"A change of horses and a change of scene, three of us rode along the ancient upland route that once took travellers to London from Buckingham before the elegant bridge over the Great Ouse was completed in 1805. Passing through this agricultural landscape you might not think of it as exactly “hill country” but from the vantage point of a horse, the views stretch out for miles. Bathed in September sunshine and shades of autumn creeping into trees and hedgerows, this proved a magnificent ride.
The day began suitably enough at Mount Pleasant with a chance to meet – even more suitably – the staff and some of the children from SURE START. Specifically set up to help new parents, the SureStart programme at the county wide Childrens’ Centres will have something of interest and/or relevance to every parent.
The Centre in Buckingham is based at Grenville First School but with a large mobile bus, it travels around the villages too. Need a few tips on dealing with tantrums? Or maybe ideas for entertaining a 3 year old? Advice on health issues, a chance to explore an outdoor activity or just share a problem. There will be someone, or something, at your local Childrens’ Centre to enliven and enhance the vital early years in a child’s life. Find out more at http://www.bucksfamilyinfo.org/kb5/buckinghamshire/fsd/home.page
We left the children trying out hobby horses and rode south towards the Kingsbridge over Padbury Brook, arriving at Middle Claydon and The Puzzle Centre for lunch. Alex Stanyer, the Principal, pioneered the setting up of this wonderful facility which caters for children with autism in the 0-5 age group. I spoke to two of the parents who tearfully related how The Puzzle Centre had changed their lives, enabling their sons to connect with their families and attend school. The Puzzle Centre is much more than a school however. Each child will have a specific timetable adapted to their needs and Alex, alongside her team of professional carers, will ensure that the child’s programme is interwoven with the relevant support for the parents. Their moving testimony is heart warming. Thanks to the astounding success of Alex’s vision, the Centre is rapidly outgrowing its idyllic village setting. The waiting list is growing and the search is on for a larger space in which to accommodate the increasing demand.
It’s a short hop across the fields from Middle to East Claydon in order to reach the North Bucks Way but horse and rider have no dedicated bridleway. Luckily, Claydon Estates came to our rescue and gave us permission to ride across some stubble to avoid the roads. It’s a glorious ride once you reach the North Bucks Way and we made good time to reach the splendid North Marston Community Shop on the dot of 3.00 p.m. – our expected arrival time.
An equally splendid welcome was extended to both riders and Community Foundation members. The Buckinghamshire Community Foundation had made a significant contribution to the shop’s new premises. Awaiting us on the verandah was a delicious cake and homemade scones. The shop is well located next to the village hall and the village school with easy parking. It attracts passing customers as well as local residents and makes a great place to meet and chat. You can be sure of a beaming smile from manager, Eddie. There is an impressive stock of locally produced items (even a sparkling wine from Weedon!) and fresh items every day. As the last stop of the day, we left with a basket of goodies."
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