Gerrards Cross Together November December 2023

GERRARDS CROSS 

Together 

NEWS AND VIEWS 

www.gerrardscrosstogether.co.uk 

Welfare of older people 

01753 917241 

SAVE THE DATE 

Sunday 18th May 

For help or food donations 

office@onecantrust.org.uk 

Tel: 01494 512 277 

CHRISTMAS EDITION 

November/December 2023 Issue 1

GERRARDS CROSS 

Together 

Useful Numbers 

Mental Help Helpline 24/7 

t: 0800 783 0119 / 01865 904 997 

National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24/7 

t: 0808 2000 247 

Chilterns Dial-a-ride for those with 

mobility problems t: 01494 766 123 

Alcoholics Anonymous 

Call confidentially on: t: 0800 917 7650 

Be Amazing and Volunteer 

Age UK’s Befriending service matches older 

people with volunteers who have similar interests. 

t: 01296 431911 

e: age@ageukbucks.org.uk 

Hello and welcome 

Gerrards Cross Together publication is a reality at last! 

Having moved from London in 1996, Gerrards Cross has 

been a great community to me and my family. Bringing 

up my two boys in this town helped me form some very 

wonderful and strong friendships, for which I am truly 

grateful. Being part of the GX Fun Run Committee; it also 

makes sense to try and bring the residents, community 

groups and businesses together with this one community 

platform. I hope you are able to support it. 

There is some amazing community camaraderie in this 

town evidenced by the annual jumble sale that took place 

in September, (see p10). The GX Fun Run committee need 

more volunteers ...please let me know what you can do to 

help. The next Town Council meetings are: Monday 27th 

November 7pm and Monday December 18th 7.30pm 

followed by drinks at GXCA. Contact the council for further 

information. Agendas are posted up on the notice board 

on the bridge in GX. 

A special thank you to Stoke Park in the Community for 

supporting the launch of this community initiative. 

As a wise friend said to me, ‘ be good and do good ‘. 

There are some wonderful people in our communities that 

show their love by doing service for others. Are you one of 

these people? 

Have a wonderful Christmas. 

Bucks Mind in Buckinghamshire 

Volunteers over 18 years needed 

t: 01494 463364 or 

w: www.bucksmind.org.uk 

Therese 

NEXT COPY DEADLINES! 

Jan/Feb 2024 

Editorials: 29th Nov 

Advertisers: 30th Nov 

Meet the Team 

Publisher, Editor & Sales 

Therese Cooklin - 07786 735 711 

Magazine Designer 

Mathew Peet, Digital Bear Design - 01949 839 206 

Content is accurate to the best of our knowledge, however Gerrards 

Cross Together part of Abstract Niche Ltd cannot be held liable for loss or 

damage, caused by errors or omissions. Inclusion of advertisers does not 

indicate our endorsement of their products or services. 

The opinions and findings expressed in articles submitted to this 

publication are solely those of the authors and should not be assumed 

to be those of Gerrards Cross Together or its affiliates. 

t: 07786 735 711 

e: therese@gerrardscrosstogether.co.uk 

w: www.gerrardscrosstogether.co.uk 

Get your business noticed 

for as little as £36 

Royal Mail door-to-door delivery and 

drop-off sites to over 17,000 homes in 

Beaconsfield, Amersham & Chalfonts 

e: sales@communitytogether.co.uk

IT’S SHOWTIME 

THIS CHRISTMAS 

Book your table today 

45-47 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8PE 

Telephone: 0175 388 0655 

4 Gerrards Cross Together is part of Community Together

COMPETITION TIME! 

Win a FAMILY meal at Pizza Express 

in Gerrards Cross 

The newly modified Pizza Express in Gerrards Cross 

have kindly donated a Family meal for 2 adults and 

2 children for our new launch of Gerrards Cross 

Together magazine! 

To win, answer this question: 

If you join the Pizza Express Club what do you get on your first visit? 

a) glass of water b) dough balls c) salad d) chocolate bar 

for more details go to: www.pizzaexpress.com 

To enter go to: www.communitytogether.co.uk/competition 

T’s an C’s apply, please see website for more details. 

To advertise please call 07786 735 711 or email marketing@gerrardscrosstogether.co.uk 5

COMMUNITY NEWS 

Gerrards Cross 

Jumble Sale 

Extravaganza at 

GXCA! 

In September of this year - Gerrards 

Cross Community Association (GXCA) 

held its biggest event of the year - the 

annual Jumble Sale! This event has been 

held for around 40 years. The event is on 

a scale that is so much larger than your 

traditional village hall event and has even 

been dubbed as, “The Glastonbury of 

Jumble Sales!” 

The event took £37,000 income this year and 

deducting expenses made an astonishing £29,000 

profit! This money will be used for much needed 

funds to keep the GXCA charity running. 

A member and volunteer of GXCA of over 18 

years shares her account of what happens to make 

this event such a success. “Throughout the year, 

residents bring no longer needed items to the 

Centre which are stored in one of six sheds. 

Volunteers, spend months sorting and boxing and 

labelling these items. The week before the jumble, 

marquees go up and tables are delivered. On the 

week of the jumble, approximately 60-80 volunteers 

turn up on the Monday morning, help to put up 

tables, and start emptying the sheds. These fantastic 

people range from 18 years to 80 years, some 

pop in for a morning, and some are there all week. 

The shed emptying takes three days hard physical 

labour, trolleying boxes to various ‘stations’ within 

the Centre for further sorting. 

The local auctioneer, pops in on Thursday to check 

stock for donated old masters and jewels. Not for 

us, a priceless treasure turning up on the Antiques 

Road Show, bought for a £1! Much needed teas 

and coffee are on tap for thirsty volunteer stall 

helpers. During the jumble a BBQ serving sizzling, 

locally sourced, veggie and meat burgers and 

sausages are served to hungry shoppers and 

volunteers. 

