Details of roadworks across Aylesbury Vale over the next couple of weeks have been announced by Transport for Bucks.

Starting today (Monday) preparation work is taking place for micro-surfacing on side roads near Fowler Road.

A daytime road closure will be in place between 7am and 7pm daily until Friday April 12.

Plane and patch work takes place until Wednesday April 10 on Belgrave Road with a daytime road closure running from 9.30am to 3.30pm daily.

Starting tomorrow (Tuesday), plane and patch work takes place on Whitchurch Lane, Oving until Thursday April 11.

A daytime road closure will be in place during the work from 9.30am to 3.30pm each day.

More plane and patch work takes place from Wednesday April 10 to Monday April 15 on North Marston Lane, Whitchurch between 9.30am and 3.30pm with a road closure in place.

There will be two days of plane and patch work on Station Road, Haddenham (April 11 and 12) between 9.30am and 3.30pm with traffic management in operation during this time.

For one day only (Friday April 12) there will be plane and patch work on Spicketts Lane, Cuddington, between 8am and 6pm with traffic management operating during this time.

Starting today (Monday) resurfacing work takes place on Main Street, Mursley, running through until Thursday April 18.

The resurfacing takes place on the stretch between Swanbourne Road and the sports pavilion, with a closure in place during work from 7.30am to 6pm each day.

Finally, starting today (Monday) there will be a week of surfacing dressing preparation work on Deanshanger Road, Lillingstone Lovell.

Work takes place on the stretch between the A413 and the county boundary under a daytime road closure between 7am to 7pm.

Works are subject to change in the event of bad weather.

A host of famous names are speaking at the University of Buckingham's first ever history festival later this month.

Speakers including historian and TV presenter Professor David Starkey, prize-winning author and historian Jessie Childs and philosopher Sir Roger Scruton will be in attendance for the festival over the weekend of April 27 and 28.

Also speaking at the festival are Clive Aslet, Tim Bouverie, Sir Paul Collier, Saul David, Ophelia Field, Martin Gayford, Simon Heffer, Tom Holland, Martin Kemp, Jeremy Musson, Jane Ridley, Michael Scott, the University of Buckingham's vice-chancellor Anthony Seldon, Lady Anne Somerset, Miles Taylor, Adrian Tinniswood and Marion Turner.

Speakers will discuss a range of historical topics including Henry VIII and the first Brexit, Churchill, Chamberlain and appeasement, treason and faith in Elizabethan England, Leonardo da Vinci and the Prime Ministership from Walpole to May.

Mr Seldon, who is among the speakers said: "We are delighted to host the history festival at the University of Buckingham for the very first time.

"With such a high calibre of speakers it is set to be a spectacular event.”

Speakers will also host book signings in the university's bookshop after their talks.

Tickets to each lecture are £10.

For more information visit www.buckinghamhistoryfestival.org

It has been reported this week that a six months (at least) freeze has been put on signing off Government cash for HS2.

While it’s worth noting that the information comes from a ‘Government source’ and is in no way the last word on the matter - here at The Herald we found it very heartening that such a move has been even considered by the powers that be.

Here we have been blown away by what is a tidal wave of public opinion on this issue - and with only a few exceptions, you are all completely against the idea.

And that’s not nimbyism. What has struck us is how pragmatic you have all been, and what intelligent and well 
constructive arguments have come forward - which don’t only focus on this area no matter how much the responder is personally and often tragically affected.

You all know that this is an issue that requires a broader view - and even though it cuts through our heartland - you’ve all got to the root of why it’s a bad idea for the whole country too.

Thank you to the nearly 500 people who personally posted the letter back to us - we will deliver those to David Lidington and let you know how we got on next week.

The controversial practice of ‘netting’ has been adopted around Steeple Claydon - in a bid by HS2 workers to stop birds from nesting in hedgerows they wish to destroy.

Many wildlife enthusiasts and campaigners say that netting is cruel, and that it threatens biodiversity, animals can get trapped in the mesh and produces large amounts of plastic waste.

A public petition to the Government calling for the practice to be made illegal has gathered 204,923 signatures online, and high-profile naturalists including Chris Packham have criticised developers for promoting it. Netted hedgerows were spotted this week at sites including Upper South Farm Doddershall, prompting anger from campaigners.

A spokesman for HS2 Ltd, said: “The installation of this netting was carried out by HS2 contractors, as part of the pre-works for National Grid’s gas pipeline diversion 
scheme.

“This temporary netting is to discourage birds from nesting during construction and was installed before the nesting season started.

“The netting was installed under the direction of a suitably experienced ecologist and is monitored daily.”

A spokesman for the RSPB said: “We cannot keep trying to squeeze nature into smaller and smaller spaces or demanding it fits in with our plans.

“This is an issue we are talking to the Government about as they look at what needs to happen over the next 25 years to stop our wildlife from continuing to vanish at an alarming rate.

