Scroll below to see what’s in today’s Bucks Free Press
Dear reader,
We might be in lockdown, but it is still Friday – and that means it is time to celebrate (and pick up the latest copy of Bucks Free Press, of course).
With many people now isolating at home, I’m writing to you to explain all the great things on offer in your weekly newspaper.
As we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this pandemic, we hope you will continue to support local journalism by buying a paper on your weekly shop, or daily walk.
And please don’t forget the elderly relatives or neighbours who may not be able to get out but rely on the service we provide to find out essential advice and information – plus everything that’s going on in their community.
As always, we are #ThereWithYou
What is in today’s Bucks Free Press?
Bank holiday home special:
For many homeowners, lockdown has been used as a good opportunity to tick off those DIY jobs and make home improvements.
With the weather shining and hardware shops open once again, it’s likely many will use the bank holiday weekend to work on transforming their home and garden. And we’ve got everything you need.
Get today’s Bucks Free Press for a free 8-page home special featuring dream design and DIY tips – you won’t want to miss it!
General news:
Headlines this week include:
- Elderly driver dies in horror crash
- Councils face battle over homes farce
- Warning as OAP targeted in scams
- Search continues for fly-tipping culprits
- Overhaul to Gomm Valley plans
- Men arrested as Wycombe homes raided
- Teen pretended to be PC to steal cars
- Tributes to former WWFC player
- HS2 competition slammed
- Swan Upping event cancelled
- School development plans revealed
- PCs being spat at and bitten
- 11-Plus fears raised in Commons
- Deal reached for pub to stay open
- Girl did not get vital council support
- And much, much more (we wouldn’t want to give too many spoilers!)
Covid-19 latest:
As it has done for the last two months, sadly coronavirus continues to be a major talking point and dominates headlines.
Our exclusive front page report covers news from whistleblowers inside Wycombe’s main Royal Mail office who have shared serious concerns – as one employee is confirmed to have tested positive.
There’s also tributes to two health workers - Paul Nutt and Jun Terre - who lost their battle with the virus.
In other coronavirus news, it’s been confirmed more than 30 deaths linked to Covid-19 happened outside hospitals, whilst visits to A&E have plummeted amid fears people aren’t taking other health issues seriously.
Also, a Wycombe doctor has led calls for lockdown to be eased and Google data shows more people are flocking to open spaces.
Positive news near you:
Amongst our ‘good news’ coronavirus stories this week are:
- Ross Kemp films show across
- Bucks Company donates food to NHS heroes
- Hero WWFC doc on the front line
- Generous workers donate 5,500 visors
- Proud twins, aged 5, make vital PPE
Campaign:
We’re backing Bucks and the NHS every week.
Pick up a paper for a free ‘Clap for NHS and pharmacists’ poster which you can cut-out and display in your window.
Make sure to show support and send your pictures to andrew.colley@newsquest.co.uk
There’s a guest column from Olivier Picard, the Director of Newdays Pharmacy Ltd in Marlow, and a list of essential community contact numbers too.
We also shine the spotlight on newsagent heroes, with a feature of all the independents you can support. This week, we catch up with CJ Stores in Stokenchurch about how they are tackling the coronavirus.
Freetime, TV, Puzzles & Horoscopes:
Embrace bank holiday weekend! Yes, there may not be as much to do, but there’s plenty to keep you entertained and some events to look forward to.
Starting in Freetime, we take a look ahead to two shows planned for later in 2020.
Author Adam Kay shares stories from his diaries as a junior doctor whilst we also catch up with rock band Levellers who are planning a stage comeback in Aylesbury.
On top of your weekly news digest, we’re pretty proud to deliver a bumper lifestyle package.
We have more than 50 brainteasers in our 8-page Puzzler supplement.
Our popular 7-day 8-page TV guide is also out – no longer do you need to pick up your BFP, puzzles book and TV supplement (we’ve got the lot in one!).
Plus, horoscopes celeb Russell Grant writes in our pages to deliver your latest star signs.
Nostalgia:
Readers will be entertained with a blast from the past this week as we go through the archives.
Firstly, in Then and Now, we look at one village which has barely changed since 1900.
There’s also an intriguing story from Mike Dewey’s team about the ‘muffin man and boys’ in Wycombe.
Elsewhere, we look back at Danesfield House past and present (Marlow edition) and the visit of Aneurin Bevan to Chesham (Amersham, Chesham and Little Chalfont edition).
Opinion:
It’s another busy week on the Bucks Free Press letters’ pages.
Topics include:
- Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday
- Reopening the River Wye
- Covid-19 poem to victims
- Virtual picnics with family
- British Heart Foundation support
- ‘Imploding’ future of EU
- Area stats for coronavirus cases
- Hunt for justice for murdered Jenny
- Westminster letter from Wycombe MP Steve Baker
Sport:
Gareth Ainsworth shares wisdom on managing player fitness and, in particular, how he tames the Beast, Adebayo Akinfenwa.
Fingers crossed we’ll be seeing the manager, top goal scorer and the rest of the Chairboys back in action soon.
What next?
We want to hear from you! My team is working hard to keep you informed and entertained, but what else do you want from your Bucks Free Press newspaper?
Get in touch by emailing andrew.colley@newsquest.co.uk or call 01494 755089.
And don’t forget your elderly neighbours – where possible, please get them a copy of the BFP for their weekly shop.
For many people, certainly those without the internet, Friday’s title will be an essential guide to everything going on around them.
For new readers, the Bucks Free Press costs just £1.10 and is available at all good local newsagents, supermarkets and convenience stores.
From myself and everyone at Bucks Free Press, we wish you and your family well. Keep safe!
Andrew Colley, Bucks Free Press editor
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