MK Pulse August 24

Bespoke

Indoor

Full

Renovation

Emergency

local Milton

Established in 1978, Win-Dor is the leading home improvement specialist for Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

We offer an extensive range of stylish windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries; all of which are available in a wide choice of colours, and are backed by our 10 year guarantee.

We are local company that prides ourselves on going the extra mile for our customers and providing a truly brilliant service.

With a combined floor space of over 15,000 square feet, our indoor showroom is filled with a comprehensive range of beautiful windows, doors and conservatories, all available for you to browse at your leisure. or bi-folds, composite designs to suit any home. will not just add value also give you a space that exudes stylish, contemporary living.

LFrom the Kerry Lewis-Stevenson Editor

ast month’s five and 10 mile sponsored Midnight Moo walks to raise funds for Willen Hospice were a huge successes again. Cow-print clad Moo’ers, cow-boy hats and flashing accessories all took to the redways. The youngsters can also join the Mini-Moo herd on 15th September for a sponsored walk around Willen’s North Lake.

If you’re looking for free family fun during the holidays explore our local natural history at Howe Park Wood. It’s open Monday to Thursday until 29th August with a different theme each week. There are also play sessions on Wednesdays at Ashland Lakes, Glebe Farm, Whitehouse Park and Stanton Low. Or, go back in time with the Roman Day in North Loughton Valley Park on the 17th.

For seaside themed entertainment The Beach is back at Middleton Hall with a realistic 100-plus tonnes of sand. Soak up the Punch & Judy shows, face painting, train rides and the indoor rollercoaster. After five years away you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it until 1st September.

We can also look forward to the city’s most colourful event with this year’s Pride Festival. There’s a chart-topping line-up on the Rainbow Stage for the free festival including stars like Liberty X and Michelle. Music lovers of all ages can reconnect with music, dance, arts and culture at the Towersey Festival. Don’t stop there - enjoy Reggae Land and Milton Keynes Festival and the Multitude Festival too.

For more peaceful pastimes you’ll be pleased to hear Newport Pagnell’s Bury Common has become the focus of an archaeological dig. It might even inspire a new generation of history lovers. Or you might like to know more about the dedicated bird lovers in Wolverton who support the declining numbers of swifts and house martins who visit each year.

Let’s hope for some sunshine soon!

Read previous editions online: www.pulsegroupmedia.co.uk 01908 465488 mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk 17 Stilebrook Road, Olney, Bucks MK46 5EA Connect with us on socials: /pulsemagazines @pulsemagazines mkpulsemagazine

FINISHED READING? PASS PULSE MAGAZINE TO A FRIEND OR PLACE IT IN THE RECYCLING.

MK Pulse is distributed door to door to 32,000 homes and businesses in: Aspley Guise, Aspley Heath, Bancroft Park, Blakelands, BlueBridge, Bolbeck Park, Bow Brickhill, Browns Wood, Caldecotte, Carlton, Castlethorpe, Clifton Reynes, Deanshanger, Emberton, Emerson Valley, Filgrave, Furzton, Gayhurst, Giffard Park, Great Linford, Hanslope, Harrold, Haversham, Kents Hill, Kingsmead, Lavendon, Lathbury, Loughton, Middleton, Monkston, Monkston Park, Newport Pagnell, Newton Blossomville, Oakridge Park, Oakgrove, Odell, Old Farm Park, Olney, Pennyland, Ravenstone, Shenley Church End, Shenley Brook End, Shenley Lodge, Sherington, Simpson, Stoke Goldington, Tattenhoe, Turvey, Tyringham, Walnut Tree, Walton Park, Wavendon Gate, Wavendon Village, Weston Underwood, Whaddon, Willen, Willen Park, Woburn, Woburn Sands, Woughton on the Green and pick up points across MK.

Great experience, highly recommend! Not having my ears professionally cleaned before, I was a bit dubious, however, I had nothing to worry about and Rahim totally put my mind at ease. Thank you Rahim!

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1,000 local people ‘join

Willen Hospice Midnight Moo fundraiser

More

1,000 people took to the redways of Milton Keynes last month as part of Willen Hospice’s annual Midnight Moo event, sponsored by Specsavers MK.

The Midnight Moo’ers, adorned in cow-print, cow-boy hats and flashing accessories, made for an incredible sight as they completed their 5 or 10 mile sponsored walks. The event began and finished at Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, with walkers setting off at 10pm. MKFM were broadcasting live with DJ Simon Tuck and presenters Wes and Ros, local musician, Dunc from The Zeroes performed The Midnight Moo song, written especially for the event, and The Good Gym MK led the herd in a group warm up and hosted the halfway point and 5-mile finish. As 10pm struck, the honour of cutting the ribbon to mark the start of the walk, was given to 11-year old Joshua. Joshua has been camping for care in his garden for over a year to raise money for the hospice, and his

sister, Hannah and Mum, Emily walked the Midnight Moo in memory of his grandparents who were both cared for by Willen Hospice.

The Midnight Moo is the charity’s flagship event, and has so far raised an incredible £135,000 for the hospice; the largest amount raised in the last six years. Only 15% of the charity’s running costs are met by ongoing funding from the NHS, meaning they rely on fundraising events like this to continue providing specialist palliative care and support for Milton Keynes families, both at the hospice and in the community.

Amy Malburn, Willen Hospice Matron, who was one of the lead walkers on the night said, “The Midnight Moo this year was just phenomenal. It was great seeing so many people dressed up, all willing to walk into the early hours of the morning for Willen Hospice.

“Thank you to everyone who took part, and to all the amazing volunteers who marshalled along the route. Thank you to Specsavers MK for sponsoring the event, making it possible to run and Midsummer Place and The Good Gym MK for hosting us.”

The Midnight Moo 2025 will be back next year. People can register their interest to take part on the Willen Hospice website or by scanning the QR code above.

The Midnight Moo’ers, adorned in cow-print, cow-boy hats and flashing accessories, made for an incredible sight as they completed their 5 or 10 mile sponsored walks

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

effective made to measure

in 2-3

Free family fun for the summer holidays

Whatever the weather, there’s still plenty of time to pack a picnic or wield your wellies, and head outdoors for some free family fun in Milton Keynes.

Discover local nature at Howe Park Wood Open Mornings every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday until 29 August. Each week features a different theme – mammals, conservation, freshwater, birds, plants, trees and minibeasts.

Enjoy the tranquil Howe Park Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with free expert access, artefacts in the Education Centre, nature challenges, and self-guided trails. Book low-cost activities like Nature Craft and Pond Dipping.

Parkland Play sessions offer family fun with lawn games, sports, bubble machines, and a sensory tent. Play outdoors, learn park safety, or go bug hunting on Wednesdays in August. Sessions will be at Ashland Lakes, Glebe Farm, Whitehouse Park, and Stanton Low.

Travel back in time on 17 August at Roman Day in North Loughton Valley Park. Experience Roman life, tour the Bancroft Villa ruins, and join themed crafts and activities like pottery making and catapult firing.

The Discovery Stroll series introduces residents to local green spaces, exploring Tattenhoe Valley’s features and wildlife. Free and suitable for all ages.

Julie Dawes, events and community engagement manager at The Parks Trust, said: “Summer is a great time to explore the city’s parks. There’s so much to see and do, and we’re excited to welcome the community to Milton Keynes’ green spaces, nature, heritage, and culture.”

Milton Keynes boasts nearly 50 parks with various events and activities. Visit theparkstrust.com/events to learn more. Visit: theparkstrust.com/events to find out more or scan the code.

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a lightall fully fitted in less than a day from just £444! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our watchwords

are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been

referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9552 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

The Beach is back!

The attraction, which is back after five years away, is free and open until September 1. And you’ll find all the classic seaside attractions that make a British beach break great, including free Punch & Judy shows, face painting, train rides, bungees, pop-up stalls and even an indoor rollercoaster.

Plus, there are deckchairs and seating areas take a break while the youngsters have fun.

centre:mk’s centre director Kevin Duffy said: “We are delighted to be able to bring the beach back again, after so long. It is so well loved by families in the catchment and a really fun experience for the school holidays for families looking for somewhere to go with their children.

“The best part is that it is the biggest indoor beach in a shopping destination in the UK, so families can enjoy a day out to the beach without worrying about the great British weather.”

The Beach is back at centre:mk’s Middleton Hall, complete with a Great British Seaside theme and 102 tonnes of sand. Keep the family entertained this summer Scan the code and we’ll make sure you’re in the loop with what’s going on across Milton Keynes & Bucks

Beach Daily Opening Times: 9:30am-6pm Monday – Friday, 9am-7pm Saturday, 10.30am-6pm Sunday. Free Punch and Judy show Tuesday and Thursdays, 11am, 12:00pm, 1pm and 2pm Free Face Painting Thursdays 12pm to 3pm.

family owned and run restaurant serving delicious home-cooked food based on traditional British recipes with a continental/Mediterranean twist We're passionate about using the finest, freshest ingredients sourced from local farms and estates Our menus are changed seasonally to ensure our dishes are bursting with flavours at their best

King of cars! Bells Motor Group thrilled after popular model named UK’s best seven-seater

A Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire car retailer is celebrating success as its popular SUV model has been crowned the UK’s best seven-seater at the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2024.

It’s success was secured thanks to the positive opinions and experiences of owners who were among more than 200,000 UK motorists, rating their cars across different criteria, from reliability and performance to appearance and running costs.

Announced at an awards ceremony in London on 13 June, the honour commends the XC90 for its impressive balance of style and practicality. While it displays the cool, contemporary design cues that distinguish today’s Volvo models, it offers a generous combination of passenger and load space. For families on the move, the XC90 provides many useful features for making journeys easier and more comfortable. Standard equipment across the range includes individual folding second- and thirdrow seats, four-zone climate control with an advanced air-quality system, hands-free tailgate operation, a rear parking camera with sensors, and a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance systems.

Clive Bell, Managing Director at Bells Motor Group, said: “It is fantastic to win this Auto Trader award, not least because it is voted for by owners who live with the car day in, day out.

“In all the advances we have made in design, engineering, safety and new technologies, we have never forgotten the importance of day-today practicality – a hallmark of our brand over many years.

“We welcome drivers to visit Bells Motor Group in Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire to learn more about the supremely practical XC90 and chat to our friendly team of experts.”

For further information about the XC90 and other Volvo models at Bells Motor Group, visit bellsmotorgroup. co.uk/volvo.

What lies beneath?

Years of hard work finally came to fruition when some carefully chosen sites at Newport Pagnell's Bury Common recently became the focus of an archaeological dig. It caused plenty of excitement in the town, and in turn might just have helped to inspire the next generation of history lovers to connect with the past.

Few people were as thrilled that the dig had become a reality than Andrew Craddock, Chairman of the Commoners Association. Sammy Jones spoke with him.

It is an idyllic, tranquil spot and one that could easily be missed by visitors to the hustle and bustle of the town for the first time.

And yet Bury Common is not insignificant – occupying more than 180 acres of beautiful green space, which is home to many species of bird and plant life.

The Common has been attached to the town for more than 1000 years, during which time it has played its part in the Civil War, helped more recent war efforts, hosted horse races and so much more, and today remains a daily visit for local dogs and their owners who use the place to go ‘walkies.’

The history of the Common is widely known and talked about. But sorting fact from fiction?

That needed a proper archaeological dig, something which Andrew, who has been Chairman of the Commoners Association for more than three decades, had been working towards for the past three years.

“When I bought my premises many years ago, someone said, ‘Oh, you are a commoner.’

I thought, ‘What the hell is that?’” he says, remembering the conversation.

“I was told to go and look at Newport Pagnell’s Common, and basically saw a giant dog toilet,” he recalled.