“In the UK we have lost over 40 million birds in the last 50 years.

“So we are looking to the Government to not just ask planners and developers to think about whether it is necessary to remove the trees and hedgerows that are 
vital for supporting our wildlife, but to ensure that developers replace what they take away.

“If the work is absolutely necessary, then the use of netting could be avoided by tree and hedge removal being completed outside of the nesting season.

“And, if it is used it is important to remember there are responsibilities to do it properly.

“This means checking for birds and other animals when the netting is fitted, and then ongoing regular checks, as wildlife often finds a way to get under the edge of a net and then get stuck.

“And, this should be backed up by a commitment to plant new trees and hedges as no one wants to live in a neighbourhood where the sights and sounds of nature have been driven out.”

Meanwhile our HS2: Enough Is Enough campaign continues, and the residents of Steeple Claydon are still fighting too.

Councillor Charlie Clare, who has worked with residents on the issue, said: “Two weeks after over 20 residents delivered a petition with over 2500 signatures to HS2, I have still had absolutely no response from Mark Thurston the CEO or any of his senior team.

“This demonstrates the total lack of regard of our community from the very highest level of management of HS2. On a local level there has been a further community engagement meeting and there are rumours that the de-veg clearance is being scaled back, slightly.

“However until we get a proper and official response to our petition and a letter which accompanied it, 
Mark Thurston is purely demonstrating that he has no regard for community engagement, our countryside or our residents.”

_____________________________________________

A source told a national newspaper this week that official ‘notice to proceed’ had been put on hold for HS2 until at least December.

Although the HS2 Ltd says this is in line with what it was planning – the firm did not deny the official go-ahead was taking a while to get the rubber stamp from Government, or the claims from the national newspaper source.

But it did say that preparatory works – which include areas such as Steeple Claydon, Wendover, Great Missenden and Fairford Leys, will continue as planned.

According to the source, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling made it “very clear to HS2” that it must stay on budget.

But the report said the source insisted that the line was “crucial” to providing the transport capacity needed by the country.

The news follows reports in February that fears over the spiralling costs of the rail link were stoking opposition to the scheme among ministers, with several pushing to “kill it off”.

The high speed rail service – which would connect London to cities including Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester – was originally budgeted at £33bn, a figure that is expected to double – with some commentators saying it could reach as much as £100bn.

Councillor Charlie Clare, who has supported Steeple Claydon residents in their fight against work which affects their area and its wildlife, said: “I am interested to hear that Notice to Proceed has been postponed.

“Until recently many people, including members of Parliament, believed that HS2 was a done deal and nothing could stop it.

“Now it is clear that HS2 is some way off having 
permission to build anything at all.

“What concerns me is that meanwhile, HS2 are destroying Buckinghamshire countryside throughout the county, as part of their enabling works, before we know what they will build afterwards.”

An HS2 spokesperson said: “HS2 already supports more than 7,000 jobs both directly and across our UK-wide supply chain.

“Work has been carried out on more than 60 sites, including major works ongoing at Euston, Old Oak Common and Curzon Street in Birmingham.

“We also continue to negotiate with our main civil contractors and will move to Notice to

Proceed when those negotiations are concluded later this year.”

So, while there maybe a glimmer of hope on the horizon our Enough Is Enough Campaign continues to fight the good fight.

Our Facebook community has amassed 1,000 members and we are currently working on our next step - watch this space!

Thank you to all who have engaged with the campaign so far.

____________________________________________________

On April 25th councillor Charlie Clare will submit the following motion before Bucks County Council -

“This Council proposes that the Leader should write to Government to request that all enabling works for HS2 in Buckinghamshire should be paused until the Notice to Proceed to main works contractors has been approved.

“As required by the Department of Transport, Notice to Proceed should not be given until management capability, affordability of contracts and robustness of revised business case have all been proven.

“We see no reason why the County should suffer significant disruption and long term environmental destruction until detailed design and cost has been approved.

“We also ask that HS2 Ltd significantly improves the effectiveness of its community engagement with those impacted by the line.”

He said: “I hope that The Council will put its full weight behind the motion and make it clear to our Government that HS2 must stop destroying Buckinghamshire, until they can demonstrate that the project is viable and affordable.”

But did you know these nine common driving habits are actually illegal?

Buckingham Golf Club is holding golf taster and coaching sessions next month as part of a national initiative to get more girls playing the sport.

The sessions at Buckingham Golf Club are part of Girls Golf Rocks, a national initiative aiming to encourage more girls to take up the game.

A free taster session takes place on Saturday May 11 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm with a six week coaching course beginning on Saturday May 18 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm and running each week.

Sessions are open to girls aged five to 18.

At the taster session any first-time visitors will join other girls who are beginning the game to learn the basics and enjoy fun games.

