by Chiltern Centre

Chiltern Centre is par for the course

There is a lot to say about golf this year in fundraising terms where do we start?

Our first golfing fundraiser of the year, held at Badgemore Park and hosted by Emma, brough the golfers out in force and the sunshine with it. Raising £3,000 from just 11 teams we still have our second golf day at Henley Golf Club coming up on 17th September.

The remarkable news this year is that we have 4 golf clubs raising funds for us via their men’s and lady’s captains.

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.

Reports coming in from all angles at the beginning of the year were looking gloomy with regards to community fundraising but at the moment these wonderful ladies and gentleman look set to raise more than £60,000 collectively. That is an incredible amount of money raised. To put it in tangible terms this could pay for a trip to Butlins or the Calvert Trust 10 times over.

 

I am supported to take part in physical activities that I enjoy, at my own pace, that suit my energy levels, in a way that suits how I feel on the day. I can explore new activities and make choices about how I stay active. we support people to enjoy their time spent at the Centre and build genuine friendships.

Moments of fun and adventure not only brighten their days but challenge them to try new things and grow.

We create opportunities for disabled young adults to experience the joy and excitement of activities.

Young people come to the Centre alongside others with whom they share a bond, an interest or a rapport with so that they truly enjoy their time with us

 

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 by Chiltern Centre

An Introduction to Block Painting with Katie Waggett

Our first workshop of 2025 is an introduction to block printing with the amazing Katie Waggett.

Katie came to the Centre in November of last year to conduct our very own workshop with the people that we support to create personalised cushion covers for their families for Christmas. Katie was just incredible! Patient, kind, insightful!

So it is only right that our first workshop this year is with Katie. This is your opportunity to raise funds for a great cause whilst doing something creative and fun. The timing is such that you could create something for Mother’s Day, or just do something for fun. You can choose from a tea towel, cushion cover, scarf or napkins.

You can now get your tickets online HERE

If you do need more information please email cheryl@chilterncentre.org.uk

 

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 by Chiltern Centre

Chiltern Centre Challenges 2025

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.
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 by Chiltern Centre

Chiltern Centre Supper Club – Part 2

What a joy it was to have free reign around one of Henley’s finest riverside properties – Remenham Court.

We all know it as the big white house on the hillside that has eluded the general public for years. It is a real treasure and a fabulous venue for any party.

This supper was a little different and included some chit chat about the Centre’s next major fundraising project next year to support a brand new facility.

Guests once again enjoyed a couple of canapes in the form of rare roast beef Yorkshire puddings and handmade chorizo scotch eggs. Followed by a tremendous 3 courses including salmon tartar, roast rack of lamb and an exquisite salted caramel chocolate tart. Once again provided by Stephanie Emma Catering.

Of course such a dinner would not be complete without the wonderful Woods Wines who took time to carefully hand pick the wines to perfection, to beautifully match each course, even the dessert!

The evening finished in the drawing room with coffee and the Chiltern Centre’s own chocolate from Gorvett & Stone – the orange and passionfruit caramel known as Callie’s choice.

Although this event update is entitled “The Last Supper” fear not as they will be returning, but not until 2025. So supper club is a wrap for this year.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, both by attending and to our suppliers. Without all of your generosity supper isn’t possible.

With particular thanks to Remenham Court for giving us access to their historic home for the evening. And to Vince who hosted a tour of the house and kept us all entertained.

See you all in 2025 – for now – over and out!

 

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 by Chiltern Centre

Henley Choral Society – Handel’s Messiah

This year The Henley Choral Society have chosen The Chiltern Centre as their charity partner for their performance of Frideric Handel’s Messiah.

What is Messiah about?

Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.

He created the piece based on three concepts: the story of the nativity and its prophecy; that of the crucifixion and redemption of mankind; and a commentary on the Christian soul and its victory over death. In each of these three parts, the chorus is absolutely at the heart of the work, complemented by four vocal soloists and an orchestra.

Those forces deliver some of Handel’s most heart-stopping music – gobsmackingly dramatic and effective, profoundly touching and spiritual. He used all his old tricks and learned some new (pretty good) ones too.

The Henley Choral Society

Henley Choral Society is a friendly, lively, non-auditioned choir of all ages. They aim to sing together to the highest standard, work with young professional talent, deliver an exciting and varied programme of concerts to the local community and encourage the next generation of singers.

This performance takes place at Saturday 30th November at St Mary’s Church in the heart of Henley-on-Thames at 7pm. With a 100-strong chorus, superb soloists and professional ensemble under direction of Hilary Campbell, it promises to be a spectacular evening not to be missed.

We are delighted that The Henley Choral Society have chosen to support us this year.

You can purchase your tickets HERE

You can get more information on The Henley Choral Society HERE

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 by Chiltern Centre

Ace Card Club

The Henley playing cards are hosting their first-ever Card Club in support of the Chiltern Centre. This new monthly event welcomes all adults in the community to come together through the joy of card games. The inaugural event will take place on Wednesday, 2nd October at 7:00 PM at Magoos, Hart St, Henley.

This event offers an opportunity for attendees to enjoy a relaxed and fun-filled evening playing a variety of card games. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, Card Club welcomes everyone to participate, learn new games, and revisit old favourites. In addition to playing cards, guests will be able to order a delicious pizza served by Magoos, creating a perfect setting for socialising and enjoying a drink or two.

Entry to the event is just £2 per person, with all proceeds going directly to The Chiltern Centre, a local charity that supports young people with disabilities and their families. It’s a wonderful way to make a difference while enjoying a great evening out.

Call for Card Game Experts

To make the evening even more interactive and inclusive, Card Club is inviting local card game enthusiasts who know a variety of games to come along and share their expertise. If you enjoy teaching others how to play card games and want to contribute to a lively and welcoming community event, this is a great opportunity to get involved!

Future Events

This is the first of monthly Card Club events, with future nights planned at different venues around Henley who appear in the Henley Playing Cards.

Henley was the first place to get its own Ace Places Playing Cards, a new and unique idea from marketing entrepreneur Emma Sweet who lives in Knowl Hill. Each pack features 54 unique playing cards card with a different business, event, or attraction, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of each place. The Henley Playing Cards launched in March last year with Marlow pack following suit in November.

Join us from 7pm on the 2nd of October for an evening of games, pizza, and fun, all for a great cause!

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 by Chiltern Centre

Regatta for the Disabled 2024

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!

 

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Chiltern Centre Chocolate is Callie’s Choice

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.

 

 

 

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Chiltern Centre Supper Club – Part 1

The first of our intimate suppers took place on 7th September 2024 at the majestic Britwell House near Watlington.

This totally exclusive private family home opened it’s doors to 20 people for a champagne reception and delectable 3 course supper complete with wine pairing, and my word it was simply decadent.

From the opulent surroundings to the delicious food and the moreish wines everyone had a night to remember.

The food was supplied by Stephanie Emma Catering who provided canapes of Asparagus wrapped in filo with homemade hollandaise and a sun dried tomato bruschetta. The starter was a monkfish scampi, followed by beautifully cooked beef tenderloin and finished with a fig and frangipani tart. Our guests enjoyed plentiful amounts of fine wine including a crémant to start and reds such as a St Emilion which were hand selected to match the dishes by the wonderful Woods Wines.

We are planning to host a supper bi monthly in exclusive venues across the locality, with our next supper being hosted at Remnham Court.

For tickets and more information please see out ticket link https://buytickets.at/thechilterncentre/1391138

 

 

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An Evening with Adam Isaac and friends

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.

Get your tickets now!

https://buytickets.at/thechilterncentre/1373497

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