Lucy Batizovszky

A weekly Bucks Free Press Camera Club collection showcases photographs from Buckinghamshire, including dramatic sunrises and sunsets, countryside, parched ground, a river scene and a lit street after dark. Readers are invited to submit photographs through the club's Facebook page for possible inclusion in a future edition.

High Wycombe Scout leaders Mark Edwards and Gareth Edwards have been selected to join the UK team supporting the 2027 World Scout Jamboree in Gdansk, Poland. They will be part of the 600-member International Service Team, helping run activities, support cultural exchanges and deliver large-scale events for more than 50,000 Scouts from around the world. Both leaders said they hope to build on their scouting experiences and inspire young people, while Chief Scout Dwayne Fields congratulated them and the other UK volunteers.

GO Outdoors appears likely to close its branch in High Wycombe’s Eden Centre, with the store advertising discounts of up to 60% in a closing-down sale. The shop is reportedly expected to shut in mid-January, which would leave a vacant unit and end the retailer’s presence in High Wycombe.

Thames Valley Police have released E-fit images of two men sought in connection with a vehicle fire on Hexham Gardens in Bletchley. The blaze caused significant damage to the vehicle and adjoining property, left the home unsafe, and resulted in minor smoke inhalation injuries to two occupants. Police are asking anyone who recognises the men or has information to contact them or Crimestoppers.

Fitor Lleshi, 30, of Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and possessing criminal property. He was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison at Aylesbury Crown Court. Police said a search of his home recovered 25 cocaine wraps, an additional 12 grams of cocaine, £8,490 in cash and two mobile phones believed to have been used in drug dealing. Thames Valley Police said the case disrupted the supply of class A drugs in Aylesbury and urged the public to report information about drug offences.

Six-year-old Reuben Tatla from Beaconsfield grew a courgette measuring more than 30cm after developing an interest in gardening with his grandmother and mother. The family used the unusually large vegetable to make pasta sauce and bolognese and shared some of the produce. Reuben continues to help grow tomatoes, aubergines and courgettes at home, despite not enjoying eating vegetables himself.

Logan Bunker, 28, of Slough, was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving over the alcohol limit, failing to provide a specimen, and driving without insurance. The charges relate to a collision on Station Road in Marlow on August 15 in which a 12-year-old boy was struck by a car. The boy remained in stable condition in hospital, and Bunker was due to appear at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on August 17.

Thames Valley Police obtained a full closure order for a property on Douglas Court, Peacock Road, in Marlow after numerous reports of anti-social behaviour. The order, granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, bars entry to the address except for people authorised by the court; breaches may result in arrest, fines or imprisonment. Police thanked residents for reporting concerns and urged the public to report ongoing incidents.

RSPCA South Buckinghamshire says it is facing an unprecedented animal rescue crisis, having rescued 195 animals in 2026 after rehoming just over 200 during all of 2025. The branch reports long waiting lists for vulnerable cats and kittens and is urgently seeking foster carers for cats and rabbits, donations, and adopters who will choose rescue animals rather than buying online.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses and footage after a woman in her forties reportedly encountered a man committing an indecent act on Drydell Lane in the Pednor area of Chesham. The suspect is described as a white man around 60 years old, of medium build, approximately 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall, with short, possibly light-coloured thinning hair. Beki Osborne of SAASS said indecent exposure should be treated as sexual violence rather than a minor or victimless offence, warning that it can undermine women’s sense of safety and have lasting effects. SAASS offers free and confidential support regardless of when an incident occurred or whether it was reported to police. Police asked witnesses to contact them, and advised anyone witnessing an exposure offence to call 999.

Two 23-year-old men from Amersham were arrested after police received reports of a man carrying a knife in Chiltern Avenue. Both were arrested on suspicion of weapons-related and other offences, including assault, harassment and drug-related conduct, and were later released on police bail. Councillor Dominic Pinkney said he was shocked by the incident but stressed that Amersham remains a safe town with a low crime rate. He urged residents to stay alert, be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity, while Thames Valley Police appealed for information.