On Friday morning the jumblers arrive as early as 

6am and start to queue snaking around the carpark, 

chattering and laughing as the queue gets longer 

and longer. At 10am the gates open, and hundreds 

of people come tumbling in. Jumblers come from as 

far afield as London, Brighton, Bath and Manchester, 

plus the surrounding counties for this event. 

The staff of GXCA spend weeks advertising, 

organising the hire of marquees and allocating 

and directing the rabble of volunteer helpers! 

They are tremendous! When the bell tolls at 1pm 

on Saturday, it isn’t finished, well not for the staff 

and volunteers - everything left over needs to be 

bagged, sorted and taken down. 

This is my story, and I truly believe shows how a 

local community can laugh, love and build without 

discrimination of age, sex or gender, without anger 

but with huge generosity, compassion and spirit. 

“Long may it last.” 


DESIGN AND MARKETING FOR 

MAXIMUM IMPACT 

LOGOS, ILLUSTRATIONS, ADVERTISEMENT, 

BUSINESS STATIONERY, SOCIAL MEDIA 

ADVERTS, WEBSITES, LEAFLETS, car livery, 

clothing designs 

Scouts find their 

way in the woods 

Hundreds of children, young people 

and adult volunteers tested their map 

reading skills at an orienteering event in 

Wendover Woods. 

The “Big O” attracted Beavers (boys and girls 

aged 6 to 8), Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10), 

Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14) and Explorer 

Scouts (boys and girls aged 14 to 17) from all 

parts of Buckinghamshire. The Cubs’ trail was three 

kilometres, the Scouts’ trail was four kilometres and 

the Explorers’ trail was five kilometres. The starts 

had to be staggered to accommodate the hundreds 

of participants. 

Map reading skills, teamwork, and observation were 

three of the key skills the children and young people 

had to use. With some of the courses running 

closely together, the participants had to ensure they 

used the right clip for their score card. Time and 

accuracy were key elements for the event. 

Cub Scout Ginny, when asked about the event, said 

it was “Fun, amazing and adventurous.” Beaver 

Scout Matthew said the trail his Colony followed 

was “Amazing, tiring and exciting.” He added, “It 

was great being out in the woods with my friends.” 

Adult volunteer, Oana, who became involved in 

April this year, said, “Scouting has helped me 

learn more about teamwork and also improved 

my knowledge of working with young people.” 

A recent survey detailed that 83% of the people 

asked thought that Scouting provided children and 

young people with “skills for life.” The poll also 

detailed that Scouting helps with character building, 

helps people learn practical skills and helps Explorer 

Scouts and volunteers with employability skills. 

Please visit www.scouts.org.uk/join to find out more 

about Scouts. 



Meditation on Twin Hearts 

with 

Healing Clinic 

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Experience a Taster Pranic Therapy Treatment, one of the fastest 

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treatment of any physical or psychological conditions. 

7-8:30pm 

2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month 

Chalfont St Peter Community Centre, Gravel Hill, 

Gerrards Cross, SL9 9QX 

£5 donation to 

Reg: 1188773 

Contact: Inger Lise Howarth 07770 815715 

www.ukpranichealing.co.uk 

Institute of Pranic Healing 

To advertise please call 07786 735 711 or email UK marketing@gerrardscrosstogether.co.uk & Ireland 

9

Gerrards Cross 

Fun Run 

2025 

Sunday 18th May 

2025 

SAVE THE DATE! 

A community 5km family fun run event in Gerrards Cross 

This event has been kindly sponsored by businesses 

in the area. In 2022 we raised over £40k for local charities. 

If you would like to be a sponsor please get in touch. 

gxfunrun@gerrardscrosstogether.co.uk


Christmas Toy 

Appeal 

Continuing the theme of community 

spirit, I wanted to highlight that the 

annual Christmas Toy Appeal has now 

launched. Run by local charity ‘Inspire 

Bucks’ this is such an important venture 

which is often the only way that some 

local children, in really disadvantaged 

situations, get a Christmas gift. 

The appeal seeks donations of new toys 

and gifts and monetary donations for the 

charity to buy presents too. In the past the 

appeal has been overwhelmed by the 

generosity of local people who’ve donated. 

These gifts have made a huge difference to 

the Christmas experience of many children 

across the county. 

The presents are given to local children in 

crisis, who are living in the care system or 

who are facing severe financial difficulty and 

we need gifts for all ages. The charity works 

with social workers, schools and food banks 

to identify recipients and all the children will 

receive at least one gift. Last year the appeal 

helped give a Christmas present to nearly 

3,500 children in Buckinghamshire. It would 

be brilliant if you can help out. 

The appeal tends to be shorter on gifts for 

0-2 year-olds and teenagers, so if it’s easier, if 

you are in a position to help, there’s an appeal 

Amazon Gift List enabling you to purchase 

something direct. 

Go to: https://bit.ly/XmasToyAppeal 

Thank you in advance for your generosity and 

for making such a difference to the lives of 

these local young people. 

To advertise please call 07786 735 711 or email marketing@amershamtogether.co.uk 11


Stoke Park in the 

Community 

The Stoke Park Community Outreach programme 

focusses primarily to support and collaborate with 

local charitable organisations. The programme 

helps to enrich the lives of young people through 

education, sport, culture and the arts. 

Stoke Park also provides local support for local 

charity projects, clubs & societies, community 

groups, or regional branches of national charities 

whose projects targets residents or areas 

within Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Projects 

delivering a positive and lasting benefit to the 

community and can demonstrate clear objectives, 

measurable outcomes and impacts will be 

considered for support. 

Community Outreach Programmes 

Some examples of the work Stoke Park’s 

Community Outreach programme has 

delivered so far: 

• In 2022 Stoke Park delivered 1,250 Christmas 

Gifts to children in need and sick children through 

Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, working with 

various charities and hospitals to distribute them. 

• Platinum sponsor of the Gerrards Cross Fun Run 

in 2022 which supported Hearing Dogs for the 

Deaf, Liberty’s Legacy and William’s Fund. 