PGA professional coaches will lead the activities and Girls Golf Rocks ambassadors from local clubs and the county's girls squad will be on hand to help and encourage.

Equipment will be provided and there will be refreshments served.

Organisers say there is no dress code - any clothing that is comfortable is fine and trainers may be worn.

Girls who enjoy the taster course are then invited to join a beginner coaching group where they will work alongside a group of other girls and learn the basics during six weekly, one-hour sessions.

They will also have the chance to get out on the golf course on the sixth week and play in a team alongside the Girls Golf Rocks ambassadors.

Girls who complete the coaching programme will receive a golf club and goody pack to help them continue to play golf.

Buckinghamshire is one of 26 counties across the UK taking part in the Girls Golf Rocks initiative this year.

Bookings can be made by visiting www.girlsgolfrocks.org/Buckinghamshire

A former cabinet maker and a retired psychiatric nurse have formed an unlikely partnership to restore a Second World War sea rescue boat.

Richard Kay, now a fire safety consultant, was looking for a project after injuring himself racing power boats when he set his heart on acquiring a Royal Air Force (RAF) Seaplane Tender rescue vessel, which measure 41.5 foot in length.

“When I first saw them I thought they were beautiful and I made it my quest to find one,” Richard said.

He eventually found what he was looking for in Somerset and, responding to an advertisement that claimed 'just a lick of paint needed,' he set off to inspect it.

Though the description turned out to be somewhat overstating the quality of the boat's condition, “it had more water inside it than out,” Richard's restoration partner, Baron Dibble interjected, Richard decided to go ahead and make the purchase.

Baron, who is Richard's closest neighbour though they both live in fairly isolated farmhouses, became involved soon afterwards when he saw the large object being transported past his house.

“I thought, what the hell is coming down the road?” Baron recalls.

This was October 2017, and ever since the pair have been chipping away at restoring the boat, which was first launched in July 1941, to its former glory.

Although they have no experience in boat building, neither seem fazed by the task ahead.

“We're learning as we go,” Richard said.

Sadly, the original civilian name of the boat has been lost in the annals of time, so Richard has renamed the boat 'Dame Vera Lynn.'

The former singer and actress was famously known as 'the forces sweetheart' during the war but Richard also has another connection with the star.

“When I was a school boy in Maidenhead I was a choir boy and we went to the Royal Festival Hall and were the backing singers for Vera Lynn,” he explained.

Richard even wrote to the now 102-year-old to ask for permission to name his boat after her and remarkably received a reply from Dame Vera saying that she would be delighted.

The amateur boat builders think the restoration will take about five years but are fairly relaxed about the timelines.

The former cabinet maker said: “We have a notional target of five years, but if it takes six or seven or ten then all the better.”

Pondering what to do when the boat is finished, Richard said:

“I've got a dream about doing one big trip all the way around Europe.”

Baron said: “What's nice is that at the end of each day we position a couple of chairs and look at what we've achieved.”

The project to restore the rescue boat is self-funded but they have started up a crowd funding page which can be accessed here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/st437.

You can follow the progress of the restoration here: www.st437.org

Pupils at Swanbourne House School have helped students from the University of Buckingham through the first part of their medical exams.

Students at the independent boarding school helped the university’s first cohort of medical students through their final exams.
Each of the seven pupils, who are all in year five at Swanbourne House, played the part of children who had fallen off a trampoline.
For their exam, medical students were tasked with re-enacting a doctor’s assessment, examining the child’s hips and taking the child’s history from their parents who were played by other actors. 
Assessment lead at the university’s medical school Claire Stewart said: “It was a pleasure to have young people working with the university to help our first cohort of medical students with their exam.
“It was an incredibly high stakes exam for both the medical school and the medical students.
“I cannot overstate the praise for the children from everyone involved in the examination.
“They are a real credit to you all and personally I was so proud of them!”
Head of Swanbourne House Jane Thorpe said: “It was a privilege for our year five pupils to assist the medical school students through their final examinations.
“I am extremely proud of how well they conducted themselves and understood the responsibility of the task.
“They were very inspired and I am sure we have some future medical professionals at Swanbourne House School.”
The exam took place at the University of Buckingham’s medical centre at Milton Keynes University Hospital last month - more than 100 people including admin staff, actors, patients and children took part in helping the assessments run. 
For the second part of the exam, students will move on to examining real life patients.
The 57 medical students will be the first group the graduate from the university’s medical school in June.
For more information on the university’s medical school visit https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/medicine

The elderly motorist turned right and crossed three lanes of the busy motorway before driving towards oncoming traffic.

When the male driver realised his mistake he tried to reverse back along the fast lane before pulling forward again.

The driver eventually manages to reverse back up the road before driving the wrong way down the sliproad.

The video shows the hapless motorist join the southbound carriageway of the M1 at Milton Keynes, at 1pm earlier this month.

