Look Local Magazine

29/04/2026

Hello Readers,

May is a wonderful month in our villages. The countryside is in full bloom, hedgerows are alive with colour, and there’s a real sense of energy in the air as we move towards the early days of summer. It’s the time of year when gardens begin to flourish, outdoor spaces come into their own, and we’re all encouraged to spend a little more time outside.

This month’s issue reflects just that. Our regular Over the Garden Gate feature captures the reality of May in the garden - where the pace quickens, plans evolve, and there’s both joy and a touch of overwhelm as everything springs into life. Alongside this, Cool Heat Solution explores how to elevate your outdoor living with the ever-popular Kamado BBQ range - perfect for those long, relaxed evenings spent entertaining family and friends.

Health is also front of mind at this time of year. With hayfever season fast approaching, 222 Healthcare shares practical advice on managing symptoms and staying well as pollen levels begin to rise - a must-read for many of us as we head into the warmer months.

There’s plenty happening locally too. Music in the Park returns to Thame, bringing live music and a fantastic community atmosphere, while traditional events such as Chalgrove’s May Day celebrations offer a lovely nod to village life and seasonal traditions. As we approach May Half Term, there are also countless family-friendly activities across Oxfordshire, from outdoor adventures and wildlife parks to hands-on farm experiences - perfect for making the most of the longer days.

We’re also delighted to bring you not one, but TWO COMPETITIONS this month. Alongside our regular chance to win tickets to Thame Players Theatre, we’re offering readers the opportunity to win tickets to Electric Hills Festival, taking place in nearby Aston Rowant on 20th June - a fantastic local event that’s grown into a real highlight of the summer calendar.

May is a time to get outside, reconnect with nature and enjoy everything our local area has to offer. Whether it’s pottering in the garden, planning a day out, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the sunshine, we hope this issue provides plenty of inspiration.

As always, thank you for supporting local..

Love Emma

30/03/2026

Welcome to the April 2026 issue of Look Local Magazine, bringing with it a true sense of spring across our villages.

The Chiltern Hills are coming alive with fresh green hedgerows, blossom-filled trees and fields dotted with newborn lambs - a gentle reminder that the season of renewal is well underway.

Easter falls this month, and with it comes a wonderful sense of celebration across our local area. One of the standout events is the much-loved Thame Country Fair, taking place over Easter Sunday and Monday (5th–6th). This long-running event offers something for everyone, from live arena entertainment and craft stalls to food, music and family-friendly activities - a fantastic day out right on our doorstep.

Across Oxfordshire, families can also enjoy a variety of Easter trails, egg hunts and outdoor adventures, with local farms, gardens and attractions hosting seasonal activities throughout the school holidays - the perfect excuse to get outdoors and make the most of the longer, brighter days.

We’re also delighted to bring you our usual competition to win tickets to Thame Players Theatre, offering the chance to enjoy some wonderful local performances. Be sure to enter - it’s always a popular one!

April is a month that encourages us to step outside, reconnect with nature and spend time with those around us. Whether you’re enjoying a countryside walk along the Phoenix Trail, visiting a local market, or simply taking in the changing season from your own garden, there’s a real sense of energy and optimism in the air.

As always, thank you for supporting local businesses and our community.

Wishing you a joyful and refreshing April.

Until next time, enjoy reading.

READ ONLINE:https://look-localmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Apr26_Issue161_28pg_ONLINE.pdf

28/02/2026

Hello Readers,

Welcome to the March 2026 issue of Look Local Magazine.

Spring is truly on its way! With daylight saving kicking in soon and the countryside waking up from winter, the hills and hedgerows are beginning to brighten with blossom, daffodils and that unmistakable hint of warmer days ahead.

This month’s issue is packed with seasonal inspiration and community spirit. We look at reasons to rethink garden structure and planting, explore ways to make your outdoor spaces more purposeful, and share fresh ideas for welcoming spring into your home and life.

There’s plenty happening locally too. International Women’s Day falls on 8th March, and a special networking brunch celebrating businesswomen in Oxfordshire takes place on 6th March - a great way to mark the occasion and connect with others in our wider community. Alongside this, the Thame Spring Market returns to the High Street from 5th – 8th March, bringing colourful stalls, street food and local makers to town.

