FESTIVAL OF ART takes place over the next week in the Market Hall, Old Amersham. The event organised by the town council aims to show the very best of art from the local area. There will be plenty to see including local features and landscapes, perhaps from a viewpoint not usually seen as you visit the town. The Festival of Art will be open daily from Saturday until August 7 from 10.30am until 6pm. On the final day it will close at the earlier time of 5pm.

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE has two active groups here in the town. Both offer support in a safe environment for those who find themselves isolated as a result of bereavement. The groups offer a chance to meet with others who have faced a similar situation helping you to regain self-esteem and confidence. The Woodside group meet every Wednesday at the Free Church Hall in Woodside Road between 10.30am and 11.45am. This is very much a coffee and chat session and you will hear about any outings, lunches and the annual holiday organised by the committee. The Stokebury group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Stokebury Centre, opposite Tesco's in Old Amersham. Formed 13 years ago the group is now led by a committee who plan a three-monthly programme of events for members. These events can include pub lunches, evening meals, theatre visits, walks and trips out. If you have been bereaved and would like to attend one of the support groups or become a volunteer then call the local Cruise office on 01494 722515.

AMERSHAM MARTYRS walk takes place tomorrow afternoon leaving from outside the museum in the High Street at 2.30pm. The walk lasts around an hour and a half and takes in some of the historical sites of the old town and of course the Martyrs Memorial. Find out about Amersham's history and why people in the 16th century died for their beliefs. Your guides will be in period costume for this walk that will be of interest to both locals and visitors.

Cost is just £1 per adult with children free and there is no need to book just turn up on the day. The museum will be open from 2pm so you may like to combine a visit with the walk.

AUGUST EDITION of What's On at the Community Centre is now available from the entrance to the Drake Hall. In this month's edition you will notice a few less activities than usual due to the holiday period. If you regularly attend a meeting, class or other activity do check yours is still taking place. Most groups who are missing during August will return to normal from the beginning of September.

CHILTERN DISTRICT COUNCIL is running their photographic competition once again. You are able to submit up to five photographs that must all be taken in the district between July 15 and December 31, 2005. You have plenty of time to prepare your entry so get snapping over the coming months. Photographs may be entered in the following categories, Living and working in the district, Countryside, Events, Tourism attractions or Towns and Villages.

There are two age groups, one for under 18s and one for over 18s. There are some great prizes on offer including photographic equipment up to the value of £100 for the under 18 category. The over 18 category has a prize including a week at the Missenden Abbey summer school photographic course. Entries and inquiries to Kath McCulloch at the council offices on King George V Road.

LEISURE is well catered for in the town and as the long school holidays are now with us why not take the opportunity to keep the children and yourself fit. At the centre of the complex on Chiltern Avenue are the swimming pools that in addition to the main 25-metre pool also have a leisure and multi pool suitable for swimming lessons and diving. The Climb offers a challenge and houses extensive bouldering walls, including an archway, slab, overhangs, tufa walls and traverses. There are also 11metre high lead walls, two of which are adjustable. Physique health and fitness studio is the final part of this complex of leisure facilities offering everything you would expect from a health and fitness studio. For more information and to take part in any of these activities just call in during opening hours.

CHRISTADELPHIANS continue to meet every week over the summer months on Sunday evenings at 6pm in the Barn Hall. There is a different and often topical issue discussed each week relevant to the time of year. This Sunday's topic is The First Mission of Messiah. New members to the group would be most welcome, just go along one Sunday.