• Sponsored the CAWC (Chiltern American 

Woman’s Club) Christmas bazaar (2022/2023) who 

in 2022 supported the MND Association and in 

2023 Carers Bucks. 

• Provided funding for a cabinet at St Andrew’s 

Church, Stoke Poges to house a defibrillator from 

Thames Valley Heartbeat. 

Stoke Park present SportsAid grant to Jerry Anderson, local 

Bucks athlete 

• Stoke Park sponsored Gerrard’s Cross Picnic on 

the Park – a huge community event celebrating 

the coronation of King Charles III. 

Supporting Education 

• Stoke Park made a donation towards 

equipping the new STEAM cabin (Science, 

Tech, Engineering, Arts and Maths) at the 

Stoke Poges School. 

• Provided funding for a new app which allows 

schools to self-deliver Action4Youth’s brilliant 

Inspiration Programme, and therefore deliver the 

programme to many more schools throughout 

Bucks. Also funded two Bucks schools which 

hadn’t the resources to self-fund this programme 

into the curriculum. 

• Grant funding towards ‘The Junction’ which 

catches disadvantaged young people at a critical 

point, offering crisis and wellbeing support, plus a 

community where they feel safe and supported. 

Community Funds 

Launched Stoke Park in the Community Funds 

via Heart of Bucks and Berkshire Community 

Foundation – charities and community groups are 

able to apply for grants of £5000 to the fund. 



Reliance Foundation ESA Cup & Stoke Park 

Grants - The Boodles tennis 

One of the Reliance Foundation’s (Stoke Park 

parent company) key initiatives is the Education 

and Sports for All (ESA) programme. Through 

Stoke Park’s community outreach initiatives, the 

ESA programme is committed to supporting 

causes which have a positive impact within the 

local community. 

Stoke Park also awarded a Queens Platinum 

Award (via Berkshire Community Donation) to the 

charity Together as One (Aik Saath). This £10,000 

grant funded their Global Grub campaign, which 

was also supported by HRH The Prince of Wales. 

It taught children how to cook and provided a 

meal each day during holidays when free school 

meals were not available. 

Stoke Park Directors PJ Singh and Saji Varghese at the Stoke 

Poges Horticultural Society Annual Summer Show 

Stoke Park team delivering Christmas gifts to Wexham Park 

Childrens Ward 

Sports for development 

Stoke Park is helping 20 local athletes at 

grassroots level through SportsAid, supporting 

future Olympians and Paralympians, whilst also 

working on inclusivity and activation programmes 

to help inspire local children and families into 

sport. 

Alongside SportsAid and LEAP, they are a 

partner of The School Games - an inclusive sports 

programme which will reach 20,000 children 

throughout Buckinghamshire, encouraging 

children of all abilities not just to compete, but 

also to participate. 

The award of the Reliance Foundation ESA 

Cup was presented on each of the 5 days of 

The Boodles tennis event to the winner of the 

first match, and a charity grant from Stoke Park 

donated to a different local charity on each day. 

The charities supported during this year’s event 

were: Action4Youth, South Bucks Riding for the 

Disabled Association, Together as One, Slough 

Foodbank and Sport in Mind. 

Overseeing their outreach programme is 

Stoke Park’s Director of Communications, Nick 

Downie, who commented: ‘Stoke Park are very 

proud to be a part of the local community and 

we have set about on an extensive community 

outreach programme much bigger than we 

have done before. I have worked at Stoke Park 

for nearly 14 years and am really excited to be 

having this opportunity to help support. This 

outreach programme is there to bring lasting 

benefit to the local community and we 

are always looking for opportunities to be 

considered, so please do get in touch with us.’ 

You can contact the Stoke Park Community 

Outreach Programme by emailing: 

social@stokepark.com 


FUNERAL SERVICES 

A difficult time 

made easy by 

Morse 

Morse Funeral Services opened their new 

Beaconsfield branch in September with Debbie 

McGee doing the honours, they were also joined 

by the legendary Anita Harris, both of whom 

spoke from personal experience in the care they 

received from Paul during their bereavements. 

An Independent Family company run by Paul 

Morse and sister Nicola have seen their reputation 

for outstanding levels of care and service blossom. 

In August they were nominated Funeral Director 

of the Year by the Association of Green Funeral 

Directors and ranked as a 5 Star Funeral Director 

by Funeral Guide as testament to their levels of 

care. 

Paul says “We firmly believe in ‘Your funeral, your 

way’, that knowledge of who cares for and where 

a loved one is cared for is important, allowing 

families to make informed choices in their funeral 

care. We look forward to continuing our service 

to the people of Beaconsfield, of all faiths and 

cultures”. 

“Paul has looked after my family three times. 

Finding the right funeral director is not easy, Paul 

was fantastic & took over everything at such a 

traumatic time, he guided us with empathy all the 

way and after the funeral too”. – Debbie McGee. 

“To know somebody like Paul, you just want to 

spread the message to everybody.” – Anita Harris 

Morse Funeral Services 

Independent Funeral Directors 

Here when your family needs ours 

Together we will arrange a fitting, affordable funeral without compromising 

on respect and dignity for your loved ones. 

* Experienced, personal service * Cremation * Burial * 

* Fully equipped facility for the care of loved ones * 

* Direct Cremation available * Green Funerals * 

* Prepaid Plans * Chapel of Rest * Full wash facilities* 

e: info@morsefunerals.co.uk 

t: 01494 301 232 ( 24 hour ) 

w: www.morsefunerals.co.uk 

38 London End, Beaconsfield, HP9 2JH 



Christmas Glad 

Rags Sale - 

Saturday 2nd 

December 

The Kindness Club in Chalfont St Peter 

is running a Christmas Glad Rags Sale on 

Saturday, the 2nd of December 1 - 4pm in 

The Hub in Church Road, CSP. 

It is a great opportunity to buy something lovely 

for the Christmas festivity period, and to support a 

sustainable way of shopping at the same time! 

