Celebrate:MK June July 2022

June/July 2022. Issue 57

MK

Because Milton Keynes is worth celebrating

CELEBRATE: lifestyle magazine BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Local independent day and boarding school celebrates 2022 scholarship success See centre pages for the full story

INSIDE! alexandra burke lange

Swanbourne house open day Friday June 24th

summer fun

FR EE !

lity T he qua n e ma gazi fo r M K

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

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DJ LANGE TO GO LARGE MK’s legendary trance DJ ready to rock Amnesia this summer at Kevin & Perry 20-year reunion Ibiza gigs

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June/July 2022

Contents

SHALOM’S MKBAA JOY Shalom Lloyd wins Business of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year as top MK business awards return

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NILAM HOLMES COLUMN MK’s world-famous beauty expert on getting the Beckhams weddingready and launching a new branch

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GINGER MUM COLUMN The lifestyle blogger looks ahead to Craig David at Campbell Park

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ALEXANDRA BURKE We interview the former X Factor star about her new MK Theatre role

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GREAT GELATO Hazel Roberts meets the owner of Stony Stratford’s new ice-cream shop

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Welcome from the Editor

The easiest way to receive Celebrate:MK directly every issue is to subscribe to the free digital edition. Just email the word ‘Subscribe’ to jon@celebratemk.co.uk

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How to Advertise To advertise in Celebrate:MK, please email jon@celebratemk.co.uk or call 07928 027444. We offer generous discounts when you book to advertise in 3 or more issues of Celebrate:MK.

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

elcome to the June/July issue of Celebrate:MK, which is packed full of local summer fun.

I’ve been enjoying getting back out to events recently and the MK Business Achievement Awards 2022 were excellent. It was great to catch up with old friends like Lia from MKFM (pictured), and you can read about the awards and all the winners on page 8.

I also attended a hilarious MK Comedy Cow gig at Brewhouse and Kitchen, where I met legendary trance DJ Lange, who was on

the same table as me. I couldn’t believe it when he said he now lives in MK – I have a few of his tracks on vinyl including his epic ‘Fiji’ remix. You can read my interview with on him on page 5.

Jon Boyle

MK Next Generation Grassroots development programme for U6 & U7 (Foundation & Y1).

U8 Mixed Team We are seeking players for our Under 8’s mixed team. (Y3 - September 2022)

MK United FC

U7 & U9 Girls Teams

Your community club, providing inclusive football for all in Milton Keynes since 1975.

We are seeking players for our girls teams.

U7s (Y1 & Y2 - September 2022) U9s (Y3 & Y4 - September 2022)

Need more Information?

Please contact secretary@mkunitedfc.co.uk

MK United FC are based at Fairfields and Hodge Lea.

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June/July 2022

Milton Keynes-based superstar DJ ready to rock Amnesia this summer

MK’s legendary trance DJ Lange excited to ‘go large’ at Kevin & Perry reunion Ibiza gigs

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egendary DJ Lange is excited to relive the golden years of trance when he returns to the decks at Amnesia superclub in Ibiza this summer to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the smash-hit movie Kevin & Perry Go Large.

Lange, who moved to Milton Keynes in 2014 with his wife Ruth, is set to perform at the iconic white isle superclub on June 6th and September 27th after his huge 2000 hit ‘Follow Me’ featured on the film’s original soundtrack.

Lange, whose real name is Stuart Langelaan, said: “I’m so excited to be back at Amnesia in June and September to celebrate 20 years of Kevin & Perry Go Large!

“It was such a buzz to be involved in writing music for the soundtrack – one that’s become an iconic reminder of those amazing times on the island. The time has come to relive them this summer!”

Other huge hits for Lange include ‘Drifting Away’, which he performed on Top of the Pops, ‘Happiness Happening’ and ‘Fiji’.

For tickets to Lange’s sets at Amnesia, Ibiza on June 6th or September 27th, visit ibiza-spotlight.com. For tickets to his set on the boat party from 6pm-9pm before each event, visit clubtickets.com/boat/the-floater.

For more information visit djlange.com or follow him on social media.

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Double joy for entrepreneur Shalom as top MK business awards return Shalom Lloyd wins Business of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year at the prestigious MK Business Achievement Awards 2022

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he Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards returned at Stadium MK to celebrate business achievements over the past two years, since the last MKBAA event in 2020.

Over 600 guests packed out the ballroom to hear the 13 category winners announced on stage.

