick up the trail from our website or Museum entrance. Museum entry is not included with this activity but is not necessary to enjoy the walk.
The walk will take about 40-60 minutes. It is mostly along paved routes although the last few metres are over bumpy grass on a downhill slope. Part of the walk is up and downhill.
Free to take part:
Tales of Waddesdon
22nd – 25th July
Waddesdon Manor
A fairy tale castle set upon the top of a hill, Waddesdon makes the perfect setting for many stories. Discover more about its history and help develop our narrative by trying your hand at writing a story inspired by Waddesdon. Get involved by writing a story on your visit, emailing it to us or sharing it on Instagram using #TalesOfWaddesdon. We’ll select our favourites and share on our online platforms.
Take part in person or online. While visiting visitors will be able to scan a QR code that takes them to a page that shares Waddesdon’s history and provides some visual prompts for composing a story. They will be able to collect a pencil and paper and write on their visit, dropping the story off before they leave. Members of the public can also get involved by emailing us their stories of sharing them on Instagram by tagging us and using #TalesOfWaddesdon
Summer of Stories – Story Packs
22nd – 25th July (and beyond)
At home
The Summer of Stories Story Packs have been created by artists who want to get you creating and telling stories! With a variety of activities included, these packs are great for children and adults to explore together – with plenty of activities to do together, or on your own.
Download the packs directly from our Summer of Stories page!
Memories of Bekonscot Model Village
22nd – 25th July
Bekonscot Model Village
View our exhibition of memories and stories of Bekonscot collected this Spring/Summer.
When talking to our visitors we hear many stories about how several generations have returned to Bekonscot, often over several decades and from all around the world. We would like to capture these memories and record them in a book entitled “Memories of Bekonscot Model Village”. We want to reach out to visitors past and present, whether they be royalty, famous or not so famous to share their stories with us.
Exhibition available to view 22-25 July at Bekonscot.
The Big Picture: Canvas Collaboration
22nd – 25th July
The Elgiva, Chesham
The Big Picture is a community art and storytelling project taking place from 22nd – 25th July 2021, featuring multiple creative challenges, workshops, map trails and events.
The Elgiva is delighted to be partnering with Rather Nice Art to present a giant ‘Multi-Canvas Collaboration’, organised and designed by local artist, Emily Brown (www.RatherNiceArt.com).
Such an exciting opportunity to collaborate on a BIG painting displayed at The Elgiva Theatre!! The canvas collaboration activity will reveal a story from Chesham’s history. All are welcome to take part, including students and artists, both beginner and more established, as well as families and schools (aged 5 yrs and up and local to Chesham).
Deadline for dropping off canvases: 17th July 2021 @ 3pm (*Please read the instructions)
Exhibition: 22nd July to 22nd August 2021
£7 per canvas pack
Exploring Buckinghamshire’s Past Together at the Festival of Archaeology
22nd – 25th July
Online
The story of Buckinghamshire is enriched by the archaeology and heritage of the county, and the Buckinghamshire Council Heritage and Archaeology Team are constantly involved with projects which are adding to our understanding of the stories of those who once lived here. We also run a number of projects which help to enhance the stories of the county through public involvement.
Find out more about how to utilise our online resources to follow the story of your area and discover how to volunteer for one of our projects by visiting our online event at the 2021 Festival of Archaeology.
Free to attend.
Access the online content here: https://festival.archaeologyuk.org/events/exploring-buckinghamshires-past-together-1621334975
Summer Stories Art Exhibition
22nd – 25th July (and beyond)
Obsidian Art, Stoke Mandeville
An exhibition of selected art and craft by British Artists inspired by stories and folklore. The exhibition is free to visit and all work is for sale.
All are welcome to take part, including students and artists, both beginner and more established, as well as families and schools (aged 5 yrs and up and local to Chesham).
Each piece of artwork will be accompanied by a written statement from the artist explaining the story behind the work. Staff and artists will be available to discuss these with the visiting public.
Free
The Stories Behind the Work
22nd – 25th July (and beyond)
Buckinghamshire Craft Guild, Stoke Mandeville
Exhibition of work by members of The Buckinghamshire Craft Guild accompanied by the stories behind the work. Over the Open Weekend there will be a programme of talks and free workshops by Craft Guild members (see website for details of times).
Artwork will be accompanied by a written statement from the artist explaining the story behind the work. Members of the Guild will be available to discuss these with the visiting public. The Guild will also run a programme of free talks, demonstrations and workshops over the Open Weekend.
Free to attend.
Soap and Porridge Exhibition
22nd – 25th July
Princes Risborough Library
Tom Cross & writer Aoife Mannix asked Community groups and over 100 regular library users What is your first memory? What might be your lasting memory? From the responses they received they’ve been creating art, animations and poems under the title ‘Soap and Porridge’ Tom says: “I am really pleased that more people in the libraries around Buckinghamshire will get to see and engage with Soap and Porridge. I hope it will inspire them to think of their own memories and stories.
Accessible during Library opening hours 6th-30th July Tuesday 10-5, Wednesday 10-1, Thursday 10-4, Friday 10-4 Saturday 10-1.
Free to attend, drop in.
Stowe: In My Own Words
22nd – 25th July
Stowe Gardens, New Inn Farm, Buckingham
We are inviting members of the local community to share their stories of Stowe with our oral history team. We will be running drop in sessions throughout the Open Weekend at New Inn, Stowe to record your memories and contribute to our ongoing Stowe: In my own words project. Please bring an object pertaining to a memory of Stowe which you can use as a focus for a 10 minute recorded story.
The public will have free access to New Inn at Stowe including parking. We are going to run a drop in session each Open Weekend day from 11-3.
Free to attend, drop in.
Sign a Story of the Gruffalo
22nd – 25th July
online, via Youtube
Watch Marie Biswell, Sign Language tutor with Buckinghamshire Adult Learning sign the story of the Gruffalo.