The Kindness Club has been running in the 

village for almost 2 years now (originally called 

the Ukranian Outreach) and encourages ‘reduce, 

reuse, and recycle’ principles, whilst raising funds 

for those in need. 

If you are yourself looking to declutter and to 

*Give Good this Christmas, please make contact 

with Karen Dickson at kzdickson@thechalfonts. 

co.uk “Last year’s sale went very well, especially 

amongst the young ladies in the area who are 

keen to buy pre-loved. We are hoping for a few 

more donations of pretty dresses, blouses, shoes 

and winter boots, hats and fascinators, handbags, 

scarves, wraps (etc) and costume jewellery, please 

- it is all about promoting pre-loved fashion, 

and giving people something new, pretty and 

affordable to wear over the Christmas festivities, 

while supporting a good cause at the same time!” 

Experienced, Friendly 

& Professional Internal 

& External Decorators. 

We have been 

working in & around 

Beaconsfield, 

Gerrards Cross, 

Amersham & 

surrounding areas 

since 1993. 

Please call to discuss 

your requirements. 

Call Nigel: 

01494 681 794 or 07771 521 263 

www.ngilliedecoratingservices.co.uk 



THE YOUNG JOURNALIST 

The ‘Discover Bucks’ 

Museum Aylesbury 

As Christmas approaches it may feel 

like a long slog until the Festive Season. 

The local ‘Discover Bucks’ Museum in 

Aylesbury, has just the sort of collections, 

galleries, events and exhibitions to 

brighten your run to Christmas! It is 

famous for its Roald Dahl section that 

hosts regular events for children (and 

others) throughout the year. 

The ‘Discover Bucks’ Museum has many art 

collections including around 1200 pieces 

in its ‘Watercolour and Drawings’ collection 

with sketches of Britain throughout history. 

You feel you can really capture the landscape 

and what life looked like. The Aylesbury 

museum includes a private album by Harriot 

and William Callow (who painted the Chiltens 

as a hobby), works of Whiteleaf (painted by 

John Nash and Philip Mclagan) as well as 

John Piper’s (whose wartime works are in the 

Tate Gallery) Group of 20th century mixed 

media that became the foundation for the 

lithographs in his book: ‘Visions of Stowe’. 

My favourite in the Watercolour and Drawings 

Collection is ‘Dinton Hall’. Chosen by 

‘Discover Bucks Museum’ as a “highlight” 

of the Collection, this prominently grey 

watercolour piece (John Buckler, 1837) has a 

‘haunted’ feel about it. Even more intriguing 

when you realise the unusual myth behind 

Dinton Hall. Dinton Hall is a “9 - bedroom, 

Grade II listed” building in Aylesbury that 

went through a £10m restoration in 2021. 

When John Biggs (known as “The Dinton 

Hermit”) became a notable resident in the 

seventeenth century - when the watercolour 

was created. the story is said to include “a 

royal executioner, a ghost”, and Biggs himself 

with “his leather shoes”. One shoe of Biggs 

is displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in 

Oxford and the other remains in Dinton Hall. 

Aside from ‘Discover Bucks’ permanent art 

collections, there are many other events 

taking place at Aylesbury Museum including, 

“I Grew Up 80’s” (October - March 2024). 

Created by Matt Fox and featuring his 

personal memorabilia, mannequins with the 

neon clothes, the much-loved chocolate bars 

like “Marathon” and “Opal Fruits” - even 

some “Back to The Future” merchandise! For 

children under five and their parents/carers, 

there is a themed - session of “story, song, 

games, play, craft activity and a museum 

trail”. The session is on the last Thursday 

of every month. You can buy tickets on 

the “Discover Bucks Museum” website. 

Having been there myself (on Bank Holidays), 

I recommend ‘Discover Bucks’ Museum as it 

is filled with history, art and more, plus there 

is always something going on! 

Visit: www.discoverbucksmuseum.org 

Sophie Hazzard 

Disclaimer 

Please note: the opinions and findings expressed in this article are 

solely those of the author and should not be assumed to be those of 

Amersham and Chalfont Together or its affiliates. 


THE YOUNG 

Developing my 

values growing up 

I never appreciated the importance of 

values, frequently drilled into me, but 

not always fully considered. Now I 

have reached adolescence I have reflected 

on my upbringing and the core values 

adopted along the way. 

I am nothing like my parents - often loud, brash 

and over-confident - whereas they are quieter, 

more placid and never like to be the ‘centre of 

attention’. I have often wondered whether 

the social aspects of my life have caused the 

differences between me and other members of 

the family. 

I was never afraid to embarrass myself; I 

thrived on it! I always needed attention, trying 

to impress whenever I could; as long as I felt 

the eyes of everyone on me, I was on ‘top of 

the world’. ‘What did I actually get from my 

parents?’. I found the answer to that as a young 

man. I don’t like to think I was a stereotypical 

teenager, but my values growing up I have 

found deeper insight into the answer… 

My dad is a man with a very set moral 

compass, he believes every person has the 

choice in whether they take the right or wrong 

path. To him there is a clear line in the sand 

and every person choses and should be held 

accountable for that. 

My mother understands the external factors 

that may contribute to someone taking the 

wrong path and looks for the root cause as to 

why the decision was made and educates the 

correct behaviours. This humanitarian approach 

is something I’ve always admired in her. When 

life beats her down and when the world seems 

against her, she manages to see the positives in 

life. That is something I have always admired 

in her. 

Both are the answer to where my values lie. 

Both parents educated me in the best way 

they possibly could. They may not have always 

been right (first time) but they always had 

complete dedication to what they believe is 

right. 

I believe any ‘decent’ part of me is due to their 

upbringing, and the values I hold reflect their 

guidance. I have no desire to trade places 

with people with flashier cars, fine clothes and 

the latest technology. No amount of money 

could compensate for the loss of the family 

I have, nor is there enough money to thank 

them for the way in which they have brought 

me up. 

