PAULA RICKETTS is training for a cycle ride in Cuba next February. No ordinary ride - she is joining the Cancer Research Cycle Cuba in memory of her husband Robert and with the support of her mother Liz Rose, who has suffered from this cruel disease. Paula is riding a mountain bike which she gave her husband for his 50th birthday. She increases her distances and difficulty of terrain each week. In Cuba she will be riding about 80km a day. Paula has already sent off £1,230 to join the ride but must raise over £2,000 more to satisfy the conditions of the event. Her first fundraising activity was a yard sale, at which her mother was a hardworking helper. She will be glad of sponsors and fundraising ideas.

BUCKS COUNTY RECORDS have been enhanced by the publication of an article by a Haddenham archivist, Diana Gulland, who has researched and written the story of Aston Clinton House. Once the home of Anthony de Rothschild it became a school for backward boys between the wars and after a spell as an hotel was acquired by the County Council in three lots from 1959 to 1967. It was demolished to make way for the Green Park Training Centre and only the balustrade in front of the house remains. A summary of Diana's article appears in the Wendover Arm News. If you visit the Record Office ask for "Aston Clinton Manor House; from moated site to classical mansion" by Diana Gulland, published in Records of Buckinghamshire Volume 43, 2003.

CONGRATULATIONS to Winifred Green who has celebrated her 100th birthday with a family party at her home. Winifred has been married to Rowland for over 73 years. The couple have one daughter, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mrs Green was a talented needlewoman, cook and gardener. She has enjoyed supporting local organisations with her skills.

I MET TWO EXTRAS from the Midsomer Murders TV cast - they were wandering around the churchyard and told me that Haddenham is their favourite venue, so quiet and peaceful and a beautiful church and pond. John Nettles, star of the series was also in the village filming at Fort End. The episode "Vixen's Run" will be screened early next year.

SUNDAY from 9am to midday at the village hall there's CafePlus, the St Mary's Church initiative, which is being held for the third time. This month the special attraction is a session on bicycle maintenance and visitors are asked to bring their cycles for lessons. There will also be free breakfast, newspaper, fresh coffee and children's activities.

AT THE MUSEUM for a few weeks there's a display about "25 years of the Haddenham Playscheme". Admission is free and it's open from 10.30am to midday on Mondays then from 2pm to 4.30pm on Sundays. This display previews the forthcoming annual playscheme week.

DON'T KNOW what to do with your discarded mobile phones and accessories? Drop them into a box at the Health Centre where they will be collected for recycling and profits go to CHAT, the children's support charity.