“At that time, we used to graze cattle here in the summer months for fattening purposes, and I used to get a cheque for £5 a year for the privilege of the farmer grazing his animals here.

“I thought, ‘this is ludicrous, we’ve got to do something,’ and we started researching the Common with local archivists and historians.

“When villages became towns, particularly market towns, traders couldn’t look after their cows and sheep, so you would pass them onto the Common where someone would look after them for you and bring you their milk so you could carry on and do your trading.”

It’s all a far cry from an Amazon delivery, that’s for sure – but that was how things were done centuries ago.

The more that was discovered in the archives, the more the group did to showcase this expanse of land – putting up plaques explaining about the Civil War, the Royal Observer Corps base and the Flora and Fauna of the area.

An education programme was launched with various events held on site, and a Civil War reenactment, the first staged there in 40 years, proved an enormous hit.

But that’s all above ground – what everyone wanted to know was what was hidden underground.

Commoners Chairman Andrew Craddock

In 2012, a geophysical and contour survey of a section confirmed much of its background, including the likelihood of a settlement on the field stretching way back.

“We’d done non-invasive archaeology, which is a big term, but means we couldn’t dig the ground, because it’s a scheduled monument and you need all sorts of permissions.

“That said, we’d got things under the ground, but didn’t necessarily know what. We could see we had the fortifications from the Civil War, but they’d been levelled in 1648. The fact we could see the trench and the rampart start was really good.

But without shifting the earth, nothing more could be confirmed.

A tumulus, or burial mound, on the Common was thought to have dated back to the Bronze or Stone age.

‘When the late Alderman J M Knapp owned the ground rights of the Common, he was applied to for permission to open up this ancient burial ground, as it was believed it would bring to light much of interest to the archaeologist,’ said a newspaper report from 1933, ‘He would not give his approval, and the mysteries of this centuries old tomb have remained a secret which is never likely to be revealed now that particular piece of ground has been scheduled as a national monument.’

The report continued: ‘The spot is distinguished by a large and practically perfect circle with a ridge of turf, and a small mound in the centre, which in years gone by might, it is thought, have been of considerable size.’

Instead, by accident, an over keen worker razed the area when some of the land was requisitioned for the war effort.

Andrew believes any treasure in the mound would have been taken a long time before: “We think it was robbed, probably in the 17th century or the 18th century. Back then, the aristocrats had fun taking a picnic out and trying to find objects – they weren’t archaeologists so they destroyed everything.

“Then, with WWII they ploughed the field, now we can’t even find it with the magnetometry.

But with the space waiting to reveal its secrets, Andrew got busy turning dreams of a dig into a reality.

“It has been three years of my life prodding people and filling out forms to get the special permission to dig on a scheduled monument, which much of Bury Common is,” he said.

“We’d had ground penetration radar and the magnetometry – the sort of thing you’d see on the Time Team programme,” Andrew explained.

The Commoners Association and the Town Council shared the cost for this long-awaited excavation, with the figures running into tens of thousands of pounds. Money well spent.

And with three trenches dug and finds excavated, Andrew’s wish has now been realised.

In all, there were 90 shifts available for the digs, with 72 people volunteering their time to work alongside the experts. For some, it was their first experience of hands-on archaeology.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” said Newportonian Lisa Carvell, “I just wanted to see what it was all about and if we could find

anything – and we found some pottery, which was really exciting!”

Lisa’s daughter also attended the dig – all of the Primary Schools in the town visited, mainly Year 5 & 6 pupils.

“They were shown the sites to see the archaeology, and the loaned artefacts from Milton Keynes Museum,” Andrew said, “Maybe we sparked a future historian or archaeologist, and the hands-on experience was fabulous to see.”

This dig has itself breathed new life, and new interest, into the Common, which quite fittingly is known as the ‘green lung’ of Newport Pagnell.

> In next month’s Pulse, we’ll speak with the lead archaeologist and take a closer look at some of the finds given up during the excavations.

Museum is one of the best interactive museums, a perfect outing for all ages, staffed by friendly volunteers, and highly recommended by visitors on TripAdvisor. This feature was written by Milton Keynes Museum. Find out more about forthcoming events and see our opening times at: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Milton Keynes

One of the team recording the discoveries on site

Archaeology in progress at the dig

Cleaning up the finds

Exercise routines that fit the hot weather Staying Active in Summer

Summer is all about warmth, sunshine, and longer days, making it the perfect time to stay active. However, the heat can sometimes make exercising uncomfortable and even risky if you’re not careful. The trick to enjoying your summer workouts is to adapt them to the hot weather. Here are some friendly tips and exercise ideas to help you stay fit and safe during the summer months.

Early Morning or Late Evening Workouts

One of the easiest ways to beat the summer heat is to work out during the cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are much cooler, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Plus, morning workouts can give you a great start to your day, while evening exercises can help you relax after a long day.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Staying hydrated is crucial when you’re exercising in hot weather. You sweat more, which means you lose more fluids, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Make sure to drink water before, during, and after your workouts. If you’re doing longer activities, consider drinks that replenish electrolytes. And remember, avoid caffeine and alcohol before you exercise as they can dehydrate you.

Wear the Right Clothing

Wearing the right clothes can make a big difference. Go for lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-coloured clothing to help keep your body cool. Choose fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin.

Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and avoid sunburn and heatrelated illnesses.

Swimming

A fantastic full-body workout that’s easy on the joints and perfect for hot weather. Whether you like doing laps in a pool or swimming in a lake or the sea, the water helps keep you cool while giving you a great workout. Water aerobics is another fun option that combines the benefits of swimming with the intensity of aerobic exercises.

Cycling

Cycling is a brilliant way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors without putting too much strain on your body. The breeze you create while riding can help keep you cool. Choose shaded trails or bike paths to avoid direct sunlight. Always wear a helmet and bring water to stay hydrated.

Yoga and Stretching

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to explore nature while getting some exercise. Look for trails with plenty of shade and water sources. Early morning hikes can be particularly enjoyable, giving you a chance to see wildlife and enjoy the cool, fresh air. Make sure to wear suitable footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Indoor Alternatives

When it gets too hot outside, don’t hesitate to move your workout indoors. Gyms often have air conditioning and offer various classes, from spin to Zumba, keeping your exercise routine exciting. Home workouts using fitness apps or online videos are also a great way to stay active without facing the heat.

Listen to Your Body

Most importantly, listen to your body during summer workouts. If you start to feel dizzy, light-headed, or overly tired, stop exercising and rest in a cool place. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious conditions that need immediate attention.

Yoga or stretching can be incredibly beneficial during the summer. You can do these activities indoors with air conditioning or outside in the shade. Yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, and mental clarity, making it perfect for hot days. Gentle stretching also helps your muscles recover after more intense workouts.

Staying active in summer is all about finding the right balance. By adjusting your exercise routines to suit the hot weather, you can enjoy all the benefits of physical activity while staying safe and comfortable. So, lace up your trainers, grab your water bottle, and embrace the summer with a refreshed and active mindset.

MyFitnessPal

Overview: MyFitnessPal is one of the most popular fitness apps, known for its comprehensive approach to health and fitness. It offers tools for tracking your diet and exercise, making it easier to manage your overall health goals.

Features:

• Extensive food database for tracking calories and nutrients.

• Barcode scanner for easy food logging.

• Integration with various fitness trackers and apps.

• Customisable goals for weight loss, maintenance, or gain.

• Community support and progress tracking.

Nike Training Club

Overview: Nike Training Club offers a wide range of workouts designed by professional trainers. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced athlete, this app provides tailored workout plans that can be done at home or in the gym.

Features:

• Over 185 free workouts ranging from strength and endurance to yoga and mobility.

• Personalised training plans based on your goals and fitness level.

• Integration with Apple Health and other fitness apps.

• High-quality video and audio guidance.

• Community features to connect with friends and share progress.

Fitbit

Overview: While Fitbit is primarily known for its physical fitness trackers, the accompanying app offers robust features that can be used even without a Fitbit device. It helps track your activity, workouts, sleep, and nutrition.

Features:

• Activity and workout tracking with personalised insights.

• Sleep tracking and sleep score to monitor sleep quality.

• Guided programmes for various health and fitness goals.

• Food logging and hydration tracking.

• Integration with various health and fitness apps and devices.

All three of these Apps are available on iOS and Android.

These apps provide a variety of tools to help you stay motivated and on track with your fitness goals. Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, follow a structured workout plan, or simply track your daily activity, these apps have you covered.

And be part of a large local community with more than 31.2k* members talking every day!

Find out the latest news

Keep up to date with events

Share information

Connect with your community

Scan the code to join or click using our shortened link: bit.ly/4bPYGaS

*As of July 2024

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

Deethe Farm Industrial Estate

Cranfield Road, Woburn Sands

Milton Keynes, MK17 8UR

Call 01908 583107 for further details

Easy access to M1, A5 and central MK

No restrictions on working hours

Purpose built energy efficient office

Approximate size 538 sq ft

Private kitchen and disabled access WC

Office available on flexible terms

Secure site with automatic gate

Ample parking across the site

WED 31st JUL ‘24

Warwick Castle

£27.00

£17.00 Per

16yrs & Under - Coach Travel Only

£55.00 Per Person

£17.00 3yrs Under

This cost includes entrance fee.

(Entry into Castle Dungeons is not included in the cost but can be booked online before travel)

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.00am

CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.20am

Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.40am

Warwick at 16.00pm

THUR 1st AUG ‘24

Tina Turner The Musical

£75.00 Per Person, includes theatre ticket. Aldwych Theatre, London. 19.30pm performance time. Seats located in the stalls.

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 15.00pm CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 15.20pm

Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 15.40pm London at 10.30pm

SUN 4th AUG ‘24

Alton Towers

£70 Per Person, includes entrance fee.

£27 Per Person, coach travel only

Alton Towers Resort boasts over 40 rides and attractions, including 10 thrilling rollercoasters and 20 family-friendly attractions, featuring beloved CBeebies characters, for guests of all ages.

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 7.30am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 7.50am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.10am

Alton Towers at 17.45pm

MON 5th AUG ‘24

Norwich Cathedral & Mississippi River Boat Cruise

£50.00 Per Person, includes entrance fee.

1 hour guided tour of Norwich Cathedral

2 hour Mississippi river cruise

Enjoy Norwich Cathedral’s rich stories while the river boat, offers wildlife commentary through Horning and Ranworth Broad’s scenic beauty.

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.00am

CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.20am

Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.40am

Horning at 17.30pm

THUR 1st AUG ‘24

Sudeley Castle & Gardens With Lunch

£75.00 Per Adult, £60 Per Child 15yrs & under Includes entrance fee, guided tour and 2 course lunch. *Please make us aware of any dietary requirements at booking*

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 7.15am

CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 7.35am

Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 7.55am

Cheltenham at 16.00pm

SAT 24th AUG ‘24

Titanic Exhibition

£45 Per Person, includes entrance fee

Trace the Titanic from the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, through its fateful voyage and sinking, to its rediscovery at the bottom of the Atlantic in 1985.

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.30am

CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.50am

Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.10am

Birmingham at 17.00pm

Stacey Bushes, 1 Hollin Lane, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK12 6HT

Taking Pride in the new city

It will undoubtedly be the most colourful event in the new city’s calendar, and this year’s Pride Festival comes with plenty of added X-Factor too.

Organisers have announced a top class line-up for the free festival, with the Rainbow Stage being headlined by charttoppers Liberty X

Michelle, Jessica and Kelli hit the top spot with their single, Just A Little, and will round off the event with a nostalgic set to please noughties pop fans.

They’ll be joined at the big bash by Horse McDonald, who has toured with powerhouses including Tina Turner and BB King.

X-Factor winner Matt Terry is onboard, and Marcus Collins, another talent who came to prominence through the tv show will also see you in Campbell Park on September 14.

