“The hidden Church with the big heart” 62 Station Road.

Always here with a warm welcome and time to chat and listen, do come along and join us
on Sundays at 10.30am for Morning Worship led by our Minister, Rev Heegon Moon, or by Ministers and Local Preachers from the Vale of Aylesbury Methodist Circuit to which we belong. Refreshments follow our services, time to chat and listen.
NB we are celebrating Harvest Festival with our friends at St Andrew’s Church on Sunday 21st September at 10.30am, so will have no service in our church. But do come to St Andrew’s.

It’s busy, and often noisy, on Wednesdays when we re-organise our worship space and halls and host Tots and Toys. Great fun for the little ones and a good place for their carers to meet friends and make new friends. We enjoy it all, too, as we serve teas and coffees, juices and biscuits, and there’s always time to chat and listen.
Tots and Toys is a drop-in morning play and craft session for the under-5s with their parents or carers held in term-time only on Wednesdays between 9am and 11.30am.

Our Exploring Faith Group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 2pm, next meeting 2nd September but please check (*see below) as there are occasions when we are unable to meet. Time, again, to chat and listen.
E-mail Liz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or *text 07720647914 to find out more or to check dates. All our spaces are available for hire, too.
If you are unable to join us for our service at Chinnor there are live-streamed services from Aylesbury Methodist church every week from 10.30am with previous weeks available on catch up. https://thesundayservice.gallery.video/aylesburymethodist

Over the last few weeks Chinnor Library has hosted a series of regular events including  Rhymetime, Lego Saturdays and the Summer Reading Challenge.  We have also hosted some very successful one-off events for local children.  Two of our regular Saturday morning story-tellers visited the Mill Lane Community Garden to meet their young gardeners club for a very engaging gardening story-telling session, on what turned out to be a super hot Saturday.  

There was also a well-attended (50 children and 37 adults!) and much enjoyed afternoon with Mr Twister the balloon maestro in the beautifully air-conditioned library. Mr Twister worked hard, and stayed late, to ensure that all fifty children went home with the balloon model they had chosen and he even made a bunch of flowers for the desk in the Library. 

We held a drop-in session in the library with sets of Sphero Robot Cars that the library manager had borrowed from Oxfordshire Library Service. The Robot Cars were a great success and provided a lot of fun to the children and the parents and grandparents who took part. We may well run other sessions like this, though perhaps organised differently, to ensure that everyone has access to a robot car set and time to enjoy learning some simple coding at a level appropriate to each small group of children.   

We also had our annual Teddy Bear Sleepover which was attended by 20 very excited teddies who, following crafts & a bedtime story, stayed in the library overnight. We weren’t privy to what they got up to as we obviously weren’t there but the security camera caught a few naughty antics!

Friends of Chinnor Library were also very pleased and grateful to be awarded a grant by the Chinnor Open Gardens committee, which was presented to the FoCL committee in the Library by Ray and Christine from the Chinnor Open Gardens team.  In future articles we will let you know how we have spent this much appreciated grant.

Lastly, a reminder that we are asking you to get in touch if you know of anyone locally who has mobility, financial or other issues and who might struggle to use the Citizens Advice service in Thame but would use one in Chinnor if it was available.  As mentioned in the last edition of the Pump we would also welcome feedback on activities you would like to see taking place in your library.

Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call into the library off Station Road, OX39 4PU.

Once  again Chinnor Community Church is inviting you to join us at our Make a Difference Day.

We are holding it on 18th October, at Chinnor Community Church from 10 am until 2 pm  - and as always there will be stalls selling handmade crafts of all kinds and the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch or tea and coffee
Any money raised at this event will be used to cover the transport of shoeboxes full of small clothes, school supplies, hygiene and of course toys to needy children around the world. (last year we were able to send 405) Once we have covered this cost any further cash will be given to Samaritan’s Purse in their work providing aid and relief wherever it is needed  They have so far sent over 48 tonnes of ready to use nutrient -dense food to treat children battling with severe acute malnutrition for example.
It is hard for us to imagine how a toothbrush, a pencil  or pants and knickers can get a child excited isn’t it? but the fact is that it does - and as for a cuddly toy or even just a tennis ball WOW they feel really special if they find one of those in their box.(which of course they will!)
There will never be enough boxes to give one to each child sadly,  but Operation Christmas Child - a project run by Samaritan’s Purse - try to organise it so that as many children as possible can experience the Good news and Great Joy that receiving a box (which will in most cases be the first and only present  they will receive.) gives.

It was great to see so many of the lovely people of Chinnor at this event last year and it would be lovely to see you again (along with any friends and neighbours of course)
Please help us to Make a Difference in the life of some little boy or girl this Christmas

Pam Dunn. 01844 350409. 