Three inquests were opened at Beaconsfield Coroners’ Court into the deaths of Craig John Bolton, Martin Oliver McDonagh and Richard John Sayers. Bolton, 25, died at Stoke Mandeville Hospital after being brought in cardiac arrest, with compression of the neck given as the primary cause of death. McDonagh, 49, was found hanged in High Wycombe, while Sayers, a heavy goods vehicle driver, was found hanged at his home there. Full hearings were scheduled for November 12 and November 25.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman in her forties encountered a man allegedly committing an indecent act at a vehicle pull-in on Drydell Lane in Chesham’s Pednor area at around 6:20 a.m. The suspect is described as a white man around 60 years old, of medium build, 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall, with short, possibly light-coloured thinning hair. Police are seeking CCTV, dashcam and other footage and have urged anyone with information to contact them or Crimestoppers.

An inquest heard that 49-year-old hospital porter Charles Nyarko was found dead in a parked car outside his home in Aylesbury on June 19. Senior Coroner Crispin Butler said Nyarko had previously told a friend he wanted to sleep in his car, and that the primary cause of death was acute alcohol toxicity. The inquest will examine his identity, death and recent physical and mental health, with a further hearing scheduled for November 24, 2026.

Buckinghamshire residents can watch the 90% partial solar eclipse on August 12 at several local venues, including Beaconsfield Town Hall Green, The Squirrel Pub and JB's Bar & Café in High Wycombe, the Chiltern Observatory in Amersham, and High Wycombe Social Club. Events include live music, refreshments and organized astronomical observation. Attendees are advised to use certified eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector and never look directly at the Sun.

Selected items from Sir William and Lady McAlpine’s collection at Fawley Hill in Buckinghamshire will be auctioned by Dreweatts on August 12. The sale includes railway memorabilia, industrial-heritage objects, furniture and art, notably Flying Scotsman paintings by David Shepherd and Terence Cuneo, as well as the original Wembley Stadium Twin Towers flagpoles. The collection reflects Sir William McAlpine’s railway-preservation work and the history of the McAlpine construction business, with the featured artworks estimated at up to £50,000 and the flagpoles at up to £12,000.

Two 23-year-old men from Amersham were arrested after police received reports of a man carrying a knife on Chiltern Avenue. They face allegations including possession of a bladed article, threatening behaviour and, in one case, assaulting an emergency worker and possession of a Class B drug. Both men were released on police bail, and Thames Valley Police appealed for information.

Chopstix has opened a new restaurant in Silbury Arcade, Milton Keynes, attracting more than 100 people and distributing free food and promotional prizes during its launch. The restaurant is expected to create over 30 jobs, seats up to 50 customers, and offers dine-in, takeaway and delivery services daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

A Bucks Free Press Camera Club feature celebrates Buckinghamshire’s insect life, highlighting hummingbird hawkmoths, other moths, bees, grasshoppers and crickets. The piece emphasizes the diversity of insects found in gardens, parks, hedgerows and countryside habitats, as well as their importance to the county’s natural environment.

The Nut and Squirrel pub in Milton Keynes has reopened after a three-week refurbishment, featuring redesigned interiors, a refreshed bar, new seating and an enhanced dining area. Its updated menu combines pub classics with dishes including grilled salmon, pork tomahawk and katsu chicken, alongside desserts, fixed-price options and Sunday roasts. The dog-friendly pub also provides a dedicated area, canine menu and water bowls.

Two riders in Chalfont St Peter were issued tickets for breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order that prohibits pony-and-trap racing, time trials and spectating on the A413 and A40. Thames Valley Police neighbourhood officers spotted the riders shortly after 6pm while on patrol.

A catalogue of historic pubs that have disappeared from High Wycombe, listing their former names and addresses and, where available, closure dates. The information comes from The Lost Pubs Project and includes several venues that have since reopened under new names or continued as pubs, offering a record of the town’s changing social history.

Chef Tom Kerridge, the Marlow restaurant owner, will host an exclusive dining event at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews on November 14, 2026. The Road Hole Restaurant evening will feature a five-course tasting menu inspired by Kerridge’s visits to suppliers and producers across Fife, along with stories about the menu and opportunities for guests to meet the chef. The event forms part of the hotel’s Chef Series.

Azure Theatre School in Marlow achieved multiple podium finishes at the All England Dance National Finals in Eastbourne. Emily Meats won the senior musical theatre solo category and was named overall national champion of champions, while Esme, Willow, Ashy and Izzy also secured runner-up places in their respective categories. The competition involved more than 4,000 performers from across England, and the school said the results reflected the commitment of its students and teaching team.