Others showing out include Eden Hunter, Benedict Cork, Amrick Channa, Keanan, Andrea Di Giovanni, Luke Vella, Emma McGrath and Jess Kemp

The Drag & Cabaret stage will be a riot of sensational talents too, with a surprise headline act.

Also coming to entertain you, Kitty Scott Claus, a finalist in that aforementioned Drag Race show, who has been described as ‘the lovechild of Elaine Paige, Gemma Collins and Jennifer Coolidge.’

Other Drag Race aces set to give you a great time include Victoria Scone and Vicky Vivacious, with firm support from singing and comedy players Linda Matthews, funny Brummie Drag King superstar Don One, and Drag Prince Alfie Ordinary

Ollie King, a contestant on the BBC gay dating show, I Kissed A Boy, and Scouse songstress Brenda La Beau will host.

Impersonators will make sure you see stars all night long, in the best possible sense, with tributes to Dame Shirley Bassey, Dolly Parton, Freddie Mercury and Taylor Swift.

“Milton Keynes Pride Festival showcases an impressive calibre of diverse performers and artists,” said Pride director, Keith Emmett III, “We are proud to be supporting and platforming such incredible talent and showcasing some of the very best LGBTQ+ artists and allies, with community at the forefront and heart of our programming.”

Elsewhere, Campbell Park will be bursting with entertainment and attractions; enjoy the thrills and spills of the Funfair, tickle your tastebuds with cuisine for all at the well stocked Food Village, and treat yourself to a little shopping at the Rainbow Market.

Milton Keynes Pride Festival really is for all, and that includes children who will have their own Kids Space.

In 2023, the celebration of inclusivity was celebrated by 16,000 visitors. This September, that figure looks like being smashed and the sterling line-up will ensure that, at odds with those performing, Milton Keynes Pride will be anything but a drag.

“Pride truly is for everyone,” Keith said. “During the day, our open policy welcomes families, children and well-behaved dogs to join in on the festivities. In the evening, the energy ramps up, becoming an adultsonly celebration. Pride is dedicated to our LGBTQ+ community and their essential allies. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a returning guest, join us this year to celebrate our fifth anniversary in style!”

> Milton Keynes Pride Festival seeks to promote visibility, social cohesion, connection, education, equality and promotion of the LGBTQ+ community in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. For the latest updates, visit mkpridefestival.com or follow the social channels @mkpridefestival

Liberty X - Chart toppers and Pride toppers

A clever pup, a different sort of ‘tick tock’ success, insect inspiration and a terrific charity fundraiser. Here are this month’s Pulse Pics...

Colin Kempster has focused his lens on the bug life at Howe Park Wood this month, and these striking images of a Six-Spot Burnet Moth and a Large Skipper Butterfly are just two of the beautiful shots he captured. See more on Instagram: @pixbycurvy

Milton Keynes-based watch retailer WATCHO was right on time to scoop the prestigious Watch Retailer of the Year title at the UK Jewellery Awards. The family-run business also participates in initiatives to improve the lives of those in need, and plants trees to combat deforestation.

“We believe that success is not just measured by business achievements but also by our contributions to the community,” said Pradip Sarda, Director, WATCHO. “Through our initiatives, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many, and this award is an encouragement to continue our efforts.”

James Iain MacKeddie was among those putting their best feet forward in the Newport Pagnell Carnival 5km race, but he did it with 15kg strapped to his back and in uniform –raising funds for South Central Ambulance Charity

At the time of writing, James, himself a Community First Responder, had raised just shy of £1300, and counting. Impressive work.

This little cutie is a rescue from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, who has just become the latest recruit at MK based charity Medical Detection Dogs Labrador pup Chilli will soon start his life-saving career as a super sniffer – detecting diseases like cancers, Parkinson’s and bacterial infections.

“He already seems like a confident little boy who loves his toys and pottering about in his Puppy Socialisers’ garden,” said Chris Allen, Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare with MDD.

Pic: Steve Hickman

Taking swift action to protect their future

With their numbers in worryingly steep decline, one group of passionate bird lovers are doing all they can to support the swifts and house martins who visit their town each year.

Sammy Jones spoke with Emma Rix from Save Wolverton’s Swifts and Martins, and discovered how you too, can make a difference...

We spend so long glued to our mobile devices or dashing from A to B that it can be easy to ignore the beauty that surrounds us – like the returning three dozen visitors who fly in and spend a third of their year in one of our towns.

Fast movers, you might struggle to see them, but there is no denying their shrill, high pitched screams. If you hear a swift, there is no mistaking it.

That sound is one of pure joy for the members of Save Wolverton’s Swifts and Martins, which is headed up by Emma, and Paul Dubery who took over the group that was founded several years ago by retired enthusiast Chris Gravel.

When the pandemic clipped our wings and grounded us, it couldn’t contain these little birds, who carried on regardless – making the not insignificant 5000 mile flight from Sub-Saharan Africa to their breeding sites

on our doorstep. It’s a journey that takes five days, storms permitting.

A mammoth trek for any creature, and they do it without a packed lunch or the aid of a sat-nav!

“Lockdown gave us more time to focus on the group, and with the support of a council grant we bought around 70 swift boxes which were made by John Stimpson, an incredible man who has made more than 30,000 boxes in his garage,” Emma said.

“We made contact with James McEvoy from MKL CABLE Solutions who was brilliant and installed all the boxes. Those boxes are now made by Iain Stirling who has become an instrumental part of the team. Both the making and installing is done for free by James and Iain, for which we are so grateful.”

Paul spends his time applying for grants, liaising with suppliers and ordering boxes and making calls, chasing developers of any new builds, and - much like Emma - plate spinning to keep things on track.

Like so much of our wildlife, swifts are in trouble. In 2021 they were added to the red list on the UK Conservation Status Report, but sadly their numbers are plummeting everywhere and they are threatened globally.

Work by the Wolverton group is so important, and the birds favour the old railway town because they almost exclusively nest in pre-1944 housing, yet only around 10% of homes in that bracket are suitable nesting spots - they favour cracks and crevices of buildings at least four metres high.

Modern houses and the building techniques employed leave no suitable

Emma and her partner Andrew Hughes

access for them, and as we seal up their natural entrances with plastic soffits, they struggle and fail to breed.

As Emma’s knowledge and desire for protecting these birds increased, it wasn’t so long before she found herself taking in her first grounded swift, who was given the name Bruce.

“It was love at first sight,” she remembered, “I drove him to our nearest ‘rehabber’, Claire Nuttal, who is based near Aylesbury. She had boxes of grounded swifts and chicks. Being able to share images of Bruce with the group during lockdown, and then allow people to follow him to release really helped us during a very odd year.”

Incredibly, these petite little birds are believed to fly an average of 250,000 miles every year; when they aren’t nesting, they are in constant flight, sleeping, eating, drinking, mating and preening in the air.

“If the weather isn’t good for feeding they can fly miles for food - even to France!”

Emma said, “If gone for a while their chicks can go into torpor, shutting their bodies down to survive. They are the fastest bird in level flight too, reaching speeds of 69mph.”

The name of the group is a dead give-away, and they do indeed look out for the town’s house martins too - how come?

“We are lucky enough to be blessed with a colony of martins here as well, and both birds have similarities; both rely on our houses to breed, both are insectivorous and migrate from Africa. They are often mistaken in the sky as both have long wings.”

They also share another trait - house martins are also on that red list of endangered species.

Wolverton isn’t the only place in Milton Keynes that these birds use to breed every year - there are colonies in Heelands, in Kents Hill, Stony Stratford, New Bradwell and Newport Pagnell.

“We now have swift groups in these towns, but would love more volunteers to run them. Willen is a popular site with feeding grounds over the lake, Bletchley, Kingsmead and the like, but numbers aren’t what they should and could be.”

Back in Wolverton, the heart of the martin colony is at The Top Club, the town’s old Working Men’s Club, but with the real possibility that the pending sale of the venue will see their homes torn down, Emma and

her team are working hard to secure a grant to buy nests and fit them across the town to give the birds a chance. How can people get their own boxes if they are keen to help?

“They can always ask us, and The Swift Conservation Trust has lots of useful advice, and boxes are available from Peak Boxes and the RSPB.

“Be sure not to buy ones that don’t comply with standard though, as there are some sold that can lead to eggs rolling out, and the young being stuck inside, as they are not tall enough to reach the entrance hole to fledge.”

Emma works closely with Paul to keep the project, dare we say, airborne. How much time does someone with a passion dedicate to this voluntary role?

“Too much, yet never enough,” she promised, “Some of the work, like guided walks and taking birds for first aid or to ‘rehabbers’, is seasonal. Then there is surveying for nest sites and any dealing with any building work that may block entrance holes.

“We fundraise too, and have stalls at events throughout the year where we give out information and inspire people, young and old, to love these birds.

“Paul spends a lot of his time consulting with house developers, asking them to fit swift boxes when they build new houses, which is the way to ensure a long life of the next site.”

They’ve also begun working with a local school, sharing knowledge and encouraging the next generation of supporters.

“We have such a passion for swifts and martins and we want others to appreciate

what we have here in Wolverton - they may be gone soon if we don’t care.

“I didn’t grow up with them, and my interest only started when I moved here and saw them swooping overhead in summer.

“They are such crazy, amiable, sociable birds with incredible lifestyles that they deserve to be celebrated in a fun, joyous way,” Emma said, letting her love of the birds shine through.

“We really need to capture the imaginations of children and young people so they develop a passion for swifts and house martins to ensure they are still around in large numbers for their children and grandchildren to enjoy.”

We’re all busy, but not too busy to make a difference to these delightful little fliers. A little effort now, will bring the rewards – and you can play your part.

“Caring for an endangered species is not only going to benefit the birds, it’s good for our well-being too,” Emma promised, “By the simple action of putting up a swift box or not blocking a natural site on your home, or allowing house martins to use your house to nest instead of knocking their nests down, we can save these endangered birds.

“In return, we will be rewarded by their aerial displays and low level, speeding, screaming parties.”

As you read this, Wolverton’s visitors will be departing - heading back to Africa until next spring when, hopefully, their return here will see them greeted by more potential breeding spaces and even more people cheering the arrival of these fascinating, and very cute, little birds.

> For more information, search FB ‘Save Wolverton’s Swifts and Martins’

Lottie, Libby and Jocelyne from Bushmead School in Wolverton, holding the multi box bought from merchandise sales

‘Box installer’ James McEvoy releases a swift

What a cutie! Bruce’s recovery was followed keenly during lockdown

So delicate and in need of your help

Sending impurities packing

Few of us are happy with our under-eye appearance; a lack of sleep and the ageing process can play havoc with this thin fragile space on the face. But Luna Microcare is making a real difference with its Microneedling Under-Eye Patches, which declare war on dark circles, under-eye bags, fine lines and wrinkles - while you sleep.

Each Anti-Ageing Micro Channel Patch is embedded with hundreds of gentle micro-cones full of potent anti-ageing ingredients. Free from allergens and irritants, these innocuous little patches are cruelty free and vegan, and yield results with no need for surgical intervention. Clinically proven and with plenty of awards under its belt, Luna is a great discovery. Patch it up the proper way!

Get it: lunamicrocare.com

RRP: £35 - £260

We know firsthand the benefits of Red LED light therapy technology, but now you don’t have to make a trip to a salon – you can simply pop on a pair of Stylpro Goggles at home.

Designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness, they are USB rechargeable and offer a hands-free design. These come with a vibration setting too. Switch on, lay back and relax, and don’t worry about nodding off; they shut off automatically after 10 minutes of use. But these facial supporters can be super expensive, can’t they?

Yep, but not this one...