For the first time in the awards’ history, the overall Business of the Year was won by not one, but two businesses, linked by their incredible mutual founder.

Emerging Markets Quality Trials and Naturally Tribal were both founded by the Entrepreneur of the Year winner, Shalom Lloyd.

The judges commented that both businesses clearly demonstrated what can be achieved under the helm of an inspirational leader.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to David Foster, who recently retired as CEO at The Parks Trust after 19 years.

Chair of MKBAA organisers Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, Nicholas Mann, said: “It was fantastic to host so many Milton Keynes

Shalom Lloyd and staff celebrate their success. Below left, Celebrate:MK editor Jon Boyle with MK food blogger ‘Sophie etc’ and, right, Vertigo VR businesses and to celebrate some tremendous successes again at MKBAA 2022.

“It was humbling to see how many businesses had taken on board the environmental theme of this year’s awards, giving us all a positive outlook for the future. On behalf of the entire MKBAA team, I’d like to congratulate all of our winners, and to thank all entrants, judges, sponsors, speakers and guests, without whom the awards simply wouldn’t be possible.”

Award winners Business Impact in the Community: Future Wolverton.

Charity of the Year: MK Foodbank.

Culture & Arts: The Stables.

Customer Service: Climb Quest Milton Keynes.

Design & Creativity: South Central IOT/MK College.

Leisure & Entertainment: Vertigo VR Ltd. Entrepreneur of the Year: Shalom Lloyd, Naturally Tribal Skincare Ltd. Environmental Sustainability: Bridgman & Bridgman LLP. Innovation: (more:trees) Technology: PragmatiQ Solutions.

New Business: Emerging Markets Quality Trials.

Professional Services: Whitecap Consulting.

Small and Medium Business: Clearview Intelligence Group.

Business of the Year: Emerging Markets Quality Trials/Naturally Tribal.

Lifetime Achievement Award: David Foster.

For the full list of winners, see our online MKBAA article at celebratemk.co.uk

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

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June/July 2022

‘We’re about to open a new branch!’

World-renowned beauty and skin expert Nilam Holmes talks about getting the Beckhams wedding-ready and opening a new spa branch

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i, I’m Nilam Holmes, beauty expert to the stars and owner of the renowned Dermaspa clinic and cosmetic brands EyebrowQueen and Puromist.

Wow, what a busy few months it’s been!

The clinic is recovering well from the pandemic which is a huge relief and it’s wonderful to see our amazing clients back.

I’m back out on the road again on location with a few movie and music stars which is always a lot of fun.

I’m sure you all saw Victoria and David Beckham looking absolutely fabulous at Brooklyn and Nicola’s wedding, as per usual.

The Beckhams are regular clients of mine, and it was such a pleasure to help them get ready for the big day so they could look and feel their best.

I’ve launched a few new Eyebrow products into the EYEBROWQUEEN range - use DISCOUNT20MK to receive 20% off your next order via www.eyebrowqueenpro.com.

I’ve also launched a

great new skin product called Puromist – use DISCOUNT40MK to receive 40% off your next order via www.puromistspray.com.

(Discount offers expire 20th June 2022).

I developed it to tackle maskne and it’s become a fast hit with all of my clients for general skin health.

It’s so natural and good for people of all ages, you can even use it on babies!

Puromist is made up of only one ingredient, Hypochlorous acid, which is formulated to the same pH as your skin, and is ideal for cleansing, purifying and protecting your skin.

It does not strip, irritate or dry the skin and is capable of killing a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses and spores – it really complements the skincare regime for any skin type.

Dermaspa is about to open another branch in London soon, the location is quite unique.

It’s part of a brand new district which is the largest new development in London since the war.

The Outernet District will be home to a number of restaurants, bars, clubs and even concert spaces and a new “hotel concept” called Chateau Denmark where we will be based.

Chateau is a very boujee destination, and unlike other traditional hotels or apartments, you wouldn’t go there to get a good night’s sleep but rather to party!

Beauty with

Nilam

That sounds like my idea of hell as a customer (because I’m really not a big party girl haha).

However, because I often help stars get ready for concerts, red carpets and premieres I will be in the best location for them to go from salon straight to stage or carpet.

Treatment of the month: Profilho®️ – a hyaluronic acidbased injectable rejuvenation treatment which is great for anti-ageing. It improves surface skin tone, texture and elasticity. It is a favourite of so many of my clients as they find it gives them an amazing glow to their skin.

