It feels like it was a long time ago we called for ordinary people to climb this extraordinary mountain and now we are just weeks away from departure.
On September 18th our team will leave the UK for the most incredible experience of their lives.
We trek through equatorial rainforest rich in wildlife, including elephant and waterbuck, across moorlands and above remote gorges where you can relive the excitement felt by the first explorers. We camp by mesmerising lakes fed by waterfalls. On clear days we can see the summit of Kilimanjaro, 200 miles away across the African savannah. We summit at dawn to capture the sunrise over this spiky eerie landscape and we marvel at what seems like all of Africa falling away below.
The diversity of habitat and wildlife, the absence of other trekkers, and geography akin to the set of Jurassic Park combined with the challenge of the ascent make a climb to Point Lenana an experience never to be forgotten.
If you are suffering from any form of FOMO and think it’s too late to join us, it is not. Please email Cheryl@chilterncentre.org.uk today.
Be one of the lucky ones to experience this incredible mountain and get in touch with us today.
A Great Day for You. A Lasting Difference for Others.
Think about how you feel after a great day on the golf course.
You’ve spent hours outdoors in the fresh air. You’ve enjoyed the beauty of the surroundings, the warmth of the sun on your face, the camaraderie of friends and teammates, and the satisfaction that comes from being active and fully present in the moment.
You leave feeling refreshed, energised and connected. The stresses of everyday life seem a little lighter, your mood is lifted, and the memories of a great day stay with you long after you’ve left the 18th green.
At the Chiltern Centre, we see those same benefits every day through the activities we provide.
The people we support often experience stress, anxiety, loneliness or isolation. Through meaningful activities, social opportunities and shared experiences, they gain confidence, build friendships and enjoy moments that bring happiness, purpose and connection. Just like a great day on the golf course, the positive effects often last for days afterwards.
By taking part in our Golf Day, you’re helping to make those moments possible.
Every entry, every sponsorship and every donation helps us create opportunities for people to feel connected, valued and included in their community.
So while you’re enjoying a wonderful day of golf, you’re also giving someone else the chance to experience the same feelings of wellbeing, friendship and joy.
That’s what makes this more than just a golf day. It’s a day that changes lives.
Why Your Round Matters
The activities provided by the Chiltern Centre create many of those same benefits for the people we support. They help reduce stress, anxiety and isolation while building confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.
When you join our Golf Day, you’re helping more people experience those moments of happiness and connection that can stay with them long after the day is over.
Our Sponsors
We are fortunate to have our headline sponsor this year Ward Connections
Chris Ward and his team have been sponsors and regular players at our charity golf days for over 15 years. As our very first golf day sponsor we are delighted to have his support once again.
Also, for the second year, TG Gym and Wellness are back to sponsor one of our new interactive holes.
Doing it for the girls are our second interactive hole sponsor Tim Peers Estate Agents. Now an all female agency they will also be entering a team to take part in the day.
New for 2026 is the fabulous team at Blanchards Law the family lawyers putting you first.
It will soon be that time again for one of our favourite events of the year – Regatta for the Disabled 2026!
Why do we love this event so much?
Too often young people with disabilities are excluded from social activities. The places their peers go can feel overwhelming or inaccessible without additional support and the unique barriers that young people with learning disabilities face can make forming friendships particularly challenging. At The Chiltern Centre, we teach young people to open those doors. We focus on what is possible, supporting them to take on new challenges, discover their potential, and live with confidence and joy.
The vision is simple: a world where disability does not limit opportunity.
To witness the difference our supporters and this event makes to the adults that we support come along for a lovely day out and see for yourself.
At the end of May, The Chiltern Centre was invited to the launch of new festival, a Sunlflower Festival.
Organised by Philippa Ratcliffe from Experience Henley, the festival runs from 1st – 15th August and forms part of Henley RHS Britain in Bloom entry.
On the 8th August, Falaise Square will host sunflower themed stalls and displays featuring local organisation including Greener Henley, Henley in Bloom, Stonor Valley Farm, The Flower Tap and The Chiltern Centre, alongside other community partners. Sunflower-themed displays will feature in shops where you can buy the sunflower seeds including the Town Hall, Asquith’s Teddy Bear Empawium, Tigers and Tiara’s and many more.
Long term supporters and friends Emily Carr and her family from Stonor Valley Farm will be creating a sunflower display in Market Place for us all to enjoy as well. Emily will also be visiting local schools to talk about sewing, growing and showing your sunflowers.
So come and see us and all of the homegrown goodness on 8th August.
Thank you to everyone helping to make Henley bloom and support a great cause.
In my last post about our golfing charity partnerships I used the words remarkable for the fact that not 1 but 4 golf clubs had decided to support us during their captaincies in 2025. What has turned out to be both remarkable and extraordinary is the captains themselves and their unwavering support for The Chiltern Centre.