Free to attend, and can be accessed from 9am on 22nd July: https://youtu.be/1cwjwJD7qz8
The Story of Buckinghamshire Adult Learning
22nd – 25th July
Online
Watch this video to hear about the story of Buckinghamshire Adult Learning over the past year during the pandemic and hear from our tutors and learners.
Video available anytime for free from 22nd July: https://youtu.be/wU4tAL32res
Big Picture: Hidden Art Map of Chesham
22nd – 25th July
Chesham Town Centre, collect your map from JPS Stationers, 7 Market Square, Chesham
Grab your copy of our beautiful, Illustrated art trail map, created by local cartographer & illustrator Mark Cowie, and follow the trail to discover hidden art around Chesham. The map highlights both existing art that you may have missed and the stories behind these works, as well as newly created art, plus fascinating trivia and mini art challenges along the way.
Match the Royal Wedding to the Bouquet
22nd – 25th July
Shaws, Amersham
Wedding flowers tell many stories, and the bouquet is the greatest story of all! Come and see an exhibition of royal wedding bouquets in our shop window and enter our competition to match the royal bride to her bouquet. The competition will explore the history of flowers and their use at Royal Wedding celebrations.
Find Shaws of Amersham on Facebook and Instagram – @shawsamersham and at 39 Woodside Road, Amersham
Buckingham Art for All Gallery
22nd-25th July, various times depending on venue
Bafa Gallery (formerly Bafa Art Trail) is the Community Arm of Buckingham Art for All. This weekend formally launches the re-opening of this permanent, free, art exhibition and sale spread across venues in Buckingham. The local artists, whose work is on show, will be telling the story behind their work alongside their displays. Participating venues include: The Woolpack Public House & The Kings Head. Full listing at www.buckinghamartforall.co.uk
Free, drop in.
The Big Picture: Pop-Up Gallery, Creative Space and Craft Shop
22nd – 25th July
Chesham Library
Local Artists & Writers are hoping to exhibit creative work inside a joint, pop up art gallery, housed inside Chesham Library. The theme of the work will be storytelling. Artist’s have a range of backgrounds, abilities and disciplines, from oil painters, portrait artists, and landscapes, to collage, photography, ceramics, glass, textiles and crafts. Passers-by can enter the gallery and browse, and there will be original work, art prints and crafts for sale at the nearby Craft Market, on Chesham Market – look for the ‘Rather Nice Art’ stall.
Drop in, and booking required for workshops via: www.elgiva.com/thebigpicture
The Big Picture – Shop Window Takeover
22nd – 25th July (and beyond)
Chesham
A crack team of local Artists are taking over a handful of shop windows on Chesham high street. Each window tells a chapter of a story from Chesham’s rich history & will be inspired by the artist & shop’s practice. Grab your copy of the illustrated ‘hidden art’ map, to follow the trail.
Participants will follow a ‘Hidden Art’ Map, created & illustrated by another local artist – Mark Cowie. The map will direct them to each shop window, to follow the story, as well as guiding them to other existing and new pieces of art, and giving them a pleasant day out of walking around and exploring Chesham and it’s rich history and creative landmarks. There will also be trivia and mini challenges on the map, e.g. a blank space to draw your own picture and poem, colouring in sheets, a photography challenge & hashtag, and possible competitions for best uploads.
Maps available from JPS Stationers & The Elgiva.
Free to attend, drop in.
Thursday 22nd July
Storybox – Jasper’s Beanstalk
22nd July, 10.00am-11.30am
Online
This FREE one day workshop is a taster for our family learning courses. It will give you fun practical ideas to support the story – Jasper’s Beanstalk. You will look at different activities exploring crafts, songs and games that you can play together that will develop storytelling and recall skills.
This workshop is for parents and carers with a child aged 2-4 years, who would like to explore how to extend a story to support your child’s speech and language development.
Participants will look at different activities exploring crafts, songs and games that they can play together that will develop storytelling and recall skills.
Free, booking required: https://www.adultlearningbc.ac.uk/courses/storybox-jaspers-beanstalk-o4li23afot32021/
Creative Open Day
22nd July, 10.00am-4.00pm
Bucks College Group, Aylesbury and Amersham Campus
Members of the public are invited to experience the the creative work developed by students across Bucks, including, Performance, Game Design, Art, Film Making, SFX and Fashion. This showcase event is a great way to see all the different elements of storytelling that Bucks College Students create on their courses.
Drop in, free to attend.
Telling Tales: Stories in the Archive
22nd July, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Buckinghamshire Archives, Aylesbury
Take inspiration from hourly story tours of the archive vaults; pick-up one of our creative writing inspiration kits; listen to the premiere of a short story inspired by our collections.
Free to attend. Booking required – link tbc.
Story Stall
22nd July, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Discover Bucks Museum (formerly Bucks County Museum), Aylesbury
Visit our Story Stall and share your stories of happiness with our friendly Story Stall artists. Throughout the summer our artists, who love to hear your stories, are collecting stories of happiness, through conversations and via Story Postcards.
Come along and share your stories, which will eventually fill a whole tent!
Drop in, access by donation.
The Big Picture: Art and Storytelling Workshop
22nd July, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Chesham Library
A live event where children create a story and the artwork is created live while offering advice on storytelling. It will explain the important points of story structure and inspire children to have a go at storytelling and illustrating.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
£10pp. Booking required, please email: stevyncolgan@gmail.com
Alice in the Museum Wonderland
22nd July, 12noon – 3.30pm
Discover Bucks Museum (formerly Bucks County Museum), Aylesbury
Meet characters from the classic children’s story Alice in Wonderland and join in games and activities for the whole family. Actors from The Magical Story Elves will delight and entertain with hourly interactive mini-shows, giant tea-cup games, a scavenger hunt, lawn chess, croquet and much more.
Drop in, access by donation.