For more, visit dermaspa.co.uk and follow Nilam’s updates on Instagram @nilamholmes

Orchestral gig at university campus

m, 4 June 2022

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lina Brass, the orchestra in residence at the University of Buckingham, is staging a concert entitled ‘Music from the Royal Courts’ on June 4th at 7.30pm. The concert will take place at The Radcliffe Centre at the uni and tickets are priced at £18. Scan the QR code below for more info.

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

June/July 2022

MK set to shine this summer Lifestyle columnist Amanda, AKA Ginger Mum, shares her ideas for summer fun, including The Barge Inn and Craig David at Campbell Park Woolstone, where I recently had brunch and checked out their comprehensive refurb, is a cute spot to meet & eat that I can personally recommend.

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ur resplendent region is bustling with events and opportunities for what is my favourite time of year.

Not least because I celebrate my birthday in July but also because outdoor dopamine days are my favourite.

Top of the go-to will be the highly feted new kid on the block, Hotel La Tour, with its unrivalled views and decadent roof terrace, it was built for lazy summer days and balmy evenings with great company.

Country pubs with pretty outdoor patios are a real serendipity over this season too and The Barge Inn,

and a whole host of other showstoppers.

The World’s Strongest Man makes a welcome return to Stadium MK in a 3-day power move 3rd-5th June.

A gratifying and motivational spectacle for the whole family to enjoy.

Willen Hospice’s essential fundraising events are back in full swing and definitely deserve our support!

With Midday Moo on 25th June, old favourite Midnight Moo on 15th July and one for the kids, the Mini Moo on 7th August, there’s something for everyone.

You all know by now I’m a huge supporter of MK Theatre and their summer line up is nothing short of first-class.

I can still hear the ringing of the majestic chorus of the recent and incredibly powerful Les Mis in my ears, but the theatre keeps on serving us with hit after hit.

Over the next few months, take your pick from options such as Cluedo starring Michelle Collins, Bat Out Of Hell, Joseph, Mamma Mia, The Da Vinci Code, Derren Brown

I can’t leave you without reminding you some tickets are still on sale for Craig David in Campbell Park on 22nd July.

You may have seen on my Instagram stories back in October that I saw him live in Bedford and, wow, what a spectacle.

He is a seasoned showman and combines his crowdpleasing DJ-ing skills with singing his own songs and freestyling, wowing his audiences.

Also check out his podcast episode with Steven Bartlett, on Diary Of A CEO, it’s very honest and insightful.

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

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3 spectacular summer gigs Music reporter Vicki McCarthy shares the upcoming MK gigs she’s looking forward to in June and July...

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t the time of writing, we’ve just enjoyed two Bank Holidays and have another to look forward to, marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

With rumours afoot that the Sex Pistols are expected to re-realise their classic hit God Save the Queen, it seems only fair I tell you about a Sex Pistols tribute act!

Sex Pistols Exposé, Craufurd Arms, Saturday 11 June, £10(adv).

Step forward Sex Pistols Exposé, set to play in Wolverton on the second Saturday of June.

Performing at the Craufurd Arms, the band are keen for it to be known that they’re ‘approved by all members of the Sex Pistols’! Mighty praise indeed.

On the night, expect band members dressed in the spirit of their heroes and the gig to bring back the much-loved (and sometimes maligned!)

spirit of ‘77. Special guests will join on the night – not bad for a tenner!

More info: facebook.com/ craufurdarms Up next, I’m so excited to see this band return to MK. I first saw them in 2016 and was blown away. It’s always great to have them back in town...

Popes of Chilitown, MK11 Live Music Venues, Friday 1 July, £8(adv).

Writing and performing a perfect blend of ska/dub/ punk with a progressive edge, it’s simply impossible to watch Popes of Chillitown play live and for you to stand completely still!

Their songs are catchy, energetic and hit all the sweet spots both musically and lyrically.

Support on the evening is provided by respected and talented local trio Fordë, who are no strangers to the stages of MK11. Founded in 2020, the ‘new wave pop punk’ band say they perform their shows as a ‘love letter to the 2000s’.

This gig is set to be one of my summer highlights, so if you’ve never seen either band and fancy a gamble, grab yourself a ticket and thank me later!

More info: facebook. com/mk11music Up next? Well, after attending the Merry Hell show at The Stables in April, this next gig caught my eye…

The scene Roy Orbison and the Traveling Wilburys Experience, The Stables, Friday 15 July, £24(adv).

