Celebrate:MK June July 2023

CELEBRATE:MK lifestyle magazine

artists

New exhibition celebrates 55 years of local art pioneers Boyd & Evans

Image: Boyd & Evans, Peacekeeper, 1983, acrylic on paper © Courtesy of the

4 GINGER MUM

Lifestyle columnist Amanda shares her local recommendations for family fun and fine dining this summer

5 SOPHIE’S STREET FEAST

MK food blogger Sophie etc launches a local street food event with a difference at Bradwell Abbey

8 DARREN VISITS NO. 10

MKFM CEO Darren Dorrington is celebrated at a special media reception at 10 Downing Street

11 BREWERY TAP HOUSE

Bucks Star Beer owner Datis Gol discusses his Brewery Tap House

13 MK GALLERY

20 MKBAA AWARDS 2023

Dr Julie Mills OBE

Welcome to Celebrate:MK, which contains all the winners of the 2023 MKBAA Awards on page 21. I had a fun time at the event mingling with winners such as Sam Poole (pictured) and Dr Julie Mills OBE, who joked that her Lifetime Achievement Award just means that she’s old now! Never change, Julie.

How

Telephone: 07928 027444

Email: jon@celebratemk.co.uk

Website: www.celebratemk.co.uk

Social media: @CelebrateMK

Julie joked it just means she’s old!

Summer family fun and fine dining

Celebrate:MK lifestyle columnist Amanda, AKA Ginger Mum, shares her recommendations of things to do and where to eat in MK this summer...

whale of a time – an hour and a half’s worth of an instructed lesson and they were champs!

Treetop Extreme was also on the list and, having tried this ropey adventure before and not been able to conquer it, this time they scaled and nailed it.

Chi Design Interiors to the decadent menu, everything about Rai oozes indulgence.

To kick off, the must-try dishes are the Indo chilli chicken and the signature salt & pepper tiger prawns. As someone who had never once enjoyed a prawn before, I was completely converted by the succulence of this dish.

Willen Lake is a central destination for fun in our family.

We spent the last Bank Holiday Monday there, getting re-acquainted with some of the delights Willen has to offer. You don’t need to splash the cash to enjoy this vast expanse, as free fun surrounded us with people playing football, kids and adults alike scooting to their heart’s content and cyclists living their best lives. It was so lovely to see multi-generational families picnicking together in the sunshine, making memories.

The boys gave paddle boarding a go and had a

The Willen Observation Wheel is a great addition to MK’s most popular park and it’s the perfect way to see for miles in style. Each gondola takes up to 6 people and you can even take your pooch if it’s a little‘un. Candy floss and slushies were the order of the day after disembarking.

Moving on to mains, you should not pass by the Chicken Pulusu or Lamb Mughulai, both house specialities which leave every spice and herb captivating your palate.

We couldn’t even squeeze in dessert, such were the generous portions and indulgent offerings but they looked so tempting!

Overall, Rai is a mustvisit for anyone looking for authentic Indian cuisine that is bursting with flavour and innovation. The combination of first class food, warm ambiance and impeccable service make Rai a restaurant that is not to be missed.

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

A short hop across the county takes you to Rai in Woburn – an Indian fine dining must visit.

From the exquisite soft furnishings from local studio

Sophie’s Street Feast is a local street food event with a difference

MK food blogger to host event at Bradwell Abbey on September 3rd

Get ready for an experience like no other on Sunday 3rd September at Bradwell Abbey, where there will be a street feast hosted by Sophie etc., Toybox and MK City Discovery Centre.

Sophie’s Street Feast will bring together an eclectic and exciting mix of local street food vendors, offering an array of delicious dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Proceeds from the event will support some of Milton Keynes’ fabulous small charities including Toybox, St Marks Meal and Girl Pack MK.

Sophie Neal, blogger for Sophie etc. said: “Having worked closely with Toybox over the past nine months, I have seen the value of the work they do for street children around the world.