The Big Picture: Paint a Local Hero Competition
Launching 22nd July
Online
We will soon be accepting submissions, from people local to Chesham, for an exciting portrait competition. You will be able to enter via The Big Picture Facebook page and via the project hashtag on insta: #thebigpicturechesham
The theme is ‘local heroes’ in Chesham. We will share photos that you can use for your artwork soon, and you are welcome to use photos of your own local heroes too, as long as they are Chesham-based and you explain why they are a local hero, in your opinion. All mediums welcome, from paintings, drawings and sculptures, to embroidery, photography, Lino print and collage…. Let your imagination run wild, and let’s tell the stories of some local people who deserve some well-earned recognition.
When the time comes, upload your photo of your work to the Facebook group and/ or to Instagram with the hashtag #thebigpicturechesham. Make sure you ‘like’ our Facebook page, as we are planning to upload or link to some tips on how to inject narrative and storytelling into your portraits.
Judged by Chesham-based VIPs and local art experts. Prizes supplied by local businesses.
Bucks Colour Stories
22nd July, 1.00pm-3.00pm
Grymsdyke Farm, Lacey Green
Join designer and natural dye artist Rachel Jones in a natural dye workshop at Grymsdyke Farm. During this in-person workshop you will be guided through the process of creating a seasonal and local colour palette of natural dyes, based on a local archive of natural colour.
Taking place in the walled garden at Grymsdyke Farm in Lacey Green, participants will also receive a tour of the grounds of this most unusual design facility. This workshop is open to all levels and is free of charge.
Free to attend. Requires booking by email: rachelrhiannonjones@gmail.com
Pirates! A Children’s Concert and Story
22nd July, 2.00pm-3.00pm
The Radcliffe Centre, Buckingham University, Church St., Buckingham
A fully interactive children’s concert introducing children to weird and wonderful instruments of the English Golden Age – the Tudors.
Rhythms, dance and song require audience participation, and we invite children to come along dressed as pirates. The story is based on real life characters of the 16th Century, and was written by local Adstock author, Lucy Bignall. The performers are all Buckingham residents.
Come dressed as a pirate!
Single ticket (pirate and parent) £7, family ticket £15
Booking required – tickets are on sale at Finca El Monte, Well Street, Buckingham, or can be requested via our website:
‘On The Move’ Read Aloud by Jennifer Stratton
22nd July, 2.00pm
Online
”On the Move’ is two virtual events led by teaching Professor and writer Jennifer Stratton. The first is a read aloud by Jennifer of her children’s book ‘On the Move’ by depicting the story of Canadian Wheelchair Rugby Paralympian Nick Springer. The second event (23rd July, 2pm) is a storytelling/writing workshop where Jennifer will share her knowledge and skills of being a published children’s writer.
Donations welcomed, booking via: https://www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Event/on-the-move-workshop-with-jennifer-stratton
The Big Picture: Land Art Workshop
22nd July, 2.00-4.00pm
Lowndes Park, 59a The Broadway, Chesham
Stevyn Colgan (local artist, author, ex policeman, QI Elf & the man behind the celebrated, nearby ‘Monster Zoo’ community art project), will lead a workshop in Lowndes Park, where whole families can join in to create art made out of natural, scavenged materials, such as rocks, twigs and leaves.
Meet at the Bandstand in Lowndes Park, by the pond.
£10pp or £25 for a family of up to 4 people, booking required – please email: stevyncolgan@gmail.com
Mary Does Marlow
22nd July, 7.15pm
Marlow
Walking tour of beautiful Marlow with the monstrously entertaining ‘Mary Shelley’. Encounter spooky goings-on, cultural curiosities and architectural delights, including the house where Mary Shelley penned her gothic masterpiece, Frankenstein!
The tour will start at the Sir Steve Redgrave statue in Higginson Park and conclude an hour later in West Street, Marlow.
The route is generally flat and accessible. There maybe a step or two down at one stage but if a wheelchair user wishes to join us we can modify the route, no problem. We will encourage attendees to have used toilet facilities before the tour. It is only approximately an hour long so hopefully, there will be no problems.
£10 per person, booking required: marydoesmarlow.eventbrite.com
Friday 23rd July
Telling Tales: Stories in the Archive
23rd July, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Buckinghamshire Archives, Aylesbury
Take inspiration from hourly story tours of the archive vaults; pick-up one of our creative writing inspiration kits; create your own stories.
Free to attend. Booking required:
Burnham Village Heritage Walk
23rd July, 10.00am
Explore Burnham’s heritage with a short, guided walk around the village. Find out about Burnham’s links with the abolition of the Slave Trade and learn about the history of the 12th Century Parish Church. Discover how the High Street shops and businesses have changed over the years and why there were so many pubs! See the pond where the village children once learned to swim and remember the people who lived in the Burnham Workhouse.
Meet outside Burnham Park Hall, Windsor Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HR just before 10am.
This walk is being run in partnership with Bucks Simply Walk.
There will be a photographic display in Burnham Library over the Open Weekend and after the walk we will encourage people to visit the exhibition and share memories of Burnham
Free to attend, booking recommended via https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/environment/exploring-the-countryside/simply-walk/
For more details please email: burnhamheritage@btinternet.com
Story Stall
23rd July, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Bourne End Library, Bourne End
Visit our Story Stall and share your stories of happiness with our friendly Story Stall artists. Throughout the summer our artists, who love to hear your stories, are collecting stories of happiness, through conversations and via Story Postcards.
Come along and share your stories, which will eventually fill a whole tent!
Free, drop in.
What’s Your Hidden Super Power?
23rd July, 10.15am-11.00am, 11.15am-12noon, 1.00pm-1.45pm, 2.oopm-2.45pm, 3.00pm-3.45pm
Celebrate the launch of our Bucks Heroes Project!
A day of super-hero training sessions suitable for ages 2-6. Bring your little heroes into the museum for an active 45 minute training session to power up and energize their hidden super hero powers. Come in super hero costume or fancy dress. All our little heroes will need to be able to move freely. Parents must stay with children at all times.
