Good morning, Wycombe!
It’s the Wycombe Pulse. Your local newsletter that’s just as exciting as opening the next door on your advent calendar.
Here’s what to expect this week:
Big Christmas fair on the High Street on Sunday 🎄
Party at the Air Raid Shelter 🥳
Santa Dash at Adam’s Park 🎅🏻
Plus we’ve got a round-up of childcare camps available over the Christmas hols, a feast of live music and Christmas events for the young and the not-so-young, theatre productions, a brand new history talk and some peaceful wellness events too.
This Week’s Highlights
“Christmas As It Was” Illustrated Talk at Trinity United Reformed Church on tonight, Thursday 12th December at 7.30pm - a FREE talk presented by Mike Dewey using photos from SWOP on High Wycombe Christmasses past, mostly in the period of 1940 to 1970. A short photo-quiz to finish and refreshments afterwards. Everyone’s welcome! 🎄
Wycombe Santa Dash 2024 at Adam’s Park on Sunday 15th December from 9.30am - dust off your Christmas jumper, collect a Santa hat, and run, walk or jog the 2.5km or 5km routes! Proceeds will be divided equally between the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity and the local charities supported by the Wycombe Wanderers Foundation 🎅🏻
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at The Front Room on Saturday 14th and Sands Village Hall on Sunday 15th December - the all-female Whole Pack Theatre Company present a ‘sparkling midwinter frolic’ in this Shakespeare meets Narnia production 🎭
The Christmas Craft & Gift Fair on the High Street on Sunday 15th December from 11am-4pm - festive shopping and live music plus mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive food! 🛍️
Free Coding Workshop at High Wycombe Library on Saturday 14th December at 2pm and 2.45pm - join Code Ninjas for this fun holiday coding workshop for 7-12 year olds. Make sure to book in advance! 🧑🏻💻
Time for You
This time of year is typically one when we focus on others but sometimes it’s more beneficial to actually take some time for yourself, to destress and refocus.
Christmas Soundbath at the Guildhall on Monday 16th December - join Hanae Harmony in this Christmas special featuring crystal, Tibetan, gongs, chimes and drum sound healing 🔔
Clay Earring Workshop at The Front Room on Sunday 15th December at 1pm - design and handcraft two pairs of your own clay earrings from scratch.
Mamma Baby Sound Bath at Hughenden Village Hall on Wednesday 18th December at 4pm - deep relaxation for you and your baby in a supportive group of other mothers 👶🏻
Art Bite at Vibe Church on Saturday 14th December at 2pm - all abilities welcome to come and discover your creative spirit by painting and drawing with others (and eat cake too!) 🎨
The Mum Club Festive Brunch at The Beech House, Beaconsfield on Monday 16th December at 10am - come with bump or baby, friends or alone, to enjoy a delicious brunch and unlimited tea and coffee. You’ll also be able to create a personalised bauble made with your baby’s handprint.
And remember, the RESET Wild Spa is still in its Winter Residency at Peterley Manor Farm and will run through December and January.
Christmas Fun
For the Family…
Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church from Tuesday 17th to Monday 23rd December from 11am - a fantastic FREE display of 30 Christmas trees decorated by local schools, businesses and community groups. Vote for your favourite! 🎄
Ice Princess & Snowman Breakfast at Spindle & Thread on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December at 9.30am - join Elsa and Olaf for this festive family buffet breakfast, with a gift for each child ❄️
Children’s Christmas Party at Loudwater Centre (Boys Club) on Sunday 15th December from 12-3pm - expect a Santa’s grotto, big raffle, festive food and drink, face painting, activities and performances, raising money for Cancer Research UK and Bloodwise UK.
“Sleeping Beauty” Panto at Cressex Community Centre & Social Club on Sunday 15th December at 12pm - presented by The Panto Company. A children’s ticket includes a packed lunch 👑
Kids Christmas Party at the Bricklayers Arms on Saturday 14th December from 1-5pm - scavenger hunt, karaoke, games, prizes and sweets!
