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

“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square” Pope Francis last words to his nurse in April this year.

“Thank you for bringing me back” …. Did you come to church as a child, a young person, as an adult and did you drift away? Many of us have.

Have you thought about coming back? We would love to welcome you.

A bit too daunting? Well, try coming to the Marquee service at White’s Field on Sunday 24th August at 10.30am; usually a relaxed café-style with folk from our village churches sitting around tables with coffee and snacks.

And hopefully you will soon be saying “Thank you for bringing me back.”

Alternatively just try walking up our pathway, our glass doors swing open and one of us will be there to welcome you; there will be music, band or organ, sometimes both, and plenty of chatter (we are dispersed around Chinnor and the Chilterns, catching up, caring for each other is important to us).

Sunday morning worship at 10.30am, tea and coffee follow.

Our Charity Table is currently raising funds for Bucks Scannappeal, donation/honesty bowl for all items including jams, chutneys and pickles. All visitors/hall users are very welcome to browse and buy.

Tots and Toys. We also hold a drop-in morning play and craft session for the under-5s with their parents or carers on Wednesdays in term-time, 9am-11.30 am. There is a designated space for parents and babies, and many exciting toys for all to enjoy in our worship space, a separate crafts room with playdough, pasta/rice play, painting/gluing activities, and a warm (cool in summer) kitchen area where we serve tea/coffee, juice, and biscuits. The morning closes with time for a story and plenty of singing.

Our Exploring Faith Group meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 2pm, but please check (see below) as there are occasions when we are unable to meet. 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

A rather wet Saturday, road works scheduled on the B4009 and a tree coming down on the road from Risborough were problems which prevented Open Gardens from having as many visitors as previous years. However around £4,300 was raised for local charities and community groups. As I write this the grants for local charities and groups have yet to be awarded. We will let you know the successful applicants in next month’s issue of the Pump.

Thank you to everyone who opened their garden, people who donated plants, the small army of helpers over the weekend including U3a members, the Village Centre for providing the Hop-on Hop-off, mini bus. Thank you to all the supporting events and you, the public who visit each year making this event so enjoyable and successful.

Several new gardens open each year which helps to keep interest for those who visit every year. If you or anyone you know would like to take part or be involved next year please get in touch. Please phone 07761582937 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. check out the website chinnoropengardens.co.uk

We will be holding another quiz night on Thursday August 21st in the Marquee at White's field. Doors will open at 7.15pm for a 7.45pm start. With our resident quizmasters running this show! Just £5.00 per person for a fun night out and you can bring your own nibbles and drinks. There will be a game of 'heads and tails' to warm us up and a raffle too. This is a really popular event so if you haven't reserved a table (max 8 per table), do it now! call Robin on 07795 436375 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Sei Revidon from Chinnor to attend the 2025 Rotary Youth Leadership programme

Chinnor Rotary is delighted to confirm that Sei Revidon, an 18 year old resident of Chinnor, will attend this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Award programme. He is an aspiring camera operator studying at the London Screen Academy. He is currently specialising in Postproduction. Next year, Sei will complete a Level 4 course focusing on sound, lighting and camera.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the Clare Foundation, Chinnor Beer Festival Committee and Haddenham Beer Festival Trust for their generous grants covering the RYLA costs for our young resident of Chinnor.

To find out more about Chinnor Rotary’s projects and how to join Rotary, visit www.chinnorrotary.org or www.facebook.com/chinnor.rotary or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

At our June meeting we had John Tyler as our speaker, he gave a very fascinating illustrated talk on the Forests of Borneo, it was amazing to see the lovely flora and fauna of the forest, and also the apes, which sadly are being threatened species, also the forest has had a considerable amount of de forestation, so much of the forest is under threat, we closed the evening with a taste of a white wine from Chile.

Our next meeting is a tasting of Summer cocktails, including  lemoncello, the evening will be hosted by Jacob from Henley Distillery, the cost for the evening will be £5pp, you will find us in The Reading Room, and we start at 8pm.

We do not have a meeting in August, but we will be at Chinnor Flower Show on Whites Field, with our bottle tombola, so come along and say hello, we shall be pleased to see you.

More information about our meetings are in the whats on page.

On the 20^th May, we had our AGM. Here is a summary of my report to highlight what our amazing volunteers achieve, year on year.

Every year when the stats are pulled together, I’m amazed how many hours have been freely given to help make our Village the place it is. Last year, our volunteers recorded over 2,170 hours. Put into context, if we had to pay for that time at the minimum wage, it would equate to a staggering £24,785 of community value.