“St Mark’s Meals and Girl Pack share their values and

support the community a little closer to home, so they made a natural partnership for this event. Milton Keynes has a thriving street food scene and I can’t wait to introduce the local community to these charities whilst they enjoy some incredible food!”

Naomi Lewis, Toybox’s Marketing Director, said:

“We are so excited to be collaborating with Sophie to host a special street food event at MK City Discovery Centre. Here at Toybox, a vital part of our work is providing children living on the streets with a hot nutritious meal which, for many, will be the only thing they get to eat that day.

“We are delighted to be able to partner with St Marks Meals and Girl Pack MK – two local charities who hold similar values to us who are doing amazing work to support vulnerable children and families right here in Milton Keynes.”

For enquiries, please email events@toybox.org.uk

Three fab Frosts events

Hazel Roberts takes a trip to local garden centre Frosts to find out all about the tasty treats and events on offer for visitors this summer...

Food scene

This summer Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands is hosting three food events, bringing together local artisan food producers, chefs, and hot food vendors.

With a BBQ Bash on 18th June which also happens to be Father’s Day, a Mediterranean theme on 16th July and a big food festival on Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August, there will be plenty to get you in the mood for enjoying good food whilst chilling with friends.

The popular garden centre is a favourite destination for many and offers plenty to enjoy every day of the week, way beyond simply catering for keen gardeners, whether that be browsing the home & gifting department, eating in the restaurant, or shopping in the high-end food hall.

So, when they put on an event, it gives even more reasons to go there.

Frosts have always been keen to position themselves

as part of the community and with these events they are pleased to help support and showcase local small businesses and artisan producers.

The events will include a market of artisan food and drink producers and a selection of local hot food vendors, and there will be demonstrations throughout the day by top-class chefs from local restaurants.

Visitors can browse the stalls, stop for something to eat, and drink and relax to some live music by local musicians.

June’s event has a barbecue focus, with fantastic, barbecued food from the food vendors, whilst chefs’ dish up tasty samples alongside top tips to help you polish up your own barbecue skills.

In July, you will be transported to the Mediterranean without the hassle of leaving the country.

Soak up the flavours of

Italy, Greece and Spain and be inspired to add hints of these countries’ cuisines to your own cooking.

August is all about food, bringing in more artisan food and drink stalls, hot food vendors offering a wide range of different cuisines and live cooking demonstrations in the bespoke demo kitchen, made especially by Kiln Farm based company Renov8 Kitchens.

Representatives from Renov8 will be on hand at each of the events to discuss your kitchen renovation needs too.

So, with no entrance fee, ample free parking, and plenty of friendly staff on hand to help you make the most of your day, come support an array of local businesses in one place this summer whilst indulging in the very best local food and drink at Frosts.

Image credits: AJ Foodi

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

C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

MKFM celebrated at Downing Street

As the station prepares to celebrate 10 years on DAB Digital Radio, MKFM’s CEO Darren was invited to a reception at the PM’s residence…

MKFM’s CEO Darren Dorrington was invited to attend a local media reception at 10 Downing Street by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer, following a recommendation by MP for Milton Keynes South Iain Stewart.

During the event held on Wednesday 19th April, Lucy Frazer addressed the room of around 100 media organisations, highlighting how important local media was in a digital age.

She said: ‘’Local journalism helps local areas stay connected, generates local pride, and keeps communities engaged in local issues. Local journalists capture the heart of our communities and make sure politicians are doing their jobs better by holding them to account.

“It was wonderful to be joined by local journalists across the country in Downing Street – from community news sites, radio, and free sheets – to thank them for their work to keep

communities connected.’’

MKFM CEO Darren Dorrington said: “I was honoured to attend the event at Downing Street in the year MKFM celebrates 10 years on DAB Digital Radio.

