MK Pulse Magazine January 2024 by PulseGroupMedia

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Issue 171 | January 2024

The magazine at the heart of Milton Keynes and Bucks

County-wide news, views and stories

What’s going on in your local area

Day & Boarding Prep School for Children 3-13 Years Small class sizes, inspirational extra-curricular activities and extensive facilities set in 55 acres of Buckinghamshire countryside.

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CONTENTS

From the

Editor

January 2024

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

s improved fitness one of your New Year resolutions? Why not try the Caldecotte Xtreme Challenge? It’s taking place on 16th April, so you have plenty of time to train for the obstacle course. Every team taking part will help to raise valuable funds for Action4Youth community initiatives. If you prefer rowing, the Dragon Boat Festival is back at Willen Lake on 6th July. Up to 48 teams can take part to support the amazing work of Brain Tumour Research. 2024 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon so that’s a good omen for record breaking results. For a retail therapy alternative to all that activity, you can now visit Willen Select at The Point. It’s the perfect place to find some pre-loved luxury items in their stylish collection of one-of-a-kind treasures. You’ll support the great work of Willen Hospice too.

28 4

NEWS

EDUCATION

FEATURE STORY

LEGAL

HISTORY

PULSE PICS

On a more sombre note, it’s hard to imagine the effect of hearing about your child’s death via Facebook. That’s what happened to Kevin King but, terrible as it was, it inspired him to create Standing Together Against Knives or STAK. He shares his story with Sammy Jones and explains how he hopes to help others. It’s compelling reading and gives us all reasons to feel positive.

EAT CURIOUS

FOOD & DRINK

FASHION

BEAUTY

Welcome to 2024 everyone!

HOME & GARDEN

Kerry

MUSIC

FILMS

THEATRE

WHAT’S ON

YOUR STARS

INTERIORS

While Milton Keynes Museum might be all about the past you can find out more about what’s in store this year. You can start with half-term family fun in February, and there’s plenty more to look forward to as well. There’s the Easter Egg Hunt, Lawnmower Festival, a Victorian Weekend special, a visit from Bluey, the celebration of transport weekend and plenty for the summer holidays too. For some reflective outdoor time, January is the ideal month to head into the garden for some tidying and pre-Spring preparations.

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.

The deadline for advertising in the next edition of Pulse Magazine is THURSDAY MONDAY 8TH 11TH FEBRUARY JANUARY Published by Lunar Publishing Limited MK Pulse cannot take responsibility for the content of the advertisements, editorial or the services provided by the advertisers. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. All artwork is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use in MK Pulse. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. ©MK Pulse

MK Pulse is distributed door to door to 32,000 homes and businesses in: Aspley Guise, Aspley Heath, Blakelands, 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.

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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LOCAL NEWS

Gear up for fitness: Join the Caldecotte Xtreme Challenge Kickstart your fitness regime in January and join local companies like NHBC at the Caldecotte Xtreme Challenge on April 16, 2024, to support Action4Youth’s community initiatives.

mbrace the new year with a fitness goal and rally your corporate team for the Caldecotte Xtreme Challenge, scheduled for April 16, 2024. Local businesses, including NHBC, are gearing up for this unique event that combines physical challenges and community support in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire. The Xtreme Challenge offers a dynamic obstacle course, inviting participants to tackle activities like climbing, abseiling, caving, archery, canoeing, running and wading. It’s an ideal platform for teams to push their physical limits while enhancing teamwork and collaboration. Joining this event aligns with January’s fitness resolutions, offering a structured goal to work towards. It’s not only a day of engaging activities but also an opportunity to contribute to Action4Youth’s mission. This organisation works to provide enriching experiences for young people, especially those with disabilities and complex needs. NHBC is actively participating with two teams, showcasing their commitment to fitness and community engagement. Toni Archer, NHBC’s strategy and change manager, shares their excitement, “We’re looking forward to the challenge and supporting a great cause.” The challenge invites other local companies to form teams and join in the

The Xtreme Challenge is a unique event that combines physical challenges and community support

event. It’s an opportunity to engage in a bit of friendly competition, with the added goal of raising funds to aid in the development of young people in the area. Every team’s participation and every contribution made through this event play a vital role in supporting Action4Youth’s efforts. Those interested in being a part of this exciting day can sign up to join the challenge, helping to create positive opportunities for youth in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire. Scan the code above for details.

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January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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LOCAL NEWS supported Rowing for a Cause: Milton Keynes byThelocalfestival, sponsors including Business MK, Pulse Magazine, and MKFM, is Dragon Boat Festival Returns! proud to announce Brain

The Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival is back on July 6, with up to 48 teams competing at Willen Lake. The event, in partnership with Brain Tumour Research, aims to exceed last year’s impressive £16,850 fundraising total.

addles are set to splash at Willen Lake on July 6, as the much-anticipated Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival returns. Organised by NewWave Events, the festival is expecting a record turnout with up to 48 teams eager to surpass 2023’s remarkable fundraising achievement of £16,850. 2024’s festival holds special significance as it coincides with the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, adding a cultural flair to the event. Alicja Mierzejewska, NewWave Events’ executive director, expresses excitement about the festival’s return, “We are thrilled to welcome back our loyal teams and look forward to new participants joining this spirited community event.”

Tumour Research as its new charity partner. This collaboration aims to amplify the event’s impact, raising awareness and funds for vital research into brain tumours. Teams, comprising up to 11 members, will compete in 30-foot dragon boats, ensuring inclusive participation from diverse companies and organisations. The event is open to all skill levels, with a minimum of three races per team and all equipment provided. Lucy Morton, another executive director at NewWave Events, highlights the festival’s communal spirit, “The Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of teamwork and community support for outstanding local charities.” Bankside activities will entertain both competitors and spectators, enhancing the festival atmosphere. The top fundraising team will be awarded a special charity trophy and prize, adding a competitive edge to the fundraising efforts. Matt Howarth, corporate development manager at Brain Tumour Research, underscores the significance of the partnership, “As a Milton Keynes-based charity, we are excited to be part of this event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and funds for brain tumour research, a critically underfunded area in cancer research.” Scan the QR code to find out more about taking part or to download an entry form.