I also quoted that they were collectively estimated to raise £60,000 just for the Centre. They have in fact raised more than £70,000 for The Chiltern Centre and almost £100,000 in total with those funds being split between Prostate Cancer UK and Bluebells Day Centre.
To name these superhuman beings again we cannot be more anymore grateful to;
Badgemore Park – Ruth Cassidy
Henley Golf Club – Jeff Ellis and Janet Thompson
Castle Royle – Muriel Quinsac
Huntercombe – Clare Lennon and Ian Whittaker
Each captain hosts multiple events throughout their captains year from a big charity day, to individual captains fun days with fancy dress and quiz sheets, their own tournaments and these extend beyond their own golf clubs to away days as well.
Money is raised mostly through raffles, mulligans (an official way of cheating through paying for an free shot!) and even paying the pro’s to drive for you. All in the name of a good cause.
Our heartfelt congratulations go out to all of the captains, their supporters and in turn our supporters. It has been a year of dedication, a busy inbox and early starts to fit it all in but best of all, it has been a year of fun and joy.
Thank you one and all.
Henley Golf Club Captains Janey Thompson and Jeff Ellis with Cheryl from The Chiltern and Glen Lambert from Bluebells Cay Centre receiving a cheque for £40,000.
Muriel Quinsac, Lady Captain at Castle Royle with Oisin Lynch.
Lady Captain Clare Lennon from Huntercombe Golf Club with hers and Ian Whittaker’s cheque for £28,000. Pictured with AGM Tom MacAuley
Inspired by the World Cup 2026, the wonderful Szabi at Menza Cafe is organising Henley’s first Menza summer football tournament, and we are thrilled he has chosen to do this in support of The Chiltern Centre and their 26 in ’26 challenge!
How does it fit I hear you ask? As well as being inspired by the ’26 World Cup the teams will be playing 52 minute games; 2 halves of 26 minutes!
What you need to know before you register your team.
This is a men’s football tournament for 2026
Matches will be 8 a side – you can register a team of up to 12 players
Tournament is designed for adults and players must be 30 years or over (Menza will accept a maximum of 2 players aged 18 – 30)
You will be asked for a team name when registering. You will also be asked for players names (don’t worry if you don’t have all of the names yet)
Match days are 6th June, 13th June, 20th June, 27th of June, 11th July semi-finals, 18th July final
The First 2 teams qualify from the groups to the playoffs
If a team doesn’t show up for the game it will be awarded 3:0 victory for the other team
If two teams have the same point the goal difference will decide and then the number of goals they scored
Each game is 2x26min
Working with FA registered referees
All the games will be played with FIFA approved balls
Team fee £250
The Chiltern Centre is dedicated to supporting young adults with learning disabilities. They may also have physical disabilities and/or complex medical needs. We offer each individual a range of experiences, enabling them to spend time with friends, learn new skills and enjoy new opportunities, whilst their families enjoy a much-needed break. Vitally, we provide invaluable continuity of support and care between teen and adult years.
Each young adult has a unique range of needs and wishes that we are ideally placed to support them with. We encourage them to learn new skills, build towards greater independence, make friends and have fun. By focusing on choice, and the individual needs of each young adult, they gain confidence and self-esteem and experience greater joy in their lives.
The Chiltern Centre provides a safe space to form friendships and do things that might never normally be accessible to them. They are able to feel part of a community, to feel the confidence that comes from doing things that are new, different and exciting. They are able to have independence from their family. They are able to socialise with people of similar ages and with whom they share interests. Through careful timetabling, we are able to ensure that young adults come to the Centre alongside others with whom they share a bond, an interest or a rapport so that they truly enjoy their time with us. They are able to learn new independence skills that will set them up for the next stage of their lives. They are able to share meals, enjoy a relaxed evening and do crafts together. They are able to get out and about and enjoy all that the local area has to offer.
We are challenging the whole community to support our marathon team by doing their 26 in ’26 – but what does this mean?
26 hours?
26 miles?
26 times?
This challenge is about more than fundraising — it’s about people coming together for good. Whether you’re taking part on your own or with friends, your involvement will help support an important cause while having fun and feeling proud of what you’ve achieved. We’d love for you to join us.
26 in ’26 is your personal challenge. All we ask is that it involves 26 to show your support #challenge26in26
Can you run 26 miles? Or for 26 hours? or for 26 days?!
Can you stay silent for 26 hours? Switch off the internet for 26 hours?
Can your child do something for an hour a day over 26 days? Dance? Hoopla? Skip? Learn a new language?
Can you read 26 books this year? or write 26 stories?
Can 26 of you do something 26 times?
Can you play chess for 26 hours? Or knit a 26 mile scarf?
In true Chiltern Centre style we have created the most inclusive fundraiser ever! You choose your 26, register and start raising awareness, collecting donations, feeling great and changing lives.
Anyone can take part, on your own or as a team. Collaborate with others …. the possibilities are endless and you can start right now!
