Celebrate:MK February March 2023

Hazel Roberts catches up with the winners of the Best Local Drink category from the MK Food Awards

Milton Keynes radio royalty Ros, Wes and Trev reunite to host the new MKFM Breakfast Show

FAB FAMILY DAYS OUT Faye Shearwood on MK Brick Festival, Buckingham Old Gaol and more

Vicky McCarthy picks out two live gigs that are not to be missed

elcome to Celebrate:MK, which contains a special three-page guest food column from Sophie etc on pages 18 to 20, plus news of a return to the local airwaves for MK radio royalty Ros, Wes and Trev on page 6. I’ve known Wes and Trev for years and they are both great guys and fantastic broadcasters. It’s interesting that Wes is now based at

Stadium MK with MKFM, as he is one of the best footballers I’ve ever played with. Perhaps he could dig out his boots and give the Dons a hand in their relegation battle!

Tree-sy does it for Rhubarb Rum

Since their Rhubarb Rum won the Best Local Drink category at the Milton Keynes Food & Leisure Awards in November, Chris and Jenny Letts have been flat out running their Stoke Goldington Christmas Tree business.

We caught up with them in the new year to find out more about their winning product and the Fruity Farmer part of their family farm.

“We were over the moon to win the Best Local Drink Award for our Rhubarb Rum in the recent Milton Keynes Food & Leisure Awards,” beamed Jenny.

It is a white rum, infused with garden-grown rhubarb and left to mature for three months. It was proving popular with customers straight from its launch earlier in the year, prompting Jenny to enter it into the awards.

As with other products in the Fruity Farmer range, the rhubarb for the rum was grown on the farm.

“We are proud that we make everything here on the farm from fruit we either forage from our hedgerows or grow in the garden,” Jenny explained. “And our oils are made from oilseed rape we grow here on the farm too.”

Initially the farm concentrated on selling Christmas trees and gradually started to add fruit infused alcohol to sell at Christmas when people came to choose their trees. However, they

soon realised that there was a market for the drinks all year round and they created the Fruity Farmer branch of the business in 2016.

“We started with classic Sloe Gin, then added Blackberry Whisky and Raspberry Vodka but now we sell a whole range of fruit gins, liqueurs and infused rapeseed oils,” Jenny said.

Alongside their new Rhubarb Rum, last Christmas they trialled Mulberry Vodka and they are looking forward to adding that to the range properly this autumn.

If all this has whet your appetite, you can buy products online at www.thefruityfarmer.co.uk, for complimentary local

Food scene

delivery within 10 miles of the farm or collection.

Use their social media or their website to find out which local events they will be attending this year or to find a stockist near you and help to support this local business with low food miles.

Hazel Roberts catches up with the creators of the award-winning Rhubarb Rum drink to discover the secrets behind their success...

Ros, Wes and Trev reunite for new MKFM Brea kfast Show

The column

MK radio legends back on the local airwaves every morning...

Milton Keynes radio royalty Ros, Wes and Trev have reunited to host the brand new MKFM Breakfast Show every day from 7am.

The show, which started on Tuesday 3rd January, is broadcast live from Stadium MK with the very latest local news, weather and travel each morning. There’s plenty of fun and the best music to start your day in Milton Keynes.

Meet Ros, Wes, and Trev Ros is a self-confessed crazy cat lady with a wry sense of humour who likes to bring chaos and fun into any situation. Ros’s natural ability to overshare means there’s not one aspect of her life we

won’t get to hear about! Ros has lived in Milton Keynes for 23 years and has hosted Breakfast on both Horizon Radio and Heart Radio in Milton Keynes. She has also hosted Weekend Breakfast on MKFM since the middle of 2022.

Wes started in radio back in 2003 at Horizon in Milton Keynes. His big break came whilst being dressed as the 103 man (like the 118 guy but hairier).

Since then, he’s mooched around the world of radio - presenting breakfast and drive time shows all over the place - ironically being all over the place describes him very well.

He has been the host of

Weekend Breakfast on MKFM since the middle of 2022.

Trev (Trevor Marshall) has been involved in broadcasting in Milton Keynes since the early 90s, when he started on the Horizon Radio Breakfast Show with Helen Legh.

Trev subsequently worked with Ros and Cueball on Horizon Radio, before moving to host the Breakfast Show on Jack FM in Oxfordshire. Trev has also been the voice of the MK Dons since 2004 and presenting Afternoons on MKFM since 2020.