£2.50 per child, booking via: https://www.buckscountymuseum.org/whats-on
Bucks Colour Stories
23rd July, 1.00pm-3.00pm
Grymsdyke Farm, Lacey Green
Join designer and natural dye artist Rachel Jones in a natural dye workshop at Grymsdyke Farm. During this in-person workshop you will be guided through the process of creating a seasonal and local colour palette of natural dyes, based on a local archive of natural colour.
Taking place in the walled garden at Grymsdyke Farm in Lacey Green, participants will also receive a tour of the grounds of this most unusual design facility. This workshop is open to all levels and is free of charge.
Free to attend. Requires booking by email: rachelrhiannonjones@gmail.com
On the Move – Storytelling Workshop
23rd July, 2.00pm
Online
The second of two virtual events led by teaching Professor and writer Jennifer Stratton.
A storytelling/writing workshop where Jennifer will share her knowledge and skills of being a published children’s writer. The first event (22nd July) is a read aloud by Jennifer of her children’s book ‘On the Move’ by depicting the story of Canadian Wheelchair Rugby Paralympian Nick Springer.
Donations welcomed, booking via: https://www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Event/on-the-move-storytelling-with-jennifer-stratton
The Big Picture: Narrative Techniques in Portraiture
23rd July, 2.00-4.00pm
Upstairs at the George and Dragon Pub, Chesham
Learn how to paint or draw an arresting and accurate portrait in oils, pencil or charcoal, from beginning to end, including introducing narrative and storytelling elements.
Local artist, Emily Brown, will be on hand to walk you through the portrait painting process, step by step. People of all levels and abilities welcome, including beginners.
Bring your own art materials. If you require advice regarding suitable materials, contact Emily via ratherniceartist@gmail.com or visit JPS Stationers, Chesham, who will be stocking all the recommended tools.
Adults only (16+) under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
£12pp. Booking required, please email: ratherniceartist@gmail.com
Flag Making Workshops- Paralympic Heritage Flame Ceremony
23rd July, 2.00pm-4.00pm and 6.00pm-8.00pm
Alfred Rose Community Centre, Aylesbury
Take part in flag making workshops in Aylesbury. The flags will be carried during the Paralympic Heritage Flame ceremony at the Stoke Mandeville stadium on 19 August, and broadcast on national news.
You will design and make a flag using a resist print technique – this workshop will suit young people and adults interested in art, design and crafts, but no drawing skills are required.
The workshops will be led by artist Charlotte Dearman (Walk the Plank) to guide you in the techniques used and help you produce a stunning flag, which you can then carry as part of the Paralympic Heritage Flame ceremony if you are available.
The flags will be carried during the Paralympic opening ceremony on the 19th of August at the Stoke Mandeville stadium
To take part you will be aged 12 + and be local to the Aylesbury area.
Free. Booking required via: participate@walktheplank.co.uk
Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival)
23rd July, 6.00-9.00pm
Buckingham Park Community Centre, Aylesbury
Ratha yatra is celebrated all over the world but the main event happens in Puri (Odisha, India) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratha_Yatra_(Puri)
A wooden cart will be prepared and decorated with colourful clothes and flowers. The cart will be displayed in the centre of the Aylesbury Town. High up on the cart will be Deities of Shree Jagannatha (Lord of Universe), Balabhadra and Subhadra. Ratha yatra is completely non-sectarian. Everyone is welcome and no-one is excluded. This event is a cultural extravaganza reflecting old traditions followed by people from Indian sub-continent. Such an event happens in London each year.
Free to attend, donations welcome.
RSVP: via Google form link provided https://forms.gle/obkDGVkMBS3R9tsM7 or Email: contact@aylesburyhindutemple.org as we have to follow COVID restriction for family visits.
Secrets of Stowe Tours
23rd July, 6.30-7.30pm
Stowe House, Stowe
Discover the hidden stories of Stowe House. Go behind the scenes and explore rooms not normally accessible to visitors on a guided Secrets of Stowe tour.
Stowe House is an architectural masterpiece. Once the home of a wealthy and politically influential family, the house was built to reflect the families social and political ideals. These beliefs can still be viewed today through the architecture, interior decoration and art found within the house. The Stowe House Preservation Trust is continually working to restore, maintain and preserve this iconic site that has inspired artists, poets and creative thinkers for generations.
The public will be encouraged to create their own gilded flowers to take home, inspired by the restoration story of the house.
£12 per person, booking required: https://www.stowe.co.uk/house/whats-on
Saturday 24th July
Stories Past and Present
24th and 25th July
John Lewis & Partners High Wycombe, Holmers Farm Way, Cressex Centre, High Wycombe
Customers are invited to share their memories of John Lewis & Partners High Wycombe either from when we first opened, or more recently, through photos, writing or a recording to be uploaded onto our Heritage Memories site. Children will receive a trail sheet leading to a pre-recorded story -telling session and there will also be timed in person story-telling sessions taking place:
24th July 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm
25th July 12.30pm and 2.30pm
Free, drop in
Calico Covid Collage
24th and 25th July
Location tbc
Three patchwork banners banners created by Beaconsfield WI will be on show. The banners, 140cms x 140cms each, depict members’ recollection of lockdown. These have been created using a variety of crafts and show the skill of members. They also depict our view of Lockdown.
Free, drop in
Land Marks
24th and 25th July
Wycombe Arts Centre
An exciting exhibition event at Wycombe Arts Centre featuring artists from Sky Arts’ Landscape Painter of the Year: West Wycombe heats, with live painting and music over Bucks Open Weekend.
The public will share in the story of how the participants took part in the tv programme and created their works. They will also view the creation of all new artworks created during the event. They will be encouraged to share their own experiences with the local landscape.
Free entry.
History and Heritage of the Buckingham Canal
24th and 25th July
Location tbc
We will have a gazebo on site over the weekend of 24th -25th July with a display of painted canal art which will be on show to the public. Also some items the public can buy. Some volunteers on the stall will be dressed in Victoria boat women’s costumes. Talks will be given on the history of the canal and the futures plans for restoration.