The closing date for your 26 is the 26th December.
The Chiltern Centre is dedicated to supporting young adults with learning disabilities. They may also have physical disabilities and/or complex medical needs. We offer each individual a range of experiences, enabling them to spend time with friends, learn new skills and enjoy new opportunities, whilst their families enjoy a much-needed break. Vitally, we provide invaluable continuity of support and care between teen and adult years.
Each young adult has a unique range of needs and wishes that we are ideally placed to support them with. We encourage them to learn new skills, build towards greater independence, make friends and have fun. By focusing on choice, and the individual needs of each young adult, they gain confidence and self-esteem and experience greater joy in their lives.
The Chiltern Centre provides a safe space to form friendships and do things that might never normally be accessible to them. They are able to feel part of a community, to feel the confidence that comes from doing things that are new, different and exciting. They are able to have independence from their family. They are able to socialise with people of similar ages and with whom they share interests. Through careful timetabling, we are able to ensure that young adults come to the Centre alongside others with whom they share a bond, an interest or a rapport so that they truly enjoy their time with us. They are able to learn new independence skills that will set them up for the next stage of their lives. They are able to share meals, enjoy a relaxed evening and do crafts together. They are able to get out and about and enjoy all that the local area has to offer.
How to Sign Up
First and foremost, it is COMPLETELY FREE TO ENTER YOUR CHALLENGE.
Once you have decided on your #challenge26in26 simply click on this link and register your 26 with us.
You will receive an email from our fundraising team confirming we have your challenge and will add you to our challenge list below.
You have until 26th MARCH to register your challenge – but don’t worry you have the remainder of the year to complete it.
We are here every step of the way to support you with fundraising ideas, hints and tips.
Fundraising Details
There is no set fundraising target but to fit the theme we suggest £26, £260, £2,600 or maybe £26,000 We are just thrilled that you are taking part in this community challenge.
We also understand that you may want to raise funds for more than one charity at the same time – that’s a win win! Every charity is worthy and again we are thrilled that you are taking part.
There are no age restrictions involved – we encourage everyone to take part and create their own 26.
Physical/fitness levels are irrelevant – this is fully inclusive to everyone. You could challenge yourself to stay silent for 26 hours, read 26 books this year, or play a board game for 26 days!?
Contact & Support
Should you have any questions about 26in26 please contact cheryl@chilterncentre.org.uk
At the last minute the stars have aligned and we have found an evening when two incredible speakers from the world of climbing and all things adventure can come together to share their incredible stories with us.
ROLFE OOSTRA
Once again we have the formidable Rolfe Oostra joining us to give us a true sense of off grid expeditions his way. Rolfe will be taking us on an incredible and quite honestly exhausting journey of Everest the traditional way and until now, the only way.
For those of you haven’t encountered Rolfe at a previous night of adventure or indeed on one of our fundraising expeditions, grab your ticket, find a seat and strap yourself in for the ride of your life!
Rolfe has possibly the most impressive expedition “CV” you will encounter to date with the high altitude summary alone reading as over 100+ x 6,000m peaks, 9 x 7,000m peaks and 11 x 8,000m peaks. But this is just the tip of the proverbial ice cap!
He also holds the world record for the single highest solo rescue, ascending mountains twice in just 24 hours, he has many “first ascents” to his name in almost every continent and the one he should be most proud of – successfully summitting Mount Toubkal with 2 Chiltern Centre teams in a year!!
Underneath it all Rolfe is a regular guy that happens to have a really really cool job. He loves all creatures great and small, the simple pleasure of an ice cold beer, won’t go anywhere without a good book and loves the card game shit head. Watch out, he’s a shark!
Garth Miller, leader of the record-breaking Mission Everest project in 2025, will be talking us through his recent speed ascent of the highest mountain in the world.
In May 2025 Garth led a team of 4 former special forces veterans to the summit of Mount Everest on a mission to revolutionise how climbers tackle the highest mountains in the world. Using speed, science and innovation, Garth was able to leave his home in Henley, summit Everest and return home in just 7 days. Mission Everest showcased a safer and more sustainable way to climb at altitude and protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Garth has a deep love and respect for Nepal and its people, having served as an officer in the Royal Gurkha Rifles. He now balances life as a long haul airline captain with a life of adventure on expeditions to 8000m peaks in Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan.
Despite close calls on Everest and K2, Garth, a married father of two, hasn’t let putting down roots locally in Henley keep him from adventures all over the world. From the infamous Marathon des Sables in the Sahara to the jungles of Borneo, Garth’s hunger for challenges is inspirational.
Join us as Garth whisks you to the top of the world and shows how the impossible was made possible.
If that isn’t enough Garth is also running the London Marathon in 2026 for The Chiltern Centre.
We will of course be encouraging you to find your inner adventurer and sign up to join us on Mount Kenya in September.
Grab your tickets now for a night of the unexpected!
