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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?

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 taking a turn for the worst, we’ve got everything you need to brighten up your day.

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:

  • 11-Plus could be delayed amid virus
  • ‘Murdered’ woman was social worker
  • Peaceful Black Lives Matter protest
  • New police team at the helm
  • Tragic cycling pair were ‘great friends’
  • Lidl eyes up more Bucks stores
  • Last orders for strip club?
  • Career criminal’s family Taser attack
  • Dimwitted drug dealer caught out
  • Anger at disrespect for beauty spots
  • Major crackdown on paedophiles online
  • Market plans back on the agenda
  • HS2 comments slammed
  • ‘Eyesore’ showroom to be turned into flats
  • New uni role for Dominic Grieve
  • Calls to keep River Wye plan alive
  • Sixth former’s powerful roadside demo
  • And much, much more!

Covid-19 latest:

The road to recovery is very much on most people’s thoughts right now. Every day new announcements are made which could bring light at the end of the tunnel.

But, this week we hear from Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust chief Neil Macdonald who reveals ‘significant’ numbers of Covid-19 patients are still being treated in the county.

He’s also spoken about how heroic NHS staff have coped during the pandemic and the knock-on effect it’s had on other healthcare areas.

It’s also been revealed how badly it’s impacted the council’s income – with more than £1 million being lost every month in car parking charges alone.

A high-profile Wycombe councillor has also become the latest politician to hit out against Dominic Cummings.

Positive Covid-19 news near you:

Amongst our ‘good news’ coronavirus stories this week are:

  • Strict new safety measures for shopping centre
  • Rubbish collections back up and running
  • No charge for extra care for vulnerable
  • Cash raised for hospital which saved man’s life
  • Taylor Wimpey orders PPE from business

Freetime, TV, Puzzles & Horoscopes:

Starting in Freetime, we take a look at a headline-grabbing show.

Controversial columnist Liz Jones is set to bring her first-ever tour to High Wycombe in 2020.

We also 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:

We have a packed nostalgia offering this week.

We start with Then and Now and a special look at a time when the River Wye was seen flowing through the town.

There’s also reader memories about air raid shelters during World War II, and we appeal for readers to spot their relatives in our first class look back at school photos from the 1940s and 50s.

We also examine the history of Thames Bank/Thames Lawn and its distinguished inhabitants, past and present (Marlow edition), plus we have a feature 76 years on from death of a local hero in Holland (Amersham and Chesham edition).

Opinion:

It’s another busy week on the Bucks Free Press letters’ pages.

Topics include:

  • Change must happen to protect cyclists
  • Are we on the road to ‘normal’?
  • Too many speeding drivers
  • Time for council to pick litter
  • ‘Project Fear was Project Fact’
  • Government to be sued for failing
  • Not all Tories back Cummings
  • Town and river deserve better
  • Plus Letter from Westminster is penned by Aylesbury MP Rob Butler

Sport:

Huge news for Wycombe Wanderers this week and what a celebration – the Chairboys are in the play-offs (three games away from promotion) after securing their highest finish in history in controversial circumstances off the pitch.

We hear from all the key people and look ahead to the final charge for the Championship.

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