I recently saw a tweet standup comedian Neal Brennan shared about the Traveling Wilburys.

He wrote, “Was talking with friend about how impossibly old the Traveling Wilburys seemed when they released their music, I’ve listed their ages at the time…”

He then posted a photo showing most of the band were in their 40s and the rather youthful Tom Petty was just 37!

And he’s right, I too considered them as ‘old’ at the time, but seriously, they were a proper ‘supergroup’, formed of some absolute legends.

Roy Orbison and the Traveling Wilburys Experience are keeping the memories alive, with their touring show, visiting MK on Friday 15 July.

Not only can you expect to hear Traveling Wilburys songs, but also songs from the careers of individual members, including Mr Blue Sky, Pretty Woman, and Here Comes the Sun. So why not take a trip back down memory lane to celebrate the music of these talented artists?

More info: stables.org Until next time…

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Events

Brewery Tap House 13th May

Friday Tastes (Street food) 5pm

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11th June 8th July 16th July

Planet Fest MK 11am - 7pm Friday Tastes 5pm - 10pm Bucks Star Mini Festival Pt 2

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Days out for your little explorers Family travel blogger Faye Shearwood is back from a sunny safari and has some fabulous tips for summer days out with the family...

Family days out

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ow that travel has opened up again, we have been exploring places far outside Milton Keynes – we recently got back from a 3-week trip to South Africa, which was incredible.

Taking 2 kids and a 5-month-old baby halfway around the world wasn’t easy at times (we travelled around a bit, via 6 different types of accommodation and 2 internal flights) but I am a huge advocate for these types of adventures.

I think they broaden little minds to new cultures, countries, and encounters – but you don’t have to travel far to provide an educational experience for our little explorers.

For part of our South African adventure, we stayed at a Private Game Reserve and went on a Safari, where we saw an abundance of animals in their natural habitat.

I always feel such a connection to wildlife when I visit Whipsnade Zoo, which is of course a lot closer to home!

We have had so much fun there over the years; from witnessing tigers play fighting, to giraffes and elephants at feeding time, to getting within metres of a rhinoceros.

There is a fantastic adventure play area and indoor play (Hullabazoo) for rainy days.

We LOVE The Great Whipsnade Railway – which weaves its way through the territories of elephants, rhinoceroses, camels and deer.

(Top tip; when you get on the train, sit on the right-hand side facing the direction of travel).

So, whenever I am missing the call of the wild in South Africa, we’ll just hop in the car and drive 30 minutes down the road to Whipsnade!

Five miles from the zoo, Grove Farm Pick Your Own reopens for the summer season in June.

The farm, nestled in the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside, boasts bountiful harvests of strawberries, raspberries, spinach, broccoli

and courgettes… to name a few!

Grab a pitchfork and a wheelbarrow when you arrive and let the kids find the best fruits and vegetables to pick and take home – mud guaranteed!

(Check the website for timings and availabilities).

And lastly…for something a little more local – Loughton Scarecrow Trail is back this year from 18th - 26th June.

To raise money for charity, the residents of Loughton construct wonderfully creative scarecrows which they showcase around their homes and gardens.

The theme for this year is ‘Around the World in 80 Scarecrows’ and you can find the scarecrows on a lovely walk through the area (trail guides are available).

Loughton also has a great pirate play park too.

Until next time x For more family adventures in Buckinghamshire and beyond, follow Faye on Instagram @meandbeau_travels

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Swanbourne House School celebrates scholarship success Swanbourne House School is making incredible progress in creating an approach to academia that gives industry the minds it has been crying out for. Not just individuals who can revise and do well in exams, but individuals who are inspired, energetic, innovative youngsters with ideas, confidence and creativity.

Jane Thorpe, Head at Swanbourne House School, explains more...

W

hen I joined Swanbourne in 2018, I was determined to move the school away from the education model followed by most Prep Schools and replace it with an innovative approach.

A new approach that not only ensures a high level of acquisition of subject knowledge and understanding taken from a collaborative, cross-curricular and relevant way of working, but also prioritises the qualities needed to thrive, adapt and succeed in a fast-paced, hi-tech, ever changing and uncertain world – qualities such as initiative, critical and lateral thinking, leadership, communication, collaboration,

SKILLED: Students at Swanbourne House. Cover photo by Sally Forder determination and reflection.