Lorry driver Mark Thomas, 54, captured the terrifying moment on his dashcam as he drove from Tilbury Docks in Essex.

The divorced dad-of-one, of Shrewsbury, Shrops, said: “I was really shaken up by it, he could have killed someone, I couldn’t believe it.

“I was driving in the middle lane and noticed in the distance was not quite right.

“I was doing around 60mph when I saw the car coming up on the fast lane, and slowed down to 40mph in an instant.

“I just slowed right down and put on the hazard warning lights.

“I could see a young bloke in the white van next to me brake hard and he was really straining on the seatbelt.

“The man in the silver car looked like he was 65 to 70 and was very confused.

“He might not have understood the signs. I wondered if he might be a foreigner.

“When he was reversing on the fast lane I was shouting out the window at him to turn around, in fact I went hoarse from shouting.

"He tried reversing back down the carriageway a couple of times until he weaved his way back down the fast lane and goes the wrong way down the slip road.

"It was lucky it was a clear day because if it had been foggy that would have been it. The road was busy with cars and lorries like mine and he could have caused carnange.

“I have been a trucker for 32 years and this is the first time I’ve seen anything like this.

“I sent the dashcam to the police and they say someone has already reported it, I don’t know what’s happened to the driver."

A conflict has arisen over a new 11-home development in Weston Turville after builders changed the position of a first floor window with respect to the original plans.

The approved plans for the Low Meadow development included a dormer window at the back of the house in question, known as 'plot 11', that overlooked its own garden.

However, as the property went up, its neighbour living to the side of the house could only look on in horror as a window appeared directly over her garden, providing a perfect line of sight into her nine-year-old daughter's bedroom.

Dr Vicky Taylor, the homeowner affected by the unscripted window, said:

“I told my daughter not to worry because there was no window on that side and then blow me suddenly they put a window in. Because there's scaffolding on that side she now cannot get dressed in her own bedroom.”

We contacted the developers W.E. Black about this. Owner Eric Gadsden said:

“We saw it as a better orientation for the room.”

When asked why he didn't first seek a change to the plans, Mr Gadsden said that the planning authority takes too long when dealing with such requests, adding:

“If you had an efficient council you could get something done in six weeks.”

We queried the planning authority, Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC), on the ethics of changing plans after approval by their committee. Peter Strachan, cabinet member for planning and enforcement said:

“Although it is better to seek permission in advance of any planned changes, a developer can make changes and apply retrospectively.”

Indeed this is the status quo. After AVDC concurred that the side window was a breach of the original plans, W.E. Black submitted what is known as a material minor amendment application which is currently awaiting a decision.

This application, 19/01027/APP, has received significant objections. Carole Paternoster, councillor for the relevant ward and cabinet member for strategic planning and infrastructure, noted that the window was out of step with both Aylesbury Vale's and Weston Turville's planning policies and wrote:

“This unauthorised window looks directly into a child's bedroom window in the neighbouring property creating not only a planning contravention but also a safeguarding issue. AVDC has already received a photo showing a man standing at this window and looking directly into the child's bedroom window.”

The chairman of Weston Turville parish council, Martin Jarvis, also objected by drawing reference to the local plans:

“The Parish Council objects to this retrospective application. The original planning permission was for a dormer window facing onto the new dwelling’s garden and by building the house with a window on the side of the house, it contravenes the Weston Turville Neighbourhood Plan Policy H2 and AVDLP saved policy GP8. The unapproved window adversely affects the residential amenity and privacy of an existing property as it overlooks their garden and directly into a bedroom."

In the meantime builders have continued to finish the window, much to the frustration of Ms Taylor. She said: “I think it's wrong. They should be told to black it up as a minimum, put cupboard on it, something to stop damaging our amenity because it has stressed me out.”

Getting on the property ladder can feel like an impossible feat, with some buyers across England and Wales faced with a decade of saving before they can afford it.

Potential buyers in the South East and South West of England need to save for at least 13 years before they will be able to afford a 15 per cent deposit on a property, new research reveals.

Decades of saving

Estate agent Hamptons International looked at the average wages in each region across England and Wales to determine how long it would take potential homeowners to save for a 15 per cent deposit, if they were saving 22 per cent of their salary each month.

London topped the table with single prospective buyers having to save the longest, at an average of 15 years and nine months.

The South East and South West of England also proved to be particularly difficult areas for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder, with people having to save for at least 13 years before being able to buy a home.

North-South divide

Those living in the North fared much better than the South in terms of affordability, with the time to save for a deposit typically around four or five years less.

Prospective buyers in the North East can save for a deposit in half the time of those in the South East and South West, with the average time to save being six years and six months.

Buyers in Yorkshire and the Humber also fared better than those in the South, at an average of eight years to save.