Christmas Movie Night at Micklefield Community Centre on Saturday 14th December at 6pm - Marsh & Micklefield Big Local is screening “Arthur Christmas” for all the family. An admission ticket of £2 includes a hot dog and popcorn, and drinks for children (the bar will be open for adults) 🎬
Littleworth Road Christmas Market on the forecourt of Hillclimb Garage, Downley on Sunday 15th December from 10am-4pm - 22 stalls this year with lots of different foods, crafts, a jeweller, various gifts, and even Santa in his sleigh.
“Robin Hood” Panto at Princes Risborough School on Saturday 14th at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday 15th December at 2pm - presented by Risborough Youth Theatre 🏹
Community Christmas Hope Afternoon at Elim Freedom Church on Saturday 14th December at 2pm - a heartwarming afternoon awaits filled with festive fun, hope and giving. Santa will be visiting and everyone is welcome.
Jubilee Green Christmas Tree Lights Switch On in Downley on Sunday 15th December from 2pm - postponed from last weekend due to the storm, you can bring a bauble to help decorate the tree as well as enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies! 🎄
Breakfast with Santa at The Green Man Prestwood on Saturday 14th December from 9am - tickets include a gift from Santa 🧑🎄
Back to Bethlehem with Dr Why at CSK Christ The Servant King Church on Sunday 15th December at 3pm - a FREE event where you’ll join Dr Why and travel back over 2,000 years ago to the first Christmas.
Lunch with Santa at The Stag Pub on Saturday 14th December - there’ll be presents and photo opportunities aplenty!
And for the Grown-Ups…
Christmas Party at Air Raid Shelter Café and Tea Room on Friday 13th December from 7pm - expect a festive buffet and live entertainment from Martin and Adele, “from Formby to Frank, Vera to Marilyn” 🎙️
High Wycombe Warriors Christmas Cracker at Riverside on Friday 13th December - weigh-ins start at 5.30pm and the boxing starts at 7.30pm 🥊
Santa’s Grotto at Trilogy Nightclub on Saturday 14th December from 10pm 🪩
Salsa & Bachata Christmas Party at the Guildhall on Saturday 14th December from 8pm - social dancing all night with a festive dress code 💃🏻
Carols and Live Music 🎶
Chiltern Hills Brass presents “The Snowman” at Radnage Village Hall on Sunday 15th December at 3pm - a live brass band performance accompanying a screening of the classic film. Refreshments are included and there’ll be activities for the kids too ☃️
Carol Service at Union Baptist Church on Sunday 15th December at 10.15am and 7pm - will include the most loved Christmas carols and a short Christmas message. The early service will have activities for primary aged children and pre-schoolers.
Carols at The Full Moon on Wednesday 18th December at 6.30pm.
Carols & Canapés at Hazlemere Church on Sunday 15th December at 7pm - a festive evening of mulled wine, canapés and carols.
Bisham Concert Band’s Christmas Cracker at Stokenchurch Community Centre on Saturday 14th December at 7.30pm - an evening of festive music, food, drinks and a raffle.
Christmas Holiday Kids Camps and Clubs
The Christmas holidays can be a real juggle if you’re working and have younger kids.
That annual leave is getting pumped hard this season.
But fear not - although it’s not quite as rich pickings as the Summer and Easter holidays, there are still a few holiday camps and clubs running. We’ve highlighted them below and there’s really something for everyone - whether your child loves sports, crafts, tech or cooking, they will definitely have fun at one of these.
Christmas Tech Camp at Godstowe School from 16th-20th December - for 5-11 year olds, offering a range of tech activities for children of all skill levels. The day runs from 9am-4pm.
620 Tennis Christmas and New Year Camp at High Wycombe Lawn Tennis Club on 19th, 20th, 30th, 31st December 2024 and 2nd, 3rd January 2025 - for ages 4-16 year olds, all equipment provided and all abilities welcome. From 10am-3pm with early drop-off and late pick-up also available, single day and full week bookings available.
Let’s Play at Wycombe Leisure Centre on 23rd December 2024 and 2nd, 3rd January 2025 - for 5-12 year olds with plenty of sports, inflatables and fun. The day runs from 9am-4pm with an extended day available too.
Christmas Treats for Everyone Workshop at Carrington Junior School on Monday 23rd December from 10am-3pm - for ages 5+. Expect to make mince pies, yule log, a focaccia wreath and more.
