News Headlines and Events
Here are the latest news and sport headlines coupled with those from the last few months....

Wednesday 10th March

Getting ready -– Rail operators took countryside and conservation campaigners from the Wycombe area on a trip to see Kent’s high speed train link yesterday in an attempt to show them that the trains are not environmentally damaging. Tomorrow the Government will announce their preferred route of the high speed rail link from London to Birmingham through the Chilterns. It’s expected that the link will be tunnelled under the most sensitive parts of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but that’s unlikely to appease campaigners wanting to preserve the peace of the area.

Turbine power – - Outline plans to construct turbine generators in the River Thames were presented to the Government by the Environment Agency yesterday. The futuristic plans envisage positioning the generators in areas where the river flow is at its strongest. It’s anticipated that enough electricity can be generated to supply thousands of houses.

What’s on – - Cold Feet star Robert Bathurst heads the cast in Noel Coward’s Present Laughter at Windsor’s Theatre Royal in a production that runs until Saturday.

Tuesday 9th March

Pension costs soar - Councillors in Wycombe received one of the gloomiest financial reports in living memory last night as finance experts warned them to prepare for major cutbacks after the election, no matter who wins. They were warned that pet projects and jobs may have to go and that reserves will drop from £38m to £18m over the next four years. But the biggest public row will come over the amount the council has to pay to support council workers’ pensions. Experts say next year the council’s contribution to its pension fund will increase by a massive 20 per cent, and in the worst case scenario it could be 30 per cent.

High-five rapists jailed – Two men who celebrated their rape of a 13 year old Aylesbury girl with high-fives begin eight years imprisonment today. Walter Mwale, 19 and Elvis Taona, 22, denied rape and the judge at Oxford Crown Court accepted they had not coerced the girl. But she was drunk and vulnerable and they had taken advantage of her, said Judge Julian Hall. He described their attack and celebration as “sordid”.

What’s on – The Bucks County Museum launches its main spring exhibition in Aylesbury today, entitled, somewhat grandly, Half a Million Years of Life in Bucks – a look at local life from the ice age to the Tudors. It finishes in July.

Monday 8th March

Rail dilemma – Tory MPs in the Wycombe area are due to meet today to see if they can find an agreed response to proposals to build a high speed rail link through the Chilterns. A Goverment White Paper, expected on Thursday, will detail the route of the line to the Midlands. It will mean massive local disruption in the 15 years construction stage and will blight property prices within sound of 250mph trains passing every hour. The dilemma for the MPs is that the Conservatives are in favour of high speed links, particularly to Heathrow, but it’s the Tory areas in the Chilterns where the biggest opposition will come from, particularly if the line detrimentally affects homes and environments.

Odds increase – The odds on Wycombe Wanderers failing to escape relegation from League 1 have risen after an abysmal 0-0 draw against Carlisle. Some local bookies are now offering three to one on the Chairboys staying up, because it doesn’t look as though they are capable of stringing the necessary run of wins together.

What’s on – Buckinghamshire’s Claydon House, ancestral home of the Verney family for more than 400 years, opens for its spring and summer season today. See claydon@nationaltrust.org.uk for details.

Saturday 6th March

Drug plot – A Wycombe man faces jail for being part of a gang involved in what’s thought to be Britain’s biggest skunk cannabis operation. Roger Alexander, 44, of Churchill Close, had pleaded guilty at a trial that ended yesterday to conspiring to launder the proceeds of the operation and to supplying the drug. Police said that nearly £70m worth of skunk – a highly potent strain of cannabis – was imported into the UK in boxes of flowers from Holland. Earlier in trial two other Wycombe people – Mandy Cripps and Peter Gilmour – had been cleared of having any involvement with the 12 member gang.

Stitched-up – An ambitious young Conservative faces political ruin today after his conversation on a train plotting against another Tory was taped by a passenger and published on YouTube. Andre Walker resigned yesterday as a political advisor on Windsor and Maidenhead Council. A former executive committee member of the Tory think-tank Conservative Way Forward, 30 year old Mr Walker was tipped for higher things. But his mobile phone conversation planning to overthrow the council’s deputy leader, Alison Knight, and replace her with another councillor was recorded on a Windsor-bound train by a man sitting next to him who said on YouTube that he was “disgusted at what he was hearing”.

What’s on – The last time quirky entertainer Dave Gorman appeared at Wycombe Swan a few weeks ago, he sold out. So he’s back again tonight to bring his own brand of humour to those who missed out. Meanwhile, five of the country’s top saxophonists play a jazz special – Sax Appeal – at the Court Theatre in Penley near Tring tonight, in what will inevitably become a tribute to the late Sir John Dankworth.

On the pitch, Wycombe Wanderers entertain Carlisle at Adams Park in what’s bound to be another tense affair to avoid relegation from League One.

Friday 5th March

High speed route – Well placed leaks in today’s papers indicate that the proposed 200mph high speed rail link from London to the north will not pass through High Wycombe. The Government is planning to announce next week its preferred route for the trains, and sources are saying they are going to plump for an expansion of the main London to Birmingham route from Euston, passing through Hemel Hempstead and Berkhampstead. Initially it was thought the route would go from Paddington to Maidenhead, via Heathrow, and then veer north through Marlow, Wycombe and Princes Risborough.

Parky’s gift – Sir Michael Parkinson said yesterday he will be donating half of his libel payout from the Daily Mail to a trust raising money to build a children’s hospice in east Berkshire and the other half to a school for orphans in South Africa. The TV chat-show host won £25,000 in libel damages from the newspaper which wrongly reported on his family background and then didn’t apologise for nine months after knowing of the error. Sir Michael, who lives in Bray, is patron of The Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust.

What’s on - Comic Rhod Gilbert had to cancel his sell-out show at Wycombe Swan last night because he was unwell. Another date has been fixed for May, although ticket holders can get their money back if they wish. Meanwhile, the Moscow City Ballet visit Reading’s Hexagon today (and tomorrow) to dance Cinderella.

Thursday 4th March

Childminder appeal - Keran Henderson, the Iver Heath child-minder jailed for shaking a baby to death, began an appeal to clear her name yesterday. Britain’s top cot death expert, Professor James Morris, told three appeal court judges that 11 month old Maeve Sheppard could have died from natural causes after suffering a series of viral infections which left the brain looking as if it had been shaken. Mrs Henderson was jailed for three years in 2007 and released a year ago. She has always protested her innocence and villagers launched a major campaign to clear her. The foreman of the jury that convicted her by a majority verdict was later charged with contempt of court after he went public, saying the jury had not understood the original medical evidence.

Worried farmers – Cold and damp soil is worrying farmers in the Wycombe district, a report said yesterday. Soil temperatures are three or four degrees colder than they should be for this time of year, which means farmers can’t prepare their land with fertilisers and insecticides, which in turn will delay crop growing. They’re hoping thing will warm up over the next couple of weeks, but the weather forecasters aren’t confident. Elsewhere, spring flowers which are usually beginning to carpet the Chilterns by now are about three or four weeks behind. Still, behind or not, Buckinghamshire’s famous landscape gardens at Stowe open today for the spring and summer season.

What’s on - Wycombe’s Hellfire Comedy Club - who’s claim to fame is that it was where Noel Fielding first saw Julian Barratt perform, with the consequence that the pair went on to develop the Mighty Boosh comic combo – opens its weekly spring season at Wycombe Town Hall tonight with an array of new and up-and- coming comics.

Wednesday 3rd March

Murder rap rejected - A Wycombe gay businessman who got a sexual thrill out of physical violence was not murdered by the man he paid to fight him, a jury decided yesterday. Colin Butler, 49, died after a fight with Kieran Avery outside his home in Marlow Road 18 months ago after a night out of drinking and drug taking. He had numerous wounds and fractures. Avery, 21, who lived in Wycombe’s YMCA at the time, admitted manslaughter but denied murder. A jury at Reading Crown Court yesterday agreed with him, albeit by a majority verdict. Avery will be sentenced for manslaughter later this month.

Organised fights – Hundreds of schoolchildren have been involved in organised fights in Maidenhead’s town centre, police revealed yesterday. The latest after-school brawl involved over 100 pupils from Altwood and Desborough schools and spread over several streets – although casualties only amounted to one lad with a black eye and a cut lip. Police and the school authorities are now looking at ways of clamping down.

Cosy relationship – The BBC may approach local newspapers in the Wycombe area to supply them with news, it emerged last night. Director General Mark Thompson, in his review of the Beeb, said yesterday he wanted to boost investment in local news on local radio by sharing content. In the Wycombe area – the most populated area in the country without its own local radio station – BBC insiders think this will mean using reports from local newspapers for a fee. The corporate owners of the local papers, fighting falling circulations and advertising revenues, are likely to welcome the move as an added income boost, ignoring concerns about their local news monopoly as they don't compete in each other's areas.

Tuesday 2nd March

Miracle baby – Six week old Landina Seignon was lying seriously ill will head injuries when the earthquake struck. Her hospital in Haiti collapsed killing her parents and scores of doctors and nurses. For two days the little girl was trapped under rubble and suffered more critical injuries – her right arm having to be amputated. But after incredible efforts by British surgeons and aid workers, the little girl is now being looked after by a Chesham family and being treated by Great Ormond Street Hospital. Her foster mum, NajmaLatif, who has three daughters of her own, is a volunteer mother for the charity Chain of Hope and she will look after Landina until she is able to return to Haiti to live with relatives.

New victims – A pensioner has died a month after he walked into a “wall of flame” to save his wife from their blazing Henley cottage. Stanley Harley, 72, was declared a hero after returning into the fire to lead his wife Elisabeth to safety, but although he only suffered minor burns he was unable to recover and died in hospital.

Meanwhile a second motorist has died as a result of a two car smash on the Amersham to Wycombe road last week at Coleshill. A 35 year old man died at the scene and yesterday the 66 year old driver of the second car died in hospital. And a 23 year old woman is fighting for her life after a three car smash at another local accident blackspot, the Amersham to Denham road at Chalfont St Peter.

Top cat – A Marlow IT company was revelling in publicity money can’t buy yesterday after it was named best small company of the year. Softcat Ltd also won three individual awards including best boss. Happy workers are also producing healthy profits – the company hit “double digit” growth last year, despite the recession, and is planning on increasing its workforce. They don’t expect to be short of applicants.

Monday 1st March

Water, water everywhere – The Environment Agency placed 29 flood watches throughout the Thames area last night and warned that currents in the River Thames were strong and getting stronger. However, with a few days of dry weather ahead, officials say they don’t expect serious flooding, although some minor rivers are expected to burst their banks today.

Iceland payout – Local councils who lost money through the Icelandic bank collapse can expect to retrieve 83 per cent of their investments, councillors will be told today. Buckinghamshire expects to get back £5m.

Summertime blues – Noel Gallagher has applied for planning permission to build a thatched roof summerhouse in the garden of his Chalfont St Peter mansion – scotching rumours that the Oasis star is thinking of moving out of the area.

Sunday 28th February

River alert – The River Thames was on red alert from Oxford to Teddington last night as more than four centimetres of rain is set to further drench the Wycombe area today. Flood watches are already in place on parts of the Thames in addition to its tributary the River Thame and the Chalgrove Brook at Aylesbury. The red alert means that river traffic can’t use the river because of dangerous undercurrents and flows.

Chopper rescue – The top deck of a town centre car park was cleared by security men yesterday to enable an air ambulance to land. A woman in her 50s fell and broke her hip as she left her car on the top floor of the multi-storey Eden car park in High Wycombe to go on a shopping trip. Medics decided it was safer for her if a helicopter was brought in to airlift her to Wexham Park Hospital, where she was recovering last night.

Bogey ground – Stockport County may be bottom of the table and struggling to find enough money to keep going, but their Edgeley Park ground remains a bogey ground for Wycombe Wanderers. The Blues haven’t won there in 11 visits and yesterday was no exception. They were 4-0 down after an hour but then dominated the final nail-biting 30 minutes to end up losing 4-3.

Saturday 27th February

Stalker thwarted – A man appealing against his conviction for stalking Wycombe actress Lucinda Dryzek and her family has been prevented by a High Court judge from calling the 18 year old starlet as a witness. Anthony Whitehouse, from Milton Keynes, is appealing against his conviction for harassing the former Wycombe High School pupil and her family, who live in Marlow. He was told yesterday that a barrister appointed by the court will cross-examine a member of Lucinda’s family via a video link instead. The actress starred in Pirates of the Caribbean and is a regular in various TV shows.

Gypsy sites – Councillors yesterday identified three sites in the Wycombe area – at Stokenchurch, Bishopstone and Studley Green – as potential future gypsy and traveller sites. The council has been criticised for not providing enough sites, leading to illegal encampments being set up in protected country areas, but there’ll be big campaigns from local residents as it prepares for public consultation on these three shortlisted sites.

Pitch inspection – A pitch inspection at Stockport’s Edgeley Park takes place at 10 o’clock this morning to see if it is playable – but most Wycombe fans will be en route to Manchester by then as coaches and trains are leaving at 9 for the bottom of the table League One clash.

Friday 26th February

Clearing the decks – Wycombe Council last night agreed to bend over backwards to accommodate a new stadium in the town for Wycombe Wanderers, in complete contrast to the last time the football club wanted to find a new site more than 20 years ago. In the 1980s the council “forgot” to include facilities for a new stadium when it worked out its planning strategy for the district and it took the football club 13 attempts before it got permission for Adams Park, and only then after a government planning inspector forced the council to back down.

This time the council is going to find a site for the new "community" stadium - even if it is in precious Green Belt - and then change its entire planning strategy to accommodate it. But it’s going to be a bureaucratic nightmare – with public consultations first on the stadium site and then on changing the strategy. It will be the end of 2012 before the club can put in a planning application.

Teenage unit – A new unit is to be built for local teenagers with mental health problems it was agreed yesterday. Youngsters in Bucks and Oxfordshire faced visits to London or Birmingham for psychiatric care because the current 15 bed unit near Oxford has to close because it can’t provide single-sex accommodation. Now an £11m, 20 bed unit is to be built at Headington.

Theatres boost – Aylesbury’s new theatre, the 1,200 seater Aylesbury Waterside, will open for business on October 12, the council announced yesterday. The announcement marks a boost for theatre-going in the area – Wycombe’s Swan , with 1,076 seats, is to undergo a £1m revamp this summer, while in Henley campaigners are well on their way to raising the £350,000 needed to secure the future of the 205 year old Kenton Theatre, the third oldest regional theatre in the country.

Thursday 25th February

End of an era – The Chesham Building Society – the world’s oldest surviving building society – finally succumbed to the recession yesterday when its board agreed to be taken over by the bigger Skipton Building Society. The Chesham, formed 165 years ago to provide funding for people in Chesham to buy property, is one of the country’s smallest with branches in Chesham, Aylesbury and Little Chalfont and a staff of 33. But it made a loss last year and the board said yesterday the society needed to align itself to a bigger business. The Chesham has assets of £230m compared to Skipton’s £15.5bn and its 21,000 members are nearly all in the Wycombe area. The merger will have to be agreed by members at an agm in Chesham’s Elgiva Theatre at the end of March and, if agreed, will take effect in June. It’s expected some staff will lose their jobs.

Blues charged – Saturday’s mass brawl at Adams Park between Wycombe Wanderers and Millwall players led to both clubs being charged by the Football Association yesterday. The FA has accused them of failing to keep their players under control and could fine them thousands of pounds. The brawl, involving 21 players, came after Blues defender Gareth Ainsworth floored Millwall’s Tony Craig, but was then himself flattened by another Millwall player. Meanwhile Wycombe councillors meet privately today to discuss the latest developments regarding a new stadium for the Blues and tonight will make their first public statement on the proposal.

Amazing return – Aylesbury racing driver Andy Neate, who suffered horrific injuries when he smashed into a concrete wall at Silverstone at 150mph, made an amazing return to the big time yesterday when he signed to drive for the British Touring Car Championship’s title-winning team, West Surrey Racing. Father of two Andy, aged 35, was in a coma for two weeks, broke his neck, suffered multiple injuries, lost nearly three stone in weight and was unable to walk for two months. But with the help of a titanium plate fitted in his neck he has made a remarkable recovery to fitness.

Wednesday 24th February

New gateway – Councillors are expected to give the initial go-ahead tonight to a massive development that will make High Wycombe a major coach hub. If outline planning permission is given for a coach station and park and ride by the Handy Cross sports centre it will mean coaches leaving for Heathrow and Oxford every 20 minutes, and other coaches leaving every half an hour for central London, Reading and Slough. Buses will ferry passengers every 15 minutes to and from Wycombe town centre. Planners say the design of the coach station will be “a landmark building that will be eye-catching with a curved roof” because it will be seen as a new gateway to High Wycombe.

The plans also envisage five eight-storey high office buildings providing work for over 1,600 people and a hotel with 150 bedrooms. Nine wind turbines are also planned on the roof of the multi-storey park and ride to provide power for the whole site.

Another fatal – The area’s most notorious highway – the A404 between Wycombe and Amersham – has claimed another victim. A 35 year old man died and a 66 year old man is in a serious condition in hospital after their cars collided at Coleshill late on Monday night. They are expected to be named by police today. A couple of weeks ago a 72 year old woman died after her car left the road near Penn Street. It later transpired she died of natural causes.

Saints snuffed – Another spirited performance from Wycombe Wanderers saw them unlucky only to get a 0-0 draw against League Two’s highest goalscorers, Southampton, at Adams Park last night. The new look team plays with twice the energy of the side that started the season thanks to new manager Gary Waddock and now, four points from safety, hopes are high they can avoid relegation.

Tuesday 23rd February

Club rejected –Marlow Football Club has lost its long battle to build a new stadium by the banks of the Thames. A Government planning inspector yesterday rejected its appeal against Wycombe Council’s refusal to allow the 140 year old club to build a small stadium and training pitches on Green Belt near Little Marlow gravel pits. The club has outgrown its Oak Tree Road ground near the centre of Marlow mainly because of the influx of girls and women forming their own teams under the club banner.

Olympic plans – Local air parks at Wycombe, White Waltham and Denham are being asked if they can handle extra charter flights expected into the run up to and during the London Olympic Games in 2012. The Civil Aviation Authority is expecting thousands of extra aircraft movements over the games period, particularly from charter aircraft, and as part of its plans is asking local airfields if they can help relieve the strain.

Not surprising – It’s been the coldest winter for 30 years in the Wycombe area, figures showed last night. The MeteoGroup said the average temperature for the last three months has been just over two degrees – and it hasn’t been that cold for that long since the 1978/79 winter. Snow fell again over higher ground in the area yesterday, and there’s more flurries expected later this week.

Monday 22nd February

Disillusioned MP - Gloomy Wycombe MP Paul Goodman – who is standing down at the next election because he doesn’t think there’s a future for “non career” politicians – yesterday warned that even the bright sparks won’t hang around as MPs. He blogged: “The brightest and best - well, the most ambitious, at any rate - will tend to get in fast, scramble up the ladder of Ministerial office as quickly as they can, and get out faster. They'll be unwilling, on the whole, to hang around the Commons, entering the details of their new private interests in the Register. They'll leave to make money.”

Royal brewers – Brewing is retrning to Windsor for the first time for 70 years. The Windsor and Eton Brewery plans to start brewing real ale in the town later this year. At the end of the 19th century there were five brewers in Windsor providing brews for London but they all went out of business. Now small breweries are booming again – this is the latest in a crop of small brewers that launched in the last few years in the Wycombe area.

My place – When American student Lacey Green googled her own name she was amazed to find she shared her name with the Wycombe area village. The 24 year old arrives in the Lacey Green this week for a few days stay and to meet locals and visit its famous windmill. She has been offered somewhere to stay and will speak to local schoolchildren about her home in Wisconsin.

Sunday 21st February

Power plan – A nuclear power station could be operating on Wycombe’s doorstep in 20 years, the Sunday Times reports today. Scientists want to build Britain’s first nuclear fusion plant and reckon the Didcot power station, which provides most of this area’s electricity, would be favourite because of its proximity to the nuclear research centre at Culham. Nuclear fusion involves zapping frozen hydrogen bullets with strong lasers to produce a series of mini nuclear explosions. Scientists say it’s safe, clean and produces no nuclear waste.

Ballboy attacked – A referee was under attack last night for displaying just a yellow card to a Millwall player who violently shoved a Wycombe Wanderers ballboy in an ill-tempered match at Adams Park yesterday. Millwall centre forward Neil Harris, who earlier had his penalty saved, pushed the young official in the dying minutes of the game because he felt the ballboy was taking too long to return the ball after it was kicked out of play. Referee Alan Hall had earlier sent off a Wycombe’s Gareth Ainsworth for shoving a Millwall player Tony Craig but then failed to dismiss Millwall’s Danny Schofield who went in with arms raised against Ainsworth – an incident that led to 21 players getting involved in a general brawl.

Newcomers triumph – Two of the new loanees gave Wycombe a welcome three points in their 1-0 win against Millwall. Full back Julian Kelly scored on his debut, but the real hero was on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton who not only stopped a penalty but went full stretch to keep out a blistering shot near the end.

Saturday 20th February

No deal – The Conservatives yesterday turned down an offer from the Government to discuss the high speed rail link route through the Chilterns. They said they will comment on the plans only when they are made public, wrecking the hopes of Transport Minister Lord Adonis who wanted all of the parties to agree on the route before it went for public comment. But the Conservatives, aware that the likely route through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Wycombe and Aylesbury will cause an enormous row in Tory heartlands, said they were not prepared to be part of “some cosy deal reached behind closed doors.”

Signal failures – Meanwhile, there are concerns over existing rail services. Thousands of rail passengers were disrupted yesterday for the second time this week because of signal failures on Chiltern Railways. On Wednesday there was widespread disruption due to signalling problems at High Wycombe. Yesterday a signal failure between Gerrards Cross and Wembley caused cancellations and diversions.

Vital game - Promotion chasing Millwall visit relegation fighting Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park this afternoon in a League 2 game vital for both sides. Only fans with tickets bought beforehand will be allowed in – there’ll be no turnstile sales.

Friday 19th February

Family return – The devastated family of Marlow skier Tracy Boland returned home last night as Austrian police tried to find out exactly how she died on a popular ski slope. Mrs Boland, 46, died after colliding with a 26 year old Dutch woman on the slopes at Kaprun on Tuesday. The results of a post mortem are expected soon. The Dutch skier, who was not as badly injured as first thought, was said to be talking to police last night to explain what happened.

Student boost – The Wycombe based Bucks New University has seen a dramatic rise in the number of students wanting to enrol for undergraduate courses, with a 54 per cent leap in applications compared to last year. The university, which has 6,000 undergraduates and another 3,000 part-time or work based students, puts its popularity down to cash incentives and free activities it is able to offer.

Clearout threat – Three quarters of Wycombe Wanderers’ 24 man squad could leave at the end of the season if the Blues are relegated. Manager Gary Waddock says he is refusing to discuss renewing contracts with the 15 players whose contracts end this summer until he knows for certain the club is staying in League One.

Thursday 18th February

Ski tragedy – A Marlow mother of three has died in a high speed skiing accident in Austria. Tracy Boland, aged 46, of Pound Lane, was on a half term holiday in Kaprun with her husband Paul and children Charlotte, Patrick and Phillip aged between 8 and 12. She died on the ski slope on Tuesday after colliding with a 26 year old Dutch woman skier who is in a critical condition in hospital. A doctor skiing nearby tried in vain to save her. Police said last night that neither woman was wearing a crash helmet.

Second victim – A second person attending a party which saw the death of an Amersham student Ben Walters has died. Lindsey Wilson, aged 28, from Maidenhead, had her life support machine switched off. She never regained consciousness after apparently overdosing on drugs at a house party in Berkhampstead in January. Eighteen year old Ben also died at the party after experimenting with drugs for the first time. Six people were arrested in connection with Ben’s death and are likely to appear in court next month.

Racers jailed – Two drivers racing each other in their Vauxhall Astras through village streets have been jailed after one of them smashed into another car, killing its driver. Villagers in Iver said they had seen the pair overtaking other cars recklessly and going at speeds well over the limit. Dayne Brench, aged 22, from Iver, was unable to avoid a car driven by Mrs Bisa Lester, aged 50, and drove into her at 56mph, killing her instantly. He was sentenced to three years and nine months and disqualified from driving for five years. Daniel Henderson-Neil, aged 21, from Farnham Common, whom Brench was racing, was sentenced to two and a half years jail and disqualified for four years. Both pleaded guilty at Aylesbury Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving.

Wednesday 17th February

Horror find - Police digging in the garden of a missing pensioner found body parts that had been burned, wrapped in plastic and buried in concrete, an inquest heard yesterday. Pathologists told an opening inquest in High Wycombe that it wasn’t yet possible to say that the body parts are those of Samuel Alexander, aged 70, who hasn’t been seen since he went missing from his home in Drayton Parslow near Aylesbury six months ago. His 22 year old son Mark Alexander has been charged with his murder. Yesterday’s inquest was adjourned indefinitely.

Still a struggle – Figures today are expected to show that economic recovery in the Wycombe area is still a slow business. Jobless totals are expected to show a slight rise on last month’s improved figures, while retailers say that a combination of bad weather and saving after the January sales has hit sales.

And another... - The joke was last night that Wycombe Wanderers players will have to wear name badges for their next game after manager Gary Waddock signed yet another defender yesterday – the experienced Allan Bennett joining on a month’s loan from Brentford. He’s the tenth new signing in six weeks (sorry, we miscounted yesterday!)

Tuesday 16th February

YouTube champs – YouTube celebrated its fifth birthday yesterday by announcing that Marlow brothers Charlie and Harry Davies-Carr have featured in their most-watched video. The number of views topped an incredible 160 million last night and the celebrated one minute shot – taken nearly three years ago - of one year old Charlie biting three year old Harry’s finger is reputed to have earned their parents Howard and Shelly around £100,000 through advertising surrounding the clip, plus a T-shirt franchise and calendars.

Ski-centre plea – Britain’s top Alpine skier, Ed Drake, has joined a growing chorus of winter sports enthusiasts pressurising Wycombe Council into dropping its planning objections for a real snow centre on the site of the old Wycombe Summit ski slope. A planning appeal starts next month after the council turned down the plan, saying the proposed new buildings were too big. Drake, who is going for a medal today at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, trained at the Summit before it was destroyed by fire five years ago this year. So far nearly 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for the new centre to be given the go-ahead.

Another defender – Wycombe Wanderers manager Gary Waddock seems intent on fielding a side of new faces in an attempt to keep the Blues in League 2. He signed 19 year old Reading defender Julian Kelly on a month’s loan yesterday, making him the eighth new signing this year.

Sunday 14th February

Another point –Splutter, splutter, stall, splutter. It was the same old story for Wycombe Wanderers yesterday as they fought like tigers, took the lead but had to be satisfied with a point in a 1-1 draw at Brentford yesterday. Everyone – supporters, players, manager and even opponents – say the Blues can get out of the League One relegation zone, but they are still seven points from safety and slowly running out of games. Still, a goal from Kevin Betsy and a new on-loan goalie from Man U, left many ever-optimistic supporters feeling they can save themselves from the drop.

Saturday 13th February

Murder charge – A son appeared in court yesterday charged with murdering his father. Mark Alexander, 22, was remanded in custody by magistrates in Aylesbury charged with murdering his father Samuel Alexander,aged 70, who has been missing from his home in Drayton Parslow for six months. The charge came two days after police dug up a leg and a foot in the garden of the pensioner’s home. An inquest into the human remains will open in High Wycombe on Tuesday.

New keeper –Wycombe Wanderers manager Gary Waddock made a dramatic swoop yesterday to sign a young Manchester United goalkeeper on loan until the end of the season. Twenty-three year old Tom Heaton will go straight into today’s team against Brentford at Griffin Park in a vital League One game, and if he lives up to his promise he’ll be in goal until the end of the season, spelling the end for regular keeper Scott Shearer who’s form has been indifferent.

Friday 12th FebruaryM/b>

Son held – The son of a missing pensioner faces a second day of questioning today after human remains were discovered in his father’s garden. Police hunting 70 year old Samuel Alexander, who hasn’t been seen for six months, confirmed yesterday they had discovered human remains in the garden of Mr Alexander’s home in Drayton Parslow near Aylesbury. His son Mark, aged 22, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Dog’s alarm – Gardener Chris Russell drowned in the River Thames after enjoying a few drinks in a riverside pub. He was found by a barman at The Bounty pub in Bourne End after Mr Russell’s pet dog Monty apparently rushed back to the pub trailing his lead. An inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death on Mr Russell, aged 39, of Recreation Road, Bourne End. He had been walking home by the river and was found near a footbridge. Had he been driving he would have been three and a half times over the alcohol limit.

Speed row – Councillors have reduced speed limits on nearly 50 stretches of road in Oxfordshire despite police insisting the limits are TOO LOW on half of them. Thames Valley Police said most drivers would ignore the new limits, they weren’t necessary and it would be difficult for them to enforce. But councillors said nearby residents wanted the speed reductions and it was up to the police to enforce them.

Thursday 11th February

Bigamist unveiled – A Wycombe woman who became pregnant by her fiance has been shocked to discover he already has two wives and another fiancee. Alexander Roy appeared in court in Scotland yesterday charged with bigamy and is expected to be jailed when he returns to court in April. The Sherriff’s Court in Stirling heard that Roy, aged 40, had two wives in Scotland and two finances – one in Perth and another, 22 year old Marie Jackson, from High Wycombe, both of whom he had made pregnant.

Badger fears – Local farmers are calling for a cull of badgers throughout the Chilterns after cases of TB were confirmed yesterday among cattle at a farm near Aylesbury. Farmers believe badgers spread TB among cattle costing the industry thousands of pounds. But the Government are so far resisting culling and instead are pressing for vaccinations to both cattle and badgers, even though farmers say the vaccines don’t work.

Big guns – Young Guns, the Wycombe based rock quintet formed just over a year ago, began work on their debut album yesterday prior to a European tour. The band was named Best New Band and Best British Newcomers by readers of Kerrang! and Rock Sound magazine. Following the Euro tour with an American band, Young Guns will headline their own British tour later in the spring, playing 11 venues.

Wednesday 10th February

Garden search – Police began digging up the garden of missing pensioner Samuel Alexander yesterday but refused to confirm reports that the man arrested on suspicion of his murder is Mr Alexander’s 22 year old son Mark. Seventy year old Mr Alexander, a former university lecturer, hasn’t been seen at his home in the village of Drayton Parslow near Aylesbury since August. The man arrested has been released on bail.

Victim praised – The bravery of a woman kidnapped, threatened and repeatedly raped by a man over a weekend of horror was praised by police and victim groups yesterday. The Maidenhead woman, whose identity is being protected, said after her attacker was jailed: “I was not afraid to call the police; I was more embarrassed by the details. The police were very caring and supportive and I would urge other women not to be afraid to report attacks.” Wycombe man Reynold Reid, aged 47, now living in Maidenhead, was jailed for a minimum six and a half years.

Meanwhile a man appeared in court yesterday charged with raping a 17 year old girl 30 years ago. Norman Stanley, aged 60, from Bedfordshire, was remanded in custody charged with raping the teenager in Micklefield Road, High Wycombe in 1980.

Pay freeze – Everyone employed by Buckinghamshire County Council won’t get a pay rise this year, the council confirmed yesterday. An agreement hammered out with unions means that the number of jobs to be cut by the cash strapped council will be reduced to a minimum. However, in neighbouring Oxfordshire unions said they are likely to ballot for strike action after the council said jobs were threatened in plans to axe over £100m from its budget over the next few years.

Tuesday 9th February

Murder arrest – Police hunting a pensioner who has been missing for six months last night arrested a man on suspicion of murder. A 22 year old man was brought from London to Aylesbury to be questioned about the disappearance of 70 year old Samuel Alexander who was last seen at his home in the village of Drayton Parslow last August.

Electioneering begins – Tory councils in Buckinghamshire look set to grumpily impose council tax increases of around two per cent, but say if it wasn’t for the Government there would be no increases at all. Although the councils are making cuts in services and jobs they say the Government’s decision to give more cash support to councils in the north rather than the south means they have to make increases. But the Government points to Labour councils in London who are all keeping council taxes the same and to Tory led Windsor and Maidenhead Council which is making a four per cent reduction – all with less Government grant.

Late counting – Meanwhile, Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve will lead a last minute attempt to “save Election Night” in the House of Commons today. He and other top Tories will propose an amendment to a bill that will stop election officers counting votes the day after an election instead of on the night except in “exceptional circumstances”. A number of constituencies, including Henley, are set to count the next day to save costs during this year’s general election.

Monday 8th February

Staged robbery – A Princes Risborough betting shop manager and his mate staged a robbery for the sake of the betting shop’s CCTV camera, a court was told. Matthew Smith, 23, and Luke Corcoran, 20, held their fake robbery after Smith had closed the shop. Corcoran emerged from the toilets with a toy gun and Smith handed over £8,300 which Corcoran escaped with while Smith rang the police. But after police questioning Smith got cold feet and confessed. He was jailed for two years and Corcoran, who came up with the idea, got three and a half years.

Heathrow investigation – Campaigners against a third runway at Heathrow said last night they were not surprised about a criminal investigation – revealed yesterday – that’s being held into missing emails between Department of Transport and airport operator BAA. It’s suspected that the missing emails relate to doubts about the environmental data used to support the case for the runway. Campaigners have always said the noise and pollution estimates put forward to support the third runway case are unrealistic.

Stadium details – A new sports stadium for High Wycombe will come a step closer tonight when councillors are expected to agree a financial package to look into the feasibility of building the stadium – due to be the new home for Wycombe Wanderers and the rugby club London Wasps – on a site next to Booker air park.

Sunday 7th February

Back to the drawing board - Wycombe Wanderers manager Gary Waddock was forced to admit his club had taken a huge step backwards following yesterday's crushing 4-1 defeat to Yeovil Town. After a promising couple of results leading into the match, optimism was high that the Chairboys could give the fans their first home win of 2010 and make a fight for survival; however a dismal performance marred by defensive errors sees the club look ever more likely to face relegation.

Friday 5th February

MP cleared – Wycombe MP Paul Goodman appealed against a ruling that said he had over-claimed more than £3,800 in expenses – and won, it was announced yesterday. The MP, who is quitting at the next election, said the civil servant responsible for making the claim had made a mistake. In yesterday’s report on MPs expenses it was revealed that Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan had repaid the £1,800 she had wrongly claimed.

Sporty Corden – Wycombe comedy actor James Corden is turning his attention to sports presenting this year. It was announced yesterday that he is to front a World Cup show in the summer for the BBC and he’s currently recording a sports quiz show for Sky. He’s not leaving comedy altogether – he is to star in a Sports Relief sketch with David Beckham, Andrew Flintoff and Tom Daley.

Cheers! – Marlow’s Rebellion brewery clearly thinks the recession is over. It’s beer of the month for January was Bankers Bitter. This month’s special brew is called Kick Start.

Thursday 4th February

Brother’s part – Wycombe’s top golfer Luke Donald has parted company with his brother Christian as his caddy after an eight year partnership. Donald, 31, was a top ten world golfer a couple of years ago but is still struggling to regain his best form after a wrist operation. The pair have been together since learning the game at Beaconsfield golf club. US based Donald told the Chicago Tribune of the parting: “It was very emotional. There were some tears, mostly from me. You think ‘he’s going to hate me’ but he totally understood. After eight years sometimes it’s just time for a change.” Christian is now caddying for Paul Casey and John McLaren takes over as Luke’s caddy.”

Pensioner killed – One of the area’s most notorious blackspots – the Henley to Nettlebed Road – has claimed another victim after the 80 year old driver of a stationary car died instantly in a smash involving a moving car. The 44 year old driver of the other car was arrested yesterday on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Terry campaign – A Maidenhead businessman who has launched a website calling for the sacking of John Terry as England football captain has collected more than 10,000 signatures in the first 24 hours. John Tilley, a Manchester United supporter, launched his website SackJohnTerry.com on Tuesday. He said it would be a disgrace for Terry to remain captain “after bedding a team-mate’s girlfriend”.

Wednesday 3rd February

Council review – Top councillors in Wycombe meet in private session next week to decide whether they have enough cash to go ahead with major plans over the next few years, or to put them on the back burner. They include a £1.2m scheme to revamp the town’s theatre, the Wycombe Swan; a £1m plan to investigate demolishing the Abbey Way flyover and change town centre road layouts; and a £2.2m scheme to buy the old library in the centre of Wycombe and commission a redevelopment involving the adjoining old town hall.

Motorway noise – The campaign for more measures to be taken to reduce the impact of traffic noise on the M40 has received a major boost. The Local Government Association has agreed to highlight the campaign to the Government under the new Sustainable Communities Act, which means the Government will look for solutions. Thousands of people in the Wycombe area say their lives are blighted by noise from the motorway and are calling for effective noise screening and quieter road surfacing.

Friends’ farewell – Three Cavalry drum horses who worked together for the Household Cavalry and who retired together to the Horses Home for Rest in Speen near Princes Risborough have all died within a few weeks of each other. Janus, Constantine and Leonidas were great companions in their retirement stables where they moved three years ago after spending more than 20 years as working horses in Whitehall and in Royal parades. They were each in their late twenties. “Leo” was the last to die of a heart attack a few days ago, three weeks after the death of Constantine.

Tuesday 2nd February

Bus death crash - A 23 year old male motorist killed instantly in a collision with a park-and-ride bus on Wycombe’s Cressex industrial park yesterday is expected to be named today. The bus driver was recovering last night after being airlifted to hospital from the scene of the accident in Lancaster Road. The four bus passengers were uninjured. It’s not know if the icy conditions played a part in the collision but elsewhere throughout the Wycombe area the conditions resulted in scores of road accidents and traffic delays during the morning rush period. The cold weather is also thought to be responsible for a big power cut which forced most of the shops in Maidenhead’s town centre to close for over an hour yesterday.

Compensation pay-out - A teenager received millions in compensation yesterday after errors made during her birth at Wycombe Hospital left her needing 24 hour care. Alice Joyce, who’s 14 next month, receives £5.6million from Buckinghamshire Hospitals Trust in an agreed settlement. She has already received £2m in an interim payment which enabled her family to buy a home in Aylesbury which accommodates a hydrotherapy pool, which helps her cope with her severe cerebral palsy and other conditions. High Court judge Nicola Davies, who approved the compensation package, told Alice’s parents she had been “humbled” by the devoted care given to Alice by her parents, Chris and Carolyn.

Revolving door – A busy day at Wycombe Wanderers yesterday as manager Gary Waddock brought in another two players on the final day of the transfer window, and relieved the club of its most famous name. Gareth Ainsworth, who made a big impression during an earlier loan spell from QPR, joined the club on an 18 month contract and he was joined by Kevin McLeod from Brighton. The midfielders are former team-mates of Waddock from QPR days. Meanwhile, former Chelsea star Michael Duberry, who was brought in by former manager Peter Taylor but who has recently failed to make regular first team appearances, was “paid off” and left the club by mutual consent.

Monday 1st February

Terry’s local fling – Aylesbury model Jayne Connery last night revealed a five month affair with under-pressure England captain John Terry, telling the Mirror:“He has no respect for anyone – he has been getting away with it for years.” She said Terry had a five month affair with her, calling regularly at her home in the town, telling her he was single. The affair ended when the model got a call from Terry’s wife-to-be Toni. Terry is under pressure to resign as England captain following reports he made team-mate Wayne Bridge’s partner pregnant and paid for an abortion.

Station revamp – Chiltern Railways is launching a competition among architectural students to come up with ideas and conversion designs for the listed rail shed at High Wycombe station. The winning entrant will receive a cash prize and free travel on the line. The shed, designed by Brunel, is currently used as a tyre depot and storage area. It’s aimed to make it a centrepiece of a redeveloped station.

Early finish – The Olympic rowing venue at Dorney Lake near Windsor will be completed next month, ahead of schedule and within budget, the Olympic Delivery Authority has announced. A new footbridge, linking the finishing line to the athletes warm-up area, was hoisted into place last week.

Sunday 31st January

Welcome win – A couple of penalties and a fighting spirit gave Wycombe Wanderers their first win in nine games yesterday, when they beat Bristol Rovers 3-2 away from home. There’s a long way to go to beat off relegation, but there’s a greater confidence than ever in the Wycombe camp.

Saturday 30th January

Bad mood murderer – An Aylesbury pub chef who killed a Thame teaching assistant because he was “in a bad mood” begins a life sentence today. Robert Cusworth, 25, stabbed 34 year old Sally Garwood as she walked her dogs in Quarrendon Fields. Prosecutor Carl Barker told Reading Crown Court yesterday: "Robert Cusworth did not know Sally Garwood let alone harbour any previous bad feelings towards her. As he told police, he was in a bad mood, and he had bought a knife the day before because he felt 'very very angry' and wanted 'to hurt someone'. “ Cusworth will serve a minimum 20 years.

Prices recover – Local house prices have struggled back to levels of two or three years ago, according to figures from the Land Registry yesterday. The average house price in Buckinghamshire is £242,000, still £30,000 down on 2007 but comparable with 2006. In neighbouring Oxfordshire prices are back to the 2007 levels. Local estate agents say both prices and interest are perking up this month.

Bill-topper – Will Young will be the star attraction at the Henley Festival in July, the organisers announced yesterday. He’ll perform on a vast floating auditorium on the Thames.

Friday 29th January

Pub raided – Police think they have smashed a major local cannabis supply network after a series of dawn raids, including one on a town centre pub. Ten people were held after raids on The Two Brewers pub in Thame, plus houses in Aylesbury, Moreton and Thame. At the same time police entered a warehouse on a farm at Little Milton and smashed down a fake wall to discover 147 mature cannabis plants. They took £6,000 from the pub using laws under the new Proceeds from Crime Act. Last night five people had been arrested in connection with the raids.

Thames heroes – A grandmother is trying to find modest heroes who saved her and her four year old grandson from drowning in the swollen River Thames. Doreen Hughes lost her footing walking on the Thames towpath at Henley while pushing young Thomas in a pushchair. A woman first came to her aid, followed by a man and two students who heard her cries. Mrs Hughes has discovered the identity of her female rescuer but has written to her local paper so she can personally thank the others. The entire navigable stretch of the Thames, from Lechlade to Teddington Lock, has been on red alert for over a week because of dangerous flows and undercurrents. No boats are being allowed to sail.

Plane ditched – A rare 1960s singled engine Chinese plane– one of only two in the country – had to make an emergency landing in a muddy field by the M40 at Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe after suffering an apparent instrument failure. The plane, en route from White Waltham airfield to Denham, was being retrieved last night. No one was injured.

Thursday 28th January

Sporting Mecca – High Wycombe is set to become a major multi-sport venue after plans were leaked yesterday for a community stadium next to Booker air park. The stadium/sports complex will not only host Wycombe Wanderers and the London Wasps rugby club but have facilities for other sports, including cricket, hockey and various indoor activities. It will be mainly owned by the council who will part lease it to two main clients, Wycombe Wanderers and Bucks New University, both of whom will also be investing. Together with a new athletics track in Hazlemere, and with plans for a “real snow” winter sports centre on the site of the old ski slope still on the table, councillors hope Wycombe will become a big sporting attraction. It is already a major centre for Judo and the neighbouring roads around the Chilterns attract national cycle races.

Officer suspended – A second prison officer has been suspended at Aylesbury’s young people’s jail for allegedly having an affair with one of the inmates. Last year a woman officer at Aylesbury Young Offenders Institute was jailed after admitting becoming pregnant by one of the prisoners. Now, a 23 year old warder has been suspended and arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. She was named last night as Kerry Horne from Aylesbury.

New claim - A claim in the Sun newspaper yesterday that Wycombe businessman Manir Hussain – jailed and then freed for attacking burglars at his home- was the victim of a personal attack and not a random burglary were shrugged off by Mr Hussain’s solicitor last night. The newspaper claimed that the Hussain family were targeted because a jealous husband wrongly believed his wife had been having an affair with Mr Hussain. And police confirmed that the threatening burglar who was in turn attacked by Mr Hussain and his brother has never revealed the motive behind entering the Hussains’ home in Desborough Park Road. Mr Hussain’s solicitor Razi Shah said: “It doesn’t change the underlying debate over the right of householders to defend themselves.”

Wednesday 27th January

Airman tragedy – A trainee airman at RAF Halton collapsed and died after a five a side football match at the base. It’s thought that 30 year old Leading Aircraftman Gary Brumpton died from natural causes. A former Royal Engineer in the Army he swapped services last year and came to Halton where his brother is a flying tutor. He leaves and wife and two children.

Major exercise – A massive disaster training exercise involving emergency services, local health workers and councils and the military takes place today and tomorrow centred on Windsor. Hundreds will be involved in the exercise on Windsor Racecourse which assumes three horror scenarios - a chemical attack, a biological attack and a nuclear attack. Although the exercise has been planned for months it comes just three days after the Government increased the risk of a terrorist attack in Britain from “substantial” to “severe”.

Hero’s honour - War veteran Arthur Stagg has become one of only three people to be made an honorary citizen of his adopted home town of Thame in recognition of his heroics in World War Two. Mr Stagg, now 97, played a vital undercover link role between the French resistance and Britain for much of the war. He was tortured by the Gestapo but didn’t crack and was later released, carrying on his secret agent work. He has already received France’s highest award, the Legion d’Honneur and has the Freedom of the City of Lille.

Tuesday 26th January

Murderer’s Facebook – Aylesbury Young Offenders Institution strongly denied last night that a murderer in its cells had set up a Facebook page via his Blackberry dedicated to getting him freed. Jade Braithwaite, aged 20, is serving life for stabbing teenager Ben Kinsella. On a “Free Jade Braithwaite” Facebook page – now removed – he allegedly wrote “I wish I had a remote control for people. That way I could mute or delete people when I need to...” The prison said last night it used state of the art mobile phone detection equipment on inmates and there was no indication Braithwaite had used a mobile phone or had access to the internet. A statement suggested that a third party had set up the page.

Patients screened – Patients entering Wycombe or Stoke Mandeville Hospitals as emergencies will be automatically screened for the hospital bug MRSA from today. It’s estimated that as many as one in 12 people carry the bug harmlessly on their skin, but it can become lethal in hospitals. Most patients admitted for routine operations are already screened. A few years ago Stoke Mandeville had one of the country’s worst records for MRSA deaths until it cleaned up its act.

Volunteer libraries – After police said they were willing to try volunteers running small police stations, the council said yesterday it was ready to let volunteers run branch libraries. Bucks County Council wants to save money by cutting library jobs but at the same time try and keep smaller libraries open.

Monday 25th January

Fire hero – A pensioner who walked through a “wall of flame” to rescue his wife was being hailed a hero last night. As details emerged of a blaze at the 16th century cottage of Stanley and Elisabeth Harley in Henley, neighbours spoke of how Mr Harley emerged from the flames and then walked back into them when he realised his wife was still inside. He returned with her a few moments later, suffering minor burns to his head. The couple, in their seventies, were recovering in hospital last night.

Council tax cut – Councillors in Windsor and Maidenhead said at the weekend they’ll cut the council tax by four per cent next year, laying down a challenge for neighbouring councils. They’ve achieved the cut by renegotiating contracts, losing some backroom jobs and agreeing flexibility deals with remaining workers.

Volunteer cop shop – Thames Valley Police has set a precedent by allowing volunteers to undergo training so they can man their local police station. If the plan for Ascot police station works, it’s expected it will expand to other small police stations in the Bucks, Berkshire and Oxon area covered by the force which are threatened with closure because of cash cuts.

Sunday 24th January

Terror alert – Reports today suggest that the threat of the terror level in Britain – raised yesterday from “substantial” to “severe” – was due to information that suggested that an airliner flying from India to Heathrow was to be hijacked and crash landed at or near the airport or on a British city. Security at the airport was increased yesterday.

Fire rescue – Neighbours bravely entered a blazing cottage in Henley yesterday to rescue an elderly couple who live there. The 400 year old cottage in Hart Street was badly damaged, but the couple were led from the building unhurt. Fire investigators said the cause of the blaze was not suspicious.

Dream start – Midfielder Josh Payne scored in his debut for Wycombe Wanderers yesterday, but the 1-1 draw at Southend was the same old story: the Blues had most of the play, should have won but didn’t take their chances. They are still second from bottom in League 2.

Saturday 23rd January

Drugs tragedy – An Amersham student has died after experimenting with drugs for the first time. Ben Walters, aged 18, who was studying drama at Amersham and Wycombe College was found dead at a house in Berkhamstead where he was attending a party. Friends said last night he had taken the drug mephedrone – known as meow meow – which can be obtained over the internet. Authorities are considering whether to make the drug illegal after a number of similar deaths in America.

Bye Bucks? – A proposed deal between Buckinghamshire County Council and its district councils to share costs and services collapsed dramatically yesterday, putting the future of the county council in doubt. Its leader David Shakespeare – Tory chief David Cameron’s senior local government adviser – warned last year that Bucks County Council would possibly only last another five years unless a big savings deal could be found, and he was pinning all his hopes on sharing services with district councils based in Wycombe, Aylesbury, Amersham, and Beaconsfield. But the district councils slowly realised that Bucks needed them more than they needed Bucks and pulled the plug. Now, the serious money is that Bucks County Council will go the same way as neighbouring Berkshire County Council – into the history books – leaving the district councils dealing with all local authority services.

Another day, another signing – Wycombe Wanderers took on a promising West Ham youngster on a month’s loan yesterday – the fourth new signing in three weeks. Josh Payne, 19, is a highly rated midfielder who will be in today’s squad for the visit to Southend United.

Friday 22nd January

Bogus cops – Eight pensioners have been robbed of hundreds of pounds by bogus cops who called at their homes saying they needed to fingerprint their money. The tricksters, acting in pairs, called at homes around the Wycombe area showing fake ID cards and badges. They said they were tracing cash stolen by burglars. Police last night urged people to take special care. If approached by plain clothes police they should ask for their shoulder number and ring Thames Valley Police to check their authenticity. The thieves are white. Two are in their twenties, one in his thirties and another in his forties.

