Celebrate:MK April May 2022

April/May 2022. Issue 56

MK

The quality magazine for Milton Keynes

CELEBRATE: lifestyle magazine

Fun for all the family in MK this spring

Ninja warrior uk review

bucks star a hidden gem

20,000

formula fast is a winner

Local star Glenn Adamson excited to return home with MK Theatre show

FR EE !

magazines every issue

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GLENN’S COMING HOME Local star Glenn Adamson is excited to return home with his show Bat Out of Hell at MK Theatre

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April/May 2022

Contents

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MERRY HELL AT STABLES Music reporter Vicki McCarthy picks out the local events she’s looking forward to in April and May

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HOT AT THE HUB Ginger Mum looks at the newly refurbished Maaya and Brasserie Blanc restaurants at The Hub

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NINJA WARRIOR UK Faye Shearwood enjoys some family fun at the new centre in MK

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SPRING FASHION Fashion model Zainab Sohail offers advice on what to wear this spring

18

BUCKS STAR BEER Jon Boyle discovers a hidden MK gem – Bucks Star Beer’s taproom

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How to Contact Us Telephone: 07928 027444 Email: jon@celebratemk.co.uk Website: www.celebratemk.co.uk Social media: @CelebrateMK

elcome to the April/May issue of Celebrate:MK, as we look forward to brighter days ahead in every sense.

The warmer spring weather coming our way will at least lift our spirits as we try to get our heads around the war in Ukraine, so soon after a global pandemic.

Well done to everyone in MK who has helped out with the Ukrainian refugee crisis, including Simon Dodson and his team at Concept Clean, who drove to Poland to share vital supplies.

This latest edition of Celebrate:MK includes

my review of Bucks Star Beer’s taproom (pages 18-19), which I visited a few days before Maaya’s refurb launch party at The Hub (pictured above and mentioned on page 11). Have a great spring.

Jon Boyle

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Get into the swing of spring at the theatre Cara Lee previews some shows to look out for in April and May in MK

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here is plenty of music and theatre happening in Milton Keynes over the next couple of months, as we get into the full swing of spring.

On the 10th of April at The Stables, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra will be celebrating Amy Winehouse, who was also NYJO alumni.

Including hits from across her short but stunning career, including Back to Black and Rehab, it’s a perfect tribute to a music icon.

Going into May, the London Tango Quintet will be performing on the 12th.

Made up of five internationally renowned

Show Stoppers musicians, they will be playing the music of Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, mixed in with a few other classics.

Over at The Venue, on the 26th of May. Mapdance will be bringing their superb dance show to MK. The University of Chichester’s performance company, Mapdance, uses work from a variety of innovative contemporary choreographers.

Finally, over at MK Theatre,

Singin’ in the Rain will play from the 11th to the 16th of April and Les Misérables will return from the 26th of April to the 21st of May. More information about The Stables is available at stables.org, for The Venue see thevenuemk.com, and for tickets to Milton Keynes Theatre visit the website ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes Cara Lee is a Milton Keynes based freelance writer and editor, who also writes the theatre blog ‘In the Lights’.

You can find her on Twitter at @LeeInTheLights, on Instagram at @inthelightsblog and on Facebook at @caraleecontent

Visit celebratemk.co.uk for more news from around MK

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April/May 2022

Local star Glenn excited to return home with Bat Out of Hell show After hitting the highway on its UK tour, the electrifying musical Bat Out of Hell arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre this June.

We caught up with leading cast members Martha Kirby and Glenn Adamson, who grew up not far from MK, for the lowdown

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ringing to life the legendary anthems of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, Bat Out of Hell combines the magic of a musical with the immense energy of rock ‘n’ roll.

“It is just a great night out; high octane, high energy and like a party,” says Glenn, who plays Strat in the show. “It’s nostalgia for people who grew up with the album, but it is also a really great story that resonates with younger audiences.”

Martha, who plays Raven, nods in agreement, “The music was what initially drew me to the show. I’d never heard it, but I listened to it before I auditioned and just loved it.”

Glenn Adamson (Strat) and Martha Kirby (Raven) in Bat Out of Hell

The album of the same name remains one of the most successful of all time, selling more than 50 million copies worldwide.

“Great music is timeless and ageless,” agrees Glenn.

“Queen, Bon Jovi, Tina Turner – this album is in the same bracket as those by these classic artists.

“New audiences are coming to older music all the time.

And nobody wrote rock anthems that are essentially musical theatre numbers like Jim.” Martha adds, “You can hear the theatricality of the songs; you really feel the fact that they were written as musical numbers.”

Now, in the wake of Steinman and Meat Loaf’s

recent deaths, it certainly feels like a fitting time for their theatrical legacy to be embarking on a national tour.

Martha says, “The show has always paid tribute to both Meat and Jim’s work. It is now our place to continue sharing their legacy and greatness.”

As for Milton Keynes, Glenn has a particular reason for being happy that the show is scheduled to stop here.

“I’m a local boy, so all my family will be coming along,” he explains. “It’s going to be so good to be at home and to see everyone.”

Bat Out of Hell arrives in Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 25 June. Tickets are available at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

MK WALKING FESTIVAL F R I D AY 13 MAY - SU N D AY 15 M AY 2022 Milton Keynes Walking Festival returns for 2022 with a variety of walks to choose from located across the city.

The three day festival is an excellent opportunity to discover the green spaces right on your doorstep!

www.theparkstrust.com/walkingfestival

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April/May 2022

Merry Hell ready to rock The Stables Music reporter Vicki McCarthy shares the events in MK she’s looking forward to in April and May...

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ver a quarter of the way through the year already, but one step closer to summer!

And with the longer and (hopefully) warmer days to think about, I’ve already started to fill my diary with live music events and festivals, some of which I’m going to tell you about.

Up first, on Sunday 3 April, one of my favourite bands are set to play Milton Keynes for the first time.

Step forward MERRY HELL, bringing their signature folk-rock sound and thoughtprovoking lyrics to The Stables in Wavendon.

Founded in 2010, Merry Hell are masters in their craft and have finely-honed their live offering over the years, sweeping up accolades and fans wherever they go.

I was late to the party, after being introduced to their music in 2014, but every gig and festival I’ve seen them play live since has been incredible, so to see them in my hometown at last is a real treat.

Support on the night comes from alt-folk band RANAGRI. So, for £20.00(adv) a ticket, you really can’t go wrong.

More info: merryhell.co.uk.

Next on the list, is the annual GIN FESTIVAL AT MK11 in Kiln Farm, happening over the bank holiday weekend, from Friday 29 April.

This free-entry event has more gin than you can shake a lemon at, with a menu offering a variety of mixers and botanicals, which can turn anyone into a connoisseur… at least for the weekend!

If gin isn’t your poison of choice, there’s also a wide range of craft beer, cider, lager, spirits and wine, and if that isn’t enough, there’ll also be tasty street food on offer, plus a wealth of live music across three stages over the weekend.

More info: facebook.com/ mk11music.

Finally, a couple of weeks later in May is my final recommendation, taking place at The Craufurd Arms in Wolverton.

We Live Here was the debut album by BOB VYLAN and was dubbed as “too extreme” for major label release.

Shining a harsh light onto the realities of modern Britain, the UK grime-punk duo is taking to the road to promote their new album, Bob Vylan Presents The Price

The scene of Life, stopping by at The Craufurd on Monday 16 May to drag you into a new week kicking and screaming… but in a good way!

Tickets are on sale for £12.50(adv) and when you get to the gig, expect lyrics and vocals oozing with distain, anger and uncomfortable truths, as Bob Vylan takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride and an assault on the ears.

More info: facebook.com/ craufurdarms.

So, that’s some of my spring sorted – how’s yours looking?

CREATE EVERLASTING MEMORIES AT THE HUB Visit The Hub, MK’s hot spot for coffee, catch ups, dinner and drinks, lazy brunches and long lunches, date nights, staycations, yoga, makeovers and more.

Spring is in the air, but things are always heating up at The Hub, a bustling lifestyle quarter in the very heart of Milton Keynes. There is no excuse not to pop by this season!

Here you’ll find an unrivalled collection of restaurants, bars, hotels and lifestyle businesses set around a pedestrian only piazza.

The Hub promises to offer much needed moments of indulgence for everybody. Foodies, social butterflies and relaxation seekers alike can take advantage of the numerous things to do all within walking distance of each other. There's no need to worry about paying for parking either, with three hours free at Sainsbury’s just a short stroll away.

Once reaching The Hub you will be transported across the globe with the tastes of worldwide cuisines including Pan-Asian, Caribbean, French, Mediterranean, Indian, and more. Alfresco dining is available throughout The Hub creating a vibrant European café culture vibe.

Scan For Website

Visit www.thehub-miltonkeynes.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @thehubmk for current information regarding your favourite restaurants and lifestyle businesses.

The Hub is the place to be, to create memories that last a lifetime.

Find The Hub on: @TheHubMK or for an inspo visit: thehub-miltonkeynes.com Located between: Avebury & Midsummer Blvds MK9 2HP

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April/May 2022

‘The Hub is the place to be right now’ Lifestyle columnist Amanda, AKA Ginger Mum, shares her latest top picks, including refurbished restaurants Maaya and Brasserie Blanc...

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ver the years, as my kids have chalked up another birthday, we’ve navigated our way around most party venues across the region, from Powerleague and 360 Play to Spy Mission and so many more. Recently, as my youngest hit double digits, there was a fast-paced front runner for his celebrations.

Formula Fast in Bletchley gave him his first experience of go-karting. Exhilarating and exciting, the team guided the kids through expertly and they were soon whizzing

round the expansive circuit like pros.

Highly recommended by my boy and his mates who can’t wait to go back.

The place to be is definitely The Hub right now, with a plethora of award-winning bars and restaurants, it’s overflowing with choice.

Maaya Indian Kitchen and Bar has had an opulent facelift and the cuisine is as delectable as ever, thanks to the skills of their talented head chef, Ray.

Brasserie Blanc has also had a glow-up and has quickly established its place among the ranks of the Insta-worthy must visit venues in MK. Think plush velvet banquettes, luxury private dining area and their very own blossom tree stealing the show amidst the decadent new decor.

Top tip – their bottomless Sunday Roast is the stuff legends are made of!

Spring and summer, in my humble opinion, is when

David Lloyd Club comes into its own with the outdoor pool serving up tropical oasis vibes in the heart of Milton Keynes.

As well as top tier facilities and cutting-edge classes all year round, the outdoor pool is the jewel in the crown of this unrivalled family friendly space.

Sunny days spent relaxing by the pool as the kids splash the day away truly feels like being abroad.

That’s one of the many reasons why we have been members for the past 15 years and couldn’t imagine anywhere better around these parts.

I had great feedback from you guys last time I recommended podcasts, and right now, I’m loving ‘Making Money Online with Lisa Johnson’. It’s so motivational and she leaves no subject unspoken in her episodes as she imparts her expertise and experience. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Don’t forget you can follow my daily musings on my Instagram stories over @gingermumstyle

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‘The new Ninja Warrior UK is epic in MK’ Family travel blogger Faye Shearwood discusses some fantastic activities to keep the kids entertained as we move into spring...

Family days out

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ow that spring has officially sprung and the evenings are getting lighter, we are looking forward to spending a lot more time outside.

Spring for me symbolises new beginnings, and is characterised by blooming flowers, fresh leaves, bird song, baby animals and of course – Easter!

It’s time to hang up those coats and embrace nature!

And with that – comes Little Frosties Kid’s Club.

We have been going to Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands since we first moved to Milton Keynes 7 years ago – not only for their delicious cakes but also for their fantastic play area and garden centre.

Spring is a great opportunity to spruce up the garden and get the children involved too.

The Little Frosties Kids Club focuses on encouraging children’s development through outdoor play and discovery, helping you and your little ones create an active and adventurous lifestyle – and you don’t even need a garden to take part!

The completely free club includes your very own loyalty card, a free monthly milk and cookie (with any adult hot drink purchased), member only events and a packet of vegetable seeds.

My children love watching new shoots grow and it is great for their own mental well-being, so join online, pick up a welcome pack in store and get growing!

Next up, something for us mums – as our own mental health and well-being is just as important.

I find it almost impossible to exercise as a new mum (especially as a mum of 3) – so enter; Fit Mummy MK! Run by Helen Colby-Major, the mum and baby bootcamp provides a safe space for new mums to regain their fitness whilst keeping their little ones close by, and from rockers to bouncers and playmats to toys – there is lots to entertain (or even involve) them.

Helen is a qualified pre and post-natal trainer (her energy and enthusiasm is brilliant) – and the supportive, friendly and fun environment offers you the chance to regain your confidence whilst also meeting other new mums.

After my first session I was hooked, it gives me the strength and motivation I need to take on a new week and I am even able to take both Evelyn (3) and River (4 months old) along with me as well. It runs Monday to Thursday from 11am, head to mkfitbody.com/ fit-mummy-bootcamp for more information.

And lastly, Ninja Warrior UK has just opened next to Asda, Bletcham Way and I took my son Beau there recently.

Quite simply, we had the BEST time – from sliding to climbing and bouncing to swinging, Beau really embraced his inner ninja whilst keeping fit and developing his ninja skills.

Our particular favourite section was the inflatable obstacle course and warped wall – all supervised by friendly and helpful staff.

Inspired by ITV’s hit programme, Ninja Warrior UK is great fun for all the family, and adults will have just as much fun as kids as it is suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.

The minimum age for entry is 4 years old, ninja socks must be worn on the inflatable course and long sleeves are a must – can you beat the wall?

For more family adventures in Buckinghamshire and beyond, follow Faye on Instagram @meandbeau_travels

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April/May 2022

Spring styles for your wardrobe Fashion model Zainab Sohail tells us what’s hot to wear in spring 2022

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hen I think of spring, I’m not thinking about the change of weather – I’m too busy thinking of all the florals, pastels and chiffon I need to incorporate into my wardrobe.

This season, peel off the layers and inject some dopamine dressing into your wardrobe.

With London Fashion Week taking us by storm, we’ve had swirling prints and patterns

by Givenchy and Gabriela Hearst, not to mention the vivacious sunset hued prints

by Paco Rabanne serving us colourful hippie vibes as a throwback this spring 2022.

Patterns are huge at the moment and green is still very much a trending colour in tweed, chiffon and silk.

Nostalgia is in full force for spring, with designers bringing back iconic looks from the early 2000’s – a time when fashion was defined by flashy yet delightful style.

Most importantly, Y2K fashion was all about fun, which is what getting dressed should look like right now.

This spring, designers have tweaked 00’s styles with new proportions and silhouettes, which has allowed them to feel much more elevated as well as wearable. Both low-rise and mid-rise jeans are slouchier and sit a little higher on the hips and sheer pieces are coming through in every possible variation, but miniskirts and dresses have

shrunk to even more micro hemlines, only for those who dare.

Whether you love it or hate it, the 00’s reboot is here.

Fashioinnab

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Knitted cropped cardigan MANGO, £35.99

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‘Bucks Star Beer’s brewery taproom is a hidden MK gem’ Celebrate:MK editor Jon Boyle went for an evening out at Bucks Star Beer’s tap house on the edge of Wolverton to try their delightful range of home-brewed craft beers and handmade sourdough pizzas.

Here, he explains why the cosy, friendly taproom on an industrial estate in Stonebridge is one of Milton Keynes’ best kept secrets...

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ucks Star Beer has brought a tantalising taste of the London microbrewery culture to Milton Keynes over the past two years. My only regret, as a huge craft beer fan myself, is that I have only just discovered it!

Tucked away on an industrial estate in Stonebridge, just outside of Wolverton, Bucks Star Beer’s brewery tap house is one of MK’s best kept secrets.

Launched in spring 2020, owner Datis Gol has spent the past two years quietly working on fulfilling his vision of bringing the joy of organic home-brewed craft beer to the people of MK. I popped along to try it out with my beer enthusiast friend, Luke, and we found that Datis has already succeeded in his mission by creating a vibrant community space where trendy-looking millennials come together to play board games, eat handmade sourdough pizza and chat over a shared love of craft beer. It’s a special place.

We tried a range of Datis’s live unfiltered beers, which are all vegan-friendly and brewed on site with organic grains and no added sugars.

As well as the beers on tap, you can purchase

Jon Boyle (right) with his friend, Luke Alexandre, at Bucks Star Beer bottles, cans and eco-friendly growlers to take home, plus organic wines too.

The first beer we tried was the No. 1 Pale Ale, which is Bucks Star’s flagship beer and the first one they launched.

With light citrus notes, this 4% beer is tasty and very easy to drink.

The second beer we had was Evolve, which is a 5%

real lager. It’s a smooth beer that is produced in the same way as an ale, but it doesn’t go through filtration or pasterisation and the carbonation is naturally occuring, so it’s a healthier choice than your average lager. A lovely beverage.

The third beer we tried was Copernicus, which is a delicious 3.8% copper ale.

Visit celebratemk.co.uk for more news from around MK

But we saved the best until last as the fourth and final beer we tried was Bucks Star’s Steenbrugge 4.8% Belgian ale, which is simply stunning.

It has a really strong, fruity, wheaty taste and we ended up ordering a few more of these as we chatted and ate a couple of lovely, fresh sourdough pizzas late into the night.

The friendly owner, Datis (pictured above, centre),

kindly came and sat with us for a while and shared his inspiration behind the business.

“I lived, worked and studied in London for a few years and attended lots of social events that involved drinking real beer,” he said. “I made some great memories and wanted to replicate those kind of memories for myself and others once I moved back to MK.” And with live music acts

Star 17 Twizel Close, MK13 0DX

Artisan Beers

●

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April/May 2022

and networking events lined up over the coming months at the tap house, the future is looking extremely bright for this hidden gem of MK. Bucks Star Beer’s brewery taproom is open Tuesdays to Saturdays at 17 Twizel Close, Stonebridge, Milton Keynes, MK130DX. Call 01908 590054 or visit www.BucksStar.Beer

Brewery Tap

Organic Wines ● Sourdough Pizzas

Open Tuesday to Saturday Bookings: (01908) 59 00 54 www.BucksStar.Beer

@BucksStarBeer facebook.com/BucksStarBeer/Events

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April/May 2022

Pole position for Silverstone Distillery Hazel Roberts chats to Silverstone Distillery founder Steve Hancock about his award-winning gin and the roots of his growing success

I

t was a last-minute entry of Oak Rested Gin from Silverstone Distillery that went on to win the Best Drink Product category at the Milton Keynes Food and Leisure Awards in 2021.

I caught up with founder, Steve Hancock, to find out more about this new local distillery and their special gin.

Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 15 years, Steve often dreamed about the incredible products he wanted to make.

So, in October 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, he took his first step and opened Silverstone Distillery.

Currently the products coming out of the distillery are very much rooted in the history of Silverstone.

Their Military Gin gives a nod to the army base on which the famous Silverstone circuit is built, and the Heritage No2 Smoked Wild Apple Vodka uses apples that grow locally in the hedgerow.

The award-winning Heritage No1 Oak Rested Gin uses wood from a 5000-yearold local oak tree in its flavour development.

The tree had been preserved all those years in peat bog but is now in the yard of a sawmill on a local estate.

The man in charge of the sawmill had tried using chips from the tree to smoke some fish and was delighted by the

Food scene peaty, citrus flavour imparted, so he contacted Steve to see if he could use it to add flavour to a gin.

After a fair bit of experimentation, the Oak Rested Gin was born.

Things are moving fast for the new distillery with

the British Grand Prix.

At the distillery, their Gin School is proving extremely popular, and they have added new experiences such as Mixology and Gin Masterclasses.

Soon they will be offering their experience at some incredible new locations such as Whittlebury Park and the new Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone.

So, as we start to put the pandemic behind us, Steve sees Silverstone Distillery having an exciting future and welcomes visitors to pop down to the distillery to see what they are all about and to try before you buy.

exciting collaborations coming up with a top-flight motorsport artist and product launches at both the National Trust gardens at Stowe and

Visit silverstonedistillery.co.uk to find out more, buy products, check opening times, book an experience and more.

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22

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An egg-citing Easter at Waitrose Heston Blumenthal’s chocolate treat part of new Easter range

W

ith fond memories of Easter gatherings, egg hunts and baking, Easter is an exciting time of year for all the family.

And it has just got even better as Waitrose has launched a range of new products for this year.

These include Waitrose Savoury Hot Cross Brioche Rolls, which are perfect for burgers at Easter barbecues, plus ‘Heston from Waitrose The Golden Apple’ (pictured right), which is a beautiful shimmering chocolate treat from celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal.

Another is the Waitrose

No.1 Hidden Truffles Blonde Easter Egg, which is the retailer’s first blonde egg.

We’ve heard that blonde is more fun and this is a fabulous new addition to the range for this year.

Emma Beale, Waitrose’s

Head of Product Innovation, said: “Easter has looked a little different over the last couple of years, but with Easter searches on the rise on waitrose.com, we know that our customers are excited to celebrate with loved ones in 2022. Our fantastic selection of products made with quality ingredients really ensures that there is something for everyone, whether they’re looking for sweet treats for an Easter Egg hunt, delicious bakes to indulge in or something to ‘wow’ guests at an Easter lunch.”

For more information visit www.waitrose.com

Cranberryhome Interior Design ~ Room Designs ~ Property Styling

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Top Gun prepares for take-off Jason Day previews the latest cinema releases, including a return to Hogwarts and the end of an almost 40-year wait for Top Gun’s return Downtown Abbey 2 (29 April) English aristocrats and their servants swan off to the South of France when Dowager Maggie Smith inherits a villa from a former lover. Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern co-star.

wer e i v e r l ee R Cries and Whispers (out on 1 April) Ingmar Bergman’s 1972 psychodrama gets a reissue at BFI cinemas. Three sisters and their servant struggle with the terminal cancer of one of the sisters (Harriet Andersson).

Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness (6 May) Have these superhero films permanently tipped into incomprehensible cod-science? The trailer left me wanting to tune out! Convoluted and preposterous for such a simple formula, but I bet it earns a cool billion dollars.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (8 April) Continuing the adventures of wizard Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) ponders how long he will stay on the sidelines of World War II.

Wild Men (6 May) Norwegian comedy drama about a mid-life crisis male who moves to the mountains.

This causes problems for his family, new friends and police who think he’s part of a drugs cartel.

The Lost City (15 April) Sandra Bullock is a romantic novelist and Channing Tatum the dim cover model for her books. When she is kidnapped

by Daniel Radcliffe, Tatum tries to rescue her. Looks like bright, cartoonish fun.

DC League of Super Pets (20 May) Superman’s pooch teams up with the animals of other heroes when his beloved owner is kidnapped. Featuring the vocal talents of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Keanu Reeves.

Top Gun: Maverick (27 May) US Air Force’s Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise) returns nearly 40 years after we first saw him. He coaches Miles Teller who is the son of Mitchell’s late best friend (Anthony Edwards).

And at MK Gallery... Coat of Alms (1 April) A beauty queen discovers her lover is part of the network that collects vulnerable children for trafficking and begging. To book, visit bit.ly/MKGalleryFilm You can read more in-depth reviews from Jason by following him on Twitter: @Reelreviewer

Call 07928 027444 or email jon@celebratemk.co.uk if you are interested in advertising in Celebrate:MK

Sat 21 & Sun 22 May 2022 Willen Lake South 12noon - 5pm

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H Car parking charges apply at Willen Lake

The two day pooch party returns with a fun dog show, thrilling arena performances, giant dock-diving and an array of doggie related vendors and traders. www.theparkstrust.com/bigdoggiedo

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• Homecare support • Live in care • Emergency care (provided same day) • Palliative care • Dementia and Alzheimer care • Brain injury specialist care

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September 2020

33

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Styling your property for selling interior design co lumn

I

f you have never thought about staging or styling your home before putting it on the market, here are a few burning questions we get confronted with...

‘I never staged my home before, it sold OK.’ In reality, buyers are now much more sophisticated and expect more from their new investment. Presentation is everything these days.

‘My house is vacant therefore the space looks bigger.’ A room always looks bigger with furniture in it.

In reality, furniture correctly scaled to a room, gives a buyer a perspective of how their furniture will fit in the space.

‘I don’t want to spend any more money on my house as I’m selling it.’ The return on investment for styling property is an industry average of 8-10% more than a non-staged home and professionally styled properties sell 50-80% quicker, avoiding additional costs.

‘My house is beautiful, therefore everyone else will love it.’ Even decorated homes need staging. With decorating, the focus is on “stuff”, home staging is more about highlighting the architectural features; focal points and connecting with your buyer.

‘Buyers can look past imperfections.’ Again,

Hugo Fleming, Design Director of multi award-winning local interior design studio Cranberryhome, looks into some of the facts and myths about selling your home and preparing your property for sale...

Before

buyers are much more sophisticated than before.

House-builders invest in show homes to connect buyers to their property, your home is competing with these also.

Your prospective buyers have busier lives now with less time to correct house defects.

If a buyer subconsciously observes too many “red flags” they will move to the next property or demand a price reduction.

‘I can’t afford a home stager.’ Many assume that home stagers charge similar fees to interior designers.

However, the cost of staging can accommodate many budgets – from a simple consultation to a full-house staging and styling.

Presentation is everything

After

these days, so consider investing in professional help to present your property.

Insist on professional photography to ensure your home really connects with your potential buyers. Your property is one of your costliest investments, so there is plenty of potential here to maximise your profit.

Hugo is Design Director of award-winning Cranberryhome, an interior design and property styling company in Milton Keynes.

A senior House Doctor consultant, Hugo is often found at Ask an Expert at Grand Designs Live, and is in demand as an interior designer all over the UK.

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31

April/May 2022

Become a pub quiz tyre whizz Ray Pantling, owner of Tyres Direct, lists five facts he found out while answering questions from intrigued customers

C

ustomers ask me a number of strange questions about tyres. Here are five facts I’ve found out while going over and above the call of duty, which may help you in that pub quiz... ‍ 1. Run-flat tyres have the ability to work for a limited time, even with no air.

Reinforced sidewalls on run-flat tyres give them the capability of travelling without any air in the tyre. This

eliminates the need for an emergency roadside repair. However, once punctured, it’s not advised to repair a run-flat tyre as the structural integrity is compromised.

2. The Lego Group is the world’s largest tyre producer.

After introducing their tyres in 1962, Lego products have surged in popularity.

Lego produced 318 million mini rubber tyres in one year, making it the largest

tyre manufacturer in the world. Coming in second is Bridgestone with 190 million.

3. Over 6.8 million tyres are produced every day.

The largest tyre producing nation is China, followed by the United States, Japan, South Korea and Germany.

4. Tyres were bolted onto artillery wheels on early cars.

In the early 1900s tyres were difficult

TyrE Talk to change as they were bolted on for security purposes.

5. Mickey Thompson invented his own tyres to break the land speed record.

In 1960, he travelled at 406.6mph using the tyres he designed.

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Solution on page 35

April/May Crossword

April/May Sudoku

Place a digit from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so every row, column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. Solution on page 35 01908 569949

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35

April/May 2022

Local Business Directory To advertise, email jon@celebratemk.co.uk or call 07928 027444 Architect Andrew Jackson Design 07525 825843 Beauty and Aesthetics Dermaspa..................01908 242023 Make Up By Della B 07980 927337 Cycling Blue Horse Bikes......07464 171032 Chiropractor Isis Chiropractic.......01908 307075 Dancewear Design Agency Sole2Sole....................01908 567823 Dentist MK Dental Spa...........01908 569949 Food and Drink Alpha at Oscars.........01908 242977 Riverford MK..............01908 238100 Maaya Indian..............01908 242665

Mortgage Advisor BMC.............................07756 315441 Heating

Printer Bartham Press..........01582 573471

Home Fuels................07867 386343

Neves Solicitors.........01908 304560 Schools Swanbourne House...01296 720264 Shopping centre

Home and Garden Monet Tree Care......01908 049955 Prestige Lawns..........01908 542422 Snug Roofs.................01908 645566 Home Loft Ladders...0808 3019558 Cloudy2Clear Windows 0800 6121118 Motoring Vehicle Crash Repairs...01908 377217 Tyres Direct MK.........01908 367770 Private Members’ Club Alpha Club MK..........01908 354960 Public Relations and Marketing Brand Mission..............07970 395110 Perception PR..............01908 380936

Solicitors

centre:mk...................01908 678641 Sport and Fitness David Lloyd Club.......01908 207907 Let’s Kick It.................07415 178399 Be Military Fit.............07984 775332 Studio44 Training.....07808 030091 Taxis Skyline Taxis...............01908 222111 Theatre MK Theatre.................08448 717652

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Crossword solution

Sudoku solution

You can find this edition’s crossword and sudoku puzzles on the Puzzle Page on page 32.

No peeking at the answers until you’ve finished!