Zachary William Mainstone 

Disclaimer 




18 Gerrards Cross Giving Together our is future part of the Community freedom of Together speech

JOURNALIST 

Top 20 Tips for an 

eco-friendly festive 

season! 

As we leap into the festive season, we 

come together to appreciate our lives, 

relationships and community. However, 

this winter, let’s keep our precious planet in 

mind too. 

There are so many ways to decorate and 

celebrate whilst keeping waste production, energy 

consumption and our overall carbon footprints in 

control. Here are easy and effective ways to have 

a climate-friendly Christmas season: 

Energy consumption and carbon footprint 

1. Use LED lights for decorations which are more 

efficient and durable… and you won’t burn your 

fingers when decorating the tree! 

2. Use Ecosia (or another environmentally focused 

search engine) when searching for food, decoration 

and gift ideas. Why not plant trees whilst you’re at 

it! 

3. Use public transport to keep the winter air clean 

and avoid Boxing Day traffic jams! 

Waste 

4. Make handmade crackers and decorations for a 

fun family activity and reduce plastic packaging! 

5. Treasure the quality of gifts over the quantity! 

6. Shop locally and sustainably by supporting 

independent businesses! 

7. Visit the local farmer’s market for quality, local 

items! 

8. Buy second hand items for kitchenware, clothing 

and gifts which can come at great quality for a 

fraction of the usual price! 

9. Use recycled and biodegradable wrapping 

paper, or none at all! 

10. Send e-cards or plantable festive cards! 

11. Re-wear festive outfits and jumpers or swap 

with friends and family! 

12. Gift someone an animal adoption for an 

impactful, long-lasting memory! 

13. Use a real tree grown with care instead of a 

plastic one! 

14. Use a second-hand plastic tree or re-use your 

old plastic tree if a real one isn’t feasible! 

15. You could rent a tree or even use your 

houseplant as one! 

Food 

16. Go meat free or reduce the meat/dairy in your 

festive meals to greatly decrease your Christmas 

carbon emissions! 

17. Buy organic produce with less plastic 

packaging, which can be loose vegetables from 

the farmer’s market for a delicious nut roast! 

18. Eat seasonally and locally which includes 

broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, kale, leeks, 

and parsnips! 

19. Sign yourself or someone else up to receive an 

organic veggie box! 

And lastly: 

20. Talk about it! 

The precarious situation of our planet can be 

difficult to process and cope with alone. But we 

are not alone. Let’s come together this Christmas 

to support each other emotionally with the stress 

that can arise from thinking about the climate crisis 

and create change and positivity however we can. 

Warmest wishes and a happy new year, 

Sanchi 

Sanchi is a student in Little Chalfont. 

The three things she loves most are 

nature, people and writing. Uniting 

these, she aims to create a brighter, 

greener world! 

Sanchi 

Disclaimer 




To advertise please call 07786 735 711 or email marketing@gerrardscrosstogether.co.uk marketing@amershamtogether.co.uk 19


A J Dunlop Car Servicing Ltd 

A J Dunlop Car Servicing Ltd strongly 

recommend a winter check on your car. 

A J Dunlop suggest changing before then 

as you need good tread for the wet roads 

ahead. 

Windscreen Washer Check 

Check your anti-freeze , if you have had a 

slight coolant leak and had to top up your 

engine coolant it is probably not protected 

against freezing. 

Battery Check 

As the cold weather encroaches it is more 

important then ever to get your battery 

checked. The electrical demand on vehicles 

now days is huge. 

Headlights and Wiper Blades Check 

As the nights draw in check all your lights 

and wiper blades. 

Horn Check 

Remember to check the horn on your car, 

this item is very rarely used so needs to be 

checked. 

Have a honking good Winter. If you have 

any questions get in touch with the team at 

A J Dunlop who will be at your service. 

Tyres Check 

Tyres are very important and are the only thing 

between you and the road. 

1.6mm is the legal minimum. Check the wear 

bars on your tyres see picture below, when 

your tyre tread gets to the same level as the 

wear bar your tyre needs changing. 

For clients there is pick up delivery service for 

a small charge, available week days. 

w: www.ajdunlop.co.uk 

t: 01494 670 510 

e: services@ajdunlop.com 



* When you buy a frame for £18 or more. Excludes other offers. Assumes Free NHS eye test and NHS voucher subject to NHS guidelines. Ask for details. 

EYE NEWS 

Aye, eye captain! 

With the clocks changing and the nights 

drawing in have you prepared your eyes 

and eye care ready for the season? If you 

are overdue your eye test or feel anything 

has changed it’s best to book one now. 

With less natural light your eyes can easily 

feel tired, dry and sore. 

When it gets cooler outside your eyes can become 

irritated with the wind and change in temperature. 

Ask your opticians for advice on irritated or dry eyes. 

The latest preservative free eyedrops can really 

help. Have you noticed that the sun is lower in the 

sky? Or find driving into the sun in the morning and 

again in the evenings challenging? Polarised lenses 

help to reduce the glare, especially if the road is 

wet. This happens because sunlight bounces off 

the surface of the road creating reflections and 

glare. It’s easy to believe sunglasses are only for 

the summer months, but they really are invaluable 

all year round. 

The latest generation of photochromic colourchanging 

lenses are helpful too, especially as 

there are designs that change colour behind the 

windscreen whilst driving on bright days. For the 

darker nights and the bright dazzling headlights 

ask about Enroute driving lenses. With a contrastenhancing 

tint they are also helpful in foggy 

conditions. 

When you are inside reading and/or looking at a 

screen it can be challenging as the natural lighting 

drops. For hobbies and screen use, occupational or 

computer lenses can help, as they provide you with 

a longer range of sight. Ask your Optician to show 

you an example of how these work. Lots of tasks in 

today’s world require a range of focus that reading 

glasses can’t quite provide. Whatever your eye 

concerns your Optician can help you. Just ask. 