HQ move – The famous Commonwealth War Graves Commission headquarters in Maidenhead looks set to be demolished in favour a luxury flats development. The commission looks after thousands of war graves around the world but doesn’t need as much office space as it did when it moved into the distinctive building 30 years ago. It says it is now looking for more suitable accommodation.

New signings – Former Peterborough midfielder Dean Keates , 31, joined Wycombe Wanderers on a free transfer yesterday as manager Gary Waddock continued his efforts to strengthen the side. He has also taken on a new 6ft.5in goalkeeper, 20 year old Steve Arnold, a former Arsenal youth player. The existing number 2 goalie, Jamie Young, left the club yesterday by mutual agreement.

Thursday 21st January

Prayers of thanks – High Wycombe businessman Munir Hussain will spend his first day of freedom resting with his family today before attending his mosque tomorrow to thank his supporters. Mr Hussain, 52, of Desborough Park Road, was released from jail by appeal court judges yesterday after they reduced his sentence for attacking a burglar who threatened his family. His brother Tokeer also had his sentence reduced and is expected to be released from jail in the summer. Scores of wellwishers called at the Hussain’s home last night to offer their support and news websites have been inundated with comments supporting the judge’s “merciful” decision.

Jobless down – The number of jobless in the Wycombe area followed the national trend downwards according to unemployment statistics produced yesterday. What’s perhaps more encouraging for the area is that, unlike other parts of the country, the number of vacancies is also said to be rising.

Top comedy – The rise and rise of Wycombe comedy actor James Corden continued last night when Gavin and Stacey, the TV series he co-wrote and starred in with Ruth Jones, won the best TV comedy show at the National Television Awards.

Wednesday 20th January

Brothers appeal – The High Wycombe brothers jailed for attacking a burglar at their home are hoping to have their sentences reduced today. Munir Hussain, aged 52, was jailed for 30 months and his brother Tokeer for 39 months in December after attacking a burglar who threatened their families. The case aroused world wide controversy and debate about how far people should go in defending themselves. The Appeal Court yesterday upheld the brothers’ conviction, but judges will rule on the sentences today.

Hospital bug – Wexham Park Hospital near Slough yesterday cancelled operations and discharged patients and transferred others to other local hospitals in the area after an outbreak of the vomiting bug Norovirus. The hospital said last night that a small number of patients and staff were suffering from the bug. Hospital authorities are monitoring its spread on an hourly basis, while other hospitals in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire are on alert.

Roads repaired – Bucks County Council withdrew £2m from its reserves yesterday when it discovered that the number of potholes on the county’s roads was worse than first thought. Extra crews are being brought into the repair the roads. Meanwhile, there was chaos around Windsor yesterday when the level crossing gates at Datchet were stuck in the down position for an hour in the morning rush hour, due to an electrical fault. Police had to close the High Street and send traffic on a wide diversion.

Tuesday 19th January

Black-out – Every street light in Buckinghamshire, with the exception of motorways, could be switched off between midnight and 5am in a move that could save the council £200,000 a year. The idea, announced yesterday, is the latest in a string of money-saving ideas and comes after a period when street lights in specific areas in the county were switched off in an experiment. It was found that neither accidents nor crime increased in the areas plunged into darkness.

Fat kids – One in five children starting school is either overweight or obese according to figures released by Oxfordshire’s NHS yesterday. Figures for Buckinghamshire are expected to be similar. It’s likely to lead to a healthy eating campaign aimed at local parents of under-fives.

Posh nosh – Bray’s reputation as the gourmet capital of Britain has been maintained in the 2010 Michelin guide to the best eating spots, published tomorrow. Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and Michael Roux’s Waterside Inn retain their top mark three stars, and Blumenthal’s nearby pub, the Hind’s Head gets a special mention. And just down the road at Paley Street, the Royal Oak, owned by Sir Michael Parkinson and run by his son Nick, has achieved a one star for the first time.

Monday 18th January

Drug link – A body dumped on a slip road by the M40 last week has been linked to an international drug smuggling gang, according to reports yesterday. The man, believed to be East European, was found by the M40/A40 Denham roundabout. Police are said to be linking his death with the murder of two Vietnamese illegal immigrants found in Birmingham last week. It’s believed they were involved in a plot to import millions of pounds worth of cannabis into Britain.

Rubbish bonanza – Busiest places in the Wycombe area yesterday were the waste and recycling centres as thousands of people – many of whom haven’t had a recycling collection since the week before Christmas because of the bad weather – took advantage of the now clear roads to dump the rubbish themselves.

On the fiddle – The biggest fiddling event in England drew hundreds of enthusiasts to High Wycombe last night. Over 100 fiddlers gathered at Wycombe Swan for the annual Chiltern Fiddle Rally.

Sunday 17th January

Flood alerts – The Environment Agency last night urged people living near rivers in the Thames area to be vigilant as melting snow and a day’s heavy rain began to increase river levels. The agency issued 25 flood watch alerts in the Thames area yesterday.

Wanderers beaten – A 2-1 home defeat by Charlton yesterday left Wycombe Wanderers deep in relegation trouble at the bottom of League One. With 19 games left, new manager Gary Waddock remains optimistic the Blues can reach safety – especially after a run playing the league’s top teams – but the mood among many fans after yesterday’s defeat was far from upbeat.

Saturday 16th January

Jobs going – Windsor and Maidenhead Council announced yesterday that up to 100 council jobs could go in order to save money. They are the first of many jobs on the line in the public sector locally as councils and other bodies look to cut costs by axing jobs or outsourcing services. Buckinghamshire County Council is said to be preparing to offload 400 jobs in the coming years and asking private companies to take on some of its services.

Rail sweetner? – The Government insisted that plans unveiled yesterday to vastly increase the capacity of Birmingham’s New Street station did not necessarily mean that the proposed 250mph high speed rail link will carve through the Chilterns via High Wycombe. Transport secretary Lord Adonis said the upgrade, together with other improvements to the existing line, will attract more passengers and cut the journey time between Marylebone and Birmingham by more than half an hour. He said the Government was yet to decide which route it will recommend for the hugely controversial high speed link from London to the midlands and the north. However, environmentalists see yesterday’s announcement, which had local politicians and councils swooning with delight, as a mere softening up to make the high speed link more acceptable in the Wycombe area.

Tommy walks – Wycombe Wanderers fans were shaken yesterday when one of the team’s best players, midfielder Tommy Doherty, walked out, saying he couldn’t stand working for manager Gary Waddock anymore. The pair have history – Doherty always blamed Waddock for his sacking from QPR during a previous entanglement – but nonetheless it was (wrongly) felt the pair had kissed and made up. Waddock responded by signing up Kevin Betsy until the end of the season - a player he let go from a loan period a few days ago, saying he didn’t want him anymore. But the more mild-mannered Betsy didn’t take offence: he diplomatically said he was glad to be back for today’s Adams Park clash against high flying Charlton.

Friday 15th January

Swine flu – A programme to vaccinate up to 50,000 children aged between two and six from swine flu got underway in the South Bucks and East Berkshire area yesterday, even though the number of cases has been nothing like as bad as feared a few months ago.

Weather cost – Local councils expect the bill for dealing with the bad weather to top £1m once all the costs for dealing with potholes, paying for extra sand and grit and paying overtime to road workers are worked out. The cost to local companies, including transport firms, of lost business , is expected to be much higher though.

Home from home –Newlyweds Jamie Cullam and Sophie Dahl intend to move permanently into their country home near Princes Risborough once its renovations are complete, say friends. The jazz singer and the actress are due back from honeymoon shortly. The house is just a few miles from where Sophie’s grandfather, the children’s writer Roald Dahl, lived in Great Misseneden.

Thursday 14th January

On the up – Jobless figures are expected to fall in the area after local businesses reported yesterday that commerce was picking up better than expected. The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce said that exports for both manufacturers and service industries improved in the last quarter of last year and that future orders were looking good. Firms had reported a “high level” of staff recruitment. The news came as millionaire entrepreneur Peter Jones announced that the headquarters for his National Enterprise Academy – a Government backed scheme aimed at fast-tracking thousands of 16-19 year olds into private enterprise – will be based at Aylesbury’s new Waterside development and will open in September.

Thawing out - Daytime temperatures begin a steady rise from today, marking the start of a slow thaw, after fresh snowfalls brought fresh chaos to the Wycombe area yesterday. Schools closed; business and office staff finished early and roads were gridlocked. There were stifled guffaws at Maidenhead however when a trailer partly filled with farmyard manure was inexplicably mixed with sand and grit... and the area that was treated to gritted pavements with a distinctive farmyard whiff was none other than on the approaches to the town hall!

Concert for Carrot - As the number of Facebook tributes to Wycombe busker Carrot neared 10,000 last night, Wycombe’s Mayor said that a concert in his honour would be held at the end of the month, raising money for the town’s night shelter for homeless people. Mayor Julie Pritchard was due to host the annual charity concert at the town’s parish church in December but it was called off because of the bad weather. Now the gig has been renamed Concert for Carrot and will take place on 27 January, five days after his funeral. Carrot – 44 year old Gordon Lumsden – was found dead at his home in Chairborough Road last week. It’s thought he died of natural causes.

Wednesday 13th January

Carrot tribute – An astonishing 9,000 people have joined a Facebook tribute to Carrot, the down-and-out looking Wycombe busker who was found dead at his home in Chairborough Road, aged 44. A YouTube video tribute to Carrot, real name Gordon Lumsden, was also attracting hundreds of views last night. The vast range of friendships he made from his pitch outside Wycombe’s Lloyds Bank is evident by the contributors, many of whom were students entertained by his harmonica-blues playing and chat-to-anyone style. There’s talk of a tribute gig and a compilation CD.

Rail link – Chiltern Railways yesterday made a formal application to the Government to build a new rail link that will enable direct services between Wycombe and Oxford. If approved, the company hope that a new line between Bicester and Oxford will be completed in three years, enabling an Oxford-Wycombe-Marylebone service every hour. The £185m plan involves building two new platforms at Oxford.

New striker – Wycombe Wanderers signed a new striker yesterday in an attempt to end their goal drought. Alex Revell, 26, has come on a free transfer from Southend United. He was a prolific goal scorer until he broke his leg and has since struggled while on loan with Swindon. But manager Gary Waddock is convinced that a new start will give Revell the goal-scoring confidence he needs.

Tuesday 12th January

Turned away – Hundreds of pupils turned up for school yesterday, only to be turned away because the schools weren’t ready for them. Some secondary schools in the Wycombe area opened for everyone – but others only for pupils due to take A levels or other exams yesterday. All schools expect to open as normal today but urged pupils to check school websites. Meanwhile, nearly everyone in the area was late for work yesterday as black ice brought gridlock to much of the area during rush hour. There were scores of minor accidents and shunts.

Office crash – The true depth of the 2009 recession in the Wycombe and Thames Valley area was revealed yesterday with figures showing that the amount of new office space being taken up crashed by 80 per cent compared to 2008. Office rents also dropped by more than 10 per cent as businesses sought better deals. Office landlords expressed cautious optimism for the coming weeks however.

Nowhere to be seen Boy – Many Wycombe cinemagoers are said to be disappointed at missing the film debut of local actor Aaron Johnson, playing John Lennon in Nowhere Boy, a bio-pic about the Beatles star. The film opened on Boxing Day but wasn’t to be seen on any of the area’s thirty-odd movie screens by last Friday. Film distributors said the movie was only intended for a two week run, even in Johnson’s home town and even though bad weather prevented many from getting to the cinema.

Monday 11th January

Now, where were we... – The Wycombe area will get back to normal today after a three week Christmas and weather break. Schools will begin their new term three or four days late after hundreds of parents and school staff spent part of their weekend clearing paths and car parks of snow and ice. Two schools – Wycombe High and John Hampden – hired diggers to clear long driveways to make sure pupils due to sit A level exams today would make it ok. Elsewhere, business expects a full return to work in the Wycombe area today after the predicted snow over the weekend failed to materialise in any significant amounts. And, as if to signify the official end of the extended holiday, Wycombe’s panto Aladdin ended last night after a four week run where audiences were often hit by the bad weather.

Tub-thumper – Although he is not standing for re-election, Wycombe MP Paul Goodman is to play a major tub-thumping role for the Conservatives during the election campaign. He has become contributing editor to ConservativeHome, the principal party blogging site, which will help clarify and exemplify Tory policy as the election hots up.

Delicate stage – Negotiations with Wycombe Council over a new stadium for Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps are at a “delicate stage”, the clubs’ owner Steve Hayes told The Times. Further talks are due this week and there’s still hope a planning application could be ready by the end of the month. Meanwhile as complaints about access to Adams Park mount from rugby fans in particular, London Wasps have agree to switch their big rugby premiership match against Bath in April from Wycombe to Twickenham.

Sunday 10th January

Stocking up – Thousands took advantage of a lull in the weather yesterday to descend on Wycombe area supermarkets. Stores said it was even busier than the day or two before Christmas as shoppers stocked up on bread, milk, vegetables, frozen and tinned foods. Non food shops were quiet and Wycombe’s market was closed. Snow is forecast to fall throughout the area today with plunging temperatures again tonight.

Famous pub goes – One of the Wycombe area’s most famous village pubs is to be demolished to make way for five houses. The One Pin pub in Hedgerley – which featured in the classic British film Genevieve and was often frequented by stars filming at nearby Pinewood Studios – never really recovered after drink-driving rules were tightened, according to the few regulars who were left. Although the pub is over 200 years old, officials said there was not enough of the original interior left to make it worth protecting as a listed building.

Turning point – A battling 1-1 draw against League 1 leaders Leeds United yesterday may well prove the turning point of Wycombe Wanderers season. The Blues recovered from an early Leeds goal and in the end were unlucky not to win. They are still deep in trouble – second from bottom, five points from safety and having played two games more than those around them – but there’s a air of confidence and determination in the team said manager Gary Waddock.

Saturday 9th January

Agreement reached – After a year of negotiation, the Environment Agency and the River Thames lock-keepers reached an agreement on pay and conditions yesterday. It generally marks a victory for the lock-keepers. Originally the Agency wanted to evict them and sell the lock-side cottages, but after a public outcry they did a U-turn.

Beggar’s tribute – Sympathy messages and floral tributes began to pile up yesterday at the spot where local beggar “Carrot” sat, often playing his mouth organ, near Lloyds Bank in Wycombe, by the entrance to the Eden Shopping Centre. It’s not known if his death is associated with the current cold weather.

Games off – Meanwhile, the deep freeze has put paid to local outdoor sports fixtures throughout the Wycombe area today, and schools that host Saturday events are also closed. Elsewhere, a group of 4x4 owners in the Wycombe area have offered their vehicles to ensure that registrars can get to work today to officiate at a number of planned weddings; while in Slough , Age Concern volunteers plan to visit every known vulnerable elderly person this weekend to check they have basic provisions and are warm enough.

Friday 8th January

Emergency plans – Councils and other authorities are preparing contingency plans to get the area moving again after forecasts predicted even more snow this weekend. There’s growing concern about the effect the weather is having on business , education and social care in the Wycombe area, and what will happen if the paralysis goes on for another week. Schools and some businesses remain closed today as temperatures plummet to new lows. At Benson, high in the Chilterns, temperatures were expected to hit minus 20 centigrade last night. Public transport remains limited.

Paper changes – There’s speculation that the Buckinghamshire Advertiser and Bucks Examiner may become a free newspapers after their owner, Trinity Mirror, yesterday declared that all its paid-for weekly newspapers in west London are to become free distribution. Trinity Mirror has already tried in vain to sell the Advertiser and is known to be concerned about its falling circulation.

Wanderers blow – Wycombe Wanderers on loan striker John Akinde was recalled early by his club Bristol City yesterday, giving boss Gary Waddock an unwanted headache for tomorrow’s game at league two leaders Leeds United. Another on-loan striker, Kevin Betsey, has returned to Southend United and the manager agreed this week to sell a striker he had on loan, Chris Zebroski, to Torquay. He has attacking midfielder Scott Davies on loan from Reading for only two more games. Leeds is confident that despite the weather, tomorrow’s game will go ahead.

Thursday 7th January

Conditions worsen – Sharp frosts and bitterly cold winds will add to the weather misery in the Wycombe area today as concerns rise about vulnerable and elderly people living alone. Carers and social workers were unable to make all their regular calls yesterday and the Meals on Wheels service was suspended as around 10 inches (25cm) of snow fell in 18 hours. Ice is expected to make side roads even more inaccessible in the coming days and the Arctic conditions are not expected to ease for at least a week. Councils, who are gritting and salting fewer roads than they want because of dwindling supplies, warned that if temperatures drop below minus 7c, as expected, salting roads becomes ineffective anyway.

Close down –The Wycombe area came to a virtual halt yesterday and things are not likely to change today. There were no bus services, virtually all schools closed and train services were severely limited. Chiltern Railways warned passengers not to use Denham Station because it was too dangerous. Elsewhere, all libraries, the Bucks New University and the Empire Cinema complex at Handy Cross all closed for the day, and less than half of the shops at Wycombe’s Eden shopping centre were open for business. Councils abandoned their revised waste collection services and simply said they’ll try to collect on normal collection days and take whatever is left out. But the show went on at the pantos at Wycombe Swan and Windsor Theatre Royal, even though audiences were down.

Snowballing record – When Wycombe student James Tadgell suggested on Facebook on Tuesday night that people turn up on the Rye for Wycombe’s biggest ever snowball fight, he thought he’d be lucky if 100 showed up. In the event nearly 500 arrived at three o’clock yesterday, and it became one of Britain’s biggest ever snowball fights... featuring on BBC and Channel 4 news, as well as YouTube.

Wednesday 6th January

Worst day – The Wycombe area is standing by for its worst winter day for at least 30 years today. Nearly a foot of snow fell overnight in some parts, virtually closing the town and its surrounding area last night, with empty pubs, clubs and cinemas. Scores of schools announced last night they were closing today and with further heavy snowfall expected well into this afternoon it’s unlikely many will open tomorrow. Gritters spent all night on main routes in and out of the town but disruption is inevitable, police warned.

Special arrangements – Hospitals, emergency services and local councils are making special arrangements in attempts to beat the weather. Many hospitals in the area have plans to get essential staff into work today, while the ambulance service is likely to say that crews will only attend genuine emergencies. At Windsor and Maidenhead council, call centre staff started work at 6 o’clock this morning to deal with early queries. Power companies have teams on stand-by in case snow on power lines disrupts electricity supplies.

Quit moaning – A council leader has issued an astonishing attack against people complaining about the weather. Keith Mitchell, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said in an email to former Henley Mayor Ken Arlett , who had complained about unsalted footpaths: “I have to ask what has happened to the British spirit that defeated Hitler and yet quails at a little snow? If every householder and every shopkeeper took some salt and a shovel and cleared the area of pavement in front of their home or shop, we might have regained some of the British spirit that has kept this island free for 1,000 years. But no, we have developed a dependency culture that someone ‘up there’ is to blame.”

Tuesday 5th January

Club threatened – Henley Football Club warned yesterday that it may have to fold because of the bad weather. It has only played one game since the beginning of December and relies on after-match takings from its club bar to pay its rent, rates, maintenance and other bills. Last season serious flooding at its Mill Lane ground caused it to lose money and now the club is £12,000 in debt because of the latest snow and ice. Meanwhile, the Met Office issued a severe weather warning for the Wycombe area today saying there could be heavy snow anywhere in Buckinghamshire and East Berkshire tonight and tomorrow. Bucks County Council yesterday sent out 15 work gangs on pothole patrol, filling in thousands of potholes that have appeared since the cold weather took a grip.

Court appearances – Wycombe man Mohammed Sajid, aged 22, of Plantation Road was remanded in custody yesterday charged with rape and assault. The attack is alleged to have occurred in November in Benjamin Road in the town. Elsewhere, Jason Hazell, aged 29, of Cresswell Road, Chesham appears in court today charged with causing the deaths of two people – Laura Smith, aged 20, and Stephen Smith, aged 24 – in a car crash in London Road, Amersham last June. He is also charged with driving without insurance.

Cycling boost – A £48,000 grant from the EU and the Government, announced yesterday, will enable the completion of a 170 mile cycle trail around the Chilterns in time for this summer, according to cycle groups. The trail will have one end in Henley and the other on the Dunstable Downs and include various circular routes in the Wycombe part of the Chilterns.

Monday 4th January

Death mystery – A second post mortem will be held today on the body of a 21 year old man found dead in a Maidenhead hotel room in the early hours New Year’s Day. Four men and a woman, who have been arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on bail after a first post mortem failed to confirm how the man died.

Big freeze – Social workers and charities helping the elderly will be checking on old people living alone this week as temperatures are set to plummet. Temperatures are not expected to exceed one degree at any time this week and night time temperatures in the Wycombe area are expected to drop to as low at minus six. Forecasters say more heavy snow is possible at the end of the week.

Sunday 3rd January

Teacher dies – A woman who died over Christmas following a road accident was named yesterday as English teacher Ellie Bongers. Pupils at Lord William’s School in Thame will hold a special assembly when they return to school tomorrow in memory of the 32 year old Mrs Bongers, who died on Christmas Eve, four days after the accident in a snowstorm in Kidlington. Her 15 month old son Joseph is still in a critical condition in hospital and her husband Richard also received injuries. Meanwhile, a 19 year old woman from Hertfordshire who died in a road accident near Amersham Tesco on New Year’s Eve is expected to be named tomorrow.

Toddler attacked – Police are hunting a woman shopping in Tesco who “lost it” with a two year old having a tantrum. The woman bellowed in the child’s ear to shut up and then slapped him hard round the face before storming out of the shop in Wycombe’s Eden Centre leaving the boys’ mother shocked and distraught. Police are releasing CCTV pictures of the attacker.

Honour in defeat - Wycombe Wanderers goalkeeper Scott Shearer fully deserved his man of the match award for stopping a series of shots against Norwich yesterday. Unfortunately one sneaked in to give the Canaries a slender victory and leave the Blues deep in the League 2 mire. Still, on the positive side, the Chairboys gave a confident performance – a confidence that will be further tested as they meet the other two table-toppers, Leeds and Charlton, in the next two matches.

Saturday 2nd January

Murder probe – Five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a 21 year old man was found in a Maidenhead hotel room early yesterday morning. Police were called to the Kingswood Hotel at four o’clock as new year celebrations were still going strong. A post mortem to try and discover how the man died was completed last night.

New player – Wycombe Wanderers boss Gary Waddock wasted no time in bringing in new blood to strengthen his ailing side. The first day of the football transfer window was yesterday and within hours he announced that the club captain of his former club, Aldershot, was joining the Blues – a rare case of a captain joining a sinking ship, according to one Aldershot cynic. Defender Adam Hinschelwood has a history of injury problems but when fit is recognised as a talented player. He will come straight into the side to meet high flying Norwich City at Adams Park today

Friday 1st January 2010

Happy New Year - The Wycombe.Info/Wycombeonthenet team wish you a successful and enjoyable 2010.

Thursday 31st December 2009

Revellers warned – New year revellers were warned not to be so stupid as to jump into the River Thames tonight as the Environment Agency raised its warnings along the Thames’ entire length to red alert. Police will be keeping a special watch on Marlow Bridge, a traditional venue for people to see in the new year. The Agency said last night that hours of heavy rain combined with melting snow meant there were dangerously strong flows in the Thames and all rivercraft are under orders to remain moored. The Agency also introduced 11 flood alerts in and around Thames tributaries yesterday.

Company sold - Jobs at SpinVox’s headquarters in Marlow are under threat after the company was sold at a knock-down price yesterday to a big American rival. Nuance Communications paid £64m for the company that made its name by converting voice messages into text. The price was said to be less than half SpinVox’s valuation just six months ago. The 230 staff at the Marlow HQ expect to hear about their immediate futures today.

Rail frustration – The Government continued to insist yesterday that it will not reveal its favoured route for the high speed rail link through the Chilterns until the end of March. Meanwhile rumours and counter-rumours are frustrating environment groups. Some of today’s national newspapers say the high speed link report – officially handed to the Government yesterday – favours expanding Euston as the London terminus, indicating that the link would run to the north of Wycombe and Chesham, through Hemel Hempstead and Berkhampstead. But other reports say the link will run from a new terminus in London to Heathrow and onto the Midlands via High Wycombe and Thame – a route, according to the Chilterns Conservation Board, that would “trash” the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wednesday 30th December

Waste confusion – Thousands of people have been left confused after the bad weather threw a spanner in the carefully worked out plans for Christmas waste collections. Windsor and Maidenhead Council yesterday abandoned their Christmas/New Year revised dates and instead said they would make a “double” collection on the normal bin dates. Officials are calling at homes ahead of the bin lorries advising people to put their bins out. In neighbouring Wycombe householders have been left to guess when bin lorries will arrive – the council’s website hasn’t been revised for eight days. In Chiltern District Council area the green bin collection has been suspended until January 18 to enable binmen to concentrate on recycling boxes and “normal” rubbish’’; while in South Bucks the council said it would try to catch up with the revised collection schedule it put out pre-Christmas.

Polling delay – General Election night excitement seems likely to disappear from the Wycombe area after it emerged that local returning officers are thinking of postponing the counting of votes in local constituencies until the day after the election. John Buckle, returning officer at Boris Johnson’s old seat in Henley – which also includes Thame – has already decided to begin vote counting on the Friday after Thursday’s polling day for next year’s election mainly because of the increasing number of postal votes which have to be taken into account. He also says he would rather have tellers that are fresh on Friday morning after a good night’s sleep. The move would also save local councils money because they wouldn’t have to pay council staff overtime. Wycombe is usually the first to declare its result in this area, at around 2am, with the others, Beaconsfield; Windsor, Maidenhead, Chesham and Amersham, Henley and Aylesbury declaring even later.

High flying Rog – Two and a half years ago Roger Johnson was captain of Wycombe Wanderers as the club battled in League Two. Today, he is finding himself being talked about as a potential member of the England squad for next year’s World Cup. Johnson, 26, is being talked up – not least by his manager Alex McGleish – as the one of the main reasons behind his new club Birmingham City’s spectacular progress in the Premiership. For his part Johnson – a product of the Wycombe youth set-up – has won many friends here for saying that his success is based on what he learned at the Blues.

Tuesday 29th December

Rail secrecy – The Government said yesterday that it did not intend releasing exact details of the proposed high speed rail route through the Chilterns until the Spring in order to cut back on “planning blight”. High Speed 2, the Government company set up to look at routes for the London to Scotland link, hands in its report tomorrow. A leak saying that the preferred route will be one from London to Heathrow to Birmingham via High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Thame was not denied by transport sources yesterday. However, officials said the Government’s recommendations for the route would not be produced until April in order that planning applications for areas potentially covered by the route would not be blighted.

The high speed route would involve major disruption with hundreds of properties being compulsively bought. Eventually up to 36 double-decker trains an hour, each 400 metres long and carrying over 1,000 passengers would use the lines at speeds of up to 250mph. This compares to the current Eurostar which is single-deck and carries just over 700 passengers. Although details are still been kept secret – despite further reports yesterday saying details of the route had been worked out to the nearest half a metre - the Chilterns Conservation Board has already promised a mighty battle to stop the plan which, it says, would scar and destroy vital parts of the Chilterns forever.

Coach station plan – Wycombe Council has revealed details of the transport interchange it plans to develop on the site of the existing Handy Cross sports centre by the M40. In a planning application to be considered next month, the scheme would involve a coach station and park and ride development; a 150 bedroom hotel, a 33,000 sq ft office block, a new leisure centre and parking for over 900 vehicles.

Waddock’s wallies – Wycombe Wanderers continued their Christmas giveaway yesterday, gifting five goals to a side that was just one place above them in the League 1 relegation zone. But the 2-5 defeat by Brighton at Adams Park wasn’t generous: just painful and embarrassing. Having failed to inspire the existing team, new manager Gary Waddock will need to impress with new recruits he’ll need to bring in during the coming weeks, starting with a rejig of a defence that’s leaked nine goals in two Christmas matches so far.

Monday 28th December

Rail shock – A massive rail development carrying trains travelling at 250mph is likley run through High Wycombe and the Chilterns according to a leaked authoritative report yesterday. The Sunday Times said that when the Government receives a report on the London to Scotland link on Wednesday the preferred route from the report authors will be one that runs from London to Heathrow and then via Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Thame towards the Midlands. If true and if eventually approved, the multi-billion pound route will mark the biggest rail development in Britain since the railways were first built and will set off the biggest environmental battle the Wycombe area has ever seen. The high speed route will cut 100 foot wide swath of rail lines, include major tunnelling and house destruction and take nearly 20 years to build. It will blight the property values of thousands of homes. If the Sunday Times report is true it will come as a body blow to local MPs who were told privately only two weeks ago that the link would run alongside the existing main London to Midlands line through Hemel Hempstead, thereby avoiding key areas of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Government was due to produce a White Paper in March giving its views on the route, but the General Election is likely to delay the timing.

Middle class terrorism – Wycombe MP Paul Goodman yesterday warned of the spread of Al –Qaeda terrorists from well-to-do middle class backgrounds. Top banker’s son Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, being held in America after an attempt to blow up an airliner on Christmas Day, was the latest in a long line of converts, said Mr Goodman, who is expected to take up an anti-terrorist advisory role once he retires from politics at the next election. He said in his blog that Aylesbury killer Jermaine Lindsay – one of the suicide bombers in the 7/7 London bombings - and Wycombe born and bred Brian Young, jailed this year for his part in a plot to blow up planes leaving Heathrow, were just two other highly educated terrorist converts among a string of others. It proved, he said, that terrorists didn’t come from “down trodden” masses with nothing to lose.

Start again – Wycombe Wanderers have reached the half way point in their season knowing that if that if they gain the same number of points in the second half as they did in the first – 18 points – they are certain to be relegated from League 1. New manager Gary Waddock will try to recruit new players when the transfer window opens next week so today, in a crucial game against Brighton at Adams Park, players know they are playing for their places, particularly after a crushing 4-0 defeat at Yeovil on Boxing Day.

Friday 25th December

The team at Wycombe.Info wish you a Happy Christmas. We’ll be back on Monday 28 December.

Thursday 24th December

Hospitals plea - Local hospitals last night launched an appeal for walking frames and crutches that patients may no longer needs as they are running out as more and more people are being treated for leg and ankle breaks and strains suffered in falls on ice. They also appealed for new and existing blood donors to try and keep appointments despite the bad weather.

Grit used – Bucks County Council said yesterday that it had already used more than half of the amount of grit on roads it would expect to use for an entire winter. They said gritting crews will work through the night in the current frosty period. However, protests of perceived lack of gritting continue to mount. A Facebook group criticising Bucks’ gritting programme had more than 100 members by last night. Meanwhile 15 motorists who face £150 charges for having their cars removed from the M40 in Wycombe and the Marlow by-pass after they abandoned them on police advice on Monday night, can have the charges reviewed by the Highways Agency, the agency said last night.

Travel arrangements – Don’t forget train services finish early tonight – the last London to Beaconsfield, Wycombe and Aylesbury train leaves Marylebone at about nine o’clock. Taxi services in the area are expected to be fully operational tonight after three days of disrupted service because many drivers didn’t want to risk damaging their vehicles on the ice and snow. Bus services will run as normal today but will begin a restricted service from early evening.

Wednesday 23rd December

Christmas spirit – The Christmas spirit of goodwill was alive and well in the Wycombe area as more stories emerged yesterday of Monday night’s storm that stranded thousands of people. The manager of the town’s John Lewis store was being hailed a hero around the world yesterday when she left nearly 100 customers and staff stay in the store overnight, letting people sleep in the store’s beds and enabling the children to play with toys in the toy department. Landlord Steve Lever invited 40 stranded motorists to spend the night in his village pub in Coleshill, the Harte and Magpies, and Wycombe’s Holiday Inn, which was already booked out, was praised for cramming in as many people as it could to bed down in its reception. At the Salvation Army Citadel in central Wycombe, which accommodated and fed 60 people, a helper said: “It’s Christmas. How could we turn away people when there was no room at the inns.”

Snow’s victims – Amid the camaraderie and humour of people walking miles home after abandoning their cars, there was tragedy. A man in his fifties collapsed and died after leaving his car in High Wycombe to walk home. And in Hurley a motorist who got out of his car after it skidded to a halt was hit by another vehicle which didn’t stop. The victim was in a serious condition in hospital last night. A group of elderly people at old person’s block in Hazlemere, who have been without gas or electricity for two days, were being reconnected last night, while in Princes Risborough hundreds spent the day without electricity yesterday after a power outage. Emergency service workers throughout the area were praised for working extra hours and coming in off leave.

No communication - As thousands of motorists searched in vain on their car radios for local information, the lack of a local radio station in High Wycombe was rammed home on Monday night. The BBC’s presenters at Three Counties, based in Luton, were clearly ignorant of the local geography and assumed the out of town John Lewis department store was in the High Street. The town’s local radio station closed earlier this year, leaving Wycombe the largest populated area in the country without a “proper” local station.

Tuesday 22nd December

Hundreds stranded – Hundreds of people were stranded in High Wycombe overnight as severe weather sealed off the town. They spent the night at Wycombe Sports Centre, the Salvation Army citadel in Frogmoor, the Baptist Church in Easton Street and in Sainsburys and Morrisons supermarkets. Hundreds of others abandoned their cars in the centre of Wycombe and walked home, while others filled the town’s hotels. All the main roads in and out of Wycombe were closed and train and bus services abandoned. Many others were also trapped in surrounding towns and villages. Heavy snow began falling just after 3pm and continued for four hours. Abandoned and crashed vehicles on roads prevented gritters from getting through. Seventy customers spent the night at John Lewis department store after they were unable to leave the car park. Children curled up in the store's display beds.

Chaos today – More chaos is expected today as people try to retrieve their vehicles and others try to catch up with Christmas shopping they have been putting off after three days of bad weather. There’s anger that the council didn’t even manage to keep the main roads open despite forecasts that heavy snow was due. People have flooded Facebook and other social networking and news websites with complaints.

Getting better – It’s going to remain cold and icy at night, but no further significant snow is expected this side of Christmas, weather forecasters said last night. Supermarkets expect to maintain full deliveries, but the councils warned last night they may not be able to complete expected waste collections by Christmas Eve.

Monday 21st December

Retaliation review – Home Secretary Alan Johnson said yesterday the law surrounding the way people can defend their own property will be reviewed following the case of two High Wycombe brothers jailed for beating up a knife-wielding burglar who threatened their family. Mr Johnson told the BBC’s Andrew Marr he felt uncomfortable over the case, but the law allowed the judge to decide what was a proportionate response to defending one’s family and property.

Job losses – Employees at Saab’s UK headquarters in Maidenhead expect to hear the extent of job losses today after the luxury car’s corporate owners, General Motors, said they would be cutting back on the brand. Around 90 people work at the HQ.

Icicle danger – With the cold weather set to continue, the M40 was closed briefly yesterday so workmen could cut down icicles dangling from overhead bridges. Police said the icicles could have speared through a windscreen live a javelin.

Sunday 20th December

Ambulance strain – The local ambulance service admitted it was struggling last night due to an enormous rise in calls because of the bad weather. The South Central Ambulance Service pleaded with people to only ring 999 in real emergencies. Meanwhile as temperatures plunged again last night motoring organisations reported a surge in breakdowns and minor shunts and accidents on treacherous roads.

Panto Blues – Wycombe Wanderers striker John Akinde became a pantomime hero and villain in the space of 15 minutes yesterday as he scored an opening goal and then got himself sent off for lashing out and putting his team on the backfoot. The Blues drew 2-2 in a game which had all the thrills of a Christmas panto with two penalties, several yellow cards, a sending off, four goals, a late late Wycombe equaliser and a referee who often lost the plot.

What’s on – Military bands, massed choirs and the big Christmas Tree outside the entrance to Windsor Castle make a magnificent setting for Windsor’s annual carol concert tonight.

Saturday 19th December

Cold spell – Wycombe Wanderers will decide this morning if their game with Oldham Athletic this afternoon can go ahead. The club said last night that the pitch will be playable – the undersoil heating has been on since Wednesday – but the car park and surrounding area may be deemed too dangerous after temperatures plummeted last night. Christmas shoppers were warned that with winds blowing straight from Siberia, it could feel like minus 8 degrees today. Yesterday schools and roads in the Wycombe area closed, and even the M40 motorway was shut between Wycombe and Stokenchurch because of snow.

Death charge- Chesham man Jason Hazell, aged 29, of Creswell Road, Chesham was charged yesterday with causing two deaths by dangerous driving following a crash six months ago in which a Rover hit a lamppost in the early hours and overturned at Chalfont St Peter. Two people – Laura Smith, aged 20 and Stephen Smith, aged 24, from Amersham and Holmer Green - died at the scene. Mr Hazell is also charged with using a vehicle with no insurance.

What’s on – There’s a Wall of Sound Christmas party at the Firestation Arts Centre in Windsor tonight, featuring Lottie, MPHO and Kids on Bridges.

Friday 18th December

Snow disruption – A number of schools will be closed today as the Wycombe area suffered the worst snowfall in the country after heavy overnight falls. Up to four inches of snow fell with more predicted later today. Some schools decided to close yesterday in view of the forecast and in many areas milkmen made their deliveries last night rather than first thing this morning. There have been scores on minor accidents on ungritted roads


What’s on – Jim Davidson brings his rough-edged humour to Wycombe Swan tonight.

Thursday 17th December

Support grows – An international petition is being launched today in an attempt to free Wycombe brothers Munir and Tokeer Hussain – jailed this week for attacking a burglar who had threatened their family – while an appeal is organised. A Facebook page in support of the brothers had nearly 3,000 members last night just a couple of days after being launched.

Base saved – There was relief last night when the future of RAF Benson near Wallingford was assured. Nearly 1,000 people work at the base which was under threat because of Government cutbacks. But now the Ministry of Defence has decided that the base will serve as the home for Britain’s new Chinook helicopter fleet from 2012.

What’s On - A Continental market, lots of festive entertainment and free parking in council car parks from 10am in Wycombe town centre today as the Christmas shopping frenzy reaches its final days.

Wednesday 16th December

Support for brothers - Thousands of people yesterday rallied to the support of the Wycombe brothers jailed for beating up a knife-wielding criminal who threatened and humiliated their family. The case of Munir and Tokeer Hussain attracted comments from around the world as news websites featured the story. Wycombe MP Paul Goodman, a friend of Munir Hussain, a successful businessman and former chairman of Wycombe?s Race Equality Council, is expected to raise the case in Parliament. The brothers' lawyers are planning an appeal against the sentence.

White Christmas The odds on a white Christmas in the Wycombe area dropped dramatically yesterday as the first snow of the winter is expected to fall today, and forecasters predict the cold spell lasting well into next week.

What's On A Christmas ice rink opens at Bucks New Uni in High Wycombe today and remains open to the public until Friday night.

Tuesday 15th December

Fury over prison sentence - When two Wycombe brothers turned on a man who was holding their family at knifepoint and beat him up, they thought they were delivering their own rough justice. But today Munir and Tokeer Hussain find themselves behind bars while the knifeman was given a supervision order. Yesterday as the Hussain brothers of Desborough Park Road began jail sentences of 30 months and 39 months respectively for attacking Walid Salem, their angry defence lawyer Michael Wolkind QC said: "The criminal justice system has failed twice. The court was unable to sentence Walid Salem with sufficient harshness or Munir and Tokeer Hussain with sufficient compassion.”

But the judge, John Reddihough, said the attack amounted to “ a very violent revenge against a defenceless man.” Salem and two others had been robbing the Hussain’s home when the family returned home from the Mosque. The two others ran off but Salem held the family at knifepoint until he too ran off, only to be chased, caught and beaten up with a cricket bat and a hockey stick. A senior police officer urged to the judge not to jail 52 year old Hussain, a millionaire businessman, but the judge said people should not take the law into their own hands. The court heard that Salem, who was given a two year supervision order, had 54 previous convictions.

What’s on – Eton College holds its annual Christmas Carol concert for the public tonight.

Monday 14th December

Fatal crash arrest - A man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving yesterday following the fatal crash that closed the southbound section of the M40 at Stokechurch on Saturday for nearly eight hours. The dead man – who was pulled from his blazing van by firefighters – is expected to be named today.

What’s on – The recently refurbished Palace Theatre in Watford is hosting Cinderella as its annual panto this year. The show runs until 3 January.

Sunday 13th December

Fatal smash brings chaos – Fire fighters fought a desperate losing battle to save a driver after his van burst into flames following a collision with a lorry on the M40 yesterday. They managed to pull him from his vehicle but he died at the scene. The smash, between the Watlington and Stokenchurch junctions, occurred at 5.30am and closed the southbound carriageway of the motorway for nearly eight hours. There were tailbacks all the way to Oxford as police arranged traffic to U-turn onto the northbound carriageway. It’s thought hundreds of people trying to get to Heathrow missed their flights.

Unlucky Blues - Wycombe Wanderers were all over Carlisle in the second half of their away clash in League 1 yesterday but just couldn’t find the net after the Cumbrian side scored a first half goal from a doubtfully awarded free kick. The Blues remain third from bottom.

What’s on – Mark Jones is Buttons in Cinderella, this year’s annual panto at the Beck Theatre in Hayes.

Saturday 12th December

Superhero – Wycombe actor Aaron Johnson, who is set for worldwide fame when his acclaimed film portrayal of John Lennon in Nowhere Boy opens on Boxing Day, has signed on the dotted line to star in an even bigger movie next year. He’ll be playing a nerd who becomes a super-hero in the film Kick-Ass, directed by Matthew Vaughn, director of Stardust.

Getaway fans – As thousands cram the shops today on what’s expected to be the busiest shopping day of the year, around a couple of hundred fans will be taking the 700 mile round trip to Carlisle to support Wycombe Wanderers on their longest away visit of the season in League 1.

What’s on – Shane Richie starts in Wycombe Swan’s panto, Aladdin, which opens tonight until 10 January

Friday 11th December

More jailed – Three more men linked with the High Wycombe liquid bomb terror plot were jailed yesterday. Adam Kathib, Nabeel Hussain and Mohammed Uddin, all from east London, were jailed for 18 years, eight years and 15 months respectively for taking part in the Wycombe based plot to make liquid bombs to blow up airliners leaving Heathrow. Earlier this year four men, including two from High Wycombe, were jailed for periods over 20 years.

Tubbywinkle – A hedgehog which had grown to three times its normal weight thanks to platefuls of dog food being left for it by a well-meaning individual, is being treated at the Tiggywinkles Animal Welfare shelter near Aylesbury. It is on an exercise and diet routine.

What’s On – The National Trust is opening Hugenden Manor decorated Victorian style for Christmas. It opens tomorrow with a wine tasting and stays open until 20 December.

Thursday 10th December

Rail relief – A high speed rail link won’t be built through the Chilterns for environmental reasons, Government sources indicated last night. Chancellor Alistair Darling said in his Pre-Budget report that a further statement on the link will be made in the new year, but it looks increasingly that the new high speed track will run alongside the existing main London to midlands line, through Hemel, bringing a sigh of relief to environmentalists. The construction of a new double track through Wycombe and onto Aylesbury would not only cost billions but would have brought noise and disruption to areas of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Managers move – Former Wycombe Wanderers managers were on the move last night. Tony Adams is said to be ready to sign a deal to coach New York Red Bulls, while John Gregory has made an appropriately Christmassy move to manage the Isreali team Nazareth. Meanwhile the future of former Wycombe favourites John Gorman and Keith Ryan – now assistant manager and reserve team manager respectively at Queen’s Park Rangers – looks to be in doubt. Manager Jim Magilton has been suspended and both Gorman and Ryan were sidelined when the youth team manager was put in charge.

What’s On – Rula Lenska is the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Reading’s annual panto at the Hexagon, which runs until 10 January.

Wednesday 9th December

What’s On – Wendy Craig and Toby Hull with Emu star in Windsor’s annual panto, which opens tonight. Aladdin runs for a month.

Tuesday 8th December

Cash cut – Chancellor Alistair Darling is expected to hand out less cash proportionately to Buckinghamshire than anywhere else in England when he makes his pre-Budget statement tomorrow. The Government thinks Bucks is well off and doesn’t need as much support as elsewhere, but local politicians say that a cut in Government grants for the second year in succession will lead to real cuts in social services, road maintenance and other council services.

Wet and wetter - The number of flood watches rose to 12 in the Thames area last night as persistent rain on already soaked ground made Environment Agency officials increasingly concerned about potential flooding.

What’s On –Aylesbury’s panto gets underway tonight. Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Civic Centre Theatre until 30 December.

Monday 7th December

Pay day! – An investigation is underway after a Tesco cash machine paid out £20 notes instead of £10 notes. Delighted customers discovered the error at Aylesbury Tesco before officials noticed and the machine was closed down. The cash machine company may try to reclaim the overpaid money.

Full house – Wycombe’s Adams Park reached a record attendance for yesterday’s rugby clash between London Wasps and Leicester Tigers. The absolute maximum crowd allowed – 10,116 – squeezed into the ground and for some parked at the top end of the car park it was almost as long leaving the area as it was watching the game – a thriller which Wasps won 22-20.

What’s On – Peter Duncan once again directs and writes Oxford Playhouse’s annual panto . Jack and the Beanstalk runs until 17 January.

Sunday 6th December

Improving – Wycombe Wanderers came from behind to take full points from yesterday’s clash with fellow League 1 strugglers Stockport County yesterday. Goals from Chris Westwood and Scott Davies gave the Blues a deserved 2-1 victory.

What’s on – The traditional Festival of Carols, hosted by the Mayor of High Wycombe in aid of local charities, takes place at Wycombe Swan this evening.

Thursday 3rd December

Missing girls – Police last night expressed concern over two teenage girls who have been missing from their homes in Chesham since Tuesday. They said no-one had heard from 15 year old Gemma Gooderham and 16 year old Jade Nurse and appealed for them to get in touch.

Nativity abandoned - Instead of gathering in the stable, children at a Wycombe primary school’s Nativity concert found themselves in the playground after the school’s fire alarm went off. The school was evacuated in the middle of the performance and the children and their parents sang carols in the playground while the fire brigade checked out Hamilton Primary School. There was no fire, but as the children got cold it was decided to send them home and reschedule the Nativity for next week.

What’s on – There’s a real scrap promised at Adams Park this afternoon when Wycombe Wanderers – third from bottom in League One – Stockport County, second from bottom, in what both sides regard as a classic “six pointer”.

Wednesday 2nd December

Thames alert – The whole of the navigable stretch of the River Thames – from Lechlade to Teddington Lock - was closed to boats last night as millions of gallons of water from tributaries caused strong currents in the river. With more rain due over the next two or three days, officials are watching river levels of all of the Thames tributaries in case of flooding. The River Thame has been on flood watch since the beginning of the week.

Trees checked – Rail officials are checking the stability of railside trees after two trees fell onto the Aylesbury to Marylebone line at Great Missenden. The trees fell after heavy rain and strong winds.

Tuesday 1st December

Speed cameras – In an attempt to cut down accidents, speed cameras are to be permanently positioned on the High Wycombe stretch of the M40 between Loudwater and Handy Cross, the Highways Agency said yesterday.

Cancer survival – There was some good news for a change for Buckinghamshire’s hard pressed health services yesterday when Government figures showed that cancer patients in the county have one of the best survival rates in the country.

Hard luck – Wycombe Wanderers had most of the possession but still lost 1-0 at Southampton in League 1 last night, leaving them third from bottom and still in the relegation zone.

Monday 30th November

Celebs holding on – Our local contestants are hanging on as Britain’s three biggest celebrity TV shows reach their climax this weekend. Actress Ali Bastion, who was born in Windsor and brought up in Marlow and Cookham, has been installed as favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing with her partner Brian Fortune; while Maidenhead actor Stuart Manning survived a jungle challenge in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here last night to increase his chances of winning. Meanwhile former Windsor schoolteacher Daryl Johnson reached the semi-finals of The X Factor last night.

Museum review – Cash strapped Wycombe Council is to set up a group to look at the future of the town’s museum. The council says it needs to find ways of reducing the cost of running the museum, but has ruled out an possibility of closing it as it contains a chair collection of national importance.

Flood warnings – The Environment Agency put a flood watch warning on the whole of the River Thame last night after more than 24 hours of persistent and heavy rain caused minor flooding on roads throughout the Wycombe area. The weather didn’t put off early Christmas shoppers however as shopping centres throughout the area were packed yesterday.

Saturday 28th November

Cash woes – The recession may be easing in the private sector, but it caught up with the public sector yesterday. Bucks Hospital Trust said it needed to borrow an extra £20m in order to pay its staff until the end of the financial year; Thames Valley Police said it may have to cut over 100 jobs because of a cash shortfall of up to £40m, and top Bucks council staff learned they are to have a pay freeze next year.

Girl named – The little girl from east Berkshirewho died of swine flu earlier this month was named yesterday as five year old Nida Qureshi. Her parents said she was only diagnosed with the virus by the time she had been put on a life support machine at St Mary’s Hospital, London.

Horse rescued – Firefighters had to rescue a horse from a ditch in Little Marlow yesterday after all four of its legs sunk in soft mud and it was unable to move. With more rain forecast this weekend the RSPCA warned owners to ensure fields were safe for horses and countryside groups urged country walkers to take extra care.

Friday 27th November

Hayes’ plans – Steve Hayes, the owner of both Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps, said yesterday he was confident he could make both clubs financially self-sufficient in two years. He told the Evening Standard that he hoped to have a both clubs playing in a new stadium by the start of the 2014 season and that the 100 acre site earmarked for the new stadium – in Cressex – will have “enabling development” . He revealed that Tim Smit, the co-founder of the Eden Project in Cornwall was assisting with the new stadium development. Mr Hayes said he hoped to increase the fan base for both clubs and was particularly keen to attract the 17 per cent of the Wycombe area population who have Asian backgrounds.

