MARSWORTH: Another boater has drowned on our local stretch of canal
Very sadly, another boater has drowned on the Grand Union Canal just up the towpath from the village near Cooks Wharf, where Marsworth Parish meets Pitstone and Cheddington.
This latest tragic loss follows the drowning of a Cheddington man who fell in the canal in February, and a worrying number of other accidents over recent years.
The man whose body was reported as recovered on Wednesday, was a missing 37-year-old from Leighton Buzzard, named Benjamin, who was known to frequent Milton Keynes and was also recognised by some pub goers in Marsworth.
Thames Valley Police do not release surnames of missing people unless there are explicit reasons to do so.
His family had visited the Red Lion, Marsworth, while he was still missing, asking for a poster to be put up. They had last seen him at around 3pm on Saturday, November 8, near his boat.
The discovery of his body was made following extensive searches by officers of the Marine Unit and volunteers from Bucks Search and Rescue.
“His family have been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time,” a Thames Valley Police Aylesbury Vale spokesman said.
The death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the Buckinghamshire Coroner.
When posting this latest media update, of public interest locally given the alarming number of drownings on this particular stretch of canal, TVP asked for their own earlier appeal that included two photographs, to be withdrawn.
RED LION: Work to repair the fire damaged kitchen, outhouses and dining room of the Red Lion, Marsworth, is still some way off starting.
Co-manager Mandy Oxley says a heritage survey has now been completed, with a report giving details of proposed repairs going forward to planning in around three months. Planning permission will be required before work on the Grade II listed building can start.
The popular pub was damaged by a blaze that started in a roof in May, but the bar reopened in July, serving drinks, and has been thriving, aided by visiting food vans and special community-focused events organised by Mandy, formerly an SEN assistant at Marsworth School and husband Pete, a retired Arla lorry driver.
Most recent events have included a spooktacularly successful Halloween party, and the pub was crammed with people after the recent fireworks display at the rec, with a Cuban sandwich food van serving food. For Remembrance Day, Mandy and Pete decked the bar with camouflage netting and a Lest We Forget banner, with poppies on display in the flower beds outside. And there was live acoustic music and a pizza van on Saturday.
The pub had its monthly quiz night on November 12 and raised £130 for Hector’s House. “A big thank you to the quiz master, Iain, for his time and patience in doing the questions,” says Mandy. The next quiz is on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30pm. Please book a table, she adds.
The Red Lion darts team is doing well and won the match in the Black House, Tring.
Coming up is a Community Police: Have Your Say meeting on Wednesday, November 26 at 2pm. And on Sunday, December 7, there will be carol singing under Charlotte’s tree.
Food vans include fish and chips on Tuesdays and Thursday, the India food van on December 6, from 5pm to 9pm and Well’s Smokehouse on December 19, from 5pm to 9pm, selling Cuban sandwiches.
And there is live acoustic music and a pizza van this Saturday, November 15.
Plus, the New Year's Eve fancy dress party theme will be Christmas movies.
CONCERT AT CHURCH: On Saturday, November 29, there will be an incredible night of acoustic music at Marsworth Church, with three fabulous acts.
Kicking off will be local duo Elysia and Matt Drew, followed by the incredibly talented Michelle Clay. Rounding out the evening will be the fabulous Heidi Browne, fresh off the back of her latest album launch and recent gigs supporting T’Pau!
All proceeds from the evening will go to the Church. Tickets are £15 and include a glass of wine in the interval. To book your seats, please contact denisecornwall@ymail.
Matt Drew says your support for this fantastic evening of live music would be truly appreciated!
FUN QUIZ NIGHT: This is coming up on Saturday, November 22, at Marsworth Millennium Hall. Text 07399 494041 to book and request meat or veggie pasta bake. Tickets are £10.
MEET THE REINDEERS: Join Waters Edge Marsworth for its annual Meet the Reindeers at the Mistletoe Market event on Sunday, December 14, from 3pm to 8pm, a magical festive evening full of cheer!
Enjoy a 30-minute group time slot with the reindeers before the big day. Indulge in Hot Chocolate, Bratwurst, Mulled Wine, and the café’s beloved Christmas loaded fries, among other tasty festive treats.
Explore local artisan gifts at the Mistletoe Market. Experience the snow machine, festive sleigh, games, and plenty of photo opportunities. A perfect winter wonderland for the whole family!
Tickets sell out every year, so book now on the Waters Edge Marsworth website to avoid disappointment! Spaces are limited.
GONK WORKSHOP: Villager Lisa Tervit is running a Christmas Gonk Workshop at the Stag, Mentmore, on Thursday December 11, from 7pm to 21.30pm. To book text 07733 434 380.
Lisa says: ‘This is the 3rd year of this workshop, and I’m always surprised by how different each gonk turns out - showing the creativity and personality of the maker.’
HALDI: A planning application consultation has been received by Pitstone Parish Council for a change of use from restaurant ancillary car park to hand carwash, at The Haldi on Marsworth Road, Pitstone.
COLLEGE LAKE: Part of the main path at College Lake is undergoing repairs until December 5. Walkers will be redirected through part of the Time Trail which meets back up with the main track. However, it is significantly steeper than the main trail.
TRING PARISH CHURCH: St Peter and St Paul's church, in Tring, is having essential work done to the east end of the church. Over recent years there have been cracks over the east window and in the last year or so there has been more movement and more cracks.
So, a large anchor is being installed across the exterior of the east end to stabilise it. This is part of the work being planned with the church’s "Save our walls" appeal which needs to raise £150,000.
CANAL WALK: Canal & River Trust is organising a free Let’s Walk – into to the natural history of Marsworth reservoirs and canals event on Thursday, November 27 at 10.30am to 12.30pm, meeting at Startops End car park HP23 4LJ. Book on Eventbrite.
CRAFT MARKET: Victoria Hall, Tring, is hosting a Winter Market on Saturday, December 6 from 10am until 4pm, with free entry, more than 45 stalls, refreshments and seating.
CHURCH ROAD LIGHTS: For over 20 years, the residents of Church Road, Pitstone have been lighting up the neighbourhood with their spectacular Christmas displays, creating a magical festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
This year, the lights will shine every evening from Saturday, December 6 to Thursday, January 1, 2026, between 4:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
On Saturday, December 20, The Beacon Choir & Brass Band will perform (5pm to 6pm).
Enjoy mulled wine, cakes and a hog roast while you listen! And on Christmas Eve, there is a BBQ and mulled wine from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
This year the event is supporting St Frances Hospice and Chiltern Dog Rescue.
CHURCH CRAFTS: St Mary’s Church, Ivinghoe has a Coffee, Cake and Crafts afternoon on Sunday, November 30, from 2.30pm to 4pm. Book on St Mary’s Ivinghoe Messy Church Facebook page.
DECEMBER CHOIR: Love singing? Why not join the Keep Going Choir for December, when it has various charity performances booked in. Email [email protected].