Much of the time is spent on Donkey Lane Community Orchard. The restoration is moving into a more ‘maintenance’ phase with nettle and burdock clearing being an ongoing task at the working parties, and we continue to ensure the heritage fruit trees are cleared and protected. The Platinum Jubilee hedge along the lane side, is thickening up nicely and provides valuable food and habitat.

We are delighted that one of the results from the DNA of tree samples came back as ‘unknown’ on the national database. Which, in theory, may be a totally new variety of apple.

We have a new diagram of the Orchard noting the areas being kept as ‘wild’, the community areas and the location of the fruit trees. Our ‘tree register’ lists every fruit tree with its own unique number. Some not only have a number but have also been given a ‘name’!

The Story Group research and write ‘stories’ about the people and general area of the Orchard and so far, have published 35 articles. Copies have been printed and placed in ring binders; one being donated to the library and can be found in the ‘Local History’ section.

The Survey Group have been recording individual species and the 97 plant species, 18 species of insects and beetles, 15 species of fungus and 20 bird species so far identified have been added to the national i-Record database. Regular monitoring of bird song has taken place increasing our understanding of birds using the Orchard.

We are grateful for the assistance of South Oxfordshire Archaeology Group in helping find the location of the Orchard cottages. In March this year, the sixth round of digs took place. Using GPS readings and comparing our pits with the 1890’s OS map show that two are spot on target but a third is probably in front of the middle cottage. Each set of digs have revealed sections of walls and floors or at least rubble or compacted hard standing but so far have not revealed an end wall or a distinct corner of the buildings.

In July 2024, we began our partnership with St Andrew’s Church to hold Repair Cafés in the church, which has proved to be a great success for all involved.

The Repair Cafés have seen visitors bringing in an assortment of items. The success rate is impressive with 84% of items either fixed or advice given, preventing approximately 290 kg of waste.

Electrical and electronic items remain a big area and we had a large uptake in sewing repairs. As well as these repairs, our team of ‘Café’ volunteers, are able to offer leather repairs, book repair advice and small furniture repairs.

Our results are sent to CAG Oxfordshire which in turn feeds into Oxfordshire County Council and is reported as part of their recycling data. Our data is also entered onto the national ‘Fixometer’ tool at the Restart Project. In logging our Repair Café data, our work helps capture the national and international environmental and social impact of repairing.

This is just a summary, more in depth information can be found in the main Annual Report on our website.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers for their generosity and to our funding providers and well-wishers who have contributed so much to our ongoing achievements.

Linda Brawn, Chair, Greening Chinnor e:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. m:07973 788339 w: greeningchinnor.blogspot.com

The hot weather has been a blessing but also hard work for the volunteers as we’ve had to water almost daily as the garden has lots of young plants that need nourishing. Stepping into the garden in June can feel like everything has happened overnight. Fruit such as strawberries, currents and raspberries are ready to be harvested, blooms are wonderfully wild, and life seemingly bursts from every nook and cranny. The roses especially enjoyed the hot spring and not only smell lovely, but also look beautiful. The cut and come again flower bed are thriving.

The broad beans have been harvested, and the 'pick your own' tubs at the entrance have been planted with rhubarb, herbs, and spinach.

The garden opened over the weekend of the Chinnor Open Gardens in conjunction with the Great Big Green Week with Climate Action Oxfordshire “Your choices matter”. Thank you to Chinnor Open Gardens for this opportunity to share the garden with the many visitors who visit Chinnor – this year 17 gardens were open. The garden applied for a grant through Community Action Groups and with this grant two additional water butts and trays for the greenhouse were purchased.

Thank you to the Chinnor Parish Council for their grants which enabled the garden to purchase a fruit cage and also tools for the children to use in the garden such as spades and rakes. Little Greens Garden Club is very popular and it is lovely to see the young children enjoying this special community garden.

The garden has been approached by many community groups in Chinnor and have recently hosted a visit by the Beavers and Rainbows, and next week the Brownies will visit. In addition to these groups, the Guides and the Red Kite Centre will also be visiting in the coming weeks. For these groups, activities are planned according to their age group and geared towards their work on achieving a badge.

The garden is now open every weekend from 12.30 - 5pm. Come along and enjoy this lovely calm space. There is a plant stall and cash donations can be made through the letterbox on the gate or through bank transfer.