Get it: lookfantastic.com

RRP: £44.99

We all want that ‘just stepped out of a salon’ look, which always boosts self-esteem, but let’s face it, replicating the efforts of your ace hairdresser never happens, does it?

Enter Bondi Boost’s Blowout Brush Pro, which might be your game changer. The multi-functional piece of kit dries, styles and volumizes at the same time. How’s that for multi-tasking?

It’ll reduce frizz and boost shine, detangling as it goes, and you’ve a choice of three heat and speed settings. Short hair, or long, Blowout Brush belongs in your ‘essential items’ kit.

Get it: bondiboost.co.uk

RRP: £68

Struggling with forehead lines or smile Revive kit to cope with those

Whether it’s hormonal breakouts, wrinkles, dark spots or hyperpigmentation, Luna will help to turn the tide and replace

works to boost collagen promotion and support the skin with anti-oxidant defence, harnessing the

Tightening and brightening, it has been created by a Harley Street doctor, and boasts high grade ingredients which will show themselves quickly with a reduction in puffiness and an increase in firmer skin.

Use in the morning after cleansing, but you can double up and use at night too, if the mood takes you.

Get it: drhumble.co.uk

RRP: £69

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

SIREN

COOL

We’re deep into summer now, with next season already on the horizon — last chance to make a splash with your style before the sun’s gone.

According to the catwalks, we should look to the seas for inspiration. Mermaid sequins, fishtail flares, fin-like ruffles and feathered hems were caught swishing down the line at Lanvin, Mugler and Tom Ford — Prada reeling in fashion’s attention with layered shift dresses and metallic, fringed belts shaped like jellyfish, and bead and eyeletstudded outfits reminiscent of barnaclescattered rocks.

To ride the wave, look for uniquely-knotted tops and pleat details that could pass for deep-sea life forms — like River Island’s two-piece in seaweed green. Or take a dip into Zara and H&M’s sale and net yourself something in ombré, tie dye or pool print; fish for shell-shaped jewellery and bags. Catch of the day? Anything crocheted or thickly-knitted, a la fisherman’s knots. Else find wardrobe treasure in the sequinned dresses and skirts floating about the high street. Better still, plunge into your local charity shop for the sequins submerged among the rails, ready to update the

Main image: All items Monsoon

River Island £89

River

Zara £45.99

Zara £12.99 (sale)

No-churn avocado & lime ice cream

Preparation time: 20 minutes plus freezing Serves: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

1 Waitrose & Partners Perfectly Ripe

Extra Large Avocado, flesh scooped out (about 200g flesh in total)

397g can condensed milk

2 unwaxed limes, zest and juice

300ml whipping cream

Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

METHOD

1. Put the avocado, condensed milk and lime zest and juice in a small food processor and whizz until smooth and combined. Scrape this into a large mixing bowl.

2. Put the cream in a second mixing bowl and use electric beaters set to a slowmedium speed to lightly whisk until just holding soft peaks. Gently fold the cream into the condensed milk mixture, one third at a time, trying to retain as much air as possible in the mixture.

3. Tip into a freezerproof container (about 1 litre in volume) and freeze for 8 hours, then scoop into bowls to serve.

COOK’S TIP

If you freeze the ice cream for longer than 8 hours, you will need to remove it from the freezer and leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until it reaches a good consistency for scooping.

FAMILY AFTERNOONS

4th Aug & 1st Sept

1pm-4pm with special guest

TONY HOWES

An afternoon of comedy, magic and a delicious meal for all of the family.

Please note that this will be a set menu. Spaces are getting booked up so make your reservations now!

Gardening for a healthy summer DIGGING DEEP

It’s an annual conundrum for parents and carers; how to entertain the kids for the duration of the school holidays. Day trips are great, but you can hardly do those for six weeks solidly, can you? And letting them loose on the tablet or mobile for hours on end is far from ideal.

The answer lies in the garden – and we don’t just mean by playing in the paddling pool or on the trampoline!

Children have minds which act like sponges, so why not use the time to encourage them to enjoy the nature around and about, and to ‘grow’ their love of gardening?

Remember how you used to get excited by growing cress heads in yogurt pots? Can you remember the joy of seeing a flower grow from a seed?

The holidays are an ideal time to set aside some quality time with your children and increase their knowledge pools – and your garden will look great from the extra tender loving care it receives!

I used to love being my grandad’s little helper, sowing marigold seeds, learning about how to grow rhubarb and pottering around the greenhouse. And your little mites will too.

adore them too, so reach for a Bee Bomb and get buzzy, erm, we mean busy. Super easy – you just throw and go, and they will reward you with a colourful display enjoyed by insects and one pleasing to your eyes.

Making insect hotels and planting up flower baskets are other easy tasks which reap great rewards, and there are endless ways to recycle household items responsibly; use old kitchen roll and toilet roll tubes for seeds – they can be planted whole into the ground and will break down naturally.

Use an old welly boot to deliver a pretty floral display, and be creative with old slabs to make layered rockery spots.

Introduce a safe ledge or table for feathered friends to feed from, and remember they need water too!

It’s best to plan; find an avenue of interest and decide together what you would like to achieve in the garden; do you want a veg plot? Would you like to create a little wildlife pond, perhaps? Or maybe you want to work towards a bloomin’ great space for the future?

Set your goals before reaching for the spades.

Wildflowers are wonderful and give a terrific colourful display – our pollinators

Even if you are restricted to a small concrete yard, or if you don’t have any outdoor space at all, you can still plant flowers and herbs and grow them in windowsills, and special suction feeding stations which attach to windows can be purchased ‘cheeply’ which will encourage regular visits from garden birds – great for an unobtrusive, close way to watch their natural behaviour. You’ll soon see their individual personalities shining through, too.

The internet is brimming with FB groups and sites with gardeners and keen amateurs sharing tips, tricks and ideas which are total game changers.

The possibilities are endless, and the only limitations are those which you impose.

This summer, with a little plotting and creativity, you – and your children – can transform how you view gardening and turn into total smarty-plants!

How does your garden grow?

It has been a bumper year for summerfruiting raspberries, but now is the time to cut the fruited canes down to the ground and tie in the best of this year’s new canes to the wires.

Take the young strawberry plants that have grown on runners to plant in pots or in a new bed, for fruiting next year. Expose young tomatoes to more sunlight by removing leaves which are shading the ripening fruits. Cut individual ripe chillies.

The lavender hedge by the summerhouse needs trimming – all the dead flower stalks and some of the new growth, but not into the old wood. Roses need dead heading regularly too. Leave some seed heads in the herbaceous border for birds. Find good, non-flowering shoots on Fuchsias and Pelargoniums and take cuttings to overwinter. Hedge trimming with shears or a power trimmer is a job for yew and box hedges and topiary, but this year’s explosive growth of box blight (a fungal disease) and attacks by the Box moth caterpillar have caused near panic to those of us with hedges and topiary as strong features of the garden design. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference, but sharp eyes may be able to spot the distinctive green and black striped caterpillars in the latter case.

They vary in size and can be difficult to find. If present, it is possible to buy a biological control composed of nematodes which will attack the caterpillars but not affect other insects, which happens if a non-specific insecticide is used.

Because it may be difficult to tell whether the state of the stems and leaves is caused solely by the caterpillar or whether there is also a concurrent blight infection, I have sprayed my bushes with a fungicide (not mixed with insecticide) in the intervals between nematode applications with apparent success. It is important to feed, water and mulch the soil underneath and to only clip in dry weather. Good luck in all you do!

Ralph Westmoreland

•

•

Jellyfish

Hanging Air Plant, £18.50 habulous.co.uk

White Clam Shell Heart Wreath, £16.99 giselagraham.co.uk

Cotton Throw, £17.99, Cotton Mix Rectangular Cushion with Pad, £16.99, Woven Bowl Basket with Handles, £7.49 giselagraham.co.uk

Octopus Shot Glass Holder, £239.95 annabeljames.co.uk

Porthallow Corner Sofa Set £2900, Porthallow Coffee Table, £250 gardentrading.co.uk

Coastal Influences

Wood Fish Decoration, £13.99 giselagraham.co.uk

Inspired by the beautifully curated beach-front homes that fill our Pinterest boards, TikTok feeds, and TV screens, “Coastal Influences” embraces a signature classic, clean aesthetic. Think soft, sun-bleached hues, natural textures, and a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication. From crisp white linens to weathered wood accents and nautical motifs, “Coastal Influences” brings the effortless elegance of coastal living into any space, no

Belen Baskets Set of 2, £105 sweetpeaandwillow.co.uk

Vingate Jellyfish Cushion, £32 inkanddrop.com

Decorative Clam Shell Bowl, £65 clickstyle.co.uk

FEATURED BRANDS... If you would like to see your brand or business featured in Pulse, in print or online get in touch: mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Seashells Wool Throw, £120 jjtextile.co.uk

Milton Keynes tech sector to be ‘supercharged’ with investment

Milton Keynes has made a name for itself as a ‘smart city’ in its time, especially after being at the forefront of growth in technology and artificial intelligence in recent years. Researchers have found themselves in Milton Keynes to trial new initiatives aimed at transforming modern cities into greener and more pleasant places to live and work, and it now boasts the world’s largest fleet of autonomous delivery robots.

Current live trials in Milton Keynes include self-driving shuttles, urban drone deliveries and advanced radio communications.

Milton Keynes City Council has recently secured an investment from the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, which it is match funding, to support the Milton Keynes tech ecosystem, and assist the City Council in delivering its Technology, Smart City, Digital and Creative Industries Strategy.

The Milton Keynes tech ecosystem initiative will play a key part in the city council’s ambitions to grow the city’s global reputation as a smart city and home of innovation.

The Ecosystem Partnership Programme delivered by Barclays Eagle Labs and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, provides funding to UK start-ups to help them succeed and scale up their business. Milton Keynes City Council successfully applied for funding from the Programme and is match funding the investment received.

New themed play-park for Crownhill

Milton Keynes City Council has unveiled an improved play park in Crownhill inspired by HM King Charles III’s Coronation. HM The King visited Milton Keynes in February 2023 to officially recognise MK’s new city status.

The park includes Coronation-themed features including a throne seat and references to Westminster Abbey, and also has a roundabout, rocking horse and swings.

Milton Keynes City Council worked in partnership with Timotay Playscapes to deliver the improved play area after feedback from local residents. It joint funded the new park with the FCC Community Action Fund, a national landfill charity that funds local initiatives.

New technology to fix even more potholes!

The council will be investing £100,000 on a new Roadmender Elastomac machine, a new state of the art machine to fix more potholes. The system uses new technology that improves the quality and speed of repairs while being more sustainable and reducing carbon.

The council has been trialling the machine here in recent months and results from MK, and other local authorities, have been positive. Conventional repair methods can create lengthy disruption to roads due to requiring potholes to be excavated for repairs, this new technology uses a pioneering material which is poured into and over the top of defects, wielding itself to the surface and improving the road surface.

Purchasing the new machine will ensure more efficient use of existing budgets and allow more potholes to be fixed. The council will pay for the purchase by using part of an underspend of the council budget last year.

Pete Marland Leader of Milton Keynes City Council

CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01908 252442

Email: peter.marland@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Facebook: @mklabour

ADDRESS: c/o Milton Keynes City Council, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ

Milton Keynes City Council has unveiled an improved play park in Crownhill inspired by HM King Charles III’s Coronation

‘For decades, there has been an insufficient supply of new housing’

Good quality affordable homes are a basic requirement for people to live healthy and happy lives.

The past decade has seen a steep increase in the number of young adults continuing to live with their parents as accommodation has become increasingly expensive and unaffordable to young people.

Many young adults don’t have the option to stay in the family home which is often overcrowded and are sofa-surfing in Milton Keynes. This is the typical background of young people who come to live at our YMCA. We support 225 young adults at any one time at our Central Milton Keynes campus and estimate that we could accommodate ten times that number based on existing demand.