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January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

OUSEDALE SCHOOL

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Ousedale – A Sixth Form with kindness embedded within the community

t is easy to highlight the tradition of academic excellence that Ousedale Sixth Form has held for many years, but they are also much more than their excellent results and destinations. Claire Tierney, Sixth Form Co-ordinator at Ousedale School talks about what makes Ousedale stand out within their community, and the opportunities that their Sixth Form can provide outside of the classroom. Claire has worked within the Sixth Form team for five years and is based in the purpose built Sixth Form study area, she is the friendly face that all 435 pupils see every day. “As a community, our Sixth Formers are polite, resilient and gracious but above all kindness

Students and volunteers celebrate the opening of MK Melting Pot’s Winter Warmer Café

is the biggest attribute that we share, and our pupils role model this every single day,” said Claire. In addition to her day to day role, Claire works closely with the Community and Engagement Leaders who are passionate Sixth Formers undertaking regular volunteering and fundraising events within the community. In recent years pupils have formed a partnership with MK Melting Pot, a local charity whose mission is to reduce hunger amongst young people and families, and to empower people to overcome hardship. The Community and Engagement Team have held Cultural Dress Day, Cultural Food Day, toy donations and bake sales to raise money for different initiatives that the MK Melting Pot have launched including their Winter Warmer (free drink and company for those struggling to keep warm in winter) and Stay and Play (a parent/toddler venue that supports and promotes community cohesion). Claire said: “Our Community and Engagement Leaders have already set themselves a

Pupils help with apple pressing at MK Melting Pot

target of helping the Melting Pot achieve a herb garden, a greenhouse, and some outdoor toys for the community to enjoy in the summer. They are full of enthusiasm which filters down through the whole school.” Zalfa, a student who joined Ousedale from MK Academy talks about her experience so far in Sixth Form: “What I have loved the most about Ousedale is that they truly value and celebrate the diversity of students. Ms Tierney is always going out of her way to make sure Ousedale is an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and heard. I also love that Ousedale actively involves students by creating leadership groups for different aspects of the school community. It is great for students to have a voice and actively contribute to making our school an even better place.” If you would like to know more about what Ousedale Sixth Form has to offer, get your ticket to their Open Evening on 11th January 2024 - https://bit.ly/Ousedale24

Ousedale Sixth Form

Students are: Well prepared to leave Sixth Form and pursue their goals… Sixth Form students feel that staff support them well. Students appreciate the varied sessions on personal development… Committed teachers use their excellent subject knowledge to ensure that all pupils, and particularly pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. OFSTED (January 2020)

Students achieve well at Ousedale Sixth Form:

• Top performing school in Milton Keynes at A Level/vocational courses • Typically, a third of students gain a place at Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge • Dedicated careers department with established relationships with a range of organisations • Dedicated UCAS and ‘widening opportunities’ team • Extensive opportunities for personal development via our ‘Experiences Curriculum’

Sixth Form students at Ousedale benefit from:

• Specialist staff in a range of A Level and vocational courses • A purpose built Sixth Form Centre and excellent IT and study facilities • Wide-ranging enrichment activities including DofE, national competitions, music, ‘InvestIN’ courses and debating • Bursary funding available, including travel • High level of pastoral support and a dynamic Student Leadership Team • Excellent progression rates to Higher Education/Apprenticeships • Opportunities to participate and compete in sport and perform in the Arts 10

Sixth Form Open Evening

Thursday 11th January 2024, 6pm-8.30pm at our Newport Pagnell Campus

Presentations will be held at: 6pm and 6.45pm Presentations will be followed by a tour of the Sixth Form

To book on one of our two presentations, visit our website to register for the event:

www.ousedale.org.uk

Tickets are limited, book early to avoid disappointment! Newport Pagnell Campus - The Grove, Olney Campus - Aspreys, Newport Pagnell MK16 0BJ Tel: 01908 210203 Olney MK46 5LF Tel: 01234 717480 www.ousedale.org.uk Headteacher: Mr Andy Burton

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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 light all 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!

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EDUCATION

Swanbourne House School:

A New Chapter for the Littlest Learners N estled in the 55 acres of Buckinghamshire countryside near Milton Keynes, Swanbourne House, an independent day and boarding prep school for children from 3 years old, looks back on a new chapter in its rich history with the recent launch of its Pre-Reception class in September 2023. Nick Holloway, Head at Swanbourne House, said “Looking back at our first term of our Pre-Reception class, we have seen our youngest Swanbournians achieve so much. They have started Music lessons, began PE lessons with our specialist Games staff and taken part in Forest School. Academically they have begun their reading journey and we’re seeing pupils increase their confidence across the curriculum. 14

The grounds at Swanbourne House cover 55 acres and are surrounded by beautiful countryside

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

EDUCATION When we launched our Pre-Reception, we wanted to give families more than just a traditional nursery setting for their little one. Recognising the importance of laying a strong foundation, we go beyond conventional nursery offerings. Our young learners have access to state-of-the-art facilities across the school, providing a seamless transition into their first Reception school year. Our PreReception sets the stage for a really special learning experience, ensuring that each child is not just prepared for school, but primed to thrive in the years ahead. We envisioned more than a nursery; we envisioned a nurturing starting point for a lifelong love of learning.” Ruth Nicoll, Head of Lower School at Swanbourne House continues, “High-quality phonics learning takes centre stage in our Pre-Reception, with explicit teaching that integrates seamlessly into a broad, balanced, and engaging curriculum. Teachers utilise phonics sounds as a foundation for planning, and our cross-curricular approach ensures that phonics isn’t just a lesson but an embedded aspect of every subject, with an emphasis on revisiting sounds to ensure a deep and lasting understanding. For example, as we discover more of the alphabet, the letter K becomes a vessel for different experiences, from kicking balls to making kites, reinforcing the sound in various contexts. Creativity and curiosity is really at the heart of our Pre-Reception. We use the example of a simple pine cone and how it has boundless possibilities. As children explore, the pine cone could transform into a crucial components to fix an imaginary cars, or be a key ingredient in a creation within the mud kitchen. The magic lies not just in the object itself but in the imaginative journey our youngest Swanbournians are encouraged to take. We know the importance of a balanced day, and as such families have a rich array of co-curricular activities, including yoga, multi-skills, balance bikes, cricket, football, and performing arts, to choose from. Our wraparound care, from a welcoming breakfast club to the cozy Cabin Club, ensures that Creativity and curiosity sit at the heart of Pre-Reception learning

Learning is not restricted to indoors for Pre-Reception at Swanbourne House

children feel at home and supported beyond the school day. Meal times are more than just nourishment; they are a family experience, with children sitting at tables with their teachers, enjoying freshly cooked meals prepared onsite, from weekly roast dinners to a chance to try international cuisine! It’s important to note our learning isn’t confined to the four walls of the classroom - there really is a blurred line between the indoors and the outdoors in our Pre-Reception. Surrounded by the fall of leaves and birdsong, eucalyptus trees and adjoining farmland, we make the most of our location here in Swanbourne and ensure every pupil has access to outdoor adventure. Pre-reception pupils have their own garden, sandpit and play equipment. Across the school, we have an Outdoor Learning Classroom and a new play structure, The Fort (which is already the stuff of Swanbourne legend!). With around 55 acres here at Swanbourne House, much of which is woodland and parkland, it’s not surprising that our pupils pupils form a connection with the outdoors from a very early age.”