Paralympics project - Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell MP visited Cressex Community School in High Wycombe yesterday to meet students who have been working with disabled artists and athletes to create new artwork which tells the story of the Paralympics, its birth in Buckinghamshire, and the inspiration that drives them. The project has been granted more than £50,000 so it can expand its word in time of the 2012 Olympics.

Thursday 26th November

Hospital review – The NHS yesterday launched a major review of community hospitals in Buckinghamshire. The move comes after complaints from local people concerned over a reduction in services and fears the former cottage hospitals will be closed. Recommendations are expected in three months.

Iceland returns – Supermarket Iceland said yesterday it intended to occupy the other half of the old Woolworth store in Wycombe High Street. The cutprice store Poundland has already announced it will fill the other half. Iceland had to leave the town three years ago when their store was demolished to make way for the Eden shopping centre.Today marks the first anniversary of Woolworth going into administration.

Boats ban –The Environment Agency last night warned all boats to stay off the Thames from Oxford to Windsor today as millions of gallons of extra water entered the river from tributaries swollen by heavy rain earlier in the week.

Wednesday 25th November

New stores - German cut price supermarket chain Lidl will be talking to potential customers at a food tasting session in High Wycombe today before deciding whether to submit a planning application for a store in town. They became interested in the town when they realised a number of visitors to their Slough store came from Wycombe and because of the growing numbers of students based at Bucks New University. Meanwhile sexy undie shop Ann Summers opens in Wycombe town centre today. It’s not known if the influx of bargain hunters and students effected their decision to set up shop here!

Trench renovation – An authentic First World War trench is being renovated at RAF Halton near Wendover and will be opened to the public to give them a sample of what life was like. The trench – the only one of its type in the country – was constructed at the base in 1914 to give troops going to France an idea of what to expect.

On the spot – Wycombe Wanderers scrambled to their second successive win thanks to two penalty awards and opponents Brentford being reduced to ten men last night. Matt Harrold blasted home the first penalty but fluffed the second, but it mattered little as the Blues 1-0 victory lifted them to third from bottom of League 2.

Tuesday 24th November

Jobs go – More than 800 finance jobs are to go in Aylesbury it was announced yesterday. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns HBOS, is axing 570 jobs at the famous glass triangular building near the town centre because of cutbacks in its pensions and investments business. A further 240 admin jobs at Equitable Life insurance, also part of the group, are being shelved as admin work goes to India. The job losses will be phased over two years to give people chance to find other work.

World is your Oyster – Commuters and London bound visitors will be able to use Oyster cards at railway stations, including Wycombe, Maidenhead and Aylesbury, from the new year, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced yesterday. Oyster cards can already be used on London tubes and buses and it is reckoned the move will prove cheaper for travellers.

Monday 23rd November

Racism award - Former Wycombe Wanderers goalkeeper Howard Wells has been awarded £200,000 after claiming he was victimised on the grounds of racism by the Irish Football Association. Englishman Wells, now 62, was sacked from his job as chief executive of the Irish FA. Ironically the breakdown of Mr Wells’ relationship with other officials in Northern Ireland football started with a frosty relationship with former manager Laurie Sanchez, a former Wycombe manager. After retiring at Wycombe keeper he went into sports administration becoming chief executive at Watford and Ipswich before landing the Northern Ireland job five years ago.

Jabs start – Hundreds of more vulnerable patients were injected against swine flu at special clinics held in GP surgeries at the weekend. More special clinics are being held over the next few days.

Love in – People in Buckinghamshire are some of the happiest in the country, a report to Bucks County Council will show this week. A survey has found that eight out of ten people believe different communities get on well together, while 86 per cent say they are satisfied with living in the area.

Sunday 22nd November

That’s better - It was a game full of records - Wycombe’s first win in 15 matches (a club record they were delighted to break); Millwall’s first defeat at their New Den stadium for 14 matches; Wycombe’s first clean sheet of the season. But the most important thing was that Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 victory at Millwall was played by a team full of fight and commitment, a quality sadly lacking so far this season. With five first team regulars out through injury and skipper Michael Duberry dropped in favour of one of the scorers, Chris Westwood, yesterday’s win took Wycombe off the bottom of League 2. Kevin Betsy scored the Blues’ second.

Saturday 21st November

Helping out – WycombeWanderers manager Gary Waddock yesterday called in an old mate to help him stiffen the resolve of the Blues shaky defence. Gareth Ainsworth, a 36 year old midfielder who played alongside Waddock at QPR, has signed on a month’s loan and will line up at Millwall today.

Salt stored – Local councils announced yesterday they have almost double the amount of salt stockpiled compared to last winter so that they don’t get caught out by cold spells as they did earlier this year.

Friday 20th November

Swine flu death – A schoolgirl from the Windsor area has died in hospital from swine flu, it was confirmed last night. The girl, whose name and age has not been released, was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington for specialist treatment but died last Wednesday, said a statement from East Berks NHS Trust.

Vicious circle – The cases of two women who gave birth in ambulances because of the withdrawal of maternity services at Wycombe Hospital was highlighted in the House of Commons last night. Wycombe MP Paul Goodman said local hospitals were having to make cuts because they received 17 per cent less funding per head of population than the average for the rest of the country. He said the hospitals were trapped in a vicious circle – they had restructured to become more efficient, but as a result had endured a drop in Government funding.

Debt cut – The “knock on” sales of former Wycombe Wanderers players to premiership clubs help reduce the club’s debt by nearly £1m last season, according to figures released yesterday. Increased attendances in the promotion run off also help reduce the operating loss to £700,000. Long term debt has also been virtually cleared following the takeover in the summer by millionaire Steve Hayes, the club’s biggest creditor.

Thursday 19th November

Fight tragedy – Gay businessman Colin Butler got his thrills by paying £50 a time to men to fight and spar with him. But it all went tragically wrong when Mr Butler, aged 49, died after one such fight at his home in Marlow Road, High Wycombe, a jury at Reading Crown Court was told. His attacker, 21 year old Keiran Avery, of High Wycombe admits to manslaughter but denies murder. The case continues.

Barter pub – The Artichoke pub in Amersham has become one of the few in the country to adopt bartering. As a trial customers who offer home grown fresh produce for the pub’s menus can in return get a glass of wine.

Cup exit – Wycombe Wanderers were booted out of the cup 2-0 by Brighton last night, leaving them with just one objective out of what’s already a miserable season – to save themselves from relegation from League 1, which they currently prop up. Last night manager Gary Waddock made five changes to the side that lost 6-0 at the weekend, but it didn’t make a dramatic difference.

Wednesday 18th November

Business pick-up – Clear signs that things are picking up in High Wycombe. Two new stores – Past Times and Ann Summers are due to open in a few days in Wycombe’s Eden Centre, leaving only three empty units in the new part of the complex, while two new hotels – one over the Chilterns shopping centre and another over the Pure night club – are due to open next year.

Christmas starts – Shane Ritchie and his two sons – all of whom are appearing in Wycombe Swan’s panto Aladdin this year – will switch on the town’s Christmas lights tomorrow night.

Big changes – Wycombe Wanderers manager Gary Waddock says there’ll be big changes in the side that plays Brighton in an FA cup replay tonight compared to the side that was beaten 6-0 at Huddersfield at the weekend. Waddock, who hasn’t backed down on his threat to sack under-performing players, says he only wants players prepared to fight for their place.

Tuesday 17th November

Baby anger – Pressure is mounting on health bosses to reintroduce maternity services at Wycombe Hospital after two babies were born in ambulances on their way to the nearest maternity unit at Stoke Mandeville near Aylesbury. The emergencies arose just weeks after maternity services moved to Stoke Mandeville Hospital in a money-saving move. Both babies and mothers are fine but local MPs, who plan to raise the issue in the House of Commons, fear what could happen if a birth is more complex.

Base threatened – The big RAF base at Benson in south Oxfordshire, which employs nearly 2,000 people, may be closed under a Government review. The Ministry of Defence said yesterday it was looking at the future of a number of RAF bases as part of a financial cutback. The recently expanded RAF High Wycombe base is not threatened however.

River warning – The Environment Agency yesterday put up yellow warning boards along the whole of the River Thames from Oxford to Windsor as flows in the river increased following days of heavy rain. With further storms predicted for later in the week, officials urged river users to take extra care.

Monday 16th November

Green belt threat – The Government is expected to comment today on reports yesterday that it is planning to ditch Green Belt protection on parts of land between Maidenhead and Marlow to allow more homes to be built. The Sunday Telegraph said around 20 areas were to be subject to a “green belt review”. The Green Belt was set up 60 years ago to prevent urban areas, particularly in the south east, from merging together. But with Maidenhead set to expand rapidly as one end of the trans-London Crossrail project, pressure for more development in the town is intense. There is hardly any land for houses to be built, without intruding into Green Belt.

Woolies boost – Customers this weekend flocked to Alworths – the revamped Woolworth store in Amersham, which opened last week. Local businessman Andy Latham, who was head of stores and concessions for the Woolworth Group before it folded earlier this year, said he now had backing to provide 50 similar stores in old Woolworth premises.

Players’ fate – As anger continued to mount yesterday over Wycombe Wanderers’ abject performance against Huddersfield on Saturday, manager Gary Waddock today meets owner Steve Hayes to find out how much money is available for new players in the January transfer window. The players meet today to train for Wednesday’s FA Cup replay at Brighton knowing that some of them will soon be shown the door.

Sunday 15th November

Narrow escape – A driver came within inches of death yesterday when a tree was blown over onto his car on the main Wycombe to Amersham road. The silver birch smashed onto the BMW’s boot near Terriers in 50mph gales. Coincidentally two tree surgeons were following the BMW . They helped rescue the driver, chopped down an adjoining birch which was also swaying dangerously and then helped clear the blocked road. The road was closed for nearly an hour.

Players warned – Furious Wycombe Wanderers boss Gary Waddock said some players will be sacked after a 6-0 drubbing at Huddersfield yesterday – the Blues’ equal worst ever performance in league football. Waddock , who described the day as the worst he ever had in football management, said there would be major changes and indicated, quite rightly, that he needs a new defensive line-up.

Perfect day! – Meanwhile there are demands for compensation for Wycombe fans, many of whom did not get into Huddersfield’s ground until well into the second half of yesterday’s fiasco. Their coaches had been stuck in jams on the M1, amid raging storms. Normally the kick-off would have been delayed to enable visiting fans to arrive but as the game was televised a delay was ruled out.

Saturday 14th November

Fire battle - The Fire Brigade has lost the legal battle to stop a local council running its own fire service. The High Court ruled that Windsor and Maidenhead Council has the power under new laws to run Windsor’s fire station, which Berkshire Fire Authority want to close overnight. The fire authority had been calling for a legal review to see if the council were acting within the law. The council say they will keep the station open 24 hours.

Best deal – A little, local building society, which has survived the recession very nicely thank you, yesterday offered the best savings deal in the country. But the Buckinghamshire Building Society, based in Chalfont St Giles, warned that the 5.1 per cent offered in their Chiltern Gold Mine account could be withdrawn “at any time”.

Gusty weather – Winds up to 50 mph could hit the Wycombe area today as people were asked last night to consider any journeys very carefully. The winds, accompanied by heavy rain, are expected to bring down trees and cause minor flooding.

Friday 13th November

Woolies reborn – A former Woolworth employer reopened the old Woolies in Amersham yesterday with a store called Alworths, and selling exactly the same sort of stuff. Andy Latham has employed 20 of the former Woolworth staff and says he is convinced the store can make a profit. Meanwhile, in Wycombe work is nearly complete on converting half of the former Woolworth store into a Poundland.

Jim’s honour – Sir Jimmy Savile will receive an honorary doctorate today to mark his years of active support for the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville. The 83 year old entertainer will become an Honorary Doctor of Arts at the Univesity of Bedfordshire.

Striker returns – Towering striker John Akinde, who scored 7 goals in 11 matches for Wycombe Wanderers last season before joining Bristol City, returned to the Blues yesterday on a month’s loan as manager Gary Waddock tries to improve Wycombe’s scoring record.

Thursday 12th November

Illegal immigrants – The new Beaconsfield service station, opened just six months ago on the M40, has already become one of the country’s top venues for distributing illegal immigrants. Police told a local anti-crime group that illegal immigrants smuggled in by lorries at Dover were travelling via the M25 and the M40 to rendezvous with agents in the service station car park where they transferred to other vehicles to work illegally in other parts of the country.

Top cop’s job – Meanwhile, former Scotland Yard commissioner Sir Ian Blair – who left the Met after a fall out with London Mayor Boris Johnson - has taken on a voluntary role as head of the Thames Valley Parntership, an anti-crime organisation which covers the Wycombe area. Sir Ian will pull together local businesses and community groups in crime prevention initiatives.

Manor sold – A posh preparatory school yesterday paid nearly a million pounds for Bassetbury Manor, the grade two listed 17th century mansion on Wycombe’s Rye the council put up for sale to help its finances. The Crown prep school, which is currently nearby on the London Road, plans to move its pupils in next September.

Wednesday 11th November

Thames “closed” – A stretch of the River Thames may be closed to all river traffic when the Olympics are held in 2012, officials admitted last night. Security experts are said to favour the closure of the river while the rowing events take place at Dorney. But river cruise owners who run pleasure craft from Windsor past the Dorney course say they will lose thousands at a peak time of year if they are prohibited from operating to Maidenhead.

Wycombe interest – Meanwhile at least six countries are expressing an interest in basing their teams in the Wycombe area during and before the Olympics. They include countries with strong contingents in rowing and judo – Marlow and Henley provide perfect rowing training conditions and facilities while High Wycombe Judo Club, one of the best in the country, will be one of the official Olympic training centres. Wycombe Council may also delay the proposed closure of the Olympic sized swimming pool at Handy Cross because of interest in using it as a training venue. The pool and sports complex was due to close in 2011 and be relocated in a new complex with a smaller pool.

Taylor’s new job – Sacked Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor is expected to be named as Peterborough’s new manager today after the Posh yesterday sacked Darren Ferguson, ironically for the same reason that Taylor was dismissed. Both men had failed to establish their teams in new leagues after promotion. The biggest irony for Taylor is that he tries to revive Peterborough in the Championship, the league above Wycombe’s.

Tuesday 10th November

Stables sealed – A stable yard in Buckinghamshire has been quarantined after a horse contracted a killer disease. The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), wouldn’t name the stables last night but confirmed that a horse has been confirmed with contagious equine metritis, a disease which earlier this year brought the American horse breeding industry to a standstill. Defra said strict control measures were in place to try and stop the disease spreading.

Runaway wheel – A woman is in hospital after a spare wheel dislodged from the back of a four by four and bowled into her as she walked on the pavement. The wheel hit her in the back as she was walking by Windsor’s Combermere Barracks yesterday. She received minor injuries.

Inspector returns – Actor Kevin Whately – Inspector Lewis in the ITV series Lewis – returns to a pub this week he first visited as a sergeant nearly 20 years ago. The ancient pub, The Royal Standard of England near Beaconsfield, is being closed for a night so scenes for the TV show can be shot. In the 1990s the pub was used for similar scenes involving Mr Whately as Sgt Lewis in the series Morse.

Monday 9th November

Big health change - A radical change to the way people are treated for medical conditions at night or at weekends has been agreed by Buckinghamshire’s primary care trust. Three private companies have formed a company called Buckinghamshire Urgent Care and signed a deal with the trust. From next March people calling a doctor outside 9-5 weekday hours will have their conditions assessed by a private medic. They’ll then be told either how to treat themselves at home, given the address of the nearest out-of-hours medical centre or, if considered serious enough, a GP on call will visit. The move is aimed to save the trust tens of thousands. The trust says services will be improved.

Woman arrested – A woman in her twenties was arrested yesterday in connection with the hit and run in Wycombe town centre last week when a man in his fifties was knocked down by a van fleeing a chasing police car. The man remains in a critical condition in hospital. It’s thought the van contained rogue traders who had been trying to con a pensioner in the town.

Speed reductions – Speed limits outside most schools in Windsor and Maidenhead are to be set at 20mph following pleas from parents and nearby residents. It’s the latest in a campaign by communities to cut speeding. In Denham, actor Robert Lindsay’s wife Rosemary is leading a campaign to reduce limits in part of the village to 20mph also.

Sunday 8th November

Tourist shot – A Maidenhead man who called into Amarillo in Texas because he liked the Tony Christie song has been shot dead in a bar. Thomas Reeve, a 28 year old barman, was touring the States with two friends. He died in a Texas hospital on Friday. His killer stormed into the bar and shot at customers randomly. A 25 year old local man was last night charged with murder. Last night Thomas’s parents, of Priors Way, Maidenhead paid tribute to their “happy and optimistic” son, who thought the world of his nine month old daughter Tabitha.

Body found - The death of a woman whose body was found by the roadside hours after being released from police custody is being investigated. The woman, in her 50s, was discovered by the Berkhampstead Road in Chesham by a dog-walker early yesterday. A post mortem is being held today but in the meantime police are treating the case as an “unexplained death”. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has also been called in as a matter of routine because the woman, who hasn’t been named, had been in police custody.

Ding dong – Eight goals, three penalties and two sending offs ensured that Wycombe Wanderers FA cup first round clash with Brighton at Adams Park yesterday was a typically robust affair. And after a 4-4 draw they’ll have to go through it all again next Wednesday.

Saturday 7th November

Toy story – The locally based toy business, The Entertainer, is planning to more than double its number of shops to 100 because its business is booming following the demise of Woolworth’s. Gary and Catherine Grant who opened their first toy shop in Amersham 28 years ago and now outlets from London to Liverpool said yesterday their business had never been so busy, due solely, they said, to Woolworth’s closure. To meet demand they are opening a temporary Christmas shop in Maidenhead today.

Soccer tribute – Wycombe Wanderers players will wear special shirts in their FA Cup first round against Brighton at Adams Park this afternoon. The shirts have the poppy emblem sewn into them as a tribute to those who have died on active service and to those currently serving in Afghanistan.


Thursday 5th November

Police chase accident – A man is fighting for his life after being hit by a van which was being chased by a police car. The white transit failed to stop after hitting the man in his 50s on the roundabout outside Marks and Spencer in Wycombe town centre yesterday afternoon. The two men in the van sped off losing their police tail. Roads in the town centre were closed until late last night while police made investigations. They declined to say why they were pursuing the van, which had first been spotted in Deeds Grove a mile away. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been called in as a matter of routine.

Rail request – The Government has been formally asked to fund the reinstatement of a rail link between High Wycombe and Maidenhead. The line, which travelled through Loudwater, Wooburn Green, Bourne End and Cookham, was uprooted following the Beeching report in the 1960s, but much of the track-bed remains. Windsor and Maidenhead Council has requested the Government to consider the plan with the support of Wycombe Council. The line would give passengers access to the ulta-fast trans-London Crossrail link which will run from Maidenhead to The City in 2015.

Family support – The Wycombe parents of 19 year old John Lennon actor Aaron Johnson said yesterday they were delighted that he was to marry the 42 year old film director Sam Taylor-Wood. The two met on the set of the Lennon bio-pic Nowhere Man, which goes on general release at Christmas. Aaron’s dad, Robert, from Holmer Green, told the Evening Standard that Aaron’s decision to marry a woman more than twice his age “doesn’t bother us a bit”.

Wednesday 4th November

Swans “eaten” – Police have asked people to report suspicious behaviour after a number of swans disappeared from the Thames in the Windsor and Maidenhead area. Some riverside dwellers think the swans - a protected species - are being captured by East Europeans and eaten after a swan was found covered in blood. A number of ducks have also disappeared. Angling clubs have had to take special measures after East Europeans were caught stealing fish from Thames-side fisheries.

Physio charged – Chesham physiotherapist Guillermo Ganet faces being struck off for allegedly groping servicewomen at RAF High Wycombe. One 28 year old female officer told the Health Professions Council that the 46 year old physio used oils and touched her breast while treating her for neck ache. He denies the charges.

Noel quits – Noel Gallagher is set to leave his Little Chalfont mansion and move back to his home town of Manchester, he said last night. The star quit Oasis in the summer after a row with his brother Liam and says that the London area has lost its “sparkle”.

Tuesday 3rd November

Stadium boost – Wycombe Council last night allocated up to half a million pounds to help Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps rugby club realise their dream of building a new stadium. The money will be used to fund a feasibility study to look at all aspects of building a new stadium, including direct access from the M40 to the site, which is widely expected to be next to Wycombe Air Park in Booker. The council’s “bending over backwards” to help accommodate a new stadium contrasts starkly with its attitude 20 years ago when it wasn’t prepared to offer any site anywhere in Wycombe for a new stadium for the town’s football club.

Reality check – Meanwhile, Wycombe Wanderers has been accused to snubbing its fans after the two nominees from the supporters’ trust for the football club’s board were rejected without explanation. After 100 years of supporter representation in the way the club was run, businessman Steve Hayes bought out the club in the summer. But as part of a sweetener to get supporters’ backing for the take-over, he said two people representing supporters could stay on the board. Now Ian Mather, one of the supporters rejected without explanation, has resigned as chairman of the trust and ripped up his season ticket after more than 20 years supporting the team. His supporters say the club is no longer interested in fan participation in the running of the club.

MP’s perk - Wycombe’s next MP will be likely to be able to claim expenses for a second home in the constituency according to new rules being debated in Parliament. That’s because Wycombe has been deemed to be more than an hour from Westminster, whereas the next door constituencies of Windsor, Beaconsfield and Maidenhead are all within the “hour” rule, meaning their MPs can’t claim for a second home.

Monday 2nd November

New stadium – Leading councillors in High Wycombe meet in secret session tonight to see if they can agree outstanding issues surrounding a plan to build a new sports stadium for the town which will house Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps rugby club. It’s thought the stadium will include a hotel, shops and other sporting facilities. If councillors can agree commercial and strategic planning niggles tonight, a formal, detailed planning application will put forward in weeks.

Tory choice – A friend of David Cameron’s who is a member of a Tory think tank advocating the lifting of restrictions on trade and the money markets, is set to become Wycombe’s next MP. Steve Baker, a 38 year old engineer who lives next to Mr Cameron’s Oxfordshire constituency, was chosen by local Conservatives at the weekend to replace current MP Paul Goodman, who’s become disillusioned with Parliament. A rising star in the party, Mr Baker – who is married to a GP – beat five others on the shortlist. An earlier attempt to find a candidate ended in farce when party chairman Eric Pickles ordered local Tories to rerun the contest because they hadn’t followed correct procedures.

YouTube favs - Marlow brothers Harry and Charlie Davies-Carr have become the most watched people ever on YouTube. The video of baby Charlie biting toddler Harry’s finger – first filmed in 2007 – this weekend became the most watched YouTube video ever, with an incredible 130million hits. The video – originally filmed to show to their American godparents - is making parents Howard and Shelley tens of thousands of pounds from ad revenue around the video, but Harry and Charlie, now aged five and three, are said to be embarrassed by the whole thing.

Sunday 1st November

Just imagine - Nineteen year old Wycombe actor Aaron Johnson, who’s getting rave reviews for his portrayal of John Lennon in the movie Nowhere Boy, is to marry the 42 year old director of the film, Sam Taylor-Wood it was announced yesterday. The actor, whose family live in Holmer Green, a few streets away from the family of comedy actor James Corden, says he is “blissfully happy”, although no date has been set for the wedding.

Halloween Blues – Wycombe Wanderers gave away a 2-0 lead at half time in their own Halloween horror show at Adams Park yesterday. They lost 3-2 against Walsall and remain rooted at the bottom on League 2, causing new manager Gary Waddock to “go ballistic” in the dressing room after the match.

Sunday 18th OCtober

The only way is up – Wycombe Wanderers sunk to the bottom of League 2 yesterday, but the atmosphere at Adams Park was far from depressing. The team, playing its first game under new manager Gary Waddock, was unlucky not to come away with three points in a 1-1 draw against Colchester United. It included a goal from a rejuvenated Jon-Paul Pittman and a lively debut from loanee Scott Davies.

Back soon – The Wycombe.Info team are taking a break for a couple of weeks. Daily news updates resume in November.

Saturday 17th October

Wasps ultimatum – Wycombe Council and London Wasps were tight lipped last night over reports that the rugby club has issued a December ultimatum to the council to accept plans for a new stadium for it and Wycombe Wanderers. According to BBC sport presenter John Inverdale – who’s backing a campaign to base the rugby club back in the capital because of the “lamentable access to Adams Park” – the rugby club will leave Wycombe if it doesn't get a green light for a new stadium this year. But council sources see the threat as an attempt to bounce the council into an early decision. It’s unlikely to happen now that Wasps and Wycombe Wanderers – who are both owned by Steve Hayes – have just signed a sponsorship deal with Wycombe based university, Buckinghamshire New University.

Royal balloon –When five year old Charlie Castle let off his balloon in a balloon race at his Marlow primary school fete in the summer, he had no idea if anyone would ever find the tag and return it. But it was picked up by the Queen exercising her dogs in Windsor Castle, and now Charlie has received a letter from the Queen’s personal assistant saying how it was found and how happy the Queen was it was his balloon she discovered.

First signing – New Wycombe Wanderers boss Gary Waddock wasted no time strengthening the side in time for today’s League 1 game with rivals Colchester. Yesterday he signed an attacking midfielder – under-21 Irish international Scott Davies on a month’s loan from Reading.

Friday 16th October

Baby flight – From Monday no more children will be born in High Wycombe, unless it’s by home delivery. Final preparations are being made today to close down Wycombe’s maternity units and move them to Stoke Mandeville Hospital, near Aylesbury, thereby removing at a stroke the name High Wycombe from thousands of future birth certificates. Hospital authorities say the new Women and Baby Centre at Stoke Mandeville provides state of the art facilities in a central place as well as save the hospital trust money. Children with serious illnesses will also be treated solely at Stoke Mandeville instead of Wycombe. The move has angered many Wycombe based patient groups.

Crime watch – A handful of people in Buckinghamshire who are especially vulnerable to domestic violence or so-called honour crimes are being fitted with a GPS tracking device and an alarm so police can pinpoint where they are if they are attacked again. A trial of the devices – supplied by the police and Bucks County Council – is being held to see if it cuts down the number of attacks.

Girl found – The 12 year old Aylesbury girl missing for a week turned up safe and sound yesterday after a major police appeal. No details were given, but it’s thought she had been staying with friends.

Thursday 15th October

Girl missing – There’s mounting concern over a 12 year old girl who hasn’t been seen for a week. Nothing is being revealed about her domestic circumstances, but police say they are keen to hear information about Leah Holden, from Aylesbury, who was wearing blue jeans, black hooded top and brown boots when she disappeared last Thursday.

Job shock – Nearly 2,000 council employees received a letter yesterday saying that some of them will have to lose their jobs. Bosses at Windsor and Maidenhead Council said jobs will have to go to keep the council tax down but they didn’t say where or how many. Other councils in the Wycombe area are expected to make similar announcements as they prepare for big budget cuts next year.

Be patient – New Wycombe Wanderers boss Gary Waddock yesterday said he planned to provide “attacking and exciting” football but asked fans to be patient and not expect overnight miracles. The 47 year old boss said his new job was his biggest challenge in football, but he was confident he could keep the Blues in League 1 this season.

Wednesday 14th October

Jail threat – A prison officer who had sex with a “dangerous” inmate in his cell at Aylesbury Young Offenders Institute was told yesterday that she will be sent to jail herself. Kelly Ann McDade, aged 30, admitted misconduct in a professional or public office by having sex with 18 year old burglar Nelson Delgado. She later had his baby.

New manager - Wycombe Wanderers will unveil former Aldershot boss Gary Waddock as their new manager today. The former QPR player has been successful in the rough and tumble of lower league football having promoted Aldershot from the Conference and leading them to sixth position in League 2. He is bringing his coach Martin Kuhl with him. Meanwhile, lawyers are still sorting out compensation following the messy departure of former boss Peter Taylor who insists he was sacked. Wanderers are sticking by their contention that he left by mutual consent.

Economy boost – Agencies yesterday reported a big rise in job vacancies in the Wycombe area as further evidence that the recession in the region is receding. Estate agents say house prices are beginning to increase for the first time this year.

Tuesday 13th October

Sex fiend – A 60 year old Wycombe man was jailed for 12 years yesterday for committing six rapes against two teenage girls. The judge said that Edward Wheller had commited “far more” than the six rapes and four acts of gross indecency he had been convicted of. The assaults happened during four years up to 1993 and came to light only after the women plucked up the courage to talk to police. Wheller’s address has not been revealed, partly, it is believed, to protect his family.

Centre closed – A Wycombe sports centre worker is under observation in hospital after a chemical spillage closed the Handy Cross centre yesterday. The swimming pool at the centre remains closed today while tests are held in the plant room where equipment to clean the pool is kept. The centre was evacuated after the leak just before eight o’clock yesterday morning and two other workers were also sent to hospital for checks.

Pool meet – Meanwhile, a group of volunteers formed to try and save Wycombe’s open air swimming pool, Holywell Mead, meet tonight to decide what to do next following the council’s confirmation that it doesn’t have enough money to maintain the pool.

Monday 12th October

Runway climbdown – Heathrow owners BAA said yesterday they will not be submitting a planning application for a third runway at the airport before the next election. Environmentalists interpreted the move as the beginning of the end of the third runway as the Conservatives reiterated at their party conference last week they were not in favour of the scheme. The move will be welcomed by councils in the Wycombe area who fear increased air noise for thousands of local people if a third runway was built<

Gorman’s no – Former Wycombe Wanderers boss John Gorman yesterday ruled out any return to the club saying he was happy to stay at QPR. Wycombe still expect to name a new boss shortly, with the odds now narrowing on Kevin Keen, a former Wycombe player whose dad Mike was manager for many years.

Gas leak – An investigation is underway after hundreds of people were evacuated from houses and shops near the centre of Aylesbury at the weekend following a gas leak. So much gas was apparently escaping from a pipe in Cambridge Street that all power to the area was switched off in case a spark set off a huge explosion. The area was cleared for several hours.

Sunday 11th October

Gorman’s return- Former Wycombe Wanderers manager John Gorman is set to make a sensational return to manage the Blues, following the sacking of Peter Taylor. The popular manager – currently assistant manager at QPR – was at Gillingham yesterday with Blues owner Steve Hayes to see the side lose 3-2. An official announcement is expected tomorrow.

I was sacked – Meanwhile, Peter Taylor’s departure from Wycombe Wanderers turned ugly yesterday with the former manager insisting he was sacked and did not leave by mutual consent as the club stated. In another twist, former Wycombe player and now BBC pundit Steve Claridge said that the involvement of rugby club London Wasps at Adams Park with the same chairman as the football club “makes you wonder what the priorities are at Wycombe.”

Cricket trek – Cricket fan Olly Broom set off to cycle to Australia yesterday – and plans to arrive in 14 months time to see the start of the first Ashes test. Mr Broom, aged 29, from Cookham aims to raise £100,000 during the journey for charity.

Saturday 10th October

New manager – Wycombe Wanderers expect to announce the name of their new manager in the next day or two following the departure of Peter Taylor after 18 months in charge yesterday. The former England manager’s departure from the club – who have taken only six points from a possible 33 – was amicable but came after club owner Steve Hayes complained about a lack of entertaining football and after the Blues were “turned over” by Tranmere, who also sacked their manager, John Barnes, yesterday.

Bookies bets – Wanderers owner Steve Hayes said last night that the club was targeting its next manager and had made an approach. Betting is strong on Kevin Keen, currently with the management team at West Ham, with outside bets on Steve Coppell and former Blues manager Laurie Sanchez.

Jail sentence – Wycombe public schoolgirl Gabriella Edmundson was sentenced to two years and four months jail yesterday after admitting causing the death of her friend Grace Hardman by driving dangerously and under the influence of alcohol. The court heard that the 18 year old would never forgive herself for the tragedy and that Miss Hardman’s family had expressed sympathy for her plight.

Friday 9th October

Court appearance – An 18 year old public schoolgirl who admitted causing the death of her friend through dangerous driving while over the alcohol limit, is due to be sentenced today. Gabriella Edmundson, from Penn, High Wycombe was driving following a celebration among Oxford’s St Edwards School pupils at Easter. In an accident near Oxford, 17 year old passenger Grace Hardman died and 18 year old Joe Robinson, from Thame, was seriously injured.

Pilgrims gather – Thousands of Catholics are expected to converge on St Joseph’s Church in Gerrards Cross to view a casket containing the relics of St Therese of Lisieux, described by Pope Pius X as “the greatest saint of modern times.” St Therese was a French nun who died aged 24 in 1897. Her casket, viewed by nearly 5,000 people in Oxford, arrived in Gerrards Cross last night as part of a 28 stop nationwide tour.

Deer campaign – The National Trust and the Highways Agency begin a road safety campaign in the Chilterns today to highlight the danger of motorists colliding with deer, now that the autumn rutting period has begun for the animals. There are over 70,000 road accidents involving deer every year in the country, with this area being one of the worst.

Thursday 8th October

Ripped off – A disabled Wycombe pensioner who has been ripped off by bogus builders to the tune of £70,000, has received just £300 back in compensation. One of the crooks that conned him – Danny Keet, aged 22, of Iver - pleaded guilty obtaining property by deception at Aylesbury Crown Cour and was given 250 hours of community service and ordered to pay the pensioner the £300. Bucks Trading Standards said the pensioner was “systematically used as a piggy bank by visiting criminals” since 2004.

Hospitals in crisis – Patients face cuts in services after hospitals used by people in the Wycombe area admitted they are in deep financial trouble. Wycombe and Stoke Mandeville Hospitals, who have asked local doctors to think twice before sending patients for hospital treatment, say they expect to be more than £5m in the red this year. And yesterday Wexham Park Hospital - part of an NHS group that expects to be £10m in debt – said it was in “survival mode”. Chief Executive Julie Burgess said she could not rule out job cuts.

Swine flu death – Local hospital problems are looking even more severe as cases of swine flu seem to be on the increase again in the Wycombe area. Medics confirmed yesterday that a 31 year old woman who died from pneumonia at the Royal Berkshire Hospital last week, had also contracted swine flu.

Wednesday 7th October

Mum mystery – It’s a month since a new born baby girl was abandoned in a bush in Wycombe Town Centre, but police and social workers are no nearer finding her mother. The little girl, called Rosie by nursing staff, is being looked after by foster parents and is perfectly healthy. Extensive checks and DNA tests have drawn a blank. If the mother isn’t found soon, Rosie will be officially adopted.

River check – Scientists are finding out why hundreds of fish were killed in the River Misbourne yesterday. They are testing water in a stretch of the river near Little Missenden to discover what seems to have polluted it.

Docherty back – Some comfort for under pressure Wycombe Wanderers as they look to fight their way from the League 2 relegation zone. Influential midfielder Tommy Docherty resumed full training with the squad yesterday and expects to be named for Saturday’s trip to Gillingham.

Monday 5th October

Spending more than a penny – Wycombe Council is to consider charging for public toilets in the area as one of the options to raise more cash in the future.

Open house – Dorneywood House, the mansion in Dorney that’s the official country residence of the Foreign Secretary, could be let out to charities and voluntary bodies under a future Conservative Government, the Tory Party said yesterday.

Sunday 4th October

Sweet revenge – Striker Scott McGleish, who left Wycombe Wanderers after falling out with manager Peter Taylor, got his revenge yesterday by scoring the only goal for Leyton Orient and plunging the Blues even deeper into the League 1 mire. With six points from 11 games things are beginning to look serious for Wycombe and Taylor, but the manager remained upbeat last night, saying he remained convinced the team was good enough to avoid relegation.

Friday 2nd October

Inspector’s stress – An Ofsted school inspector took his own life because he feared he had screwed up over a school inspection, his inquest heard yesterday. Robert Smith, aged 55, from Stone, Aylesbury, had indicated to staff at Winchester College at the end of a week long inspection that all was OK. But an hour or two after his informal chat he discovered fresh evidence which would have affected his final verdict. He became so stressed out he hung himself in his hotel room that night, the inquest heard.

Dumper fined – Shazia Asif thought all was well when she dumped four bags of rubbish in a country lane without being seized. But she didn’t count of council officials opening he bags and tracing and using the trash to trace it back to her. Now the 33 year old from Squirrel Lane, High Wycombe has had to pay over £1,000 in fines and court costs for dumping rubbish illegally.

Thursday 1st October

Pricy pint – Drinkers in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire pay the third highest prices in the country for their pint, the Good Pub Guide said yesterday. Researchers found that the average price of a pint was £2.85 – just behind London at £2.90 and some way behind Surrey at £3.01. The country’s average is £2.68 a pint.

Historic find – A 366 year local mystery is to be resolved later this month when the exact burial place of famous statesman John Hampden is revealed. Hampden, a cousin of Oliver Cromwell, was killed in the Civil War battle of Chalgrove Field near Stokenchurch in 1643 but his burial place in Great Hampden was kept secret because of fears it would be desecrated. Now, after 25 years of detailed research, local couple Derek and Gill Lester have located the unmarked grave and will reveal it at a special service at the church.

Family link – The son in law of Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor is facing difficulty from some fans over his regular inclusion in the side. Midfielder Stuart Green is a regular starter in the team but like many of his teammates is having an indifferent spell. Now some fans are complaining on message boards that Taylor is showing family favouritism.

Wednesday 30th September

Referendum effect - If a referendum was in favour of a form of proportional representation outlined by Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday, it could have a dramatic effect on Tory safe seats in Bucks. The plan would mean voters giving second and third choices until a winner emerges with over 50 per cent of the vote. That could mean Tories being beaten in both Wycombe and Chesham and Amersham if the proportion of votes remains the same as last time and provided that Labour and Liberal Democrats chose one another as a second choice. However, none of it will happen unless Labour win the next election.

Parks sell off – Buckinghamshire County Council is considering selling off its country parks to non-profit organisations as part of a plan to cut back on spending. They say there is no question of selling the parks off for development however.

Just awful – Boos greeted the end of a passionless performance by Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park last night as they lost 0-1 to Tranmere Rovers. Gloom has descended on the Blues and their supporters as manager Peter Taylor tries to figure out how to instil some confidence into a side now languishing second from bottom of League One.

Tuesday 29th September

It’s not all bad news - Suddenly things don’t seem so bad after all. Figures yesterday showed that house sales in the area rose by nearly a third between April and June compared to the same period last year. Wycombe’s Eden Shopping Centre announced that more empty shops are to be filled by new retailers, bringing the number of empty units to its lowest since the complex was opened last year’; and police announced that crime in South Bucks has fallen 17 per cent in the last three months compared to the previous year.

Sunny September – Even the weather is playing its part in cheering people up. With dry sunny weather predicted today and tomorrow, weather watchers confirmed their earlier predictions that this September is the driest and sunniest since local records began.

How appropriate – Appropriately, perhaps, a touring stage production of Singing in the Rain opens at Wycombe Swan tonight for a five night run.

Monday 28th September

Woolies plans – It looks as though the Woolworth store in Wycombe High Street will be split into two shops – one of which will be the budget store Poundland. Plans being considered by the council next month involve one from a development company to convert the store into two shops, and another from Poundland to use one of the halves as a shop.

Air park – Councillors are expected tonight to urge the Government to treat Wycombe Air Park as an airport and not a aerodrome. If that happens the Civil Aviation Authority will be able to impose environmental conditions on the complex, instead of just safety conditions. It follows a long running campaign by neighbours concerned about increased noise from increased air traffic. However, some private pilots say that the air park has been at its Cressex base longer than the houses, and people who move there should expect aircraft noise disturbance.

Speaker backed – Buckinghamshire MP John Bercow – who did not receive the support of any of his neighbouring Tory MPs in his campaign to become Speaker of the House of Commons – has now received some surprise backing from Wycombe MP Paul Goodman. He told supporters at the weekend that Mr Bercow’s plans to give more power to back-bench MPs was a step in the right direction.

Sunday 27th September

Man held – A 30 year old man is under arrest accused of attempted murder following a stabbing in High Wycombe in the early hours of yesterday. Neighbours heard shouting and fighting outside a house in Amersham Hill at three in the morning. Six hours later police made a dramatic swoop on the house – closing the road and holding up Saturday morning traffic – to make the arrest. The 26 year male victim is in an Oxford hospital being treated for stab wounds to the chest.

House hit – The driver of a car that hit the side of a house failed a breath test police said last night. A 17 year old girl who was attending a party at the house in West Wycombe received minor injuries during the incident late on Friday night. The 37 year old driver is in hospital also with minor injuries. Police are appealing for witnesses.

Debut goal - Ashley Chambers, a 19 year old striker on loan from Leicester, scored his first Football League goal yesterday to salvage a point for Wycombe Wanderers at Swindon. The 1-1 draw still leaves the Blues third from bottom in League One, and the match was far from pretty. It’s looking more and more like its going to be a rough and tumble season.

Saturday 26th September

MP’s anger – Wycombe MP Paul Goodman yesterday appeared unaware of the astounding claim by the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism that High Wycombe was one of the top three places in the country with the potential to produce violent extremists. And he hit out at the secrecy of a meeting between local Muslims and Government officials in Wycombe on Thursday. Mr Goodman told the Bucks Free Press, whose reporters were not allowed to report the meeting:“If a Government department makes a public claim about levels of violent extremism in a town, it's bound to be asked for evidence”

Hoaxer jailed – Meanwhile, a Wycombe man who falsely claimed that a chemical bomb had been placed in New York’s Times Square was jailed for four years yesterday. Jamal Ahmed, aged 20, called American officials saying the bomb had been planted in Frankie and Johnnie’s steakhouse in Manhattan. The entire area was evacuated and streets closed. Ahmed told Aylesbury Crown Court he was bored and was under the influence of cannabis.

Fence replaced - Beatle George Harrison’s widow Olivia yesterday won a planning battle to replace 8ft high razor wire fence around her Henley home as a security measure. Neighbours led by veteran actor Rodney Bewes objected to the fence saying it was dangerous and unnecessary and injured animals and pets. The fence was originally erected for a temporary period after George was attacked at the house – Friar Park in Gravel Hill – by burglars ten years ago. He died, aged 58, in 2001.

Friday 25th September

Secret meeting – An attempt to improve race relations in Wycombe backfired yesterday when officials insisted that a meeting between Muslims and Government representatives remain secret. Yesterday’s Guardian reported the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism had named Wycombe as one of three areas in Britain (together with Birmingham and Reading) with the highest risk of producing violent extremists ...a “fact” that was certainly news to most people in the town. Although two of the four men convicted in the recent liquid bomb trail came from Wycombe, council, police and Muslim leaders have stressed repeatedly that community relations in the town are good. However, when the local paper asked for reporters to attend yesterday’s meeting to find out what’s really going on, they were refused permission. A statement said that Foreign Office officials led by Britain’s Ambassador to Iraq met with local Muslim leaders and young Muslims and that the meeting was private.

Husband’s award – The husband of a Wendover woman who died during a botched Caesarean birth received over £400,000 in damages yesterday. Joanne Lockham, 45, from Wendover died at Stoke Mandeville Hospital after medics failed to ensure she was receiving enough oxygen. She died without ever seeing her baby son Finn. She and her husband Peter had been taking fertility treatment to help her conceive. Bucks Hospital Trust had admitted liability in the High Court and at Mrs Lockham’s inquest earlier this year offered its apologies and said there had been serious failures.

Soldier’s return – The family of Acting Sergeant Stuart McGrath, who was killed in Afghanistan last week, held a private ceremony when his body flew into RAF Lyneham yesterday and then joined hundreds of mourners on the streets of Wooten Basset as the coffin was taken to Oxford, where an inquest will be held. Among those paying tribute were former schoolfriends from St Bernard’s School in High Wycombe and neighbours and friends of his family in Southfield Road, Princes Risborough. Acting Sgt McGrath, aged 28, lived with his wife and four young children in Northern Ireland.

Thursday 24th September

Tories meet – Wycombe Conservatives meet tonight to make fresh arrangements for choosing a candidate to stand at the next election following the suspension of the previous process by party chairman Eric Pickles. Conservative Central Office has approved up to 200 wannabe MPs and the local association will have to follow new guidelines for drawing up a shortlist – a scheme which some local Tories regard as interference.

Goats vaccinated – As more e-coli cases were confirmed last night at the now closed children’s animal farm in Surrey, health officials were advising parents and schools that it is still safe to take children to existing farms. The Odds Farm Park in Wycombe continues to attract hundreds of children and this week completed routine vaccinations of its entire goat herds. The farm hosts seven types of goat, including the second biggest collection in Britain of rare Bagot goats.

Housing interest – Estate agents say September will be the busiest month of the year in the Wycombe area for both interest and sales. A new development of 41 houses and flats on the site of the old Terriers School opens this weekend, with the developers saying they have had an upsurge of interest.

Wednesday 23rd September

Merger discussed – The idea of Lib Dems and Labour reaching agreement to field one anti-Conservative candidate in the Tory safe seat areas of Buckinghamshire is gaining ground at think-tank meetings at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth. Proponents argue that although a likely Conservative swing could further increase majorities, the party will be hit hard in this area by the anti-Europe party UKIP. In Wycombe, for instance, the combined Labour/Lib-Dem vote in 2005 was 22,060 compared to the Conservative vote of 20,331.

Living on set – Further details of the planned redevelopment of Pinewood Studios yesterday showed that some of the affordable housing the studio wants to build will actually be part of the permanent film sets. In a world-first, Pinewood wants affordable flats to be part of a film street scene with the possibility of the tenants becoming film extras. Opposition to the development – which includes 1,400 homes and new film sets in Green Belt land – is growing however. The local council has put off its decision until next month so it can consider an increasing number of objections from nearby residents.

New fashion - The upmarket, cult fashion and accessory group Cath Kidston unveils its first store in the area tomorrow when is opens in part of the former Cayley’s department store in Windsor’s High Street. Cayleys, opposite the historic Guildhall, was closed by John Lewis three years ago because it was too small as a single department store.

Tuesday 22nd September

Listening in – Wycombe Wanderers is going to have to do something about soundproofing in the Adams Park dressing rooms after it emerged that visiting teams can overhear the home manager’s half time team talk. Milton Keynes player Mathias Doumbe let the cat out of the bag when he told the papers yesterday that during Saturday’s half time break they could hear Blues manager Peter Taylor “losing it” with his players.

Man charged - A man was charged with attempted murder yesterday after a woman was taken to hospital in a serious condition. Mark Messenger, aged 41, was remanded by magistrates charged with attempting to murder a 32 year old woman in the village of Flackwell Heath. His arrest followed a massive undercover police operation in the area. The woman, who hasn’t been named, is recovering.

Veteran rocker – At the age of 68, veteran rocker Joe Brown – who lives in Windsor - begins his 51st year in show biz by launching a nationwide tour in Wycombe tonight. The tour ends in February at the London Palladium.

Monday 21st September

No fair play - Conservative Party chairman Eric Pickles yesterday defended his suspension of the process for electing the Wycombe candidate for the next general election as local Tories continued to fume. He said: “We intervened in Wycombe because we had a number of complaints from candidates that they were being excluded from the process of selection. We have a duty to ensure fairness in the selection process to make sure that all people get a fair hearing. That was the only reason there was any interference.” However, some local Tories suspect Conservative Central Office is trying to impose a candidate on what’s regarded as a safe seat. There’s known to be particular unhappiness over the national party’s insistence that half the final shortlist should be women.

Students helped – Up to 5,000 students begin their studies at Wycombe’s Buckinghamshire New University this week, with more from the Wycombe area itself than ever before. The uni has proved popular for students who live locally because many can stay at home and save money. It’s cash incentives to hard-up students has also scored : for instance, a £500 cash bursary is being offered to all full time undergrads for each year of study, plus no charge for course materials and free tickets for local gigs and clubs. Most of the leisure activities are also free. The £60m Gateway building in the centre of Wycombe also opens this week. It contains studios for dance, video, performing arts and music, plus computer rooms, a gym and cafe.

Dry September – Temperatures soared on the official last day of summer in the Wycombe area yesterday, but with the dry weather set to continue for another week, the “Indian Summer” will stretch into autumn. If it continues for another ten days, local weather watchers say it will be the driest September since records began

Sunday 20th September

Boo boy – Manager Peter Taylor said he would have joined the crowd in booing Wycombe Wanderers after an abysmal first half performance against Milton Keynes yesterday. Instead he blew his top in the dressing room, immediately substituted three players and things perked up in the second half. The Blues still lost 0-1 however, and even before September is out things are not looking good for the rest of the season. Taylor blamed nerves for the first half dross, but some fans are beginning to question his defensive tactics.

Saturday 19th September

Boris link - Stanley Johnson, the father of London mayor Boris Johnson, and Lady Victoria Borwick, the Conservative Party’s Director of Fundraising who fought Boris for the London mayor nomination, are the two potential candidates at the centre of the Wycombe Tory selection scandal it emerged last night. Conservative Central Office suspended the election process after it was informed that Mr Johnson and Lady Victoria had been invited to a cocktail party held by a leading official in the Wycombe Conservative Association without other candidates being invited. Both Mr Johnson and Lady Victoria – who were unaware the others would not be at the party – will remain among the possible runners when the process starts again next month.

Tragic soldier – Tributes poured in last night to Acting Sgt Stuart McGrath, 28, who spent his childhood in Princes Risborough and who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Wednesday. Mac, as he was known by all his friends, had a daughter Niamh who was born in June and whom he had not seen. He also had three other little boys, Ryan, Daniel and Dylan. His wife Emma said: “He died doing the job he loved. He is our hero.” Former Princes Risborough policeman Andrew Wayland said:”I know his mum, his dad, his sisters and brother. He is a true inspiration.” Mac, a professional soldier for nine years, was hoping to enter the SAS.