So, what is causing this unmet need to housing demand?

Quite simply, for decades, there has been an insufficient supply of new housing. Milton Keynes is building large numbers of new properties but not enough of the right type to meet the needs of young people. Large family homes are built for sale, with the social housing provided taken by families who are often living in overcrowded conditions. There isn’t enough in the mix for young people.

Recently large scale private-rented schemes have started to appear on the skyline in Central Milton Keynes and these offer high quality homes. However, rents are relatively expensive, and large deposits are required, making them unattainable for many young people.

Buying a home is even less achievable. Average house prices are now eleven times the average salary. This prevents most young people being able to get a mortgage and creates the perverse situation whereby young people are refused mortgages as unaffordable, despite the repayment terms being less than the rents they are forced to pay!

For existing homeowners rising house prices might at first seem like a good thing, but anyone with children should reflect on the implications over time. The first rung on the housing ladder is increasingly out of reach and what point is equity in your home

if that needs to be released to help the next generation enter the market?

The commodification of housing – treating it as an asset driven by the profit motive, rather than as homes for people to live in has created a social crisis that is growing and which under existing housing policies will continue to grow.

Social housing is also broadly not an option for young people. Responsibility for homelessness was delegated by government to local authorities in the year I was born (I am almost 50). In response to the outcry from local government at their inability to manage the scale of this problem some ‘temporary’ measures were introduced to establish ‘priority need’. These criteria are still in place today and mean that young people, by virtue of being homeless alone, are not seen as a priority by social landlords.

So most young adults can’t afford to buy, can’t afford to rent privately, and can’t access social housing…

YMCA Milton Keynes are trying to fill this gap in provision. At our campus in Central Milton Keynes we offer high quality affordable homes for young adults in a positive and supportive community.

Simon Green, CEO, YMCA Milton Keynes

If you would like to find out more about our work or wish to share your thoughts with me on any of the above, please do get in touch. Email: simon.green@mkymca.com

We want to continue to support these young people once they have sustained employment and are ready to move-on into community settings in by developing a portfolio of move-on accommodation. However, planning rules, land availability, and construction costs are significant hurdles for us to overcome.

The election of a new government raises hope of a policy change and the make-up of the cabinet, including the first Secretary of State in charge of housing who has lived in social housing, raises the hope that the circumstances of ordinary young people may be better understood and responded to.

But the scale of this problem requires dramatic and bold actions. Without that the future living conditions for our young people is grim. We can make the necessary changes but as a starting point we need to clearly recognise the problem.

At our campus in Central Milton Keynes we offer high quality affordable homes for young adults in a positive and supportive community.

Rattan Revival

Rattan furniture is back and better than ever! This versatile, eco-friendly material has made a strong resurgence in the interior design world, blending its vintage charm with modern aesthetics. Often associated with the bohemian vibes of the 1970s, rattan is now being reimagined in contemporary settings, proving its enduring appeal and adaptability.

Rattan, derived from the stems of tropical palms, is celebrated for its lightweight yet durable nature. This makes it an excellent choice for furniture and home accessories. The natural, woven texture of rattan brings a touch of the outdoors inside, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that connects us to nature. In an era where sustainability is paramount, rattan's renewable and biodegradable qualities make it a top pick for eco-conscious decorators.

One of the standout features of rattan is its ability to complement various interior styles. Whether your home exudes a minimalist, Scandinavian vibe, a coastal retreat feel, or a lush, tropical aesthetic, rattan can seamlessly integrate into your decor. Its neutral tones provide a perfect base, allowing it to pair effortlessly with bold colours, metallic accents, or other natural materials like wood and stone.

Versatility in Furniture

Rattan furniture comes in an array of designs, from classic to contemporary. Iconic pieces like the peacock chair or hanging egg chair bring a sense of nostalgia, while sleek, modern designs can

make a chic statement in any room. A rattan sofa or armchair, paired with plush cushions in soft, muted hues, can create a cosy nook in your living room or conservatory. Meanwhile, a rattan bed frame or headboard can add a touch of rustic elegance to your bedroom, evoking a serene, resort-like feel.

Accents and Accessories

If you're not ready to commit to large rattan furniture pieces, consider incorporating smaller accents and accessories. Rattan light fixtures, such as pendant lamps or floor lamps, cast beautiful, intricate shadows, adding depth and interest to your space. Rattan baskets are not only stylish but also practical for storage, keeping your home tidy while adding a touch of texture. Mirrors framed in rattan, side tables, or plant stands can subtly introduce this material into your decor without overwhelming the space.

Pairing with Other Materials

Rattan pairs beautifully with a range of materials, enhancing its versatility. Combine rattan with metal accents for an industrial edge, or mix it with soft linens and wool for a cosy, hyggeinspired look. Wooden floors and rattan furniture create a harmonious blend of textures, bringing warmth and depth to your interiors. For a more eclectic style, mix rattan with vibrant textiles, patterned rugs, and a variety of houseplants to create a lively, boho-chic space.

Outdoor Spaces

Rattan isn't confined to indoor use; it's also a fantastic choice for outdoor furniture. Its natural resistance to the elements, when treated properly, makes it ideal for garden furniture. A rattan dining set on your patio or balcony can transform your outdoor area into a stylish alfresco dining space. Add some rattan loungers by the pool or scatter rattan chairs around a fire pit to create an inviting outdoor retreat perfect for relaxation and entertaining.

Care and Maintenance

To keep your rattan furniture looking its best, regular maintenance is key. Dust your rattan pieces frequently and clean them with a

Fyne Ecru Boucle Rocking Armchair with Rattan Armrests Photo credit: daals www.daals.co.uk

Atticus Pendant Lamp, Natural Rattan Photo credit: Furnicher www.furnicher.com

damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime. For outdoor rattan, consider covering or storing the furniture during harsh weather to extend its lifespan. If you notice any fraying or loose weaves, a quick repair with a glue gun can often fix the issue, ensuring your rattan remains in top condition for years to come.

Rattan's revival is a testament to its timeless charm and versatility. By integrating this natural material into your home, you can create a space that feels both fresh and nostalgic, effortlessly blending the past with the present. Whether you opt for a statement piece or subtle accents, rattan's organic beauty and sustainable credentials make it a perfect choice for any modern home.

So, as you consider updating your decor, why not embrace the rattan revival? Its enduring appeal and natural elegance are sure to bring warmth, style, and a touch of timeless sophistication to your living space.

From bustling streets to quiet corners: What is your perfect cityscape?

Here in the midst of summer, thoughts of travel are often close by. While some may be dreaming of pools or beaches, many of us will be thinking about city adventures.

Finding the city that speaks to you

One beauty of cityscape art lies in its diversity. Whether you crave the towering skyscrapers of New York or the romantic canals of Venice, a nostalgic scene of cobbled London streets or the futuristic glow of Tokyo at night - within an urban scene, you can find a space that speaks to you. Cityscapes aren’t just about the physical location, but also about the emotions they evoke. What’s your connection with the city? Perhaps your favourite cityscape triggers memories of a special visit, the tranquillity of a moonlit street, or the thrill of a bustling marketplace. We believe the beauty of art lies in its ability to explore a range of emotions and within cityscapes, you're bound to find a piece that resonates with the energy you are looking for.

More than just a pretty picture

Cityscapes aren’t just stunning images. Yes, these versatile pieces might evoke memories from treasured trips, but they

will also spark conversations about the places that inspire you. While working just as well in a contemporary apartment or a classic living room, the right cityscape will bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your space.

We love the enchantment of a wellcrafted cityscape. It could be the way an artist captures the vibrancy of a busy street, the serene beauty of a city in twilight, or the intricate details of iconic landmarks - these pieces have the ability to transport us, ignite memories and infuse any space with vibrancy and life.

So, whether you want to soak up the energy of Times Square, relive a gondola ride through Venice's canals or enjoy a warm evening at a pavement cafe beside the Eiffel Tower, great cityscapes will conjure those moments. Where would you be transported to?

Natalie Trembecki Gallery Correspondent

www.therosegallery.co.uk

Set of 3 Square Kubu Rattan Storage Baskets Photo credit: Click Style www.clickstyle.co.uk

Jakarta Hanging Chair, Natural Rattan Photo credit: Furnicher www.furnicher.com

Let’s see those hands in the air!

Towersey Festival

What is it: The festival for all ages – from children to grandparents. It’s all about reconnection; with music, dance, arts and culture and reconnecting with yourself, “as you escape everyday life at a festival that’s little enough to feel a big part of,” say organisers.

Who’s on: Billy Bragg, The Staves, Oysterband, Seth Lakeman and The London Gospel Choir are among 100 artists set to perform over four days at the Claydon Estate in Buckingham.

Music aside, you can engage with creative experiences, wellbeing and mindfulness events, dance classes, music and song workshops, guided walks, comedy and even axe throwing and archery!

When: Friday, August 23Monday, August 26

And another thing: This year is the 60th festival giving cause for celebration, but it is also the last. Sad times.

‘We have faced too many forces outside of our control which have made it increasingly difficult to operate and survive,’ say those behind the lauded event, ‘We are so very disappointed to come to this decision and we know many of you will be too, but we hope you understand and can support us as we celebrate 60 years of music, dance, friendship and memories.

‘But we want you to know that Towersey 2024 will be one hell of a party!’ they promise.

How to get tickets: towerseyfestival.com

Reggae Land

What is it: A family-friendly reggae feast

Who’s on: Burning Spear, Shabba Ranks, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Sanchez play Saturday, with Gentlemans Dub Club, Wayne Wonder, General Levy featuring among the bumper line-up, being hosted at The National Bowl for the second time. Popcaan, Koffee, Tarrus Riley and Skip Marley top the billing on the Sunday, with Aswad, Goldie, David Rodigan and Maxi Priest among swelling the performance numbers.

When: Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4

And another thing: A Caribbean Food Village, Rum Shacks, Gin Bars and Caribbean cocktail bars will join a flea market and fairground to make this a real event.

How to get tickets: reggaeland.co.uk

Reggae Land brings a host of reggae legends and a Caribbean vibe to MK

From the left, Billy Bragg, The Staves and Seth Lakeman are on bill at the Towersey Festival Pic: Matt Eachus

Pic: Matt Eachus

Chase & Status

What is it: Drum n Bass legends Chase & Status are ready to turn the iconic National Bowl into an immersive and electrifying musical playground with explosive lights, lasers, audio visuals and towering sound systems.

This production promises a ‘carefully curated but epic line up.’ Are you ready?

Who’s on: Headliners aside, you can get ready for sets from Hedex, Bou, Sammy Virji. Sherelle, Andy C, Casisdead, Unknown T, Arthi, Girl’s Don’t Sync and Maleigh Zan.

When: Saturday, August 10

And another thing: This isn’t the first visit to the venue for Chase & Status – they performed as part of the Prodigy’s Warriors Dance Festival in 2010.

How to get tickets: chaseandstatuslive.com

Stowaway Festival

What is it: A festival ‘for true ravers, new ravers and little ravers,’ is the promise, and delivered in Stowe. ‘Made by friends, for friends, and truly independent, Stowaway Festival was created with a mission to deliver the perfect weekend antidote to the trappings of the modern world.’

Who’s on: Groove Armada (DJ set), Greentea Peng, Leftfield and Maribou State are bill toppers for this third edition, with Cinthie, DJ Flight, LTJ Bukem and Laura Misch among others ready to play for you.

When: Friday, August 16Sunday, August 18

And another thing: Stowaway is a secret world for you to discover with hidden

Bludfest

What is it: A genre-diverse spanking new festival, founded – and headlined –by Yungblud

Who’s on: Yungblud, Lil Yachty, Soft Play, The Damned, Nessa Barrett, Lola Young and Jazmin Bean will wow you at The National Bowl.