Nick Holloway, Head at Swanbourne House

Nick Holloway continues, “We’re a proud member of The Stowe Group and our PreReception children are the very youngest pupils in the Group. As the children progress through the school - whether they eventually move on to Stowe or elsewhere - they will benefit from the huge array of opportunities that being part of the Group offers. In recent years, Swanbournians have had access to the incredible facilities and opportunities available at Stowe, including music workshops with West End stars, science days in Stowe’s Science Centre, increased specialist sport lessons (including the introduction of lacrosse), art workshops and much more. This on top of significant investment into the Manor House Pre-Prep, sport facilities and boarding house. It’s an exciting time ahead for our Pre-Reception pupils as part of The Stowe Group!” > To arrange a private tour and meeting with Mr Holloway to discuss admissions in Pre-Reception, Reception or across the school, please email admissions@swanbourne.org For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

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January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes 16 Relate Advert Full Page.indd 1

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Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 9am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 9.15am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.30am Kew Gardens at 16.00pm

MON 12th FEB ‘24 London Museums/ London Leisure Day

Price: £27 Per Adult £17 Per Child 16yrs or below. *Free entry into all the museum, but please check each museum website as you may need to book an entry time* Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.30am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.45am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9am London at 17.00pm

THUR 22nd FEB ‘24 Churchill War Rooms

Price: £55 Per Person. Includes entrance fee. *This is a self-guided tour with audio guide*

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 9am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 9.20am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.30am London at 15.00pm

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.20am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.40am Chatham at 15.30pm

TUE 12th MAR ‘24 Lichfield Cathedral

£45.00 Per Person. Includes entrance fee and one hour guided tour of the cathedral. Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 7.45am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.05am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.25am Lichfield at 15.30pm

SAT 16th MAR ‘24

Thriplow Daffodil & Country Fair £37 Per Adult £34 Per Child 5-16yrs Free- Under 5s. Includes entrance fee Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.45am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 9.00am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.15am Thriplow at 16.00pm

Call 01908 613000

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FEATURE

A very special charity in memory of Tom The tragic loss of his son to knife crime devastated Kevin King, but now the Milton Keynes man is launching a new initiative in a bid to stop others having to suffer as he has. Kevin spoke with Pulse Magazine’s Sammy Jones about his plans for STAK...

t is an incomprehensible horror; a dad finding out about the passing of his son through that most modern of ways, a Facebook post. And yet, in 2016 that was the awful reality for Kevin. “It was the worst possible way to find out,” he said, “I spent time panicking, trying to contact others, trying to find out if it was even real, or just some awful rumour.” Tom Webb was just 22 years old when he was attacked during a night out with friends in his adopted home of Derby. He was stabbed in the heart by 16-year-old Haris Mohammed. Father and son shared a strong bond: “He would spend all his school holidays with me, and we would just have fun. He loved music, film, animals, and had a wonderful sense of humour.” When the uncertainty of that social media post was confirmed, Kevin was left reeling. “Apart from the initial panic, I don’t really remember much except being in shock and unable to comprehend what had happened. I went into shutdown mode for a long time, I completely isolated myself from everyone.” 18

The inability to be able to begin to make sense of something so pointless, was overwhelming for Tom’s dad. “For the first few months, the grief was all-consuming - I think I just blanked everything out. But it wasn’t purely coming to terms with the loss either; because there was a police investigation it was the distress of the ongoing communication with police, the new evidence, and trial, I wasn’t able to grieve on my own terms.” That split second act by a teenager with a knife didn’t just rob Tom’s parents of their son, it robbed Kevin of his health too. “By the time of the trial, my physical and mental health had become so bad that I didn’t have the capacity to cope with it. I’d developed a heart problem, was having anxiety attacks and spiralling into a mental breakdown. “Emotionally and mentally, losing Tom took its toll - but the physical repercussions were a big part. Anxiety and stress are not just in your mind; they affect your health drastically. “Losing a child is so different from losing a different family member, particularly

due to murder or manslaughter,” Kevin says, “There is a real stigma and lack of acceptance in society about it.” The death of a child is one of the most traumatic things anyone can face, but while some friends and family rallied, many more kept their distance. “People don’t really know how to talk to you, so more often than not, they will just lose touch with you entirely,” Kevin says, “I had quite a wide social circle, but after people heard what had happened, it was reduced to just a few close friends and relatives. I don’t blame people as it’s such a difficult thing to be able to process - the more people avoid you the harder communication gets, as they feel guilty for not helping. “The Ripple Effect was a metaphor that really stuck with me - the pebble thrown into the pond is the incident; everyone close to that person is the first ripple, everyone close to them is another ripple, and so on. Just one death can irreparably affect more people than you realise: it affects entire communities.”

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

FEATURE

The headlines disappeared and the court case was completed – Tom’s killer received a 14 year prison sentence. But for Kevin there was no closure. “It took at least three or four years before I began to feel like myself again,” he told me, “It was painful to do anything such as watch TV or browse the internet without there always being some reminder - a name, a news story, or just seeing others with their children. “I was uncontrollably sad, even the phone ringing was enough to trigger a panic attack. I didn’t allow myself to stop feeling numb from the pain, so I didn’t process anything that had happened for a very long time.” Before Tom was taken from him, Kevin had a business working from home, but the ensuing trauma robbed him of his motivation. “I didn’t feel as if I had a reason to succeed...” It was only when Covid restrictions were lifted that he felt able to reintegrate

into the workplace. Even so, it was a challenge to mix with people. ‘When you become a parent, you become completely wired to provide for this new human being; they are your whole world. To have that suddenly gone leaves such an awful void - it’s as though you have no purpose in life anymore...” But now Kevin is using his experience for positivity, with the launch of a new charity, Standing Together Against Knives, or STAK as it will be known. “All I want to do now is help others; people who have gone through or are going through something similar to myself, and to inspire the youth to feel good about their lives and their futures.” Kevin wants to offer a safe talking space for those who, similar to himself, have ensured such wanton and devastating loss. “...developing an organisation where people can meet as a group, rather than just online or