Chair arch - A modern recreation of the famous High Wycombe Chair Arch – originally built across the High Street to welcome a visit by Queen Victoria in 1877 – is the main attraction at the London Design Festival which opens at the Victoria and Albert Museum today.

Friday 18th September

Tory civil war - Tory leader David Cameron is expected to intervene as the row over picking the next Conservative candidate for Wycombe grew into a nationwide controversy yesterday. Central Office, who suspended Wycombe’s election process because of “irregularities”, intervened by changing the rules half an hour before the party’s local executive was due to meet to shortlist the candidates, one disgruntled local Tory party member said yesterday. He was supported on blogs and websites from other Tory association members unhappy over what they see as Central Office interference on the selection of candidates.

Meanwhile, local Tories – who meet next week to decide their next move –are coming under increasing pressure to modernise and decide the next candidate at an “open primary” – a meeting where prospective candidates are chosen by all local party members. One blogger reflected Mr Cameron’s thinking when he wrote:“Wycombe Tories now owe it to the voters to hold an open primary. Let’s see democracy in action, and be done with drinkies and dinner party smooching up at the laird’s Big Hoose”.

Tourist boom – Tourist attractions in the Wycombe area enjoyed one of their best summers on record, according to figures released yesterday. During August hotel bookings throughout the Wycombe and Chilterns area were up 50 per cent on last year as people went for short breaks or days out instead of foreign holidays.

Thursday 17th September

Tory bust-up – Eric Pickles, the Conservative Party chairman, has suspended the process for nominating a Wycombe Tory candidate for the next election after “irregularities”. Last night the web manager for the Wycombe Conservative Association resigned after publishing a statement on the site accusing Mr Pickles of acting without authority. The statement was taken down from the site after an hour, but other furious Wycombe Tories are expected to consider their position today. Mr Pickles ordered the local Conserative association to start the selection process again from scratch after learning of a dinner party at a local Tory grandee’s house to which some of the shortlisted candidates were invited but not others. Wycombe Conservative top brass insisted everything was above board and are said to be “beside themselves with rage” at what they see as Central Office interference. Wycombe MP Paul Goodman, who’s standing down at the next election, was last night frantically phoning all sides to try and calm things down.

Jobless up – The number of people claiming unemployment benefit continued to rise during August according to figures yesterday, but agencies think the figure is higher than the average three per cent because many out of work are not claiming benefit. Even though jobless figures have now doubled in 12 months to around 5,000 throughout the Wycombe area, the percentage is still less than half the national average.

Rosie fostered – Rosie, the baby abandoned in a shopping bag near High Wycombe Sainsbury’s last week, is now with foster parents police confirmed yesterday. As the 20 year old student who found the baby while walking with her boyfriend yesterday joined the calls for Rosie’s mum to come forward and be helped, police said they were checking their DNA records to see if either the mum or the dad could be identified.

Wednesday 16th September

Hospitals row – Health bosses are under pressure to call off new arrangements covering medical care at small community hospitals in Marlow, Amersham and Thame after councillors insisted on public consultation. In a money-saving move a few weeks ago, Bucks Primary Care Trust outsourced medical care at the former cottage hospitals instead of paying local GPs to provide a service. But Buckinghamshire councillors said the new arrangement amounted to a “substantial change in service provision” and a public consultation should be held. Crunch talks are to be held later this month.

Manor sale – In another attempt to save tax-payers’ money, Wycombe Council said yesterday it expected to receive around £1m from the sale of a Grade 2 listed manor house in owns on the Rye. Bassetsbury Manor is a 17th century mansion that’s seen better days and the council failed to make a go of it as a conference and wedding venue. Now, around eight bids have been received from potential buyers. One wants to convert it into a private school; another into an old people’s home. One couple want to splash out and renovate it as a private house again.

Sex in the suburbs – People living in the rather elite villages that make up The Chalfonts spend SIX times more than the average on adult DVDs, a new sex survey of Britain revealed yesterday. People in Marlow and Maidenhead spend twice the average on condoms, and the citizens of Princes Risborough shell out nearly two and a half times the average spend on bondage and SM items. The survey, by the retailer Love-Honey, says that people in High Wycombe and Aylesbury spend the same as the country’s average on their sex lives.

Tuesday 15th September

New baby evidence – The baby abandoned in bushes in High Wycombe was two days old when she was dumped a week ago today, police revealed yesterday. The baby – called Rosie by medical staff at Wycombe Hospital – still had her umbilical cord attached and was thought to be just a few hours old when she was found in bushes near Sainsbury’s. Now, it seems the mother must have tried to care for her for up to two days before taking the decision to put her in a shopping bag and leave her by a busy road.

Schoolgirl guilty – An 18 year old public schoolgirl from Wycombe faces jail after she admitted yesterday driving while drunk and causing the death of her best friend in a road accident. Gabriella Edmondson admitted causing death by careless driving while over the alcohol limit when she appeared at court in Oxford. The court heard friends had tried to stop her driving because she was over the alcohol limit, but she insisted on doing so. The accident killed Grace Hardman, aged 17, and critically injured Joe Robinson, another passenger. They all attended St Edwards School in Oxford, the country’s top co-educational public school. Miss Edmondson, who lives with her parents in a £2m mansion in Penn, will be sentenced on October 9. The maximum sentence for the offence is 14 years jail.

Sentences welcomed – Muslim and other Wycombe community groups welcomed the life prison sentences handed down to two terrorists from the town yesterday. Assad Ali Sarwar, aged 29, from Walton Drive, Totteridge was told he would serve a minimum of 36 years in jail after being found guilty last week of conspiracy to murder by using explosives on aircraft. Umar Islam, 31, formerly known as Brian Young, of Chairborough Road, High Wycombe, was told he would serve a minimum of 22 years after being found guilty of conspiracy to murder. The jury accepted that Islam did not know about the plot to blow up aircraft but knew a murderous plot was being planned. The judge told both men – and others from East London sentenced to life – that once the minimum terms were served it would not necessarily mean they would be released.

Monday 14th September

Terrorists sentenced – Wycombe terrorists Assad Ali Sarwar and Umar Islam will be sentenced today for their part in the liquid bomb plot to blow up Heathrow airliners. Three other men facing terrorist charges – all from East London – will have to face a third retrial after the jury last week was unable to reach a verdict.

Rubbish row – Councillors will decide to install an incinerator to deal with Buckinghamshire’s rubbish today because too much trash is being buried in the big landfill site by the M40 at Beaconsfield. Bucks County Council is being fined because it is exceeding rubbish targets at the Beaconsfield site, despite increased amounts of recycling. Councillors will choose one of two sites in the north of the county for the incinerator, possibly including Aylesbury Vale – a prospect which is causing massive protests from local people concerned about emissions from the incinerator chimney.

Rosie support – The Facebook group launched to try and persuade the mother of Wycombe abandoned baby Rosie, topped 3,600 members last night. Police are launching a fresh attempt to find the mum, assuring her she is not in any trouble.

Sunday 13th September

National championships – High Wycombe’s increasing prominence in the world of judo is recognised today when the National Kata Championships are held in the town. Kata is the choreographed moves mainly featured in Karate. Wycombe Judo Club is expected to play a major part in judo and related sports during the 2012 Olympics.

First away point – Manager Peter Taylor shuffled the pack and came away with Wycombe Wanderers’ first away point of the season at Hartlepool yesterday thanks to a screamer from Stuart Beavon, one of the players he put in the starting line-up for the first time. The 1-1 draw still leaves the Blues third from bottom of League One.

Heritage visits – Lovely sunshine yesterday brought thousands out to visit houses, churches and other attractions that don’t normally open their doors to the public but have done so for the annual Heritage Weekend. The dry weather will remain today when many of the Chilterns attractions remain open.

Saturday 12th September

Uproar over assault – A millionaire High Wycombe businessman, who faces jail for attacking a criminal who held his family hostage with a knife, received unprecedented support yesterday. Munir Hussain, 52, and his brother Tokeer, 35, were found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the intruder, lifelong criminal Waled Salem, who with two other men held the family hostage at their home in Desborough Park Road. Following a fight in the house the three intruders escaped but Mr Hussain and a group of others gave chase and cornered Waled Salem in a neighbouring street where he received several injuries.

Wycombe MP Paul Goodman who gave evidence to support the character of Mr Hussain – an active member of Wycombe’s Race Equality Council and a self-made millionaire who made his fortune building up his engineering business – may raise the case in Parliament which resumes on 12 October, three days after Mr Hussain is due to be sentenced. Web sites were bombarded with hundreds of messages of support for Mr Hussain yesterday.

Bag appeal – The canvas bag in which abandoned baby Rosie was found in High Wycombe this week, has moved to the centre of the investigation to find her mum. The pink bag has a black and white picture of beachcombers relaxing on a car bonnet on the side and it is so unusual police feel someone must know who owns it. Meanwhile Rosie is doing fine in Wycombe Hospital where she has received hundreds of cards and presents from well-wishers.

Cyclist killed – A 25 year old woman cyclist was killed during an accident involving a van near Windsor Castle yesterday. A female driver of the van was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Police were unable to say if the van, in distinctive burgundy colour, is one of the castle’s fleet of vehicles.

Friday 11th September

Mum to mum – The female officer leading the investigation into Wycombe abandoned baby Rosie made an unprecedented appeal last night for the mother to contact her personally. Det. Sgt Kelly Glister said “As a mum, I understand what childbirth is like and my feelings are with Rosie’s mother who is somewhere out there and needs support at this difficult time. If she would like to speak to me personally, she can phone me anytime at Aylesbury police station on 0845 8 505 505.” Meanwhile a Facebook group launched an appeal last night to try and the find the mum so she can receive help.

Council squeeze – Councils in Bucks are anticipating lower than ever funding from the Government when preliminary figures are announced next month. The county is set to get less because the Government wants to shuffle what money there is to poorer parts of the country. Schools, roads and environment spending is likely to be hit and council jobs are threatened.

Cultured or wot! – Both Oxford and Reading have applied to be the UK’s City of Culture 2013. They are two of 29 cities wanting to claim the title after Liverpool’s success last year.

Thursday 10th September

Mother appeal - An urgent appeal was issued last night to the mother who abandoned her daughter just hours after she was born to get in touch with “a GP, a friend or anyone you can trust.” The baby – called Rosie by Wycombe Hospital staff- was found in a plastic bag by a couple walking by a small triangle of waste ground opposite the Job Centre in Oxford Road, High Wycombe. She had been there for up to five hours before she was discovered at 5pm on Monday, having being born earlier in the day. Rosie, who weighs 5lb, is in a good condition, but there is concern for the mother. Police said there was no need for her to be afraid, but said it was important she made contact with someone so she can be helped.

Arson attack – Police are trying to find out why a terraced house was torched, putting neighbour’s lives at risk. The two bedroom house in Oakridge Road, Wycombe was well alight when fire fighters arrived and neighbours were hurriedly evacuated. The arsonist had set light to the house while it was empty.

More shoppers – Wycombe’s new shopping centre, the Eden, is continuing to attract new shoppers to the town despite the recession. One of the key stores, House of Fraser, said yesterday that shopping figures for August – normally a quiet month – were up on the same month last year before the recession on the High Street struck home.

Wednesday 9th September

Savings sought – The leaders of three district councils meet with the head of the local fire brigade, the leader of Bucks County Council and trade unions in private today to see if they can reach agreement on saving thousands of pounds. The councils, based in Wycombe, Beaconsfield and Aylesbury want to share more work to save money, but the unions are worried about job losses.

Soldier’s death – A 22 year old Royal Marine died instantly when the armoured vehicle he was driving hit a roadside mine in Afghanistan, his inquest decided yesterday. Dale Gostick from Great Haseley near Thame was killed while serving in Helmand province in May last year. He had been due to return on leave three days later.

Honorary degrees – TV Breakfast present Bill Turnbull, who lives in the Chalfonts, and Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, received honorary degrees from the Wycombe based Bucks New University yesterday. They join author Sir Terry Pratchett and sportsmen Sir Trevor Brooking and Lawrence Dallagio on the honorary list. Fifteen hundred students are receiving their degrees at 11 separate ceremonies in Wycombe Swan.

Tuesday 8th September

The hatred in our midst

Inside an inconspicuous garage on a Wycombe housing estate one of the world’s leading terrorists worked on liquid bombs that he hoped would blow up hundreds of people. Assad Ali Sarwar, a former Wycombe postman and shelf-stacker at Asda, tried to portray himself as a “plonker”. But in reality, the university drop out was the quartermaster and bomb-maker of a terror group trained by Al Qaeda in Pakistan who hated Britain and its people.

Now, 29 year old Sarwar, who’s semi-detached house in Walton Drive, Totteridge, will be forever earmarked as a terrorist HQ, faces years in jail after being convicted with two other East London men at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday of plotting to murder thousands of people by blowing up seven trans-Atlantic airliners once they had left Heathrow.

Also convicted with him on a general conspiracy to murder charge was Umar Islam, formerly known as Brian Young, aged 31, of Chairborough Road in High Wycombe who made a martyrdom video to be shown after he had died as a suicide bomber.

But a third Wycombe man accused in the plot – convert Muslim Donald Stewart-Whyte, aged 23, of Hepplewhite Close in Downley - was cleared of all charges and last night his lawyer demanded an apology from the Crown Prosecution Service for “devastating” the young art student’s life. The jury failed to reach a verdict on three other men, all from East London, and the prosecution has a week to decide whether to press for a re-trial.

Wycombe terrorist watch

The operation to catch the plane bombers was the biggest anti-terrorist operation ever undertaken by the police and the security service MI5. It involved hundreds of surveillance officers and cost over £40m. It was early in 2006 when undercover officers began watching Sarwar and others in the town after becoming suspicious of the Walthamstow based ringleader Abdulla Ahmed Ali. They watched and filmed as he bought canisters and chemicals from Wycombe supermarkets and chemists.

Then, in August 2006, in the most dramatic police operation the town had ever witnessed, they swooped on a number of addresses. In Sarwar’s garage they found bomb making equipment. Then in the months that followed, hundreds of police sealed off King’s Wood near Sarwar’s Totteridge home and painstakingly began digging every square foot of soil. They unearthed more bomb making equipment, the ingredients to make the primary charge, HMTD and bottles containing hydrogen peroxide – the explosive the gang intended to inject into soft drinks and take on board seven airliners, blowing them up in mid-air.

Other areas of woodland – Fennels Wood in Flackwell Heath and parts of common land in north Wycombe – were also thoroughly searched.

Community stunned

Wycombe’s community and Muslim leaders will be making statements today expressing shock at the discovery of murderous Islamic fundamentalists in the town. Wycombe has a good record in relationships between Muslim and other communities and the evidence given at the trial produced a feeling of disbelief among many. A number of projects are underway to promote community harmony, and the town’s mosques have taken a lead in promoting moderate Islamic teachings to younger followers.

The convicted Wycombe men still have family living in the town, but they are thought to have moved from their old addresses. The men will be sentenced next Monday.

Monday 7th September

Council fight – Wycombe councillors are set to declare war tonight on Government plans to allocate 15 gypsy sites and two sites for travelling show people in the Wycombe District. They say the number has just been decided arbitrarily without any consideration for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The council is taking a tough line on traveller sites. Last month it began legal action to evict travellers who have set up home on Green Belt land in Princes Risborough and surrounded the site with a two metre high fence.

Jury decides – There’s expectation that the six month High Wycombe terror trial will reach a conclusion today after the jury were given permission by the judge to reach a majority verdict. Eight men, including two from High Wycombe, deny plotting to blow up flights from Heathrow. Much of the evidence in the case was amassed in Wycombe.

Bradley wins – Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins won yesterday’s British Time Trial Championships on roads near Aylesbury yesterday. Hundreds of cyclists took part in an all day event that drew hundreds of spectators.

Sunday 6th September

Appeal considered - Music teacher Guy Button – jailed for three years on Friday after admitting giving his terminally ill father a gun with which he later killed himself – may appeal against his sentence. Mr Button, 30, of Princes Risborough, had been placed in an impossible position wanting to aid his father who was desperate to die, said his defence lawyer. The judge said he had received “numerous glowing testimonials” about Mr Button, who has lost his job at High Wycombe Music Centre over the charges, and imposed the lesser sentence than he could have imposed.

Green comic - Stand up comic Dave Gorman will cycle 90 miles from High Wycombe to Cambridge today following last night’s sell out show at Wycombe Town Hall. The entertainer is completing his nationwide tour on his bike, but the High Wycombe to Cambridge stretch is the longest single span.

Wobbly defence – Wycombe Wanderers defence looked distinctly wobbly at times yesterday as the Blues lost 1-0 at Brighton and have slipped to third from bottom of League One

Saturday 5th September

Jury direction – The jury in High Wycombe terror trial were told by the judge yesterday that he would accept a majority verdict from them after 11 days of deliberation. But the jury were still out last night and will return to Woolwich Crown Court on Monday. Assad Sarwar and Donald Steward-Whyte, of High Wycombe are among eight men accused to conspiring to smuggle liquid bombs on airliners and exploding them. They deny the charges. For seven of the eight accused the case is a re-trial. The first case, which also involved a majority verdict, ended with some of the accused being found guilty on some charges, but not on others.

MP assaulted – The Shadow Justice Secretary and Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve called police to his offices yesterday after a constituent let fly at him and refused to leave. Mr Grieve had been unable to help the woman over a planning dispute with her local council. Police confirmed an assault had taken place, but the barrister MP said he wouldn’t be pressing any charges.

Friday 4th September

Nursing campaign – Wycombe Hospital launched an urgent campaign to recruit more nurses yesterday. There’s a particular shortage of operating theatre nurses, and there’s fears operations may have to be cancelled unless nursing gaps are filled.

Tory choice – Wycombe Conservatives are to meet soon to begin shortlisting candidates for the next election following the decision by sitting MP Paul Goodman to stand down. It’s understood that although several local people shown an interest in standing there hasn’t been a flood of interest for what many regard as a safe seat.

Honeytrap doc – A Maidenhead doctor told a court yesterday he was lured into committing a sex act with a patient and then blackmailed by her after she secretly filmed it. Marion Burton, of Slough, denies blackmailing the doctor, who can’t be named, by demanding £20,000. Her husband Terry has already admitted blackmail and will be sentenced later.

Thursday 3rd September

Jury still out – The jury in the trial of eight men, including two from High Wycombe, on terror charges begins its ninth day of deliberations today. Assad Sarwar, aged 29, of Walton Drive and Donald Stewart-Whyte, aged 23, of Hepplewhite Close, deny being involved in a conspiracy to murder passengers on flights from Heathrow by planning to smuggle bombs disguised as soft drinks on board. The trial has been ongoing for six months.

Schools back – As thousands of children return to schools throughout Bucks today, education chiefs have asked head teachers to do everything humanly possible to keep schools open in the event of a swine flu epidemic.

Wednesday 2nd September

Papers falter – The recession has hit local newspapers hard, latest figures shows. All of the papers in the Wycombe area took big circulation hits in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year. The Bucks Free Press fell 10 per cent to 21,389 and its sister paper the Midweek lost 20 per cent to 4,326. The Maidenhead Advertiser fell nine per cent to 20,814; the Buckinghamshire Advertiser and Examiner was down seven per cent to 12,623 and the Bucks Herald lost 12 per cent to 15,186. The drops make the chances of mergers and subscription fees for their websites more likely.

Last minute swoop – It was a good day for Wycombe Wanderers fans yesterday when the Blues signed up one of their former favourites just three minutes before the football transfer deadline at 5pm. Popular winger Kevin Betsy left Wycombe in 2007 for Bristol City and later transferred to Southend, from where he returned last night on loan until January. In addition, the Blues learned yesterday they can expect around a half a million pound boost to their bank balance after former defender Mike Williamson moved from Watford to Portsmouth just eight months after leaving Wycombe. He’s the second recent Blues player to move to the Premiership this season – earlier in the summer former captain Roger Johnson joined Birmingham.

Post delays – A strike by over 100 postal workers in Maidenhead yesterday is likely to disrupt post deliveries for several days, Royal Mail said last night. Services were also hit in the Henley and Thame areas by strike action. The dispute is part of a national campaign about work practices.

Tuesday 1st September

Virgin no – The chances of a high speed train route through High Wycombe and the Chilterns were dealt a blow last night when Virgin Trains said they didn’t think it would be a good idea. Instead, said Tony Collins, Virgin Trains chief executive, it would be far cheaper and easier to use the existing west coast route and build a 10 mile spur to Heathrow from Willesden. Mr Collins’ views will please environmentalists and local councils who are gearing up for a battle against the 200 mph trains on the basis they will be noisy and ruin large slices of open countryside.

Emergency meeting – Wycombe councillors are holding an emergency meeting tonight so they can vote through funding to stop the town’s war memorial falling down. The memorial in Wycombe parish churchyard is tilting and it will cost up to £50,000 to stabilise it. Councillors are expected to recommend the work go ahead tonight so that next week the council can approve the funding. Unless the work is done imminently, engineers say the memorial could be a dangerous structure.

Sunshine crowds – The Bank Holiday sunshine brought out thousands of people to fetes, fairs, markets and beauty spots yesterday to round off a summer which – despite a wet July and a recession – has proved a good one for most tourist attractions in the Wycombe area.

Monday 31st August

New baby – The widow of Aylesbury terrorist Jermaine Lindsay has given birth to a child at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the Sunday papers revealed yesterday. But Samantha Lewthwaite, 25, who still lives in the town refused to say who the boy’s father is. Her husband Jermaine Lindsay was one of the July 7 London suicide bombers in 2005. She said she was completely unaware of his activities and has campaigned in the Muslim community against terrorism.

Not suspicious – The death of a woman in a house fire in Hazlemere, High Wycombe on Friday was not suspicious, police said yesterday. A post mortem has discovered that Jeanette Martin, of Fallowfield, died from breathing in smoke.

Hideaway – The big iron gates of Noel Gallagher’s country home at Chalfont St Peter remained firmly shut all day yesterday as the star chilled out after his tempestuous departure from Oasis saying he couldn’t work another day with his brother Liam.

Sunday 30th August

First win – Two cracking goals gave Wycombe Wanderers their first league win of the season yesterday and lifted the atmosphere at Adams Park after a dodgy start. Matty Phillips and Jon-Paul Pittman each rammed home two powerful shots to give the Blues a 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers. It’s still very early in the season and pessimists will note the Chairboys are just one place above the relegation zone - but optimists will note that the team is just five points off the play-off places!

Saturday 29th August

Sex charges – A 62 year old man was charged yesterday with sex offences against young boys 40 years ago. Police said the alleged offences by Denham Gilbart-Smith occurred at a Maidenhead children’s home between 1964 and 1970. The home has long since closed down and Mr Gilbart-Smith was not an employee. He is also accused of offences in Kent and West Sussex. He’ll appear in court at Reading in October.

Fire death – Police will await the results of a post mortem before deciding how a 57 year old woman met her death. Her body was found in the bathroom of her home in Hazlemere, High Wycombe by fire fighters who had been called to deal with a blaze in an adjoining bedroom. Fire officers toured neighbouring houses yesterday giving fire safety tips.

Singer’s campaign – Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb is leading a campaign to stop services at his home town community hospital being run down. Health officials in Thame want a private company to provide doctors for four hours a week at Thame Community Hospital instead of the present arrangement where GPs are on duty there 30 hours a week.

Friday 28th August

Hospital criticised – A community hospital condemned yesterday in a report by the Patients Association said last night it had changed it procedures, but defended the quality of its care.

Stephanie Hewlett said that her 85 year old mother Oenone had deteriorated after she entered St Mark’s Hospital in Maidenhead with a leg ulcer “but the staff didn’t take any notice as this happened.” She said that after they complained, the Healthcare Commission found that patient note-taking had been poor. East Berks Primary Care Trust chief executive Dr Lise Llewellyn said new protocols regarding patients’ notes were now in place, but the Commission had not criticised Mrs Hewlett’s medical care.

Security breach – Embarrassed bosses at Pinewood Studios yesterday ordered a tightening up of security after a second break in at the highly protected complex in a month. Thieves trying to steal sophisticated camcorders escaped empty handed after they were disturbed by staff working late earlier this week. Earlier this month however thieves did manage to get away with thousands of pounds worth of specialised cameras.

Ali welcome – Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of Windsor today to catch a glimpse of sports legend Mohammed Ali as he visits the town on behalf of his charity. Many believe this will be the last visit to Britain by the 67 year old, who is increasingly disabled by Parkinson’s Disease. He is due to attend a dinner at an equestrian event in Windsor’s Home Park

Thursday 27th August

Crash suicide –Policeare investigating the circumstances around the death of a student who apparantely committed suicide after crashing his mother’s car. He was named yesterday as Mzuzile Ncube, aged 22, a Zimbabwean who lived in London. His body was discovered by fishermen at Cuddeson Mill on the River Thame on Sunday. A note was found in the crashed car nearby.

Train concerns – The campaign to stop noisy and frequent trains travelling at more than 200 miles an hour through the Chilterns is being stepped up after Network Rail admitted yesterday that sending high speed trains to the Midlands via the Chiltern Line had not been ruled out. Conservationists, MPs and local councils in the Wycombe area will join forces against the Chiltern route being considered on environmental grounds. The company set up to build the super-train network will reveal its preference for the London to Birmingham route at the end of the year.

Show time – Local farmers, gathering for the annual Bucks County Show near Aylesbury today, are reporting mixed results from this year’s harvest, with a disappointing yield from wheat crop but good quality winter barley. Virtually all of the harvest in the Chilterns is expected to be completed within two weeks.

Wednesday 26th August

Recession effects – The effect of the recession in recent months was reported yesterday with news from Wycombe area schools that more former private school pupils were enlisting at state schools; from Wycombe area hospitals that more former private health patients were using NHS services, and figures from Pinewood Studios that its income fell by £12m in the first half of the year because of a drop in demand from film makers.

Booming uni – One area booming however is further education, with more students trying to gain places, in some cases because they can’t find work. Amid reports that as many as 14 students are scrambling for one place in some universities, Bucks New University in Wycombe announced on its website that although it had nearly 50 courses available with spaces, the position was under constant review. At the beginning of the week the university had 90 courses with availability.

No flags – Reading Festival organisers said yesterday that flags would be banned from this weekend’s event because of previous complaints that they blocked the view of other festival goers.

Tuesday 25th August

Woolies filled – In another sign that the local economy might be on the up, the first empty Woolworth shop in the Wycombe area has found a new occupier six months after Woolies went under. The supermarket Sainsbury’s is to take over and refurbish the Woolworth’s in Thame High Street.

Heads hit back – A headteacher and his lover, the deputy head, hit back yesterday a month after reports that a “staff mutiny” against them forced them to go. Head Jon Howard-Drake and his deputy at the Misbourne School in Great Missenden, Bea Bates, said in a letter to their local paper that it was well known they had been in a personal relationship for nearly five years - a relationship, they said, sanctioned by the governors and education authority. They said their departure was nothing to do with so-called dossiers prepared by teachers at the school unhappy with their management style and they had decided on early retirement. But both governors and Bucks education department last night remained tight lipped over their departure.

Pub returns – TV’s dogged interviewer Jeremy Paxman and his neighbours were celebrating last night after winning a five year fight to get their village pub back. The Stonor Arms near Henley had been falling into dereliction but now the council has given the go-ahead to refurbish it as a pub with a shop and restaurant included. Mr Paxman said :“The village lost its post office and school and it never had a church, so there was no focal point of interest.” His neighbour Donna Moss, who is involved i n the redevelopment, added :“Village life can now resume from where it stopped five years ago.”

Monday 24th August

Candidates named – Two local British National Party candidates were accused by the News of the World yesterday of taking part in a racist stunt in which a black doll was given a mock trial and burned over a brazier. The paper said that Dick Hamilton, from Marlow and John Coombes, from Maidenhead – both local council candidates – were with others sitting round the brazier while Mr Hamilton’s sound system played songs supporting Adolf Hitler. The pair made no comment to the paper.

Landlord’s suicide – Pub landlord Bernard Purdov killed himself over money worries, an inquest has decided. Mr Purdoy, 56, owner of the Crown at Burchetts Green died earlier this year after inhaling gas canisters filled with carbon dioxide which are normally used to power bar pumps. He left notes explaining his financial troubles.

Promoting rugby – Representatives from London Wasps, which plays at Wycombe’s Adams Park stadium , will be at the town’s railway station today promoting rugby union and encouraging children in the area to take part in community coaching courses the club is organising. The move is seen as further evidence that Wasps intend staying in the Wycombe area for the foreseeable future.

Sunday 23rd August

Hit for five - Wycombe Wanderers poor start to the new season got worse as they slumped to an embarassing 5-2 defeat yesterday to a Norwich side managed by former Wycombe boss Paul Lambert. Norwich were by far the superior side and Wycombe were lucky that the deficit was not higher. Pressure will now be on boss Peter Taylor to strenghten the squad further in the remaining week of the transfer window.

Saturday 22nd August

Tickets scam – Police and Reading Festival organisers yesterday urged people not to buy tickets for next week’s festival from tout websites. The official festival website, readingfestival.com published a list of sites which have not been issued with tickets to sell-on. These include one called readingfestival2009.com. The organisers said people would not be able to buy tickets at the festival, which features Kings of Leon, Radiohead and Arctic Monkeys. Police said they would investigate if people part with money but do not get tickets.

Lift shaft fall – A workman is in a serious condition in hospital after falling down a lift-shaft at Bucks New University in High Wycombe yesterday. He fell 80ft from the first floor to the ground floor in the new part of the university which is receiving final touches before opening next month. Paramedics and fire fighters worked together to rescue him.

New striker – An England under-19 international is being drafted straight into Wycombe Wanderers first team when they visit Norwich today in an urgent attempt to get the Blues scoring more goals. Manager Peter Taylor yesterday acquired promising striker Ashley Chambers from one of his former clubs, Leicester City, on loan until the new year.

Friday 21st August

Guns swoop - Cops in T-shirts and shorts pounced on two cars and carried out a number of raids on houses in Aylesbury as part of a big undercover operation to seize illegal weapons. Last night eight men were being questioned after being arrested on suspicion of firearms offences. The raids, which involved both local police and those from the Met, included the use of a taser gun, which stuns suspects when fired.

Local grads – More Wycombe area students are set to attend their local university – Bucks New University – in order to save money by continuing to live at home. Many of the local students who learned their grades yesterday had already opted for the Wycombe based uni as their first choice.

New coach – High Wycombe Rugby Club has appointed a high profile coach for its new season. He is Tongan international Feo Vunipola, known as Vinny, who has 50 caps and two world cup campaigns under his belt. He takes the club’s first training session tomorrow.

Thursday 20th August

Fire warnings – People have been warned to take extra care after tonnes of straw and hay were destroyed by fire in the Wycombe area in the past 48 hours. Fire fighters spent most of yesterday dealing with a fire in a barn at Chalfont St Peter which contained 50 tonnes of straw. Earlier, around 12 tonnes of straw was damaged at Wooburn Green and in Maidenhead a field of hay caught alight. None of the fires were thought to be deliberate, but fire authorities urged farmers, walkers and motorists to be aware that much of the countryside is quite dry.

Muslims plea – Wycombe MP Paul Goodman says he is sticking by his decision not to stand at the next election, despite a petition from around 400 Muslims in the town urging him to reconsider. Meanwhile, thousands of Muslims in the area begin Ramadan tomorrow which falls a little earlier than usual in the calendar. It means Muslims will have longer to fast – they begin at just after 4am tomorrow and can only eat after 8pm.

Entertaining food – The Fat Duck at Bray was named the best restaurant in the country by the Good Food Guide yesterday, for the second year running. The editors said the chef, Wycombe born Heston Blumenthal , provides food like theatre. “The way the waiters interact with the table is like a performance,” they judged.

Wednesday 19th August

Hottest day – Weather forecasters are confident that today will be the hottest day of the year in the Wycombe district, with temperatures touching 30 degrees . With temperatures expected to be nearly as high tomorrow, police took the unusual step last night of urging students celebrating their A level results not to overdo the festivities. They fear a combination of heat and drink could lead to problems.

Contingency plans – Local businesses as well as schools and local councils are planning meetings in the next three or four weeks to lay out contingency plans for a second surge of swine flu which is expected to hit in the late summer/early autumn. Starting today, seminars are being held in the Wycombe area advising offices, schools, factories and shops on how to cope if swathes of staff are affected.

Early days but... – Wycombe Wanderers earned their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw with Southend United at Adams Park last night thanks to a Matt Harold goal, but overall it was a fairly unconvincing and dull affair which left supporters muttering afterwards that it could be a long, long season...

Tuesday 18th August

Popular uni – The Wycombe based Buckinghamshire New University is proving so popular some of its vocational courses are virtually full even before Thursday’s A level results are announced. The university reckons it will have around 300 places available via the clearing process in courses such as film and TV production, travel and tourism and sports degrees. The uni, which has over 8,000 students, opens its massive extension – the Gateway Centre – in the middle of High Wycombe early next month. Hundreds of new student accommodation rooms are also ready for occupation nearby.

Countryside saved – Conservationists have won major funding to preserve remaining chalk grasslands in the Chilterns. Eighty per cent of the grasslands have been destroyed in the last 60 years and those that remain contain rare plants and wildlife habitats. Yesterday, the Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust received a £200,000. The Trust, which already runs 13 nature reserves in the Wycombe and Chilterns area, will be looking to create more.

Hollywood arrives – Top Hollywood actors arrive at Cliveden, the famous country house at Taplow, today to shoot scenes for the new Sherlock Holmes movie. Brad Pitt, who plays Moriaty, Robert Downey Junior, who plays Holmes, and Jude Law, who plays Dr Watson, will be filming until the end of the week.

Monday 17th August

Drivers quizzed – The drivers of two separate cars have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a horror smash on the M40. The cars with the arrested drivers - a man and a woman - were joining the Wycombe bound carriageway of the motorway at Milton Common at just after midnight yesterday . Two cars already on the motorway collided, resulting in a 46 year old male passenger in one of the cars dying at the scene. The southbound motorway was closed for several hours. Police are appealing for witnesses.

Legoland hotel – Legoland want to build a hotel at their Windsor theme park so can cash in on visitors to the Olympics in 2012. They say more and more of their visitors want to stay for a short break at the park in a similar way to Disney’s theme park in Paris. They are keen to have it up and running by 2012.

Differing fortunes – Two of the area’s biggest sports stars had differing fortunes at the weekend. Amersham athlete Nicola Sanders runs in the semi final of the 400 metres of the World Athletics Championships in German today after a sparkling qualifying run. But Wycombe golfer Luke Donald had a disappointing run in the US PGA championship, just scraping into the top 50.

Sunday 16th August

Soldier held – A 22 year old soldier was being questioned by Military Police last night in connection with handguns that went missing on an Army exercise and later discovered in a High Wycombe house. Two other men arrested following police raids on two other houses in the Wycombe area were released from police custody yesterday. Thames Valley Police said they were still continuing the search for one handgun which was still missing.

Cheers, hic ! – A locally brewed beer, The Pride of Oxford, has been named the world’s best Golden Ale at the World Beer Awards. The poor judges had to sample hundreds of beers from around the world over a period of five months.

Don’t panic – Wycombe Wanderers are the only club in League One not to have won any points following yesterday’s 0-1 defeat by Leeds, but both the manager and the fans are not despairing. Once again the Blues were unlucky not to gain a point from the match against a team who are favourites for promotion.

Saturday 15th August

Guns found – Eleven handguns that went missing during an Army exercise in Wiltshire this week were recovered from a house in High Wycombe. A twelfth gun is still missing. Three men have been arrested following police raids on three addresses in the town, police said last night. The guns were discovered during a raid on Wednesday night in Draper Court. The two other raids yesterday were at Desborough Road and Wooburn Green. A 22 year old man, said to have connections with the military, was arrested on suspicion of theft. Another 22 year old man and a 28 year old man have also been arrested in connection with the raids.

Laser warning – Police issued a warning last night after powerful laser torches, which can easily blind people, were used to peer through windows of houses in High Wycombe. The penetrating beams were reported by householders in Tylers Green yesterday. Earlier this week police in Maidenhead stepped up their search for people with the laser likghtsx after more reports of the beams being aimed at planes coming in to land at Heathrow, distracting pilots.

Sell-out – A massive surge of ticket-selling yesterday means that Wycombe Wanderers’ first home league game of the season, against Leeds, is likely to be a sell-out. The club said there had been a big last minute demand after it was decided the game would be all-ticket, with no admittance on the day.

Friday 14th August

Bucks threatened – Buckinghamshire County Council could have only five or six years of life left before it becomes extinct, like its former neighbour Berkshire County Council, its leader hinted yesterday. Wycombe’s David Shakespeare, leader of Bucks and leader of the Conservative Group on the Local Government Association, said any new Conservative Government would only give local councils five years to prove that they can make big savings. Bucks and the district councils in Wycombe, Aylesbury, Amersham and Beaconsfield are already working more closely together in what’s known as a two-tier system in an attempt to share services and cut costs. But if it doesn’t work, then the county council would probably go at the cost of hundreds of jobs.

Skinned – Police are working on the theory that the theft of rare bird skins from Tring’s Natural History Museum was probably a gang working to order. The collection of 750,000 stuffed birds had been built up over 350 years. The museum isn’t saying exactly how many were stolen but that they included some rare tropical birds.

Turned away – Hundreds of Leeds fans have been turned away from their club’s first visit to Adams Park tomorrow, even though the game isn’t a sell-out. Leeds supporters quickly snapped up the 2,000 tickets for away fans but were unable to buy other tickets because the Wycombe Wanderers doesn’t want home and away fans in the same stand. The chances of Wycombe supporters taking the remaining 8,000 tickets are slim.

Thursday 13th August

Multi-lingual – The number of children in local primary schools who do not have English as a first language is increasing. Figures released by the Government yesterday showed that neighbouring Slough has the highest proportion in the country at 54 per cent. There are increases in Wycombe area schools too. But educationalists said most of the children are able to speak English as well as a mother tongue, and multi-lingual pupils bode well for the future.

Supermarket rethink – Morrison’s is likely to rethink its free parking policy after the neighbouring Sainsbury’s store opened in central High Wycombe yesterday with a car park which charges customers to park. Contributors to the Bucks Free Press website last night were advising Sainsbury customers to park in Morrison’s where they’ll be able to walk over to Sainsbury’s unchallenged provided they carry a Morrison’s bag.

Broken nose – Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Matt Bloomfield will be sidelined for some time after the club revealed he suffered a broken nose and fractured cheekbone during the Peterborough game on Wednesday. The midfielder was stretchered off.

Wednesday 12th August

Shops battle – Three members of staff will cut the ribbon to open Sainsbury’s big new supermarket-cum-department store in Wycombe town centre today, launching a new battle of the big names. With Morrison’s, M&S and now Sainsbury’s all with new stores, Tesco are pressing ahead with plans to revamp their own centre store with a department store feel. Meanwhile, as a further sign of the times, Curry’s are closing their small Wycombe High Street shop in the autumn to concentrate on their superstore further up the London Road.

Shooting stars – Conditions should be perfect tonight to see the biggest shooting star display of the year over the area. Clear skies are forecast to enable observers to see a meteor shower lasting two or three hours from just before midnight. People who know about these things say it will be made even brighter because of the gravitational pull of Saturn.

Squashed – Wycombe Wanderers went out of the Carling Cup in the first round last night, soundly beaten 0-4 at home by newly promoted Championship side Peterborough, and leaving manager Peter Taylor - who made seven changes to the side that lost to Charlton on Saturday – with plenty of to think about as he ponders what to do about a side that has conceded seven goals in its first two games this season.

Tuesday 11th August

Recession clearing – Although the number of unemployed is expected to reach three per cent when figures are announced for the Wycombe area tomorrow – virtually a 200 per cent increase in two years – there was confidence yesterday that the worst of economic times is over. Estate agents reported that house prices continue to slowly rise and activity is increasing, and Mike Dixon, development manager for SEEDA, the South East of England Development Agency, that the Wycombe area was better placed that many to make an early recovery.

Locks close – River locks at Bray and Shiplake are to be closed for part of the winter as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment, the Environment Agency announced yesterday. Eleven other locks on the Thames are to be upgraded and repaired in an operation taking place between November and February, although the work there will not involve their closure.

Posh visit – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor is expected to make some changes to the starting line-up when his side entertain Darren Ferguson’s Championship side Peterborough United at Adams Park in the first round of the Carling Cup tonight. The starting line-up against Charlton struggled on Saturday in the first half, and Taylor knows his team can’t afford a poor start tonight.

Monday 10th August

Children banned – Children are to be allowed to visit sick relatives in local hospitals only in “exceptional circumstances”, according to new rules laid down to stop the spread of swine flu. The Bucks Hospital Trust, which runs Wycombe, Stoke Mandeville and Amersham hospitals, is also restricting adult visitors to a maximum of two in most other wards and only one on maternity wards.

Call to alms – Bray’s most famous residents, Sir Michael Parkinson, Rolf Harris and Michael Roux are leading a campaign to keep old people in the Grade 1 listed Bray Almshouses in the village. But the charity that runs the complex, built in 1627, say it simply isn’t fit for purpose anymore. They want to sell the former hospital to a company who will build a modern complex “nearby” to house its residents. It’s not clear what will then happen to the Almshouses themselves.

State visit – The pomp and ceremony of a full state visit will take place in Windsor in October, Buckingham Palace has announced. The President of India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, will parade through the town with the Queen and be entertained at Windsor Castle instead of Buckingham Palace. It is part of the Queen’s decision to move most of the Royal Court to Windsor for the rest of her reign.

Sunday 9th August

Reasons to be cheerful – Last season Wycombe Wanderers went 19 games without defeat at the start of the season and yesterday they fell at the first hurdle – but no-one was complaining. A new look Blues had an awful, nervy first half at Charlton, but displayed a new found aggression and attacking style in the second half. In the end they were unlucky to lose 3-2, both Chairboys goals coming from Chris Zebroski . Boss Peter Taylor said his team showed Charlton too much respect, but he applauded them for sticking to their task.

Saturday 8th August

Court battle – Local councils have won a battle to fight the proposed third runway at Heathrow in court. The High Court has given the councils, which include Bucks, Wycombe and South Bucks, the go-ahead to present their case at a three day hearing in the autumn. The councils will argue that the Government had no legal right to give permission for the third runway and will call for a legal review over the way the decision was made.

Police charged – A Thames Valley Police officer and a police community support officer were charged yesterday with being in possession of cocaine and intending to supply the drug. PC Matthew Kille, aged 30, and PSCO Lisa Slavin, aged 20, are also charged with wilful misconduct in public office. They will appear in a court in Swindon, out of the Thames Valley area, later this month.

Tickets drop – Season ticket sales at Wycombe Wanderers are said to be down compared to last year even though the club begin their season today in a higher division. Although not confirmed, the numbers are thought to total 2,500 – 15 per cent down on previous seasons. Club officials are blaming the recession.

Friday 7th August

Flood watch – The Environment Agency declared four “flood watch” areas in the region last night – a rare event for August – and put warning boards on parts of the River Thames alerting river users to fast flows after more torrential rain yesterday. However, the Met Office said that today and the rest of the weekend would be fine and dry and reasonably hot and the prospects for the rest of August were good – a relief to farmers after the wettest July for years has left the ground very wet for harvesting.

Police staying – The number of experienced police officers leaving Thames Valley Police to earn more money with the neighbouring Metropolitan Police has reduced, the Chief Constable of Thames Valley, Sara Thornton, said yesterday. Last year 30 police officers from Buckinghamshire and Berkshire left to increase their salary by around £6,000 by moving just a few miles to the Met area. But after a series of “targeted” salary increases, the number has dropped to five so far this year.

Injuries already – Wycombe Wanderers took on two loan signings for a month yesterday to make up the numbers due to player injuries in the pre-season run up. Manager Peter Taylor has seven players unable to be considered for tomorrow’s opening game of the new season at Charlton Athletic. The loanees are former Gillingham midfielder Danny Spiller and the promising 18 year old Spurs defender Adam Smith.

Thursday 6th August

Soldiers barred - A late night drinking bar was on the defensive yesterday after it refused entry to four soldiers because they were dressed in uniform. The troops were with friends commemorating the memory of Rifleman Daniel Hume, from Maidenhead, who was killed in Afghanistan last month. But at the Phatz bar in the centre of Maidenhead they claimed they were told by the doorman “You can all come in apart from the squaddies”. Manager Grant Page said the bar had been told 100 soldiers who had been drinking all day were heading its way. “It’s heartbreaking but I have to protect my customers,” he said. The soldiers say they were not drunk.

Boom town – Initial plans for a major expansion of Aylesbury have been presented to the local council. The scheme proposes 3,000 new houses plus a new school, shops, offices and sport and medical facilities on farmland next to the recently opened Aylesbury Parkway railway station. The planners say there will be plenty of green space – including a novel plan for a community orchard.

Store opening – Sainsbury’s announced yesterday it will be opening its new High Wycombe superstore next Wednesday – ahead of schedule. It praised its regular shoppers who have had to contend with shopping in a large marquee on waste ground behind rivals Morrison’s for the past for few months while the £20m development in the town centre was completed.

Wednesday 5th August

Patients AWOL - Mental health patients are going missing on average every other day from hospitals run by the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust, figures revealed via a Freedom of Information request showed yesterday. The trust told the Oxford Mail that mistakes did happen but the public were rarely put at risk and many were more of a danger to themselves. The figures include those who have been released from care for a few hours but either failed to return or came back very late. Since April 2005 a total of 847 patients have gone AWOL.

Happy birthday - The world’s oldest model village – Bekonscot at Beaconsfield – celebrates its 80th anniversary today with special attractions, including vintage side stalls, period entertainment and steam train rides.

Tommy bows out – Former Wycombe Wanderers favourite Tommy Mooney retired from professional football yesterday aged 37. The pugnacious midfielder joined the Blues in 2005 and played 87 games, scoring 29 goals before joining Walsall. His biggest moment came when he captained the side against Chelsea in the semi-final of the Carling Cup.

Tuesday 4th August

Coming together - Local councils are moving ahead with schemes to share services they provide to save money and cut jobs. The four district councils in south Bucks – Wycombe, Aylesbury, Chiltern, which covers the Amersham/Chesham area, and South Bucks, which covers the Beaconsfield area – are working on plans to provide a single waste collection scheme instead of four separate ones. They have also agreed – with Bucks County Council – to provide one council magazine instead of five, and are looking at ways to combine their legal teams. Wycombe and Chiltern are nearing agreement on merging their building control departments.

Stay away – Police are warning people not to swim in a pit at the former Chinnor concrete works after intruders found a way past the security fence and took a dip. They said that not only is the site private property, but the water in the quarry contains dangerous chemicals and the water is so cold it could affect swimmers on hot days.

Top polluters – The well-off people of Gerrards Cross the heaviest polluters in the country, according to a survey by an environment group. They blame it on the concentration of four by fours in the village, plus a large number of energy-gobbling domestic appliances. Meanwhile, people in Henley and Thame have been named among the best recyclers in the country, according to another survey. They manage to recycle 70 per cent of their weekly waste.

Monday 3rd August

Lights out – IT specialists have given up on their attempt to cure Windsor’s misbehaving traffic lights. Today they will completely wipe the computer programme that controls the lights and which has consistently failed to ensure they work in a co-ordinated fashion, bringing traffic chaos to the town. While a new computer programme is installed, council workers and contractors will manually control traffic lights in the town at rush hour periods. The council is asking motorists who use Windsor as a through-route to find other routes this week.

Driver arrested – A minibus driver has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after his vehicle overturned on the M40 at Loudwater, injuring eight passengers. The north-bound section of the motorway was closed for a time while six ambulances ferried the injured to Wexham Park Hospital. Last night they were recovering from a variety of injuries. The accident happened near the junction 3 exit for High Wycombe East.

Shops hit – Henley’s small, independent shops have taken a massive hit in the recession according to a weekend report. The retail analysts Experian said the number of empty shops in the town centre has doubled in the past year. Most of the disappeared businesses were up-market boutiques. The town has dropped 400 places in the league table of 1,000 shopping centres that looks at vacant retail premises.

Sunday 2nd August

Dog restrictions – The Corporation of London, owners of Burnham Beeches, is consulting on plans to stop more than six dogs being exercised at the same time in the woodland. The Corporation says the move comes after complaints from other people about dogs fighting or walkers feeling intimidated.

Ali visits – Muhammad Ali is to visit Windsor this month to promote his charitable foundation. The legendary boxer will attend a gala evening at the European Jumping and Dressage Championships being held in Windsor’s Home Park.

Blues lose – In their final pre-season match before next Saturday’s League 1 kick-off, Wycombe Wanderers lost 3-1 at Championship side Bristol City yesterday, but manager Peter Taylor said he was pleased with the team’s showing.

Saturday 1st August

Pinewood robbery – Security is being stepped up at Pinewood Studios after thieves stole specialist equipment and cameras from a props room. One piece of equipment alone- which converts footage into high definition – is worth £65,000. In a ten minute raid the thieves piled the equipment into two luxury cars – one a Lexus – and sped off.

Mr Enthusiasm – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor, a former caretaker England boss, was among the hundreds last night paying tribute to Sir Bobby Robson, a legendary figure in football, who died yesterday aged 76, “He was the most enthusiastic person you could ever meet,” said Taylor, “and nothing was too much trouble. He will be sadly missed.”

Representing England – Three local schoolboys are among those in the England Under 18 first team when they play their first match in the South African rugby tour today. They are Christian Wade and Jack Williams from High Wycombe’s Royal Grammar School, and Sam Jones from Aylesbury Grammar School.