We have welcomed a new volunteer recently and if you'd like to volunteer or find out more about the garden, contact us in the usual ways: via our Facebook page, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website: milllanecommunitygarden.com.

You may remember that last month I was talking about the Chinnor Independent Line, but now the following announcement has been issued by the railway.

“The Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway has now formally announced that we will celebrate the opening of our new section of track over the weekend of 5th and 6th July.

The original line opened in 1872 but was finally closed under British Rail in 1989 and became derelict. When CPRRA was created in 1990s the final kilometre into Princes Risborough was been achieved via an adjacent siding owned by Network Rail (only available when not otherwise in use). Volunteers have now completed the relay of the "Chinnor Independent Line" which has been funded through donations, grants and sponsorship. The reopening of the line has been an objective of the Association since it was formed 36 years ago.

Visitors will be invited to ride the steam and vintage diesel trains running over the new stretch of line on the weekend of July 5th and 6th and afterwards.”

The exact details of train departure times and the availability of tickets for this special weekend will be found at www.chinnorrailway.co.uk. Meanwhile mark the date in your diary and make sure you can join us for this special event!

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.

The Parish Council Office – is open

Mondays – Thursdays 9am – 3.30pm and Fridays 9am – 1pm

If you require any information, please do call or email the office on
Tel 01844 353267 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Or look on our website https://www.chinnorparishcouncil.gov.uk

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

07/07/25 Full Council

14/07/25 Planning

21/07/25 Finance & Policy

Grants June 2025

We are pleased to have awarded the following Grants.

Chinnor Tennis Club    £1000 Coaching for Teenagers and those with reduced mobility

1^st Chinnor Scouts        £1000 towards camping equipment

Mill Lane School Ass.   £1000 for their woodland Storytelling area

Chinnor Players            £1000 towards new curtains for the stage

Chinnor allotments      £1000 towards a defibrillator

Community garden      £173.32 for child sizes garden tools

Village centre               £1000 towards their kitchen refurbishment.

August Bank Holiday Community Events

20th - 25th August 2025

Once again, we will be providing a Marquee at Whites’ Field to host community events. We are very pleased that there is a varied and interesting programme being presented.  

The Lineup is

Wednesday 20th

pm                           Mini Familly fun day hosted by SODC Xplorer

Evening                   Chinnor Community awards

Thursday 21st

am/pm                    Skillzone – Free activities for Children 8-14years

Evening                   Quiz hosted by Chinnor Players

Friday 22^nd

am                           Nature Fun & Produce swap hosted by Friend of the Earth

pm                           Howdy Family Disco

Evening                    Dolly Tribute night hosted by the Village Centre

Saturday 23rd

from noon                Beer Festival

Sunday 24th

am                          United Church Service

pm                         Community Tea Party hosted by U3A

Monday 25th

pm                         Flower & Produce Show

Check out our website and Facebook page for the latest details or contact the individual hosts.

PART NIGHT LIGHTING - CONSULTATION

provide the same services as county and district councils - bringing them together Tell OCC what you think about the draft part-night street lighting framework for Oxfordshire.

https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/pnl

Public Notice

Ridgeway Council - Have your say

https://twocouncils.org/home

Oxford and Shires | Ridgeway

The proposal for two unitary councils covering Oxfordshire and West Berkshire is a response to an announcement made by the Government in December 2024 which will see two-tier authorities, as seen in Oxfordshire, end and new unitary councils created. Unitary councils under one roof.

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

June 2025

This month is a quiet month for us on the Remembrance front as it is now that we are starting to plan forward for our end of summer, autumn and winter events.

As a follow-up to our VE Day Commemoration, I know that some people were disappointed that they could not get one of the Commemoration badges as we sold out of these; they are in very short supply. Poppy Co-ordinator Lynn has been able to obtain a few more badges, so if you would like one, please contact Lynn on 01844 354313.

We are now getting ready to mark VJ Day (Victory in Japan) which truly marks the end of the Second World War, although most of our troops in the Far East would have to wait some time before arriving back home. In my Father’s case, he didn’t return until the second half of 1947. As with VE Day we will be marking this with a low-key Ceremony of Commemoration at 11:00 AM on the 15th August at Chinnor’s War Memorial.

We are also starting to plan for this year’s Poppy Appeal and Co-ordinator Lynn is getting the order for poppies, wreaths, etc. together and preparing the boxes for our collectors. If you would like to join our Poppy Team please do get in touch with Lynn on the number above. We are also starting to plan another Legion Cinema Evening following our very successful screening of Operation Mincemeat last November. This will be another part of our Poppy Appeal Collection.