“It seemed unbelievable back in 2011 that Milton Keynes would be left without a dedicated local radio station. With the help of our partners, we have been able to build an organisation that reaches almost every adult in Milton Keynes either through radio or our online platforms.”

He continued: “In 2023 we are delighted to be the news leader in Milton Keynes and support the many charities, not for profits and local businesses we do. I would like to thank everyone

who has supported us over the years.”

Iain Stewart MP, who was instrumental during MKFM’s FM license application, added: “I was delighted to nominate MKFM to attend the event at 10 Downing Street. MKFM has continued to champion everything that is great about Milton Keynes whilst delivering local news and information.

“I was particularly impressed with MKFM’s coverage and support for Milton Keynes during the pandemic. Darren and the team continue to deliver a great service for our community.”

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

Coming 16/6/23

UK garage label Step 2 Records have signed up Milton Keynes music producer Jon Boyle to release three new remixes of his highlyacclaimed debut track Pretty Girl. The ‘Pretty Girl 2023 Remixes’ EP, which has already received BBC Introducing radio airplay, also features a new Pretty Girl Extended Mix.

as played on

‘Enjoy organic beer, pizza and live music at The Brewery Tap House this summer’

Datis Gol, owner of Bucks Star Beer, explains why his Brewery Tap House situated on Stonebridge Industrial Estate is the place to be

The Brewery Tap House has been the latest addition to Bucks Star Beer, situated directly opposite the Brewery in the Stonebridge Industrial Estate (which borders Wolverton and New Bradwell).

In the words of our customers, the Tap House is a hidden gem offering a warm and friendly space where you may both drink and eat niche, quality hand-made products.

Besides Bucks Star’s own live unfiltered beers, you can find products which are either produced locally or made using quality organic ingredients.

The signature organic sourdough pizzas are absolutely delicious and come with the option of a splash of chilli oil made by the Fruit Farmer.

The menu is constantly being carefully developed and the tomato mozzarella

salad and loaded sweet potato fries were some of the recent introductions, the latter being a creation of one of the Tap House’s own customers.

The list of beverages available is growing with a range of organic wines & sodas and, recently, a selection of spirits from

distilleries such as Willow Tree Gin, Wharf Distillery, Wolverton Gin, Sentia and soon The Fruity Farmer.

Events have also become part and parcel of the experience at the Tap House with a variety of evenings from casual word and board game evenings, weekly acoustic performances, to regular salsa nights, monthly jazz, open mic and comedy nights. A list of forthcoming events is available at www.BucksStar.Beer/events with the next comedy night scheduled for 10th August.

The Tap House is also a great space for lunch meetings, now open from 12 noon Tuesday to Saturday, serving food and offering organic coffee throughout the day.

New exhibition celebrates 55 years of local art pioneers Boyd & Evans

MK Gallery hosts an exhibition by Fionnuala Boyd and Les Evans this summer, whose work is central to Milton Keynes’ pictoral identity

BOYD & EVANS: HIGH TIME

Saturday 27 May – Sunday 17

September

This summer MK Gallery presents a major survey exhibition of the work of Fionnuala Boyd (born 1944 in Welwyn Garden City) and Les Evans (born 1945 in St. Albans).

After meeting as students, the artists have worked in collaboration as Boyd & Evans since 1968.

The exhibition will be their first solo show in a public gallery in over ten years.

The exhibition will focus on Boyd & Evans’ practice as painters and span their careers from early work capturing existential dramas in urban and suburban settings, domestic settings and landscapes in Milton Keynes to their extensive travels in the USA and the rainforest of Brunei.

Photography is also integral to Boyd & Evans’ work both as a means in itself and in the creation of their paintings.

Their extensive collaboration and use of photography work to challenge the assumption that a painting is a representation of a single artist’s internal subjective reality. In 1980 Boyd & Evans were invited by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation to undertake their first commission for the new town. They were then invited back as artists in residence and remained ever since. One of their most well-known

pieces, Fiction, Non-fiction and Reference (1984), in the Central Library, is much loved by Milton Keynes residents and their practice is central to the city’s pictorial identity.