Friday 31st July

Suicide charge - A Princes Risborough music teacher is likely to be jailed after he admitted yesterday supplying the gun and the bullets to enable his terminally ill father to kill himself. Guy Button, aged 30, could face up to five years in a jail when he is sentenced next month. A court in Northampton heard that the Crown Prosecution Service had decided against prosecuting him for assisting in the suicide of his 63 year old father Ian, who shot himself in the head in a hospital ward, but pressed charges for supplying the weapon. Judge Richard Bray said the case was one where “legislation more or less removes a judge’s discretion”, adding “Judges should be allowed where possible to use their experience to pass the sentence required in each individual case.” By coincidence, yesterday the Law Lords signalled for greater clarity of the law in cases of assisting suicides.

Mechanic libelled – A High Wycombe car mechanic, accused by the News of the World of being the financier of an Islamic terrorist cell, won £100,000 in libel damages yesterday. Shakil Akhtar will also receive a fulsome apology in Sunday’s newspaper after the editor accepted that Mr Akhtar had no connection with terrorism and was “a devout Muslim who did not condone or support violence against British forces in Afghanistan or anywhere else.” The paper also agreed in the High Court to meet his legal costs.

The Cheddar has Landed – The Silly Season – that time of the year when the more unlikely stories come to everyone’s attention – was officially launched yesterday with the story of the Cheese from Outer Space that fell on High Wycombe. The chunk of cheddar was released from West Country earlier this week attached to a helium balloon as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the moon landing. When the balloon burst high in the upper atmosphere the cheese plummeted to earth, landing in Leonie Gould’s garden in Cressex, a little more mature than it was a few days ago.

Thursday 30th July

Radio snub – The broadcasting regulator Ofcom yesterday withdrew the FM licences for High Wycombe and Amersham and invited bids for new FM stations in London instead. It means that the commercial radio station Mix 107, which closed due to financial problems last month, will not be replaced. Many consider the quarter of a million people who live in the Wycombe and Amersham area to already have the worst local radio coverage in the country. The area is infrequently mentioned by the only BBC station allegedly covering the region, which is based in Luton.

Hospitals in trouble – Jobs at Wycombe, Amersham and Stoke Mandeville Hospitals are threatened as the hospital trust that runs the hospitals struggles with its finances. The group has to make savings of £11m this year as well as make up the £3m it lost last year. Plans to make the trust a foundation trust – where it would have more say in how it spends its money – have been put on hold, the trust announced yesterday.

Poignant funerals - Hundreds of people are expected to pay their respects today at the funeral of soldier Daniel Hume, the 22 year old who was killed on duty in Afghanistan earlier this month. Friends in the 4th Battalion of Rifles will attend the service at Maidenhead’s All Saint’s Church and a gun salute will be fired. Meanwhile, in Wycombe, hundreds are also expected to attend the funeral of popular 20 year old student Jourdan Griffiths, who was stabbed in the town centre last month. Three people have been charged with his murder.

Wednesday 29th July

Flight delays – It’s looking increasingly likely that plans to change flight routes over the Wycombe and Chilterns area will not be finalised until after the next election. There was uproar last year over proposed flight path changes to Luton and Heathrow airports which would have led to more aircraft noise in the area. The plan was withdrawn and a new proposal promised for this summer. Now that plan has been delayed so that a final decision is unlikely to be made until next summer after a public consultation. If the Conservatives win the election, the whole scheme could go back to the drawing board again because they are opposed to expansion at the airports and instead want better train services.

Allotments poser – A third test of soil on a big Wycombe allotment plot is to be made to determine whether it is safe or not. The council closed the allotments in Bassetbury when testers found high levels of copper, nickel and lead in the soil. The gardeners however were far from convinced and hired their own experts who declared the soil was safe after all. But the council has refused to reopen the allotments and said last night that another independent test would be made to try and settle the issue.

Warm welcome –Former Wycombe Wanderers manager John Gorman was given a warm welcome when he returned to Adams Park last night. Gorman – now an assistant manager at QPR – returned with his team for a pre-match friendly.which QPR won 2-1.

Tuesday 28th July

More outsourcing – Jobs in Bucks County Council’s human resources department are set to go after the council agreed to outsource all of its recruiting activities to an outside company. They say the move will save council taxpayers nearly £700,000 in the first year. It comes on top of moves by the council to cut back on social services spending by giving users a budget they can spend on either council services or private care companies.

Child grabbed – Police yesterday appealed for witnesses after a 14 year old girl was grabbed by the arm by a middle aged man in an alley at Lane End, High Wycombe. The girl screamed, shook herself free and ran off. She said the man wore thick, rimless glasses and spoke with a foreign accent.

New skipper – Former Chelsea defender Michael Duberry will captain Wycombe Wanderers in the coming season, the club announced yesterday. Meanwhile manager Peter Taylor has decided against taking on another former Premiership player Carl Cort, who has been training with the team.

Monday 27th July

Care changes – Officials in Buckinghamshire are putting finishing touches this week to a scheme where people receiving home help and other social care services will be given a sum of money so they can choose whether to buy care from the council or from private organisations. The council says it gives people more choice, but critics say it’s simply a way for the council to save money; not provide better care. The scheme is likely to come into effect next year.

Butcher back – The first dedicated butcher’s shop for years returns to the centre of High Wycombe this week. In a move seen as an indication that “real food” is back in vogue, the Wycombe Central Butcher shop will open amid the estate agents and accountancy offices at the eastern end of the High Street. The last dedicated butchers was in the High Street around eight years ago leaving the supermarkets and a weekly visit by the street-market’s mobile butcher as the only places to buy fresh meat.

On the up – Prove positive that the local economy is turning for the better. The man who sells greetings cards on Wycombe market stall told the local paper yesterday that after weeks of selling “Sorry you’ve lost your job” cards, he has sold five “Congratulations on your new job” cards in the last few days – his first sales in that category for three months.

Sunday 26th July

Back on track – Huge relief for Nicola Saunders and her family in Amersham today after the athlete showed at the London Grand Prix she is back to full form after a series injury setbacks. She won the 400m in a good time and is now on track to compete in next month’s world athletics championships.

Knocked off track – Some embarrassment for Wycombe Wanderers however when they lost 2-1 to lowly Dover in a pre-season competition yesterday. But as die-hard fans said after the game, you can’t tell anything from friendlies.

Saturday 25th July

Flu appeal – East Berkshire Primary Care Trust yesterday warned local people not to simply expect to receive the anti-Swine Flu drug Tamiflu on demand. As more and more people in the Wycombe area swamped doctors’ surgeries and health centres the Trust said : “Anyone with flu symptoms must not just turn up to an anti-viral collection point, GP or hospital accident and emergency department expecting to be given the drug.” It said people with flu should stay at home and provide a “flu friend” with official identification. The “flu friend” collecting the drug should also have official identification..

Economy boost – Signs yesterday that the economic gloom is beginning to rise. Estate agents said that July was on course to be the busiest in the housing market this year; Wycombe department store John Lewis said its sales last week were 15 per cent up on the same week last year, while in Wycombe town centre two new stores opened their doors.

Getting the hump – Work is underway to install “rising bollards” in Windsor’s main shopping street, Peascod Street, to prevent a rising number of cars driving through the pedestrianised area.

Friday 24th July

Changing times – A fifth of all couples marrying in church in Buckinghamshire already have children, a survey revealed yesterday. The finding was one of the reasons the Church of England yesterday changed its policy so that it will now welcome joint marriage and baptism ceremonies in church. Earlier this week a survey in neighbouring Oxfordshire found that 80 per cent of people couldn’t name the Ten Commandments – a figure that was well over 90 per cent among younger people.

Murder charge – A 16 year old boy from High Wycombe was remanded in custody yesterday charged with murdering 20 year old Jourdan Griffiths. The boy can’t be named because he is a juvenile. Wycombe men Lotto Williams, aged 18 and Christopher Joseph, aged 21 have previously been charged with Mr Griffiths’ murder.. Mr Griffiths died from a stab wound when he answered the door at a property in White Hart Street, High Wycombe on 29 June.<

Men in black – Wycombe Wanderers revealed their new away strip yesterday, and for the first time the Blues will become the Blacks at away venues this season. The all black strip drew a mixed reaction from fans who witnessed the unveiling at the Wanderers town centre shop.

Thursday 23rd July

Flu friends – Local health trusts yesterday advised people to seek “flu friends” – those who would collect medicines and shopping for sufferers of swine flu who will be too ill to go out. In Bucks the health trust estimated that 78,000 people will suffer from the virus in the coming months. They repeated that the symptoms in the cases so far in the district remain mild.

Stink fine – The company responsible for letting Wycombe’s waste refuse tip – the appropriately named High Heavens – stink too much have been fined £12,000. The Environment Agency said the company that ran the tip for six months at the back end of 2006 had not followed rules to prevent nasty smells. Hundreds of people had complained. Terra Eco Systems, which is now run by Veolia, also had to pay £14,000 in costs.

Community station – The media regulator Ofcom yesterday approved a licence for a new community radio station in High Wycombe. Awaaz Radio will be aimed at the town’s Asian community. It’s range will be much smaller than Mix 107, the Wycombe commercial station that closed down last month. So far there have been no takers for its broadcasting licence.

Wednesday 22nd July

Security extended – Wycombe’s Eden shopping centre, opened just a year ago, has beefed up its security with a range of new CCTV cameras. Security officers will now be able to follow shop-lifters from shops and into surrounding passages and streets. It follows reports that some thieves were able to escape quickly from shops and disappear via one of the centre’s many exits.

Soldier’s funeral – The family of Daniel Hume, the 22 year old Maidenhead soldier killed in Afghanistan two weeks ago, last night asked for donations in his memory to be made to the soldier’s charity Help for Heroes. A page on the charity website - www.helpforheroes.org.uk – has been set up to enable donations to be made in his name. Daniel’s funeral will be next Thursday at Cookham Parish Church by the Thames. Mourners will gather afterwards at the Heroes Bar in Maidenhead. Earlier this week competitors at the British Mountain Bike Championships held a minute’s silence for Daniel, a former champion mountain-biker.

Farmers’ markets – Plans to launch two new farmers’ markets – one in High Wycombe and another in Little Chalfont – were announced yesterday as figures revealed that the number of people buying locally produced food was on the up, despite the recession.

Tuesday 21st July

Air base homes – Up to 1,000 houses could be built on the former American air force base at High Wycombe’s Daws Hill. The council is asking for public views on the plan as it looks are where to build thousands of new homes in the Wycombe district over the next 15 years.

Pensioner sought – Police said last night they were seeking a man in his seventies in connection with an assault on two teenage girls in a Chesham park. The girls were playing in Nashleigh Park when the man sexually assaulted them. He is described as Asian wearing a cream tunic top and trousers.

Cheerless hounds – Michele English and Russell Clement, the winners of the TV series The Restaurant, are now winning plaudits at the new pub/restaurant they’ve opened in Marlow, but there are complaints from locals over why they’ve changed the name of the pub to The Cheerful Soul. The 17th century inn on the Henley Road has been known since it was built as the Hare and Hounds.

Monday 20th July

Best finish – Wycombe golfer Luke Donald was celebrating last night after gaining his best ever finish in the Open. A three under final round at Turnberry left him in fifth position overall. But the better news for the 31 year old Beaconsfield and Hazlemere golf clubs member was that his wrist – which kept him out of the game for five months last year after an operation – showed no ill effects after four tiring days.



Rape charges – A man is due to appear in court today charged with committing three rapes in two days. Richard Petris, aged 36, of the White Hart Hotel in Nettlebed was charged last night. It follows allegations from a 25 year old woman that she was raped at two addresses in the village last week.

Royal watch – For the first time the Queen will watch the ancient ritual of swan-upping on the Thames today. The Queen technically owns all unmarked mute swans in the country and every year for 500 years swan-uppers travel the Thames to catch them, mark them and count them. Today, for the first time in her reign, the Queen will watch the ceremony from a steamer moored near Windsor Castle.

Sunday 19th July

Tills return – Aylesbury’s Tesco store returned to normal yesterday after a computer glitch closed down the tills, bringing long queues and causing the store to be temporarily shut while IT experts solved the problem.

Marathon watch – Officials will be looking anxiously to see if swine flu reduces the number of runners in Wycombe’s half marathon event today. Nearly 1,000 runners have applied take part in the run.

Barracks crowds – Thousands of people visited Windsor’s Victoria Barracks yesterday as the Irish Guards held an open day. Crowds were higher than last year, it’s thought, because people wanted to take the opportunity to show their support for the military.

Saturday 18th July

Broadband slow – Broadband users in Marlow and Henley endure some of the slowest speeds in the country an independent survey has found. The average download is 500 kilobytes per second, seven times slower than the national average. Experts say most users in the town would get faster speeds if they switched to mobile broadband.

Culture shopping – Shoppers in Wycombe’s Eden centre will be treated to the Bard as they make their way round the stores today. A group of Shakespearean actors, in appropriate garb, will be reading extracts from the Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet in malls, on escalators and in shop doorways.

Donald through – Wycombe’s Luke Donald made the final weekend of the Open golf championship yesterday when he finished the second day three over par. The Hazlemere and Beaconsfield club member was hovering on the cut earlier in the day in difficult conditions, but recovered while others, including his friend Tiger Woods, struggled.

Friday 17th July

Health pressure – Bucks Primary Care Trust admitted last night that GP services and hospitals in the area are being inundated with people suffering flu-like symptoms and urged people who think they have swine flu not to visit surgeries and hospitals. Instead people should ring NHS Direct for advice and stay at home. The Trust said that all of the cases confirmed in the area so far are relatively mild. The NHS Direct number is 0845 4647. Alternatively people can visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Paramedic struck off – A local paramedic has been struck off by the Health Professions Council after he told a woman suffering severe stomach pains to relax with a glass of gin and orange. The Aylesbury woman, who wasn’t named, took herself to hospital the next day but she died two days later. On another occasion ambulance paramedic Roger Gray told a multiple scerlosis victim she should have taken a taxi to hospital and not called for emergency help when she felt ill.

Attendance down – The recession is hitting audiences at Henley Festival according to the organisers. Despite big stars like Katherine Jenkins and big events like a Salvador Dali exhibition, attendances are down by up to 15 per cent on last year. The organisers are hoping that appearances by comic Jo Brand and tribute band Bootleg Beatles will boost attendances this weekend.

Thursday 16th July

M40 landmark – Plans for a massive business park were unveiled yesterday for Wycombe’s Handy Cross sports centre site alongside the M40. A large office block – intended as the site of an international HQ for a big business – will tower over the motorway. The council said the development will create thousands of jobs. A major coach and bus interchange station is also planned for the site, which will also incorporate a park-and-ride area. The news came on the day that the Wycombe area saw the biggest leap in years in the numbers of people claiming unemployment employment benefit, although the numbers are still very low – just under three per cent of the working population – compared to the national average.

Train attack – A train driver was praised for keeping his cool as his windscreen was smashed by a large stone as he was travelling towards Wycombe station at 80mph. Transport police revealed yesterday that the attack happened as the Marylebone to Banbury train was emerging from a tunnel near Loudwater at half past eleven last Wednesday night. The train stopped at Wycombe and the driver was taken to hospital suffering from trauma and minor cuts. Police have been carrying out forensic tests in the area from where the stone was thrown.

New signings – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor continued to strengthen his squad with two new signings yesterday. Stuart Green, 28, an attacking midfielder whose last two clubs were Blackpool and Crystal Palace; and Ian Westlake, 26, a midfielder who’s played for Ipswich and Leeds, will join four other new signings as the team prepares for League One football.

Wednesday 15th July

Friends in tribute – Sixty friends of Maidenhead soldier Daniel Hume joined his family and the people of Wootton Bassett yesterday in silent tribute as his coffin and those of seven others killed in Afghanistan were processed through the town after arriving at nearby RAF Lyneham. They included his 20 year old girlfriend Sasha Buckley. It’s thought Rifleman Hume’s family are arranging a private funeral for the 22 year old from Newlands Drive, but a memorial service to enable the community to express its grief and support may be held. Meanwhile, on Facebook, friends of the former mountain-bike rider are gathering support for a charity ride in his memory at his favourite mountain-bike course in Wendover Woods.

Lottery win – An Amersham woman is celebrating after winning a share of an £8m lottery prize. Ted and Marilyn Newton scooped the prize and will share it with daughter Sarah,36, from Amersham, and sons Darren and Stephen because they are all in a family syndicate. However, Sarah and her brothers had fallen behind in paying their share of the syndicate – an amount, they agreed yesterday, they’ll be quick to pay up!

Long odds – Wycombe golfer Luke Donald is 80 to 1 with the bookies to win the Open which starts at Turnberry tomorrow. However Luke, who is playing is ninth Open, reckons he’s worth a flutter. He turned down an invitation to play at the Scottish Open last week so he could get in more practice on links courses similar to Turnberry.

Tuesday 14th July

School’s prayers – Pupils and staff at Thame’s Lord William’s School will hold a special tribute to murdered classroom assistant Sally Garwood today. Mrs Garwood, aged 34, a devout Christian, died from stab wounds while walking her dog in Meadowfield playing fields near her home in Quarrendon, Aylesbury on Saturday. Robert Cusworth, a 24 year old chef from Levings Close, Aylesbury was remanded in custody yesterday charged with her murder. He will appear again at a court in Reading later this month.

Flu effects - A number of pre-schools and nursery groups in the Wycombe area are closing early for the summer term after pupils are showing flu-like symptoms. A school in Penn for children with disabilities closed a week early last week after six of its pupils and a staff member were confirmed with Swine Flu. Yesterday confirmed number of cases in the area topped the 50 mark, although its thought many others have contacted the virus but staying at home without visiting the doctor.

Monday 13th July

Teacher murder charge – A man will appear in court today accused of murdering teaching assistant Sally Garwood, whose body was found with stab wounds in playing fields at Quarrendon, Aylesbury on Saturday. Mrs Garwood, aged 34, had been taking her dog for a walk. Robert Cusworth, aged 24, who lives in the town, was charged last night.

Bikers tribute – Mountain bike riders in the area are planning their own special tribute to Daniel Hume, the 22 year old rifleman from Newlands Drive, Maidenhead who was killed by a bomb in Afghanistan last week. Daniel was one of the country’s top mountain bikers and was planning a professional career in the sport before deciding, two years ago, to join the army instead. His body is expected to be flown home in the next day or two.

Chef’s return – Henley TV chef Antony Worrall Thompson is planning to reopen one of his former failed restaurants – The Greyhound at Peppard – this week, even though creditors allege they haven’t been paid after the chef’s company went into administration earlier this year. The Sunday Times said yesterday that local suppliers were still owned thousands of pounds.

Sunday 12th July

Local soldier killed – One of the eight British soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Friday was named last night as Rifleman Daniel Hume, aged 22, from Maidenhead. He died while on foot patrol in Helmand Province when a bomb exploded.

In a statement last night his parents, Adrian and Wendy said: "Daniel passed out of Catterick as top recruit and since joining the army he was the happiest we had known him, he had truly found his place in the world. He believed in what the British Army was trying to achieve... his death has left a huge void in our lives, we are fiercely proud of him."

Saturday 11th July

Big signing – Former Chelsea defender Michael Duberry joined Wycombe Wanderers yesterday in one of club’s biggest signings. The 33 year old, who joined from Reading, said he signed a two year contract because he works well with manager Peter Taylor.

Friday 10th July

Boom town – The first signs that Maidenhead is set to benefit as the western end of the cross-London train service, Crossrail, emerged yesterday when Travelodge applied to build a six storey hotel in the town centre, next to the Bell pub. Crossrail is due to start operating in five years time. Meanwhile the council in Wycombe has given more detail about its plan to improve its town centre by removing the 1960s fly-over Abbey Way, plus nearby buildings including the British Legion and the fire station and replacing it with a park containing an opened-up River Wye. The council admits however it hasn’t yet raised the cash for the project.

Experienced defender – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor yesterday secured the services of 32 year old central defender Chris Westwood after reaching a deal with Peterborough United over the players’ contract. Westwood, who’s seen as “safe and solid at the back”, had been transfer listed by the Posh’s manager Darren Ferguson.

Thursday 9th July

Healthy-ish – One in five people in Buckinghamshire are obese, official Department of Health figures show. But that’s still better than the country’s average. The stats also show that fewer people in the younger age groups die from cancer or heart disease compared to other parts of Britain.

Players switch – The future of the 112 year old Aylesbury United football club looked shaky last night after 10 of its first team players yesterday switched to a rival side, Aylesbury FC, which was formed earlier this year. The move came after attempts to merge the two clubs failed. Financially stretched United – known as The Ducks – lost their Aylesbury ground two years ago and now share Chesham United’s ground.

Big time – Meanwhile, a former Wycombe Wanderers reject has made it to the big time in Spain. Former Wycombe academy member Ikechi Anya became the youngest player to appear with the first team when he was 16, five years ago, and was named Apprentice of the Year. But after two years the Blues let him go. Now, after training at Glenn Hoddle’s soccer school, he has been signed as a forward for Sevilla, in Spain’s La Liga, and will be facing the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Wednesday 8th July

Headquarters closes – The Local Radio Company announced yesterday it was closing its High Wycombe headquarters, making most of the 30 staff redundant. The company, which was taken over by a rival a few weeks ago, closed its Wycombe station, Mix 107, last month because of mounting losses and handed the licence to broadcast in the area back to Ofcom, the broadcasting watchdog. It’s understood there’s been no interest from anyone wanting to take over the Wycombe licence.

River warning – Swimmers were warned to keep well away from rivers yesterday after torrential storms throughout the region brought flash floods and river flow surges. The 18 year old man who drowned in the Thames at Medmenham was named yesterday as Anwar Ali Ahmed from Harrow. An inquest will be held.

Compensation award – Samantha Fry, a severely disabled Beaconsfield woman, was awarded £3m in a High Court settlement yesterday , 32 years after her brain was damaged during her birth at Wycombe Hospital. She and her family had decided to seek compensation to try and ensure she is adequately catered for as she gets older. The figure was agreed with the hospital authorities.

Tuesday 7th July

Stadium move – Businessman Steve Hayes will move quickly to build a new sports stadium in High Wycombe after he won control of Wycombe Wanderers football club at a shareholders meeting last night. He will form a separate company to build the stadium in a move linked with Bucks New University, the new shirt sponsors. The football club – and London Wasps, which Mr Hayes also controls - will, in effect, become tenants of the stadium and not be responsible for any financial losses. The council has privately indicated it is likely to approve a stadium development on land next to Wycombe Air Park, just off the M40. It’s anticipated the stadium will also include gym clubs, running tracks and other sports facilities.

Teenager drowns – An 18 year old man has drowned after taking a paddle in the Thames and being swept away by strong currents. His body was recovered by police divers five hours after he disappeared under the water at Medmenham. He is expected to be named today. Elsewhere, a 12 year old girl is in a serious condition after a road accident in Beaconsfield town centre yesterday as she was on her way to school. And a child is also in a serious condition in hospital after being catapulted from a people-carrier as it rolled over on the M40 at Stokenchurch. Four others were also injured and southbound traffic built up for 12 miles as the motorway was closed for five hours last night between the Stokenchurch and Wycombe slip roads.

Monday 6th July

Teenager arrested – A 16 year old boy was arrested over the weekend in connection with the murder of 20 year old Jourdan Griffiths, who died from a single stab wound to the chest at a house in High Wycombe. Two other men from the town, Lotto Williams, aged 18 of Whitelands Road, and Christopher Joseph, aged 21, of Grenfell Avenue appeared in court on Friday charged with Mr Griffiths’ murder.

Decision day – Wycombe Wanderers managing director Steve Hayes will learn at a crunch meeting tonight whether his bid to take control of the football club has been successful. He needs the majority of votes from shareholder fans willing to hand their shares over to him. Mr Hayes is hopeful after the club engaged in a massive campaign to gain a yes vote, including pledges of support from some of its more well known supporters, including TV presenter Bill Turnbull, Sky football commentator Alan Parry and former Dr Who actor Colin Baker.

Kiwi threat – Henley Royal Regatta drew to a close last night, having attracted over 30,000 people to the 170 year old event, despite the counter attraction of Wimbledon. On the water, crews from New Zealand were successful in many events, laying down an early marker to challenge the Brits at the 2012 Olympics.

Saturday 27th June

More flu - A second Aylesbury school was hit by swine flu yesterday. So far one pupil at the Thomas Hickman School has been confirmed with the virus, but the school plans to remain open next week.

Accident investigation – Police are appealing for witnesses after a 92 year old woman died after been run over by the car she had been travelling in. Police said yesterday she had just got out of the green Honda in London Road, Beaconsfield on Thursday afternoon, when it apparently moved forward, trapping her underneath. She died later in hospital.

Adams nark – Karen Adams, the grand-daughter of Frank Adams, the man who saved Wycombe Wanderers from going under 60 years ago by donating land for them to play on, has come out against plans by managing director Steve Hayes to take control of the club. The football club has had supporter involvement in its management since its existence 122 years ago, and Ms Adams said her grandfather – Adams Park is named after him – would not have wanted control to go to a single person. However, it is looking more likely that Mr Hayes will get the sufficient number of votes he needs at a crunch meeting on 6 July, but with a significant minority of shareholder supporters voting against him.

Taking a break – The Wycombe.info team is taking a short break. The service will resume in a few days.

Friday 26th June

Station closes – High Wycombe’s local radio station Mix 107 is closing down next Wednesday after losing £90,000 in the past year. Its twin station, Mix 96, covering Aylesbury is to remain on air. The station failed to establish itself as a local network, despite no opposition from the BBC, and averaged 15,000 listeners out of a potential listening audience of over a quarter of a million. The nine people employed on Mix 107 are expected to work on other stations owned by The Local Radio Company, Mix 107’s owners.

More swine flu – An Aylesbury school closed for a week yesterday after two pupils were diagnosed with swine flu. Parents at Pebble Brook School were urged keep an eye on their children to see if they were showing signs of the disease.

Jackson tributes – Tributes to Michael Jackson, who died last night, are planned at clubs in the Wycombe area this weekend.

Thursday 25th June

Swine flu – A case of suspected swine flu was reported in the Wycombe area last night when parents were told that a pupil at Altwood School in Maidenhead has the symptoms. Two schools in Wexham, near Slough, closed for a week yesterday after cases among pupils were confirmed, and in neighbouring Oxfordshire around 20 cases have been confirmed.

Market snub – Wycombe Council issued an embarrassing unreserved apology yesterday after one of its official reports referred to market stallholders as “whingeing traders”. The wording was contained in a council officers’ report on the future of the market and published on the council website, before being withdrawn after complaints. The report told of “whingeing traders complaining about lack of footfall because of the closure of Woolworths.”

First signing - Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor made his first new signing of the season yesterday, taking on out of contract Wigan Athletic midfielder, 20 year old Lewis Montrose. Further signings are expected this week. Meanwhile the Blues received a £700,000 windfall yesterday when former captain Roger Johnson moved from Cardiff to Birmingham for £5m. When Wycombe sold him to Cardiff there was a “sell-on” clause in the contract. Johnson is the first player from the Wanderers youth acadamy to make it to the Premiership.

Wednesday 24th June

Heritage warning – English Heritage warned yesterday that several conservation areas in the Wycombe area are threatened because councils have allowed out-of-character building extensions, too many satellite dishes and out-buildings that shouldn’t be seen. They named Chesham old town and Maidenhead town centre as areas faced with losing their charm, but added there were problems at Gerrards Cross Common, Taplow by the river, Iver, Stoke Green, Burnham and Uxbridge Lock.

Blues meeting – Wycombe Wanderers managing director Steve Hayes, who wants to take over the club but has to persuade supporter shareholders to back him, holds a meeting with them tonight to put his case. Mr Hayes, who owns rugby club London Wasps, who share the Wanderers’ ground, Adams Park, has issued a statement saying he has no intention to merge the two clubs.

New athletics track – Negotiations are under way to move Wycombe’s athletic track at Handy Cross to land at Sir William Ramsay School in Hazlemere. Handy Cross is to be sold for development and a new sports centre built in the town centre. But there’s no room for a full size track at the new site in Hughenden Road, so councillors are hoping to complete a deal which will enable pupils at the secondary school to share the track with local athletics clubs.

Tuesday 23rd June

Manager stays – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor is staying at the club after a heart to heart with managing director Steve Hayes yesterday. Taylor was reportedly upset at not knowing how much money he had to buy players, and was on record as saying he was aiming for July 1 as the date to have all new players on board. It now seems he has received assurances, even though Hayes’s own position is not certain following his threat to stop funding the club unless shareholders concede full control to him.

Flooding concerns – Councillors in Windsor and Maidenhead are set to hold urgent discussions today after an Environment Agency report said nearly 11,500 homes in the area were in danger of flooding in future years because of climate change. Only three other areas in the country are more at risk.

Bucks Speaker - Buckingham MP John Bercow, elected the new Speaker of the House of Commons last night, is the first Speaker from Buckinghamshire since William Grenville in 1789. But even though at 46 Mr Bercow is a young Speaker, William Grenville, who is buried at Burnham, still holds the record as being the youngest...a mere 30 years old when he took the office.

Monday 22nd June

Club crisis – Wycombe Wanderers is in turmoil after reports yesterday that manager Peter Taylor is set to resign today in a row over lack of funding for new players. The move comes two days after the club’s main creditor, chief executive Steve Hayes, said he would walk away from the club unless supporter shareholders agree to a change of constitution that will give him full control. Three days ago the club’s captain David McCracken left amid reports that offers to renew his contract fell below his financial expectations. The club maintained a stony silence throughout yesterday.

Eden discounts – Rents for shops in Wycombe’s new Eden shopping centre have dropped by a third since the complex opened a year ago in an attempt to stop retailers pulling out. The retail property experts Colliers said in a weekend report that the discounts were some of the highest in the country. The tactic may have worked however, as around 10 units remain empty and a number of those are being filled in the next few weeks.

Victims recover – Three men seriously injured in a car accident that killed a 21 year old woman and a 24 year old man from the Wycombe area were making slow recoveries in hospital last night. The two, who died instantly when the Rover they were travelling in hit a lamppost and overturned at Chalfont St Giles on Friday, are expected to be officially named today. No other vehicle was involved.

Sunday 21st June

Quit threat – Shadow Justice Secretary and Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve said yesterday he would be ready to quit politics if MPs were regulated so much that they would lose their independence. He told a public meeting in Gerrards Cross that if a regulatory body for the House of Commons was imposed that was answerable to no-one, then he would leave politics “in despair”.

Blast inquiry – Police and health and safety experts will continue to comb a small industrial premises for clues today following a gas blast yesterday which killed one man and injured another. The nitrogen canister blew up at a works in Denham.

Saturday 20th June

Two die in horror smash – Two people died yesterday after a car containing five friends smashed into a lamp-post at an accident blackspot. The driver, aged 29, is in a critical condition and two other men, aged 21 and 24, have serious injuries following the smash on the Amersham to Denham Road at Chalfont St Giles. The two who died instantly, a man aged 24 and a woman aged 20, were named as Steve and Laura on blogs last night.

Supporters resign – Two directors of Wycombe Wanderers Supporters Trust resigned last night, hours after the club’s chief executive Steve Hayes made a predictable bid to take full control of the club. The club’s constitution means no single individual can own more than 25 per cent of the club, so the rules will have to be changed at a crucial meeting next month if Mr Hayes is to succeed. He said yesterday that he will withdraw funding if he doesn’t get his way – and as the football club already owes him at least £3m and is over £7m in debt that would mean the club going into administration.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Wanderers captain David McCracken left the club last night to join Milton Keynes Dons – a move that will transform him from hero to villain in the eyes of many supporters who don’t recognise the north Bucks club after it entered the Football League by the “back door”, instead of qualifying like every other club.

MP faces music – Shadow Justice Secretary Dominic Grieve, the Beaconsfield MP, is holding a public meeting today to try and draw a line under any controversy surrounding his own expenses claims, which included taxpayers refunding him for a lost key to his garden shed. Wycombe MP Paul Goodman, whose expenses included a cot and a booster seat, has already said he will not be standing for re-election, having become disillusioned with the House of Commons. Amersham and Chesham MP Cheryl Gillan, who mistakenly claimed for dog food on her ex’s and whose latest claims show she received £275 for five portraits of herself has received support from Tory activists in the constituency.

Thursday 18th June

Deal defended - Wycombe based Bucks New University has played down mounting criticism over a tax-funded establishment sponsoring Wycombe Wanderers football shirts by saying that the move will promote the university at football grounds around the country and that the deal is part of a closer working relationshiup between the uni and the football club. Although the uni receives thousands from the Government to promote education, there is nothing in sponsorship or marketing rules preventing such deals.

Swans killed - Police are investigating after two swans were found, apparently stoned to death, on the banks of the River Thame in Thame. They were found shortly after people reported a group of youths throwing bottles at swans from a bridge.

Jobless slowing - Figures yesterday showed that in the Wycombe area the number of people signing on for unemployment benefit saw the smallest monthly rise of the year. At just under three per cent the number of jobless is still far less than the average in the country.

Wednesday 17th June

Shirt controversy – Bucks New University, based in High Wycombe, is set to face criticism after it announced yesterday it is to be next season’s shirt sponsor for Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. Both sides went out of their way to avoid the word “sponsor”, talking instead of a sport and education “partnership”, but the fact remains the state-funded uni will have committed thousands to having its name on the front of Blues’ shirts...the first university in the country to take part in such a deal.

Mystery death – An inquest yesterday failed to resolve the mystery of a man found with his throat cut in a suburban driveway. Nigel Lennon, aged 36, had more than 30 stab wounds in his neck when he was found dead in the driveway of a house in Downley last year. But although a pathologist said the wounds were similar to self-inflicted ones, and the police concluded Mr Lennon, from another part of Wycombe, had killed himself, the Coroner Richard Hulett said it was not possible to say how or why Mr Lennon died. The Coroner recorded an open verdict.

New look – The council began a two month public consultation yesterday on long term plans to radically change the look of High Wycombe’s town centre, getting rid of the concrete flyover that’s split the town since the 1960s, opening up the River Wye in its place and scrapping the multi-mini roundabout at the bottom of Marlow Hill. Critics say it’s a recipe for a massive traffic jam.

Tuesday 16th June

Shops boost – The council in Wycombe has bought up a number of freeholds of empty shops in the town centre and is offering them to businesses at discount rates in an attempt to fill some of the 30 empty units in the town. Meanwhile Bucks County Council announced yesterday it was prepared to help small businesses in the area with grants of up to £5k.

Houses needed – A battle to preserve green fields in the Wycombe area gets underway today after planners warned last night that new homes will be needed sooner than expected. The council hadn’t expected to release its reserve land in the district for nearly 20 years but now fears it may be much sooner. Environmental campaigners in Bourne End, Hazlemere, Tylers Green and Flackwell Heath are expected to mobilise against the plans.

Real Dons – Wycombe Wanderers has snubbed Bucks footballing rival, Milton Keynes Dons, by organising a pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon, the original Dons. The Blues have also lined up friendlies with QPR, Bristol City and Luton Town.

Monday 15th June

Rent relief – Thousands of council house residents in Wycombe are to get their recent rent increases halved after the Government gave the council more money to fund rents. Councillors will formally approve the giveaway tonight.

Lucky escape – A 22 year old Wycombe man is suffering shock after realising how close he came to serious injury yesterday. The man, a photographer, was standing by the circuit at Abingdon Motor Rally when one of the cars veered off the track straight towards him. Two marshals stood in front of him received serious injuries, but the photographer, who hasn’t yet been named, was treated for minor cuts and bruising.

No messing – A smash and grab in Gerrards Cross was anything but subtle. Saturday morning shoppers were astounded as two men wearing balaclava’s and holding what witnesses described as “a big axe” smashed the windows of the Bucks Gold Company, grabbed as much jewellery as they could from the display, and roared off in a fast Merc.

Saturday 13th June

Cruelty appeal – Amersham horse dealer Jamie Gray, who is today beginning a six month prison sentence for animal cruelty, is to appeal against his conviction. His wife, two daughters and 16 year old son, who yesterday received community orders after being found guilty of offences connected with the case, are to receive police protection following threats to the family following what vets described as the worst animal cruelty case they had known. The family were not at Spindles Farm in Hyde Heath last night where hundreds of horses were found in appalling conditions. If they appeal is lost they are likely to have to sell the farm to pay over £400,000 legal costs they have been ordered to pay the RSPCA . In addition 45 year old Jamie Gray has been banned from keeping horses for the rest of his life.

Redgrave returns – Sir Steve Redgrave will officially open his home town regatta when the Marlow Town Regatta gets underway today.

Friday 12th June

Collapse inquiry – Building inspectors will spend today trying to find out what caused the roof of a snooker hall in High Wycombe town centre yesterday. Five men were playing pool a the Hurricane Room in Corporation Street when the ceiling fell in without warning. Four managed to scramble to safety while the fifth was trapped in the debris and was rescued, unharmed, by fire fighters.

Thursday 11th June

Dramatic blaze – Firefighters were praised for their heroism and professionalism last night in preventing a blazing petrol tanker from exploding, with devastating consequences. Working against the clock – and at considerable personal risk - 50 firefighters spent three hours in containing the blaze on the M40 at Stokenchurch while at the same time drawing off some of the 8,000 gallons of petrol and diesel in the tanker. Environment Agency workers ensured the escaping fuel - flowing down the hill from the top of the Stokenchurch Gap – did not contaminate the drains. The motorway was closed during the operation late on Tuesday night/ early yesterday morning. Fire crews and specialist vehicles from throughout Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire were involved.

Party apology – The UK Independence Party apologised last night after complaints about the siting of an election banner in Beaconsfield. One of the struts to a memorial to Sinead Healy, who was murdered by her boyfriend in a layby in the town eight years ago, was used to support the large UKIP poster which then obscured the memorial.

Captain sought – Wycombe Wanderers captain Dave McCracken was said to be considering a number of offers from other clubs last night. The popular defender is out at contract at Wycombe, who have offered him an improved deal to stay at the club.

Wednesday 10th June

Rail chaos – Hundreds of non-tube using commuters will be stuck today after Chiltern Railways announced that it won’t be running services from Amersham and Chesham. The stations are owned by Transport for London which is closing them down because of the tube strike. Chiltern Railways also announced last night it will not be stopping trains at Wembley Stadium from noon today, disappointing thousands of fans hoping to use the trains to get to tonight’s England v Andorra World Cup qualifier. The company said it had been advised by police that it would be too dangerous because crowd control would be potentially impossible.

Old boy returns – Former Wycombe grammar school boy Jimmy Carr returns to the town tonight. He’ll be a mile down the road from his old school, starring in his sell-out comedy stand-up at Wycombe Swan.

Boss man – Wycombe Wanderers chairman Ivor Beeks became one of the top figures in British football yesterday when he was elected onto the Football Association’s Council. The veteran chairman will represent 25 clubs from the area on the decision making committees, including Reading, Watford, Barnet, Wycombe and 21 non-league clubs.

Tuesday 9th June

Mother’s grief – The 81 year old Marlow mother whose son was beheaded by Al Qaida terrorists in the Saraha desert last week is still too distraught to talk about her feelings. The mother of Edwin Dyer is being comforted by her three other sons. Some family members have expressed disappointment that Britain did not try to negotiate Mr Dyer’s release after his kidnap four months ago.

Bucks cost – New stats show that half of Buckinghamshire’s businesses either sold or made much less at the beginning of this year when the recession took a dramatic downturn. At the same time unemployment in the county doubled. However, a report by Seeda, the South East Economic Development Agency said that even though the jobless doubled to three per cent this was still far better than elsewhere. And businesses in Bucks are now confident things are picking up, says the report.

Rail warning – Chiltern Railways warned last night that some of its services will not stop at some stations in South Bucks if a London tube strike starts tonight. They expect packed trains and commuters from London should check carefully where trains are stopping before boarding.

Monday 8th June

New MP – Wycombe Tories meet tonight to begin their search for a new candidate to fight the next election in the constituency following Paul Goodman’s announcement not to stand for re-election. The seat – regarded as a Tory cert at the next election – will be much sought after by potential candidates.

Focussing opposition –Meanwhile, a number of Liberal Democrats in South Bucks want to approach Labour with a view to fielding just one opposition candidate against the Tories at the next general election. They are considering meeting Labour to see if they would agree to fielding one anti-Conservative candidate in true Blue Tory seats.

Woolies work – Mystery surrounds the company due to move into the former Woolworth store in Wycombe High Street. Work continued over the weekend in the store, but as yet there’s no official word on the future occupant.

Saturday 6th June

Don’t know, don’t care – Apathy was the real victor in Thursday’s county council elections in Buckinghamshire it became apparent yesterday. Just 40 per cent of people bothered to vote compared with 65 per cent in 2005 when the elections were last held. Of those that did vote, half voted Conservative, increasing the party’s stranglehold on a council it has held for over 100 years. Labour was virtually wiped out, taking just six per cent of the vote compared to 16 per cent last time. The Liberal Democrats, who lost one of their 11 seats on the council, saw their share of the vote fall from 31 per cent to 28 per cent, whereas the UK Independence Party, who took less than one per cent of the vote last time, took 13.5 per cent this time.

Friday 5th June

MP to go - Wycombe MP Paul Goodman is not seeking relection at the next election having become disillusioned with the House of Commons. The 49 year old former leader writer with the Daily Telegraph - the paper who's expenses revelations have shattered the credibility of MPs - said restrictions on MPs meant that in the future the quality and variety of people wanting to stand would be reduced so that "much future talent will avoid the Commons altogether." But Mr Goodman, who was elected in 2001, did not defend the expenses system, describing it in the Bucks Free Press as "contradictory and nonsense."

Voting Brisk – Meanwhile voting was brisk throughout much of the Wycombe area yesterday in the county and European elections although political debate in the area last night was on the timing of the next general election following a third Cabinet resignation last night. Bucks election results will be known this morning and the Euro results on Sunday.

Blues windfall – Wycombe Wanderers will be in for a financial windfall after their former skipper, Roger Johnson, look set to join a Premiership club last night. The midfielder was sold to Cardiff City for £275,000 but with a clause that Wycombe will receive more money if he is sold on. Now, with Birmingham likely to offer up to £5m for the player, Wycombe will receive a handsome slice.

Wednesday 3rd June

Mower probe – Police are investigating after an eight year old boy had part of his foot severed by the council mowing machine. The mower was apparently reversing when Damon King came into contact with it in Henley’s Binfield Heath park. Damon is in hospital where he will need several operations to put his foot back together again.

Motorway check – Highway engineers are carrying out detailed checks on part of the M40 after a three metre pothole suddenly appeared in the fast lane. Three lanes of the northbound section of the motorway near Beaconsfield are closed, causing enormous tailbacks. When the hole first appeared without warning on Sunday, engineers thought they could repair it within 24 hours. Now, they don’t expect to complete the repairs until late tomorrow. They are still investigating how it happened.

Twitter poll – It’s not likely to be the most sought-after Twitter page, but it’s not deterring Wycombe District Council from trying to inject some enthusiasm into tomorrow’s county council elections. They have set up a Twitter page to relay the results as they happen when the count takes place on Friday morning.

Tuesday 2nd June

UKIP boost – Local Tories are stepping up campaigning with just two days to go before the local and Euro elections after reports that their private polls are showing strong support among their traditional voters for UKIP, the UK Independence Party, which wants Britain to pull out of Europe.

Pinewood plans – Councillors in South Bucks yesterday received their biggest ever planning application – a massive £200m proposed extension to Pinewood Studios. The film world says the extension – to include a number of permanent sets – is needed to ensure the British film industry remains strong. The proposed 100 acre extension includes 1,400 flats to house studio workers. They say 1,600 jobs will be created.

Hotel plans – Meanwhile a number of plans have been submitted for new hotels in High Wycombe. Details to a scheme to convert offices above the Chilterns Shopping Centre into a 119 bedroom hotel were announced yesterday, and it’s expected that plans for a hotel above Wycombe railway station will soon be finalised. On a smaller scale, plans to convert the Wendover Arms pub in Wycombe into a 33 bedroom hotel have also been put forward.

Monday 1st June

Fireworks ban – A fireworks display which marks the end of Henley’s famous regatta won’t be held this year. Last year a rower was stabbed following what regatta organisers described as “a marked increase in drunken and potentially dangerous behaviour.” The regatta starts on July 1.

Flu alert – Schools in the Wycombe area are on full alert for swine flu as pupils return after the half term today. Eton College yesterday confirmed that four of their pupils had been diagnosed, with a possible 25 other cases. The college has been closed for the week. Meanwhile, a family of five in Oxfordshire were confirmed with the virus last night.

New baby – Strictly Come Dancing hostess Tess Daly is set to return to her Fulmer home today after giving birth to a daughter, Amber, at the weekend. Tess and husband Vernon Kay already have a four year old daughter Phoebe.

Friday 29th May

College closes – For the first time in living memory Eton College has had to close. Pupils have been given an extra week off after half term because a 13 year old student has been confirmed with Swine Flu and the school wants to make sure the infection doesn’t spread. Pupils due to take exams at the 570 year old college will be allowed to return under “controlled conditions”.

Thursday 28th May

Raves ravaged – Police revealed yesterday that they closed down four raves in the Wycombe area over the bank holiday weekend, including one in a tunnel under the Marlow by-pass. Police also raided unlicensed parties in Thame, Princes Risborough and Ivinghoe, seizing sound equipment and, in Ivinghoe, making arrests for drug possession.

Wednesday 27th May

Childminder freed - Keran Henderson, the Iver Heath childminder jailed for the manslaughter of an 11 month old baby by shaking her to death, has been released from jail after serving half her three year sentence. But Mrs Henderson, who is at the centre massive campaign to prove she was the victim of a miscarriage of justice, is unable to speak for herself because of a pending appeal against her conviction. Meanwhile, the foreman of the jury who convicted her and who spoke out against the conviction is to appeal to the House of Lords against his conviction for contempt of court. Michael Seckerson said in the Times that the jury did not fully understand the medical evidence in the case. Both he and the newspaper were fined for “revealing the secrets of the jury room”.

Tuesday 26th May

Tragedy appeal – Two devastated families will appeal for help today to find the driver of a 4x4 involved in an accident which killed an 18 year old Thame man and left his 17 year old girlfriend in a critical condition in a coma. Greg Stiles died instantly after his car left the road to avoid the 4x4 which had overtaken a line of cars at Kinsey near Thame. His girlfriend, Abigal Dowdy from Prestwood, High Wycombe, whom he met at Thame Leisure Centre where they worked, has remained in a coma since the accident eight days ago.

Saturday 23rd May

MP repays Aylesbury MP David Liddington is among the latest batch of MP's to have had his expenses revealed by The Daily Telegraph. Mr Liddington, whose consituency covers Princes Risborough was reported to have made claims for moisturiser, body spray, toothpaste and for his laundry to be done at a dry cleaners. The Conservative MP has decided to pay back the £51.09 for the toiletries admitting that many people will see them as over-generous. He has also referred his whole claims to the Conservative scrutiny panel set up by leader David Cameron.

Private Transport - Buckinghamshire County Council have awarded a contract to maintain the county's roads to private company Ringway Jacobs for eight years. The deal has effectively privatised the council's transport department with the company also having responsibility for sustainable travel, road safety and development control. The new body will be known as Transport for Buckinghamshire.

Friday 22nd May

Unemployment up Unemployment in Wycombe is at it's highest level for over 12 years new figures released show. Wycombe District Council's percentage of working age people claiming job seekers allowance was 2.9% in April above the 2.4% average for Buckinghamshire County Council. Chiltern District was at 2%, South Bucks at 2.1% and Aylesbury Vale at 2.2%. However Buckinghamshire still has one of the lowest rates of unemployment in the country with the national average at 4.9 per cent.

Thursday 21st May

MP's cutback - Local MP's who controversially claim a second home allowance despite their constituencies been only an hour or so train journey from Westminster will be forced to cut back their claims following new limits set yesterday. From now on MP’s will only be able to claim up to £1,250 per month in either mortgage interest or rent. However Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve and Aylesbury MP David Liddington currently both claim more than that and have said they are now considering their options with Dominic Grieve saying he may now swop his second home in Marlow, a rented cottage, to a more modest flat. Both men insisted however that they do need to have a second home to conduct their duties effectively as an MP. Wycombe MP Paul Goodman also claims the second home allowance but for now is unaffected by the new limit as his mortgage claim is less than the new maximum amount. In contrast MP’s in nearby Reading and Slough choose not to have a second home and instead commute into London when parliament sits.

Speaker Grieve? – Dominic Grieve meanwhile emerged as a possible contender to take over the soon to be vacant post of Speaker of the House of Commons after been touted in the Guardian newspaper’s editorial yesterday. Mr Grieve - who is often praised by commentators for his parliamentary skills - has so far not commented on the position. However as he is currently Shadow Justice Secretary it is unlikely he will want to give that up and miss out on the strong possibility of becoming a senior cabinet minister in a new Conservative government.

Wednesday 20th May

Legion destroyed - The Royal British Legion Hall in Broad Street, Chesham was completley gutted yesterday and it's roof destroyed after a huge fire engulfed the whole building. Over 50 fire fighters were called to the blaze which begun in the early hours of the morning which threatened nearby residences and led to precautionary evacuations. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified but arson has not been ruled out as police have asked for witnesses to come forward.

Jobs threat - The human resources director of Buckinghamshire County Council has warned that job losses should be expected within the public sector over the coming year as the impact of the recession spreads. Local authorities have already been forced to look for ways to make funding cuts without cutting services. A proposed project has already been drawn up by the county council and the four Buckinghamshire district councils to pool resources where possible for back office functions.

Old Library Plan - The old High Wycombe library in Queen Victoria Road could finally find a new use after standing empty for the past year. The building has been empty since last June when the libray moved to a new location in the Eden centre. However it has been revealed that the Swan Theatre have begun preliminary discussions to take over the building although have not revealed what they would use it for.