Listen to MKFM on 95.0FM, 102.1FM, 106.3FM, DAB Digital Radio, online, your mobile, or on Smart Speakers.

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile.

Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to risk their windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the road, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these

values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.com

Windows Steamed Up?

Janet Beard

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

Swanbourne House School celebrates appointing new Head

Swanbourne House is an independent day and boarding school set in 55 acres of Buckinghamshire countryside, a short drive from central Milton Keynes. The school is celebrating the appointment of a new Head, Nick Holloway, who will start his role in September 2023. We chat to the keen sportsman and outdoors enthusiast about his background and his exciting plans for the school going forward...

Swanbourne House School, the independent day and boarding prep school just outside Milton Keynes, is celebrating the appointment of new Head, Mr Nick Holloway.

Nick, who will begin his role with the School in September 2023, said: “It is a great privilege to have been asked to lead Swanbourne House. I am incredibly honoured to be the next Head and my wife Emily and I are excited about joining the vibrant school community.”

Nick was educated at Canford School and Newcastle University where he read Archaeology. Before moving into teaching, he worked for HBOS PLC (subsequently part of Lloyds Banking Group), based in London and Edinburgh.

After 12 years in finance, he changed career and joined Cothill House in Oxfordshire in 2013 and immediately found his vocation.

During his four years at Cothill, he was Head of Science and heavily involved in Boarding, Sports and Outdoor Education. In 2017, Nick moved to take up the position of Deputy Head Pastoral at Brambletye School

in Sussex and was promoted to Deputy Head in 2020.

He has worked across all operational and strategic

aspects of the School. He has also been a Governor of Canford School for the last five years.

He is a keen sportsman, particularly hockey and tennis, and an outdoors enthusiast who enjoys mountaineering and sea kayaking.

Nick continued: “I look forward to working closely with the staff, pupils and parents to promote and enhance the values and the ethos of the School and further develop the educational experience of the pupils. Prep schools are amazing places and I am committed to developing the exceptional all-round education offered at Swanbourne House.”

Nick will be working closely with the Swanbourne team over the next two terms, before joining the school. Until September, Swanbourne will continue to be led by Mrs Simone Mitchell, Senior Deputy Head and Acting Head.

Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, Head of The Stowe Group said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick and Emily into The Stowe Group of Schools.

“We had a very strong field of candidates for the role of Head of Swanbourne and Nick impressed the selection panel with the clarity of his strategy and vision.

“He has acquired a wealth of educational and managerial experience from Brambletye and Cothill and can draw on his previous career in Finance.

“Nick is committed to building on the many existing strengths of Swanbourne. I am confident that Swanbourne will continue to flourish and thrive with Nick’s leadership, and I am looking forward to

working with him over the coming years.”

Swanbourne House is an independent day and boarding school set in 55 acres of Buckinghamshire countryside, a short drive from central Milton Keynes.

In 2021, the school joined with Stowe and Winchester House to form The Stowe Group of Schools.

Membership of The Stowe Group gives Swanbourne House pupils access to a combined site of over 800 acres with unrivalled

educational and co-curricular facilities. These include Stowe’s Worsley Science Centre, the Roxburgh Theatre, the Chung Music School, state-of-the-art gym, eight lane athletics track, Equestrian Centre, six lane competition swimming pool, clay pigeon shooting range and golf course.

To discuss admissions at Swanbourne House or to arrange a visit, email admissions@swanbourne.org or see www.swanbourne.org

Top 3 ‘tweakments’ for 2023

Lifestyle columnist Amanda, AKA Ginger Mum, shares some easy, pain-free ‘tweakments’ to try at local salon Aphrodite this year...

my favourite treatment is inch loss cavitation – I can quite literally see the fat disappearing by the time the ultrasound has worked its magic.

I never imagined this was possible until I saw it with my own eyes.

This comfortable and noninvasive procedure safely and effectively breaks down fat cells, done by the action of a low-frequency ultrasound.

used to freeze fat cells from localised areas.

The revolutionary and advanced cooling technology targets and carefully freezes those fat cells underneath the skin (this process is called lipolysis). This is a great safe and affordable alternative to liposuction.

Finally, HI-EMT is brilliant if you are feeling a bit shy as it can be done over clothes or under.

Across our resplendent three counties, I have, over the numerous years of living here, discovered countless beauticians and aestheticians who are chock full of talent, giving absolutely no need for us ladies (and gents!) who want to make the best of ourselves to haul our asses into London for ‘tweakments’ and that little bit of extra help, when we have it all on our doorstep.