Working closely with the artists, the exhibition at MK Gallery will be a retrospective of their 55-year career featuring over 80 paintings, as well as showcasing new work. A major catalogue will accompany the exhibition, with newly commissioned essays and extended commentaries on each work.

To find out more, visit mkgallery.org

HIGH TIME: Boyd & Evans, Peacekeeper, 1983, acrylic on paper (pictured above). Boyd & Evans, Underpass, 1983, acrylic on canvas, Milton Keynes Museum (pictured below). © Courtesy of the artists

Take That and party with Kym Marsh at Milton Keynes Theatre this summer

The official Take That musical comes to MK from July 1st to 8th

Greatest Days features more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs, alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love, loss and laughter from award-winning writer Tim Firth that will make your

heart Shine. The musical follows five boy band obsessed best friends in the 1990s, who reunite over 20 years later to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Days of their life.

Greatest Days stars the

award-winning Kym Marsh, who shot to stardom in noughties band Hear’Say and now best known for Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and as a presenter on the BBC’s Morning Live.

Previously titled The Band, the show broke box office records and delighted audiences around the United Kingdom when it performed from 2017 to 2019.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Take That’s first ever UK number 1 single Pray and coinciding with the summer 2023 release of the official movie of this smash hit musical, Greatest Days is sure to be a night out at the theatre you will Never Forget.

To book your tickets to see Greatest Days at Milton Keynes Theatre, please visit ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

Top theatre shows in June and July

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

Stantonbury Theatre will be giving us a double bill of one act plays on the 23rd of June, through ‘Hidden Stories’.

Now You See Me and Darlint Pediti both come from female writers and tell the untold stories of two women, both victims of miscarriages of justice.

It should be noted that both shows include mature themes and language.

The Milton Keynes International Festival takes place from the 21st to the 30th of July.

IF shows on at The Stables include An Evening Without Kate Bush performed by

Show Stoppers

Sarah Louise Young on the 23rd, The Barely Methodical Troupe performing Bromance from the 21st to the 23rd, the Comedy Club 4 Kids on the 29th and Gratte Ciel: Place des Anges on the 28th and 29th.

There are a huge variety of free and ticketed events taking place across the festival dates too, including music, art and theatre – more information is available at ifmiltonkeynes.org

Meanwhile, fans of Take

That will be in for a treat at Milton Keynes Theatre, as jukebox musical Greatest Days, previously known as ‘The Band’ comes to the theatre from the 3rd to the 8th of July.

A beloved bear of very little brain will also be making a stop in Milton Keynes, as Winnie the Pooh arrives on its UK debut tour from the 9th to the 11th of June.

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

£444

£444.

Star Spanish football reporter Guillem Balague wows Uni of Beds sports journalism students

Award-winning pundit, author and journalist gives inspirational guest lecture to BA (Hons) Sport Journalism students in Luton –and even sets them up work experience at his local football club!

Celebrity Spanish football reporter Guillem Balague gave an inspirational guest lecture to BA (Hons) Sport Journalism students at the University of Bedfordshire.

Guillem’s talk formed part of a Sports Journalism and Production Masterclass event at the uni’s Park Square campus in Luton – just 23

miles from Milton Keynes –organised by Senior Lecturer Dr Paul Rowinski. Guillem was joined by former BBC Sport producer Micky Payne, leading rugby reporter Owain Jones,

plus some of the course’s most successful alumni.

Guillem, who works regularly for BBC Radio 5 Live, LaLiga TV and Spanish newspaper Sport, told interesting anecdotes about his regular interactions with stars of the football world such as Lionel Messi, Mauricio Pochettino and Rafa Benitez.

