Bucks Free Press:

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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

So, what is in today’s Bucks Free Press?

Covid-19 latest:

Journalists are key workers during this crisis as we deliver essential news to those who need to see it.

Yes, we would rather be concentrating on a whole host of other topics but at this time our job requires us to publicise everything you need to know – good and, sadly all too often, bad.

In this week’s Free Press, you will see tributes to a Wycombe Wanderers fan who has died from Covid-19 just one year after his wife lost her cancer battle.

There’s also tributes to celebrity comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor, from Cookham Dean, who passed away.

We’ve also got the latest from Red Kite and their bid to combat the spread to elderly people and news on Boris Johnson’s recovery in Buckinghamshire.

Plus, there’s news from a Hazlemere man as he fights to return from lockdown abroad and the latest from police as we reveal more than 200 people have been fined.

Positive news near you:

As editor of this great newspaper, I’ve been delighted by the amazing efforts of our community to pull together in this crisis. This place we call home is pretty special!

In our pages, we have an exclusive interview with celeb chef Tom Kerridge as he raises more than £160,000 to feed the community’s vulnerable.

There’s also great news from kind-hearted hotel bosses, viral dancing firefighters and generous donations of Easter eggs to hospital staff.

Campaign:

We’re backing Bucks and the NHS every week.

Pick up a paper for a free rainbow poster – great for kids to colour in and display in your window. If you get your younger relatives involved, make sure to send their pictures for a special gallery next week.

We’ve also got a guest column from High Wycombe mayor Maz Hussain and a directory of essential contact numbers you might need.

General news:

We may have had a bank holiday weekend, but it’s still been a very busy week!

Headlines this week include:

  • Plans to build homes on a trading estate
  • Huge sinkhole causing mayhem at a park
  • Arrests after armed police raid
  • A former school looks set to be sold
  • Thieves target struggling business owner
  • Outrage as path cleared for HS2
  • Daughters of Janet Brown make murderer plea
  • Fly-tipping blighting beautiful Bucks
  • And much, much more (I don’t want to give too much away!)

TV, Puzzles & Horoscopes:

As well as bringing you your usual award-winning newspaper, we want to give you an entertainment package too.

Our 8-page Puzzler supplement is proving really popular, with more than 50 brainteasers to keep you going.

Our TV guide will hopefully make life easier – no longer do you need to pick up your BFP, puzzles book and TV supplement (we’ve got the lot in one!). Highlights this week will include the return of Killing Eve and Friday Night Dinner.

Plus, Russell Grant is back with your horoscopes.

Nostalgia:

We’ve delved into the archives once again to bring you an entertaining blast from the past.

Back by popular demand, we’ve got two pages on former Wycombe pubs and how they’ve changed over the years.

Mike Dewey also focuses on reader feedback on topics from ‘The Bannerman Cup’ to nurses at Wycombe Hospital.

There’s also a feature on Spittal Street memories (Marlow edition) and the story of Amersham’s darkest day in World War II (Amersham, Chesham & Little Chalfont edition).

Opinion:

We’re getting more correspondence every week as people send in their views from their front rooms.

Topics being debated this week include designs for a new Rye café, council overhaul with new unitary authority, the future after Covid-19, memories of Wycombe’s pubs and MP Steve Baker writes about how life has changed dramatically for us all.

Sport:

There might not be as much action as normal, but this week’s back page includes important information you’ll want to read.

First, there’s news of the football league’s plan to get the season finished and what this means for Wanderers. We’ve also got an interview with Beaconsfield Town as they look to launch an exciting new scheme.

Gardening & property:

It’s a good time for home improvements.

We’ve got top tips for your home and outdoor space, plus analysis on the property market as things stand and a look at what’s being built near you in our weekly planning applications list.

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

Editor, Bucks Free Press