A High Wycombe household recycling centre featured in a BBC One episode of Money for Nothing. Upcycling experts Jacqui Joseph and Sarah Peterson selected discarded items, including a vintage massage bed and a dining set, to restore and transform into saleable pieces. The 44-minute episode was broadcast on August 4 and is available on BBC iPlayer.

A team from Howden’s Aylesbury office—Ryan Payne, Tania Nigro and Reece Bellingham—is taking part in The Horse Trust’s Hoofing It challenge by running throughout the summer. Their goal is to help contribute to the charity’s 3,650-kilometre target, representing the annual distance covered by an average military working horse, and to raise £750. The Horse Trust, based in Risborough, relies entirely on public donations to care for retired police and military horses and animals rescued from cruelty and neglect.

A mailbag signed by 10 members of the Great Train Robbery gang will be auctioned by Ewbank's Auctions near Guildford on August 28. The sale also includes a Monopoly banknote linked to the investigation, signed photographs of Ronald Biggs and Bruce Reynolds, and other memorabilia. The robbery stopped a Royal Mail train near Ledburn, Buckinghamshire, in August 1963, with the gang stealing more than £2 million, now worth almost £50 million. The mailbag is estimated at £70–£100, while the second lot is expected to fetch £100–£150.

Courts in and around Buckinghamshire sentenced or convicted several people during July 2026 for offences including rape, drug supply and possession, dangerous driving, theft, burglary, fraud, shoplifting, assault, criminal damage and weapons possession. Sean Wilcox received 18 years for rape and additional offences, while Emmanuel Jeche was jailed for eight years for rape. Eduart Bodini received three years for cocaine-related offences and dangerous driving, and Harvey Reynolds was sentenced to two years for driving, drug and weapons offences. Ryan McClenaghan was convicted of multiple offences affecting three victims, and Kieron Trim pleaded guilty to 10 shoplifting charges involving goods worth £826.97.

Ajan Purna-Spedding appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court after sending flowers, cards and making calls to Eve Jobs before and during her Cotswolds wedding to showjumper Harry Charles. Jobs said the contact left her feeling unsafe, unable to sleep and reluctant to travel alone, prompting increased security and a request for legal protection. Purna-Spedding received a restraining order lasting until July 2031, a community order and fines, including £650 in trial costs. The wedding was attended by high-profile guests including Kamala Harris, Princess Beatrice and Kourtney Kardashian, with a private performance by Elton John.

Miller Homes Southern launched its UK-wide charity partnership with Groundwork through a volunteer day at Iver Environment Centre in Buckinghamshire. Working with Groundwork South, employees re-established learning areas, cleaned playgrounds and restored pathways for the Wellies in the Woods programme, which uses outdoor play and nature-based activities to support confidence and language development among children under five.

Aaron Charles Ellwood, 25, of Greenwell Road, Essex, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court to three years in prison after being convicted of possessing cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. Thames Valley Police stopped his vehicle near Newton Road in Bletchley on 6 May 2025 and recovered wraps of both drugs from the driver's-side door and additional controlled drugs concealed on his body. Investigating officer PC Cameron Sharpe said the sentence demonstrates the force's commitment to disrupting illegal drug supply and reducing associated harm in local communities.

Heathrow Airport was experiencing widespread disruption on Tuesday, August 4, with seven departures cancelled and dozens more delayed. The affected flights covered destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, involving many airlines. Departure estimates ranged from a few minutes to several hours later than scheduled, based on information from Flightradar24.com at 7:40 a.m.

Buckinghamshire waterskier Lilli Deste, 21, has been selected as one of seven athletes representing Great Britain at the 2026 IWWF Europe & Africa Under-21 Waterski Championships in Bremerhaven, Germany. She will compete in slalom, tricks and jump after training at Hazelwood Ski World and Oxford Wakeboard & Ski Club. The same venue will also host the Europe & Africa Disabled Waterski Championships, where seated skier Hannah Crossley will represent Great Britain.

Mohammed Tanveerul Islam, 26, has been formally identified as the man fatally stabbed on Brooklands Road in Bletchley. A post-mortem found he died from a stab wound to the chest. Two people previously arrested on suspicion of murder—a 16-year-old from Milton Keynes and a 36-year-old from Aylesbury—were released with no further action and are no longer suspects. Thames Valley Police are continuing the investigation and appealing for CCTV, doorbell-camera and dash-cam footage, particularly concerning a dark-clothed man seen riding an e-scooter around Water Eaton Road and central Bletchley.