All I want to do now is help others; people who have gone through or are going through something similar to myself, and to inspire the youth to feel good about their lives and their futures.”

over the phone, is the ideal. It’s so important to have support, when it’s likely that none of your friends or family can truly help or comprehend what you’re going through. “I found that a lot of people I was being recommended to speak to, were not suitably qualified in what I needed them to be; specialists in bereavement are not necessarily specialists in murder and manslaughter. “Talking to people who’d been through similar experiences to me helped a lot in coming to terms with what had happened.” STAK will be a place where people can be helped to begin to put their shattered pieces back together again; to find a life beyond tragedy. “I see it as an outlet where people can be heard, and feel that they are not alone, and to help them eventually feel able to reintegrate into society. That was the only thing that helped me start the process of seeing the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.” Younger people and youths will be encouraged to step up and help steer the charity with positive drive and clever events. “I want it to be an organisation where people, especially younger people, can get involved. We will be organising a variety of events which will appeal to all ages but especially concentrating on inspiring projects for youngsters.” A large focus for the offering will be on music, sport and art – passions that were shared by father and son. “The aim is to put on high-profile events that will really enthuse and inspire, something that people will really connect with, and that will leave a lasting impression on those involved. The scene here was hugely influential, and provided a positive way to express myself rather than getting involved in crime. I became professionally involved in music and the arts and don’t think I would have had that confidence had it not been for my teenage years in Milton Keynes.” Tragically, Tom’s hopes and dreams were snatched away in a moment of madness, but his father hopes that this new venture will help persuade others away from a life of crime. “He was working so hard to build a life for himself and his girlfriend,” said his dad, “Tom was only just starting to become the man he wanted to be, and that he never got the chance to grow up is heartbreaking. “If people don’t have a meaningful purpose in life, if they are not using their energy doing something positive, then it’s easy, particularly among the youth, to fall into crime and a culture of violence will flourish. “I want to fight the knife crime epidemic by countering the mindset of negativity, anger and hate with positive and exciting projects.”

> For more details on the charity, and how you can help, click to stakmk.org

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

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LEGAL

Navigating Inherited Assets in Divorce Settlements: What you need to know

Keshini Rajendra and the Heald Family Department deal with separations and divorces with kindness and good sense.

Artemis House, 4 Bramley Road Milton Keynes MK1 1PT

The above information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Heald Solicitors disclaims and excludes any liability in respect of the contents of this article or for action taken based on this information. If you need legal advice, please contact a solicitor.

hen considering financial settlements following a divorce (or dissolution of a Civil Partnership), a party of the relationship may wish to exclude certain inherited assets from the matrimonial pot. The courts have indicated that there are circumstances when inherited assets may be treated differently from other matrimonial property; however, there is no prescribed formula when dealing with inherited assets and care should be taken when considering inherited assets following a relationship breakdown. In White v White1, when considering the available assets to be divided in the matrimonial pot, the Court developed the concepts of matrimonial and non-matrimonial property. It would seem to follow that all inherited assets should be classified as non-matrimonial property as they are not fruits of the partnership and should therefore automatically be excluded from the matrimonial pot. However, before excluding an asset from the matrimonial pot the court’s first, and main consideration will be the parties’ needs. The origin of the inherited property will carry little (or no) weight in many ordinary cases where a spouse’s (and any children’s) financial needs cannot be met without recourse to the inherited assets; in these circumstances the court may distribute the inherited asset like any other financial resource. In situations where both parties’ needs can be met from the matrimonial property alone, an argument can be made that certain inherited assets should be ring fenced. Despite inherited assets being an unmatched contribution from one party to the marriage, the court will not automatically exclude inherited assets from the matrimonial pot

in these circumstances. The court will consider a range of factors when determining the issue including (amongst others): i. The moment in time in the relationship when the asset was inherited – if an asset was acquired prior to the marriage (and from a source wholly external to the marriage) it is more likely that the asset shall be classified as non-matrimonial property; meanwhile if an asset was acquired during the marriage, it is more likely that the property will be considered to be matrimonial. ii. The length of the marriage - in short marriages, the parties’ contributions (and source of the contribution) is more likely to be relevant when determining financial settlements; conversely, in longer relationships the parties’ finances will inevitably become more intertwined and the court may consider that the source of an asset will be less relevant and may in fact diminish over time. iii. The nature of the inheritance - a valuable heirloom is

more likely to be separated from the matrimonial pot than a portfolio of stocks and shares[2]. The reason being, that an heirloom is less susceptible to mingling, meanwhile a family may dip in and out of a family portfolio or trust when cash is needed. iv. The parties’ intentions in relation to the inherited asset throughout the course of the relationship and specifically, whether the asset has become intermingled with the parties’ finances. No matter what steps are taken, inherited wealth can never be completely protected from a spouse in the event of divorce. Nevertheless, steps can be taken throughout the relationship to better protect the beneficiary’s position in the event of a relationship breakdown. Such steps could include, maintaining the distinct and separate origin of the wealth; taking well rounded legal advice; and entering into a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement. 1 White v White [2000] 2 FLR 981 2 Robson v Robson [2010] EWCA Civ 1171

Find out more at: www.healdlaw.com

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024 09:59 23 08/12/2023

LOCAL HISTORY

The perfect family day out on your doorstep As Milton Keynes Museum looks forward to an exciting new year and making more history of its own with its ambitious expansion plans, this month's column breaks with the tradition of looking to the past, to dip a toe into the future – by sharing the event schedule for 2024.

he Museum for Milton Keynes is on hand to celebrate significant calendar events and it's the family friendly hub that really does cater for all ages - whether five years old or 95, you'll find an engaging experience awaits. The Museum is always keen that history should be brought to life too, and so wherever possible, interaction and hands-on fun is encouraged. “Going to a Museum where everything is behind glass isn't the most stimulating of days out for little people,” said Museum director Bill Griffiths, “We want to engage their minds and give them a real sense of the past – and how better to do that than by letting them touch history? “Whether making hot buttered toast on the range, playing the pianola in the parlour, or 24

pretending to be Sir John Radcliffe, there is no shortage of things to do and take their attention – you might visit when our forge is open or our 19th century printing room is operational. “Everyone will discover something new, that's a promise!” Half term family fun (Feb 19-23) is always a popular draw with families keen to get the kids off the computer screens and there is plenty to explore at the Wolverton site. Youngsters get to show off their creativity too, with lots of arts and craft activities set to roll all week. Dare we say that Easter (March 29-April 1) will be cracking good fun? And that's no yolk! The annual Easter Egg Hunt sees families flock to the Museum to explore the grounds while retrieving egg tokens which can be exchanged for chocolatey treats.