He also advised the students to take every

Guillem Balague lectures students at Uni of Beds, which has campuses in MK, Bedford and Luton

opportunity that comes their way, discussed interviewing techniques and even offered

them work experience at Biggleswade United FC, where he now works as chairman.

Masters student Bartosz Romanek (pictured above, far left) emailed Guillem straight after the talk and was given his first ever football commentary spot just days later at Biggleswade.

Bartosz said: “Guillem’s lecture was really inspiring so I took his advice to jump at every opportunity, dropped him an email and just days later I was doing my first ever co-commentary on a football match! It was great experience and I’m looking

Scan for more info on BA (Hons) Sport Journalism

BA (Hons) Media, Marketing and Public Relations degree prepares graduates for a wide range of jobs

The BA (Hons) Media, Marketing and Public Relations degree at the University of Bedfordshire opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates –from journalism and magazine publishing to digital media production, PR consultancy and social media executive work.

All the lectures are held at the university’s Park Square campus in Luton – just 23 miles from Milton Keynes – and the

media side of the degree gives you all the practical skills you need to work confidently in this rapidly evolving field. The marketing and PR side of the degree allows you to explore a range of PR activities, develop your business skills, as well as building your knowledge of marketing practices, particularly in brand management and corporate communications.

Uni of Beds has campuses in MK, Bedford and Luton.

Scan for more on BA (Hons) Media, Marketing and PR

Guillem’s lecture was really inspiring so I took his advice and days later I was doing my first ever football co-commentary

forward to becoming part of the Biggleswade United media team for the 2023/24 season.”

Julie scoops Lifetime Achievement honour at MK’s top business awards

Dr Julie Mills OBE is celebrated at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards for her superb work at Milton Keynes College, on a night of glitz and glamour at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel

The prestigious Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards

2023 took place at Stadium MK to celebrate the business community’s achievements for the first time since Milton Keynes became an official city.

The theme for this year’s awards was ‘Celebrating Diversity’ and many of the night’s winners demonstrated their commitment in this area, showing how their own business practices and ethos focused on inclusivity and reaching out to the wider community.

Over 600 guests packed out the ballroom to hear the 14 category winners announced on stage.

The prominent Business of the Year award was won by Diversity Marketplace, who picked up three awards on the night.

The judges commented on the organisation’s clear and strongly held ambition to make Milton Keynes a truly diverse and inclusive city.

The celebrated Lifetime Achievement Award went to Dr Julie Mills OBE, who recently retired after being Principal at Milton Keynes College for over 11 years.

During that time, Julie oversaw several major projects at the college, greatly improving the lives of its colleagues, learners and the wider MK community.

Chair of MKBAA organisers

Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, Nicholas Mann, said: “This year we saw a record number of entries into the awards, so that made our judging panel’s decisions even harder. So many businesses have championed their own diversity and inclusion work, so it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate that together, as a vibrant and thriving business community.

“On what was also a sellout night, 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 just couldn’t take place.”

MK Business Achievement Award winners 2023

Business Impact in the

Community

WINNER: Diversity

Marketplace

Charity of the Year

WINNER: YMCA Milton Keynes

SPECIAL RECOGNITION:

DREAMsai

Culture & Arts

WINNER: Camphill MK

Communities

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: MKIAC

Customer Service

WINNER: George Davis

Turf

Celebrating Diversity

WINNER: Diversity

Marketplace

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: MKDC

Design & Creativity

WINNER: Red Giraffe

Leisure & Entertainment

WINNER: Stadium MK

Entrepreneur of the Year

WINNER: Odette Mould, Harry’s Rainbow

Innovation WINNER: REAS | KonnekApp

Technology WINNER: Clearview

Intelligence

New Business WINNER: Icubation Nation

Professional Services WINNER: Howes Percival

Small and Medium Business WINNER: Yellowyoyo

Micro Business

WINNER: Marc Davies

Bespoke Interiors

Business of the Year

WINNER: Diversity Marketplace

Lifetime Achievement Award

WINNER: Dr Julie Mills OBE

To view a photo gallery visit mkbaa.co.uk. The headline sponsors were Milton Keynes Council, The Open University and Brioche Pasquier UK.