Finally, I learned something new about our residents; there is a very active Cribbage League involving residents of Chinnor, Tiddington, and two other communities who as part of their league, raise money for the Royal British Legion. This year their combined efforts have raised over £500.00 for the Poppy Appeal, so thank you to Andy, Vic, Sandy and all of the other participants for your very generous contribution!

Finally if you would like to join our Legion Branch, our next meeting is on July the 2nd in the Committee Room at Chinnor Village Hall at 7:30 PM or do get in touch with me.

Ian White. Branch Chair.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

01844 352085

FLOWER AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL WITH AFTERNOON CREAM TEAS : THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC : SATURDAY 7 – SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2025 : 1-5PM

The St Andrew’s Church Flower Guild hosted a flower festival with the theme of “Thank you for the Music” over the weekend of Saturday 7 June and Sunday 8 June 2025, in conjunction with Chinnor Open Gardens. The church was decorated with flowers depicting “Thank for the Music” from all decades for all age groups. Thank you to all the flower arrangers who gave up their time to take part in the festival and their creativity interpreting the theme.

In addition, several artists and crafters were present in church and shared their skills during the flower festival with the visiting public. There was also a produce stall selling jams, cakes, crafts, etc and a plant stall. A big thank you to the crafters, artists, bakers, and thank you for all the donations of plants and jams for the produce stall. Thank you to Jackie and Brian Griffiths for manning the produce stall.

Thank you also to Anita, a local willow crafter, who displayed her beautiful willow work, and created willow dragonflies and dream catchers for children to take home. Thank you also to Jon the potter who displayed his lovely pots and supplied the clay for the children to make mini clay thumb pots to be taken home to dry.

The tours of the bell tower were very popular this year and a big thank you to the Bell Tower Team who manned the tower over the weekend.

Cream teas were sold on both afternoons of the festival and again they sold out! A special thank you to Sue Greaves, who donated the scones, and her team for manning the refreshments over the weekend.

From door donations, produce sales, bell tower tours and refreshment sales a grand total of £2 116.00 was raised over the weekend. The funds raised during this Flower and Crafts Festival will go towards the ongoing care and maintenance of St Andrew’s Church. This year the walls of the Lady Chapel will be restored after water damage and new cupboards will be installed in the choir vestry for valuable storage. St Andrew’s Church is in the heart of Chinnor and beloved by locals and visitors alike. The building is used by the community, for the community.

St Andrew’s Church Flower Guild

Website: http://achurchnearyou.com/Chinnor-Sydenham-Aston-Rowant-Crowell-United-Parish

Improved physical health, enhanced mental well-being, longer life span, boarder social network….just some of the health benefits of becoming a volunteer

Would you like to join the beating ‘heart of the community’ and VOLUNTEER in Friendship Clubs, mini bus or café?  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

From September the Centre is also looking for a new Chairperson.  You would be working with a team of very enthusiastic committee members and have an opportunity to shape the future of the Village Centre.   Drop in, have a coffee, and take a look around.   Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PODIATRY helps keep the community on its feet—book your treatment and, at the same time, donate to Chinnor Village Centre.

The VC is pleased to be able to offer a range of podiatry services in the Therapy Room.   If you are a member, staff or volunteer of the VC or u3a member you can take advantage of a special concessional price of £35.00 for a 45 -minute treatment (£5.00 of which is donated to VC).  Other rates by request.  If you are interested contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel 01844 353733

u3a members - for further information contact Nettie (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Tel 07711337243

…On A Lazy Sunday Afternoon – Marquee Whites Field

Quintessential English Garden Party.  24 August 2025 (Program starts 14:30)

Sip Prosecco, sway to summer tunes, quiz your wits, win the raffle—and don’t forget the scones with jam and cream.   Join us in a Quintessential English Garden Party (sponsored by the Chinnor Parish Council).   £15.00 to book VC admin office, tel 01844 353733; email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 (concessions for VC members, volunteers and staff and *u3a members*).  

*u3a members* contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 07711337243 you will not be able to book through VC

Coming Up Next

Tennesee Tribute Night – Marquee Whites Field

Friday 22 August 19:00

To book £20.00 to book VC admin office, tel 01844 353733; email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Legacy Funding

Would you like to avoid or reduce inheritance tax liability– you could leave a charitable donation in your will.  For further information on events, donations 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