Time to save for a 15 per cent deposit by region, for single buyers:

- East - 11 years

- East Midlands - 9 years

- London - 15 years, 9 months

- North East - 6 years, 6 months

- North West - 8 years, 6 months

- South East - 13 years, 6 months

- South West - 13 years

- Wales - 8 years, 6 months

- West Midlands - 9 years, 3 months

- Yorkshire and the Humber - 8 years, 0 months

- England and Wales - 10 years, 3 months

Time to save for a 15 per cent deposit by region, for couples:

- East - 5 years, 0 months

- East Midlands - 4 years, 0 months

- London - 7 years, 6 months

- North East - 2 years, 9 months

- North West - 3 years, 6 months

- South East - 5 years, 9 months

- South West - 3 years, 6 months

- Wales - 4 years, 0 months

- West Midlands - 3 years, 6 months

- Yorkshire and the Humber - 3 years, 6 months

- England and Wales - 4 years, 9 months

Things are improving

The latest figures are based on the final quarter of 2018 and show that things have improved for first-time buyers over the past two years, with most regions seeing homes become slightly more affordable.

Although it still takes a single person an average of 10 years to save up for a deposit.

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons International, said: "Saving a deposit is still the biggest barrier to buying a home, but things did improve in 2018.

"Slowing house price growth – which is expected to continue – combined with rising wages, meant that last year it was six months quicker to save for a home than it was two years earlier.

"However, despite the slight improvement in affordability it still takes a single person more than a decade to save up to buy a home."

The following people from Aylesbury Vale have been sentenced at High Wycombe Magistrates Court between April 1 and 6.

Trey Wilson, 21, Bierton Road, Aylesbury: assaulted a prisoner custody officer acting in pursuance of prisoner escort arrangements. Committed to prison for six weeks because of the seriousness of the offence. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

Suleman Hussain, 61, Fremantle Road, Aylesbury: drove a Volkswagen on Wycombe Road, Princes Risborough, in excess of the speed limit (39mph in a 30mph zone). Fined £92. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85. Three points added to his driving licence.

Thomas Jones, 19, Griffin Close, Aylesbury: damaged the bonnet of a Ford Focus, belonging to another individual, while it was parked at Aylesbury railway station. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay compensation of £2,149.39.

Ross Danbury, 35, Dunsmore Ride, Monks Risborough: drove a Ford Ranger on Buckingham Road, Aylesbury, while above the alcohol limit. Fined £200. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 20 months.

Jack Frazer, 22, Ingram Avenue, Aylesbury: drove a Ford Focus on Coldharbour Way, Aylesbury, while over the drug limit. Fined £120. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 12 months.

Stefan Simpson, 20, Bierton Road, Aylesbury: assaulted a constable in the execution of his duty. Committed to prison for 28 days because of the seriousness of the offence. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

Nasim Khan, 21, Ruskin Way, Aylesbury: drove a Seat Leon on Cannock Road, Aylesbury, while disqualified from driving. Committed to prison for 28 days because of the seriousness of the offence. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for six months.

Drove a Seat Leon without third party insurance and without due care and attention.

Tayaine Ebanks-Blake, 18, Brooke Road, Princes Risborough: damaged a window at Bullen Court, Chalfont St Peter, valued at £529.44, which belonged to High Town Housing Association. Ordered to pay compensation of £529.

Assaulted two women in Chalfont St Peter. Fined £80.

John Evans, 47, Avenue Road, Winslow: assaulted an emergency worker by beating. Fined £307. Ordered to pay compensation of £50, a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Tavie Beckett, 18, Ayrshire Close, Aylesbury: stole cosmetics from Sainsburys, Aylesbury. Discharged conditionally for six months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Ann Nevin, 28, Winslow Road, Nash: drove a silver Ford Focus on Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, while disqualified. Fined £101. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for three months.

Ashley Taylor, 37, Honeycomb Way, Buckingham: stole tools from a Citroen Relay valued at £446.99. Fined £67. Ordered to pay compensation of £446, a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

An annual charity run around Gawcott has raised £537 for Alec’s Angels.

This is the ninth year of the event, which fundraises for the charity set in up memory of Alec Jarvis from Hillesden, who died in 2011 from a brain tumour, aged nine.

Alec’s dad Brian Jarvis said of the run: “We had a toddlers race, plus a race for children and adults, and 37 people participated.

“The adult run involved completing a one mile lap of the village to the Methodist Chapel, around the playing field and back.

"The toddler race involved a dash across a field!"

To find out more about the charity and for more photos of the run search for Alec’s Angels on Facebook.

Seven local fundraisers are undertaking expeditions around the world to support the Puzzle Centre in Middle Claydon - a charity that helps young children with autism.

Titled 'the magnificent seven' by the charity, the group are taking on challenges including walking all the way around the world, running a marathon on the Great Wall of China, climbing to Everest Base camp, and cycling around the island of Mallorca.