Visitors will be encouraged to relate their canal stories to us which can be published later in our society’s magazine
Free, drop in
I am Wycombe – Artist in Residence Showcase
24th July, 11.00am – 3.00pm and
25th July, 12noon – 3.00pm
High Wycombe Library
High Wycombe Library are showcasing 7 short films made by our artist in residence Lasana Shabazz. Each film stands alone but watched together they reveal Wycombe’s residents through themes of home, family and belonging. The films will be shown on a loop with visitors encouraged to drop in and view as many or few as they wish. Lasana worked with library staff, and community groups to create films that showcase the thriving diversity in the local area. This project is part of a partnership with Essex Cultural Diversity Project, Farnham Maltings, and funded by the Rothschild Foundation.
Free to attend, drop in
The Great War at Chiltern Open Air Museum
24th and 25th July, 10.00am – 5.00pm
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Peter
Learn about WW1 in a special Great War weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Meet costumed re-enactors and learn about the home front and the role of women. Discover the stories of summer of our local war heroes including war hero, Harry Marks and local herbalist Maude Grieve.
£7.50 adults, £6 children, under 4s free.
Booking required: https://coam.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/34586?catID=13125
Telling Tales: Stories in the Archive
24th July, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Buckinghamshire Archives, Aylesbury
Take inspiration from hourly story tours of the archive vaults; pick-up one of our creative writing inspiration kits; listen to the premiere of a short story inspired by our collections.
10:45: The Unbound Storytellers present ‘Hidden Things’, a new story inspired by Bucks Archives’ collections (approx 30min). Booking link:
14:45 – 15:45: Open Mic story telling! If you’ve been inspired by our creative writing kits, come and share your story. Booking link:
Free to attend. Booking required. To book a tour:
Live Creatively
24th July, 10.00am – 2.00pm
Queens Park Arts Centre, Aylesbury
Queens Park Arts Centre’s ‘Live Creatively’ Day is on Saturday 24 July. It’s free to attend and suitable for all ages. There’ll be a variety of art and craft demonstrations; you can chat to our tutors and makers, or even have a go yourself.
Entertainment is provided by the Unbound Storytellers, who’ll be performing all manner of new tales.
Our ‘Live Creatively’ exhibition – created and inspired by our community’s lockdown activities and stories – is free to view in the main gallery.
Refreshments and parking available and staff on hand to give you a friendly welcome to the Centre.
Free to attend
Woodcarving Free Taster Session
24th July, 10am – 12noon
Amersham Adult Learning Centre, off Lincoln Park, Stanley Hill, Amersham
Learn how to carve and grasp the opportunity to experience the creativity and joy of woodcarving on this free two-hour taster session. The public will learn about the art of woodcarving – a form of story telling in itself.
Free to attend. Booking required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amersham-adult-learning-centre-open-day-tickets-159628740861
Dyeing with Food Waste
24th July, 10.00am-11.30am & 12:00 noon- 13:30pm
Queens Park Arts Centre, Aylesbury
These workshops are for all the family and we will learning how to harvest colour from food waste to create natural dyes. Bring along your old clothing or material (natural fibers) and see how we can re-purpose peelings, leaves and skins to create your own designs. You’ll learn a sustainable art that can be used to upcycle and prolong the life of clothing & linens, make beautiful eco gifts, create wall art and a great sense of achievement. Please wear old clothes!
We will be embedding the story connected to food and foodwaste. Using items in the workshop to highlight a new more sustainable end to the food lifecycle. For example onions – growing cycle, harvesting, selling, purchase, storage, eating and disposal. That’s not the end of the story as we create a lifelong legacy of using the waste to create art and textiles.
Free to attend. Booking required –
AM:
PM:
Burnham Park Tree Trail Walk
24th July, 10.00am and 11.00am
Join us for a walk around Burnham Park Tree Trail and celebrate the variety of trees including our very own champion Red Oak! Discover which tree’s bark was once hung by doors to guard against the plague and find out which tree’s timber is so hard that it can deflect cannon fire.
We will be holding a children’s story writing competition – children will be encouraged to write an imaginative short story based on one or more of the 27 trees in the Burnham Tree Trail.
Meet at entrance to Burnham Library, Windsor Lane, Burnham, SL1 7HR
Free to attend, booking recommended via https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/environment/exploring-the-countryside/simply-walk/
For more details see: http://theburnhamfoundation.org/Blogs-and-Links.php
Interior Design for the Home
24th July, 10.00am – 12noon
Amersham Adult Learning Centre, off Lincoln Park, Stanley Hill, Amersham
Join this free, two-hour taster session to explore some key aspects of home designing and learn how to put stylish interiors together. We all tell our stories through our home – learn more about how to make yours beautiful and share stories of how you’ve decorated yours.
Free to attend, booking required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amersham-adult-learning-centre-open-day-tickets-159628740861
Patchwork Free Taster
24th July, 10.00am – 12noon
Amersham Adult Learning Centre, off Lincoln Park, Stanley Hill, Amersham
Learn about the craft of patchwork, appliqué and quilting both traditional and contemporary on this two-hour, free taster session.
Attendees will hear stories of patchworking and the history of this craft.
Free to attend, booking required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amersham-adult-learning-centre-open-day-tickets-159628740861
Storytelling at the Library
24th July, 10.30am, 12noon & 2.00pm
High Wycombe Library
Storytelling sessions in the Library. Sessions are interactive aimed 2-6 years old with their adults. The session runs for 40minutes, and include storytelling, dance and singing.
Free. Booking essential, 8 spaces per session, 2-6 years old, plus adult to accompany- ticket for child adult not included.
Sessions taking place on Floor 1.
Please book via: https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/libraries/find-a-library/high-wycombe/
Book and DVD Giveaway
24th July, 10.30am- 1.00pm
Little Chalfont Community Library
Holiday reading! Little Chalfont Community Library is holding a giveaway of second-hand books and DVDs on Saturday 24th July. There will be a fantastic choice of all kinds of fiction, non-fiction and junior books so do come along with your friends and family. The DVDs are mostly U, PG and 12 rated. Stalls will be outside the library in Cokes Lane between 10.30am and 1pm. Books and DVDs are free but voluntary donations are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you.