Office for National Statistics figures show that Buckinghamshire’s population grew by 1.01% to an estimated 584,296 between mid-2024 and mid-2025, while Milton Keynes grew by 1% to 308,866. England and Wales recorded overall population growth of 0.4%, the lowest rate since mid-2020, as net international migration fell sharply to 211,700. Natural population change added 19,600 people, with births at their lowest level since 1978. The ONS said migration remained the main driver of population growth, while London’s population declined and Wales recorded its first fall in a decade.

Statements from sex workers Aldana Serrano and Lucila Goitea, obtained through legal documents, describe Liam Payne’s final hours at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires before his death on October 16, 2024. They allege that Payne struggled to pay a $5,000 fee, damaged a Rolex watch and the hotel television, appeared distressed, and attempted to obtain cocaine. Toxicology tests reportedly found cocaine, alcohol and Klonopin in his system after he fell from a third-floor balcony at 5:07pm. Hotel worker Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz have been charged with supplying narcotics; both deny the charges and are awaiting trial.

A photo gallery celebrates sunsets, the moon and changing skies over Buckinghamshire, showcasing dramatic orange skies, pastel colours and tranquil evening scenes.

The weekly Wycombe Rye parkrun in High Wycombe will not take place on Saturday, August 8, because another event is scheduled at The Rye. The free five-kilometre run normally takes place every Saturday at 9am and is open to people of all abilities.

An inquest at Beaconsfield Coroners' Court heard that 59-year-old postman Mark Anthony Russell was found dead at his home in Widmer End by his brother. The coroner, Ian Wade, said the medical cause of death was compression of the neck due to a ligature, found no drugs in Russell's system and only a small amount of alcohol, and concluded that he had died by suicide. Wade said there was no reason to believe Russell had been attacked.

Patrick Ward, founder of Bespoke Luxury Group, successfully appealed Buckinghamshire Council's refusal of his private hire driver's licence at Wycombe Magistrates' Court on July 29. Representing himself and using ChatGPT during months of preparation, Ward argued that the licence was essential to expanding his chauffeur business. The council said its original December 2025 refusal complied with its policy and reflected the evidence available at the time, while acknowledging that updated evidence would likely have led to approval of a fresh application. Magistrates ruled in Ward's favour, allowing him to obtain the licence and continue operating.

Hundreds of people attended Gospel in the Park – Worship Without Walls on The Rye in High Wycombe for live gospel music, family entertainment, community activities and free health checks. Organized by Wycombe Community and Hope Community Seventh-day Adventist churches, the event began with a Pathfinder parade supported by Thames Valley Police and was officially opened by High Wycombe Mayor Imran Hussain. Church representatives highlighted the festival’s aim of bringing people from different backgrounds together outside the church.

Buckinghamshire homeowners with spray foam insulation are being warned about contractors falsely claiming to be members of the Property Care Association and pressuring residents to pay for unnecessary removal. Reported tactics include fabricated databases, fake identification and counterfeit reports using PCA branding, with vulnerable homeowners particularly at risk. Poorly installed insulation can cause damp, mould and timber decay and may make properties harder to sell or remortgage. The PCA recommends obtaining an independent assessment before agreeing to removal, and has created an inspection protocol, an audited surveyor register and consumer guidance.

The Buckinghamshire Dialect Digital Dictionary has launched ahead of Buckinghamshire Day on July 29. Created by Talk Dialect, the free, community-driven resource grew from an archive of just 105 recorded Buckinghamshire dialect words to more than 4,000 terms and phrases after contributions from local residents. The project encourages people, particularly children, to record sayings remembered by older relatives, preserving oral history, strengthening intergenerational connections and celebrating the county’s evolving cultural identity.

Lindt & Sprüngli will open a 1,670-square-foot chocolate shop at centre:mk in Milton Keynes at 9:30 a.m. on July 30. The store will offer more than 30 Pick & Mix flavours and personalised gifts. The first 250 customers spending at least £10 will receive a Lindt goodie bag. Centre:mk director Kevin Duffy said the boutique would add a premium brand and complement the shopping centre’s food and beverage offering.

Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital has paid tribute to Bill Oddie, who died aged 85. Oddie served as the Buckinghamshire hospital’s vice president and was praised for promoting wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. The RSPCA also honored his longstanding animal-welfare advocacy, including his opposition to badger culling, and credited his broadcasting work with inspiring public interest in British birds and wildlife.

Thames Valley Police have renewed an appeal to locate Darnell Smith, who allegedly absconded from HMP Springhill near Grendon Underwood. Smith, who was imprisoned for possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled drug and exploitation, is believed to have links to Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Sussex, Croydon and Plumstead. Police advise the public not to approach him and to contact emergency services or provide information through official channels or Crimestoppers.

A 34-year-old man from London was arrested in Aylesbury after Thames Valley Police officers stopped and searched a black BMW on Wingate Walk. He is suspected of possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing criminal property in the form of cash, driving without third-party insurance and driving without the appropriate licence. He remained in police custody, while police urged the public to report information about drug-related activity.

Police, fire service and council teams held a water-safety event in Bourne End to educate residents about the dangers of open water. Visitors received safety information and watched demonstrations by the Beaconsfield Water Rescue Team, including the “float to live” technique and emergency line throwing.

Thames Valley Police seized a vehicle after its driver was reportedly seen performing drifts during a car meet at Beaconsfield services. The force also carried out patrols and speed checks in Iver, Chalfont St Peter and Gerrards Cross, reporting two drivers for speeding and recovering two stolen vehicles. Police said anti-social driving would not be tolerated.

Eight Thames Valley Police Special Constables completed 12 shifts and contributed 97 operational hours across Buckinghamshire between Thursday and Sunday, assisting regular officers with incidents including domestic cases, safeguarding matters, missing-person reports and a road collision. They also supported neighbourhood policing through warrant enquiries, hotspot patrols and speed enforcement, issuing six tickets, conducting 29 database checks, assisting at two fire-related incidents and seizing an e-scooter.

Broadcaster Chris Evans has reportedly purchased a six-bedroom waterside mansion in Marlow for £14 million through his company, Zimple, with financing reportedly provided by Coutts. Evans is said to have moved into the property with his wife, Natasha Shishmanian, and their four children. The purchase adds to his existing links to Marlow, while the article also reviews his broadcasting career, business success through Ginger Media Group, and charitable work founding CarFest.

A teenage boy was seriously injured but suffered non-life-threatening injuries after falling from an e-scooter near St Ledger Drive and Hazelwood in Great Linford, Milton Keynes. He was taken to hospital and later discharged. Thames Valley Police is seeking witnesses, CCTV and dash-cam footage, and no arrests have been made.

Thames Valley Police are investigating four incidents in Marlow during July 2026: damage to a CCTV camera, a deliberately started fire that damaged fencing and a vehicle, a mobile phone snatching after a dispute, and a possible public order offence. Police are asking witnesses and anyone with CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or photographic evidence to contact 101 using the relevant crime reference number.

Plain-clothes officers from the Aylesbury Retail Crime Team detained two people suspected of shoplifting at Tesco on Tring Road. One received a Fixed Penalty Notice after stealing several items, while another was cautioned for stealing £172 worth of meat. Thames Valley Police said it would continue working with retailers to tackle retail crime and urged the public to report suspicious activity.

Thames Valley Police has imposed a Section 34 dispersal order covering High Wycombe town centre and surrounding areas after a group of youths was reportedly found in possession of weapons. The order is scheduled to remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, but may be extended. Anyone dispersed who refuses to comply or returns to the area could be arrested.

An inquest has opened into the death of 54‑year‑old Kieran Calder, who was found dead at his Aylesbury home on June 21, 2026. Police entered the property after welfare concerns and discovered a note at the scene. A post‑mortem determined the cause of death as hanging. The full inquest is scheduled for October 27 at Beaconsfield Coroner's Court.

Millbrook Combined School in High Wycombe reached the national average in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check with 85 percent of pupils meeting the expected standard and received the Eco‑Schools Green Flag Award for sustainability efforts. Staff leadership and environmental projects, including work on a forthcoming Tiny Forest, were credited for the school’s academic and ecological progress.

Two juveniles were arrested on suspicion of arson after a significant fire near the A413 London Road in Buckingham on July 29. The blaze damaged approximately 200 by 200 metres of farmland, hedgerows and hay bales, requiring eight fire engines to attend. The juveniles were later released on bail, and Thames Valley Police appealed for information from the public.