Funds raised through their efforts will support the Puzzle Centre, which helps children and families struggling with the challenges of autism – and aims to set up a national centre for excellence in Milton Keynes.

The most adventurous of all the expeditions is being undertaken by Swanbourne based author and adventurer Tom Fremantle, who is aiming to circumnavigate the globe on foot.

Tom, who has previously cycled to Australia, is carrying his belongings in a small cart and walking 20 miles a day.

His 16,300-mile, three-and-a-half year journey will take him from the US-Mexican border, across Europe, Africa, Australasia and Asia.

He is aiming to raise £30,000, to be shared between the Puzzle Centre and two other charities.

Tom said: “Walking around the world sounds bonkers but it is actually quite doable.

"I love walking and most of us do not walk nearly enough.

"During this walk, I hope to show that we can trust each other more and fear each other less.”

In the coming weeks his trek brings him to the UK, where he will be inviting people to join him on a 26-mile companion walk.

The second fundraiser of the 'magnificent seven' is Winslow Rotary Club member Don James who is currently climbing to the Everest base camp in Nepal, with the aim of raising £5,000 to support the Puzzle Centre.

Funds raised from his walk will be used to train teachers and therapists in PACT – an autism communication therapy for pre-school children.

On his return Don will be giving a talk to the Winslow Rotarians on June 4 when there will also be a cheque presentation to the Puzzle Centre.

Speaking before his departure he said: “I am going to trek to the most iconic base camp of all, at the foot of the greatest mountain in the world.

"This is one of the world's classic treks of 84 miles to the base camp and back.”

The third fundraiser is travel blogger Jordan Simons, a former pupil at Buckingham’s Royal Latin School, who will be battling gravity when he competes in the Jin Shan Ling Great Wall Marathon in China on April 21.

The 26-mile run will see him climb more than 6,000 feet in temperatures up to 24C.

Jordan quit his job and sold his belongings in 2014 and has spent four years visiting more than 60 countries and running a global travel blog from his laptop.

He said: “I grew up in Buckingham and even though I travel a lot now, it will always be my home.

"I was fortunate to have a good education that has enabled me to do the things I am passionate about – I believe everyone should have that chance, which Puzzle are providing to young children with autism and other communications difficulties.

“I’ve never run a marathon before – or even a half marathon – and this will definitely be the biggest challenge of my life so far.”

A week later on April 27, the fourth fundraiser, Puzzle Centre friend Lee Burgess, will cycle around the Spanish island of Mallorca – a total of 194 miles – in a single day.

Lee, who currently lives in Cumbria and aims to raise £1,000, said: “The support and care which the Puzzle Centre gives to families has an immense positive impact on understanding the development needs of the children and on quality of life for the whole family.”

Closer to home, the next featured fundraisers, Puzzle Centre trustee Guy Brogden and his son Archie will be running the Milton Keynes Marathon on Monday May 6.

And completing the 'magnificent seven' on June 15 will be Christian Dixon from Brackley, head of partner management at Mercedes-Benz Formula E team, who will be running his first ultra marathon, 69 miles along Hadrian’s Wall from Carlisle to Newcastle.

He said: “Apart from the run itself, this event will be a huge challenge as I expect to accumulate over 1,000km in training and dedicate over 100 hours.

"The Puzzle Centre’s support positively impacts so many lives and I hope that we can make a positive impact as well.”

The University are planning on building a new halls of residence on the corner of Station Road and Chandos Road which partly incorporates a footpath, known as the Railway Walk, that has been used since 1966.

While the University has pledged to retain public access via a 'permissive path', Buckingham Town Council (BTC) have insisted the thoroughfare be designated a public right-of-way in order to secure it long term.

As Mark Cole, Deputy Mayor of Buckingham and chairman of the town council's planning committee, said at the Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) planning meeting on 3 April:

“A landowner may withdraw a permissive path at any time.”

The issue is further complicated by the fact that an upgrade to the Railway Walk was commissioned as part of the 380-dwelling planning application in the Tingewick Triangle and without public access to the footpath this sustainability aspect of the new housing development will be lost.

Councillor Cole said:

“The town council is endeavouring to encourage walking and cycling for school children to reduce the number of car journey's made by parents to take their children to school and without a right-of-way suitable through the former station that ambition is lost.”

In his submission to the planning committee last week, David Green from Delta Planning, representing the University of Buckingham, made great play of the University's positive contribution to the town, saying:

“The University's plans to invest in Buckingham are clear and very strong.”

He continued:

“As with any landowner you want to maintain the flexibility of the route around the site,” adding, “to require it to be public is not necessary or reasonable.”

Councillor Llew Monger appeared far from convinced, saying:

“It seems to me that the University wants us to believe that they are supporters of community but they're being extremely difficult about this.”