Senior School Heads were regularly informing us that the pupils leaving Prep Schools lacked independence, a thirst for learning and the skills to thrive at Senior School and beyond. This provided the

opportunity for us to evaluate and modernise our academic curriculum.

The previous examination model was replaced with an innovative assessment framework, the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB), which

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

tests and assesses developing skills as well as knowledgebased learning in many different ways.

With PSB, the core skills of independence, communication, collaboration, resilience, reflection and leadership are fostered and applied during the learning process.

Academically, the children benefit because, alongside

“

This year, 19 scholarships and exhibitions have been awarded to Swanbourne pupils by leading Senior Schools across the country

June/July 2022

‘learning’ the knowledge of a demanding curriculum in all areas, they understand how to apply that knowledge.

Scholarship Success Now in our third year of the PSB, the results are there for all to see. This year there have been 19 scholarships and exhibitions awarded to Swanbourne pupils by leading Senior Schools across the country.

These awards are across a range of disciplines – Drama, Music, Art, Design & Technology, Sport, Linguistics and, of course, Academics.

We’re delighted to now see that when pupils leave Swanbourne at 13 with their PSB diploma, they don’t just get academic subject grades but a full 360 degree appraisal of all that they have achieved in every area of

school life. They leave feeling good about themselves as individuals and excited about their future prospects at their senior schools and beyond.

To discuss admissions at Swanbourne House or to arrange a private tour, visit swanbourne.org, email admissions@swanbourne.org or call 01296 720264. There is an Open Day on Friday June 24th so please contact the school if you would like to attend.

For more information or to arrange a private tour, visit swanbourne.org or email admissions@swanbourne.org

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Shrek, Aladdin and Bat Out of Hell in MK Cara Lee previews the theatre shows to look out for in June and July

I

t’s a big two months for live music and musicals in Milton Keynes.

On Wednesday 15th of June, The Unthanks will be bringing their Sorrows Away Tour to The Stables.

Balcony standing has now been added due to public demand, as the Folk stars head out on tour for the first time in two years.

At Stantonbury Theatre, RARE productions returns with Aladdin.

From the 7th to the 9th of July, audiences will be taken on a magic carpet ride with great songs and performances.

Dreams n’ Wishes will

Show Stoppers also finally be putting on their production of Shrek the Musical from the 23rd to the 26th of June at The Venue, originally intended for June 2020.

Based on the classic 2001 film of the same name, it’ll have all the whimsy and chaos you’d expect.

And over at MK Theatre after a month of Les Mis (up to the 21st of May), Bat Out of Hell will open on June 14th.

Then after the 26th of June it’ll be gone like, well,

a Bat Out of Hell! For more information about shows on at The Stables, please visit stables.org.

Further information about Stantonbury can be found at stantonburytheatre.co.uk, you can go to thevenuemk.com for The Venue and, finally, information about MK Theatre is available on the website ATGTICKETS.COM/Milton Keynes 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

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June/July 2022

Alexandra Burke is ‘giddy’ about her Dreamcoat role at MK Theatre The smash-hit London Palladium production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes to Milton Keynes this September. We caught up with West End singing sensation and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke to hear about her starring role...

What can audiences expect when they come to see the show? hey’re in for a massive treat. It’s such a vibrant, colourful and exciting show that you can’t help wanting to join in with the songs, clap along or get up and dance at the end. It’s a feel-good show and that’s why I love it.

T

You’re returning to the role of The Narrator. What do you most enjoy about the role?

The Narrator is such fun. It’s an important role because she’s telling the story, along with Joseph and Pharaoh and the rest of the cast, but I’m quite giddy when I play her. It’s the only role I’ve done so far where I’ve felt I can just be myself. What people are seeing on stage is really just me – my personality shining through because I’m quite a goofy person and I play her in quite a goofy way.

What have been your other favourite roles on stage?

[Laughs] I’m sorry but there hasn’t been one I haven’t liked. I’ve been lucky enough to do Sister Act, Chess, Chicago, The Bodyguard – and

Alexandra Burke returns to the role of The Narrator in the hit show all of them have been the most amazing experience. I’m not a trained actor or theatre performer, yet I’ve been blessed to have been given such fantastic opportunities.

The show is full of brilliant songs. Do you have a favourite to perform?

The opening number, Prologue (Some Folks Dream), is one of my favourites simply because of the message behind it. It’s telling kids to find their dreams and just go for it.

You rose to fame on The X Factor, but was theatre always part of the plan?