CREAM OF THE CROP: Culture & Arts winner ‘Camphill MK’ and, at the top of the page, Business of the Year ‘Diversity Marketplace’

Get ready to rock in Ampthill

Music reporter Vicki McCarthy previews this year’s Ampthill Festival, which returns from July 14th to 16th and is jam-packed with the country’s hottest acts, local talent and summer fun...

The scene

As I write this edition’s column, it’s a rainy day in May.

Gloomy as it is, I can dare to hope for a change in the outlook as we embark on festival season.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a seasoned pro when it comes to rocking up at outdoor music events in my wellies, ready to take on the shin-high quagmire, but the sunny, lazy days are really what we all look forward to.

And many summery days I’ve spent at one of my favourite local events, Ampthill Festival.

Past highlights at the festival have included Chas and Dave, Scouting for Girls, Happy Mondays, Razorlight, Ash, Busted, The Human League and much more.

Held in the impressive Ampthill Great Park, the festival is a mere hop from MK, just off junction 13 of the M1, and with every year that passes, Ampthill’s flagship music event gets bigger and better - and this year is no exception!

Set over three days, there’s something for everyone.

This year, AmpRocks kicks off proceedings on Friday 14 July with headliners Clean Bandit.

Offering a sound that’s hard to pigeon-hole, the band has seen much chart success since their inception, teaming up with big names such as Jess Glynne, Demi Lovato, Sean Paul and Zara Larsson, to name a few.

On the night, Clean Bandit welcomes support from Black Honey, Kula Shaker and Jacob and Amelie.

If that’s not enough to sate your musical appetite for one weekend, then Saturday 15 July sees AmpProms take over the arena.

As you’d expect, a day and evening at the proms offers a completely different vibe and pace from the frenetic Friday night.

Expect, picnics, Pimms, patriotism, and prosecco.

All set to the sounds of the amazing Ampthill Concert Orchestra, Ampthill Town Band and the rising stars that

form the Redborne Upper School’s Jazz Band.

And then Sunday 16 July offers yet another distinctly different and enjoyable event in the shape of AmpGala.

A free, fun, family-friendly day which sees the local community and visitors alike enjoy the culmination of this awesome annual event.

On the day, you’ll be treated to a parade, fairground rides, a collection of stalls, various entertainment and of course, more live music.

One of the best things about this festival (besides the live music!) is the fact that it’s an event that’s organised and run by an army of volunteers, all working hard and pulling together to create a three-day extravaganza that pulls in crowds from far and wide. Which is no easy feat.

Rain or shine, the volunteers will be there all weekend, will you be there too to enjoy the shows?

For more information and tickets, visit ampthillfestival.com

Fun for all the family in MK

This summer, pick your own delicious fruit or immerse yourself in an exciting festival as Faye Shearwood shares the best family activities

(and adults!) of all ages. Best yet, children under 10 go free. Enjoy the entertainment, games and competitions throughout the day and don’t forget to ask for a photo with your favourite character!

Family days out

Hello! I don’t know about you, but after what feels like the longest winter, I’m very happy to see summer return.

And there is so much happening this summer in Milton Keynes, I’ve had trouble fitting it all on this page!

First up, some of Milton Keynes’ tastiest street food vendors will be showcasing their talents at Great Linford Manor Park on 1st June.

Linford Eats is a family friendly event at a spectacular historical location, right in the heart of the city.

From 5-8pm enjoy live music and some truly scrumptious food whilst supporting local businesses. See you there!