Free. Drop in.
Storytelling Outside the Gaol
24th July, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Outside Bucks Old Gaol, Buckingham
Terrie Howey is an Oral Storyteller best known as Red Phoenix. Terrie has been telling stories to anyone who will listen since her earliest memories with a passion to share stories and encourage others to find their voice. In 2007 she founded Red Phoenix Storytelling and Productions which promotes oral storytelling, and provides storytelling performances, workshops, performance skills coaching, and freelance dramaturgical services suitable for events and educational engagements. In 2019 she authored her first book, a collection of local mythology, Buckinghamshire Folk Tales, published by the History Press.
Free to attend, drop in
Celebrating Children’s Stories
24th July, 11am – 5pm
Amersham on the Hill Retail Square – including: Sycamore Road, Hill Avenue, Woodside Road, Chiltern Avenue
Snippets of stories to be read at allocated times, with a “meet the character” session; balloons and inflatables celebrating the local toy store and stories about the owner who is at the heart of Amersham on the Hill.
Kids fun – Alice in Amersham trail – fancy dress – storytime.
Children encouraged to wear costumes, families encouraged to take part in the trail which means visiting local businesses to answer the questions, encouraging footfall, fun and engagement in the community, by the community.
Free, drop in.
Story Telling Festival
24th July, 11.00am-4.00pm
Frogmoor, High Wycombe
Visit our ‘Storytelling Festival’ and meet a VERY SPECIAL guest for a series of FREE LIVE SHOWS.
Peter Rabbit & friends will be heading to the high street for a series of exclusive & entertaining 40-minute performances, featuring an animated story time activity followed by a meet & greet… and everyone is invited to join in the fun!
Peter Rabbit Storytime sessions will take place at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3.30pm – pre-booking is essential as places will be limited.
A Peter Rabbit Story Trail will also be running throughout the day, even if you’re not booked in for a Sorytime session…just pop by the HWBIDCo gazebo to participate!
The ‘Storytelling Festival’ event will also feature a ‘Chiltern’s Book Tombola’ as well as Buckinghamshire Culture’s ‘Story Stall’ helping to record the public’s stories, and making 2021 the ‘Summer of Stories’…
Free to attend, booking required for Peter Rabbit Story Time:
Story Stall
24th July, 11.00am – 4.00pm
Story Telling Festival, Frogmoor, High Wycombe
Visit our Story Stall and share your stories of happiness with our friendly Story Stall artists. Throughout the summer our artists, who love to hear your stories, are collecting stories of happiness, through conversations and via Story Postcards.
Come along and share your stories, which will eventually fill a whole tent!
Free, drop in.
Our Shared Pandemic Story
24th July, 11.00am-4.00pm
All Saints Church, Church Square, High Wycombe
Inside the church, we shall have an exhibition of things created throughout the pandemic charting the experiences and stories of the exhibitors through the pandemic. We shall also have two activities exploring words that evoke the feelings experienced through the pandemic.
Help us to create an artwork to express your feelings using colours to match emotions.
Learn to use calligraphy to write words meaningful to participants. Outside we shall provide the opportunity to make a large artwork to express your feelings using different media. All activities will be Covid-19 safe and equipment will be sanitised between uses.
Free to attend. Drop in.
Flag Making Workshops- Paralympic Heritage Flame Ceremony
24th July, 11.00am-1.00pm and 2.00-4.00pm
Alfred Rose Community Centre, Aylesbury
Take part in flag making workshops in Aylesbury. The flags will be carried during the Paralympic Heritage Flame ceremony at the Stoke Mandeville stadium on 19 August, and broadcast on national news.
You will design and make a flag using a resist print technique – this workshop will suit young people and adults interested in art, design and crafts, but no drawing skills are required.
The workshops will be led by artist Charlotte Dearman (Walk the Plank) to guide you in the techniques used and help you produce a stunning flag, which you can then carry as part of the Paralympic Heritage Flame ceremony if you are available.
The flags will be carried during the Paralympic opening ceremony on the 19th of August at the Stoke Mandeville stadium
To take part you will be aged 12 + and be local to the Aylesbury area.
Free. Booking required via: participate@walktheplank.co.uk
Dinosaur Stories with Clive PiG
24th July, 11.00am and 12.30pm
Discover Bucks Museum (formerly Bucks County Museum), Aylesbury
Storyteller Clive PiG will amuse and dumbfound you with dynamic performances of Jurassic Cove, The Dynotor of Dartmoor and the Last Dinosaurs tied in with the museum’s current exhibition, Dinosaurs Uncovered.
Access by donation, book via: https://www.buckscountymuseum.org/whats-on
A Picnic with Peter’s Railway
24th July, 11.00am and 2.00pm
Bekonscot Model Village and Railway
During this interactive story telling workshop, author and railway enthusiast Christopher Vine will read the story of The Picnic , one of his series of Peter’s Railway books. Accompanying the storytelling, Chris will run a hands on activity where children construct their own model rail track and use it to re-enact the story.
Event is free to attend.
Please book via www.bekonscot.co.uk
Creativity Revived 2021
24th July, 11.00am – 3.00pm
All Saints Church , High Wycombe
We will be running two holistic art sessions one hour each session (11am -12 noon) and (1pm-2pm). Maximum participants 8 + 2 art facilitators (10 people per session)
Suitable for Children and Adults
Free of charge ( Suggested Donations is £2)
Materials will be provided.
Also view our Outdoor Art Exhibition at the All Saints Church yard. Themes are Food waste cultures / Food poverty / Philosophy of Food.
Workshop booking by calling: Shanthi on 07557440567 Or Aruntha on 07455106550
Lip-Reading Free Taster
24th July, 12noon – 2.00pm
Amersham Adult Learning Centre, off Lincoln Park, Stanley Hill, Amersham
Get started with lip-reading and communication skills and learn through demonstration, observation and a variety of practical exercises. You will observe the basic shapes of everyday speech and practise a range of simple listening skills.