Families can enjoy plenty through the month as well - from a fun Comedy in Chinnor evening at Chinnor Village Hall on 28th March to regular activities at our local libraries and community halls.

This issue also includes our regular competition to win tickets to Thame Players Theatre, plus an exciting chance to win a family ticket to Thame’s Music in the Park, one of the region’s favourite spring music events.

With Mother’s Day coming up, don’t forget to support the many great local cafés, pubs and restaurants offering treats and special menus for celebrating mums and loved ones. And whether you’re planning a picnic on the Phoenix Trail, a visit to Thame Museum (free entry and always filled with fascinating local history), or simply enjoying a walk at golden hour, there’s lots to look forward to this month.

Until next time, enjoy reading.

Love Emma

18/02/2026

FYI…

30/01/2026

Hello Readers,

Welcome to the February 2026 issue of Look Local Magazine.

While winter still holds its grip on our villages and rolling countryside, there’s a quiet sense of anticipation in the airfrom frost-tipped hedgerows to the promise of lighter evenings just around the corner. It’s a wonderful month to slow down and make the most of local life here in our region.

This issue is packed with seasonal inspiration, practical ideas and community spirit. For all gardeners feeling the mid-winter lull, our regular Over the Garden Gate feature from Mimosa design reminds us that this quieter season is the perfect time for planning, patience and slow creativity in the garden.

Health and wellbeing are front of mind too. 222 Healthcare tackles the challenge many of us feel this time of year, offering sensible tips to eat well even when seasonal produce feels limited. For those seeking a natural way to support focus and balance, our exclusive piece from get dopa offers insight into mindful nutrition without relying on stimulants. And as the cold evenings linger, we also explore warmth from home. Cool Heat Solution shares why now is a great time to consider adding efficient, EcoDesign - compliant warmth to your living space, with practical advice for choosing the right model. There’s also an informative article from Home Counties Loft Ladders on safe, smart loft access and how to make the most of that often forgotten space.

Don’t miss our regular competition from Thame Players Theatre Company giving you the chance to win tickets to one of their fantastic upcoming shows so you can enjoy some local culture!

And of course, February brings its own calendar highlights. Valentine’s Day offers a chance to support local restaurants and share a special meal, Half Term gives families time to explore and enjoy village life and Pancake Day adds a delicious twist to winter evenings.

Until next month, enjoy reading and remember to shop local.

Love
Emma

Read Online:https://look-localmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Feb26_Issue159_28pg_ONLINE.pdf

⭐️𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴⭐️
Call: 07707 386034 or email: [email protected]

29/01/2026

A Warm Welcome To Smarter, Eco‑Conscious Heating…. Article by: Cool Heat Solution

As the colder months set in, many homeowners start thinking about how best to keep their homes cosy – without inflating fuel bills or harming the environment. That’s exactly where masonry stoves shine, combining traditional warmth with modern efficiency to offer a whole‑home heating solution that’s both sustainable and economical over time.

Read full article: https://look-localmagazine.co.uk/a-warm-welcome-to-smarter-eco-conscious-heating/

19/01/2026

𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀!

Next month, Thame Players are holding a series of three consecutive Drama Workshops, which are aimed at wannabe actors as well as at actors who would like to improve their skills. These workshops follow the success of Thame Players’ previous workshops, held in previous years.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲:

Next month, Thame Players are holding a series of three consecutive Drama Workshops, which are aimed at wannabe actors as well as at actors who would like to improve their skills. These workshops follow the success of Thame Players’ previous workshops, held in previous years. These workshops are....

09/01/2026

Hello Readers,

HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome to the January 2025 issue of Look Local Magazine.

January always arrives with a quieter kind of promise. The festive lights are packed away, the pace softens, and across our villages there’s a collective breath before the year truly begins. Winter may still have its grip on the fields and gardens, but beneath the frost there’s a sense of planning, purpose, and possibility.

There’s plenty happening locally to ease us into the year. From winter markets and coffee mornings to performances at The Players Theatre and the much-loved Chinnor Players pantomime later this month, our communities remain as active and connected as ever. Seasonal traditions, such as Chinnor’s Wassail celebrations, remind us just how deeply rooted our villages are in both landscape and shared history.

