JUNE in the Great Missenden area is a very busy month of celebration. Eagerly awaited every year by those wanting to explore all manner of artistic works, hidden village studios and amazingly talented artisans is Bucks Art Week. This is a deceptive title because in fact it runs for two weeks from June 16 until July 1 and is quite unique in what it has to offer.

One glance at the current display in the library window gives you a brief taste of the artistic endeavours on display. Look out for the arrow signs pinned to trees and lampposts all over the village pointing the way to different studios and gardens with artistic displays.

Next week I'll highlight some of these but meanwhile pick up a free illustrated catalogue in the post office, library and shops in Missenden.

CELEBRATION Day itself, now an annual event to mark the village and all it has to offer, is on target for Saturday, June 23 when the High Street is closed to traffic from 1pm to 5pm. The streets are thronged with food stalls, story tellers, dancers, musicians, roundabouts and rides as Great Missenden celebrates.

Next week I will be able to reveal some special attractions that are being planned so watch this space.

BEGIN the festivities tomorrow at a Concert in Celebration of Love. Music and words will be performed by Geoffrey Palmer, Jennifer Partridge, Cathy Heller-Jones, John Heley and Mavis Armitt at St John the Baptist Church, The Lee.

This is in aid of the Iain Rennie Hospice and Church Funds. Tickets are £20 from Mike Senior on 01494 837757.

2001 The Odyssey is an exciting multi-media theatrical piece to be staged at The Misbourne School, Gt Missenden, next Saturday at 7pm. With 40 performers aged between ten and 18 from Tryad Performing Arts and based on the Arthur C Clarke novel, it is an exciting and gripping epic story. Tickets are £6 and £4 from 01494 580753.

OVERSTROUD Cottage, on Frith Hill, is open once more this Sunday, June 10, from 2pm to 6pm. This is a really interesting chalk garden on two levels.

Entrance is £1.50 children 50p. Details from Mr and Mrs Brooke on 01494 862701.