Attendees will be encouraged to share their story of hearing loss and communicating their stories with others through lip-reading
Free to attend. Booking required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amersham-adult-learning-centre-open-day-tickets-159628740861
Crochet Free Taster
24th July, 12noon – 2.00pm
Amersham Adult Learning Centre, off Lincoln Park, Stanley Hill, Amersham
Learn the craft of crochet on this free, two-hour taster session at Amersham Adult Learning Centre. Learn how to hold the yarn and hook, make a crochet chain stitch and slip stitch and work double crochet and treble Crochet stitches.
Attendees will share stories about the art of crochet and be encouraged to discuss their own experiences.
Free to attend. Booking required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amersham-adult-learning-centre-open-day-tickets-159628740861
Jewellery Making Free Taster
24th July, 12noon – 2.00pm
Amersham Adult Learning Centre, off Lincoln Park, Stanley Hill, Amersham
Discover the craft of jewellery making on this free, two-hour taster session. Learn about jewellery making tools and have a go at some jewellery making.
Attendees will have the chance to learn about the craft of jewellery making and have a go themselves.
Free to attend. Booking required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amersham-adult-learning-centre-open-day-tickets-159628740861
Creative Writing Free Taster
24th July, 12noon – 2.00pm
Amersham Adult Learning Centre, off Lincoln Park, Stanley Hill, Amersham
Fire up your imagination and develop your creative writing potential on this free, two-hour creative writing taster session.
Attendees will share their stories and learn the skills to describe and visualise their ideas.
Free to attend. Booking required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amersham-adult-learning-centre-open-day-tickets-159628740861
Annual Show – Stoke Poges, Wexham & Fulmer Horticultural Society
24th July, 12.30-5.30pm
Grounds of the Stoke Poges School, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. Parking at the adjoining Bells Hill Recreation Ground, Stoke Poges SL2 4EF
Our Annual Show is an important community event and asset featuring traditional horticultural classes of flowers, fruit and vegetables. Stories are a huge part of horticulture and growing. We have classes for cookery, bakery, wines, art and crafts, photography and floral art displayed in a vast marquee – plus a children’s competition. There will be a variety of stall holders selling crafts, produce, plants and vegetables. Something for everyone including activities for children. Classic car display. A saxophone quartet will entertain those wishing to sit, relax or socialise. There will be a BBQ, Beer and Pimms tent and afternoon teas. Plus an ice cream van.
Drop in event, no booking required. Nominal fee for adults, children are free.
Once Upon a Time in Bucks…
24th July, 2.00pm and 3.30pm
Discover Bucks Museum (formerly Bucks County Museum), Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire is an ancient county of Roman forts and highwaymen, motorways and urban myth. Terrie Howey, the Red Phoenix, will take you on a journey through the county with Buckinghamshire folk tales of past, present and future: old tales in new towns, and new stories from old legends. Look out for witches and dragons, mind all those roundabouts, and whatever you do don’t eat the stew!
Access by donation, booking via: https://www.buckscountymuseum.org/whats-on
Bucks County Groups End of Season Concert
24th July, 7.00pm (gates open from 6.00pm)
Waddesdon Manor
Enjoy a summer evening of classical music with the spectacular backdrop of Waddesdon Manor. The three top ensembles in the county, Bucks County Youth Orchestra, Bucks Youth Wind Ensemble and Voice Bucks County Youth Choir perform an outstanding programme of high-quality repertoire, having just returned from their tour of Jersey. Sponsored by the Rothschild Foundation, and in the beautiful setting of the North Lawn at Waddesdon, this is not to be missed if you’re a music lover.
Tickets are free but must be booked: https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/bucks-county-groups-end-of-season-concert/
Sunday 25th July
Dyeing with Food Waste
25th July, 10.00am-11.30am & 12:00 noon- 13:30pm
The Fitness Garden, High Wycombe
These workshops are for all the family and we will learning how to harvest colour from food waste to create natural dyes. Bring along your old clothing or material (natural fibers) and see how we can re-purpose peelings, leaves and skins to create your own designs. You’ll learn a sustainable art that can be used to upcycle and prolong the life of clothing & linens, make beautiful eco gifts, create wall art and a great sense of achievement. Please wear old clothes!
We will be embedding the story connected to food and foodwaste. Using items in the workshop to highlight a new more sustainable end to the food lifecycle. For example onions – growing cycle, harvesting, selling, purchase, storage, eating and disposal. That’s not the end of the story as we create a lifelong legacy of using the waste to create art and textiles.
Free to attend. Booking required –
AM:
PM:
The Big Picture: Using Narrative in Landscape Painting Workshop
25 July, 10.00am-2.00pm
Lowndes Park, 59a The Broadway, Chesham
An en plein air (outdoor) landscape painting workshop. Local artists of all abilities are invited to join us at an outdoor, group art session in Chesham, where we will enjoy a leisurely painting / drawing session plus picnic. Local artist, Emily, will be on hand to offer tips and advice. Any art produced you can take home and, if you like, you can upload and tag your work on Instagram with #thebigpicturechesham
Meeting point: Lowndes Park, Chesham (look for the easels and picnic blankets!)
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring your own art materials, tools, a chair or blanket plus picnic. If you require advice regarding suitable materials, contact Emily via ratherniceartist@gmail.com
Free. Booking required, please email: ratherniceartist@gmail.com
Story Stall
25th July, 11.00am – 4.00pm
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Peter
Visit our Story Stall and share your stories of happiness with our friendly Story Stall artists. Throughout the summer our artists, who love to hear your stories, are collecting stories of happiness, through conversations and via Story Postcards.
Come along and share your stories, which will eventually fill a whole tent!
Free, drop in.
Storytelling at the Library
25th July, 12.30pm and 2.00pm
High Wycombe Library
Storytelling sessions in the Library. Sessions are interactive aimed 2-6 years old with their adults. The session runs for 40minutes, and include storytelling, dance and singing.