Indeed a curious aspect to this is the fact that while at times the University has claimed the right-of-way issue must be dealt with outside of the planning application, another permissive path that runs through the University is being designated a public right-of-way along with the student accommodation plans.

Councillor Robin Stuchbury noted:

“They know how to do it because they have granted a right-of-way from Lenborough Road across to Chandos Road - what's so different?”

In order to attempt to secure the contentious footpath as a public right-of-way, the Town Council must now seek to establish 'a right-of-way by usage.'

To achieve this, BTC will need to show that the path has been in constant, continuous use for at least 20 years. This evidence, provided by the public, can then be presented to the rights of way committee at Bucks County Council for consideration.

Evidence forms are available at the Tourist Information Centre at The Old Gaol or can be downloaded from the Buckingham Town Council website.

A Northamptonshire beauty queen is in the running to claim the crown at the world-famous contest in July after being picked from thousands of young women to be one of 40 girls in the running.

It will be the 21-year-old's second try at the contest after finishing runner-up in the 2018 competition. But if she wins this year, she could represent the UK at the international Miss Universe event.

Saffron, who moved to Towcester from London in December, said: "I'm very excited. I feel ready for it. I feel I will be a worthy winner and make history for Great Britain if I claim the crown. for now, it sort of feels like the world is watching."

When she was 18-years-old, Saffron was named Miss Galaxy England and now has her sights set on the international Miss Universe prize.

But her triumphant journey has been a troubled one, as the 21-year-old says she was bullied at her secondary school in Luton.

But now, Saffron talks to students in schools about tackling bullying and how to be yourself as an ambassador for the Papyrus Mental Health Awareness charity.

She said: "I think it's important to talk about how it's okay to not be okay. young people need to speak out and talk about themselves and what they're going through, and be okay with who they are.

"It's that kind of charity work I'm focusing this year. I've had a year to grow and think and I've got so much more to talk about. I feel if I can make a change in one young person's life it will be worth it."

Saffron - whose work has been sponsored by Fitzroy Dental Practice in London - will face down her other contestants on July 11.

If she takes home the crown, she will be entered to represent Great Britain in Miss Universe 2019.

More than 230 people attended an Easter craft event at Lace Hill Community Centre on Sunday April 7.

As well as craft activities there was also a pop-up animal farm - pictures by June Essex.

Thames Valley Police is to be the first force in the UK to use new technology that detects when drivers are using a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel.

The equipment can detect how many cars on a particular stretch of road are using their phones without a hands free kit.

It will help officers in the Thames Valley target areas where mobile phone use is prevalent and when an individual using their phone is detected the device will flash a mobile phone symbol at the car, advising them to stop using their mobile.

The technology can detect when Bluetooth is being used but cannot detect if a passenger is using the phone, but the sign will still be activated reminding motorists of the distraction a mobile phone can cause whilst driving.

The new equipment will be used as part of a week of enforcement and education activity running from Monday April 15 to Sunday April 21 as part of the National Police Chief’s council campaign.

It will be located on the A34 in Oxfordshire initially but will be posted at different locations throughout the Thames Valley during the course of the campaign while officers will also be out on patrol stopping motorists caught using their mobile phone.

Anyone caught using a mobile phone whilst driving can get an automatic fixed penalty notice and potentially six penalty points on your licence and a fine of £200.

Cases could also go to court where there is a chance of disqualification from driving or riding and a potential fine of up to £1,000 for car drivers.

The campaign is being supported by Kate Goldsmith, whose daughter Aimee died aged 11 following a road traffic collision on 10 August 2016.

A lorry driver had been using his mobile phone to change music whilst driving and ploughed into stationary traffic crushing a number of cars and killing Aimee, her stepbrothers Josh Houghton, aged 11, Ethan Houghton, aged 13, and the brothers mum Tracey Houghton, aged 45.

Kate, who has been an active campaigner over the use of mobile phones by drivers said: “I am supporting this campaign and welcome any technology which can assist in educating people and stop them from using their mobile phones whilst driving.

"Most mothers’ look forward to planning their daughter’s weddings - I had to plan Aimee’s funeral.

“My son Jake was travelling in the car behind the one that Aimee was travelling in, thankfully he was uninjured, but he literally saw the moment that killed his sister.

“Please take a minute to just think about that.

"Seeing your sister, brother, daughter, son or any person you love being killed.

“This was down to someone being distracted by their phone whilst driving a lethal weapon.

"My daughter’s death was completely avoidable.

“Please don’t use your mobile phone whilst driving it’s not worth the risk.”

PC Liz Johnson, a roads safety officer for Thames Valley Police's joint operations roads policing unit said: “Research shows us that you are four times more likely to crash if you are using a mobile phone whilst driving, reaction times are around 50% slower than a driver not using a mobile phone.