Next, The MK Film and Comic Con is back this year on 3rd June at The Ridgeway Centre and, if you have any film buffs or Disney obsessed little princesses/superheroes in your family, this is one not to be missed. Visit stalls, stock up on merchandise and don your best fancy dress – this event will delight children

As you probably know by now, I am a huge advocate for nature and the great outdoors. The Love Nature Day on 1st July (11am –4pm) in Howe Park Wood is a free event which connects children with nature – through

pond dipping, bug hunting and exploring.

Grove Farm Pick Your Own also reopens this month (check online for timings and availabilities) as well as Pick Your Own strawberries at Lillingstone Pick Your Own.

Closer to home, my 8-yearold recently went to Climb Quest at The Kingston Centre and he absolutely loved it – it’s the perfect activity for building both confidence and strength. There are over 20 unique climbing challenges that twist, turn, light and excite, and my son was immensely proud of himself for scaling some pretty high walls!

And lastly, something I am very excited about – The Milton Keynes International Festival 2023 (21st – 30th July). The festival, produced by The Stables presents large scale outdoor family events, concerts, theatre, dance, music and visual art installations set in our very own city! Look out for The Nick Cope Family Concert, Comedy Club 4 Kids and Big Fish Little Fish: Family Rave.

We’ve been to a few Big Fish Little Fish raves in London over the years and I can confirm they are a LOT of fun – with multi-sensory dancefloors, bubbles, balloons, crafts and an old skool drum and bass set!

Until next time x

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

@meandbeau_travels

Waitrose removes wine bottle neck sleeves

Retailer trials selling wine without the familiar plastic and foil sleeves

Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to test selling wine bottles without the familiar plastic and foil sleeves around the neck of wine bottles.

The change will put an end to the need to cut and tear off this packaging, an act which wine drinkers are used to performing as part of the ritual of opening a bottle of wine.

The removal of sleeves, which form no functional purpose, is being trialled on Waitrose’s own brand Loved & Found wine range of lesser known grape varieties and wine regions. Initially four

bottles will be sold without neck sleeves, which are officially known as ‘capsules’, and by the end of the year the packaging will be removed from the full range of ten Loved & Found wines as part

of Waitrose’s plans to reduce unnecessary packaging.

Barry Dick, MW and Beer, Wine and Spirit Sourcing Manager for Waitrose said: “Bottle neck sleeves were introduced many years ago to prevent pests such as moths and weevils from ruining wines kept in dark, damp cellars. The caterpillars of this moth species would bore into the wine corks, causing the wine to leak, or taste musty.

“Nowadays few people have wine cellars and those who do tend to keep them in much better conditions. This has meant that the sleeves have remained for purely aesthetic reasons.”

Take a trip on the tiles!

interior design column

Tiles are really making a comeback in 2023!

Traditionally tiles are known to be associated with bathrooms and kitchens. Recently, however, some designers have been experimenting with other areas of the home; to inject texture and style, such as hallways and even bedrooms.

Tiles, of course, can be used anywhere. Hopefully, this article will inspire you with new tile trends, colours, shapes and everything ceramic!

Gaining popularity is the Terrazzo tile which often looks like candy! A composite of marble chippings set into cement can be created for a wow interior. Pick out one of the stone chip colours as your base colour for the rest of the room to complement.

Shaped tiles, such as the curved “grace” tile from wow design eu offers a truly bespoke look. When designing curves in your home, a narrow yet taller tile works perfectly in curved areas.

Experimenting with different layout patterns such as brick-bond, herringbone, basket-weave, stackedvertical, or stepladder designs can add interest and texture to a wall.

Tiles need not be all the same size. Try experimenting with square and rectangular

Hugo Fleming, Design Director of international award-winning interior design studio Cranberryhome, looks into some inspirational tiles for your interiors this season...

tiles to create a more random pattern.

Floor tiles need to be chosen a little more carefully. Understanding slip resistance is critical for walkways and wet areas. Typically a matt finish tile will give adequate resistance in most areas.