When: Sunday, August 11

And another thing: “Five years ago we imagined a world of our own. In BLUDFEST we have physically built one,” says the headliner, “It feels like the next logical step for me. I want to create a physical safe space where people can come

Milton Keynes Festival

parties, a woodland spa, wild swimming and canoeing, wellness and relaxation, kids’ activities (all included in the ticket price) and artisan food and drink, including craft beers and spirits. We say cheers to that!

How to get tickets: stowawayfestival.co.uk

and celebrate the ideologies of this community - where unity, individuality and love is the main focus and we bring the world of Yungblud to f*cking life right before your eyes.

“I wanted to build an experience where anybody can be completely themselves, with their friends, their family or completely on their own.

“BLUDFEST will blur the lines of genre and destroy the limitation of imagination. It will be a festival that cuts the corporate bo****ks and is all about the people.

“My plan is to take it worldwide but this summer is the first one and it’s gonna be something no one has ever seen before in the UK.”

How to get tickets: bludfest.com

What is it: ‘The very best tribute acts in the business’ will deliver non-stop rock bliss.’ “We’ve built up a huge following with our Festivals, the reason why they have become so popular is partly to do with the diversity of music and bands we have on, that coupled with the low ticket price, it really makes for a great experience,” said organiser Jools Taylor, “We spare no expense on production and you can see well over 20 bands on two stages, with the added attractions of thrill rides and more.”

Who’s on: Morderstein, Stiff Bizkit, Metal Militia, Fell Out Boy, Tool Shed, Black Charade, Kings of the Stone Age, Sack Sabbath, One Eighty Two, Red Hot Chili Peppers UK, Beautiful, Queenesque, Moments of Pleasure, Green Days, Fatboy Kidd, Ultimate Beatles, 5’0, Hey Pixies, Smiths Utd and Alanis Moreorless - you guess who they are playing tribute to. It’s not too hard!

When: Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25

And another thing: A funfair and VIP areas will add to the flow of the big weekender.

How to get tickets: m-k-f.com

Leftfield (inset below) and Groove Armada (above) head the line-up at Stowaway

Yungblud is bringing Bludfest to The National Bowl

Get more from your Multitude

The third annual Multitude Festival will take over every available space at The Craufurd Arms at the start of the month, and following two super successful episodes, in 2024 you get twice the fun – with a whole weekend (August 3 & 4) dedicated to new, vibrant noise makers, and what a lot they’ve got!

“We want to celebrate the Multitude of talent in the local and national music scene, it’s an event where music fans can discover tomorrow’s heroes today and find their new favourite bands,” said The Craufurd Arms’ Paul Rivers.

Among those playing this year are Southampton risers Welly, who recently followed up the singles Shopping and Soak Up The Culture with their latest, titled Deere John, ‘the unlikely tableaux of a man, his wife and his lawnmower.’

It is, says Welly, “A song about a bloke who is sleeping around and is in way over his head.’

Bringing it for the MK crowd, Space Pistol will follow up their splendid album release date in June with another chance to indulge in their riff heavy, sensational noise. If they’ve got them to hand, snap up a copy of Leave With Everything. It’s awesome.

Saturday, August 3

Myriad Stage Folly Group

The Joy Hotel Soapbox Trampolene Wych Elm Hutch Bloody/Bath Tash

Altercation Stage The Menstrual Cramps Play Dead! Congratulations Space Pistol Sounds Mint Punk Band Woof Utopia Development Corporation

You can’t have a festival without having something to soak up the juice, and so a variety of street vendors will be setting up and serving, and if you’d rather keep a straight head, coffee will be on the menu.

Take along a few quid more than the ticket fee and you might find a little nugget at one of the vinyl stalls on site, too.

“This festival is very much about supporting all things new, independent and breaking whilst remaining affordable for all,” Paul added.

When the live sounds quieten, an after party will keep up the energy through to 2am with Greebo Karaoke. Let’s hear your best Cobain and Vedder impressions!

> Tickets are £16 for the day, £30 for the weekend, click to thecraufurdarms.com

Congregation Stage Projector Humane The Moon Karen Dio Balter Chilcraft Tiebreak

Sunday, August 4

Myriad Stage Witchfever Zand Welly Scarper Thistle Sean Edwards Bluewall

Altercation Stage Heavy Lungs Shelf Lives Mouth Culture Hex Girlfriend Hyphen Monakis Technique City Dog

Congregation Stage Katie Malco Sean Grant & The Wolfgang Mynk Canned Pineapple Garden Slug Lame

Things are about to get ugly in the Keynes

Ugly Kid Joe delivered one of the rock anthems of the 90s with the radio friendly Everything About You smash-hit, which is guaranteed to get an airing when they visit MK11 on August 30.

If you remember that track from the first time around, you’ll probably not want to be reminded that it was issued way back in 1992.

The band cut loose a trio of albums; America’s Least Wanted, Menace to Sobriety and Motel California before calling time. Frontman Whitfield Crane then had a brief spell with Pulse Music favourites Life of Agony, before fronting the mic with Medication, who swung by MK for a Pitz show in the early noughties.

Like so many others, UKJ came together again in 2010 and have since swelled their catalogue with the elpees Uglier Than They Used ta Be and 2022’s Rad Wings of Destiny Expect a career spanning delivery at their Kiln Farm appearance.

Also at the venue this month, Reading rock mob Sundara Karma will pass through in support of their 2023 album, Better Luck Next Time. It was their first long-player in more than four years and became their best received to date, too – seeing the band reach the Top 20 UK album chart for the first time.

> Want tickets? Go to mk11kilnfarm.com

Welly (above) are on their marks and Space Pistol (below) are ready to make a move at Multitude

Klaus and Whit from UKJ

Pic: Eve ov Beer

Photography

This September, Milton Keynes Theatre will open its stage up to Re:INCARNATION which will bring all of the spirit of Lagos here to the new city.

Forecast to become the world’s biggest city by the turn of the century, Lagos is massive, youthful and exciting – and the Nigerian megalopolis is also where the show’s choreographer Qudus Onikeku was born.

“Lagos is very much captured in the show,” he promises, “The energy of Lagos, the vibrancy, the youthfulness, the craziness, the madness, the beauty, the ugliness –are what I was really inspired by...and it is showcasing the young energy encapsulated in the city with a lot of joy and a lot of colour.”

Re:INCARNATION’s UK premiere was hosted at London’s Southbank Centre, brought to life by 10 dancers and two musicians collectively

“It’s a shared moment of beauty”

delivering a live soundtrack featuring West African music genre Afrobeats and dynamic dancing - contemporary, salsa, hip hop and street styles, wacking and krump. Vivid masks and costumes and colour-soaked lighting wrap the package gloriously.

Qudus used the work to explore how young people fuse life today with influences from the past, connecting that spirit of youth with the ancient philosophy of the Yoruba people, who have lived in Nigeria for centuries.

“The notion of dying and rebirth, and dying and rebirth again, in a continuous circle of reincarnation, is more or less what I wanted to capture in the show,” Qudus explained, “The young dancers, despite their seeming disconnection with ancient philosophies, are in fact reproducing the codes and forms of the past without being conscious of it.

“The Yoruba don’t believe in life after death, they believe in different cycles of life, different types of incarnations. An experience doesn’t need to be in one lifetime, it could be in cycles of lifetimes. We try to remember that when we do a performance.”

Qudus trained in France but returned to Lagos a decade ago, establishing the social enterprise The QDance Center and building a reputation for new and exciting work.

“One amazing thing about this show is that whether we are in Europe or America or Africa, people connect to it in a very interesting way,” he said, “Maybe that’s because it was created after Covid and Black Lives Matter and there was a certain kind of openness and an awareness of alternative philosophies or ideologies.

“Also, Instagram and TikTok have done a good job in popularising dance and music forms coming from West Africa so it feels like we are adding into a tradition that is already ahead of us.”

Qudus is thrilled to be returning to the UK, a place he first came to as a solo performer in 2012, and he is suitably buoyed about sharing the work with audiences in Milton Keynes.

“It’s a show that is quite multifaceted but one thing that I know people have always got out of it is this vibrancy, this young energy that we are bringing. It’s a shared moment of beauty and vivacity and I hope that we can add joy to our world.”

But while delivering the show is causing excitement, it’s not the only thing he’s looking forward to...

“I love the shopping, I love going to the pound stores - I always find something interesting there!”

> QDance Company’s Re:INCARNATION visits Milton Keynes Theatre on Saturday, September 21. To book tickets visit atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Choreographer Qudus Onikeku: “An experience doesn’t need to be in one lifetime, it could be in cycles of lifetimes. We try to remember that when we do a performance.”

Pic: Hajarat Alli

Still acting up at every age!

‘Age is but a number,’ goes the saying, and it’s an accurate one – just ask the folks who swell the ranks of Milton Keynes drama group The Third Age Players; some are in their 30s, and the oldest? Two members are a sprightly 90 years young!

The group, part of the u3a, a movement that unites people with the purpose of learning new skills and enjoying fun activities, staged its first full-length play in the late 1990s. More than a quarter of a century on, they are still going strong.

“There are very few scripts written specifically for older thespians, other than rather stereotypical plays, for example, set in residential homes. We are so much more than that!’ promises Greta Langdale, group coordinator and director of production.

You won’t get salacious sex scenes or edgy behaviour with The Third Age Players, perish the thought, but they’ve still got plenty to offer – don’t worry about that!

“We avoid themes which feature young romance, plays which need lots of men, who are a bit like gold dust, and rude or controversial content and anything too physical!” Greta says.

Instead they deliver bespoke plays written by Greta, under her pen name of Margot Lista. There is no jostling to get the plum part either – she ensures that there are roles in waiting for anyone who wants to channel their inner actor or actress.

“The ethos of u3a is that its groups are run by the members themselves, sharing our skills with each other,” she told Pulse Theatre, “The only criterion is that you are not in full time work. The group gives us purpose and

commitment and a sense of belonging, and we also meet socially between rehearsals.

“Keeping the little grey cells active definitely contributes to a healthy life,” she believes, and the proof is in the delivery; there have been plenty of those, close to 30 productions so far. And counting.

The next time to catch TAP on stage will be this September when they perform Secrets, Scandals and Gossip. One of those in the spotlight will be the group’s newest member, Dorothea Conti, and this delivery will be her first time treading the boards with the group.

“She lives at Shenley Wood Retirement Village and still jogs, plays table tennis, paints, and recently shot off on a holiday abroad,” Greta enthused.

That means that both the group’s longest standing, and its newest recruit are both nonagenarians!

If you fancy swelling the ranks of this acting fraternity, which currently has 19 members, you’ll be made welcome – and acting experience isn’t needed. Perhaps you are too shy to step out from behind the curtain, but have other skills you could bring to the group?

Young or old, acting ability proven, or yet to be tapped into, you’ll be made most welcome.

To make contact with the affable group, email tap@mku3a.org or call 01908 501563

> To book tickets for Secrets, Scandals and Gossip head to ticketsource.co.uk/mkthirdageplayers

Is Jimmy the one that you want?

He’s offensive, vulgar and doesn’t half put people’s backs up...and we love him!

He brings a smile to our face every time he takes to the stage (politicians do that too, but it’s a different sort of laughter). He is Jimmy Carr and he’s back in the Keynes on August 1 with the new show, Laughs Funny, at MK Theatre

Jimmy will be doing two performances; one at 7pm and another at 9.30pm – each one delivering a solid 90 minutes of giggle inducing behaviour.

Also at the venue this month, you can head back to school with a trip to Rydell High – Grease is making its return.

Meet the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies, follow the whirlwind summer romance between leather-clad greaser Danny and girlnext-door Sandy, and try to stay seated when banging tunes like Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ and You’re The One That I Want spill from the stage.