“It is also apparent that you are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal collision when texting compared with drink driving.

“In the Thames Valley since 2014 there have been 83 people killed or seriously injured as a result of drivers using their mobile phones and 40 have been killed or seriously injured in Hampshire.

“It is vital that people take notice and stop using their mobile phones whilst driving.

“The joint operations unit will continue to educate people of the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving through our “It’s Not Worth The Risk” campaign and reduce the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives.

“We will be utilising the new technology from Westcotec to help inform our enforcement activity to find hotspots and also further educate motorists.

“Additionally, officers will be carrying out enforcement activity throughout next week.

"We will be utilising a bus in order to travel around locations in the Thames Valley and Hampshire to spot motorists breaking the law and using mobile phones.

“My advice would be to turn off your phone whilst driving, put it out of reach, out of view so that more innocent people don’t lose their lives.

"Remember it is not worth the risk.”

The new technology has been developed by Norfolk company Westcotec whose managing director Chris Spinks said: “Our system is designed to provide intelligence to police officers so that they can carry out enforcement activity in order to reduce the amount of people who are using mobile phones illegally on our roads.

“Our technology provides a visual sign to motorists who are using a mobile phone whilst driving without Bluetooth.

“We are pleased to be working with the joint operations unit for Thames Valley and Hampshire Police to reduce the devastating impact of people driving whilst using a mobile phone.

“We will continue to develop new technologies so that we can help reduce people being injured and losing loved ones through the needless use of mobile phones whilst driving.”

Brackley Town’s eight-match unbeaten run came to an end at Vanarama National League North play-off rivals Spennymoor Town.

Saints lost 2-1 in Saturday’s game, made to pay for some poor finishing at fourth-placed Spennymoor where Glen Taylor’s 23rd league goal of the season took his side joint third with Kevin Wilkin’s boys. Ryan Hall had earlier given Spennymoor the first half lead which Shane Byrne cancelled out from the penalty spot only for Taylor to win it late on.

Saints began well and top scorer Lee Ndlovu turned inside to make space but was denied by Matt Gould. Moors struggled to carve out clear cut chances in the first half but they broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when Rob Ramshaw and Taylor combined for Hall to apply the final touch.

But Gould presented Saints with their equaliser two minutes later when he fouled Ndlovu who got their just ahead of the Moors keeper to the ball and Byrne converted the ensuing spot-kick. Saints almost snatched the interval lead when Shep Murombedzi’s speculative shot from distance in added-time was not gathered cleanly by Gould.

Saints looked as though they would at least come away with a point in the second half but they failed to build on their first half display.

Saints missed several good chances, the best falling to Ndlovu who raced on to a long clearance from Danny Lewis but allowed Rob Atkinson to clear before he could pull the trigger. Matt Gould also did well to block Ndlovu’s goal bound effort while Ellis Myles and Luke Fairlamb had shots blocked when well placed and Matt Lowe’s effort was deflected wide.

But it was Spennymoor who took all three points in the 76th minute when Mark Anderson created the opening for Taylor to beat Lewis.

Outward has cult classic potential.

To set the scene you play an adventurer who must survive through a combination of stealth and battle against the threat of creatures and extreme environmental conditions.

Indeed one of the biggest threats you must protect yourself from are infectious diseases. Not to mention making sure you get enough sleep and stay hydrated.

Aurai is a deadly but imaginatively crafted world and the key to success is coming up with a winning formula to survive in the wilds as you explore alone or in co-op mode.

Nine Dots Studio claims Outward offers a unique experience with every playthrough.

On paper it should be a chart topping must-play open world RPG but it doesn’t quite hit those lofty heights.

In terms of graphics it’s not a feast for the eyes. This could be forgiven if there was an awesome innovative combat system and faster loading times. But there isn’t. Beginning your adventure with next to nothing you are thrust into the world with only the basics and your wits to survive and progress.

There is no level system to this game and your main boosts come from training by speaking to NPC’s and the crafting or finding of better weaponry and armour.

You guide your way around the world with the help of a static map with just a few main structures/areas pointed out but that is all the help you will get.

You have to recognise your area in order to make your way to key points which actually works really well as you find yourself exploring and not just running directly to your goal point. But combat is very rigid and your actions feel delayed from when you actually press the button which I found very frustrating. You can however speed up your dodging and moves by dropping your backpack which is a nice touch.

There is an element of replay appeal to the game which seems to offer many ways to complete quests. But the negatives counteract that in many respects.

At £27.99 or thereabouts you are kind of getting what you pay for and you will be hard-pressed to find better value anywhere else, particularly on PS4. I can see many months from now that Outward may well be offered up on as free download on the PS Store at which point it will undoubtedly prove very popular and may just become something of a cult classic. But for a purchase right now it is lacking in too many areas.

On: ps4, XB1 & pc

Rating 6.5/10