Helen Gilbert FBDO 

Dispensing Optician 

HARROLD HARROLDS OPTICIANS 

opticians & audiologists Your vision...Our care 

2 for 1 

Kids & Teens 

glasses 

Let us show you the difference... 

... Ask about office lenses 

Eye tests are free for kids 

Offer your eyes the best ... 

Polarised prescription 

sunglasses 

£179 

Complete with single vision lenses. Ask for details. 

With glare reducing lenses designed specifically for night driving , UV protection, blue control lenses, 

photochromic lenses that darken when you drive and polarised lenses, our qualified opticians can advise 

you on the best eyewear for your lifestyle. 

For any advice please phone your local branch. We will be very happy to help. 

Our eye test has retinal photography as standard and the option of OCT. Book your eye test online today. 

3 Station Road Gerrards Cross 85-87 Sycamore Road Amersham 

01753 886306 01494 721795 



GXCA - Gerrards Cross 

Community Association Events 

December 2023 

2nd December - 10am - 

1pm - Attic Sale 

candles, stocking fillers, 

create your own 

Christmas stall! 

Back by popular demand, 

we are delighted 

to say we will put on 

a Christmas Attic Sale, bring in anything you 

would like to sell as Christmas presents, Christmas 

decorations, 

Tables are £15 for Non-Members 

£12 for GXCA Members 

£1.00 Entry for Customers 

9th December - 

Comedy Night 

10th December - Crime 

and Scam Prevention 

Please find attached 

information on a 

forthcoming Crime and 

Scam Prevention 

we are delighted to host 

in conjunction with Thames Valley 

Police on Tuesday 12th December, this is a 

free talk and there will be a lot of very valuable 

information shared. 

Photos taken at the November Fireworks Display at GX Community 

Association. 

16th December - Christmas Club Night, - 80’s, 

Noughties, Club Classics, R & B and garage 

- drinking and dancing, what’s not to love just 

before Christmas! 

January 2024 

26th Burns Night 

GXCA’s annual Burns Night Supper takes place 

on Friday 26th January 2023, join us for a night 

of music, dancing and haggis. 

February 2024 

3rd February Attic Sale 

March 2024 

31st March Easter Egg 

Hunt 

For more information and how 

to book go to: www.gxca.org.uk


Amersham celebrate 

another successful 

Silver Sunday! 

Silver Sunday - a national event, 

takes place on the first Sunday in 

October. This year in Amersham Mimi 

Harker, Neil Walker, and Robin Harker 

organised the annual event which was 

attended by over 70 older residents. 

They were welcomed by renowned 

dance teacher, Yvonne Taylor Hill. 

A team of volunteers helped to set up the hall, 

make sandwiches, look after the guests and 

clear up. As always, Silver Sunday Amersham 

was lucky to have some amazing cake bakers, 

sandwich creators, and biscuit makers, who all 

provided the delicious food that made up a 

wonderful high tea, served in vintage China, 

overseen by Alison Lewin. 

The event was supported by the 

Buckinghamshire Band Of The Royal British 

Legion, and Westend star and singer, Rebecca 

Vere, to the delight of everyone there. The 

event closed with a singalong, with the room 

coming to their feet to sing Land of Hope and 

Glory, and the national anthem in a rousing 

finale with flags! 

A huge thank you to all the sponsors, the 

Mayor of Chesham, Cllr Wilford Augustus who 

opened the event, the incredible and talented 

entertainers, our guests, but most of all, thanks 

must go to all the volunteers and cadet 

volunteers - without them, there would be 

no event. 

Organisations are finding it harder and harder 

to find volunteers. and Mimi would urge people 

to volunteer. Volunteering is officially really 

good for your health and mental well-being! 

Give it a go and maybe come and support 

Silver Sunday next year! 

Mimi ends by saying, “Bless you all and thank 

you from the bottom of my heart!” 

Thanks go to: 

Corporate sponsor: Reed Harris 

Also thanks go to: Tesco, Amersham Rotary, 

Old Amersham Revitalisation Group, Cat at 

Amersham Common Village Hall, Alison Lewin 

for leading catering, ADRA for managing 

accounts, Yvonne Taylor Hill - front of house 

welcome and Neil Walker and Robin Harker. 

Mimi Harker OBE 

Mimi Harker said: “We are so proud that all 

our hard work paid off and that everyone had [Editor: please get in contact with us if you are 

a fabulous time! It was an honour to have John interested in volunteering] 

Pearce, our 97 year old WW2 veteran present 

with his family, to enjoy the party.“ 


© Photography Linda Gould 



Premier Care for 

your loved ones 

Premier Care Support is a CQC regulated 

home care service based in Bucks. 

The service specialises in supporting people who 

require care in the comfort of their own homes. The 

service supports individuals with conditions such as 

dementia, learning disabilities, autism, physical 

disabilities, and those who discharged from hospital 

but require ongoing care and reablement at home. 

The services offered include providing personal care, 

cleaning, washing, toileting, preparation of meals 

and feeding, shopping, medications, social and 

recreational activities, and companionship. 

Why choose care at home? One of the advantages of 

home care is its flexible nature. Those being cared for 

can enjoy the comfort of their own home and continue 

to live as they wish, as care can be personalised around 

them. Home care ranges from 24 hour round-the-clock 

to short visits, which promotes independence and 

recovery. This makes home care a better option than a 

care home or hospital which is 20 - 30% more expensive 

and offers lesser flexibility and independence. 

Why choose Premier Care Support? Caring for 

someone requires passion and expertise. This is 

where Premier Care Support stands out as it is run 

by ex NHS clinicians who bring in a wealth of 

experience. The service is driven by the agenda of 

providing high quality care at the most affordable 

price in the comfort of client’s home. 

To implement this, the service carries out a rigorous 

recruitment process, which includes interviews, DBS 

checks, intensive induction, and training. The service 

believes in happy employees which equates to 

happy clients, and hence strives to support its carers 

by offering higher than the standard pay rates, 

regular supervisions, and employee wellbeing 

programme. The service is regulated by the Care 

Quality Commission offering a peace of mind to the 

clients and their families. 