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

LOCAL HISTORY It's good traditional family fun, suitable for little chicks and older bunnies alike, with guaranteed smiles at the end of the visit! The History Festival (May 11 & 12) will take you back in time; marvel at the clever Romans and walk alongside soldiers from WWI all on the same day. And loads more! They will be taking turns live in the arena, and camping on site – this is a wonderful opportunity to engage in some fascinating learning or just simply have some fun. For a truly mow-vellous time, pop along to the Lawnmower Festival (May 18 & 19). If you've got a lawn, you've got a trimmer, but these machines have evolved considerably. These days you can get one to mow your lawn remotely, but back in the day the machines were things of beauty. Pop along for a 'cutting' day out.

Not fork handles it’s two candles! The Victorian Weekend returns

Step back in time in the Street of Shops

The 40s Weekend returns in September

Despite being an era famous for ration There will be more half term family fun books, there will be no rationing of (May 27-31) with associated arts and crafts entertainment for this weekend, and that's activities, and then the Victorian Weekend a guarantee. (June 8 & 9) is back. The Museum is a proud participant in the Ever wondered how they used to make annual Heritage Open Days (Sep 12-15) and candles? Why did ladies used to collect dog they add extra fizz by opening the tent and poo from the streets – and what did hosting a beer festival. they sell it for? Why were bird Sup a pint or two of real ale (or nests a way to earn a crust? cider), and explore all that the site This is the event for you. The has to offer – without paying Victorians were industrious a penny! and would do all sorts Fairground Organs are a thing to make a bob or two. of beauty, and a treat for the Our eyes are opened to ears, and the Organ Festival something new every year (Oct 12 & 13) is a chance at this bash. to enjoy lots of them in one A word of warning space – you can even have a go though – vagabonds and at playing one if you wish. Close A different sort of top gear pickpockets will be present, so at the Transport Weekend your eyes and you'll be in days be on your guard; they are sure gone by. Perhaps you'll be able to to pick a pocket or two! imagine the taste of a toasted marshmallow The Museum is hosting a brand new or toffee apple... family event (June 15) with a very familiar There is more half term family fun to come face popping in to meet and greet fans; the (Oct 28 – Nov 1) and then before you know much-loved pre-school television favourite it, Santa will be leaving home and setting up Bluey is coming. Be honest, parents, you like at the Museum once again as part of the singing-a-long too! Victorian Christmas and Grotto event (Nov 29 Petrol heads cruise in for the Transport – Dec 15). Weekend (July 6 & 7) and motoring “The Museum is everything Milton lovers park up to admire Keynes for everyone in Milton the bodywork and under Keynes – it really is the people's bonnet beauty. Museum and I look forward The school holidays to welcoming many familiar (July 24 – Sept 1) can faces, and many new visitors in be a difficult time for 2024,” Bill added with a smile, parents; just how do you “These are exciting times for entertain the kids for six the new city, and for us, and whole weeks?! everything we do here is driven The Museum will step up by you. We hope to see you soon.” a gear with arts and crafts activities, and nature trails Santa will be back Milton Keynes Museum is currently supplementing all of the usual fun. in December open every Wednesday, Saturday Put on your old kit bag and head and Sunday. over (Sept 7 & 8) when it hosts the popular Summer opening hours begin on February 17 annual 40s Weekend. It's a brilliant celebration when the Museum will open every Wednesday of the sights, sounds and flavours from a through to Sunday. period dominated by World War II. Milton Keynes 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

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

PULSE PICS

Lots of striking skies and atmospheric shots in this month’s Pulse Pics, and one funnyman made it into the mix! Pete Adams said he had waited for more than a year to capture the moon on top of the Xscape building. This awesome Beaver Full Moon made the wait worthwhile. What a stunning image. See more on Insta @padams99

Author and funnyman David Walliams paid a flying visit to Milton Keyes for a book signing at Waterstones in Midsummer Place where he had a very special visitor; David’s creation Spaceboy turned up to say hello! This is the thought-provoking view that is currently greeting visitors to Stowe Gardens; an art installation of 200 life-size soldiers. The moving statement of commemoration, remembrance and honour offers visitors space to reflect and connect within the natural landscape around Octagon Lake and continues to January 4.

Nature’s colours are simply glorious – an incredible sky at Willen Lake, by Philippa West. 26

The robin is one of our most popular birds. Easily identifiable with its bright red breast, they are a popular sight, particularly at this time of year. This picture perfect image was shot by Malcolm Levey.

How about this for a striking sunrise over Olney Church? It was captured by Drone Over MK – see more by heading to Insta and following @droneovermk

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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FOOD & DRINK

Curious eating for health and wellbeing More than simply fuel and sustenance, we really enjoy our food, and sharing details of it! But too much of the wrong sort can end up on the belly, clog our arteries and leave a legacy of ill health. If only we could enjoy truly tempting food that feeds the body in all the right ways... Enter Eat Curious, a tasty new proposition for the plate. Sammy Jones tucked in...

he Northamptonshire-based food development company says it is ‘bringing innovation and sustainability to the plant-based food sector.’ “Our whole passion is around nutrition and health, rather than just trying to copy meat,” says Preyesh Patel, one of the three co-founders of Eat Curious. Between them, the partners boast backgrounds in health care and renewable energy technologies. The perfect meeting of business minds. “We were interested in the technology and the science behind vertical farming, and that’s why we started this whole project,” Preyesh explained, “We eventually partnered with a technology firm based in London to create our first vertical farm, which was a 40 ft shipping container and small hydroponic facility.” 28

Things have expanded somewhat since then, and they now have their own dedicated ‘plant playground.’ “We started to grow crops and herbs and play around with different technologies and learned how a changing environment of the crop can impact its nutritional properties.” The initial project range of food was based on pea protein and delivered the more usual meat alternative products, namely burgers and sausages. In 2022 the Horton based company began manufacturing and selling locally; their flavoursome foods did the business too – a pub chain and restaurants in the area swapped their usual suppliers for Eat Curious. What sets them apart from the pack is that this brand truly has our health and wellbeing at the heart of the operation.

