Review of 2023: Some of the biggest news stories in Bucks

January

A cruel family in Hazlemere were caught trying to sell sick puppies to the public after they were found covered in their own faeces and one with a cable tie around its neck. 

Police officers discovered a mix of 17 cocker spaniels and Cavalier King Charles spaniels puppies kept in crates and a van without a mother present.

Martin McDonagh, 46 and Mary McDonagh 43, and their children, Thomas McDonagh, 25 and Winifred McDonagh, 19, all of Beechlands, Hazlemere, appeared at Aylesbury Magistrates’ Court to face an offence under the Animal Welfare Act for failing to meet the needs of 17 puppies.

Also in January, a horror crash involving eight cars killed two people and left 12 injured on the M40 motorway.

Jagdish Singh-Bhogal, 70, and Jaswinder Kaur Bhogal, 68, from Ilford died in the crash.

Police were called to the M40 between Junction 5 and 4 southbound at 8.15am following reports of a collision. An inquest into their deaths took place this year.

February

High Wycombe was named as one of the worst places to live in England this year.

Our lovely hometown ranked as the 11th worst place to live in the country according to a new survey by the satirical website iLiveHere.

Buckinghamshire Council branded the survey as “disheartening and unscientific” and defended the town as “a great place with an exciting future” ahead.

The site has harshly critiqued the town for being a ‘run down’ and a hotspot for crime.

We wholeheartedly disagreed with the ranking at the time (and still do to this day). 

In football news, Gareth Ainsworth also announced his departure from Wycombe Wanderers, much to the disappointment of some fans.

The 49-year-old officially departed the Adams Park team on February 21, ending a 13-year relationship with the Chairboys which began on November 20, 2009.

March

Primark announced plans for its High Wycombe store to relocate in a major shakeup to some of its retail units.

The store will be moving to the House of Fraser unit, although a date hasn't been confirmed yet.

April

Schoolgirl Caitlyn Scott-Lee was found dead near Wycombe Abbey boarding school in April.

Officers were called to the grounds of the renowned independent school, which has provided education for many high profile students and is believed to be attended by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s daughter.

Her inquest continues.

May

A housing developer won a government appeal against a council’s decision to reject its plans for 380  new homes in Little Chalfont.

Biddulph (Buckinghamshire) Ltd successfully won their appeal for the demolition of all existing buildings and the erection of (approx. 213) residential properties (163 houses and 50 flats), including 152 affordable homes, 15 custom builds, a 100-unit retirement village and a 60-bed care home.

Despite this, the scheme saw thousands of objections as well as pushback from several politicians including Liberal Democrat MP for Chesham and Amersham, Sarah Green.

We must also not forget 17-year-old boy Cameron Bailey who died in Easton Street on Sunday, May 7, on the coronation bank holiday weekend.

Emergency services rushed to the town centre on Sunday evening where he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. 

The murder trial continues.

June

A frustrated neighbour contacted the Free Press after his neighbours installed an 'unlawful' oversized metal gate which blocked access to the M40 motorway.

Gregory Shiue of 23 Dukes Kiln Drive, says the metal gates are blocking access to the M40 motorway for service vehicles and is causing issues with rubbish collections and postal deliveries.

The local authority confirmed it was a "breach of planning control".

July

A woman from Amersham became the first female to catch a record-breaking carp in July.

Ria Bignell, 27, was not prepared for the surprise of a lifetime when she went out fishing with her husband at Waterside Fishery in Chesham.

It turned out into a once in a lifetime experience after a giant common carp weighing 63lbs 11oz (around 28.88kg) bit Ria’s bait.

August

Michelin-starred chef and TV personality Tom Kerridge announced the opening of a second venue in August for one of his three Buckinghamshire pubs.

The chef, who hosted his own TV show ‘The Hidden World of Hospitality’ for the BBC, announced the imminent opening of a second Butcher’s Tap and Grill, following the success of the first venue, at 15 Spittal Street in Marlow.

September

A murder investigation was launched in High Wycombe following the discovery of Karl Stanislaus' body.

The 44-year-old man was found on Bowden Lane, High Wycombe, on Tuesday, September 5. He was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

October 

Prestwood brewery Malt The Tap announced it will be closing its doors for good after 11 years after being "pushed over the edge" as a business.

Co-owner Nick Watson and his wife Jenny ran the taproom and brewery and were inundated with online orders after they made the announcement.

Furniture, memorabilia and brewery machinery from the taproom is available to purchase online through their sale.

November

Black Sabbath rocker Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon moved to Buckinghamshire to enjoy a quieter life, much to the delight of their new neighbours.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have made Jordans in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire their home this Christmas, with Sharon confirming the couple's plans to permanently relocate to the UK before the end of the year in a recent interview with the Daily Mail. 

December

Empire Cinema in Crest Road  has officially been taken over by new chain Omniplex Cinema Group, following an extensive investment project.

Empire Cinema, which formerly operated at 14 locations across the UK, entered administration in July, with the High Wycombe venue slated for continued trade until administrators could secure a buyer.