Our Services 

Live-in care 

Domicillary care 

Learning disabilities 

Acquires brain injury 

Neuro-diversity 

Mental health 

Respite care 

End of life care 

Complex care 

t: 01494 412 957 

e: info@premiercaresupport.com 

w: www.premiercaresupport.com 

Premier Care Support, 

73 Woodside Rd, 

Amersham, HP6 6AA 


Clubs and Groups – Gerrards Cross 

Find your local groups: 

GX Kids - Love to Learn 

Interactive parent and child sessions as well as Stay 

and play, bounce & Learn and Lounge & Learn and 

Stay and Play sessions. 

Email: info@gxtuition.co.uk 

Web: www.gxtuition.co.uk 

GX Sailing Association 

The off season club for boating enthusiasts. For those 

interested in sailing, boats, maritime matters, anything 

that floats. 

Come and join us - visitors are welcome (£5) 

Illustrated talks - Wednesday evenings October - 

March 

Coffee and bar open 7.45pm 

Talks 8.15pm - 10pm 

Email: info@gxsa.org.uk 

Web: www.gxsa.org.uk 

Home Library Service 

Free monthly service offered by Buckingham Library 

Service for Bucks residents with poor health or 

mobility problems. 

Phone: Roberta Wixon 01494 475 573, 

Email: homelibraryservice@buckscc.gov.uk 

MIni First Aid 

Would you know what to do in a medical emergency 

with your baby or child? Come and learn £25 per 

person. 

Small group classes around Thames Valley 

Email: thamesvalley@minifirstaid.co.uk 

Tel: 07967 228986 (Fran) 

Web: www.thamesvalley.minifirstaid.co.uk 

NCT 

Antenatal support, information and courses for new 

parents. Make friends with other new mums and 

dads; get ideas, help and support from your local 

volunteers; and have fun joining in the things going 

on in your area. 

www.nct.org.uk 

Salsa Classes 

Salsa Classes Monday evenings - Colston Hall (GXCA) 

Beginners welcome, no partner needed. 

Private lessons also available. 

Email: alleycatdanz@gmail.com 

Tel: 07792 499 554 

Simply Walks 

Walking is a great way to get out and about and 

meet new people while improving your health and 

wellbeing. Over 80 walks across the county every 

week – something to suit everyone. 

For information about your area contact: 

simplywalks@buckscc.gov.uk or visit 

www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/environment/ 

exploring-the-countryside/simply-walk/ 

Sit Fit Chair Based Exercise 

improve your strength, mobility and balance with 

Sit Fit Chair Based Exercises. 

Where: GXCA Garden Room 11am every Friday 

Tel: 07776 148 611 

The Chalfonts & Gerrards Cross Camera Club 

Come along and enjoy the club’s relaxed friendly 

atmosphere Meetings: September to May 2024. 

Where: GXCA Garden Room Thursday 7.45pm - 10pm 

Secretary on: secretary@candgxcameraclub.org.uk 

Web: www.candgxcameraclub.org.uk 

The Chilterns Dial-a-Ride 

provides an affordable, accessible and safe transport 

service for people living in or close to the Chiltern Hills 

who have mobility problems and are not able to drive 

or use public transport. Specially equipped vehicles 

with wheelchair access and trained, caring drivers. 

01494 766 123 | admin@chiltern-dial-a-ride 

reg charity No. 1161606 

U3A (The University of the Third Age) 

Open to anyone who is not in full-time, gainful 

employment, U3A is a self-help organisation where 

members have fun, learn and help others to learn 

in small friendly study, interest, and activity groups. 

Meetings, talks and trips cover a wide variety of 

interests. 

www.u3asites.org.uk/south-bucks or 

www.chiltern-u3a.org.uk 

Information is correct to the best of our knowledge. 

Please contact groups direct to confirm details. 

If you would like to make amendments or to 

include your group or society, email 

marketing@communitytogether.co.uk 


Gerrards Cross Together 

Brain Matter 

S Z X Q Y T I L V E T C H 

D U P B E S S U C O R C B 

T H N L B R I F T A A I U 

A K L F Q E Y A F F S L T 

Q I S I L X T E D T P R T 

M A U G O O N O L P B A E 

A S C Z P N W R N S E G R 

I O S T E Z A E E Y R F C 

N M I L D D K Q R C R A U 

N I B A I N O G E B Y U P 

I M I S A I L H A D O B C 

Z Y H C A B B A G E Z H F 

P E L T S I H T E K C O R 

CHRISTMAS CROSSWORD 

ANAGRAM WORDSEARCH 

Correctly solve the anagrams to find the names of 

the plants – then search for them in the plot! 

AABBCEG 

AADHIL 

ABEGINO 

ABEPRRRSY 

ACGILR 

ADHIRS 

ADISY 

AELPRSY 

AIINNZ 

AIMMOS 

AOOPTT 

BENOTY 

BCEPRTTUU 

BCHIISSU 

CCORSU 

CEHTV 

CEKORT 

EEFLNN 

EFLNORSUW 

EHILSTT 

EILLMT 

Across 

8 Paste used to make marzipan (6) 

9 Santa’s helpers, for whom food may 

be put out (8) 

10 Snack of fruit baked in pastry (5,3) 

12 Milk-free variety of chocolate (5) 

13 Drinks such as rum or brandy (7) 

14 Piece of fruit that’s bobbed for (5) 

16 Seasonal beverage, usually served 

hot (6) 

18 Result of having over-indulged in 13 

Across! (8) 

22 Common yellow mustard variety (7) 

24 Flexible tubes placed in cocktails (6) 

26 See 3 Down (8) 

28 Pheasant or venison, for example (4) 

29 Wines of a pale pinkish colour (4) 

30 Body region subject to expansion at 

this time of year! (5) 

31 Synonym for sodium chloride (4) 

32 Entries on restaurant menus (5) 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

8 9 

10 11 12 

13 14 15 

16 17 18 19 20 

21 

22 23 24 25 

26 27 28 

Down 

1 Popular variety of pudding (4) 

2 Gift traditionally baked into 1 Down (4) 

3 and 26 Across Daily source of sweets! 