“The sectors that need this kind of food and ingredients are places like hospitals and places of education – they are your next generation and are really passionate about plant-based diets. The food needs to improve in those institutions, and so we work very closely with those two industries. “We work with the business and industry sector as well – a lot of canteens and office blocks feed huge volumes of people, sometimes 1000s of people a day. “We want to make a difference in those canteens and give those chefs tools so if they do want to go green then they can do it, they have the ingredients from us, and also our support as well.” Eat Curious has patties and mince, protein pieces with yummy hot & spicy and BBQ glazes, and – importantly for this writer – there

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

FOOD & DRINK

is an egg alternative that makes sensational scrambles and omelettes that are on another level. They’ve got fillets and en croutes and tenders, and more, created by their own team of food development chefs. A bit like those breakfast cereals or tins of beans in your food cupboard, this is vegan food, but it doesn’t scream vegan at you – it shouldn’t need to. “I believe the whole world needs to lean towards a plant-based diet for all sorts of reasons; we don’t have enough land mass and most people are interested in trying to move away from meat anyway, for animal welfare, sustainability and so on,” Preyesh believes. “We need to create products that target everyone and make people feel comfortable moving away from meat to a predominantly plant-based diet which will have huge health and sustainability benefits. “When you have a plant based burger you are copying the meat version, right? There’s nothing wrong with that, but I class that as vegan fast food – there will always be a demand for it, and as I mentioned, we have plant based sausages and burgers too. But the reason we have been successful is because of our other base ingredients which are not actually there to copy meat, they are there as a vehicle for texture and taste that happen to be made out of plant protein. “We are not here to ram veganism down people’s throats,” he promises, “Our whole ethos is just to give them options and let them make the decisions. This is for everyone, not just for 5% of the population. “I find it really frustrating when you go somewhere and you have a separate menu for vegan food,” Preyesh says, “I genuinely believe

We are not here to ram veganism down people’s throats. Our whole ethos is just to give them options and let them make the decisions.”

Eat Curious: On a mission to improve our nutrition and health

it’s not the way forward. All you have done is alienate people that may want to try it, but not try vegan food by definition. “If you are vegan you are sold into this whole angle, but if you aren’t, you would never dream of looking at a vegan menu, but if you’ve got a menu where everything is integrated and predominantly plant-based? Then I guarantee the uptake will be much greater.” Eat Curious is a new name on the block, but it is making huge strides, as much for those health benefits it offers as for its range of liplicking taste sensations. “Our focus is on being a versatile ingredient that is also clean – completely allergen free

with no ultra processed elements to it, there are no chemicals in there which means it will be accessible to all. “I think that’s what’s quite unique about what we are doing - there aren’t many products on the market like that.” Eat Curious supplies wholesale. If you are an in-patient at Northampton General Hospital you might be given the option of Eat Curious, and where they supply, they work hand in hand with the chefs to show how their ingredients can be implemented into menus with the best results. There they go again, going that bit further for the diner. Looking ahead, Eat Curious is already focusing on how their products can boost our nutritional intake in other ways. “We’re looking at increasing fibre content, looking at gut microbiomes and how we can benefit that as well...there are loads of different topics and targets we have in our heads and we are doing all sorts of research. “The core ethos is always going to be about improving nutrition and health of people, not just substituting meat,” promised Preyesh. Eat Curious has definitely given us food for thought. > Take a bite: eat-curious.com

Plant-based for all, not the few

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

FOOD & DRINK

Chilli bean crumble

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes to 45 minutes Total time: 55 minutes to 1 hour Serves: 6 Vegetarian

INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp olive oil 400g pack Cooks’ ingredients Soffritto Mix 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp hot smoked paprika 4 sprigs thyme 400g can Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed 400g can Borlotti Beans, drained and rinsed 2 x 400g cans Chopped Tomatoes 200g dried green lentils 500g Macsween Vegetarian Haggis, chopped 50g wholemeal breadcrumbs

METHOD 1. Heat the oil in a large flameproof, ovenproof casserole dish. Cook the soffritto mix for five minutes until softened then stir in the spices and three of the thyme sprigs and cook for one minute more. 2. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, lentils, two thirds of the haggis and 300ml water. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes until thickened. 3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6. Crumble the remaining haggis into small pieces and mix with the leaves from the reserved thyme sprig and the breadcrumbs. Scatter over the top of the casserole and bake for 15 minutes until crusty and golden brown.

COOK’S TIP Ready-made soffritto saves time and effort. This mix of diced onion, carrot and celery makes the perfect base for a delicious chilli. Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

Zara £15.99

Oliver Bonas £26

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^ Zara £17.99

Zara £349 ^

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

^ H&M £59.99

Vintage chic meets charity at Willen Hospice Select Willen Hospice is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest charity shop, Willen Hospice Select, located at The Point in Central Milton Keynes.

The shop showcases a stunning collection of designer, unique and antique preloved items

LOCAL NEWS

ringing a touch of pre-loved luxury and uniqueness to the community, the shop showcases a stunning collection of designer, unique and antique preloved items, providing an opportunity for shoppers to discover one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting hospice care. Willen Hospice Select is also an enticing ‘shop front’ for their online shops, where customers can collect items purchased online as well as browse and buy items within the shop or from their vast online selection via eBay Stores, Depop Online Shop or Vestiaire Collective Online Shop By choosing to shop at Select, customers not only acquire distinctive items but also contribute to a meaningful cause. All proceeds from the shop directly support Willen Hospice and the compassionate care provided to local people. Dulcie Stewart, commercial manager for online retail at Willen Hospice said: “This store gives shoppers the chance to browse and buy from our extensive range of premium items which are also sold online.” Select is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 3.30pm and located at 602 Midsummer Place, CMK, MK9 3NB.