In wet areas, check to ensure you get the highest slip resistance known as the R rating. Aim for R11 - R13.

Patterned tiles have always been the mainstay for period properties. Use these for inspiration in your designs. Incorporate these concepts into your walls and floors for individuality.

Whilst tiles are a practical surface choice, tiles can inspire a space with colour, texture or pattern.

Choosing your grout colour and tile spacing is another way to add interest. Highlight the pattern by bringing out the grout colour in a contrasting shade or match the grout colour to the tiles to blend and compliment your wall.

Hugo is Design Director of the international awardwinning local interior design and property styling studio in Milton Keynes. 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.

Ray’s weird tyre science

Ray Pantling, owner of Tyres Direct in Bletchley, discusses spy plane tyres and a new breakthrough

Lockheed’s SR-71 Blackbird spy plane sports six (3 on each wing) BFGoodrich 32-ply tyres, each filled with nitrogen at 415 psi, according to the March Field Air Museum at the March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California.

The tyres are impregnated with aluminum powder, cost more than $2,000 each and wear out after approximately 15 landings. Why the hightech tyres? Because the Blackbird, holder of the world speed record of 2,193 mph and the altitude record of 85,068 feet, heats up to temperatures of more than 1,000ºF during flight. ‘Normal’

tyres would melt or explode. The plane gets so hot, in fact, that crew members have to wear pressure suits typically worn by astronauts, and more than 90% of the aircraft is constructed of titanium alloy and composites. In 1990, the Blackbird flew from Los Angeles to Washington in 64 minutes. That same year, the plane was retired due to high operating costs. The Blackbird resumed active service in the U.S. Air Force in 1995 but was retired again in 1997. Meanwhile, Australian scientists have produced a synthetic form of resilin, an elastic protein found in fleas,

TyrE Talk

with the hopes that it can be used to create a new type of rubber with “near-perfect” durability and resilience.

Margot Robbie stars in Barbie

Jason Day previews the upcoming cinema releases for June and July, including Barbie and the seventh instalment of Mission Impossible...

Le Mépris/Contempt (2 June)

A 60th birthday reissue for Jean-Luc Goddard’s classic. A playwright attempts to reconcile with his wife (Brigitte Bardot) on the set of the movie he’s written –legendary director Fritz Lang’s version of The Odyssey.

Strays (9 June)

Border Terrier Reggie (Will Ferrell) is abandoned. But he becomes street smart with the help of other strays, including Boston Terrier Bug (Jamie Foxx) in this very funny comedy.

Asteroid City (26 June)

A top-drawer cast of (Wes) ‘Anderson acolytes’ star in this beautiful comedy drama. Jason Schwartzman’s car breaks down in Asteroid City, so we get to know him and the kooky inhabitants of the desert town.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (28 June)

Harrison Ford signs off as the archaeological adventurer, teaming up with Phoebe Waller-Bridge in a race to claim a magical timepiece.

Elemental (7 July)

Animation set in a city populated by the four elements (air, water, earth, fire). The rules state they cannot mix, until fiery Ember rebels. It looks great with lots of sassy one-liners.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (14 July)

The seventh movie in the blockbuster franchise ($3.57b in estimated earnings) looks just as lavish and loud. Tom

Cruise and Hayley Atwell star.

Barbie (21 July)

Will director Greta Gerwig’s cinematic story of the toy favourite be a cartoonish homage, or a feminist swipe at consumerism? Margot Robbie is Barbie and Ryan Gosling plays her boyfriend Ken.

Oppenheimer (21 July)

Christopher Nolan’s starstudded account of the man credited as the ‘father of the atomic bomb’. Cillian Murphy plays him in this visual spectacular.

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

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Stream/download the epic new single by rising Milton Keynes music producer Jon Boyle (Pretty Girl, Come On) and UK Garage legend Maxwell D (Timeless, Serious)

Socials: @jonboylemk @officialmaxwelld

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