(6,8) 

4 Brown sugar in crystal form (8) 

5 Crisp and brittle type of biscuit (4) 

6 Oil commonly used in cookery (6) 

7 Sauce served with turkey (9) 

11 Cake coating of hardened sugar (5) 

13 Vegetable also known as rutabaga (5) 

15 Animal yielding ham and bacon (3) 

17 Bulb sometimes used in stuffing (5) 

30 31 

19 Seeds in hard shells (4) 

29 Fish eggs, used for caviar for example (3) 

28 Gerrards Cross Together is part of Community (answers Together on p30) 

32 

20 Citric Christingle components (7) 

21 Dry red wine from Tuscany (7) 

23 Of 13 Across, served without mixers (4) 

25 Taste to evaluate flavour (6) 

27 Dutch cheese with a red skin (4) 

29

Safe & gentle ear wax 

removal at a clinic 

near you 

Microsuctioning 

At Hearwego Clinic we provide instant and effective ear wax removal treatment. Microsuction is the gold 

standard method of ear wax removal. 

Unlike traditional ear syringing or irrigation, which uses water, microsuction uses gentle suction to remove 

ear wax. This is a safe, gentle and effective method of ear wax removal and, in the majority of cases, provides 

instant relief and immediately restores full hearing. Our Audiologists are trained in all methods 

of ear wax removal, microsuction, ear irrigation (commonly known as ear syringing) and 

instrumentation. 

What to expect at your appointment 

At Hearwego our practitioners will use a microscope to see a detailed view of your 

ear canal and examine the potential build-up of ear wax. Ear wax and debris are 

removed using a gentle device. Our appointments include an examination of your 

ears and removal of ear wax using microsuction, which typically lasts between 10-30 

minutes. Depending on the consistency of the wax, we may need to revert to ear 

irrigation (commonly known as ear syringing) or instrumentation. In rare cases, a 

follow-up visit may be required to remove particularly stubborn ear wax. 

5 YEARS FREE 

HOMECARE WITH 

EVERY PAIR 

OF AIDS 

PURCHASED 

Are you experiencing any of the following? 

• Pressure in the ears 

• Blocked feeling in the ears 

• Need to pop your ears but can’t 

• Sudden loss of hearing or muffles sound 

• Hearing aids whistling 

• Underperforming hearing aids 

Call for more information on 

Call: 07903 013 123 / 07535 603 744 or 

01494 590 860 

Email: hearwego.beaconsfield@gmail.com 

New website: www.hearwegoaudiology.co.uk 

The Studio, 37 Station Road, Beaconsfield HP9 1QG 



Chalfont St Giles 

village pond 

refurbishment 

The village pond in Chalfont St Giles is a 

landmark in the village centre and is 

much loved by the residents. There are 

generations of children who have visited 

the pond to feed the ducks. 

Over recent years the Parish Council found that 

the village pond was leaking water. The last works 

to the pond were conducted in the 1980’s and 

investigations were undertaken to assess whether 

there was a breach in the pond liner. 

As a result of the investigations, water and silt 

assessments, the Council decided to refurbish the 

pond and replace the liner. These works began in 

late September and should take approximately 

four weeks – though the works are weather 

dependent. 

When the pond is restored there 

will be some planting around 

the pond to improve the ecology 

of the area. There will also be 

some improvements to the 

wooden walkways to the 

adjacent Riverside Walk. 

Starting a new business in 2024? 

Get your business noticed 

Advertise here for as little as 

Prices booked for the whole year 

CHRISTMAS 

CROSSWORD 

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS 

P C A D S S C 

A L M O N D R E I N D E E R 

U I V M A S A 

M I N C E P I E P L A I N 

C N R M B 

S P I R I T S A P P L E E 

W N R I R 

E G G N O G H A N G O V E R 

D N C U R Y 

E N G L I S H S T R A W S 

E O I S N A 

C A L E N D A R G A M E 

T D N R O S E P 

W A I S T O S A L T 

ANAGRAM 

WORDSEARCH 

£36 +vat for 1/8 page 

£67.50 +vat for 1/4 page 

£126 +vat for 1/2 page or 

£216 +vat for a full page 

S Z X Q Y T I L V E T C H 

D U P B E S S U C O R C B 

T H N L B R I F T A A I U 

A K L F Q E Y A F F S L T 

Q I S I L X T E D T P R T 

M A U G O O N O L P B A E 

A S C Z P N W R N S E G R 

I O S T E Z A E E Y R F C 

N M I L D D K Q R C R A U 

N I B A I N O G E B Y U P 

I M I S A I L H A D O B C 

Z Y H C A B B A G E Z H F 

M I T E M S E 

P E L T S I H T E K C O R 


Named as one of Britain's best value set lunches by the Good Food Guide, our lunch menus are 

perfect for a get-together with friends, an afternoon treat with the family, or a business lunch. 

Our seasonal dishes including pan-fried sea bream, a 

Buckinghamshire pork chop, and if you’re after a sweet treat, a 

scrumptious Norfolk treacle tart with clotted cream ice-cream. 

What’s more, our lunch menu is only £30 for 2 courses or £35 

for 3 courses. 

We look forward to welcoming you. 

Book online or via the QR code. 

www.greyhoundbeaconsfield.co.uk | @greyhoundbeaconsfield 

To advertise please call 07786 73533 711 Windsor email marketing@gerrardscrosstogether.co.uk End, Beaconsfield HP9 2JN 

31

Book online 

today 

See a GP in 

person or via 

videocall from 

just £59 

32 Gerrards Cross Together is part of Community Together 

yourthyme.com 0330 088 2020

Gerrards Cross Together November December 2023

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