Without doubt the most instant and jaw-dropping results have come from a range of treatments I have been trying out at Aphrodite in Woburn Absolutely mind-blowing,

You just lie back and chat with the lovely Teresa as the blubber melts away.

Then radio frequency can be used, which helps tighten skin, break down fatty tissue and improve the appearance of cellulite by applying electromagnetic high-frequency waves.

Another treatment which works wonders is the Cryolipolysis, a fat freezing non-surgical procedure that is

To give it its full name, high intense electromagnetic therapy.

It can be used on the abdominal/biceps/triceps/ quads/glutes/hamstrings and it induces the equivalent of 20,000 contractions in just 30 minutes.

This will result in up to 16% increase in muscle mass and up to 19% decrease in fat layer. I’ve tried it and it feels odd but in no way painful - it tones and tightens fast!

To book a consultation call 07762 72792 or explore the website at aphroditemedispa.co.uk

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

£444.

Five fab options for family fun

Family days out

Happy New Year! I feel like I say this every January but wow – where did the last year go?!

First up, Milton Keynes Brick Festival is back on the 26th March and this year it’s being held at Planet Ice MK. This is a huge Lego fan event dedicated to all things brick. From speed building competitions, large scale displays and traders selling loose bricks and Lego sets, to a dedicated building area – if you have any young Lego enthusiasts, this is one to add to the diary!

We went to Grounds Café at Howe Park Wood recently and I can confirm their cakes (almond brownies, biscoff millionaires, shortbreads and slices, amongst others) are truly scrumptious. Stop off here for a cup of something warm before a walk around Howe Park Wood, or pop along to Tree Tots, which offers a range of outdoor activities for under-5s every Thursday at 10am. For just £1 per person, you can join in on all kinds of fun things that connect you and your

little one with nature. If the weather is a little too wild however, why not sample the new soft play area at Dobbies Garden Centre? 60 minutes of soft play is £3 per child and it has a smaller area for children under 2, as well as a larger area for older ones where they can climb, slide or play to their heart’s content. On rainy days, we also love to feed the fish here – for just £1 a pot you can feed the truly mesmerising koi carp.

Next up – food! I feel like Milton Keynes has really made its mark on the culinary scene over the last few years and Eat Street MK showcases some exceptional local street food talent – fortnightly on Friday evenings at Bradwell Abbey (Stony Stratford from 3rd March). Wrap up warm and feast on some delicious offerings from this winter market, whilst supporting the local street food scene.

Yummy!

And finally… if you have any history buffs in your family, why not spend a day out at Buckingham Old Gaol? Explore the cells where poachers, drunks and even the odd murderer were locked away and travel back in time to the year 1748 – the year the Old Gaol was built. We also love Buckingham for its charity shops and independent cafés. A fun day for all the family!

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

Family travel blogger Faye Shearwood gets you up to speed with the best local events and family days out in February and March...

Two top gigs you don’t want to miss

We made it through January folks… Hands down the worst month of the year, and definitely not the best time for my formerly faithful car Ellis, to give up the ghost on me!

So, imagine my delight when I caught sight of some absolute belters of gigs arranged for the first quarter of this year, it’s definitely helped take the sting out of recent weeks.

With an abundance of bookings already on the cards at our local live music venues, I couldn’t pick just one gig to share with you in this issue, so check out these two handpicked beauties...

Popes of Chillitown - MK11 Live Music Venue, Saturday 11 February, 19:30 (£8 adv)

I first had the pleasure of catching these guys back in 2016, supporting Voodoo Glow Skulls, and I was immediately blown away. Whenever they return to MK, I make it my mission to attend each gig, immersing myself in their signature brand of scintillating ska-punk, blended with dub and reggae. Always putting on a high energy show, standing still at a Popes of Chillitown gig is pretty hard to do, even with my bad back!

With three immense albums under their belt, you’ll be spoiled for choice as they tear through a set list that will leave you wanting more.

Seeing Popes live is somewhat of a sacred experience and I have every faith that you’ll be guaranteed a great night when they hit that hallowed stage in Kiln Farm. More info: mk11kilnfarm.com and popesofchillitown.com

Okay, so this one isn’t an MK gig, but it’s far too good to not mention.

Merely a hop, skip and a jump over to neighbouring Bedford, you can catch a rare live performance from Newport (Wales, not Pagnell!) legends Dub War...