That connection to place feels especially important this month as we introduce Not Bourne Yesterday: Chalk Stream Communities of the Chilterns — a new community-led project celebrating our rare and precious chalk streams. These beautiful waterways are part of our local heritage and need our collective voice to help shape their future. You’ll find a short survey on page 17, which takes just five minutes to complete and gives you the chance to share your thoughts, stories, and experiences — with a prize draw as a thank you for taking part.

We also explore smarter ways to keep our homes warm and eco-conscious in this issue. Cool Heat Solution features an article on Ecco Stoves, explaining how masonry stoves deliver whole-home warmth with remarkable efficiency, helping homeowners reduce fuel use while creating a cosy, inviting space.

Looking ahead, our January issue is all about preparation and perspective. Lucie Ponsford returns with her thoughtful gardening column, encouraging us to use this slower season to plan and nurture what’s to come. We also feature 222 Healthcare in Stokenchurch, who help cut through the noise around weight loss treatments by separating fact from fiction at a time when many of us are setting new intentions.

Finally, January is the perfect moment for local businesses to think about visibility and growth. A new year brings fresh opportunity, and there’s no better time to share what you do with your community.

Here’s to a hopeful, purposeful start to 2026.

Love Emma

READ ONLINE:https://look-localmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jan26_Issue158_28pg_ONLINE.pdf

12/12/2025

Hello Readers,

Welcome to the December 2025 issue of Look Local Magazine.

As the Christmas season arrives and our villages glow with festive lights, this issue carries the warmth and togetherness that make our community feel truly special.

One of the highlights this month is the Watlington Christmas Market on Saturday 6th, which takes over the High Street and Watlington Club from morning into early afternoon. With craft stalls, festive food and live community spirit, it’s a brilliant way to find unique gifts and meet up with neighbours.

Here in Chinnor, the Friends of St Andrew’s Church are hosting their Christmas Tree Festival from 6th - 14th.

It’s a beautiful, peaceful event - walk through decorated trees, enjoy seasonal music, and soak up the calm and beauty of the church in full festive dress.

In our wider local area, Crowell and Sydenham Churches are also organising a series of Christmas celebrations throughout December - a wonderful opportunity for carols, reflection and community connection. Crowell’s church congregation will be gathering for traditional Christmas services, helping to bring the spirit of the season to life.

And for a day out full of seasonal magic, Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas Market (running until mid-December) offers artisan stalls, twinkling lights, and that enchanting wintry feel that makes Christmas feel truly special.

One local initiative I’m always keen to highlight is Thame Community Christmas. Now in its fourteenth year, this wonderful project brings people together by offering a warm, welcoming Christmas Day lunch for anyone in the Thame area who may be feeling isolated or spending the day alone. If you, or someone you know, would appreciate company and a festive meal this Christmas, do get in touch with them. Full details are available on their website: www.communitychristmasthame.org.uk.

So, as we wrap up another year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our advertisers, readers and dedicated delivery team. Your continued support means the world to me and allows this independent little magazine to keep thriving. Thank you for being part of the Look Local family.

Until next year, wrap up warm, andhave a fabulous Christmas.

Love Emma
For Advertising contact 07707 386034.

Read online:https://look-localmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Dec25_Issue157_28pg_ONLINE.pdf

10/12/2025

This Saturday….

🎄✨ Indoor Christmas Market – December 13th, 16:00–19:00 ✨🎄

Join us at the Chinnor Community Pavilion for our Indoor Christmas Market!
Celebrate local talent with small businesses, handmade gifts, and festive treats — all in time for Christmas. 🎁💚

It’s the perfect chance to shop local, support our community, and find those special presents you won’t see anywhere else.

We can’t wait to see you there!

19/11/2025

𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗢 𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗠! 👇🏼

13/11/2025

🗓️ 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 - 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗿 🗓️

Thursday 13th November 10.30-11.30am Climate cafe at Chinnor Village centre

Saturday 15th November 10am-3pm Christmas Green living fayre at Thame Town Hall

Saturday 15th November 7pm Village Centres Barry’s Big Night Out at the Village Hall

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November 10am - 3.30pm Archaeology at Donkey Lane Community Orchard

Saturday 22nd November 7pm Charity Quiz at Chinnor Pavilion supporting Florence Nightingale Hospice and Haematology cancer care

Wednesday 26th November 7-9pm Mill Lane community garden AGM and social