It’s been more of a nice, happy accident if I’m honest with you.

I never, ever thought about doing theatre after X Factor because my mind was so set on music. I was only meant to do three months in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre and that turned into five years of nonstop theatre work. And gosh, it’s been wonderful!

Are you excited for the tour to call at Milton Keynes Theatre?

I love performing in Milton Keynes because it’s only 45 minutes in the car for me from my home in Hertfordshire so I can drive there, do the show and head home again!

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Mon 12 to Sat 24 September.

Tickets are available at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

22

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Ethan brings Great Gelato to Stony Hazel Roberts meets the founder of MK’s newest sweet treat shop, Great Gelato, to get the inside scoop on the Italian ice-cream venue...

I

f you happened to be on Stony Stratford High Street on Good Friday, you would have struggled to miss the queue outside the newly opened Great Gelato.

I caught up with Ethan to find out how he came to open an Italian-style ice-cream shop here in Milton Keynes.

Ethan has always loved Italy and even studied Italian at university.

He has lived in Italy twice, studying the language, and soaking up the culture and cuisine.

In 2020, he and his wife, Joanna, had a family holiday to Italy booked but that was cancelled as we went into lockdown.

At the time, Joanna was running Jo’s Cake Co. but in lockdown she switched her event-based cake business to selling cookies online.

This really took off and they soon found themselves struggling to accommodate the business in the family home.

At the same time, disappointed about the cancelled Italian holiday, Ethan enrolled into the Carpigiani Gelato University program and within a couple of months was shipping authentic Italian gelato across the UK. This did nothing for the space issues at home, so they started the search for new premises.

After months of renovating

Food scene the shop, training staff and producing as much ice-cream and cookies as they could, Good Friday marked the grand opening of Great Gelato.

With glorious weather, and the mayor there for the official ribbon cutting, by opening time there was already a queue of eager customers.

By 3pm they were sold out and the same on Saturday and Sunday!

“It was wild,” Ethan said, “and we are so grateful to the hundreds of people who queued to support our new shop.”

For those who haven’t visited the Great Gelato yet, I asked Ethan what customers can expect.

“Great products, great customer service and a great experience,” he replied.

He believes he has recruited the best staff and

they use the best ingredients to create a shop and menu with the customer experience in mind.

There is an extensive range of delicious flavours, sauces, toppings and cookies and you will leave feeling as if you have had a proper treat.

In the immediate future, Ethan and Joanna will be working hard to keep up with demand, but there are plans to expand their opening hours and to offer takeaway tubs soon.

Longer term, they envisage creating a beautiful terrace out the back and to expand their presence around the city.

So, for this new business, with the continued support of their customers, it looks like they are here to stay.

For more information, visit www.greatgelato.com

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June/July 2022

‘Tearless onions’ now at Waitrose Retailer launches a sweet onion that won’t reduce you to tears

C

rying in the kitchen is now a thing of the past as Waitrose has launched a sweet onion that doesn’t reduce cooks to tears.

Sunions® are the first tearless and sweet onion variety, ideal for those with sensitive eyes or when cooking with children in the kitchen.

The mild flavour makes them perfect for use in cooking while they can also be used raw in a salad.

Paul Bidwell, Onion Buyer at Waitrose, said: “We understand how a-peeling tearless onions are to our customers, which is why we’re delighted to launch Sunions

in selected stores and via Waitrose.com.

“Ideal for taking the tears out of the kitchen, the sweetness of this type of onion lends itself perfectly to a variety of dishes, from salads to hot meals.”

Visit your local branch of Waitrose & Partners at 3 Babbage Gate, Oakgrove, Milton Keynes, MK10 9SU.

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June/July 2022

6 clever hallway decor ideas interior design co lumn

F

Hugo Fleming, Design Director of multi awardwinning local interior design studio Cranberryhome, looks into some ideas to make your hallway feel more interesting, characterful and welcoming...

irstly, we interior designers always consider your hallway as a “room.” That way, it never gets neglected.

Hallways are actually one of the spaces you pass through most in your home, so we really ought to give it some thought.

Storage: Coats, shoes and bags often look untidy, so these are best relocated.

Reserve a space just for guests with a wall hung coat rack if you are still short of space. Source shallow shoe cupboards for essential storage, plus these double up as a great focal point. You can up-scale these with cute new knobs or handles or even paint them to your colour scheme.

