LOCAL CHARITY NEWS

Buckinghamshire Charity Founder awarded by PM

A London firefighter and astronomy lover from Buckinghamshire who set up a charity, ‘UK Astronomy' in 2016 to engage more people in learning about astronomy and coming together through a shared love of stargazing, was honoured to receive Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Points of Light award.

Ross Hockham is a completely self-taught astronomer and wanted to encourage other people to take greater interest in studying the skies and use astronomy as a tool for bringing people together. Starting off as a Facebook group which now has over 25,000 members and has become a registered charity, ‘UK Astronomy’ provides interactive talks, workshops, and events, including running visits to schools, care homes and local community groups across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, and hosting star-gazing sessions from his mobile observatory. Ross also runs monthly photo competitions, a podcast, and sky guides, and is about to launch a new service with a mobile inflatable planetarium to help further educate children, students, community groups and event participants.

Ross said: “It’s an honour for our charity to be nominated for this award. I would like to dedicate it to all our volunteers, supporters and everyone who has helped us throughout the years to educate and inspire others.”

Ross is the 1954th person to receive the Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Ross and the UK Astro van

Rennie Grove Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge returns

Taking place on Sunday 11 September, the dog-friendly challenge offers walkers a choice of routes through the stunning Chilterns countryside. Walkers are encouraged to choose one of four available routes – between 6.5 and 18 miles long - and seek sponsorship to raise vital funds for Rennie Grove’s specialist nursing care.

Starting from Princes Risborough School, the route options are:

•6.5 mile linear route which tackles Whiteleaf Cross and Coombe Hill (followed by a bus route back to the start at Princes Risborough School).

•8 mile self-guided circular route taking in Whiteleaf Cross. This option includes mapped directions so walkers can make their own way around the route at their own pace.

•10 mile linear route which gives walkers the opportunity to complete all three peaks (Whiteleaf Cross, Coombe Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon) with a bus journey between Wendover and Tring station taking out some of the miles.

•18-mile linear route is the complete route from Princes Risborough School to the top of Ivinghoe Beacon walking all three local landmarks.

All routes include a bus ride back to the start at Princes Risborough School, thanks to Arriva buses which has once again kindly donated the use of its vehicles and volunteer drivers for the day.

Tickets for this family-friendly event cost £15 per adult (16+) and £7.50 for children (5-16) with under 5s free on all routes. Family tickets are available (two adults and up to four children) for £40. Everybody who completes the challenge receives a medal on the day.

This year’s event is kindly sponsored by headline sponsor, Origin Doors and Windows, which has supported the event for five years, as well as new sponsor for 2022, R. Benson.

To find out more or sign up to take part, visit www.renniegrove.org/ C3peaks.