Free. Booking essential, 8 spaces per session, 2-6 years old, plus adult to accompany- ticket for child adult not included.
Sessions taking place on Floor 1.
Please book via: https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/libraries/find-a-library/high-wycombe/
A Picnic with Peter’s Railway
25th July, 11.00am and 2.00pm
Bekonscot Model Village and Railway
During this interactive story telling workshop, author and railway enthusiast Christopher Vine will read the story of The Picnic , one of his series of Peter’s Railway books. Accompanying the storytelling, Chris will run a hands on activity where children construct their own model rail track and use it to re-enact the story.
Event is free to attend.
Please book via www.bekonscot.co.uk
Art and Stories in the Garden
25th July, 12noon – 4.30pm
Amersham Museum Garden
Be inspired by our wonderful garden with an afternoon of art and crafts. Take part in activities run by artists and found out about the stories behind the plants in our garden. Tell us how you use plants in your homes. All activities are suitable for adults and children.
£4.50 for adults, children free
Drop in event. More info here: http://amershammuseum.org/events/
Secrets of Stowe Tours
25th July, 2.00-3.00pm
Stowe House, Stowe
Discover the hidden stories of Stowe House. Go behind the scenes and explore rooms not normally accessible to visitors on a guided Secrets of Stowe tour.
Stowe House is an architectural masterpiece. Once the home of a wealthy and politically influential family, the house was built to reflect the families social and political ideals. These beliefs can still be viewed today through the architecture, interior decoration and art found within the house. The Stowe House Preservation Trust is continually working to restore, maintain and preserve this iconic site that has inspired artists, poets and creative thinkers for generations.
The public will be encouraged to create their own gilded flowers to take home, inspired by the restoration story of the house.
£12 per person, booking required: https://www.stowe.co.uk/house/whats-on
Tudor Tales with Unbound Theatre
25th July, 2.00pm-4.30pm
Waddesdon Manor
On Sunday 25 July from 2pm join Unbound Theatre, resident production company at Queens Park Arts Centre, for a free performance of Tudor Tales on the lawns by the Woodland Café at Waddesdon Manor (grounds admission applies). Discover the story of England’s most (in)famous dynasty in this hilarious whistle-stop sketch show full of brilliant gags, fascinating facts, and a lot of wigs…
Free performance: https://waddesdon.org.uk/tales-of-waddesdon/
Admission fee for Waddesdon applies.
Grounds admission must be booked in advance: https://waddesdon.org.uk/your-visit/tickets/
The Big Picture: Narrative Techniques in Portraiture
23rd July, 2.00-4.00pm
Upstairs at the George and Dragon Pub, Chesham
Learn how to paint or draw an arresting and accurate portrait in oils, pencil or charcoal, from beginning to end, including introducing narrative and storytelling elements.
Local artist, Emily Brown, will be on hand to walk you through the portrait painting process, step by step. People of all levels and abilities welcome, including beginners.
Bring your own art materials. If you require advice regarding suitable materials, contact Emily via ratherniceartist@gmail.com or visit JPS Stationers, Chesham, who will be stocking all the recommended tools.
Adults only (16+) under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
£12pp. Booking required, please email: ratherniceartist@gmail.com
Brass Band Celebration
25th July, 2.00pm
Amersham Memorial Gardens, Amersham
Amersham Band provides education in brass music for all ages and abilities through teaching, rehearsals and performance. As part of Buckinghamshire Culture Open Weekend we are putting on an open air concert in Amersham Memorial Gardens. The event will celebrate the progression of community music-making, from the young people at beginner level who are part of our Brass Roots group, though our community and concert bands, right up to our advanced level championship band. The concert starts at 2pm on Sunday 25 July and is free to attend.
Free, no booking required.
Marlow Museum walk with Mary Shelley
25th July, 3,45pm
Meet at Marlow Museum, Court Garden, Pound Lane, Marlow
‘Mary Shelley’, ably assisted by her two acolytes, Hives and Jitters, has agreed to undertake one of her fabulously entertaining town walks, starting from the Sir Steve Redgrave statue at 4.00pm. The walk takes about an hour and finishes outside Remnantz in West Street. From there it is a short walk back to Pound Lane via Portlands Alley.
At the same time, for those under 12 accompanied by parents or guardians:
Readings from ‘Children’s Stories of Marlow’ outside the museum.
Also a small Mary Shelley exhibition outside the museum.
£10 per person, over 12s only, booking required via: partsofmarlow@outlook.com
Live Music by Laura Williams
25th July, 5.00pm-7.00pm
The Jolly Cricketers, 24 Chalfont Road, Seer Green
Local musician Laura Williams singing live on Sunday 25th July.
Heroes Throughout History
25th July, 7.00pm-8.30pm
Online
Two hours of online family story-telling session for age 8+ by famous story teller Jason Buck to discover what makes a real hero. Produced by Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury.
Introducing some of histories most famous heroes from a range of nations and time periods including Vikings, Celtic Britain and Greek Myths.
Cost tbc, booking via: https://www.buckscountymuseum.org/whats-on
The Big Picture: Life Drawing
25th July, 7.30-9.30pm
Upstairs at The George & Dragon Pub, Chesham
Get creative and have fun at our quirky narrative life drawing class. Grab a drink from the bar and get arty as our accessorised model explores the story of the 4 B’s of Chesham and more!
Learn new drawing techniques and the art of storyboarding with poses ranging from 2 – 20 minutes. Materials included, beginners very welcome.
This event is hosted by Shevon Burrows, winner of C4’s ‘Drawers Off’ and founder of ‘Outside the Box Drawing’.
Adults only (16+). Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
£10 per person, booking required via email: outsidetheboxdrawing@gmail.com
Please note that Buckinghamshire Culture is not endorsing activities included in the Open Weekend programme and each event organiser is responsible for the smooth running of their event. Buckinghamshire Culture is taking the lead on co-ordinating and promotion activity in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council.
All events are correct at time of publishing.
Funding Partners
Buckinghamshire Culture 
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