Despite the record-breaking heat, lack of rain and hosepipe ban this summer, the garden continues to provide a wealth of produce.  Our new venture this year, growing flowers for cutting has gone well, and the beds are a riot of colour.  We are now working on a system for making and presenting bouquets to share.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Fun in the Garden on Friday 15th August.  There was a great turnout and the event lived up to its name with children excitedly sowing seeds, making and racing fish, floating butterflies, sailing boats and having fun with music using recycled materials.  The Treasure Hunt was particularly popular - who knew there were gnomes hiding in the garden! Thanks to everyone who put the event together and special thanks to Linda and Selina from Chinnor Library who read stories and provided a magical interlude in the shade on a very hot afternoon.

As summer draws to a close, we are still busy with regular routine jobs and garden  maintenance.  The pumpkins have turned colour early this year so we will need to find a way to keep them fresh for our usual Halloween Event.  There will also be a lot of autumn pruning this year, as five years into the making of the garden, the trees and shrubs are maturing and need shaping.  If there are things you would like to see in the garden, let us know or better still, get involved and help make them happen.

We are looking forward to the return of Little Greens Garden Club which re-starts on Saturday 13th September.  We can't wait to see you all again for more garden fun and learning.  If you haven't been before and would like to join us, please email to book a place.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Finally, the garden continues to open at the week-ends from 12.30 to 5pm.  Come along and enjoy this lovely space that continues to grow and deveop.  Mill Lane Community Garden is a 'not for profit' organisation and relies on grants and gifts for plants and materials.  If you would like to make a donation, you can do so via cash donations in the letter box on the gate or via bank transfer.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about the garden, contact us in the usual ways; via our Faccebook page, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website: milllanecommunitygarden.com

A brand-new trophy cabinet has been installed at Chinnor Village Hall, marking a proud moment for the local community and especially for Chinnor Short Mat Bowls Club (CSMBC), whose impressive array of awards now has a permanent and prominent home.

The gleaming cabinet in the hall foyer was officially unveiled this week, with newly appointed Chair of Chinnor Village Hall, Colin Moore, standing proudly alongside CSMBC Captain Bob Hine for a commemorative photo. 

Bob Hine, who has captained the bowls club through numerous seasons of League matches and competitions during the 25 years the club has existed, spoke warmly about what the new cabinet represents. “It’s more than just glass and wood – it’s a symbol of team spirit, dedication, and local pride. Our members have worked hard for every trophy in there, and it’s fantastic to see their efforts displayed where the whole community can appreciate them.”

The new Chair of the Village Hall committee echoed these sentiments, noting how important it is to celebrate local groups and encourage community involvement. “Chinnor is a village with a strong sense of togetherness, and the bowls club is a perfect example of that. We’re proud to offer a space that supports their success and provides a place where achievements can be seen and shared.”

The cabinet features an impressive collection of cups, shields, and plaques. It has already become a talking point among hall users and visitors, with many stopping to admire the trophies and reminisce about past games and victories.

Funding for the cabinet was made possible through a disbursement of funds from the now defunct Bucks Short Mat Bowls Association. The design was chosen to complement the hall’s interior while providing secure, long-term display space.

Chinnor Short Mat Bowls Club continues to be one of the village’s most active and successful groups, welcoming players of all abilities and ages. The club not only offers competitive sport but also provides a valuable social outlet, with friendships and camaraderie at the heart of its tri-weekly sessions.

With the new cabinet now proudly in place, the club is already looking forward to what the next season will bring – and hopefully retaining some trophies in the collection.

If you are interested in trying out the game please contact Bob on 01844 351154

Maybe you would like to find out more about the New Village Hall Committee please contact Alanah by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Whether you're a long-time supporter, a past player, or someone curious about giving bowls a try, the cabinet serves as a visible reminder of the rewards of teamwork and community involvement. For Captain Bob and the rest of the squad, it’s a fitting tribute to their hard work – and an inspiration to keep aiming for silverware.

Extra Special news

The elves that work all year in the community for Santa have reported back to Lapland that some children who come to railway are not always good as they should be and just hope they will get presents for being good at Christmas! Well - Santa is worried about this and wants to come and see the children to make sure they are good, and they get the presents they deserve.

He is making a surprise visit to the railway on Sunday 14th September from 10am to 4pm to meet the children, so the elves in the workshop can make the right presents for Christmas. He will be at the station and may travel on the train, so make sure you have tickets for the train ride. Come and ride behind our big steam engine!

Elves will be with Santa and there will be chance for adults to take pictures with him as proof that Santa thinks their little ones are good and should get presents. We will have facepainting on the station for all the children (and adults!!). A donation to the Railway charity of £5 is suggested for the face painting. Our shop and café will also be open on the day. Come along and see Santa at Chinnor and get ready for the Christmas fun.