Add character: Your hallway and front door say a lot about you, so go for it in your hallway! Go bold with stripes, wallpaper, or a splash of bold colour. Going dark in your hallway makes connecting rooms appear brighter, so dark rich tones can make the space warmer and welcoming.

Mirrors: Essential equipment for checking your last-minute appearance before leaving.

These are great at bouncing light around a small space.

Round mirrors are softer on the eye, whilst rectangular mirrors offer more formal proportions. Try to avoid putting mirrors opposite entryways as this offends some people.

John Lewis

Brittany Ambridge

Style at Home

Ikea

Create a Gallery Wall: You can display personal photos, memories, and items that make you happy! Add coordinating frames in a single colour for cohesion or go eclectic and have random sizes and styles for that maximalism look.

character to boring spaces.

It’s a traditional option but equally popular in period homes and new builds.

Adding a dado rail at midheight and panelling below works well in this space.

Consider different panelling styles to suit your property before engaging with DIY or a proficient carpenter.

Lighting: Hallways are generally short on natural light so consider statement hanging pendants for character or semi-flush pendants if you have low ceilings. Wall lights are great for adding character and light at mid-height. Add cool shades or experiment with the light going up or down.

Panelling: This adds instant

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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June/July 2022

Tyres for war: The Run-Flat system Ray Pantling, owner of Tyres Direct, explains how tyres on military vehicles can be driven for 80km after deflation...

F

ollowing the recent harrowing scenes we’ve seen in Ukraine, I thought I would discuss tyres on military vehicles.

A key issue for the constructors of military equipment is ensuring the mobility of military vehicles during combat.

Among the major threats to their mobility are the tyres which get especially damaged by vehicletargeted fire, after running on a mine or an improvised

explosive device.

During the operational life of a military vehicle, a military wheel is designed to withstand high load and stress that is called the Run-Flat system.

Army vehicles have pneumatic tyres which are designed to run on flat with no air, and which enable them to continue to be driven at reduced speeds and for a limited distance.

The Run-Flat tyres can operate without air pressure for an extended period of

time, which can enable the vehicle to steer forward to a safe area.

Run-Flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls that prevent blow out, meaning they won’t need air to stay stiff.

Despite this excellent feature, sidewalls are not designed to be permanent, extra driving only is recommended for approximately 80km after the tyre has deflated. Run-Flat tyres are an ideal solution in seeing the safety

TyrE Talk

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Thor thunders back to cinemas Jason Day previews June and July’s upcoming cinema releases, including the new instalments of Jurassic World, Thor, and Minions... there’s a further reboot, how will the producers up the ante?

Lightyear (17th June) Animated Toy Story prequel that gives the backstory to character Buzz Lightyear, with star Chris Evans providing his voice.

wer Reel revie Bergman Island (out on 3rd June) icky Krieps plays a writer struggling to get into her scribbling stride. She decamps to Faro Island in Sweden where the celebrated Scandinavian film director Ingmar Bergman lived and made movies, hoping she gets over her artistic block.

V

Jurassic World: Dominion (10th June) Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum return in the latest franchise addition.

The dinosaurs who escaped during the previous movie have established a foothold in our modern world. Great action, gutsy performances and awesome effects, but is the series getting tired? If

Elvis (24th June) Visual stylist Baz Luhrmann helms this ravishing biopic of the titular rock and roller.

Austin Butler stars and Tom Hanks plays his creepily accented mentor Colonel Parker.

Minions 2: The Rise of Gru (1st July) This is the sixth movie in the animated Despicable Me franchise. This one tells the story of a twelve-year-old’s dream to become the world’s

greatest supervillain. If your kids – or you! – like daft fun and thrills, you’ll be very happy with this.

Thor: Love and Thunder (8th July) Moaning for more Marvel?

Throbbing for Thor? Then knock yourselves out with this star-studded blockbuster starring Chris Hemsworth as the hammer-wielding hunk whose retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher.

The Railway Children Return (15th July) This remake of the 1971 family classic about WWI era kids and their antics on an old railway line features that movie’s star Jenny Agutter who reprises her former role.

And at the MK Gallery…

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Author J.K. Rowling has scripted this lavish, but overlong fantasy sequel/ prequel, the third movie in the FB franchise. To book: bit.ly/MKGalleryFBeasts You can read more in-depth reviews from Jason by following him on Twitter: @Reelreviewer

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September 2020

33

Solution on page 35

June/July Crossword

June/July 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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June/July 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

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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!