You’d better shape up and go grab those tickets asap if you want in. Grease runs from August 5-10.

> Visit atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Two past productions performed by The Third Age Players, Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders (above) and How to Darn Socks and Save The World (below)

Christina - acting up in the best sense!

Film Reviews

by Jordan Adcock

BIKERIDERS THE

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 3.5/5

All-round compelling acting and convincingly evoked biker culture keeps The Bikeriders motoring as a regularly violent and grim film based on a real-life Midwestern gang during the 1960s, but you’ll wish the film was more focused. Although it’s based on a true story as covered by photojournalist Danny Lyon, we discover and follow the Chicago Vandals through Kathy (Jodie Comer), a mild-mannered young woman drawn to the dashing but volatile Benny (Austin Butler). He’s favoured by the gruff leader Johnny (Tom Hardy) to succeed him as the gang becomes popular and notorious enough to gain new chapters across the Midwest with those eager to join their ranks, but at the cost of their close-knit identity. Director Jeff Nichols ensures the leather, denim, fancy motorbikes and lawless violence are filmed with a fascinating, dangerous aura that

Star Rating: 3/5

This spin-off prequel to the original A Quiet Place horror films sets itself where it all began, with a terminally ill young woman caught in the nightmare of Manhattan at the mercy of aliens ruthlessly hunting anyone who makes a sound. With all respect to Lupita Nyong’o’s empathetic lead performance, her character isn’t super compelling and you’re just waiting for the alien killing spree to start. These films’ muted soundscapes have been a welcome novelty in today’s cinematic landscape. Even so, third time around, the even less sophisticated survival narrative becomes more noticeable, with the need for minimal dialogue perhaps preventing greater exploration of the characters. That includes Joseph Quinn’s likable if inconsistent tag-along co-lead, though he and Nyong’o achieve some sweeter moments amid the desolation. ✪

nevertheless doesn’t glamourise the characters or their often grisly actions. It’s a shame then that the film can’t build a more compelling plot with those pieces. Only a couple of threads are set up and eventually paid off but there’s not enough sense of rising stakes or drama when easily the most compelling relationship, between Kathy and Benny, is often relegated to the background. Hardy as the dysfunctional wouldbe mentor to tearaway Benny has the required physical presence, but you’re always slightly aware you’re listening to Hardy’s distinctive voice. Austin Butler and Jodie Comer on the other hand fully inhabit their roles. His sullen, boyish intensity and her wavering between infatuation and incredulity as both struggle to find a happy middle ground provide this enjoyably flawed film’s choppy emotional throughline.

INSIDE OUT

Rating: 2.5/5

Animation studio Pixar adds another sequel, this time returning to the five emotions inside young Riley’s head – except now there’s four new ones conveniently invented to mark (or mar?) Riley reaching puberty. It’s up to Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust to stop them spoiling Riley’s trip to ice hockey camp, though the result is a journey that feels too similar to the first film’s quest through the girl’s mind and also less essential and cathartic. That is, with the teenage emotions (Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui and Envy) that didn’t exist in the first film (while possibly undermining the development implied for the five ‘core’ emotions as people grow up) plus gimmicky additions to the mind worldbuilding which mostly deliver one or two gags. ✪

THE END WE START FROM

Rating: 2.5/5

Also starring Jodie Comer is this British indie drama released last year and now streaming on Netflix where she again shines as a young woman quietly questioning her life choices, while London gets submerged by catastrophic flooding and she’s forced to find shelter as Britain breaks down. The End We Start From wants to be contemplative but ends up shallow, where Comer’s acting is easily the highlight and the film gives her plenty of space to perform – at the expense of nearly everything else. It’s certainly wet, miserable and suitably stormy from its onlocation shooting but always feels more like a character piece than an actual cataclysm. The supporting characters fail to stand out, particularly cameos from Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch which are too brief to be more than that. ✪

HEART OF STONE

Star Rating: 2/5

Netflix original Heart of Stone feels less like a showcase for Gal Gadot’s rather mixed bag of acting skills, more like another jet-setting spy action film which flaunts its many locations but is immediately bloated and disposable. Gadot plays Stone, a sort-of double agent who reports to Heart, the spies behind the official spies – it’s basically the most interesting thing about her character, flat even compared to her pretty generic teammates including Jamie Dornan. Despite the film’s attempt at a shocking twist, its main appeal appears to be its well-heeled location-hopping with some loud extended car chases and gunfights which can be put on as comfortable background viewing and forgotten immediately afterwards – such is the way of too many (very expensive) madefor-streaming films. ✪

#WhatsOnPulse

Brilliant Birds: The Love Birds Wedding

Until Sunday, September 1

Owls, a penguin, cranes, and storks are among the many birds featuring in The Lovebirds Wedding by Henry Stacy Marks. Their stories and myths, facts and imagery will be explored in this family friendly exhibition at Abington Park Museum. Take flight: northamptonmuseums.com

Women’s Walking Network

Thursday, August 1, 10am-midday

Explore ancient woodlands featuring visits to Shenley Wood and Howe Park Wood, before bringing you back via the North Bucks Way. Step by step: theparkstrust.com

The Dollheads

Thursday, August 1, 7.30pm

Teenage sibling punk sensations The Dollheads swap Las Vegas for a return to Shoetown and a date at The Black Prince. Show ‘em some respect. No messin’: sbdpromotions.com

Jimmy Carr

Thursday, August 1

Jimmy tells jokes, and jokes are like magnets. Jokes attract people, but they can also repel. Some people are repelled by his dark brand of comedy. This show is not for them. But if it’s the kind of thing you like, then this is the kind of show you’ll like!

Laughs Funny: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

OPEN: Wed to Mon 10am-4pm, CLOSED: Tues Facebook: @vintiqueltd Instagram: vintique.limited T: 01327 341 980 E: info@vintique.co W: vintique.co

Visit Rydell High – Grease returns to MK Theatre on August 5

The Dollheads

ZZ Toppd & Neon Nights

Friday, August 2, 7.30pm

Beards, furry spinning guitars and greatest hits are promised by these imitators, and of course they’ll come sharp dressed for this Black Prince date. Cheap Sunglasses: sbdpromotions.com

This Grief Thing

Sunday, August 4, 1pm-2.30pm

Grief gatherings are small, free group conversations about grief and they’re open to all, at the hosting venue, Delapré Abbey. Reach out for support: delapreabbey.org

Northampton Society of Model Engineers public running day

Sunday, August 4

NSME run train rides for the whole family on their public running days – you’ll find them in the corner of Delapré Park. Entrance and parking is free. No booking required. Choo-choo: nsme.co.uk

Grease

Monday, August 5 – Saturday, August 10

Round up your Burger Palace boys, pick up your Pink Ladies and re-discover why Grease really is the one that you want this term.

Greased Lightnin’: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Singing for the Brain

Monday, August 5

Singing for the Brain® from Alzheimer’s Society uses singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity. Morning and afternoon sessions available.

For more information: Call 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@alzheimers.org.uk

Pete Harris Blues Band

Tuesday, August 6

One of the South Coast’s finest visits Bletchley, performing Chicago-style Blues – expect some classics and some of Pete’s originals.

Rock solid rhythm: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Pop in Wednesday

Wednesday, August 7, Midday-4pm

Pop into Northampton Museum for fun, hands on activities for families. These activities are free of charge, but donations are welcome. No need to book, just drop in. Art attack: northamptonmuseums.com

Parkland Play: Ashland Lakes

Wednesday, August 7, midday - 3pm

An accessible play session tailored for children and families, including face painting, crafts, soft play gear, captivating storytelling, lawn games, sensory experiences and more. Fun times: theparkstrust.com

Sounds of Seattle

Friday, August 9, 7.30pm

An evening of live music delivering the greatest hits of Pearl Jam, Audioslave, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Stone Temple Pilots. Jesus Christ Pose: thepicturedrome.com

Bite Street Northampton

Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11

Northampton’s hottest street food event revs up summer at Franklin’s Gardens. Fab eats. Liquid treats. Cool beats. Anyone for desert: bitestreet.co.uk

Mànran

Wednesday 28 August, 8pm

Multi award-winning Scottish supergroup Mànran have been at the heart of the Scottish traditional music scene for over a decade. They are internationally recognised as one of the most iconic and respected Scottish bands on the road today.

Fleetwood Bac

Saturday 31 August, 8pm Fleetwood Bac are the world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac tribute band and this special show will feature classic selections from the multi-million selling Tango In The Night album, plus many of the Mac’s biggest and best songs.

Camille O’Sullivan

Wednesday 4 September, 8pm

Camille O’Sullivan will perform songs and stories about loss, love, joy, light and darkness, choosing music from her favourite writers Cave, Cohen, Bowie, Radiohead, Brel and Arcade Fire, along with some new originals presenting a one-off intimate evening.

Shakatak

Friday 13 September, 8pm

Join original band members Bill Sharpe, Jill Saward, Roger Odell and George Anderson for a night of jazz funk at its very best. They’ll be playing songs you remember from over the years such as Night Birds and Down On The Street along with new material.

The Stables Wavendon

Milton Keynes MK17 8LU

Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org

Love Birds Wedding – head to Northampton Museum to see more

Head over to Northampton for Bite Street and get your fill of yummies!

Rag Mama Rag

Tuesday, August 13

The French-based English duo stop off in MK on their annual visit to the UK. Their repertoire is 20’s and 30’s Blues based, but extremely varied; encompassing Mississippi Blues, East Coast Ragtime sounds, early White Country tunes, Original Compositions, and many other regional styles of the 20’s and 30’s period. Retro roar: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Kiefer Sutherland

Tuesday, August 13

A familiar face on the big screen and the small, Kiefer began releasing his own music in 2016 – to date he has issued three albums. Now see him deliver live at The Roadmender. Young Guns: theroadmender.com

Blues Jam

Wednesday, August 14, 6.30pm

Amplifiers and backline will be provided, just bring your sticks, guitars, basses, mics or whatever else you have! Songs will be used as a base for the jam, but with lots of opportunity to improvise. Free for players and listeners. Free flow: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Medieval History Tour

Wednesday, August 14, 2pm

It is the year 1538 and you’ve stepped into the world of Delapré Abbey at the end of its life as a Cluniac Nunnery. The Black Death, excommunications and the Battle of Northampton are just a few of the events that occurred on the nunnery’s doorstep. This tour will teach you all about Abbey’s history and how it was established. Walking in the past: delapreabbey.org

Cowper & Newton Museum –Children’s Activity

Wednesday, August 14, 2-4pm

Using plants, stones and sticks from the Museum garden, create a beautiful miniature garden in a wooden box. Growing up: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

Northampton Balloon Festival

Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18, midday-10.30pm

Watch the skies transform with colourful hot air balloons, showcasing the grace of skilled balloonists. Enjoy live arena entertainment, a vibrant funfair for all ages, and a thrilling circus workshop, and much more. A load of hot air: thenorthamptonballoonfestival.co.uk

Dinosaurs in the Park

Friday, August 16 – Sunday, September 1

Enter a prehistoric wonderland as the grounds of Delapré Abbey are transformed with a unique and educational event to delight dino fans of all ages.

Roarsome: delapreabbey.org

Special Kinda Madness

Saturday, August 17, 8pm

A special take on the music of Madness and The Specials. If you crave 2-Tone and Ska, this show will sate those appetites. The band will play a full set of each band’s material. Nutty Boys: thepicturedrome.com

Armored Saint

Sunday, August 18

American heavies led by the man with the voice, John Bush, wrap up their UK tour in Milton Keynes.