Bookings for the Santa Specials in November and December are live on the website so book early if you want to come and see him and enjoy a magical trip with us.  Santa Specials will run on 29^th/30^th November, 6^th/7^th, 13^th/14^th, 19^th/20^th/21^st/22^nd of December, with tickets costing £24.50 per person in November and £29.50 per person in December.  Everyone gets a free drink and mince pie/biscuit, plus an age-appropriate gift for every child.  Also, plenty of entertainment on the train and at Chinnor Station.

Please don’t forget that Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway is a charity and relies on totally on ticket income and donations to keep it functioning.  Donation can be made via https://www.chinnorrailway.co.uk/section.php/12/1/donations.

Parish Council Meetings will be held at Chinnor Community Pavilion at 7.00pm public are welcome to attend.

01/09/25 Full Council

08/09/25 Planning

15/09/25 Finance

22/09/25 HR

29/09/25 Amenities

August Bank Holiday Marquee Events Celebrate Community Spirit

This year’s August Bank Holiday brought the community together once again with a vibrant programme of events and activities. From start to finish, the celebrations offered something for everyone — from opportunities to socialise and connect, to moments of fun, creativity, and fundraising for worthy causes.

We would like to thank all who attended, as well as the dedicated organisers and volunteers whose hard work made these events possible. Their efforts ensured a truly memorable weekend, filled with community spirit and enjoyment for all.

Chinnor Community Awards Celebrate Local Heroes

Chinnor proudly hosted its 3rd Community Awards evening, honouring the remarkable individuals and groups who dedicate their time and energy to enriching the lives of others. The event was both an honour and a privilege, providing an opportunity to thank those whose contributions make such a difference across our community.

With heartfelt thanks to all nominees and volunteers, the evening highlighted the power of community spirit. This year’s winners were:

• Volunteer of the Year: Jackie Gunn, Chinnor Open Gardens
• Sporting Achievement: Chinnor Youth Football Club Under 16’s Girls
• Service with a Smile: Steve Doel, Driver for the Village Centre
• Recognition Award (Group): St Andrew’s Lunch Club
• Recognition for a Young Person: Jacob Wagerfield
• Lifetime Achievement: Maureen Dyroff, leadership in environmental advocacy

“These awards are about shining a light on the everyday heroes who make Chinnor such a special place,” said Liz Folley, Parish Clerk “Each nominee and winner reflects the heart of our community, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication.”

The organisers extend their gratitude to everyone who supported and attended the celebration, making the evening a truly memorable occasion.

 Planning Applications The best way to keep up-to-date with new applications is to register with SODC to receive alerts direct to your inbox  https://www.southoxon.gov.uk/south-oxfordshire-district-council/planning-and-development/

We hold Planning meetings monthly and the agenda and details of applications being considered can be found on our website https://www.chinnorparishcouncil.gov.uk

Newsletter

keep up to date with the latest news and events by receiving an emailed weekly newsletter. To sign up visit the Parish Council website and register your details or contact the Parish office.

https://www.chinnorparishcouncil.gov.uk/?s=newsletter

The AGM is on 3 September 2025 at 19:30. This is your opportunity to hear about the years activities and meet some of the potential new trustees, including a possible new Chair. 

AUTUMN FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Supporting the village centre

BUCKS SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE WITH THAME & HADDENHAM CHORAL SOCIETY – AUTUMN CONCERT:  Saturday 6 SEPTEMBER  2025 @ 19:00  ST MARY’S CHURCH THAME OX93AJ – Proceeds to the Village Centre

OCTOBER FEST:   Friday 17 October 2025 - Chinnor Silver Band & Food.  Sausages, roast potatoes, salad and black forest gateaux.  £20 per head.  Drink German Beers

SOUND BATH:   This is back by popular demand on Friday 7 November.  This is usually sold out very quickly.  To register your interest please contact Centre Admin

BARN DANCE – Friday 14 November 2025 - Chinnor Village Hall run by the Chinnor u3a

CHRISTMAS FAYRE:  Saturday 29 November 2025

CHRISTMAS FAMILY CONCERT & PARTY:  Sunday 21 December 2025

BURNS SUPPER:  Friday 23 January 2026

BARN DANCE

An event in conjunction with the Chinnor & District u3a. 

LEGACY FUNDING

If you are writing your will please consider leaving a charitable donation to the Chinnor Village Centre in your will.   You would be making a difference.  

For further information on any of the events or to give a donation please contact Julie or Rayne in the Administration Office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  01844 353733

VOLUNTEERING

It is very rewarding to give back to your community, make friends and learn new skills.  Support is needed in all key areas the café, mini bus and Friendship Clubs

If you have time on your hands come and find out how you can help, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel 07779732097

PODIATRY COMING TO THE VILLAGE CENTRE ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2025

Special concessions for CVC members, staff or volunteers.  £35.00 for a 45 -minute treatment (£5.00 of which is donated to VC).   Other rates by request.  For further information contact Nettie (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Tel 07711337243