Tuesday 19th May

High savers People in South Bucks have some of the highest average bank balances in the country according to figures released by the Halifax Building Society. South Bucks and Chiltern authorities were both in the top 10 with the average at £14,210 and £12,758 respectively.

New Contracts Wycombe Wanderers defenders Craig Woodman and Leon Johnson have had their contacts extended by a further year until June 2011. The extensions were triggered due to a clause in their contracts meaning an extra year was automatically added when the club won promotion to league one.

Saturday 16th May

Gun charge – The son of a man with a debilitating disease who shot himself dead has appeared in court accused of supplying the gun to his father. Guy Button, aged 30, of Princes Risborough is alleged to have given his father Ian the gun and ammunition while visiting him at Northampton General Hospital. Mr Button senior, aged 63, later shot himself in the head in the hospital ward. Yesterday Guy Button was bailed to appear at court in Northampton again in July.

Why Wye? – A 47 foot long blue glass sculpture was unveiled in Wycombe’s Eden shopping centre yesterday depicting the River Wye as its centrepiece. The artist said the river was featured prominently because the vast majority of people consulted about the piece said they first thought of the river when they thought of High Wycombe. Which is odd really, because the council deliberately chose to hide the river in an underground culvert when they agreed plans for the new shopping centre.

Friday 15th May

Flash floods - Torrential overnight rainstorms brought flash floods to the Wycombe area last night, blocking roads and flooding cellars.

New hotel - Travelodge yesterday won their appeal to build a 75 bedroom hotel in the centre of Chesham.

Tickets boost - Wycombe Wanderers is selling hundreds of season tickets for next season following the team's promotion to League One. Last night the Blues learned they can look forward to another prestigious ground to visit - Elland Road - after Leeds failed to make it out of the League 1 play-offs. Other venues next season include Southampton, Norwich and Charlton.

Thursday 14th May

Shopping boost – Empty shop units are beginning to fill again in High Wycombe in a sign that the recession is easing. The clothing store Cargo are due to take a large unit in the Eden shopping centre and three other smaller units are being filled by local firms. Meanwhile an announcement over the future of the empty Woolworth store in the High Street is expected shortly. Workmen yesterday began emptying fixtures from the store as part of a refurbishment.

In contempt – The foreman of the jury in the Keran Henderson childminder case has been found guilty of contempt of court for speaking to the press about his concerns surrounding the case. Mrs Henderson of Iver Heath was found guilty by a 10-2 majority of shaking 11 month old Maeve Sheppard to death but the verdict has attracted major concerns and an appeal is pending. Yesterday jury foreman Michael Seckerson and the Times newspaper, to whom he spoke, were found guilty of contempt of court for disclosing details about the jury’s deliberations. They will be sentenced next month.

Gas worry – Hundreds of people contacted police, councils and gas companies yesterday after a strong whiff of gas pervaded much of south Buckinghamshire. Last night the National Grid confirmed the gas was not from a local source. It’s thought a gas cloud may have wafted over from the continent, but is not dangerous.

Wednesday 13th May

Waste boost – Work begins today to triple the size of High Wycombe’s main recycling centre – the appropriately named High Heavens – so that it can deal with increasing amounts of rubbish. The multi-million pound project will be completed by Christmas.

Club “safe” – Aylesbury United Football Club chairman Graham Read last night reassured fans that the future of the non-league club is safe even though a proposed ground-sharing deal with Chesham United fell through. The club will continue to look for another ground to share.

Ben’s mate – An unknown Henley teenager has landed a major role in the remake of the classic movie Ben-Hur. Toby Marlow, aged 14, from Henley will play Ben-Hur’s best friend Octovius. Filming begins in Morocco next week.

Tuesday 12 May

Store grows - High Wycombe's John Lewis department store is planning a major refurbishment so that it can sell clothing. The store wasn't allowed to sell clothing as part of its planning permission 20 years ago because the council feared the effect on the town centre two miles away. But with the new Eden shopping centre established in the town centre the council has indicated it's time to lift the ban. The Wycombe branch is the only John Lewish that's doesn't sell clothes.

Dog's breakfast - Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillian was inundated with complaints from constituents yesterday after she apologised for claiming for dog food as part of her Parliamentary expenses. She said it was an oversight and she had paid back the money. Despite the apology scores of people contacted her office to express their anger.

Monday 11 May

Grammar attack – Liberal Democrats plan to revive the campaign against the 11 plus and grammar schools in Bucks if they do well, as predicted, in next month’s local elections. They reckon there is growing disquiet about the selective system in the county. Three secondary school heads voiced their opposition in an interview with the Financial Times at the weekend. One said: “Failing the 11 plus is a catastrophe in young lives. We spend their first year here repairing their battered self-esteem.”

Rider killed – The main Henley to Oxford Road was closed for most of yesterday afternoon after a female motorcyclist hit a tree at Nettlebed and died instantly. She is expected to be officially identified today.

Somewhere boy – Movie insiders are predicting massive success for 19 year old High Wycombe actor Aaron Johnson who this week begins final scenes for Nowhere Man, a movie based on the early life of John Lennon. Aaron, a former pupil at the Jackie Palmer Stage School, has similar looks to the young Beatle and has wowed studio onlookers. The movie is due for release early next year.

Thursday 7th May

Jail threat – The Amersham horse dealer found guilty yesterday of causing unnecessary suffering to his animals could face jail when sentenced. James Gray and his 16 year old son James junior, of Spindles Farm, Hyde Heath, were found guilty of nine charges of causing unnecessary suffering and two of failing to protect animals from pain, injury, suffering and disease. His wife Julie and daughters Cordelia and Jodie were found guilty of two charges of failing to protect the animals. Thirty one horses, ponies and donkeys were found dead at the farm when RSPCA officers visited in January last year. More than 100 others were removed in a poor condition. The family will be sentenced next month.

Attempted murder – A man was charged with attempted murder yesterday after a 23 year old man was run over outside a kebab shop in Frogmoor, in the centre of High Wycombe. John Simpson, 21, will appear in court later.

Improper councillor – A councillor who tried to influence his council’s planning committee to turn down a planning application by his neighbour was officially reprimanded yesterday. The Standards Committee said Tory Andrew Hodgson, from South Oxfordshire District Council, had acted improperly and should apologise.

Wednesday 6th May

Stations saved – It looked last night that the local radio stations for Wycombe and Aylesbury – Mix 107 and Mix 96 – have been saved from going off air by a last minute deal. The Wycombe based Local Radio Company are recommending a take-over by a Cornish company in a deal that will give the Wycombe company £1m in cash to meet its bills. The company warned last month it may have to go off air at the end of April unless urgent funds were obtained.

Skipper stalls - Wycombe Wanderers captain David McCracken has stalled on a new contract with the club and is thinking of returning to play in his native Scotland, it emerged last night. McCracken, who scored the final goal of the season – a goal, it turned out, that was enough to give the Blues promotion, is out of contract at the end of the month.

Tuesday 5th May

Relatives search - People who may be relatives of soldiers found in a World War One unmarked grave are to be asked to donate DNA to help identify them. Nearly a quarter of the 400 soldiers recently discovered in a mass grave at Fromelles in northern France were from the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. It’s known a number of men from the Wycombe area were among those killed in the battle near Fromelles in July, 1916. Now, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, based in Maidenhead, need DNA to positively identify the bodies so they can be re-buried in a new military cemetery.

Swine flu victim – Health authorities and schools in the Wycombe area are on alert after a man in the Slough area was a confirmed last night as victim of swine flu. The man, in his 20s, had recently returned from Mexico. He has been given anti-viral drugs and doctors said last night he was in isolation and responding well.

Clear out – Wycombe Wanderers began preparations for League 1 by releasing nine of their first team squad yesterday. They included former top striker Scott McGleish and defender Will Antwi. With loanees returning to their clubs, manager Peter Taylor has slashed the squad to under 30, reducing the club’s high wage costs. New signings are expected in the close season.

Monday 4th May

Hotel quarantine – Hazlemere couple Eddie and Terri Sweeney have been quarantined in Hong Kong’s Metropark Hotel until the end of this week along with 300 other tourists because one of their party has contracted Swine Flu. They have been given anti-viral drugs.

Future plans – Work begins on digging up the pitch at Adams Park today in preparation for a new one, while in the boardroom Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor will begin outlining his needs for success in League One next season when he meets chairman Ivor Beeks and chief executive Steve Hayes.

Sunday 3rd May

Phew! – Wycombe Wanderers won promotion to League 1 yesterday by the skin of their teeth. They finished third, on the same points as fourth placed Bury but with a better goal difference of just one goal. The Blues lost 1-2 to strugglers Notts County before a capacity crowd of nearly 10,000, a record for a league game at Adams Park. The game finished a full five minutes before the Bury match against Accrington with everyone waiting anxiously for the final whistle at Bury’s Gigg Lane. After the game Craig Woodman was named player of the season and Matty Phillips young player of the season.

Saturday 2nd May

Wycombe expects – Wycombe Wanderers broke a record for pre-match ticket sales for a league game yesterday as they prepared for their promotion-clinching League 2 game against Notts County. When the club’s offices closed last night there were just 250 tickets out of 9,700 allocated for home fans. The club appealed for fans to arrive early to avoid congestion at the turnstiles. Manager Peter Taylor – who will also equal a record by managing five promotion-gaining teams if Wycombe do go up – has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Thursday 30th April

Officer resigns – An Aylesbury prison officer resigned yesterday after giving birth to a baby fathered by an inmate. Kelly-Anne McDade had already been suspended from Aylesbury Young Offenders jail. The 18 year old father, serving time for assaults, has been moved to another prison.

Coma relief – Young sportsman Joe Robinson came out of a coma yesterday three weeks after a car crash which killed a schoolfriend. The 19 year old, who plays rugby for Chinnor and cricket for Thame Town, is still seriously ill with head injuries.

Blues in red – Despite success on the pitch, Wycombe Wanderers are set to lose about a million pounds this season, members of the Wycombe Wanderers Trust will be told at their AGM tonight. The club owes around £7m to its millionaire chief executive Steve Hayes.

Tuesday 28th April

Hospitals ready – Local hospitals are ready to deal with suspected cases of Swine Flu emanating from Heathrow. Pilots and cabin crews, many of whom live in the Wycombe area, are automatically checked for symptoms of the illness and passengers from Mexico are being asked if they feel OK when they land at the airport. Stocks of the flu antidote are said to be in plentiful supply in the area.

Libs surge – Liberal Democrats are confident they will see a surge in support when local elections are held in six weeks. Private polls are showing voters are promising support, switching from both Conserv atives and Labour. In the Wycombe by-election in Totteridge last week the Lib Dems gained more votes that both Tories and Labour combined in a seat held by the late Glyn Galbraith, the leader of Wycombe’s Labour Group.

Big crowd – Wycombe Wanderers are set to announce special ticket deals today in an attempt to fill Adams Park for the final game of the season on Saturday. As it is, the biggest gate of the season is expected for the game against Notts County. The Blues only need a point to be sure of promotion.

Sunday 26th April

Not quite! - Wycombe Wanderers missed out on securing automatic promotion after drawing 1-1 at Port Vale in front of a large travelling support. However other results meant it was not enough to secure promotion and it will now come down to the final weekend of the season next week. Wycombe will be promoted to League One if they at least draw with Notts County at Adams Park next Saturday. The Blues could even be promoted with a defeat if other results go their way.

Friday 24th April

Death plunge – A man who fell to his death from the fourth floor of the Eden shopping centre’s multi storey car park in the centre High Wycombe was identified last night as Antony Williams, aged 45, from Hatters Lane, Wycombe. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Lee’s deal – Lee McQueen, the Princes Risborough businessman who won the BBC’s The Apprentice last year, has sealed a major deal for his new boss Sir Alan Sugar. He has been working on a digital screen contract for Britain’s BP petrol stations which was finalised this week.

Coach convoy – A convoy of coaches will leave High Wycombe tomorrow carrying hundreds of Wycombe Wanderers fans to Stoke. They hope to see the Blues gain automatic promotion from League 2 with a victory against Port Vale.

Wednesday 22nd April

Thrilling finish - A cracking goal from John Akinde gave Wycombe Wanderers a vital win at Luton Town last night and put them within two points of League 2 leaders Brentford, who lost at Dagenham. It means that if the Blues win at Port Vale on Saturday they will all but be assured of promotion.

Tuesday 21st April

Snow go – Plans to make High Wycombe one of the country’s top winter sports centres are stuck in a snow drift. Legal issues surrounding the scheme at Wycombe Summit, the site of the former synthetic ski slope which was destroyed in a fire three years ago, have still not been resolved despite 18 months of wrangling. Now the council is set to reject new proposals from the company Snow Dome to make the building housing the proposed real-snow centre and ice rink bigger than originally envisaged.

Stage stung – A stage version of the famous movie The Sting is set to receive its UK premiere in High Wycombe next month as part of the Wycombe Arts Festival, which begins this weekend.

Poor record - Wycombe Wanderers boss Peter Taylor is reminding this players that tonight’s vital League Two game at Luton Town is not a foregone conclusion even though the Hatters are already relegated, thanks to a crippling 30 point penalty imposed by the FA for financial irregularities. The clubs have met 16 times – with Wycombe winning only twice.

Monday 20th April

Fore... and counting – Officials are to put a six metre high fence alongside the sixth tee at Wycombe Heights Golf Club because so many players are firing balls into the neighbour’s garden. Around 1,000 balls a year stray into the garden causing a health and safety hazard, says a council report. It also causes rows as golfers trespass into the owner’s property looking for their wayward balls.

Rebranded Luke – Meanwhile, at the other end of the golfing skills ladder, Wycombe professional Luke Donald is set to lose his sponsor RBS. The discredited bank is taking a low profile and withdrawing its logo from the clothing of sports stars. However, the 30 year old golfer won’t be out of pocket from a branding deal said to earn him £80,000 a year. RBS will substitute their logo for one of their subsidiary companies such as Direct Line or Churchill Insurance.

Mad Hatters rush – Luton Town are set to provide more tickets for Wycombe fans for tomorrow night’s crucial League Two game after Wanderers sold out their allocation. Over 1,000 Blues fans are travelling to Luton hoping to see Wycombe secure an emphatic victory similar to the 3-0 defeat of Aldershot on Saturday. A win against the Hatters would put Wycombe in second place and within touching distance of automatic promotion.

Thursday 16th April

Commuter tragedy – Commuters on their way home from work risked their lives to rescue a mother trapped in a blazing car which left the M25 and landed upside down in a field. They used coats, brief cases and car fire extinguishers to try and beat the blaze near junction 16 at Gerrards Cross. But their efforts were in vain. By the time the fire brigade arrived the 44 year old woman from Hertfordshire had died. Her nine year old daughter, who managed to scramble clear, is recovering in hospital. Last night ambulance and fire fighters praised the bravery of the motorists.

Carrying on – A cartoon film of the famous Carry On movies is to be made in tribute to producer Peter Rogers who has died at his Gerrards Cross home aged 95. Mr Rogers lived just a mile or so from Pinewood Studios where he made 31 of the legendary movies. Stars would often visit his home after a day’s filming. Plans to produce a revival movie, Carry On London, have been dropped, b ut the cartoon will feature caricatures of all the big names that appeared in the comedies.

Soccer compromise – Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town reached a compromise last night to settle a brewing row over ticket prices. Luton, who are already relegated from League Two, want to earn as much cash as they can before the drop and proposed a ticket price of £20 for their clash with promotion chasing Wycombe at the basic Kennilworth Road ground next week. The Blues objected on behalf of their fans so after discussions Luton agreed to a “buy one, get one free” ticket deal.

Wednesday 15th April

Witness appeal – Police fear that the couple found dead in an upturned field off anisolated road may have died after being trapped in the car for up to 11 hours. The couple, who are not been officially identified until family members have been informed, were last seen in a pub where the dead woman in her 20s worked. They were travelling on a country lane near Benson in south Oxfordshire when the car apparently left the road and overturned in the early hours of Easter Monday. They weren’t discovered until noon. Police have appealed for witnesses.

Poisons warning – An investigation is being held in Henley after a pet dog roaming in council-owned woods died after eating rat poison. It’s thought that fly-tippers have been dumping rubbish in the woods and owners of adjoining allotments put out the poison to deter rats attracted to the rubbish.

Buyers struggle – Estate agents confirmed that the Wycombe area is following national trends, published yesterday, which show mortgages are becoming slightly easier to get, but first time buyers continue to struggle. Separate figures from the Tories showed that the Beaconsfield area is one of the worst areas in the country for first time buyers when comparing the average price of property in the area compared to average earnings.

Tuesday 14th April

Couple found – Post mortems will be held on a man and a woman today to discover how long their bodies were in an overturned car before being found. The couple – a man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s – were discovered in an overturned Citroen in a field near the village of Benson yesterday afternoon. The car wasn’t visible from the nearby Watlington Road even though it’s thought it skidded off that road, through a fence and overturned.

Race to the line – Wycombe Wanderers still have it all to do if they are to secure automatic promotion from League 2, following their 1-0 defeat at Exeter yesterday. The team showed signs of nerves in a pulsating game, but are still in a strong position in third with a game in hand over most other promotion rivals.

Monday 13th APril

Ex-manager dies – Former Wycombe Wanderers manager Mike Keen died at his High Wycombe home yesterday after a short illness. Mike, 69, made his name as a player with Watford, Luton and as QPR captain but became manager of his home town club between 1980 and 1984. He opened a successful sports shop in the town centre. His son Kevin who began his professional career with Wycombe went on to play for West Ham and Stoke, and is now first team coach for the Hammers.

Sunday 12th April

Onwards and upwards – A fifth goal in six games for on loan striker John Akinde give Wycombe Wanderers a vital win against Gillingham in a top of the table League Two clash yesterday. The Blues rode their luck, and the Gills missed a penalty, but the result means that with five games to go Wycombe are second in the table and have a game in hand over the clubs below them.

Saturday 11th April

Luke through – Wycombe golfer Luke Donald made the cut at the Masters tournament in Augusta last night, but all eyes were on his partner, the legendary Gary Player, who was taking part in his 52nd and final Masters. Donald also accompanied another golfing legend Jack Nicklaus in his last competitive major at The Open last year.

Friday 10th April

What’s on this Easter – A celebration of Henry VIII at the Chilterns Open Air Museum, trains in steam at Princes Risborough and Quainton, rural pleasures at the Thame Country Show and a major craft exhibition at Great Missenden are among Easter attractions in the Wycombe area.

There are special events at regular tourist attractions – Roald Dahl Museum, Odds Farm, the Home of Rest for Horses in Speen ,the Hellfire Caves and at Henley’s River and Rowing museum. In Windsor, the Windsor Eye is back while there are new exhibits at Legoland.

On the pitch it’s a crucial Easter for Wycombe Wanderers at the top of League 2. They entertain fellow promotion hopefuls Gillingham at Adams Park on Saturday and on Monday travel to another promotion rival Exeter.

Plenty of gigs at local pubs while on stage attractions range from The Chuckle Brothers at Wycombe Swan to the world’s longest touring pop group The Drifters at Hayes Beck. Check all the attractions’ websites for details.

Thursday 9th April

Jade’s legacy – The death of reality TV star Jade Goody has had an astonishing effect on the number of women in Wycombe area taking tests for cervical cancer. Health officials confirmed yesterday that the number of women in the area booked for cervical smears had leapt an incredible FORTY fold in the two weeks since Jade’s death.

Night out tragedy - An 18 year old sportsman from Thame is fighting for his life after being involved in a night out that ended in tragedy. Four friends from a private school in Oxford were travelling home when their car hit a tree on the A34. A 17 year old girl passenger, Grace Hardman, died. The 17 year old girl driving the car has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Joe Robinson, who plays rugby for Chinnor and cricket for Thame Town, is in a critical condition in hospital with head injuries. Another male passenger, aged 18, received minor injuries.

Blues first – Wycombe Wanderers will create a bit of footballing history on Saturday by being the first club to produce a programme specifically for visiting fans. Supporters from Gillingham arriving at Adams Park for a crucial League Two promotion clash will be able to buy a programme featuring a Gills player on the front page, while the home fans will receive a programme featuring a Blues player. In an attempt to get a full house the club are introducing a “buy a ticket get one free” offer for the game.

Wednesday 8th April

Net widens – Police are widening the net to find the driver involved in a hit and run which killed a local cyclist and orphaned his 10 year old son. The family of Jim Fleming will give a press conference today appealing for the driver to contact the police. Mr Fleming, 47, died a week ago on the A413 Amersham Road at Gerrards Cross. His wife had died from cancer a year earlier. Police are making a nationwide appeal to find a blue van involved which will have been damaged. They say it may even have been dumped somewhere and burnt out. They are also appealing for three Polish men who stopped to help but drove on without leaving details. It’s thought they may have seen something important.

Base expands – Work has started on improving over 100 service homes at RAF High Wycombe after complaints they were falling below acceptable standards. More single accommodation blocks are also being built to cope with additional personnel now the base has been expanded. Around 2,500 people work on the site at Naphill.

Lucky seven – A dramatic injury time goal from Chris Zebroski gave Wycombe Wanderers their first win in seven games at Darlington last night and moved them back to second place in League Two. Earlier John Akinde put the Blues ahead before the Quakers equalised.

Tuesday 7th April

Pub game ban – Local landlords are set to ban a pub game because it’s making too many people violent and ill. Pub golf involves people drinking nine different drinks in nine different pubs while dressed up as golfers. Pubs in Henley have already banned the game after the Queen’s Head in the town was wrecked by drunken players. Now other pubs in the Wycombe area are considering joining the ban.

Pay soars – Pressure is mounting on local councils in Bucks to merge to save on astronomical salaries after figures yesterday revealed that the chief executive of Buckinghamshire County Council earns £200,000 a year and the boss of the smaller Wycombe District Council earns £141,000. A few years ago massive savings were made when neighbouring Berkshire County Council was merged into local district councils.

Passenger boom – The number of people travelling to High Wycombe by bus has increased significantly since the new Eden shopping centre opened a year ago, figures revealed yesterday. There’s virtually a 20 per cent increase in bus passengers while the number of park and ride passengers has risen by 58 per cent. Biggest leap is on the Thame to High Wycombe route which saw numbers rise by 60 per cent.

Monday 6th April

Fraud charge – Police hunting people responsible for a series of arson attacks on a Wycombe estate last night charged three people with in connection with an alleged insurance fraud. Two other teenagers earlier arrested with the three in connection with nine fires on the Castlefield estate were released.

Club’s agony – A village football club’s dream date at Wembley was shattered by the ref’s poor timekeeping. Chalfont St Peter were leading in the semi final of the Vase Trophy at Glossop at the weekend at the end of extra time. The fourth official indicated two minutes extra time. After four and a half minutes of extra time however Glossop equalised, and went on to win the penalty shoot out.

Friday 3rd April

Cycle tragedy – A 10 year old boy whose mother died last year from cancer is now an orphan after his father was killed in a hit and run accident. Police yesterday appealed for help in tracing the driver of a vehicle that ran into the back of cyclist Jim Fleming early Wednesday morning on the Amersham Road in Gerrards Cross. Mr Fleming, 47, of Denham died instantly. Last August his wife Pam died from cervical cancer. The couple had two grown up children and a 10 year old son William, who is now being cared for by the family.

Radio fears – Wycombe and Aylesbury’s local radio stations, Mix 107 and Mix 96 could be off the air at the end of the month unless the company that owns them manages to get a fresh injection of cash. Owners the Local Radio Company said shareholders had turned down a plan to inject more money in the company. It’s thought the company’s board are unwilling to accept a takeover from a smaller rival UKRD but says for now it is reviewing “all options”.

MP’s pub plea – Henley MP John Howell yesterday urged people to visit the pub more often. He is supporting a campaign to keep pubs in the Chilterns in business after latest figures show that in recent weeks nearly 40 pubs a week have been closing nationwide.

Thursday 2nd April

Murderer hunted – A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing an Aylesbury man 35 years ago was being hunted last night by detectives investigating a murder in Yorkshire. Ernest Wright, aged 67, was jailed in 1973 after battering to death his mistresses husband Trevor Hale, burning his body and burying it in a shallow grave in Aylesbury. He was released on licence in 1999. Earlier this week he went missing after a 42 yearold man was shot in the back of the head and another man seriously injured with shots to the chest in Bradford. Police said last night that Wright, who has contacts in the Wycombe and Aylesbury area, should not be approached.

Water warning – The Environment Agency yesterday gave its starkest warning yet about local water shortages unless drastic action is taken to reduce consumption. The agency said that the flow of the River Thames and its tributaries would reduce by more than 50 per cent in the late summer in the next 40 years because of climate change. The rivers provide virtually all of the Wycombe area’s supply. Experts said that water meters in homes, which tend to reduce consumption, were vital.

Cyclist killed – A 47 year old cyclist died on a busy dual-carriageway at Gerrards Cross early yesterday after being hit by a car. The victim, a local man, is due to be identified today. Residents last night called for cycle tracks on the A416 Amersham Road to protect cyclists.

Wednesday 1st April

Hospital blunders – Bucks Hospitals Trust yesterday apologised to the family to a nurse who died while giving birth to the baby she had been trying to conceive for years. The inquest into 45 year old nurse Joanne Lockham, from Wendover, heard that four serious errors were made in the caesarean which led to her being starved of oxygen for 30 minutes at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. She suffered brain damage and her life support machine was switched off without her ever seeing her son Finn. The Trust said a change in procedures had taken place since the tragedy.

Gym deal – A last minute deal was reached last night which means that members of council run gyms in Wycombe, Marlow and Princes Risborough can continue using facilities today. Last week Nexus, the company that runs the gyms for Wycombe Council, wrote to 2,000 members saying that as it had lost the contract to run the gyms their membership would be no longer valid from today. But furious councillors reached a deal with the company yesterday which means that gym membership will be valid until the end of the year.

Poor show – Wycombe Wanderers turned in what was probably their poorest performance of the season in a game which was vital to win last night. Their 1-1 draw with lowly Barnet drew boos at the end of a game in which they could hardly put a foot right. The team are still fourth in League 2 with a game in hand, but there is clearly concern about the lack of confidence and ability.

Tuesday 31st March

Air probe – MPs are to consider the future of airfields at Wycombe and Denham as part of a major Parliamentary review into the use of air space. Noise protesters say that because more advanced private planes and helicopters are using Wycombe Air Park and Denham Aerodrome they should be regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department of Transport in the same way as bigger airports. Wycombe is now thought to be the busiest “non-airport” in the country, with nearly 100,000 air movements a year. The issue is to be considered by the Transport Select Committee.

Media concerns – The bosses of all the major local newspaper groups are to meet the Government to press for a change in merger rules it was announced yesterday. In the Wycombe area each of the main papers – the Bucks Free Press, the Bucks Advertiser/Examiner, the Bucks Herald and the Maidenhead Advertiser are all owned by different groups and under present competition rules are unable to merge.

Meanwhile, the Local Radio Company, the owners of Wycombe and Aylesbury’s local radio stations, Mix 107 and Mix 96, yesterday urged shareholders to pause while the group considered its response to a formal take over bid from the smaller rival radio group UKRD.

Festival queue – The queue for Reading Festival tickets began eight hours before they went on sale at Wycombe HMV store yesterday. By the time the tickets were available, at 7pm, around 200 people were ready to snap them up. The August Bank Holiday festival features Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead and Kings of Leon.

Monday 30th March

Radio takeover – The Wycombe based Local Radio Company is set to be taken over today by a smaller rival, the UKRD Group, in a deal worth over £1m. The company, which owns Wycombe’s Mix 107 and Aylesbury’s Mix 96, has suffered in the recession and recently announced plans to sell Jazz FM. The Local Radio Company runs 20 stations and UKRD runs six stations.

Arson alert – Anxious residents on a Wycombe estate are to meet with police after nine arson attacks in 10 days. Two houses in Castlefield estate have been set ablaze – one so bad it made a family homeless. Other attacks have been on cars and sheds. At the meeting tomorrow police will outline the special measures they are taking to find the culprits.

Pressing on – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor is making plans for his team on the assumption they will be promoted this season. Despite a 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury on Saturday – which meant the Blues dropped to fifth place – Taylor is said to have opened talks with new loanee Frank Sinclair about a permanent move if promotion is secured.

Friday 27th March

Widow’s shock – Police have apologised to an Amersham widow after sending her the rope her husband used to hang himself. The blood-stained rope was among John Gilmore’s possessions sent to his wife Angie Gerrelli. An inquest heard that Mr Gilmore, 52, hanged himself in a park in South Wales. Police in Barry, who sent the rope with the possessions, said steps had been taken to ensure such a mistake didn't happen again.

Toilets closed – Three public toilets are being closed because the council can’t afford to keep repairing them after vandal attacks. The loos, in Richardson Street and Abbey Barn Road, High Wycombe and in Red Lion Way, Wooburn Green will shut for good at the end of the month and be demolished.

Experience arrives – Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair joined Wycombe Wanderers yesterday on loan from Lincoln City until the end of the month. Manager Peter Taylor swooped on the final day for signing loan players, saying he wanted more experience in the side in the final run up for promotion. Taylor knows the 37 year old well – he was in the Leicester side that Taylor managed in the Premiership.

Thursday 26th March

Maternity tragedy – A pregnant mum died after being starved of oxygen on the operating table while undergoing a Caesarean, her inquest heard yesterday. Joanne Lockham, 45, from Wendover, never saw her baby Finn, who was delivered successfully. Tubes that were meant to supply her with oxygen had not been put in place properly, the inquest heard. She died hours later after suffering irreversible brain damage. Mrs Lockham and her husband had been undergoing fertilisation treatment in trying for a child. The inquest at Amersham continues today.

Death investigated – The death of a 31 year old Wycombe man is being investigated after he collapsed and died less than three hours after leaving a police station. Marcus Cottoy, a father of one, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of causing damage to a Wycombe pub. After 12 hours he was apparently taken ill and left Amersham police station to be medically cared for. He died later in Stoke Mandeville Hospital. A post mortem yesterday failed to determine how he died and further tests are being carried out. The Independent Police Complaints Commission have been informed as a matter of routine.

Private brigade – The council in Windsor is considering whether to be the first in the country to run its own fire brigade. Anger in the town over the proposed closure of Windsor fire station at night has led councillors to form a group to look at ways for running and paying for the service themselves.

Wednesday 25th March

Youngest MP? – A 25 year old Oxford University student is trying to become Britain’s youngest MP by winning the Wycombe seat at the next general election. The only problem is that Andrew Lomas is standing for the Labour Party, who finished in a distant second place at the last election. Still, even if he is hammered, he can take heart from a 26 year old budding Labour politician who got smashed in the neighbouring Tory stronghold of Beaconsfield in 1982. His name was Tony Blair.

Youngest councillor – Meanwhile a 22-year-old is aiming to become Wycombe’s youngest ever councillor next month. Tim Hewish, a Parliamentary researcher, is standing for the Conservatives in the Labour held ward of Totteridge. The by-election has been caused by the death of the council’s Labour leader Glyn Galbraith.

Allotments boom – The recession and the onset of Spring has brought a surge in interest in allotments in the Wycombe area. Demand is so great that the council are in talks with the National Trust to see if land at Hughenden Manor in Wycombe can be released for allotments.

Tuesday 24th March

Allergic horse – Pandora, a five year old thoroughbred from Flackwell Heath achieved world wide fame yesterday because she’s allergic to grass. Once the story broke on the internet it was featured on news sites throughout the globe. Pandora has to wear a special mask provided by her owners, veterinary nurse Emily Pearce,over her face to prevent a nasty skin reaction.

Woolies revival – Former Woolworth commercial director Tony Page is setting up a base in Maidenhead next month to create up to 300 shops – many old Woolies stores – selling computer games, DVDs and MP3 players. Some empty local Woolworth shops are thought to be on Mr Page’s shopping list.

Skins and punks – A former Wycombe punk who took hundreds of photographs of skinheads and punk rockers is set to make a fortune when is book is published tomorrow. Gavin Watson’s “Skins and Punks: lost archive 1978-1985” contains scores of pictures of punk life in the town and has advance orders in the thousands. He’s thought to be the only punk to have recorded skinhead/punk life from the “inside” at the time of the rage.

Monday 23rd March

Long delay – The Health and Safety Executive is under pressure to explain why their report into the Tesco tunnel collapse at Gerrards Cross is still not ready, three years and nine months after the accident occurred. The tunnel collapsed onto the main Wycombe to Marylebone railway line minutes after a train passed under it. Since then Tesco – who have written off £35m to cover the cost of the collapse - have employed new contractors who have completely redesigned the tunnel and are building a new one. But it is still not known exactly why the original tunnel collapsed because of the unexplained delay in the the health and safety report.

Arsonists strike – Police in High Wycombe are investigating two weekend arson attacks. In the first the Earl Howe pub in Holmer Green was badly damaged after a blaze started in the bar in the early hours when the pub was empty. In the second a semi-detached house was also badly damaged in Chiltern Avenue. Severe damage was also caused to the neighbouring home and residents were evacuated. No-one was injured.

Don’t panic – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor cancelled his players’ day-off today for extra training amid fears that the Blues’ promising season is going pear-shaped. The team are now in the play-off positions after once leading League 2 by nine clear points. A 0-1 home defeat by Rochdale on Saturday is followed by an equally crucial game this Saturday against Shrewsbury, who are also in the play-off positions. Taylor said the nine games left this season were “absolutely massive”.

Friday 20th March

Jobs secured - Hundreds of jobs have been secured after two local firms learned yesterday they are to be part of a multi-billion pound project to develop the next generation of Britain’s supersonic stealth jets. Ultra Electronics, in Loudwater, and Martin Baker, the aviation seat ejector experts in Denham, will play major roles in the planes’ development, the Ministry of Defence announced. The news is welcome after the Wycombe area recorded its highest number of jobless claimants for 12 years this week.

Robot fish – Schools of robot fish are to be let loose in the River Thames so scientists can produce a 3D pollution map of the river. The fish-shaped devices are covered in sensors that will record and trace any harmful chemicals dumped in the river. The EU funded scheme, announced yesterday, is a trial. If it works the fish will be on patrol in all of Europe’s rivers.

Promotion push – Wycombe Wanderers boss Peter Taylor yesterday secured another promising 19 year old on loan in a determined effort to secure his side’s promotion. Lee Sawyer, a Chelsea youngster, is an attacking midfielder who will be used to try and beef up the Blues’ midfield scoring rate. Another 19 year old loanee, John Akinde, scored two goals in his debut against Brentford last week and Taylor is hoping for much the same when Wycombe host a crucial game against fellow-promotion hopefuls Rochdale at Adams Park tomorrow.

Thursday 19th March

Tagged patients – Dementia sufferers in the Wycombe area are the first in the country to be voluntarily tagged so they can be easily traced if they go AWOL, it was revealed yesterday. Health authorities throughout the UK are closely following Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust’s trial with a selected number of patients. There are an increasing number of people suffering Alzheimer’s who lose their bearings and wander the streets, sometimes for days on end.

Medieval experiment – Criminology students from Wycombe’s Bucks New University conducted an interesting sociological experiment yesterday to test people’s reaction to a famous medieval punishment. Student Richard Barter was placed in stocks in the High Street under signs saying he was a persistent shop-lifter and was being subject to an experimental public humiliation sentence. Off-duty community police officers were also on hand to add authenticity and to ensure any abuse didn’t get out of hand. But passers-by, who were only told the 19 year old was innocent after they had given their views, weren’t inclined to throw rotten eggs as the public used to when stocks were commonplace. In fact one woman felt so sorry for him she gave him a bar of chocolate.

Service booms – Just two days after it opened, the new Beaconsfield Service Station on the M40 is proving very popular. Coaches and lorries in particular are pouring into the venue attracted by its ease of parking and convenient location. Marks and Spencer, who failed to get their food outlet at the service station ready in time for Tuesday’s opening, say they will be ready next week.

Wednesday 18th March

Flight protest – Wycombe has become the last local authority in the Heathrow hinterland to join the protest against a possible third runway at the airport. The local authority protest group 2M said yesterday Wycombe had come on board because aircraft noise would be increased over the district if a third runway was built. Previously Wycombe Council had been quietly in favour of Heathrow expansion, along with Slough, because it felt the economic and job generating aspects of the airport outweighed environmental blight. But when Slough came out against a third runway Wycombe found itself isolated and has now changed its position.

Horses rejected – The Horse Trust, the Speen based charity that takes in horses that can no longer be looked after by their owners, has had to stop taking horses for the first time in its 120 year history, it was announced yesterday. The charity has had a fivefold increase in the number of requests from horse owners unable to afford to look after their animals because of the recession. Now, it says it can simply take no more.

Barn storming – A Wycombe barn dance has inspired a number one hit. Barry Islands In The Stream - this year’s Comic Relief single which currently tops the charts - was first featured in TV’s Gavin and Stacey show as the highlight of a barn dance celebration for Gwen, one of the characters. The show’s co-writer, Wycombe comedy actor James Corden, told newspapers he came up with the idea travelling from his parents’ home in Hazlemere to his flat at the time in Beaconsfield. “I saw a sign for a Barn Dance at the roadside and thought ‘that’s it: Gwen’s celebration has to be a barn dance’.” From the barn dance came the song, which became a You Tube favourite. Consequently it’s now sold thousands as the Comic Relief single.

Tuesday 17th March

Wycombe Angel – A massive sculpture – Wycombe’s answer to the Angel of the North – is set to be given the nod by councillors tomorrow. It will be built on the roundabout at the bottom Marlow Hill and be of sufficient size to “create a strong visual gateway to the town”, says a council report. Councillors are set to approve the idea, but there’s no money available or even set aside, so it could be some years yet before anything materialises. One councillor said: “Wycombe was once famous for a giant archway of chairs across the High Street. Something like that, but even bigger, would be a major attraction.”

Services open – A new M40 service station opens day. It’s taken more than 10 years of planning wrangling before Beaconsfield Service Station – built at the junction of the M40 with the main Beaconsfield to Slough road – has been able to welcome its first customers.

Very taxing – A Wycombe software company had to apologise yesterday after a CD which was supposed to contain the latest PAYE tax tables instead contained children’s stories read in German. Software Logistics sent out hundreds of the CDs to small firms on behalf of the Revenue and Customs. They blamed the error on a mix up of labels at their German factory.

Monday 16th March

Jobless leap – New figures this week are expected to show a surge in the number of people unemployed in the Wycombe area. Although jobless numbers in High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Windsor and Maidenhead and the Amersham areas will be below the national average of six per cent, Job Centre officials have reported “significant” increases in people looking for work. It’s expected the local figure will be around three per cent, the highest in the area for over ten years.

Students views – Students in High Wycombe are to be surveyed to find out what sort of facilities they would like to see in the town. The move comes after figures show that students could make up more than a fifth of the town centre population in a few years because of the increasing popularity of Bucks New University and the development of more student accommodation.

Donald completes – Wycombe’s superstar golfer Luke Donald was relieved last night to get through a major tournament without a twinge to his troubled left wrist. He finished 20th at the World Golf Championship’s CA tournament in Miami with nine under par. The 30 year old had to withdraw from his last tournament earlier this month because of concerns over his wrist. He had an operation to repair a tendon last year which put him out of action for six months.

Sunday 15th March

Points shared - Wycombe Wanderers had to make do with a point against table topping Brentford yesterday after a thrilling 3-3 draw at a packed Griffin Park. In a topsy-turvey match, the Chairboys actually had a 3-2 lead thanks to 2 goals from loan signing John Akinde. However after Tommy Doherty was sent off for an elbow after 68 minutes it was also going to be a case of hanging on and the pressure became too much as Brentford equalised with 9 minutes to go. Brentford pushed for a winner but the Chairboys held out to bring a point home. WIth other results going their way, Wanderers remain in second place and well placed to push for promotion.

Saturday 14th March

Neighbour jailed – A High Wycombe man who shot his neighbour in a row over car parking is beginning a nine year jail sentence today. Harvey Turner, 43, of Everest Close shot Carlos de Souza, aged 48, in the stomach last July, seriously wounding him.

Bookings high – Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck restaurant in Bray has not suffered any fall in bookings despite a two week closure. The world class restaurant reopened on Thursday night after a mystery bug made a number of customers ill, but there have hardly been any cancellations of future bookings. Health officials from Windsor and Maidenhead Council say it could take some weeks yet before the cause of the illness is known, but in the meantime they have given the restaurant a clean bill of health.

Table top clash – Over 1,500 Wycombe fans are expected to travel to Brentford’s Griffin Park today for the League Two top of the table clash. But Blues manager Peter Taylor spent the day yesterday playing down the significance of the game, saying promotion was his aim and not necessarily the top spot.

Friday 13th March

Vet speaks out – One of the country’s top vets yesterday gave evidence in favour of Jamie Gray, the Amersham horse dealer accused by the RSPCA of cruelty to horses. John Parker, former chairman of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, said he didn’t think the animals affected had been starved but instead were suffering from worms and that Mr Gray was unwittingly using the wrong treatment. He pointed out that many of the hundreds of horses, ponies and donkeys at Spindle Farm in Hyde Heath were in good condition. Mr Gray and members of his family deny 10 charges of causing unnecessary suffering and two charges of neglecting an animal’s welfare.

New deal - While the shops at Wycombe’s Eden Shopping Centre – which celebrates its first anniversary today with special events – are feeling the economic pressure, the developers who borrowed millions to build the complex are in a corner too. But yesterday the Canadian retail developers Brookfield, who own 50 per cent of Eden, managed to ease the pressure by agreeing a £128m refinancing deal over the next five years for Eden with two German banks and the Nationwide Building Society.

William’s sadness – Prince William became patron of the High Wycombe based charity the Child Bereavement Charity yesterday and told of his sadness every Mother’s Day. “I have felt and still feel the emptiness on such as day as Mother’s Day,” he told a gathering of the charity yesterday. His mother, Princess Diana, died when he was 14 years old. It is expected that the Prince will soon visit the charity’s West Wycombe offices.

Thursday 12th March

Childminder appeal – Iver Heath childminder Keran Henderson began an appeal against her sentence for manslaughter yesterday even though she is due out of jail in six weeks. Mrs Henderson, 43, was jailed for three years in November 2007 for shaking 11 month old Maeve Sheppard to death – a charge she vehemently denied. Since then fresh medical evidence has cast doubt on the conviction and a campaign in her favour by villagers has highlighted the case. A preliminary hearing was heard in the Court of Appeal yesterday and the full appeal will go ahead, probably after she has been released early for good behaviour.

End of an era – A newspaper experiment that began over 40 years ago ended yesterday when it was announced that the Reading Evening Post would cease daily publication and instead become a bi-weekly. The paper – which sold for a time in Maidenhead and Marlow – was launched in 1965 as the first of a number of evening papers in the Chilterns and Thames Valley. Evening papers in Watford, Luton and Slough followed but one by one they all closed. Falling circulation and a drop in advertising led to the downfall of the Evening Post, leaving the Oxford Mail the only remaining daily regional paper in the Home Counties.

New striker – In a desperate move to find goal-scoring ways again, Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor last night signed a promising young striker on loan. Nineteen year old John Akinde has been signed from Bristol City for a month and will be available for crucial matches against other League 2 promotion chasers, Brentford and Rochdale.

Wednesday 11th March

Mum’s campaign – A High Wycombe mum is behind a campaign to re-release the song Tell Me There’s A Heaven as a tribute to Baby P, the north London child killed by abuse. Lisa Cosburn and five other mums launched a Facebook group and persuaded 17,000 people to support the move. It is being released by Chris Rea next week, with all profits going to the NSPCC. Mrs Cosburn’s own son Oliver bears a striking resemblance to Baby P.

War secrets – An exhibition opens today highlighting the secret war at Wycombe’s Hughenden Manor, the home of Disraeli. A 100 people worked at the house in the second world war making detailed maps from reconnaissance photos taken over Germany. The maps were used for successful bombing raids on Hitler’s HQ, the famous Dambusters raid and during D-Day.

Slowly slipping – A few weeks ago Wycombe Wanderers were nine points clear at the top of League 2. Today they are just two points ahead of the play-off zone and seven points behind leaders Brentford, whom they play on Saturday, after a 1-0 defeat at Lincoln last night. Manager Peter Taylor was still upbeat after the game but must now be concerned over his side’s inability to score.

Tuesday 10th March

Britain’s biggest – Planners have given the go-ahead for the development of Britain’s biggest computer data centre in High Wycombe. The multi-million pound data centre, which will also be the second biggest in Europe, is being built in four stages on the 50 acre site that houses the old Molins tobacco machine factory site at Saunderton. The complex will also be one of the country’s most heavily guarded facilities as it will house millions of financial and personal details. Work on demolishing the old factory buildings will begin in a few weeks and the first phase of the data centre, being built by e-shelter, will open next year, creating an expected 100 plus jobs.

Look familiar – James Corden, the Holmer Green schoolboy who has soared to fame as one of Britain’s top comedy talents, debuts in his first TV sketch show with his mate Mathew Horne on BBC 3 tonight. And if some of the weird and wonderful characters portrayed look slightly familiar, don’t be surprised – some are caricatures of people 30 year old James has met in his lifetime – most of it in the High Wycombe area. However, be assured that none of the characters in the pair’s first movie , being premiered next week, have a Wycombe connection. The film’s called Lesbian Vampire Killers. R
Goalie blow – Scott Shearer, who has been Wycombe Wanderers’ main choice goalkeeper for most of the year, has been ruled out of action for the rest of the season because of an ankle injury. The club said yesterday that a metal plate in his ankle needs to be removed because it is causing him pain. Jamie Young, who saved a penalty in Saturday’s game with Chesterfield, will be in goal for tonight’s visit to Lincoln.

Monday 9th March

Girl’s agony - A schoolgirl was so traumatised by a sex attack in Chalfont St Peter that it took her over three months to tell her family, it emerged yesterday. Last night police formed a special squad to help the girl and to track down the man who committed a serious sexual assault on her shortly after she got off a bus in Nicol Road on her way home from school at the beginning of December.

Council warned – Wycombe councillors will be warned in the starkest terms tonight that they can’t have their cake and eat it. In a dire report, finance bosses say that because of falling income on the one side and increased demand for council services on the other, there is a “significant risk” that the council will not be able to do all it wants to because it won’t have enough people or money. Tonight’s Cabinet will agree to not fill 18 vacant posts at the council and take cost-cutting measures that could lead to 27 redundancies.

Eden blow – Meanwhile Wycombe’s new shopping centre, the Eden, which celebrates its first anniversary this week, suffered its biggest shop closure yesterday when the fashion store Principles – which occupied one of the largest shop units -closed its doors. The group that owns Principles went into administration last week.

Sunday 8th March

‘Blood-sucking’ Wasps – The manager of Chesterfield Football Club launched an astonishing attack on Wycombe Wanderers yesterday, suggesting rugby club Wasps were sucking the blood from the football club. Lee Richardson had just seen his side concede an injury-time equalising goal from Jon Paul Pittman to earn the Blues a lucky draw. But he said he had no respect for Wycombe and other lower league clubs who hired out their pitches to rugby teams and as a result “destroyed” their pitches. He said clubs who did so should be penalised.

Nearly there – Local village side Chalfont St Peter are within striking distance of playing a game at Wembley after they got through to the semi-finals of the FA Vase yesterday, beating Needham Market in a penalty shoot-out, after the game ended goal-less.

Family affair – Wycombe’s Ellen Haynes and her 15 year old daughter Maryse will both represent Buckinghamshire today at a inter-counties cross country running event in Nottingham.

Friday 6th March

Noose tightens – Yesterday’s frantic measures by the Bank of England – reducing interest rates to half a percent and pumping at least £75bn of new money into the economy – will be discussed at a meeting of Wycombe area businesses next week. A Bank of England representative and a Government economic advisor will also attend. It comes as more small and medium sized businesses in the area are shortening hours or closing one day a week to save money. It was reported yesterday that the Bucks Free Press is to ask all its staff to take a week’s unpaid leave – this in addition to a pay freeze imposed earlier. Like all local papers the newspaper is suffering from a drop in ad revenue and falls in circulation.

Thinning duck - Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal was said to be “upset and frustrated” last night because he still is unable to open his world famous Fat Duck restaurant because tests carried out by Windsor and Maidenhead health officials have proved inconclusive. It’s now 10 days since the chef closed his Bray eaterie, cancelling 500 bookings worth at least £130 a head. One of the 40 diners taken ill before the closure – former TV presenter Jim Rosenthal – said yesterday he was still ill, two weeks after the meal.

Old boys – Around 100 ex-Wycombe Wanderers players will salute the crowd before kick-off at tomorrow’s League Two match against Chesterfield. They’ll be there for the launch of the Wanderers Ex-Players Association and include some of the favourites from the Martin O’Neill side that launched the Blues from the Conference to the third tier of English football - Dave Carroll, Jason Cousins, Keith Ryan, Cyrille Regis and Simon Garner.

Thursday 5th March

Dead horses were “pets” – Jamie Gray the horse dealer accused of ill-treating animals at his Spindle Farm near Amersham told a court yesterday that some of the horses found dead were family pets waiting to be buried. He and others deny 12 charges of animal cruelty after 100 plus horses and ponies found dead or dying last year. He told the trial at Bicester, now in its ninth week, that horses often just dropped dead.

Tesco resumes – Work has restarted on a railway tunnel at Gerrards Cross nearly four years after it collapsed minutes after a train had passed under it. The structure was to support a new Tesco superstore but years of wrangling and compensation battles have delayed any further work. Now engineers have begun placing new structures over the line, working when trains are not running. It will be well into next year before the store opens its doors.

Plumber tribute – Hundreds of people are expected to attend the funeral today of a 21 year old plumber who was apparently electrocuted while working at a house in Maidenhead. Jack Rowlands, from Cookham Dean, died despite desperate efforts by paramedics to save him. An inquest is to be held once a Health and Safety Executive report has been completed. More than 200 people have paid tribute to Jack on Facebook.