Wedding Fayre Come and enjoy a viewing of all our hotel has to offer on Sunday 18th February, 11am - 2pm Enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival. Meet our suppliers and see our fabulous indoor and outdoor wedding set ups. For more information contact our wedding specialist on 01536 416666 or events@ketteringparkhotel.co.uk

Kettering Parkway, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN15 6XT ketteringparkhotel.co.uk | danielthwaites.co.uk

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

BEAUTY

Facing up to the new year can be a bit daunting, but not if you check in with these beauty treats it needn’t be... Don’t just get a serum, get a Super Serum for your face – Korean skincare brand Erborian has a choice of four to choose from; Ginseng, Bamboo, Yuza and Red Pepper, and they all include the prebiotic Inulin, used to boost the skin’s tolerance, retain moisture and maintain its natural defences. The serums also boast peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

Thayers is known for its best-selling toner, but why not pair that with one of its new to the UK market moisturisers? Whether you have oily, normal, dry or very dry skin, they’ve a moisturiser to take down pores. Choose from Let’s Be Clear, Soak Your Skin or Barrier Bestie. Also new to the shelves is Thayers’ pH Balancing Daily Cleanser. Its jellylike texture lathers into a mild, cushioning foaming facial cleanser that works without stripping. It helps keep greasy skin at bay throughout the day too. RRP: £24.99 (moisturisers) £11.99 (daily cleanser) Get it: boots.com

Lash Prescription from FreezeFrame is a clear serum that you apply to the lash line. It is scientifically proven to make lashes look noticeably longer and thicker in little more than 40 days of use. ‘Eye’ spy with my little eye a lash-tastic addition to the beauty cabinet - and no need for those extensions or mascara! RRP: £45 Get it: freeze-frame.uk

RRP: £46 Get it: spacenk.com Bring the outside into your bathing routine by introducing Wiberg’s Pine Bath Essence into your soak time. This stimulating bath additive was formulated in the 1930s and is ideal to soothe sore muscles and tired limbs. If you want to feel restored and revived, shake and pour under hot running water, and enjoy the uplifting aroma and skincare benefits. You’ll be pining for more after the first use! RRP: £18.50 Get it: amazon.co.uk Puffy eyes are a much more prevalent problem during the winter months, but Embryolisse Radiant Eye is a cooling stick for tired eyes that moisturises, revives and perfects the delicate skin of the eye contour, which is thinner and prone to dehydration. Plant-based moisturisers and active ingredients improve microcirculation, and the massage action of this stick relaxes the eyes, relieving congestion and draining puffiness, and the smoothing texture blurs dark circles. Keep in the fridge for more cooling action. N-ice work. RRP: £21 Get it: cultbeauty.co.uk Is your skin struggling against the abrasive weather and the damaging central heating? It’s time to wipe away the debris of dry skin, and this Whale Exfoliator is ideal for adding a touch of self-care to your daily routine. Make dirty nails extinct with this cute Dino Nail Brush, which will add a bit of whimsy to your hygiene routine. RRP: £13 (exfoliator) £11 (nail brush) Get it: kikkerlandeu.com 34

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Inside out outside in with myBlend Flawless skin; we’re all in pursuit of it, but the myBlend brand is delivering on a new vision of beauty which ‘harnesses the power of three synergies,’ namely nutri, derma and tech. Those three little words are loaded with potential, and at Harrods in Milton Keynes the luxury skincare brand is helping customers to unlock that very potential, writes Sammy Jones.

eauty advisor Mama Oteng welcomes me in store for a walk through the brand, which was launched in the UK early in 2023 by Clarins. Its treatment plan is unique because of its multi-faceted approach. “myBlend products work from the inside out, and the outside in,” Mama explains, “Ordinarily, you will visit one place for skin, another for nutrition, but myBeauty treats all aspects. “It is the first authentic global brand that offers a personalised routine underpinned by the power of the synergy between skincare, supplements and high-tech tools which focuses on a person’s general well-being.” It makes perfect sense, and suddenly it seems weird that this is the exception, not the rule. Before attending the store, I completed an online SkinDiag, a series of questions to ascertain my skin type, areas of concern and my overall health status.

The automatic photo capture detected and analysed 11 key skin signs, and when used alongside other details, it tailors the perfect plan for you. Clever, eh? Images aren’t stored, and the process takes next to no time to accurately assess your needs. Mama talks me through the nutri-cosmetics; three food supplements to make you feel good from the inside, which bring together antioxidants, prebiotics and micronutrients to do the hard work. A tailor made skin prescription is created using the SkinDiag information provided, and those same products are used when I lie back in the treatment bay and let Mama tackle my skin with a complimentary facial massage – used to introduce all new clients to the skincare journey. I’m permanently stressed, always tense and probably don’t sleep for much longer than it takes me to spell the word; All things which take their toll on the skin. Simply, I need all the help I can get. It seems I’ve come to the right place to get it – the Myledmask is described as the ‘ultimate cosmetic beauty experience made possible through the power of light.’ Mama cleanses my skin and then asks me to relax as she fits the mask over my face and switches the machine on. I do nothing. Just lie there, eye closed while the machine does its thing. I might look like girlfriend material for Michael Myers in the Halloween film series, but this bit of kit is a class above. The red LED’s target tissue regeneration by stimulating collagen production. As someone with fair skin, the whole process is over in little more than five minutes, but the Myledmask uses the same process with added time for other skin types. It smooths skin, boosts radiance and increases firmness as it works to roll back the years. The masks retail at £1100 which isn’t small change, but as a non-invasive way to make a positive change, it’s definitely for consideration.

BEAUTY

MyBlend advises three or four sessions with the mask over the course of a week, repeated for six to eight weeks, before taking a month-long ‘rest period.’ As part of my aforementioned prescription I am also introduced to the Firmness Roller, a facial massage roller for daily use. These little gadgets are commonplace of late, but heeding the advice given by Mama to use every morning and evening, it now ‘lives’ next the computer screen and I’m rolling inbetween writing this piece! The purpose is to plump, aid firmness and give smoothed features, and it’s early days, but I’m a little bit taken with this innocuous new little friend.

All creams promise to work on those signs of ageing that blight us all, but this one is delivering MyBlend wrote me a ‘prescription for skin’ that included their revitalizing anti-ageing cream; a delight that is leaving my skin looking healthier and fresher. All creams promise to work on those signs of ageing that blight us all, but this one is delivering. It’s hard working, but easy enough to be used day and night – and you use the Rose Quartz Gua Sha to scoop the rich cream from its pot. Recovery and Radiance serums are suggested together with the SP50 face cream, which isn’t just for when the sun shines, it’s for all times – we all need to get smarter with the sun protection. This is a beauty regime with a difference that makes a difference – my skin is definitely showing the benefits. Don’t mask your blemishes with make-up, use the Myledmask and prescription to tackle the issue.