Dub War - Bedford Esquires, Thursday 9 February, 19:30 (£20 adv)

In the same way I discovered Popes of

The scene

Chillitown, I first witnessed Dub War as a support act, back in 1994.

At Northampton Roadmenders, the four-piece perfectly primed the stage for Manic Street Preachers… and I became an instant fan.

With a sound that can’t be pigeonholed, Dub War are a loud (and unapologetic) assault on the senses and perfectly combine metal, reggae, and punk, which is brought to life by the powerful vocals of Benji Webbe.

Formed in 1993, the band tasted plaudits and quickly built a fan base, before calling it quits in 1999. Three of its members went on to form the highly revered Skindred and despite Skindred’s success, there’s always been an appetite for Dub War to reform.

And our wish was granted in 2014! With some new releases and a surprise appearance at Download Festival in 2015, the band is now hitting the road to promote Westgate Under Fire, their first album of new material since 1996’s Wrong Side of Beautiful.

The Bedford Esquire’s gig will sell out, so act quick or be disappointed. More info: bedfordesquires.co.uk and dubwar.co.uk

Music

reporter Vicki McCarthy

reveals which local gigs you should make sure you’re getting down to watch this February...

Sophie etc’s top five indie restaurants to try in 2023

Milton Keynes food blogger Sophie etc shares her top five indie restaurants and experiences that need to be on your hit list for 2023 in a special guest column for Celebrate:MK...

Whilst most people are making new year’s resolutions, I’m writing a list of restaurants I want to visit in 2023.

Milton Keynes’ indie food scene is getting better and better every year.

2022 saw some incredible new additions to the local food scene and I can’t wait to see what this year has in store.

If you’re writing your own foodie hit list for 2023, here are five indies you need to try this year.

THE BRASSERIE at Milton Keynes College, Bletchley

This is a true gem and one I continually shout from the rooftops about.

On Thursdays, you can sample a tasting menu developed and cooked by the Level 3 Catering Students for a mere £35.

Under the guidance of chefs Nico Baker and James Carr, the food that comes out of the kitchen is really something.

It’s a great way to support the chefs of tomorrow.

“

more news from

EAT STREET

Various locations

Okay, I’m cheating a little here because Eat Street is an event, but if you haven’t been to one yet, I question why.

You can try some of the city’s best independent street food vendors with a very cool vibe, Eat Street has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

You’ll be able to find them at Bradwell Abbey every Friday until 24th Feb, and monthly events should start again in March.

Give them a follow on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date with future events.

Market Place, Woburn

Rai was some of the best Indian food we’ve ever eaten.

The chef has 25 years of experience under his belt, a Michelin Star and a stint with Gordon Ramsay, so it’s safe to say the food far exceeds that of your typical Indian curry house.

It is the perfect place to mark a special occasion but, to be honest, I wouldn’t need much of an excuse to go back here.

“

RAI WOBURN

TUK TUK THAI Aylesbury Street, Fenny Stratford

Tuk Tuk Thai opened in November 2022 in Fenny Stratford and it is a very welcome addition to the local indie food scene.

With a fun interior, great service and very tasty Thai food, this ticks all the boxes for me.

The Beef Massaman curry is out of this world!

“

The Beef Massaman curry is out of this world!

Secret woodland location

WYLD was my favourite foodie memory of 2022. Dinner in the woods, enjoying seasonal, sustainably sourced food. The food is prepared over the fire by some of the area’s best chefs, so every experience is slightly different. It is immersive, unique and truly magical!

To discover more independent eats in Milton Keynes, head to my blog, sophieetc.com. You can also join my Facebook Community Group, Eat & Explore MK to share your reviews and recommendations with other fellow foodies.

WYLD

Musical version of Roald Dahl’s classic story on from Feb 9 to March 5

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to wow the crowds at MK Theatre

The West End and Broadway smash hit ‘Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical’ opens at Milton Keynes Theatre on February 9th, running until March 5th.

The show tells the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.

Gareth Snook stars as ‘Willy Wonka’ alongside Kazmin Borrer as ‘Veruca Salt’, Teddy Hinde as ‘Mike Teavee’, Marisha Morgan as ‘Violet Beauregarde’ and Robin Simoes da Silva as ‘Augustus Gloop’.