Wednesday 4th March

Big delays – Both trains and traffic suffered major delays in High Wycombe yesterday after a lorry smashed into a rail bridge across the main Wycombe to Aylesbury Road near West Wycombe yesterday. The road was closed and trains held up for nearly an hour as the accident was cleared and engineers checked the bridge . No one was injured.

Hydro scheme scrapped – A scheme to generate electricity by building a hydro-electricity plant at on the Thames at Windsor’s Romney Lock has been suspended because of the recession. Energy company NPower have pulled the plug, saying it will cost too much, leaving the Environment Agency looking for another partner.

Winning in the rain – It poured with rain from start to finish, but that didn’t concern Wycombe Wanderers as they returned to winning ways against Chester at Adams Park last night in League 2. They won 2-0 with a spectacular flying goal from Matty Phillips and another from new boy Jon-Paul Pittman.

Tuesday 3rd March

No sabotage – Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal said yesterday sabotage had been ruled out in the investigation to find out what made 40 diners ill at his Fat Duck restaurant in Bray. “All our systems, premises, supply chain and general hygiene have been cleared,” he said. “It is still a mystery”. He plans to open the 3 star Michelin restaurant again tomorrow.

Finnegan shock – Local sports officials were shocked by the death of boxer Chris Finnegan yesterday at the age of 64. The popular sportsman, from Iver Heath, was a bricklayer in the Wycombe area when he won a light heavyweight Olympic medal 40 years ago and went on professionally to become British, Commonwealth and European champion. His younger brother Kevin died just four months ago.

No pressure – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor ratcheted up the pressure on his players yesterday by saying that tonight’s League Two match against Chester at Adams Park was a “massive, must-win” fixture. A win would put the Blues within one point of leaders Brentford.

Monday 2nd March

Sabotage probe – Health officials have not ruled out sabotage at Bray’s Fat Duck restaurant as the cause of a mystery bug that gave 40 diners stomach pains. Heston Blumenthal’s world famous 3 star restaurant has been given the all clear and is due to open again later this week after the chef closed it voluntarily. Sources of food served on the night have also been checked and are thought to have also been given the ok. Police say they are awaiting the results of tests before deciding whether to proceed with a criminal investigation.

Motorway noise – The Government has told local councils there’s no Government money available to take action to reduce noise on the M40 through the Wycombe area. Now councils are to get together themselves to see what they can do to alleviate noise nuisance to around 25,000 people who are estimated to live within earshot of the motorway in the Wycombe area.

Donald OK – Luke Donald is hoping to take part into today’s Honda Golf Classic in Florida after doctors said the “twinge” he felt in his left wrist was not connected with recent surgery he had to repair a tendon. The Wycombe golfer was on the 18th tee on Saturday when he withdrew from a major match with Ernie Ells saying that his wrist “didn’t feel right”.

Sunday 1st March

Donald’s fears – Wycombe’s golfing superstar Luke Donald is seeing a doctor today amid renewed fears for his career. He withdrew from the Accenture Match Play Championship on the 18th tee yesterday complaining that his troublesome left wrist did not feel right. The Beaconsfield Golf Club member was out of action for most of last year following surgery on the wrist, but had made a good start in his comeback this year.

Chef’s hope – Top chef Heston Blumenthal said yesterday he hopes to have his famous Fat Duck restaurant in Bray open again in a few days after revealing he closed it last week when nearly 40 diners fell ill. Health officials from Windsor and Maidenhead Council have checked out the restaurant – a Michelin 3star voted second best in the world – and given it the all clear. The cause of the tummy bug remains a mystery.

Goal shy – Wycombe Wanderers slipped to third place in League Two yesterday after another goal-less draw, this time at Morecambe. The Blues were running away with the League but after winning only four of the last 14 games and failing to score in three of the last four matches they are looking worryingly fragile. They now face a crucial March which will see them play seven games that will make or break their season – including matches against the two teams above them, Brentford and Rochdale.

Saturday 28th February

Teacher freed – A female special needs teacher from Thame who had sex with a 14 year old pupil escaped a jail sentence yesterday after the judge told her there were no facilities in prisons for helping women sex offenders. Catherine Armstrong, aged 33, was given a 12 month suspended sentence. She had been helping the boy cope with his dyslexia.

Snow bill – The cost of this month’s snowfall amounted to £360,000 to Buckinghamshire County Council alone, the local authority said yesterday. This included the cost of salt and grit, overtime and pothole filling. The cost to business in the area ran into millions.

Sensitive criticism – Wycombe Wanderers took the extraordinary step of denying a story in a local newspaper yesterday which had taken a swipe at London Wasps, the rugby club that shares Wanderers’ ground, Adams Park. They said manager Peter Taylor had not criticised the state of the pitch for the Rotherham match on Monday, which had taken place the day after Wasps had played on it, even though Taylor had implied that in his post match comments. Both Wasps and Wanderers are owned by millionaire businessman Steve Hayes.

Friday 27th February

On the up – The housing market is at last showing signs of moving, especially for the well off. Upper crust estate agents Knight Frank said yesterday that inquiries for homes valued at over £1.75m had increased by 50 per cent since the beginning of the year in Buckinghamshire. Meanwhile estate agents in the Wycombe area dealing with family sized homes said sales were also on the up.

Castle’s loss – Members of the Royal Family are expected to attend the funeral of the man responsible for running Windsor Castle. Former Surgeon General Ian Jenkins, who was appointed Governor at the castle by the Queen less than a year ago, collapsed and died there aged 63. A larger than life character he was a renowned host. One guest recalled “Sunday lunch with him lasted for six hours, with every course accompanied by at least two wines.

Thursday 26th February

Donald waits – Wycombe star golfer Luke Donald is bracing himself for bad news after his main sponsor, the troubled bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, yesterday announced it was stopping its sponsorship of the Williams Formula One racing team. RBS is looking to slash costs after losing millions.

Trial resumes – The Wycombe terror trial started again yesterday a week after the judge dismissed the original jury “for legal reasons.” The trial, where eight men, including two from High Wycombe, deny terrorist related charges, is expected to last up to ten months at Woolwich Crown Court.

Guard robbed – A security guard is recovering after being smashed in the face by an armed robber has he carried cash from a Tesco Express in Wooburn Green. Police are appealing for witnesses to the raid which took place in the centre of the village in mid-morning on Tuesday.

Wednesday 25th February

Inflation busters – Councils in Wycombe, Beaconsfield and Amersham and Chesham all agreed council tax rises higher than the rate of inflation last night in an attempt to makes ends meet. Some agreed other money raising schemes, such as increased car parking charges, while in Wycombe the town’s cabinet agreed to go ahead with the closure of the open air swimming pool at Holywell Mead.

Ambulance appeal – The recession is also hitting private funding of the air ambulance which operates in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. A £100,000 appeal was launched last night to fill a hole in the helicopter service finances.

Golf award – The Buckinghamshire Golf Club, based at Denham, is to be one of the qualifying courses for the Open next year, it was announced yesterday

Tuesday 24th February

Flightpath change – Air traffic controllers last night promised to come up with new plans to route aircraft over the Chilterns after a massive protest. Original plans to change air routes by Nats – National Air Traffic Services – would have introduced aircraft noise to parts of the area of outstanding natural beauty for the first time. Now Nats has said it will produce new plans in the summer which they say will reduce the area affected by noise.

School celebrates – The Redroofs Drama School in Littlewick Green celebrated the success of its former head girl, Kate Winslett yesterday following her Oscar for best actress in the movie, The Reader. Now the school is thinking of a permanent way to commemorate the achievements of its most famous former pupil.

Frustrating point – Wycombe Wanderers were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Adams Park last night despite heavy pressure on opponents Rotherham. It keeps the Blues in second position in League Two.

Monday 23rd February

Red beats green – Local councils are continuing to ditch green initiatives so they don’t go into the red. Wycombe Council will agree tomorrow to stop serving Fair Trade products in its offices and at functions and withdraw its support for Fair Trade status for the town in a bid to save money. Last week Bucks County Council froze work on a new recycling plant as part of a cost cutting programme.

Financier quizzed - An accountant, who is also the financial director of the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Football Association, has strenuously denied claims that he defrauded his employer, Toys R Us, of millions of pounds. Paul Hopes has been arrested on suspicion of fraud and theft but has not been charged. Thames Valley Police’s Economic Crimes Unit are making inquiries but Mr Hopes, a well known figure in local football, says he will vigorously defend the allegations and a civil claim for damages launched by the toy company.

Pressure game – Wycombe Wanderers have a chance to regain joint top spot of League 2 if they beat Rotherham at Adams Park tonight. The match is being shown live on Sky.

Friday 20th February

Recession prayers – Clergy are holding special prayers for the future of Wycombe’s shopkeepers today. Both shoppers and retailers are being invited to a service in the town’s All Saints Church, which is surrounded by the market, to help them reflect on the recession. It comes on the day a number of retailers said they were “pleasantly surprised” by a slight upturn in trade this half-term week. It was also confirmed yesterday that Waitrose will join Debenhams as the main anchor store in Aylesbury’s new shopping complex, Waterside.

Council tax rise – Bucks County Councillors agreed to raise council tax by 3.7per cent yesterday – almost double the expected rate of inflation at the beginning of the financial year.

Another striker – Wycombe Wanderers took on a new striker on loan yesterday. Stuart Beavon is a hotshot from Weymouth. The move illustrates how manager Peter Taylor is prepared to take a chance with non-league players in the Blues final bid for promotion. His last acquisition – Jon-Paul Pittman from Crawley Town – scored a vital winner against Dagenham earlier this week.

Thursday 19th February

Project mothballed – Councillors say they have acted with “great disappointment” in mothballing a major environmental project because of the economic crisis. Bucks County Council had asked for tenders for a big composting centre in the county but yesterday put the whole scheme on ice. The council has already announced 400 job losses and are expected to announce other big savings shortly.

Jury dismissed – The media were ordered not to say why the judge in the Wycombe terror trial dramatically dismissed the jury yesterday. Justice Henriques, the judge at Woolwich Crown Court where eight men, including two from High Wycombe, deny terrorist related charges, told the jury they were being dismissed for legal reasons. The trial, which opened on Tuesday, is expected to start all over again next week when a new jury is sworn in. R
Keep snogging – Chiltern Railways have put a “Kissing is welcome” sign at High Wycombe station in a cheeky response to a railway company in Cheshire which earlier this week put up “no kissing” signs because kissing passengers held up commuters. “Wycombe is a romantic place and we wouldn’t dream of stopping kissing at our stations,” said a Chiltern Railways spokesman, beaming at the company’s successful publicity stunt.

Wednesday 18th February

Terrorist “ringleader” – A quiet former supermarket shelf stacker from High Wycombe was one of the two ringleaders of a militant fundamentalist Islamic group working on a plot that could have killed thousands of people, a jury was told yesterday. Prosecutors at Woolwich Crown Court said that when policed raided Assad Sarwar’s house in Walton Drive they found containers with hydrogen peroxide in his garage and martyrdom videos in the boot of his car. Sarwar and seven other defendants deny planning to blow up airliners taking off from Heathrow.
,br>Battle lost – Campaigners fighting to keep Windsor’s Fire Station open at night failed yesterday in their legal attempt to get a review over Berkshire Fire Brigade’s decision. They lost a High Court appeal despite high profile support from the likes of Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Alan Sugar and Dame Kelly Holmes.

Pittman power – Wycombe Wanderers new boy Jon-Paul Pittman scored the only goal – but a brilliant individual effort - as the Blues won a tense game at Dagenham and Redbridge last night to draw level on top of League 2 with Brentford but with a game in hand.

Tuesday 17th February

Terror trial opens – The trial of men accused plotting terrorist attacks on Heathrow planes is expected to get underway today after days of private legal argument. Two of the eight defendants – Assad Sarwar and Donald Stewart-Whyte – come from High Wycombe where they, and others, are alleged to have buried explosive material in woods around the town in 2006. The trial could take up to 10 months.

Defendants ill – The case against a Wycombe horse dealer and his family accused of cruelty to animals was dramatically suspended yesterday because of illness. Defendant Jamie Gray, of Spindles Farm, near Amersham, was said by his solicitor to have been referred to a psychiatrist by his GP, while his daughter and co-defendant, Jodie Gray has been rushed to hospital with suspected meningitis. The Grays, and other defendants, deny 12 charges of animal cruelty. Meanwhile there were reports yesterday that the RSPCA was called to Spindles Farm at the weekend where they took away a dead foal.

Booming uni – High Wycombe may escape the worst of the recession thanks to its booming university. Bucks New Uni reported that applications for courses had risen by more than a third for the new academic year in September, making it one of the most popular university’s in the country. Courses in business and sport; music management and film and TV production were the most in demand. The uni already has more than 9,000 students who generate tens of thousands of pounds into the local economy.

Monday 16th February

Baby breakthrough – Scientists yesterday announced the discovery of a condition in babies that has the effect of making it look as though a baby has suffered severe shaking. Lawyers for Iver child-minder Keran Henderson immediately said they will be using the latest developments as part of her appeal against a conviction of shaking 11 month old Maeve Shepperd to death. Mrs Henderson, half way through a three year jail term, has always insisted Maeve had a fit while she was changing her nappy.

Jail check – Security at Aylesbury’s Young Offender Institute is being tightened up after it was discovered that a prisoner serving 12 years for murder set up a Facebook profile and was using a smuggled mobile to access the internet and contact friends.

Council sadness – Yesterday’s Civic Service in High Wycombe – normally a joyous occasion – was overshadowed by the death 24 hours earlier of Glyn Galbraith, aged 54, the leader of Wycombe Council’s Labour Group, who collapsed from a suspected heart attack while jogging.

Sunday 15th February

Regatta ban – The organisers of Henley’s Royal Regatta said yesterday that for the first time in 100 years there will be no big firework display to mark the end of the event this year. There’s been increasing violence and drunkenness at the event in recent years, culminating in one Belgian rower being stabbed in the leg last year. The organisers said the trouble comes from visitors coming from other areas.

Losing ground – Another disappointing result for Wycombe Wanderers yesterday, not only losing 1-0 at Bradford but having striker Chris Zebrosky sent off. Brentford, who won, now lead the Blues by three points at the top of League 2, but Wycombe have two games in hand. However other clubs near the top are drawing ever closer to Wycombe and Brentford.

Snowdrop Sunday – West Wycombe Park opens its grounds today for its traditional Snowdrop Sunday walk to enable people to see thousands of snowdrops. Proceeds from the day go to the Child Bereavement Trust.

Saturday 14th February

Banks breached – The River Thames burst its banks last night as millions of gallons of water from melting snow and earlier rain storms flooded into the river from tributaries. The Environment Agency issued a flood warning to Henley, Medmenham and Purley and warned that riverside properties are likely to be flooded. Officials will be keeping a close watch on Marlow and Bourne End today to see if the river rises even further but fingers are crossed that it will not exceed last night’s peak.

Street shooting – A Wycombe warehouse manager was yesterday found guilty at Reading Crown Court of wounding a man in a street brawl but cleared of attempting to murder him. Harvey Turner will be sentenced next month. He was involved in fight with Carlos de Souza in Everest Close, High Wycombe last summer which resulted in Mr de Souza fighting for his life with gunshot wounds.

Bekonscot opens – The world’s oldest model village opens its doors for a new season today. Bekonscot in Beaconsfield celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.

Friday 13th February

Market move – Wycombe Council moved quickly last night to ensure that the town’s market is able to operate today after the company that runs it went into administration. Hughmark International took on responsibility for running the High Street market a year ago and amid much controversy promised to “modernise” it with a Continental flavour. After receivers were called in a related company to Hughmark was asked by the council to temporarily hold the licence while the future of the market is worked out.

GP centre – Plans to open a walk-in health centre at Wycombe Hospital – which could be run by a private concern – were unveiled by Bucks Primary Care Trust yesterday. The trust wants to find out people’s opinions before definitely going ahead.

Bye Scotty – Last season’s leading goalscorer, Scott McGleish, has almost certainly played his last game for Wycombe Wanderers after he was loaned out yesterday to Leyon Orient for the rest of the season. Although McGleish had made up disagreements with manager Peter Taylor it was clear he was not going to be an automatic choice for the starting line-up in every game and, at the age of 34, he said he wanted to move to a club where he would play more regularly.

Thursday 12th February

Claimants rise – The number of people in the Wycombe area claiming job seekers allowance was nearly double in January what it was just six months ago, according to official figures yesterday. Throughout Buckinghamshire it is now over 5,000 and in neighbouring Oxfordshire 3,500. However officials believe the true jobless figure is higher because they think many professional people made redundant in the last three months have not “signed on”. The jobless numbers in the area though are still less than half the national average.

Slither on – Motorists and pedestrians were again warned to take extra care today after an expected overnight frost. Yesterday there were scores of accidents on roads and pavements in the Wycombe area as people slipped and slithered to work on roads and pavements that were ungritted and unsalted. Last night Bucks County Council said it would be the same again today – they are concentrating their increasingly diminishing stocks of salt on major roads.

Bucks bound – Rocker Courtney Love has told journalists she is preparing to live in Buckinghamshire. The controversial star could make an interesting neighbour, especially if she moves in with the man said to be her latest boyfriend – Hollywood hell-raiser Mickey Rourke. She told reporters in Los Angles: “Buckinghamshire is where I want to go. I'm fed up with L.A. It's full of crazy people. People criticise Britain but it is still a cleaner, safer place to live than Hollywood.”

Wednesday 11th February

Floods alert – Melting snow and pouring rain brought flooding problems throughout the Wycombe area yesterday. People had to be rescued from cars in the Chalfonts, Holyport, George Green and Fulmer while in Thame the RSPCA rescued 120 sheep from a flooded field. Maidenhead recorded its wettest February day for 50 years – nearly three inches of rain in 24 hours – while weirs were fully open along the whole length of the River Thames. Many Thames-side roads are impassable.

Roads danger – The receding snow and water has revealed hundreds of potentially dangerous potholes in local roads. Council workers will today be carrying out emergency repairs to the worst of the potholes but police have warned motorists, and particularly motor cyclists and cyclists, to take extra care.

Toppled – Wycombe Wanderers lost their top spot in League 2 last night – where they have sat for four months - without kicking a ball. Brentford go top on goal difference after drawing at Accrington. But the Blues now have two games in hand over the Bees. Meanwhile manager Peter Taylor said yesterday he will be bringing in more players on loan in a bid to strengthen the squad in the final run up to the end of the season.

Tuesday 10th February

Amazing cure – An Amersham alternative medicine centre was thrust into a worldwide spotlight last night after it cured a boy of a disease so rare it didn’t even have a name. Eight year old Reuban Grainger-Mead had suffered from a debilitating disease – described as suffering a permanent hangover – since he was two. But after a course of special supplements prescribed by the Orchard Clinic for Complementary Medicine he has made a full recovery.

Flood alert – Torrential rain and melting snow has now made flooding a big concern. The Environment Agency last night issued flood watches on the River Thame catchment area and in areas of Wendover and Weston Turville where the Bear Brook flows. They also advised boats not use the Thames between Henley and Teddington because of dangerous flows. Ironically, a primary school in Princes Risborough had to close yesterday because it had no water after frozen pipes burst.

Not surprising – There was some sympathy, but little surprise, at Wycombe Wanderers yesterday over the sacking of Tony Adams as Portsmouth manager. Adams cut his managerial teeth at Wycombe where he oversaw victories in 12 of the 53 games he was in charge before walking out, speaking to the media before the chairman or fans.

Monday 9th February

Preparing for the worst – Businesses, councils and schools will spend today preparing for another major snowfall expected in the Wycombe area later today and overnight. Councils say that despite the shortage of salt, crews will spend the night trying to keep major roads open. Strong winds are expected to cause significant drifts in the Chilterns early tomorrow morning.

Car sold – One of the world’s rarest cars – which was High Wycombe’s most famous vehicle in the 1930s and 40s – was auctioned for three million pounds in Paris this weekend. The classic Bugatti 57S Atalante was found in a garage where it had been collecting dust for 50 years. It was originally bought by Earl Howe of Penn, the first president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club , in 1937 and was a notable local attraction.

Angry boss – Angry Wycombe Wanderers boss Peter Taylor has called for a review of a procedure for pitch inspections after he and his team wasted time and money travelling to a postponed match at Darlington on Saturday. He told the club’s website: ” We travelled 500 miles and spent eight hours on a coach plus an overnight stay in a hotel - and all for nothing. I know you can't do anything about the weather but I just feel that this decision could have been made earlier.”

Saturday 7th February

Roads danger – With the frostiest weekend of the winter forecast, Bucks County Council last night said it would be restricting the number of roads that are treated because it is running out of salt. The council introduced a rationing scheme restricted to main roads but warned motorists not to assume that even main roads had been salted. Similar moves were introduced in Oxfordshire. Thousands managed to struggle to work yesterday despite snowy conditions. In Wycombe the council had to recall waste collections crews because of deteriorating weather. During a respite late yesterday afternoon and evening thousands of shoppers overwhelmed supermarkets as they took the chance to stock up for the weekend. Elsewhere local corner shops have been enjoying bumper sales.

Station fight – Campaigners fighting to stop the closure of Windsor’s fire station at nighttime have enlisted top celebrity support. Local residents Sir Elton John, Sir Alan Sugar and Rolf Harris are among those speaking out against the plan drawn up by Berkshire Fire Brigade as a cost cutting measure. They are seeking a legal review of the decision in the High Court later this month.

Otters return – Otters are back on the River Thames for the first time for 35 years, Country Life magazine reported yesterday. Their presence has been discovered on a river island near a Thames lock. Their return is being put down to a healthy river environment and an abundance of fish.

Friday 6th February

Major precautions – Schools are being closed, trains cancelled and council services withdrawn in anticipation of a major overnight snowfall today. A snowstorm that wasn’t predicted took the Wycombe area by surprise yesterday morning, causing traffic chaos and further school closures. But today, as the Met Office warned that up to 15 cm could fall in the Wycombe area, transport authorities and local councils are hunkering down.

Battling on – An infant school that has never closed due to bad weather says it will do everything it can to remain open today. Manor Farm Infant School, in Hazlemere, High Wycombe, has been the only school in the area to remain constantly open throughout the spell of winter weather, even though it has meant headteacher John Dunbar setting off extra early from his home in Aylesbury. On its website, showing pictures of its children enjoying the snow in the playground, the schools tells parents not to assume the school is closed just because others are.

Bank reward – HSBC yesterday offered a £25,000 reward to help hunt down the robbers that wrecked its Flackwell Heath branch last week by using a mechanical digger to wrench out a cash machine from the wall. The four man gang escaped empty handed, but their clumsy robbery attempt – they also succeeded in badly damaging the adjoining post office and a Chinese restaurant, drew world wide publicity on the internet.

Thursday 5th February

Chocolate surprise – Fifteen illegal immigrants were being held in Maidenhead last night after they were found in a tanker full of chocolate powder on its way to the Mars chocolate factory in Slough. Fire fighters used thermal imaging equipment to ensure no-one was left in the tanker after the mean, covered in cocoa, were recovered from the vehicle. The Hungarian tanker driver is also helping police with inquiries.

Drugs insider – Police are thought to have an effective mole among local drug dealers after a second major raid in a week yesterday resulted in drugs and cash being recovered. Seven people were arrested, aged from 19 to 55, following early morning raids at four addresses in High Wycombe.

Wednesday 4th February

Supermarket wars – Supermarkets are gearing up to battle each other in the Wycombe area once the recession is over. Waitrose announced yesterday it is revamping plans to build a store to take on the controversial Tesco superstore being built at Gerrards Cross, and Sainsburys is introducing a store at Amersham in an attempt to dent Tesco’s dominance. Meanwhile, in the centre of Wycombe, Tesco is finalising plans to complete a major refurbishment of its Eden Centre store to compete with the Sainsbury superstore opposite, which will be opening later this year.

New station – A new digital radio station aimed at Wycombe, Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead began broadcasting yesterday. Asian Star Radio is the first station in the area to aim specifically at an ethnic group.

Cheerio Angelo – Last night’s postponement of the League 2 match between Wycombe Wanderers and Barnet robbed popular Columbian born striker Angelo Balanta of a final appearance at Adams Park. The 18 year old has returned to QPR after his loan spell ended. Meanwhile the Blues strengthened their lead at the top of the league without kicking a ball. Nearest rivals Brentford, who had a game in hand, lost to Morecambe, giving Wycombe a clear four point lead.

Tuesday 3rd February

Weather aftermath – A number of schools will remain closed and transport and public services will continue to be affected today as the Wycombe area adjusts after yesterday’s worst snowstorm for years. Railway and bus services will still not be back to normal despite overnight gritting on the roads and all night maintenance on railway lines. Waste collections, suspended yesterday, will also be affected. Social care bosses put out a special appeal last night for people to keep an eye on elderly neighbours after care workers were unable to reach all their charges yesterday, and hospitals just about coped after many staff were unable to get into work.

Finance contingency – In Wycombe it wasn’t just the people feeling the cold yesterday, the town’s finances are also distinctly chilly. The council announced yesterday it will need to increase its borrowing limit by £7m this financial year – that’s because it still has cash it can’t retrieve in a failed Icelandic bank and the income it gets from property and other fees are falling steeply because of the recession.

New striker – Wycombe Wanderers signed a new striker on the final day of the transfer window yesterday – a 22 year old Crawley Town player Jon-Paul Pittman, who manager Peter Taylor calls “as quick as a whippet”. The Blues were trying to sign another player, but it was unclear last night if they had missed the final deadline. Tonight’s match against Barnet will only go ahead if the referee gives the all-clear when he examines the Adams Park pitch this morning.

Monday 2nd February

Toothpaste worries – The recession is even hitting basic products like toothpaste. Five hundred workers at Glaxo Smith Kline’s factory in Maidenhead – which makes Aquafresh, Macleans, Corsodyl and Sensodyne – are expecting job loss announcements this week after the company said yesterday it was cutting thousands of jobs worldwide.

Motorists warned – Gritters have been out since the early hours spreading grit, sand and salt on major roads in the Wycombe area in preparation for the heavy snow which is forecast today and tomorrow. Officials warned motorists not to assume all roads have been gritted and urged extra driving care.

Ten wins – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor has told players and supporters that he thinks the Blues will win promotion from League Two if they can win 10 of the remaining 18 matches. News of two new signings is expected today. Meanwhile ground staff are likely to switch on pitch heating today to try and ensure that tomorrow night’s match against Barnet goes ahead despite forecasts of severe winter weather.

Sunday 1st February

New players – Wycombe Wanderers hope to sign a new player today and another one tomorrow before the transfer window closes, manager Peter Taylor said last night. It ended a day of good news for the club – they beat Accrington Stanley 2-1 to remain four points clear at the top of League 2; and Taylor made up with the local paper reporters, whom he had earlier blacklisted, over a beer.

Saturday 31st January

Police probe – Police are investigating why five Wycombe venues at first confirmed that a pro-Palestinian MP could speak at a public meeting on Gaza and then hours later cancelled the arrangement. Thames Valley Police chief constable Sara Thornton ordered the probe after talking to MP Phyllis Starkey who believes pressure may have been put on the venues to cancel. Dr Starkey eventually gave her speech at the town’s Hill Top Community Centre this week to about 100 people. The venues that cancelled the previous arrangements have not yet been named.

Manager’s strop – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor has stopped talking to the local paper the Bucks Free Press and denied journalists access to the players because the paper printed a story he didn’t want published – namely the fee involved in the sale of defender Mike Williamson. It’s going to cause embarrassment because the paper and the club are jointly sponsoring a Community Day event at today’s match against Accrington Stanley.

Weather alert – Forecasters warn that tomorrow will be the coldest day of the winter so far with temperatures in the Wycombe area plunging to minus six, with a dusting of snow. Heavier snowfalls are predicted for Monday night.

Friday 30th January

Ram raiders; sheep’s brains - Bungling bandits caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and left a village in shock yesterday after one of the clumsiest bank raids on record. CRASH – they nicked a mechanical digger to scoop out the cash machine from Flackwell Heath’s HSBC bank, taking most of the front wall with it; BANG – they drove the digger full pelt into the post office next door; WALLOP – with neighbours appearing from all over to see what the noise was about they reversed straight into a Chinese takeaway and other shops. After much cursing and failed attempts to get into the cash machine the four raced off empty handed late on Wednesday night in an Audi. “We won’t know whether to charge them with attempted robbery or severe incompetence when we get them,” a police investigator joked last night.

Rent boom – House hunters are turning to renting in such numbers that local estate agents are opening new offices simply to deal with inquiries for rented property. Yesterday Nationwide revealed that house prices in the Wycombe area took their biggest hit in the last quarter of last year, falling 11 per cent, and continued to fall in January. In neighbouring Windsor and Maidenhead prices fell eight per cent.

On yer ‘ed Olly – Wycombe Wanderers will be hoping for a few more goals from corner kicks after boss Peter Taylor signed 6ft 8in central defender Luke Oliver from his last club, Stevenage Borough yesterday. Luke, 24, a former Wycombe trainee, will be the tallest player in the Football League – he’s an inch taller than Peter Crouch - and he replaces defender Mike Williamson, a virtual midget at 6ft 3in.

Thursday 29h January

Secret inquests – Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve is to lead the fight to stop Government proposals to hold inquests in secret. Mr Grieve – dropped last week as Shadow Home Secretary – is leading the fight in his new role as Shadow Justice Secretary. The Government is proposing holding some inquests with security implications without a jury or public or press present. Mr Grieve told Parliament yesterday: “The proposals...completely undermine the whole purpose for which an inquest is convened in the first place.”

Leaky moat – The owner of an ancient moat house is suing road builders because he claims their work is draining his moat. Dr O. C. Penge says work on the Aston Clinton by-pass has altered the lay of the land so that the water table no longer naturally fills his moat at Drayton Beauchamp.

Dry Camilla – RAF chiefs moved a square bashing parade into a giant hanger at RAF Halton yesterday so that the visiting Duchess of Cornwall, who was inspecting the parade, wouldn’t get wet. Camilla was visiting the base near Wendover in her role of Honorary Air Commodore.

Wednesday 28th January

Oxford direct – Chiltern Railways began a formal consultation period yesterday over plans to build a new railway line which will result in a direct link between Wycombe and Oxford.

Staff shortage – Wycombe Hospital said yesterday that it had closed its special baby unit because of a shortage of trained staff. The unit is due to close at the end of the year and move to Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Now there are fears it may not reopen.

Clean sheet – After a couple of wobbles Wycombe Wanderers kept a clean sheet to earn a hard fought 0-0 draw at Macclesfield last night. They remain top of League 2, four points clear.

Tuesday 27th January

Bail hostel – A house in the centre of High Wycombe is the site of a controversial private bail hostel, the Government confirmed last night. The hostels, supervised by a private company, are being used in various towns and cities to ease overcrowding in prisons. But the exact locations are being kept secret so neighbours do not necessarily know they are living next to prisoners awaiting early release or suspects awaiting trials. However, after mounting pressure, the Ministry of Justice confirmed last night that one hostel had an HP12 post code, but refused to give the name of the road where it was based.

Hospital silence – Wycombe Hospital was hunting a whistle-blower last night after someone told a Sunday newspaper that the special baby unit had been closed after four babies were discovered to have the superbug MRSA on their skin. The mole told the Sunday Mirror: “The baby unit should be the cleanest part of the entire hospital, so for this to happen is totally unacceptable. Clearly hygiene standards have not been good enough." Bizarrely the hospital, which initially tried to keep quiet, said it had closed the unit to new admissions but that had nothing to do with the MRSA – “which was found on the babies’ skin, like most of the population, but was not an infection.” The hospital did not seek to reassure patients on their website last night nor, indeed, offer any explanation for the closure. The babies were quarantined after the discovery last week and are in no danger.

Jolly bad show – “Disgusted of Henley” won a famous victory yesterday when the owners of a planned lap dancing venue in the town backed-off in the face of howls of protest. The club was due to open at the weekend but held off because of the protests. Yesterday businessman Manowar Hussain said former nightclub in Greys Road would reopen as a new Latinos nightclub instead.

Monday 26th January

Grammar ruling – Lawyers for Buckinghamshire’s grammar schools are today examining a controversial ruling which may restrict the pupils the schools can take. In what some regard as a landmark ruling, grammar schools in Rugby, Warwickshire have been prevented from taking pupils from neighbouring Northamptonshire because it’s considered Northants comprehensive schools will be undermined. In Bucks a number of pupils who live in neighbouring Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire and in Henley and Thame in south Oxfordshire cross the border to attend Bucks grammar schools.

Sites seize-up – It’s emerged that work on half a dozen building sites in the Wycombe area has stopped because of the economic downturn. Construction work on the sites – mainly housing developments – will resume once things pick-up says construction companies. Meanwhile, the council will tomorrow ditch a £400,000 scheme to improve the Frogmoor area of High Wycombe because the funds aren’t available.

Making do – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor has indicated he won’t immediately replace Blues captain Mike Williamson, who signs for Watford FC today. Wishing Williamson well in the future he told reporters yesterday : “At the end of the day we have lost a player. We could have done without it but it is not going to make a massive difference.”

Sunday 25th January

Willo goes – Wycombe Wanderers captain Mike Williamson will join struggling Championship side Watford tomorrow in a deal thought to be worth around £200,000. The highly rated defender’s contract with the Blues was due to run out at the end of this season so manager Peter Taylor thought the deal represented good business. Williamson didn’t play yesterday when Wycombe suffered their third defeat of the season at Bounemouth, losing 3-1. But they remain six points clear at the top of League 2 after their nearest rivals also had poor results.

Missing nanny – Concern was growing last night for a nanny who was last seen at the home where she worked in Chesham on Friday lunchtime. Hemalatha Jayasinghege, aged 53, is a Sri Lankan who speaks hardly any English.

Pool campaign – Campaigners trying to save Wycombe’s open air pool from closure plan to protest along the route of the Mayor’s procession to the annual civic service today. The council plan to close Holywell Mead pool to save money.

Friday 23rd January

River warning – The Environment Agency last night advised all boat owners not to use the River Thames between Caversham and Marlow because strong flows were making the river dangerous. The red alert is likely to remain in force all weekend as heavy rain pounds the area.

Races mix – High Wycombe was held up as an example where white people are moving into areas of the town once the preserve of mainly Asians, in an authoritative book published yesterday. Professor Ludi Simpson and Dr Nissa Finney looked at detailed recent statistics to disprove recent reports that race “ghettos” are forming in towns and cities with high populations of people with migrant backgrounds. In Wycombe – and six other centres in Britain – the facts are that more white people are moving into areas where black and brown coloured people are in the majority, they say in their book “Sleepwalking to segregation? Challenging myths about race and migration.”

School celebrates – The Redroofs Theatre School in Littlewick Green was celebrating last night after its former head girl – a certain Kate Winslet – was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the movie The Reader. Kate, who was born in Reading, attended the school from the age of 11.

Thursday 22nd January

Ref slapped – A teacher playing in goal for his local team has been suspended from playing after he allegedly slapped a 22 year old referee around the face with his goalie gloves after being red-carded. The match – between the Dairy Maid and Haddenham in the Aylesbury and District League – was abandoned after 14 minutes following the incident, the Bucks Herald says today. The local Football Association is considering referee Ezra O’Neil’s report. The League had disciplinary problems three years ago when a player who had been sent off got in his car, drove on the pitch and ran the referee over.

Could be worse – Although unemployment in the Wycombe area rose in December according to figures released yesterday, the rise was less in percentage terms than other areas , and the total number of jobless – at just over two per cent of the working population – shows the area is faring better than most in the recession.

Road chaos – A furniture lorry which overturned and blocked all three London-bound carriageways of the M40 in Wycombe yesterday brought major delays. The good news was that the accident happened between slip-roads so traffic was able to drive up one slip-road and down the other. The bad news was that it took them through Wycombe’s notorious Handy Cross roundabout which was gridlocked for most of the 11 hours the motorway was blocked.

Wednesday 21st January

Police hunt – Police have stepped up patrols in Chalfont St Peter after a 23 year old woman was bundled into a car in Chesham Lane. The woman fought with the driver as the car sped off and managed to escape from the moving vehicle. Police have launched a major hunt.

Car park threat – Tranches of South Bucks will become nothing more than an airport car park if a third runway at Heathrow is built, Bucks County Council said yesterday. The council fears that new fast rail links from the airport to High Wycombe, Beaconsfield and Amersham will mean that travellers will drive and park to these towns before getting a train to the airport. Meanwhile, London mayor Boris Johnson is at the Beck Theatre in Hayes tonight to debate Heathrow expansion with local people.

Lap dance horror – Plans to open a lap dancing club in the centre of Henley this weekend is creating much alarm among the town’s elders. Town councillor Joan Bland told today’s Telegraph: "This is Henley, not Soho. I don't think it is befitting of Henley, we are country folk living in an historic market town and it seems very unnecessary.”

Tuesday 20th January

Demoted Dom – Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve was demoted from his Shadow Home Secretary job after just six months yesterday because he was simply too nice and not aggressive enough, friends said last night. He has been replaced by Chris Grayling, known in Westminster as “Attack Dog”, who was being promoted by David Cameron’s communications guru, former Sun editor, Andy Coulson. Meanwhile Maidenhead MP Teresa May became the most powerful woman in the party yesterday when she was made Shadow Secretary for Work and Pensions. Mr Grieve goes back to his old job as Shadow Justice Secretary and remains in the Shadow Cabinet.

Paper shuffle – Another local paper preapared to reduce its local presence yesterday in a move to beat the economic downturn, which is hitting the regional press hard. On the day the Government said it would see what could be done to help newspapers, Johnston Press – which owns the Bucks Herald and Thame Gazette – said it would be move sub editors from Aylesbury to a central base in Milton Keynes where they would join other sub editors from other papers in the Midlands. Last week the owners of the Buckinghamshire Advertiser in Chalfont St Peter and Chesham’s Bucks Examiner announced plans to move some of their staff to a central base in Surrey.

Historic day - Many of the hundreds of American citizens living in the Wycombe area will be attending a special Inauguration Day parties in Oxford and London this afternoon to witness on TV and celebrate the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th US President .

Monday 19th January

Cuts battle – Local council unions are to wage a campaign against hundreds of planned job cuts in Buckinghamshire, saying that frontline services, such as teaching and social services, are bound to be adversely affected if back-office jobs are lost because frontline workers will spend more time on paperwork.

Motorway changes – The Government will announce later this week that motorists will be able use the hard shoulder of the M25 as a normal motorway lane, following a successful trial on the M42. It’s expected the hard shoulders will be ready in five or six years.

Contracts extended – Wycombe Wanderers, who have the best defence in League 2 , have extended the contracts of two of their key defenders – Gary Holt and Craig Woodman – so they will be with the club until the end of next season.

Sunday 18th January

On the fiddle –One of the largest gatherings of fiddle players takes place in Wycombe tonight as part of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. The Chiltern Fiddle Rally at Wycombe Swan features more than 80 musicians and top Scottish dancers.

Slip-up - League Two leaders Wycombe Wanderers suffered their first home league defeat since last February yesterday in a surprise 1-0 loss to Grimsby who, were it not for points deductions given to other teams, would be bottom of the league.

Saturday 17th January

Village gives thanks - Prayers of appreciation will be said in Turville Church tomorrow for Sir John Mortimer, the “Monarch of Turville”, who died aged 85 yesterday. Barrister and writer Sir John had lived all his life in his Turville Heath home. He loved the home and always returned there every night no matter how late he was working in London "so I can go to sleep to the sound of owls hooting and awake to the sight of red kites soaring". The area is now famed for the location of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Vicar of Dibley, but, Sir John wrote, “When I was a child all the cottages here were inhabited by farm labourers or bodgers who felled the beech trees, sawed them into lengths and turned chair legs on the lathes in their sheds for a pitifully small amount of money to the furniture factories in High Wycombe. “ His neighbour and friend, broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, said last night: “His life was encircled around his cottage and Turville. He was the monarch of our village.”

Search continues – Roman Catholics from the Wycombe area will join hundreds of others today in the search for a 15 year old Berkshire schoolboy who disappeared on his way to school 11 days ago. Police have called in experts and say they are pursuing “all lines of investigation” in their search for Joanthan Marques. Today’s volunteers will hold a short service near his Reading home before following the route to Jonathan’s Catholic school.

Grimsby visit – Wycombe Wanderers entertain Mike Newell’s Grimsby Town at Adams Park this afternoon in an attempt to maintain and extend their lead at the top of League 2.

Friday 16th January

Out on a limb – Pressure was mounting on Wycombe’s Conservative council last night to come out against the proposal for a third runway at Heathrow. The town’s Tory MP is against the plan, as are neighbouring Tory councils – Chiltern (Amersham and Chesham), South Bucks (Beaconsfield) and South Oxfordshire (Henley) as well as Buckinghamshire County Council. But Wycombe Council has always favoured Heathrow expansion and Tory leaders look as though they may stay out of step.

Jobs blow – The Wycombe area suffered its biggest potential hit of the credit crunch yesterday when the UK arm of the telephone equipment company Nortel went into administration, threatening the future jobs of the 1,500 people who work at its Maidenhead headquarters. The international company, based in Canada, filed for bankruptcy in Toronto on Wednesday. Nortel is Maidenhead’s second biggest employer.

Microchipped rubbish – Households in Henley and Thame are to be the first in the country to have their rubbish monitored by microchips placed in their wheelie bins. The chips – which record how much is being thrown away – will help improve recycling by identifying areas where recycling is poor, say the local council. But critics fear it will lead to people being charged depending on the amount of rubbish they throw away. The monitoring begins in June.

Thursday 15th January

Hotel plan – Developers announced plans yesterday to build a 126 room hotel above the Pure and Obsession night clubs in Wycombe town centre. A public exhibition of the plans will go on show next week.

Heathrow opposition – Representatives from Bucks environmental groups are planning to meet to see if they can form a Bucks against Heathrow Expansion group as the Government today announces the go-ahead for the airport’s third runway. Environmentalists believe none of the green measures to alleviate the consequences around Heathrow will have any effect in Bucks, which instead will suffer extra air noise, more traffic and increased pollution.

Mobile workers – Social workers and other council community employees could work from libraries instead of using up valuable office space, according to radical plans to cut back spending announced by Bucks County Council yesterday. The council believes workers can be more efficient if they use mobile technology and use their local library as a base. Union bosses think it’s all part of a council plan to sell off their expensive tower block headquarters in the middle of Aylesbury.

Wednesday 14th January

Hoax cost – Hoax calls to the fire brigade cost taxpayers in Bucks over £400,000 last year according to figures out yesterday. Fire engines were sent on 209 hoax missions, costing over £2,000 a time. A further 232 malicious false alarms were also made, but these were identified as hoaxes before the engines left their stations. Police said they will do all they can to prosecute hoax callers.

Golfing pioneer – A second year student at Wycombe’s Bucks New University has been chosen to be a golfing ambassador in an attempt to get more women interested in the sport. Lauren Drake is one of four students in her year on a sports management and golf studies BA course.

Spurs striker – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor will decide today whether to sign up a promising Spurs striker whose career was blighted last year by hernia problems. Twenty one year old Simon Dawkins made one Spurs first team appearance after a long apprenticeship with the squad before his problem struck. But he is now said to be fully recovered and was watched by Taylor as he played for Wycombe Wanderers reserves at Marlow last night.

Tuesday 13th January

Only the beginning – Yesterday’s announcement of 400 job losses over the next three years at Buckinghamshire County Council is only the thin end of the wedge, union reps feared last night. As councils face massive drops in income, councillors are considering speeding up plans to merge the work of the area’s district councils and county council which will result in even more job losses.

Miracle boy – Disabled five year old Aylesbury boy Thomas Melville-Ross has become has become the first child in Britain to receive a new device implanted into his brain that will stop his involuntary muscle movements. Following ground-breaking surgery in London’s Kings College Hospital he will now be able to use an electronic wheelchair and a special laptop to help me move and communicate.

Historic funeral – The Chilterns church of St Leonard’s in Watlington will hold an historic funeral next week when people gather to say farewell to the last man in Britain who served in both World War 1 and World War 2. William Stone, who lived in the town for many years, has died in a nursing home at the age of 108. He was one of only four First World War veterans still alive and the last to have served in the navy in 1914-18.

Monday 12th January

Extra places – Local schools are having to find additional places this term for children who have been pulled out of private schools in the area because their parents can no longer afford the fees. It’s thought around 50 children in Bucks are transferring from private schools to state schools. Exams for 11 year olds wanting to go to private schools begin this week and figures are said to be well down on previous years.

Runway opposition – Opponents to Heathrow’s proposed third runway – which is expected to be given Government approval any day now – are still convinced the project will not get off the ground, provided the Conservatives win the next election. Because the runway would involve the eradication of the village of Sipson, a planning application for the runway would not be ready until 2011. However, according to well placed sources yesterday, if the Tories win the election in 2010, one of their first acts would be to abolish the runway plan and push through new rail links instead.

World premiere – The world premiere of a show celebrating the life and times of Charles Dickens opened in Thame last night. A celebration of Charles Dickens, starring Peter Egan and Elizabeth Garvie, will begin a nationwide tour later this month.

Saturday 10th January

Game off – Today’s Wycombe Wanderers game at Dagenham and Redbridge was called off yesterday because of a frozen pitch.

Friday 9th January

Forty empty shops – Music retailer Zavvi closed its High Wycombe store in the Eden shopping centre yesterday bringing the number of empty units in the new complex to 20. Add to that six empty shops in the nearby Chilterns shopping centre and 14 others in and around the town’s High Street and the number of empty stores in the town centre is now 40 – the highest in living memory. However, there was some good news on the horizon with reports that the clothing retailer TK Maxx is interested in taking over the Woolworth site and that supermarket Iceland is also looking to return to the town.

Bikers blow – Horse riders and walkers have won the first of a number of battles to stop motor bikes using bridleways in the Chilterns. A Government planning inspector has ruled in their favour in the first of 20 test cases in the Wycombe area. Bikers say bridleways should not be exclusively used by riders and walkers, but the riders and walkers say that if motorbikes are allowed to use bridleways it will be dangerous for people, horses and dogs.

Ex-manager’s rant – Former Wycombe Wanderers boss Paul Lambert let fly at current manager Peter Taylor yesterday, saying Taylor’s comments over Lambert’s attempt to buy the Blues star defender Mike Williamson were “nasty”. Lambert’s new club Colchester United have had two identical bids of £100,000 to buy Williamson turned down, prompting Taylor to say “if the bid wasn’t enough first time, it still isn’t”. Taylor was staying aloof from the row yesterday, but the notoriously short-tempered Lambert’s heavy handed tactics have landed him and his club in trouble with Scottish club Hibs. The Edinburgh club has reported Colchester to the Football League and the FA for making public a bid for one of their players – against usual convention. Colchester and Lambert used the same tactic in their Williamson bid, but Wycombe didn’t rise to the bait.

Thursday 8th January

Close encounters – High Wycombe officially becomes Britain’s UFO capital today. All the country’s sightings of unidentified flying objects will be handled by an RAF team based at RAF High Wycombe. Previously the team worked from a Ministry of Defence office in London. Nick Pope, a former UFO investigator, welcomed the move, telling The Sun: “The RAF will ensure sightings are investigated properly and should pay particular attention to sightings from pilots and cases where UFOs are tracked on radar.”

Newspaper cuts – Trinity Mirror, the company that owns two local newspapers in the Wycombe area – the Bucks Examiner based in Chesham and the Buckinghamshire Advertiser based in Chalfont St Peter – announced drastic action yesterday to try and cope with the credit crunch. Production of all its local newspapers in London and the south east is to be concentrated on one site in Surrey, as will the papers’ photographers. Reporters will be given mobile phones and laptops and told to work “remotely”, although at this stage there are no plans to close the Buckinghamshire offices. Nationally, the group is struggling – last year it cut over 1,000 jobs, closed 44 publications and enforced a pay freeze on its staff. Advertising revenues dropped by over 20 per cent.

Priests’ windfall – One of the most desirable properties on the banks of the Thames has been sold for over £20million. Fawley Court, between Henley and Marlow, is a magnificent mansion with grounds that sweep down to the river. A group of Polish priests – the Marian Fathers – took it over in the 1950s and used it as a prayer and recuperation centre for Catholics. But heavy maintenance costs have defeated them so they have sold the house, which needs major renovation, and its grounds to a private buyer.

Wednesday 7th January

Price of ice – A number of schools across the Wycombe area will remain closed or partly closed today – the first day of term – because frozen pipes have burst, causing flooding. Elsewhere emergency services were called to over a dozen accidents caused by skidding on black ice yesterday and breakdown services had their busiest day for years.

On the buses – Far more people are using free bus passes in the Wycombe region than had been planned for, a report to the council shows. In Wycombe alone the council is expecting to have to find £300,000 more than it budgeted for in this financial year. To help meet it the council is cutting back on other types of free transport schemes, such as rail and taxi tokens. Meanwhile Wycombe’s council leader Lesley Clarke yesterday ruled out dipping into council reserves to get round its general shortfall in funds. Instead, deep cuts to services are planned.

One Ronnie – Plans to unveil a statue of comic Ronnie Barker outside Aylesbury’s new Waterside Theatre are being considered. Ronnie began his show biz career in 1948 when he joined Aylesbury Repertory Company. The theatre is due to open early next year.

Tuesday 6th January

Air noise – Aircraft noise over Wycombe and Amersham areas will increase significantly if Heathrow changes the way it uses its runways, MPs and environmentalists warned yesterday. The Government is expected to give a decision soon on whether aircraft can land and take off on the same runways at the airport – an operation known as mixed mode. But if that happens aircraft approaching the airport will have to change their landing direction and height, airport watchers said last night. And one of the areas worst affected will be Wycombe and Amersham.

