1. ENJOY the spectacle of the Cookham Dean Gravity Grand Prix. Watch hand made cars zoom down the hill to see who can be named the champion. This is a great day of family fun with brilliant pubs in the area to enjoy some refreshment. It starts from the junction of Church Road and Spring Lane to the finish at Uncle Tom's cabin. It starts at 1.30pm and raises money for The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance. This is one not to be missed. Go to www.cookham.com.

2. THIS weekend take the chance to see a range of places on your doorstep for free. For four days in September Heritage Open Days celebrates England's architecture by opening places which are usually not open to the public or which normally charge for admission. There is plenty to see and do in Buckinghamshire. Just some of the properties taking part are: Penn House in Penn Street; Aylesbury Crown Court; Halton House, RAF Halton Officers' Mess; Hidden Heritage Cemetery Tours and Chesham Bois House. But to see a full list of what's open go to www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

3. FORMER Dr Who actor and BFP columnist Colin Baker will open a summer fair and dog show held by Stokenchurch Dog Rescue on Saturday. The fair is at the charity’s kennels in Oxford Road, Stokenchurch, to help pay for a £223,000 unit just built for dogs newly arriving at the rescue centre. Colin, who lives near the kennels, recently became a patron of the charity after adopting a dog. Next year the centre celebrates its 50th anniversary in Stokenchurch. Thousands of dogs have been saved and an average of 39 are rehomed monthly. The fair will include fun dog show classes, a folk group, dogs’ arena displays, an auction of goods and promises, a kiddies’ corner with bouncy castle, barbecue, tours of the kennels, stalls, sideshows and sale of new and nearly new clothes, bric a brac and other items. It will be held from 12 noon till 4pm. It is being part sponsored by Symply, a Chesham pet food company which supplies the kennels.

4. THE Chalfont St Giles Show returns for another year with a Superheroes theme on Saturday, featuring The White Helmets motor cycle display team, magician Dee Riley and a live falconry display. Whatever the weather you can be assured of a good day out. Refreshments are for sale, as well as a huge beer tent. There are under-cover exhibition and competition marquees and both indoor and outdoor traders stalls. It takes place at Stone Meadow Chalfont St. Giles from 11am and throughout the day. Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children. Go to www.csgshow.org for full details.

5. ON Sunday at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway there is a steam and diesel gala day. The available steam and diesel locomotives will be in operation during the day with the chance to see a range of special trains. There will be a free bus service to Chinnor from Princes Risborough railway station. There will be a special timetable in operation. Fares are £9.50 for adults and children £5 and under twos free. The talking timetable is on 01844 353535 or go to www.chinnorrailway.co.uk