They join Michael D’Cruze as ‘Grandpa Joe’, Christopher Howell as ‘Grandpa George’, Kate Milner Evans as ‘Grandma Josephine’, Julie Mullins as ‘Grandma Georgina’ and Leonie Spilsbury as ‘Mrs

Bucket’. The cast is completed by Lydia Bradd, Darcie Brown, Josh Donovan, Ewan Gillies, Lucy Hutchinson, Patrick King, Jodie Knight, Jonathan Macdonald, Victoria Nicol, Katherine Picar, Lewis Rae, Emma Robotham-Hunt, TyReece Stewart and Natasha Volley.

Featuring memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film including ‘The Candy Man’, ‘Pure Imagination’ and ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’ as well as a host of new numbers by the multi award-winning composer and lyricist of Hairspray and Mary Poppins Returns, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, this sensational musical is choc-full of fantastical treats to dazzle your senses and take you to a world of pure imagination.

When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate

Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets they’ve always dreamed of.

But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible and edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl and the Warner Bros. film, Charlie and Chocolate Factory The Musical has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

It is directed by James Brining, with musical supervision and orchestrations by David Shrubsole.

To book your tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre, please visit ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

Hottest shows in February and March

Cara Lee previews her favourite theatre shows to look out for in MK

Starting with The Stables, they’re kicking off the next two months with some great gigs, including Canadian folk duo Madison Violet on the 9th of February and Malone Siburn Band on Thursday 2nd March.

The latter of those is a blues-rock collaboration not to be missed, with Marcus Malone and Innes Siburn teaming up.

Rare Productions will be making a welcome return to Stantonbury Theatre, this time with a production of Disney Channel classic High School Musical

While that runs from the

Show Stoppers

Dyad productions will take to the Stantonbury stage on the 6th of March, with Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own The Comedy Cow will be coming back to The Venue on March 17th, featuring Jack Gledow as the opening act, Harry Stachini as the host and Darren Harriot as the headliner.

Heading over to MK Theatre, something sweet will be coming along, as Charlie and the Chocolate

February to the 5th of March. Currently embarking on its first ever UK tour, the show also stars Gareth Snook as Willy Wonka.

And speaking of adaptations of popular kids books, David Walliams’ Demon Dentist will be on from the 23rd to the 26th of March.

More information about shows at Milton Keynes Theatre is available at atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes, Stantonbury Theatre at stantonburytheatre.co.uk, The Stables at stables.org and The Venue’s shows at

Cool interior trends to embrace in 2023

Hugo Fleming , Design Director of multi award-winning local interior design studio Cranberryhome, looks into where to focus

interior design column

At this time of year, we often contemplate updating our interiors for a fresher look. Making your house your sanctuary is a great way to start the new year and updating it helps kick start enthusiasm for your home.

Read on for the latest trends coming to a home near you in 2023!

Grey interiors are losing their appeal in favour of more colourful pops of colour, highlight walls and warmer tones. Moody colours on the walls can create the right vibe and interact with the user much more than a cool tone interior. Layering your spaces with deeper, richer tones for the most up-to-date look will help you keep on trend.

Curves are back! We know how many straight lines there are in houses, so try and introduce some organic curves to soften interiors. Opt for a curved breakfast bar or add circular bedside tables for that more feminine look. Light reflects differently with curves compared to angular designs, so choosing some subtle circular additions will create a moodier ambience.

Used and vintage furniture is likely to be popular this year. The art of recycling, re-purposing and re-inventing pieces is gaining momentum. It is not difficult to see why this will be popular in 2023. Vintage pieces add character and are so much better for the environment

Re-thinkingTheFuture.com

when we re-use them. Gaining in popularity this year is the use of sustainable materials. Interior experts are abundantly aware that more can be done to source sympathetically without compromising design. Rattan, bamboo, cane and linen are great examples of more sustainable materials.

We predict that cork and aluminium will become increasingly popular in 2023 and beyond. Cork’s natural brown colour gives it a grounding, earthy feel which connects with us making us feel more relaxed. Aluminium can be recycled endlessly, making it a perfect environmentally-friendly metal to use around your home.

Hovia.com

And finally, stripes have always been popular, so this year consider wavy stripes. Waves are of course associated with water and the ocean, which are known to evoke feelings of calm and relaxation. You could try wallpaper or create wavy stripes in curtains and blinds or even paint waves on your walls.

Bring on that mindfulness!

Hugo is Design Director of the international awardwinning local interior design and property styling studio Cranberryhome. A senior House Doctor consultant, Hugo is often found at Grand Designs Live and is in demand as an interior designer all over the UK.

your energy on updating your interiors this year..

Susana Lopez

Habitat

Our reviews

“Professional company who offer a very good range of doors. Good service and advice, competitive prices. Would recommend.”

“We have employed Win Dor now on two separate occasions and both times the service has been fast and efficient. The fitters were professional, polite and very tidy. would thoroughly recommend.”

Recycling breakthroughs

Ray Pantling, owner of Tyres Direct in Bletchley, explains innovative global uses for scrap

Scrap tyres have found jobs as erosion-control dams, animal fences, road-construction barriers, bullet stops on rifle ranges, bridge supports, grain storage structures, livestock bedding and wave barriers.

Goodyear participated in a project in Tucson, Arizona, in which 1,200 tyres were baled and used to construct a 30-foot-long, six-foot high tyre dam. A 25-foot tall dam in Arkansas made use of more than 50,000 tyres. And, California used 860,000 tyres to fill in a freeway embankment during construction.

tyres

In New Mexico, you can find homes called ‘earthships’. The walls of these eco-friendly structures are made of used tyres recovered from landfills and filled with dirt.

The inner surface of the tyres, which forms the interior walls, is plastered with adobe or cement.

Earthships use solar energy for heat, and the tyres provide insulation.

The concept was created by Michael Reynolds, author of several books on the topic and owner of construction planning company Earthship Biotecture, based in Taos, New Mexico.

Waitrose strips back its vaping range

Waitrose has announced its decision not to sell single-use vaping products

The company had already made the decision not to enter the burgeoning market for brightly coloured, fashionable, single-use vaping devices. But now it has also delisted imitation cigarettes containing lithium, which were historically sold under the Ten Motives label.

The single-use vape market has seen rapid growth in the last year, with an increasing number of young nonsmoking vapers attracted by the colour and sweet, soft drink and dessert based

flavours. While Waitrose has robust controls under its Challenge 25 Policy, the company is concerned about the risk these products pose by appealing to younger people - as well

the environmental impact. The move comes as reports suggest that the market growth is being fuelled by the popularity among those who haven’t previously smoked.

The move also comes amid growing environmental concerns about single-use vaping devices, containing both plastics and valuable lithium ending up in landfill.

Charlotte Di Cello, Commercial Director for Waitrose, said: “We are a retailer driven by doing the right thing, so selling single use vapes is not something we could justify given the impact on both the environment and the health of young people.”

Retailer makes moral decision not to sell single-use vaping products

A new Scream sequel for 2023

Jason Day chooses his top picks from the February and March cinema releases, including the sixth instalment of the horror Scream

Cocaine Bear (24 Feb)

Based on a true story, this comedy/adventure follows a drug runner’s plane crash that unleashes a cache of charlie, some of which has been snorted by a Brown Bear.

Reel reviewer

The Whale (out on 3 Feb)

A ‘comeback’ for Brendan Fraser as a writer who has ballooned after comfort eating following a tragedy. He attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Sadie Sink).

Roman Holiday (3 Feb)

70th birthday reissue of the classic romance that launched Audrey Hepburn’s career. She plays a Princess in Rome who goes rogue and hooks up with Gregory Peck’s American reporter who sniffs the scoop of the year.

Women Talking (10 Feb)

A strong cast (Frances McDormand, Rooney Mara, Claire Foy) play the women of an isolated religious community dealing with the uncomfortable realities of their faith. Powerful, starkly filmed drama.

Creed III (3 Mar)

Latest instalment in the Rocky follow-up films starring Michael B. Jordan as a boxing champ. He has to face-off with a blast from the past (Jonathan Majors), embittered after serving time for his friend.

Scream VI (10 Mar)

Following the last ‘Ghostface killings’, four survivors leave Woodsboro to start new lives in New York. But has the killer followed them?

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (17 Mar)

Seeing the 2019 original madcap click turned me on to the possibility that comicsbased movies might, just might, be worth checking out once in a while. Zachary Levi returns as the titular, jocular kid-turned-superhero.

Mummies (31 Mar)

An archaeologist steals a

highly prized royal wedding ring during a dig, it’s up to a crew of ancient Egyptians who live underneath the tomb to retrieve it. Animated fun for all the family.

And on at MK Gallery... Babylon (11-14 February)

Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie star in this decadent, early Hollywood epic that looks like a mash-up of the party scenes in The Great Gatsby and The Wolf of Wall Street. To book: mkgallery.org/ event/babylon/

You can read more in-depth reviews from Jason by following him on Twitter: @Reelreviewer