No offers – There is not thought to be any interest from any other retailers to take over the prime Woolworth store in Wycombe High Street after it closes for the final time tonight. However, there is said to be interest in both the Beaconsfield and Thame Woolies stores, which also close today. Meanwhile the children’s clothing store Adams closed both its branches in Wycombe yesterday, following the groups’ administration. The Adams and Woolworth closures in the Wycombe area have put nearly 200 people out of work.

Big freeze – Council gritter lorries operated until late last night and were due to be out again early this morning as temperatures plummeted to as much as minus five across the Chilterns. But the council warned motorists not to assume roads had been gritted and to drive with extra care. There were scores of bumps and bangs yesterday as motorists slithered to work.

Monday 5th January

Rail boost – Leaks to the Sunday papers yesterday suggested that High Wycombe and the rest of the Chiltern Line could have direct train services to and from Heathrow as part of a Government compromise to develop an unpopular third runway at the airport. It’s said the Government aims to propose a massive rail station north of Heathrow which would also have links to the main Paddington and Reading line. Better train services would reduce congestion and pollution around the airport, Whitehall sources told the press.

Hazlemere to Hollywood – Wycombe born star James Corden flies to Hollywood today to negotiate deals which, if successful, will make him a multi-millionaire. He is to read and screen test for a part in a blockbuster movie based on Gullivers’ Travels in addition to agreeing details with NBC to be an executive producer for an American version of his TV hit Gavin and Stacey. The 30 year old actor has spent Christmas with his parents and sister in Hazlemere.

Scotty beamed back – Wycombe Wanderers striker Scott McGleish – last season’s top scorer – rejoins the Blues today, having made up with manager Peter Taylor after a training pitch bust up. McGleish has been on loan to Northampton but is said to be keen to get back on the scoring trail with Wycombe again.

Sunday 4th January

Happy birthday – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor received a perfect 56th birthday present from his players yesterday – a solid 2-1 win over fellow promotion chasers Bury. Matt Harrold and Angelo Balanta scored for Wycombe, and just to add a bit of late excitement, Wycombe defender Mike Williamson scored an own goal three minutes from the end. The Blues now sit eight points clear at the top of League 2.

Saturday 3rd January

Crash probe – An investigation is underway after police confirmed yesterday that a High Wycombe man killed in a car crash on Tuesday was being chased by a police car. Terry Hobson , aged 32, died after a BMW he was driving smashed into a tree in Long Lane, Hillingdon in the early hours on Tuesday.

Luke’s ready – The High Wycombe family of golfing superstar Luke Donald return to the town today after spending Christmas with Luke in Florida. After five months out of the game following a wrist operation, Donald says he is now feeling fine again and will be competing against the top players this year. He’s playing a tournament next week with his friend Tiger Woods, who has also been crocked for six months.

New player – TJ Moncur, a 21 year old defender signed from Fulham yesterday, is expected to be in Wycombe Wanderers line up when they play Bury at Adams Park this afternoon. There’s speculation that Moncur has been brought in to replace Blues defender Mike Williamson who is attracting interest from a number of clubs. Tony Adams, who brought Williamson to Wycombe, is rumoured to be ready to offer half a million pounds for Williamson to join him at Portsmouth.

Friday 2nd January

Town recognition - A campaign is underway for Beaconsfield to officially recognise newly knighted Sir Terry Pratchett, who was born in the town. Councillors will also think of ways to help brand Beaconsfield as a writers’ mecca, as other famous scribes, such as Enid Blyton and G.K.Chesterton also have close links with the town.

Car find – One of the world’s rarest cars – which was High Wycombe’s most famous vehicle in the 1930s and 40s – has been found in a garage where it collected dust for 50 years, auctioneers revealed yesterday. The classic Bugatti 57S Atalante – one of only 17 built - was originally bought by Earl Howe of Penn, the first president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club , in 1937 and was a notable local attraction. It was discovered a few weeks ago by the relatives of a Newcastle doctor who has recently died. It is expected to reach £3m when it’s auctioned in Paris next month.

We’re buying – Wycombe Wanderers boss Peter Taylor said yesterday that he expects to be buying players in the January transfer window in order to keep the Blues’ promotion push at full speed. He said he had already spoken to a couple of other managers about players’ availability.

Wednesday 31st December 2008/ January 1st 2009

Brrr! revellers warned – New year revellers are being warned not to be stupid as plunging temperatures will make it the coldest start to the new year for years. With many “auld lang synes” sung by the river, paramedics are particularly anxious people don’t take a dip. In fact bookies yesterday dropped the odds of the River Thames freezing over this winter from 100-1 to 66-1.

Prices slow – House prices have fallen much slower in the Wycombe area in 2008 compared to the rest of the country. Figures from the Land Registry show that house prices in the country dropped by an average 12 per cent. But in Bucks the drop was just over seven per cent. The smallest fall in the country was in neighbouring Windsor and Maidenhead – 6.6 per cent.

What’s on – You don’t need our advice on how to celebrate the new year. Just enjoy. A Happy New Year from all at Wycombe.Info

Tuesday 30th December

Secret centre – One of the most secret locations in Britain has let in TV cameras for the first time. The Space Operations Co-ordination Centre, based in a massive bunker in Naphill, underneath RAF High Wycombe, watches for missiles or unknown satellites across most of the northern hemisphere. Now the RAF has let Sky News take a look at the sophisticated equipment operated there as part of America’s Star Wars system.

Sales bonanza – The massive discounts appears to be paying off for shops in the Wycombe area. Most are reporting that sales and turnover over the last three days are up on the same period last year.

What’s on – The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden – voted the best small visitor attraction of 2008 – is open again today, but will be closed tomorrow and Thursday.

Monday 29th December

Wicked, witch – Wycombe’s panto star is in trouble after dialling 999 in an attempt to get to the show on time. Linda Lusardi, who’ s playing the Wicked Witch at the Swan, was stuck in traffic on the M25 on Saturday and knew she was going to be late for the start of the show. So she dialled 999 and asked police if she could drive down the hard shoulder – a call which police later called an abuse of the emergency system. The show was delayed half an hour until the former model arrived.

Life’s a bummer – Wycombe Wanderers enjoyed a bit of luck with a fluke goal that enabled them to take a point at Gillingham yesterday. The Gillingham goalkeeper kicked the ball away, but the ball hit the backside of one of his own defenders and rebounded straight back into the goal. The 1-1 draw keeps the Blues at the top of League 2 at the end of 2008.

What’s on – The first exhibition of holograms for over 20 years in the UK is being shown at the Bucks County Museum in Aylesbury. It is 60 years since the art form was first introduced.

Sunday 28th December

Prison death – An inquiry is underway to discover how an 18 year old apparently killed himself on Christmas Day in his prison cell. Jonathan Campbell was found on Christmas night hanging in his cell in Aylesbury Jail. He was certified dead a few hours later. He was serving a seven and a half year sentence for kidnap and GBH.

New celeb – Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding is the latest celebrity to set up home in the Wycombe area. According to yesterday’s Sun she has bought a house in Chalfont St Peter with boyfriend Tom Crane, not far away from Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne’s mansion.

What’s on - The forecast is for bright sunny skies and cold, crisp air – perfect for walking. And there’s loads of guided walks available too – from an easier four miler looking at Windsor’s “nooks and crannies” starting at the leisure centre at 10am, to a six miler around Henley (Christmas cake and mulled wine provided) starting from the Market Square at 1pm. Of course, if you’ve money to spend you can simply walk round the shopping centres – the sales are in full swing.

Saturday 27th December

Woolies close – Woolworth stores in Aylesbury and Maidenhead close today as part of a phased close down of the High Street giant following its trading collapse. The Woolies’ in Amersham and Henley close on Tuesday and the stores in High Wycombe, Beaconsfield and Thame are among the last to close, on Monday 5 January.

Home point – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor declared himself happy with a point after the Blues drew 1-1 with Exeter at Adams Park yesterday. It leaves the team seven points clear at the top of League 2.

What’s on – If you think the country’s going to the dogs, you may as well join them. Oxford Greyhound Stadium holds is Christmas meeting tonight.

Friday 26th December

Big blaze – Volunteer fire-fighters were among those whose Christmas Day was distrupted yesterday after an arsonist started a massive blaze at a High Wycombe scrapyard. Nearly 50 firefighters spent seven hours getting the fire in Cryers Hill Road fully under control yesterday morning. Meanwhile police in Aylesbury said that three house fires in a week were all a coincidence and not the work of a single arsonist.

Oh yes they are – Local pantomimes are enjoying big audiences as families face the recession with a laugh. Every panto in the district is sold out until the end of the week.

– For the first Boxing Day in years, Wycombe Wanderers have a home fixture today. The Blues will be hoping to maintain their impressive top spot in League Two when they entertain Exeter, kick-off 3pm. Hardly a “local” fixture, but that won’t worry Blues fans. Bars are open before and after the game at Adams Park.

Thursday 25th December

The team at Wycombe.Info wish you a Happy Christmas

News and events resume tomorrow.

Wednesday 24th December

Pubs fear – Pubs are hoping for a bumper Christmas holiday after what’s said to be the worst year on record for pub closures in Wycombe area. Latest to close is the Bird in the Hand in West Wycombe Road which shut its doors a few days ago, with no indication when – or if – it will reopen. It’s the latest in a long line of ex-pubs on the A40, the London to Oxford Road. A few weeks ago the Red Lion - formerly the Cock Inn - at Wycombe Marsh also bit the dust.

Festive feud – Supermarket Morrisons is under pressure to rethink its free parking policy after mayhem in its town centre car park in High Wycombe yesterday. There were angry scenes as motorists battled for car parking spaces, particularly when Morrisons shoppers trying to stock up for Christmas discovered that other motorists were taking advantage of the free car parking and walking off to Christmas shop in the town centre. The pressure will grow when Sainsburys opens its new superstore almost opposite Morrisons next year – the multi-storey car park alongside the development will charge parkers.

What’s on – Don’t forget train services finish early tonight – the last London to Beaconsfield, Wycombe and Aylesbury train leaves Marylebone at nine o’clock. If you are not visiting pubs or churches tonight, one of the TV treats is the Christmas special of the BBC Bafta-winning comedy Gavin and Stacey. It’s been quite a year for its co-writer and star James Corden, who also won Bafta’s comedy actor award. But no show biz Christmas for him. As always he’ll be out with old mates in Wycombe’s pubs tonight before enjoying a family Christmas at home in Holmer Green tomorrow with his parents and sister.

Tuesday 23rd December

Church robbed at Christmas – Thieves who stole valuable silver from a village church may have been working to order. A very rare Elizabethan chalice was among the haul at St Margaret’s in Lewknor, near Stokenchurch. A valuable 16th century silver plate was also taken by thieves who broke into the church safe in the vestry. The silver is worth tens of thousands of pounds. R
Councillor Ebenezer - Wycombe Council is being stingy with its handouts this year as it struggles to find three million pounds worth of savings. Dozens and local organisation will learn today that instead of getting a full year’s grant, they are guaranteed only three month’s worth of funding until the council sorts out its books. Some organisations that received money last year – like the Youth Inquiry Service, the local branch of the charity Relate and the town’s Environment Centre – have been told that from today they’ll receive no council contributions at all.

What’s on – Now the presents are bought – well, mainly - it’s time for the food. There are special Christmas Farmers’ markets throughout the Wycombe area today, including Beaconsfield, Prestwood , Aylesbury and Thame. Wycombe’s High Street market is also in full swing.

Monday 22nd December

Knife fight – A man is due to appear in court today charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a fight involving knives in the centre of Thame. Robert Newitt, aged 22, of Van Diemans Road, Thame was charged yesterday, a day after the attack. The victim, who hasn’t been named, is in hospital with arm injuries. Meanwhile in nearby Aylesbury a 27 year old man – a pedestrian - who died in a road accident in Elmhurst Road just before midnight yesterday, is expected to be named today. Police are appealing for witnesses to both incidents.

Eden casualty – The first closure of a store in the new Eden shopping centre in High Wycombe is due to take place in the new year, just nine months after the centre opened. Passionate about Perfume is thought to be a victim of the credit crunch. A number of shop units in the Eden are still awaiting occupants, although some new stores are due to open shortly.

What’s on – Bernie Clifton, the veteran comic described on his website as “famous for his ostrich riding abilities”, begins a busy Christmas week in Cinderella at Aylesbury Civic Centre today. He and the rest of the cast are performing twice a day, every day except Christmas Day, until next Tuesday.

Sunday 21st December

Top at Christmas –Wycombe Wanderers opened a nine point gap at the top of League 2 with a hard fought win at Shrewsbury yesterday through a single goal by Matt Harrold.

What’s on – Instead of taking the kids to see Santa today – they’ve probably seen him five times already – then why not visit Mr Toad in his caravan at Henley’s River and Rowing Museum today. Or –as it is the shortest day of the year – you could take the air. There’s a Winter Solstice walk from Bledlow village at 1.30.

Saturday 20th December

Sales up – Local estate agents reported yesterday in the last six weeks they have sold more houses than August, September and October put together as further glimmers of hope shone through the economic gloom. And as shoppers hit the stores during the last weekend before Christmas, many local retailers are reporting better than expected sales. However,yesterday’s closure of MFI and the reported restructuring of Homebase by its owners has brought uncertainty to the future of the Knave’s Beech off the M40 at Loudwater, where the two retailers are the anchor stores.

What’s on – Father Christmas takes to the trains today – providing there’s no elves on line of course. The steam railway at Chinnor are running Santa specials all afternoon

Friday 19th December

Wycombe cutbacks – The recession came close to home last night when the council said it was considering cutting jobs and freezing projects so it can reduce its spending by ten per cent. Plans to be discussed fully in the new year include losing 36 Wycombe Council jobs, closing the Bassetsbury Manor community building and the adjoining Holywell Mead swimming pool, relocating Wycombe Museum to a smaller premises; and freezing plans to upgrade the Frogmoor shopping area and redevelop the area around town’s fire station. In additiion, the council’s income from land and rents has been hit by the economic downturn, and a £2.5m investment in a stricken Icelandic bank hasn’t helped.

Driver freed – Wycombe bus driver John Houghton walked free from court yesterday after a judge ruled there was not enough evidence to convict him of causing death by dangerous driving. The court had heard the 57 year old driver had hit his brakes as soon as he saw 80 year old grandmother Wladyslawa Polataiko walk onto a zebra crossing in Desborough Road in August last year. But even though he was travelling at only 20mph he was unable to avoid hitting her. She died later in hospital. Friends of Mr Houghton said last night he was relieved but upset the case had been brought in the first place.

What’s on – We’re getting seriously Christmasy now. The ultimate in outdoor carol singing – gathered around the Christmas Tree at Windsor Castle, with lanterns, choirs, brass bands and maybe the odd Royal – is held this evening. And if you want to make a day of it, call in at nearby Ascot Racecourse this afternoon for the Christmas meeting.

Thursday 18th December

Holding on – The number of people officially unemployed in the Wycombe area is one of the lowest in the country, according to figures released yesterday. In the Wycombe area it is just one per cent and in Buckinghamshire as a whole it is 1.2 per cent – way below the national average of six per cent. However, analysts believe the a number of people who have lost their jobs in the last few weeks may not yet be claiming benefits and therefore don’t show up in the figures. There’s also evidence that a number of companies have put employees on short time working rather than lose them.

Illness spreads – Meanwhile there are more and more people off work through illness as a flu-type virus spreads through the Wycombe area. Supermarket shelves are running low on medicines and some schools and medical services have been struggling to cope this week.

What’s on – Close your eyes and you could be in Lapland and not the middle of Windsor. Real huskies are pulling real sleighs containing real people on not-so-real snow and ice in Windsor’s King Edward Court today.

Wednesday 17th Decemeber

Family’s apology – There was sympathy among senior medical personnel in the Wycombe area last night for the family of terrorist doctor Bilal Abdulla, yesterday found guilty causing explosions at Glasgow Airport and an attempted explosion in London. Abdulla was born in Aylesbury in 1980 where his parents – his father Talal a trainee doctor and his mother a pharmacist – worked at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Last night his father, now a professor of medicine, apologised “deeply and sincerely” to the British people for the actions of his son. “The sky has fallen in on my family and we are still shocked,” he said. “I want to make it clear we do not approve of his actions nor understand his motive. This is not Islam”.

Inflation buster - Although inflation is set to fall to less than one per cent next year, Bucks County Council are recommending council tax increases of nearly four per cent from next Spring. The council blames the Government for not giving them enough grant. The Government says the council should make ends meet. Even with the increase the council says its cutting £16m from its spending.

What’s on – Ex Wycombe grammar school boy – now top comic – Jimmy Carr appears at Wycombe Swan tonight – relegating Snow White to morning and afternoon performances. Born in Slough, Jimmy quite likes his old school - the Royal Grammar - and has spoken at reunion dinners. In 1991 he was there at the same time as other famous old boys Matt Dawson and Luke Donald.

Tuesday 16th December

River rejection – The Environment Agency yesterday turned down a plan to stop a local river disappearing. The Misbourne dries up for most of the year because water and sewage companies extract most of its flow further upstream. Conservation groups, led by the Chiltern Society, drew up a plan for lining the banks of the river with clay to stop water seeping away. But the Agency said that would damage plants and insect life.

Animal horror claim - Graphic images of horses allegedly left to starve on a farm near Great Missenden were shown to a jury yesterday. Farm owners Jamie Gray, his wife Julie, daughters Jodie and Cordelia and another person who can’t be named deny 12 charges under the Animal Welfare Act. The RSPCA told the court that when they visited Spindles Farm nearly a year ago they found 32 animal carcasses. When they returned on another occasion they found seven horse skulls next to a gate.

What’s on – The Willie Garnett Big Band make some seasonal offerings at the Marlow Jazz Club tonight in the British Legion Hall.

Monday 15th December

Shops packed – High Wycombe’s new shopping centre packed in thousands of Christmas shoppers in its busiest weekend ever, retailers said yesterday. Recession worries were forgotten as free parking and new stores attracted shoppers. Many retailers said there was some evidence that shoppers who normally visited neighbouring centres in Reading, Watford or west London were instead trying out Wycombe this year

Embarrassing error – The Ministry of Defence was embarrassed last night after it announced that a Royal Marne killed in Afghanistan came from High Wycombe, when, in fact, he originated from Sheffield. Papers and other media outlets were said yesterday that Lance Corporal Steven Fellows, 26, died in his armoured car when a roadside bomb exploded was a Wycombe man. The ministry was unable to explain how the error occurred.

What’s on – Scrooge and Co take the stage at Windsor’s Firestation Arts Centre tonight for a week long run of A Christmas Carol.

Sunday 14th December

Wycombe marine killed – A Royal Marine from High Wycombe has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence announced last night. Lance Corporal Steven Fellows, aged 26, died in Helmand province while taking part in a routine patrol in his Jackal armoured vehicle on Friday. Yesterday three other Marines from his unit – 45 Commando – were killed by a child suicide bomber. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, visiting the Marines base last night, said L/C and his colleagues “will never be forgotten”. Prayers for him will be said in Wycombe churches today. He is the second Royal Marine from the town to die in Afghanistan. Joe Windall, 22,died two years ago when a plane he was flying in exploded.

Good draw; poor PR – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor described yesterday’s goal-less encounter with Luton Town yesterday as a “good 0-0” and praised the efforts of all the players on a pitch covered with surface water. There was some annoyance from fans after the game however when the main bar at Adams Park was closed for a private function, denying many of them a drink after what was the final home game before Christmas.

What’s on – Rugby starlet Danny Cipriani will start today Wasps v Edinburgh game on the bench at Adams Park today after a bout of illness this week. The Heineken Cup game kicks off at 1.30pm

Saturday 13th December

Sat nav death – A driver who misunderstood his Sat Nav’s instructions is beginning a jail sentence today for causing the death of another driver. David Pulsford, 44, was driving in the dark when he turned the wrong way into a dual carriageway of the Amersham Road near Chalfont. He smashed head-on into a Saab driven by bride-to-be Samah Suliman,31, who died later in hospital. Police said Pulsford ignored two road signs indicating he should turn left into the dual carriageway but instead listened to his sat nav telling him to turn right. Sentencing him to 15 months for causing death by dangerous driving the judge, Justic Tyrer said : “Satellite navigation systems can be a useful aid but also a dangerous distraction.”

Flood alerts – Heavy rain today is likely to cause flooding problems in the Wycombe and Chiltern areas, weather forecasters are warning. Last night the Environment Agency put seven tributaries of the Thames on flood alert in Oxfordshire, warning that rivers may burst their banks.

What’s on – There was much sympathy among football supporters when Luton Town were docked a farcical 30 points at the beginning of this season. But such sympathy will go temporarily out of the window today when the Hatters visit Adams Park to take on Wycombe Wanderers in League 2.

Friday 12th December

Rape denial – A man charged with raping a 17 year old girl in High Wycombe 28 years ago denied the offence when he appeared in court yesterday. Geoffrey Stoneham, aged 62, from Kent was allowed bail but told to surrender his passport. He’ll stand trial next June.
Mounted cops – Mounted police began patrolling Wycombe’s town centre last night as part of a Christmas campaign to control yobs. With more clubs, pubs and entertainment venues than ever before in the town centre this Christmas – attracting all age groups – the police and council say the presence of cops on horseback will deter any rowdyism and make the town centre feel safe at night.

– Wycombe’s panto, Snow White, which launches at the Swan tonight, is a family affair. Show biz husband and wife pair Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane are joined on stage by their 12 year old daughter Lucy – the Good Fairy – and eight year old son Jack in the chorus line. Meanwhile in Windsor veteran comic Roy Walker comes out of retirement to play the Firestation arts centre tonight.

Thursday 11th December

Getting worried – There’s increasing concern about the future of Wycombe’s High Street as, along with other branches throughout the country, Woolworth begins a closing down sale today. Councillors and business leaders fear that if Woolies landmark building was empty for some time it would leave WH Smith – the only other “big time” retailer with a sizeable store in the High Street - and the town’s market isolated as most other main-line traders have moved to the Chilterns and Eden shopping centres further west.

Top banger – Chalfont farmers Stephen and Vicky Hinds are celebrating after their speciality chilli and coriander brand of sausages was named the National Pedigree Sausage of the Year by the British Pig Association at the Smithfield Christmas show.

What’s on – The choir of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle perform their exquisite Christmas words and music concert tonight and tomorrow tonight. While, at the other end of the festive entertainment scale, the wonderfully named Ian Cognito joins other stand up comics Geoff Norcott and Matt Reed at the Hellfire Comedy Club in Wycombe Town Hall tonight.

Wednesday 10th December

Data deal – A deal to build Europe’s second biggest data centre near High Wycombe was agreed yesterday. The massive computer data storage building - covering 50 acres on the site of the old Molins cigarette machine factory at Saunderton – will have a turf roof and major landscaping so it blends in with the Chiltern countryside. But it will also be one of the most protected buildings in the country with high fences and an army of security guards.

"Grotesque" cruelty claim - Experienced vets had never witnessed such “grotesque” animal cruelty as that inflicted on horses and doneys at Spindles Farm near Great Missenden a court heard yesterday on the opening day of a ten week trial. Many of the animals had to be put down after they had been left to “stand a die” said the prosecution. James Gray, 45, Julie Gray, 41, Jodie Gray, 26, Cordelia Gray, 20, and a teenage boy who cannot be named are standing trial at Bicester Magistrates Court where they deny a total of 12 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006

What’s on - Christmas tours around Windsor Castle are underway most evenings between now and the end of the year...but they do set you back £50. Latest panto to launch is a non-professional production of Dick Whittington at Maidenhead town hall.

Tuesday 9th December

Wycombe's shops are holding out better than expected in the recession. Councillors were told last night that more than 10,000 people a day are visting the town's Eden Centre - less than earlier in the year when it first opened but "very, very good in the current economic climate", said Hugh McCarthy, the town's economy spokesman.

Monday 8th December

Sickness abounds – Councillors in Wycombe meet tonight to decide how to tackle massive sickness levels in the town hall. More than half of the staff in the council’s one stop shop are on long or medium term sickness leave says a report, with average sickness leave averaging more than 20 days a year for staff in the council’s customer services centre.

Booze bans – Windsor and Maidenhead look set to extend their alcohol free zones in their town centres after a big drop in booze related crime.

What’s on – Different slants on Christmas today – top folk singers gather at their Monday venue, Nettlebed village hall, for a Folksy Christmas, while Wycombe’s Environment Centre invites everyone to come and see how you can enjoy a “sustainable” Christmas. More traditional fayre at Wycombe’s Roman Catholic church, St Francis of Assisi with a carol concert tonight.

Sunday 7th December

Not all bad – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor seemed almost relieved when his side lost their unbeaten record in a 3-2 League Two defeat at Aldershot yesterday. The Blues were the last professional side in England to still be unbeaten, a statistic that some believe was beginning to influence the dressing room. “Some might say the players are glad the unbeaten tag is out of the way,” he said after the game. The Chairboys are still six point clear at the top of the league.

Shops go mad – A cross the board 50 per cent reduction on everything at Woolworth and 30 per cent reductions in Bhs and House of Fraser – coupled with free parking in Wycombe town centre – caused shopping mayhem in High Wycombe yesterday. Woolies – which is in administration – had its shelves virtually cleared of toys.
RWhat’s on – The traditional Festival of Carols takes place in Wycombe Swan at 4.30 and 8pm today while at the Aston Rowant Nature Reserve between 5pm and 7pm there’s a festive Lantern Walk.

Saturday 6th December

YouTube hit – A spoof movie showing a drunk torn between two rival kebab vans in High Wycombe High Street, shot to the tune of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, passed 23,000 hits yesterday and has sent sales at the two vans sky high. It was shot by students at Bucks New Uni in the town. Free parking – The council is providing free parking in its car parks in the centre of Wycombe today in a further attempt to lure Christmas shoppers to the town. What’s On – The National Trust’s Hughenden Manor is decked up for Christmas Victorian style, and opens its doors for the next week today. Tonight its the turn of Reading’s panto to debut – Dick Whittington at the Hexagon. Stars Eastenders’ John Altman and ‘Allo ‘Allo’s Guy Siner. `

Friday 5th December

Disco shooting – A man and a woman will appear in court today charged in connection with the killing of a Wycombe woman shot at a disco four years ago. Reston Braham, 46, of Rhine Close, Caversham is charged with the manslaughter of Natasha Derby, aged 23, who died of her injuries after the shooting on the dancefloor of the Wycombe Multi-Cultural Centre. Hazel Forde, also of Caversham, is charged with perverting the course of justice and being in possession of an illegal gun. Another woman, Michelle Phillips, is to appear in court later charged with perverting the course of justice. A man who was charged with Natasha’s murder in 2005 was later acquitted. The new charges follow a review of the case by police.

Stadium plan – Plans to extend Adams Park rather than build a new football/rugby stadium for WycombeWanderers and London Wasps are now being discussed according to informed sources. But before the stadium can increase significantly, a new road will have to be built to the M40 to improve access. Meanwhile on the pitch, Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor was named League 2’s manager of the month yesterday.

What’s on – Peter Duncan has written and directed Oxford’s panto, Sleeping Beauty, which opens at the city’s Playhouse tonight. Christmas theme at Wycombe Swan too tonight – a festive version of the west end singalong, Beyond the Barricades.

Thursday 4th December

Blues future – Steve Hayes, the managing director of Wycombe Wanderers, is expected to outline his thoughts on the future at the club’s annual general meeting tonight, after he took control yesterday of the rugby premiership team London Wasps, who share Wycombe’s Adams Park ground. Wanderers owe multi-millionaire Hayes around £7m but at present the club’s constitution prevents him from outright ownership. The move is likely to mean an even closer relationship between the Chairboys and the Wasps and Hayes made clear yesterday he wants to pursue plans for a new stadium in the town. He went out of his way to praise the local council for its “positive approach” in helping Wanderers and Wasps build a new 20,000 seater stadium.

Track worker killed - An inquiry is being held into how a railway track worker died after being struck by an early morning train at High Wycombe yesterday. The worker is expected to be named today. Early morning rush hour services were thrown into chaos when the station was closed while British Transport Police sealed off the area. Passengers in Wycombe were advised to start their journeys eight miles away in Amersham.

What’s on – More festive festivities today with the launch of Chesham’s panto – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Lee Bright and Alexis Corley at the Elgiva - and Marlow’s Christmas shopping night.

Wednesday 3rd December

Flying high – South American flair gave Wycombe Wanderers one of their best wins of the season at Adams Park last night. Brazilian Magno Vieira scored twice, Columbian Angelo Balanta knocked in a supergoal and Englishman Leon Johnson added a fourth in a 4-0 win against Macclesfield. The result puts the Blues seven points clear at the top of League Two and now 18 league games unbeaten. It was a particularly good result following a shock 2-0 defeat by non-league Eastwood Town in the FA Cup on Saturday and bearing in mind that three first choice strikers were missing through injury or illness and a fourth is out on loan.

Tree mystery – Police and council officials are baffled as to why someone went to enormous lengths – and risk – to kill off one of High Wycombe’s finest trees. The giant silver maple in the centre of the busy park, The Rye, was expertly attacked by someone with a chain saw who cut evenly around the entire bark. The attacker then poured fuel into the cut, thereby ensuring that the tree would eventually wither and die. Council workmen are now to cut it down and replant another, but in the meantime police are appealing for witnesses.

What’s on – They’re off...the local panto season gets underway tonight with two opening productions – Peter Pan at Windsor Theatre Royal with Jack Ellis, Christopher Parker and Gin the Dog, who came to fame in the Britain’s Got Talent TV show this year. Meanwhile there’s a local production of Dick Whittington at Marlow’s Shelley Theatre which finishes on Sunday.

Tuesday 2nd December

Driving out – The last Rover dealer in the Wycombe area is closing down in the new year. SMC in London Road will close in February and be demolished. The dealership, which has branches throughout Bucks and Berks, concentrated its Rover cars in High Wycombe after the car maker went under two years ago. Now spares and remaining cars for sale will be transferred to a smaller garage in Iver Heath.

Top ten – Rebecca Romera, the Marlow based athlete who is only the second woman to win Olympic medals in two separate sports – in her case cycling and rowing – was shortlisted last night as one of ten potential recipients of the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. Viewers will make the decision later this month but Rebecca will have to beat favourites Lewis Hamilton and Chris Hoy.

What’s on – Peter Taylor – nominated yesterday as League Two’s manager of the month for the third month in succession – will be looking to maintain Wycombe Wanderers’ unbeaten league record tonight when the Blues entertain Macclesfield at Adams Park.

Monday 1st December

Green shoots? – Many shops in the Wycombe area reported brisk trading this weekend despite the poor weather. It coincided with good news for Woolworth staff in High Wycombe who are likely to be told this week that because the store is in such a prime location it is likely to be saved from closure. Meanwhile local estate agents reported that house inquiries and sales perked up in November for the first time for months. On the other side of the coin however, staff at the Wycombe based waste company Biffa may face redundancies after the company announced a restructuring.

Hit and run – A 12 year old girl is in a stable condition in hospital after a car accident in which the driver failed to stop. Six hours after the accident in Chapel Lane, High Wycombe, a 37 year old woman was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and failing to stop at an accident.

What’s on – Now December is with us, they are serving up traditional Christmas treats at the Wycombe Swan. Moscow City Ballet present The Nutcracker tonight and tomorrow night.

Sunday 30th November

Giant killed – Over the years Wycombe Wanderers has enjoyed being the giant killer in cup competitions. Yesterday the boot was on the other foot. The Blues, unbeaten in the league and riding high at the top of their division, were humbled by a club two divisions below them on a sloping ground not unlike the one Wycombe used to have in its non-league days. Eastwood Town won 2-0 in the second round of the FA Cup, leaving the Chairboys out of all cup competitions this season.

What’s on - The acclaimed Berks,Bucks and Oxon Big Band holds its annual festive gig at Bourne End’s Community Hall tonight, while Mendelssohn’s Elijah is performed at Wycombe Swan. Over in Oxford, popular comic Jethro is on at the city’s New Theatre.

Saturday 29th November

Upsetting journalists...Relations between police and local journalists are at their lowest after charges against a Buckinghamshire newspaper reporter were thrown out by a judge yesterday. A 50 year old part time weekly journalist, Sally Murrer, was interrogated three times, strip searched, held in cells for 24 hour periods and allegedly had her phone bugged after she allegedly received a tip about a local story from Thames Valley Police sergeant Mark Kerney. But yesterday Mr Justice Southwell ruled that evidence from a police bugging operation to try and prove that confidential information had been leaked was inadmissible. He criticised the police’s heavy handed methods, saying such methods should only be considered when national security was at stake.

The National Union of Journalists accused Thames Valley Police of acting “above the law, trampling over well-established journalistic rights.” But in a statement, the police refused to apologise or admit they were wrong, simply saying instead they were “disappointed”. Sgt Kerney retired early from the police force after suffering a stroke during a pre-trial hearing. Mrs Murrer says she is likely to give up journalism because of the stress, but may sue the police and give any damages to charity.

Upsetting politicians – Police succeeded in not only antagonising journalists around the country yesterday, but politicians as well. The arrest of front bench shadow spokesman Damien Green for also allegedly leaking information was rounded on by politicians from all sides. Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve, the Shadow Home Secretary, said Mr Green was bringing “perfectly legitimate matters” into the public domain.

Friday 28th November

New pub - Wetherspoon’s are bucking the trend and opening a new pub in Wycombe town centre today. The William Robert Loosley will feature two big bars and has plans to feature live bands. The company, which also owns the Falcon in the town centre, has spent more than half a million pounds refurbishing what was the Hogshead pub in Oxford Road. Originally is was the site of the Hull, Loosley and Pearce furniture store – and William Robert Loosley was the Wycombe carpenter who founded the shop nearly 150 years ago.

Managers meet – Wycombe Wanderers current manager Peter Taylor meets up with former manager John Gorman today to help promote Mr Gorman’s book at Waterstones in Wycombe town centre. The two are old friends, both playing for Spurs in their younger days. When Mr Gorman was in charge of the Chairboys three years ago, the team went 21 games unbeaten – a club record. So far Mr Taylor has led the team to 17 games unbeaten – and Mr Gorman hopes his old mate will beat his record. The pair are signing John Gorman’s autobiography from 1pm.

What’s on – Chesham holds its Victorian Christmas shopping evening tonight to get people in festive spirit, while on stage there’s Marlow’s comedy club at the Crowne Plaza while veteran comic Jimmy James, who makes Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand look like Andy Pandy and Teddy, plays Aylesbury Civic Centre. Strictly adult humour only.

Thursday 27th November

Worried shopworkers – Staff at Woolworth and MFI stores in the Wycombe area will hear what the immediate future holds for them today after both stores went into administration yesterday. In Wycombe, where Woolies landmark store stands on the site of the historic Red Lion Hotel, there has been concern over its future all year. The company is believed to have renewed its lease only at the last minute when it was due in the summer. Its closure would be a major problem for the council seeking to stop that end of the town becoming dead after the opening of the new Eden shopping centre. Similarly, any closure of the big MFI store in the Knave’s Beech retail park in Loudwater would leave a big hole to fill.

Cops boost – Sara Thornton, chief constable of Thames Valley Police, will today give her backing to a Government report which yesterday called for big pay increases for police working in the Wycombe and south Bucks area. The force has had trouble retaining police officers because they can move just a few miles to the Metropolitan Police area and earn £6,000 in allowances - £4,000 more than they get here. There are also other perks. The Home Affairs Committee said yesterday the difference needed to be much smaller.

What’s on – Contrasting entertainment next door to each other in High Wycombe tonight. In the town hall lively stand-ups Mike Wilmot, Mark Olver and Nathan Caton let rip at the Hellfire Comedy Club, while in the adjoining Wycombe Swan the rather more sedate Mozart Festival Orchestra present a concert by candlelight.

Wednesday 26th November

Wycombe tribute – Counillors are considering whether to set up a permanent memorial in the town to Richard Hickox, regarded as Britain’s finest conductor, who died from a suspected heart attack aged 60 at the weekend. Mr Hickox was born in Stokenchurch, learned his music at St Paul’s Church in Wooburn Green, where his father was vicar, and attended Wycombe’s Royal Grammar School.

Another win - Wycombe extended their lead at the top of the table after another impressive display at Notts County last night. The Chairboys dominated the match and ran out 2-0 winners to record their 10th league victory of the season and remain unbeaten. Wycombe are now four points clear at the top of league 2 with a game in hand over all their rivals.

Katherine’s rethink – Marlow’s world champion rower Katherine Grainger has decided against retirement to have a final fling for a gold medal at the London Olympics. The 32 year old was one of the favourites for a gold in the Beijing Games, but had to settle for a silver in one of Britain’s rare disappointments. Whether she is able to compete though depends on the rowing team’s management.

What’s on – Paddy McGuinness, the Bolton comic and sidekick to Peter Kay who was recently named Britain’s second most sexiest man, makes his stand-up debut at Wycombe Swan tonight.

Tuesday 25th November

Drivers warned – Police last night urged drivers to lock their car doors while driving through the Wycombe area at night after two incidents of a man jumping into the back seats of vehicles as they slowed at traffic lights or junctions. He then produces a knife and robs the driver. It’s thought the attacker – aged 18 to 20 – may be linked to other attacks.

Phone free – Chiltern Railways is thinking of putting rubber “shields” on some of its carriages on the Wycombe – Marylebone route to prevent passengers using mobile phones. It comes after a survey showed that passengers were often annoyed by loud-talking people on mobiles. A rubber shield on parts of a carriage would prevent radio signals getting to phones, thus creating phone-free areas.

What’s on – Richard Alston’s award winning contemporary dance company perform three new routines at Wycombe Swan tonight. Before the show the choreographer is talking to enthusiasts in the theatre’s adjoining Oak Room.

Monday 24th November

Terrorist killed - The suspected ringleader of an alleged terrorist plot involving people in High Wycombe was reported yesterday to have been killed in a US missile attack in the border regions of Pakistan. Rashid Rauf, aged 27, was reported killed along with at least four other alleged militants. Intelligence sources said he was behind a plot to blow up aircraft flying from Heathrow for which seven men, including two from Wycombe, are due to be retried next year. They deny any involvement.

Attendances down – More evidence this weekend that the economic downturn is hitting local sport. Crowds at Adams Park for both football and rugby were disappointing – around 4,500 turning up for Wycombe Wanderers game against Port Vale on Saturday, even though the Blues are unbeaten and top of the league, and just over 8,000 for yesterday’s London Wasps v Sale match in the Guinness Premiership, a match which would normally be expected to be a sell-out.

What’s on – The musical Chess opens at Oxford Playhouse tonight for a two week run. Meanwhile the popular folk music venue at Nettlebed features a night of tribute to Bob Dylan.

Sunday 23rd November

Big search – A former Army intelligence officer was found safe and well yesterday after a massive search involving helicopters and tracker dogs. Phillip Churm, 47, was reported missing after he didn’t return from a walk in Wycombe’s Bradenham Woods near his home on Wednesday afternoon.

Back on top – Wycombe Wanderers returned to the top of League 2 yesterday, two points clear and with a game in hand, after a solid win against Port Vale at Adams Park . Chris Zebroski and Matt Harrold scored two apiece in the Blues 4-2 victory.

What’s on – Adams Park hosts the premiership rugby match between London Wasps v Sale this afternoon. Elsewhere, a display of the Queen's Commonwealth Gifts from 1952 to 2007 will be on view at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park from 3pm to 5pm. Tonight veteran comic Ken Dodd plays Wycombe Swan, but there are only a handful of tickets left.

Saturday 22nd November

Silver lining - Wycombe Swan is relying on musicals to cheer people up as the recession threatens to bite next year. The theatre’s winter and spring programme, announced yesterday, includes Chicago, West Side Story, Flashdance, Blonde Bombshells, Honk! and David Essex’s new musical All The Fun of the Fair.

Papers relieved - There was relief among local newspapers yesterday when the BBC Trust turned down plans by the Corporation to launch BBC Local, a video news channel which many felt would be a major blow to local papers already suffering from decreased advertising revenues and declining circulations. Newsquest, owners of the Bucks Free Press, said yesterday it would be freezing the pay of all its staff, following a similar announcement from Trinity Mirror, who own the Buckinghamshire Advertiser/Bucks Examiner. Trinity Mirror added though that it would now be launching its own local video news channel.

What’s on – There’s a traditional lantern procession though Windsor this evening to mark the “official” start of Christmas festivities, and the Windsor ghost walks start for the season. Elsewhere, on stage, the Fast Show’s Simon Day plays Wycombe Town Hall while on the pitch Wycombe Wanderers play Port Vale at Adams Park. In Beaconsfield the town’s annual Art Show takes place at Beaconsfield School.

Friday 21st November

Boom day – The recession went out of the window for a day in Marks and Spencer yesterday. The new Eden store in High Wycombe had its busiest day since it opened after the company knocked 20 per cent off the price of virtually everything. It was just as hetic in other M&S stores in the area.

Million to one chance - A toddler needing a bone marrow transplant has found a donor with a perfect match in a million to one chance. Two year old Iona Stratton, a leukaemia sufferer from Tring, has a white father and a Chinese mother so the chances of finding a match was rare. But after an appeal on Facebook a woman in Australia responded and turned out to be a perfect match. Iona had a transplant on Wednesday.

What’s on – Waddesdon Manor is decorated for Christmas and opens to the public tonight with Christmas music and dancing. Further south, Ascot Racecourse hosts a big Christmas craft fair today, and while you’re that way, Eton switches on its Christmas lights. Last of the Chesham Comedy Club sessions tonight at Chesham FC’s clubhouse.

Thursday 20th November

Bizarre suicide – It looks like the man found with his throat cut in the driveway of a Downley home at the weekend was a bizarre suicide. Police said last night he had been identified but they were holding his name back until his mother, who lives abroad, had been informed. They said they felt no other person was involved in his death.

Doherty’s team – Babyshambles star Pete Doherty has paid £500 to kit out the pub football team at the Queen’s Head in Hazlemere, High Wycombe. The shirts have a transfer of his image on the front and now the 29 year old is hoping the play for the side. He was introduced to the pub by a mate.

What’s on – Stand up comics do their thing at the Hellfire Comedy Club in Wycombe Town Hall tonight; Aylesbury switches on its Christmas lights; and Irish entertainer Dominic Kirwan plays Aylesbury Civic Centre, accompanied by Tremeloes star Chip Hawkes.

Wednesday 19th November

Second rape – Police are investigating a second rape in High Wycombe in three weeks. The latest was an attack on a 23 year old woman in the gents toilets at the Orchard Reloaded night club in Hazlemere in the early hours of last Friday. A 22 year old man is helping police inquiries. It follows the rape of a 16 year old girl in Booker on Halloween.

What’s on – An advanced screening of the black comedy movie Choke is being shown at Wycombe Cineworld in the Eden tonight, two days before its official British launch.

Tuesday 18th November

No clues – Police were last night no nearer identifying the man found with his throat cut on a Downley driveway despite house to house inquiries and contacts with police forces throughout the country. Officers will spend today checking hundreds of recent missing person reports.

Trains disrupted – Hundreds of local train passengers can expect disruption tonight, tomorrow and Thursday while the signalling system for a new railway station near Aylesbury is connected up. Buses will run between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough and between Aylesbury and Wendover instead of trains, and Marylebone services to and from Wendover will be reduced. It is all to accommodate the new Aylesbury Vale Parkway station – the first new station in the area for over 50 years – which will come into operation on 14 December.

What’s on – The musical Annie opens for a five night run at Wycombe Swan tonight, while at Windsor’s Theatre Royal, Alan Ayckbourn’s adaptation of the farce Tons of Money also opens starring Christopher Timothy, Caroline Langrishe and Judi Dench’s daughter Finty Wiilliams.

Monday 17th November

Death mystery – Police will today launch a nationwide appeal in an attempt to identify the body of a man found dead with stab wounds in the driveway of a house in Downley at the weekend. After a post mortem yesterday police were still unable to say if the man, who had several stab wounds in his neck, was killed by somebody else. They also have no idea who he is, even though a mobile phone was found on the body. He is black, aged in his thirties, with a slight beard at the point of his chin. He was wearing jogging bottoms, a fleece, a beanie hat and trainers.

Company bid – A troubled High Wycombe based building company is expected to become the subject of a takeover bid this week. Taylor Wimpey, which has been laying off staff and whose share price has plummeted, is reported to be the target of two American private equity firms.

Manager linked – Watford Football Club was refusing to comment last night on reports that it wants Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor to fill its vacant manager post. Soccer sources claimed that Watford will ask Wycombe today for permission to talk with Taylor, who only joined the Blues this summer and has made a big impression. Wanderers are the only unbeaten side in the Football League.

Sunday 16th November

Death probe – A Home Office pathologist will carry out a post mortem on a man in his thirties found dead on the driveway of a home in Downley yesterday. He was found in Telford Way shortly after dawn at at eight o’clock with unspecified injuries to his throat, and it’s likely he had been there all night. Last night police were still keeping an open mind on how he died, but today’s post mortem should decide whether they are dealing with a murder case.

Sheep attacked – The National Trust said yesterday it may have to close off the Chilterns beauty spot, Coombe Hill, near Wendover, to the public if some dog owners continue to refuse to put their dogs on a lead. A number of rare sheep grazing around the headland have been attacked and injured by dogs, despite prominent notices requesting pets to be leashed.

Great show – Wycombe Wanderers’ unbeaten run was extended with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Bradford City at Adams Park yesterday, following a determined goal from full back Lewis Hunt. However, it was the introduction of lively on-loan striker Angelo Bulanta at the start of the second half that galvanised the side and made them worthy winners over their promotion rivals.

Saturday 15th November

Passengers searched – Police checked passengers arriving in High Wycombe via train last night to see if they were carrying knives. The mobile “knife arch” which was used at Aylesbury College earlier this week, was set up for six hours at the railway station entrance. It was part of a clamp down on knife related crimes. Meanwhile, four people were being held on drug-related crimes last night after police raided a number of addresses in High Wycombe.

Tourism award – The Roald Dahl museum in Great Missenden won a top tourist award yesterday. It was named best small visitor attraction in the 2008 Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.

Ownership bid – Wycombe Wanderers fans will have more to discuss than maintaining the club’s unbeaten record when they gather for the match against Bradford City at Adams Park today. They’ll also be discussing an offer by the club’s multi-millionaire managing director, Steve Hayes, to convert nearly £6m the Blues owe him into shares, provided he becomes sole owner of the club.

Friday 14th November

Arson attacks – Police and fire experts are trying to determine if two major blazes in the space of eight hours yesterday were started by the same arsonist. At one o’clock in the morning a pair of barns at Copas Farm, Cookham were destroyed, killing 500 chicks, destroying tons of hay and wrecking farm machinery. Then, seven hours later a warehouse at Brittanica Nuseries in Farnham Royal was virtually destroyed. Last night it was still unclear if that was the work of an arsonist.

New striker – Wycombe Wanderers manager Peter Taylor pulled off a coup yesterday landing one of football’s leading youngsters for an eight week loan. Eighteen year old Angelo Bulanta has already made 19 appearances for Queen’s Park Rangers and scored three goals. Now he is with the Blues to ensure he gets more first team experience.

Thursday 13th November

Station plans – Planners reached agreement yesterday on major improvements to High Wycombe’s railway station. Room will be made for buses to pull into the station forecourt so passengers can get straight from train to bus and vice versa to and from all areas of the town. A multi-story car park will more than double the car parking capacity and improvements will be made to give better access to the station for cyclists and pedestrians. Chiltern Railways will now draw up a detailed plan, which is also likely to include provision of a hotel above the existing station buildings. The whole development could be completed within two years.

Jobless up – As expected, the number of jobless leapt in the Wycombe area during October according figures announced yesterday, but officials believe the true position may be worse than official figures show. An extra 500 people claimed jobseekers allowance in October in the Wycombe, Beaconsfield and Amersham area – and increase of around 20 per cent. But it’s thought hundreds are not claiming allowances and many more are working shorter working weeks. According to the stats, around one per cent of the working population is officially unemployed, one of the best positions in the country. Most of those losing their jobs are in managerial and professionals roles. Figures for Windsor, Maidenhead and Aylesbury regions show similar increases.

Christmas is official – The festive lights go on in Wycombe tonight marking the official start of the Christmas countdown. There’ll be a Christmas parade through the town from 6pm headed by Father Christmas and reindeers. Stars of Wycombe Swan’s panto will also be around.

Wednesday 12th November

Jobs gloom – Major companies with headquarters in High Wycombe announced nationwide job cuts yesterday, some of which are expected to fall in this area. Builders Taylor Wimpey said a further 1,000 job cuts were planned and technology company Psion announced 200 job losses. Nearby, publishers Yell, based at Reading, announced 1,300 job losses. It’s expected that when official unemployment figures are announced tomorrow they will be the worst for 10 years, both locally and nationally.

Knife arch – A thousand students at Aylesbury College yesterday became the first in the area to have to walk through a “knife arch” to get to their classes. The mobile arch, which detects weapons being carried by people who walk through it, was set up in a surprise move by police. However, none of the students were detected carrying any weapons. Police are expected to launch knife arch spot checks at other colleges in the Wycombe area.

Parking row – A councillor said last night he will try to get parking tickets withdrawn after they were issued to musicians taking part in the Remembrance Day parade in Princes Risborough on Sunday. The band members, from RAF Halton, had parked on double yellow lines near to the start of the parade, but Councillor Dennis Green said they should not have been issued because of the “sensitivity of the day”. But another councillor said he would fight any attempt to rescind the tickets. “Taking part in a Remembrance Day parade doesn’t mean you are above the law,” he said.

Tuesday 11th November

Flood alerts – The Environment Agency issued a dozen flood alerts in the Thames region last night, including the area around the River Thame, following heavy rain. There have been a number of alerts in recent week causing concern that the ground is already saturated even before winter sets in. Police urged motorists to slow down as minor flooding affected evening rush hour roads.