> Online: my-blend.co.uk In store: H-Beauty, centre:mk 28 Acorn Walk, Milton Keynes, MK9 3AD

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

HOME & GARDEN

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ince bathrooms are designed to be a place of relaxation, integrating a minimalistic design can work well in achieving this goal. To incorporate a touch of luxe, brushed brass fixtures and fittings are a great place to start, from the taps and shower, all the way through to the toilet roll holder and vanity handles. When it comes to colour schemes, there are many choices. Gentle neutral hues highlight the spa-like atmosphere, whilst bold and vibrant colours provide a more visually compelling setting. A modern, polished look may also be achieved in the bathroom by using tiles, whether they are used as accents or from floor to wall. During the darker months, it can be challenging to preserve natural light, which isn’t ideal for those idyllic photo opportunities. The natural lighting in the room can be further enhanced by adding a few extra light sources, such as pendants and wall lamps. Within the vanity

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drawers and on sensors beneath cabinets, LED highlight the spa-like strip lighting can be installed for extra ambience. atmosphere Another eye-catching addition to any design would be a storage niche. Whether placed within the shower or along the walls, a niche offers a practical and stylish way to showcase your favourite toiletries. Freestanding bathtubs provide a smooth, modern appearance and ample space for washing young children or enjoying a long soak, all while guaranteeing the room’s seamless performance. Naturally, features like underfloor heating are not actively visible, but they nonetheless contribute to the room’s opulent feel. It not only provides warmth but also works to prevent puddles and water splashes. Visit Ripples Towcester at 2 Roman Corner, Northampton Road, Towcester, NN12 6LD, call 01327 368233 or scan the QR code to visit: www.ripplesbathrooms.com.

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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HOME & GARDEN

DIGGING DEEP The time for a blooming great change I t’s a new year, a time when thoughts turn to clean slates and new tasks. If you are reading this while glancing at that bland backyard space, that miniovergrown jungle, or that barren, bland excuse for a garden, why not start there? Sprucing up the garden is a great way to get active, learn new skills and enjoy some ‘me’ time. And, the phrase, ‘what you put in, you get out,’ is so apt, as keen amateur gardener Debbie Keating would agree. “I can’t say it was unloved as it did have a huge pond in it at one point, but that had been removed many years before,” Debbie told Digging Deep of her outside space, “The rest was just plain field-like grass, and not really used. There was just one tree and an odd bit of wall...” It would be a long-term project, and Debbie decided to be sensible when it came to her aims. “I had to be realistic about my lack of gardening skills and ability, and find a way of working that mitigated both, I am fully aware that I am pants at plants,” Debbie said, explaining her naivety when she began her garden journey, “I have two houseplants alive, and both do better when I ignore them. In order for my garden to look good, most of the design interest had to rely on structure. “I also needed help on plant choice, which came from my mum, who at 89 is still providing much of the produce for the plant stall at her local village fetes.” Debbie wanted a landscaped space that would work on different levels: a place for entertaining others, for enjoying the peace and quiet of the outdoors, and one that would be beneficial for our pollinators. Turning that green space into an alluring one began with taking some basic measurements. “I started off measuring the garden and putting that into an online garden design app. I used a free trial on shoot.com to work out what I could do with the space and fiddle about with the design to get a plan made. I took a 38

Debbie transformed her garden to give it some law-n and order - despite being ‘pants at plants’

screenshot of the plan and stuck to it. It then didn’t matter if I managed a little or a lot. “As long as I stuck to that, everything was considered progress. My brother and nephew helped with the heavy labour, and my mum picked out some lovely shrubs which were good for pollinators, and were also easy to look after, or rather be ignored. “Milton Keynes soil is basically a 2m thick layer of clay, so there was a lot of heavy work involved. The main lawn was rotovated, then mixed with soil conditioner, left over winter to freeze and rotovated again before laying a hard wearing lawn...” The seeds of Debbie’s creation had been set, figuratively, and literally. Next month, we’ll see how she executed her plan, and she might just inspire you too.

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

HOME & GARDEN

What should you consider when buying new energy efficient windows and doors?

nyone who is considering replacing doors or windows in their homes may feel overwhelmed by the process and the various, options, advice and claims made by different companies.

So, what should you look out for when researching? How do you know that the claims which are being made are true, and what are the key things to look out for? Knowing the answers to questions can make a real difference in making the right decision for such a large investment. As the best product, fitted in the right way can save consumers hundreds every year in energy bills – but getting it wrong can be very costly. Here are some of the key things to check: Does the company have independent accreditations and can they prove it ? It is always best to check the company’s independent accreditations. For example, the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) are the leading consumer accreditation for energy efficiency testing, so make sure they are part of the scheme. The Police-Approved Secured by Design is critical for security. Made in Great Britain for UKbased approved manufacturing, and Which? for complete peace of mind, as they validate company’s finances every year. It’s also worth checking that the company is fully verified on each site by checking online. Has the company won any national awards? Look out for national awards like the G-Awards, which rewards excellence in the glass and glazing industry. These are independent awards where companies go through rigorous testing for manufacturing and installation. Being a winner or finalist demonstrates that a company is at the top of their game and worth investing in. Do they manufacture their own products as well as install them? It is incredibly beneficial for the consumer if the company both manufactures and installs their products. This ensures that there is only one company responsible for the whole process. So should anything go wrong the responsibility lies with one party, and the blame cannot be passed - which unfortunately happens all too often in the glazing industry. Does the company employ its own installers? If the answer is ‘no’ and the company relies on sub-contractors, who will likely be paid per 40

frame, then look for alternatives. A company which employs its own team of installers will work on getting it right first time, rather cutting corners but trying to install as quickly as possible. Make sure you view the products before making a decision? For most companies, a design consultant may visit your home. It’s vitally important you view the products before purchasing such a large investment. Having a detailed demonstration of the product before you buy will allow you to understand what you are purchasing and all the features and benefits. It’s even better if the company has a showroom, as it’s a great way of seeing more variety, comparing different styles, options and colours so you make the right decision to suit your property. Always check how long the company has been trading There are companies who have a habit of closing and opening again, and again, so it makes sense to use one with a trusted reputation built up over decades of uninterrupted trading. Check online to see how long a company has been trading for and ask for testimonials from previous clients.

Also check to see if they offer a range of finance options including interest free, or low deposits up to ten years. The most secure companies will be regulated by the FCA (financial conduct authority) and will able to offer the maximum Home Improvement loan value of £50,000 – so it’s good to check, as this alone also demonstrates their financial stability. Where do you start? Buying windows can be a bit of a mine field, that’s why you should always do your research and ask an expert. