We have A LOT of challenges happening this year and rolling into 2026 already.
We have another trip to the top of Toubkal. Our trip in 2024 inspired one amazing company to use the trek as a team builder and we are thrilled to be their chosen charity! The team set off at the beginning of June, more details can and will be released shortly.
We have a an incredible, but crazy, 24 hours in the Lake District on the 24th May. The trek has been curated just for us so you won’t find the route anywhere else online.
From just £65 per person it’s a steal!! There is a fundraising commitment in order to take part so please email cheryl@chilterncentre.org.uk for all the details.
The wonderful Harriet at The Henley Female Network is headlining a ladies only trip called Thousand Lakes in The Pyrenees and encouraging her trekkers to raise funds for the Centre.
A lot of you know Harriet so please feel free to get in touch with her directly, but for more info keep reading.
We have also booked our BIG climb for 2026 which is Mount Kenya!
Be one of the lucky ones to experience this incredible mountain and get in touch with us today.
This year the Chiltern Centre were returning to the Regatta as champions and after months of practice were ready to retain their title.
On Saturday 31st August, 30 Chiltern Centre supporters attended this years Regatta for the Disabled at Phyllis court.
Sport is such an important part of development, building strength, teaching teamwork, and providing an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. With limited fully inclusive sporting opportunities, The Chiltern Centre make sure that this event is a ‘must do’ each calendar year.
Before race day, the Centre make sure to book in some ‘training’ time at the Eyot Centre. This is mainly to ensure that all of our young adults are comfortable and confident getting in and out of the boats, and our staff help each young adult to practice the movement pattern of paddling. Sometimes our young adults just like to sit and enjoy the feeling of gliding along the water, and so long as there is a smile, that’s okay with us!
The first race was a success with a time just shy of the teams personal best from 2023 and just behind the leaders MENCAP. However in the second race disaster struck and our bell boat started to take on water leading to it’s inevitable capsize.
Russ Morey, one of our care team, was in the boat at the time and says “It began gradually, but the more water that we took on, the heavier that side of the boat became, hence more water coming in. We thought right up until the last 30 seconds that we might make it to shore, but once the side of the boat tipped down close to the river level, I knew we were going in.
Those first few seconds were a bit chaotic as we were all trying to get our bearings, but I really feel like our staff and volunteers responded remarkably well, especially considering water rescue is not something we’re specifically trained for. We were at a 1:1 ratio on the water and within seconds of the boat capsizing every one of our support staff was helping one of the people we support to get to shore safely. It’s unfortunate that it happened, but I think it really showed our true colors. I’m very much proud of our staff for acting quickly and decisively with the wellbeing of the people we support as our unwavering priority.”
Alison Spary-Hawthorn added, “The Buddies team are always so excited and enthusiastic every time we do this amazing event. We enjoy the practicing at the Eyot Centre. The team are passionate about participating on the day. For the past four years have enjoyed taking part.
The unfortunate event of capsizing the boat on the day was distressing at the time but after every was warmed up and dried off, we had a debrief session and have all agreed this has not put us off participating again next year.”
Everyone coped with capsizing remarkably well and it was great that our resilience was acknowledged with the Carolyn Molyneux Trophy.
We were delighted to see newcomers CLASP to the bell boating racing this year and we hope more mixed abilities organisations and charities join the racing next year.
A lovely day on land – a chance for families and the people we support to socialise and enjoy activities together.
It’s a big event in our calendar each year and we enjoy being involved in the Regatta for the Disabled.
The Regatta is a great place to meet other organisations and to see familiar faces from our local community.
A wonderful day was had by each and every Chiltern Centre team member, both Centre users and our wonderful care team, the Regatta for the Disabled allows us to come together with a common love for being on the river, and enjoy the experience together. Thank you to all those involved in the organisation of this inclusive event!
This year, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Chiltern Centre but also Gorvett & Stone, a local independent chocolate maker, we collaborativley ran a chocolate competition. And we have a winner!
The community came together to enter the competition by simply answerig one question, “what would make you a great chocolate taster?”. From the many entries Gorvett & Stone chose 5 panelists to taste 4 brand new chocolate flavours and rate them on taste, feel and appearance.
There was a unanimous winner – The Orange and Passionfruit Caramel which is now known as Callie’s Choice. It was agreed that the panelist with the best feedback would have their name literally in chocolate in the store.
Katie Sheehan from G&S said “All of the feedback was really good but Callie just seemed to have taken it really seriously, it was detailed and it was clear that was really passionate about it”
Callie is 7 years old and was thrilled to be a part of the competition and very excited to be the overall winner. Her mum said that the orange and passionfruit really “made her eyes sparkle”. At only 7 years old Callie’s feedback on her winning chocolate was “I love the contrasting texture. The orange and passionfruit flavour makes it not too sweet and not too bitter”.
The amazing team at Gorvett & Stone will be making these chocolates for sale in store with 10% of the proceeds going to the Centre. So if you are looking for a gift please pop in to the shop. They are being sold in boxes of 16 or bags of 100g.
They do come with a warning – they are so delicious you will have to go back for more!
Well done to Callie and a huge thanks to everyone who entered.
We are so excited to announce that we are hosting a very special music event taking place on 23rd November at the newly renovated Bottle and Glass Barn.
If you are looking for an epic night out, full of singing dancing and joy then you are in the right place and this evening will bring you so much more. By purchasing a ticket you are directly funding the incredible, vital and diverse care and support that the Chiltern Centre provides.
The evening main artist is the incredible ADAM ISAAC! If you are not familiar with Adam already, where have you been?!
Adam is a truly multi-talented artist. He is a musician, performer, entertainer, singer and songwriter and a master in almost every genre of music. From singing solo with nothing but his guitar and a microphone, performing amazing covers of well-known party tracks with one of his bands Bloc Off The Wall, to drum and bass mosh pit mash ups, Adam also finds time to produce his own music with his own band who will all be there to support both him and us on this wonderful evening.
Whilst Adam is all about his music, we want to delve into his personal life too. Adam is now 42 and originally from the beautiful county of Devon, where he shared a family home with his mum, dad and sister Katy. Growing up Adam was sure he was going to be a pro golfer until an injury thwarted that dream. Having had a keen ear for music and an obsession with song writing from an early age he started to focus more on his music.
Since leaving Devon for the busier, faster paced life, Adam has experienced some huge successes. Adam has appeared on the top tv talent show The Voice where he was fought over by Will.i.am and Tom Jones with them battling through name dropping to win his loyalty. Names such as Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley were thrown in to the mix!
Adam annually travels the Alps to perform at some of the most well know resorts and bars that skiing has to offer.
Despite the successes Adam is, like all of us, human. His journey behind the scenes has also seen him experience some troubling lows, from mental health issues to kidney failure.
Which ironically brings us to the exciting part of the evening. Adam is, and always has been, an open book on his life, even during the toughest of times, with regular updates, videos and social media posts on all aspects of his life in the belief that his openness, honesty and raw accounts would help and even inspire others.
Through these experiences Adam has now written an album of his own music which reflect on all of his experiences, from his move to Henley, how he coped with the his diagnosis, and life on the other side, which he has chosen to share with you. These songs have, until now, have not been shared with any audience.
On this very special evening Adam will be opening himself up to you, the audience, by inviting you to ask him anything. All you have to do is purchase your ticket. You will be prompted to submit your question prior to the check out. We do need this in advance to ensure all of the questions that are chosen are suitable for a live audience.
Should yours be one of the lucky questions chosen, you will be asking your questions to Adam personally on the night.
Adam and his band are not the only stars of the show. We also have the amazing support of local DJ Jamie Taylor.
A firm favourite on the festival scene and having worked with some of the biggest names on the circuit, Jamie is equally at home playing intimate club nights or on a large festival stage.
Fresh from supporting Norman Jay and warming up for Basement Jaxx Jamie is also the tour DJ for Funk Soul supergroup Brother Strut.
Your ticket also includes a welcome drink and snack from the Bottle and Glass.
We are often considered by the Nettlebed Art Society as one of their charities of the year, and on several occasions have benefitted from their generosity, for which we are truly grateful.
For this years show they have gone one better!
Not only are we one of their chosen charities and therefore we will benefit from the proceeds of the show, they have invited two of the people we support to display their pieces alongside some true local talent.
Each young person we support has their own unique range of needs and wishes and we strive to empower them to lean new skills, build greater independence, make friends and have fun. We help them to gain confidence and self-esteem and experience greater joy in their lives. So we are thrilled that they will be able to see their own artwork alongside the professionals.
To see the cavasses they have created you will have to pop along to the show.
Nettlebed School and Community Hall, High Street, Nettlebed.
On 5th July, both the men’s and ladies captains of Badgemore Gold Club decided to set off on a crazy challenge to complete 4 golf courses in one day for their chosen charities, The Chiltern Centre and Cure Usher Syndrome.
In order to complete the whopping 72 holes in one day our daring participants Sandy Johnsson and Melvyn Keen, supported by our very own David Haddock, set off on the course at Badgemore at 4.30am.
After all the glorious weather we have had of late they were not at all lucky on the day with rain hampering their progress for most of the day.
The duo headed to Mapledurham and The Springs before returning to Badgemore around 3pm to complete the course for a second time.
Finally, at around 7pm the last balls were hit, the final 4 was called and the pair managed to get a large drink and a well earned rest.
They have raised over £1,500 for their charities and we are beyond grateful for their continued and unwavering support.
Sweet Dreams Come True: Become a Chocolate Taster with The Chiltern Centre and Gorvett & Stone!
Calling all chocolate lovers!
The Chiltern Centre is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Henley’s very own chocolate shop Gorvett & Stone that promises to bring joy to chocolate enthusiasts of all ages.
We are offering a unique opportunity to become a chocolate taster and help them create a new delectable treat!
From today, both children and adults have the chance to step into the delightful world of chocolate tasting. As part of this fun-filled initiative, successful participants will get to sample a range of chocolates crafted by Gorvett and Stone and share their thoughts on each flavour. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the most imaginative and enthusiastic panelist will have their name on the chocolate which will be sold in store!
2. Get Creative: Write an exciting paragraph on why you would make a fantastic chocolate taster and chocolatier. Tell us what you love about chocolate, what flavours you dream of creating, or any fun chocolatey experience that makes you stand out!
The chocolate with the most votes from the 5 lucky panelists will be produced for sale in the shop with a percentage of each sale going directly to the Chiltern Centre. The panelist to respond with the most choco-tastic feedback will have their name attributed to the chocolate itself. Get those taste buds and pencils ready!
This initiative is not only a treat for the taste buds but also supports a great cause. The Chiltern Centre is dedicated to supporting young adults with disabilities with day and overnight care in the heart of the town, funds raised from the sale of the participant-created chocolates will go towards the running of the Centre.
Cheryl Purver, The Chiltern Centre community fundraiser: “We’re so excited to bring this opportunity with Gorvett & Stone to our community, this is a wonderful way for people to engage their creativity and passion for chocolate while supporting our mission and learning about us as a charity”
Katie Sheehan from Gorvett & Stone: “We’re thrilled to be working with The Chiltern Centre. They do such valuable work here in Henley and to be able to take part in this exciting and fun competition is fantastic!”
We are holding a shopping fayre at the beautiful Bix Manor one last time before it’s sad closure at the end of June and the best part is it’s FREE to come along!
Bix Manor has been a well known name in terms of event venues for 37 years now. It is an outstanding 17th century barn in Henley’s countryside just a short drive from the town centre. The manor has never been open to the public and so this would be your last chance to see it before it closes.
We have a whole host of stall holders committed to taking part in raising money for us including The Henley Distillery and Fairmile Vineyard keeping us hydrated, HoT Creative and their wonderful homeware, Emma Alington on ceramics, Stephanie Emma Catering keeping us content with her cakes and bakes, the fabulous Zoe from the Henley Larder will be there along, Hot footed, The Lancaster Company and Lords Fragrance House. So many interesting and creative shopping opportunities.
Each stallholder has very kindly donated a small prize to our raffle which will take place on the day.
So come and see some amazing local talent, have a tipple and support your local independent stores as well as our amazing charity.
Now in our 20th year supporting young adults with disabilities, we are so proud to present our second theatre performance with the support of The Kenton Theatre. A show like no other, directed and created by the young adults themselves with Gareth John our music therapist, this year our production is The Silent Boy, a wonderful showcase of creativity, diversity and inclusion.
‘The Silent Boy’
This is a story of The Boy, in a land in the distant future, who chooses to remain silent. Falling asleep in front of a village campfire, his dream takes him on a journey far away from his loved ones and through many challenges, until he discovers a mysterious box….
The Silent Boy is a story of triumph over adversity, suitable for the whole family. You can expect a range of emotion, good humour, singing and creative music. It is performed by an enthusiastic, confident cast of Buddies Group members, who would thrive with a full and friendly audience.
Please come and show your support for us, as The Chiltern Centre celebrate their 20th anniversary!
This year, the Chiltern Centre Buddies Team delivered once again the the annual Regatta for the Disabled…
On Saturday 2nd September, 30 Chiltern Centre supporters attended this years Regatta for the Disabled at Phyllis court.
Sport is such an important part of development, building strength, teaching teamwork, and providing an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. With limited fully inclusive sporting opportunities, The Chiltern Centre make sure that this event is a ‘must do’ each calendar year.
Before race day, the Centre make sure to book in some ‘training’ time at the Eyot Centre. This is mainly to ensure that all of our young adults are comfortable and confident getting in and out of the boats, and our staff help each young adult to practice the movement pattern of paddling. Sometimes our young adults just like to sit and enjoy the feeling of gliding along the water, and so long as there is a smile, that’s okay with us!
On the day of the regatta, out team arrived at 09:30, and members included centre users, staff, parents, siblings, volunteers and trustees. After some close heats, and with strong competition from Mencap, Stylacre and other local charities, The Chiltern Centre managed to qualify for the A final, seeded second place behind Mencap who had posted a faster time…
But first, it was time for a lunch break! During this time, our supporters using wheelchairs were able to experience the river for themselves thanks to the Rivertime Boat Trust, and their wheelchair accessible boat!
Now, onto the finals! Styleacre were struggling to fill their boat for the B final, and so, in true sportsman like spirit, The Chiltern Centre stepped up and offered some horsepower, helping them to finish in 4th place!
Finally, it was time for the A final, Chiltern Centre vs Mencap. Everyone was a little nervous, but as soon as we started the race, it was go go go, and The Chiltern Centre managed to take the win by a only a couple of seconds!!
The day was finished off with some dancing in celebration of our hard work and achievements.
A wonderful day was had by each and every Chiltern Centre team member, from trustees to centre users, the Regatta for the Disabled allows us to come together with a common love for being on the river, and enjoy the experience together. Thank you to all those involved in the organisation of this inclusive event!