Punching the Sky: thecraufurdarms.com

Dino delight at Delapré Abbey from August 16

Rag Mama Rag - heading to Bletchley Blues Club

Singing for the Brain

Monday, August 19

Singing for the Brain® from Alzheimer’s Society uses singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity. Morning and afternoon sessions available.

For more information: Call 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@alzheimers.org.uk

Dave Ferra Allstars

Tuesday, August 20

Dave is bringing his full band to the Bletchley venue, with lots of songs you know, and many more of his own making in the blues tradition.

Allstars, All great: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Accessible Guided Walk –Broughton Brook

Thursday, August 22

An exploratory guided walk, meeting outside Broughton Pavilion for the hour-long stroll, which is roughly 1.5 miles long. And you’ll learn about MK wildlife and The Parks Trust. Bark and beauty: theparkstrust.com

Bite Street Northampton

Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25

Northampton’s hottest street food event rocks the August Bank Holiday at Franklin’s Gardens.

Fab eats. Liquid treats. Cool beats. Get stuffed: bitestreet.co.uk

Tuff Nutterz Obstacle Course

Friday, August 23 – Monday, September 1

On-land inflatable experience returns to Willen Lake with more than 30 challenging obstacles, including slides, climbing walls and balancing balls.

Bounce: tuffnutterz.co.uk

Family Fun –

Life in the Olney Lace Schools

Friday, August 23, 3.30pm

Wind your own bobbins, try out a lace rhyme and work some lace, at the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney.

Usual admission applies.

Bob along: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

The Drifters

Sunday, August 25

Join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, as they take you on a music journey through classic hit after another – You’re More Than A Number, Come on Over to My Place and Saturday Night at the Movies among them.

Under The Boardwalk: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Hello Again – The Neil Diamond Songbook

Sunday, August 25

Using evocative imagery, video and narration to enhance the magic, this show will take you on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50-year career. Song Sung Blue: stables.org

Gary Delaney & Friends

Thursday, August 29

The Live at the Apollo star and sell-out sensation is back for an extended headline setand this time he’s bringing two side-splitting friends along with him; Will Robbins and Dinesh Nathan. Get the giggles: stables.org

Ugly Kid Joe

Friday, August 30, 7.30pm

The smash hit Everything About You is a nineties classic, and the band behind it makes its MK11 debut at the end of the month. Expect a fiery rock n roll show. America’s Least Wanted: mk11kilnfarm.com

Snug as a Bug at the Cowper & Newton Museum

Friday, August 30, 2pm-4pm

Help the Museum get its bug hotel ready for its winter insect guests in the Summer House garden.

Find out which bugs prefer which bedding material. Materials will be supplied, but bugs like old toilet rolls, paper straws and tin cans too – take along some if you can. Usual admission applies.

With en-suite: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

Woof Walk: Shenley Wood

Saturday, August 31, 10am

Meet at Merlewood Drive in Shenley Wood, ready to explore the ancient woodland and surrounding area with one of The Parks Trust Rangers.

Yappety-yap: theparkstrust.com

NORTHAMPTON

PHILHARMONIC CHOIR

CALLING ALL SINGERS!

REHEARSAL

COME ALONG AND MEET THE CHOIR AND TRY US WITHOUT COMMITMENT

Tuesday 10th September 7pm for 7.15pm start

St Michael’s Church, Perry Street, Northampton, NN1

Sportive

Sunday

September 1

The Good Gym MK, £35 Cycle 35, 65 or 100 miles at the Willen Hospice Cycle Sportive.

Mini Moo

Sunday

September 15

Willen Hospice, £12

Enjoy family fun and get the kids running, scooting or walking a sponsored lap of Willen’s North Lake.

Gulliver’s Weekend Takeover

September 21 & 22

Gulliver’s Land & Resort, first 500 tickets just £12.50

Enjoy a discounted ticket price and extra fun games and stall as we takeover Gulliver’s Land! £2.50 of every ticket sale goes to Willen Hospice.

Thrive in 25

Thursday

November 19

The Ridgeway Centre, £50 early bird offer

Make 2025 your best year yet, and hear from motivational speaker, Ife Thomas plus special guests, all in aid of Willen Hospice.

We will be singing extracts from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff www.northamptonphilharmonicchoir.co.uk

Scan the QR code to join in the fun >> willen-hospice.org.uk

Follow us on Socials: willen-hospice

View from the Far Kerb

Looking Forward

Iarrived home, drenched by the drizzle that had replaced summer. The day before, a fierce sun turned me lobster red. Foolishly I had anticipated the same rain as the previous week. The period surrounding the longest day of the year was heavy with questions over when summer would finally arrive. Finally, it was here! But in the blink of an eye, it went again. I’m told it will return, although I’m of the mind that it is hope rather than knowledge.

The question of whether the weather will be the weather we all expect at this time of year, or whether it will be a form of weather unbecoming our expectations, is jolly weathering! I’m sure a grey hair or three has appeared as I stress over the whole matter. What should I do?

Rather than try and adhere to Nature’s clock, I have decided to stick to societal timings. Instead of living to her normally reliable tick-tock, I shall be referring to the man-made calendar. I feel I need some security in my life, and the weather ain’t cutting it. No longer will the weather reign supreme, even if it is always raining.

Finally, it was here! But in the blink of an eye, it went again. I’m told it will return, although I’m of the mind that it is hope rather than knowledge.

Instead of looking forward to a spell of magnificent sunshine, I shall live my way towards celebrating my birthday. Or, rather I would if it hadn’t passed a short while earlier this year. That makes the next one too far in the future to act as a ‘stepping stone’ through life. I considered the birthdays of significant others and worked my way down to acquaintances. However, none fell suitably or had a season-sized magnitude. Then it struck me! I needed to pick a moment that meant something to everyone, no matter how. I decided that what I needed to do is look forward

SUDOKU PUZZLE

to Christmas. Some may not recognise it and instead celebrate ‘the holidays,’ but to me it is Christmas. The weather doesn’t define Christmas. I am sure, it would be ‘nice’ to wake up to a snowy scene on Christmas Day. However, Australians would probably prefer a barbeque on the beach as Santa dishes out presents to the kids in the brilliant sunshine.

Whatever the weather, there will be Christmas. I briefly considered making my target the New Year, but that is farther away and I feel that I will have looked forward and waited an extremely long time already by the time Christmas arrives. While I am happy to anticipate an event that will arrive, anticipating a dry weekend is becoming a constant frustration. Such periods may be something promised by the season but in reality, they are no more likely than the delivery of a politician’s promise.

It is a firm decision. I have written-off summer. I was hoping that having made that pronouncement, I would sleep better and the advancing greyness would abate, but no. The heat at night is keeping me awake, as is the thought that it will now be sunny and dry all the way towards Christmas…

Phil O’Hara

Flavour of the Times - The trouble with August is that it’s over all too soon, the weather is either boiling hot or raining, depending on where you are, and Mercury has already popped over into party-pooper Virgo which signals that autumn is not too far off. More optimistically, the new moon in Leo on 4th August is usually an occasion to strut your colourful stuff, so enjoy the summer days. Mars and Jupiter help to keep things fun – both are in Gemini which is great for parties and outings. Saturn and Neptune are still sliding backwards, as they have been for a while which is creating a certain amount of confusion, but it should be a pleasant month for most of us overall.

LEO

July 24 – August 23

You have a wonderful 4-5 days coming at the beginning of the month, so enjoy them to the full. However, it clouds over a bit (doesn’t it always?!) after the 6th when the moon joins Mercury and Venus in Virgo. This tightens things up a bit, and Saturn is there to put the kibosh on unfettered fun as well, sad to say. It’s an inevitable fact that Virgo always comes after Leo. That’s just the way it is!

VIRGO

August 24 – September 23

Even now, while it’s still the holiday period, your thoughts are probably starting to move towards your priorities for the autumn and the time when you can get your teeth into some important matters. Venus in your sign will put the accent on meaningful conversations, but Mercury going retro this month will stop things from being resolved until the very end of the month.

LIBRA

September 24 – October 23

You may not care for the approach of autumn, which is starting to feel just around the corner, but there are still good times to be had. Mars and Jupiter in Gemini provide a sense of optimism and enjoyment in your social life, enhanced by the sun in Leo this month. There’s plenty of time left before responsibilities start to bite, so enjoy the rest of your summer.

SCORPIO

October 24 – November 22

Apart from that little matter of difficulty in mid-July, you are probably able to let things take their course for a while now. The last of the summer can still be a bit intense, but if you look in the right places and tune in to your intuition, you can probably find the information you are seeking to get yourself into autumn on the right footing.

Your Own astrological Forecast for 2024

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 – December 22

You will hopefully feel pretty optimistic that the future can be what you want it to be this month. This is no doubt helped by Mars (energy and action) working with Jupiter (faith in the future), and you need that to keep you going. The sun in Leo will keep shining on this until the full moon at the end of the month, so try to use it all productively. Don’t overdo things!

CAPRICORN

December 23 – January 20

You don’t have to be at the seaside to feel that the sand is running through your fingers as Saturn and Neptune continue to backtrack and frustrate all your attempts to get some structure into your situation. There is nothing to be gained by fighting this, though. It is what it is, and like everything, these things run in cycles and it all comes round again in its own good time.

AQUARIUS

January 21 – February 19

You don’t have to be a rebel all the time, and you don’t have to be ‘against things’ for the sake of it. There are times to give yourself and everyone else a break, and one of these times is now. The sun is shining in Leo and encouraging you to have a nice, easy time! Give your brain a rest as well, and enjoy just being a human being for once!

PISCES

February 20 – March 20

The backwards motion of Saturn and Neptune is still creating confusion and dissolving reality in front of your eyes. The fog will be thickest on or around the 21st when the moon brings its emotional impact into the equation, but there are still times for dreams and ideas for the future to hatch and bring a sense of optimism to things. Enjoy the simplicity of the shining sun for a while.

You are bound to be affected personally by some, if not all, of the massive changes taking place this year. Not everyone will be equally affected on a personal level, but you will certainly feel it if you are an Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio, or Taurus.

An astrological reading of your birth chart can help you understand how these changes might affect you. To really understand what they mean for you during 2024, I would recommend that you consider booking a comprehensive personal astrological consultation with me. This is completely specific to

ARIES

March 21 – April 20

The sun in Leo provides a bit of a spark as the summer draws to an end, so you will enjoy getting out and about for a few more weeks before responsibilities cloud the skies. It’s a good time for healing and relaxing, and there is a lot that can be achieved by not trying too hard. Many things actually resolve themselves over time in their own way.

TAURUS

April 21 – May 21

You are not particularly impulsive by nature, but something unusual or someone a bit charismatic may jump out of the blue and intrigue you unexpectedly. Don’t let anyone talk you out of following your nose here, even if it’s venturing into unfamiliar territory. It could lead you in a whole new direction, and you might regret not finding out more if you don’t.

GEMINI

May 22 – June 21

A bit of a contradictory month. On the one hand, you are feeling positive about the future (Jupiter) and you are quite energised (Mars) to bring some change to your life, but there seem to be too many options and quite a lot of confusion about the direction you should go in. On the other hand, you may not be feeling much urgency to sort things out, and that’s probably fine.

CANCER

June 22 – July 23

After a month where you have been feeling fiercely protective about ‘home and hearth’ and the need to nurture yourself and your family, the pressure has probably eased now, and you can enjoy the sun shining in Leo until the end of the month. Even though there are unresolved issues, it’s a time to go with the flow and not worry too much about what’s around the corner.

you and your life. It will illuminate many things that you may not have considered up to now, and it will enable you to really take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the year.

My prices for chart readings remain the same as they have been for the past five years: starting at £67 for an hour on Zoom or Skype. Please visit www.astroguidance.co.uk for more details and to book a session. You can also text or WhatsApp me on 07866 727743 or email me at howpark@aol.com for more information.

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