Calm Little Minds Christmas Camp on Monday 23rd December from 9.30am-4.30pm at Holtspur School - Christmas fun, craft, baking play and more for 4-10 year olds. Early Bird from 9am is available.
Pro Football Academy Christmas Holiday Camp at Wooburn Park on 23rd and 30th December from 9.30am-12.45pm - for ages 5-15, just £20 per child (£38 for both days).
Rex & Rose Holiday Craft Club at The Old Pavillion, Marlow on 23rd and 30th December and 2nd January - for 5-11 year olds packed with seasonal, fun craft activities. The day runs from 9am-3pm.
Premier Education Multi-Activity Holiday Camp at Manor Farm Junior School on 2nd and 3rd January - for Reception kids up to Year 7 with the day running from 9am-3.30pm (extended hours also available).
Non-Christmas Fun
Indoor Car Boot Sale at Sands Village Hall on Sunday 15th December from 12-3pm 🛍️
Omari Johnson playing live at the Mad Squirrel on tonight, Thursday 12th December from 8pm - jazz with an array of different instruments 🎷
Sports and Activities
Wycombe Wanderers vs Shrewsbury Town away at The Croud Meadow on Saturday 14th December with kick-off at 3pm ⚽️
Wycombe Wanderers Women vs Reading FC Community Trust away at Slough Town FC on Sunday 15th December at 2pm.
High Wycombe RUFC vs Wallingford away on Saturday 14th December 🏉
Parkrun (5km) near the Lido, Wycombe Rye on Saturday 14th December at 9am and Junior Parkrun (2km) near Pann Mill, Wycombe Rye on Sunday 15th December at 9am 🏃🏻♂️
Handy Cross Runners’ Couch to 5k Running Course - a very supportive course led by 2 qualified run coaches, starting Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 7pm. It’s limited to 30 places - please email Simon at hxcouchto5k@gmail.com to book or for more info.
Fancy trying something new..?
Business News
If you’re anything like our family, Christmas is the one time of the year when you’re busting out the board games for some intensely competitive family time.
Instead of heading to Amazon or one of the big chains to get your games this year, why not support one of High Wycombe’s incredible independent stores — Tabletop Republic HQ on the High Street have got a huge number of games in stock right now, including all your family favourites, modern classics, early years puzzles and cute stocking fillers.
Community Notes
Do you have any free time on a Sunday? Wycombe Museum are looking for Sunday volunteers to help out by welcoming visitors at their main desk or serving in their amazing café. Whether it’s weekly or fortnightly, a morning or an afternoon, they’d love to hear from you.
CSK: Christ The Servant King Church on Sycamore Road is opening their 0-6 year old clothing bank on Friday 13th December from 10.30-11.30am. They also have a small amount of clothes for older children and some toys as well. Everything is free and there is no need to bring anything with you, and you can stay for a warm drink and some cake too.
The charity bookstall in Morrisons is in desperate need of books, so please drop them off if you’re having a clear out. All money raised will go to Marie Curie.
Something a Little Different…
Any stargazers out there may be interested to hear that the Geminid Meteor Shower is peaking this weekend, the 14th and 15th December, with a rate of up to 150 meteors per hour.
For your best chance of seeing the shower, you’ll want to find a wide, open location far away from street lights and other light pollution where you can really scan the night sky. Remember to wrap up warm and stay safe. Let us know if you manage to spot it!
Where in Wycombe am I?
Last week’s answer: this is the poster found in the Little Market House — sometimes known as the Pepper Pot or the Mustard Pot due to its shape — detailing the market tolls per the Chepping Wycombe Improvement Act 1874. High Wycombe was an important halfway point on the road between Oxford and London so many local butchers set up shop here, selling small animals, dairy produce and cereals every week. The building was designed in 1761 by Robert Adam and was previously known as “The Shambles”.
Weather in Wycombe
Respectfully asking the weather gods to lay off the storms for now, please and thank you 🙏
Friday
🌤️ 7°C - 💨 12 mph - ☂️ 20% chance
Saturday
🌤️ 8°C - 💨 19 mph - ☂️ 20% chance
Sunday
🌤️ 10°C - 💨 23 mph - ☂️ 10% chance
We hope you've enjoyed this week's edition of the Pulse!
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Until next Thursday...
Steph
Publisher and Editor, Wycombe Pulse
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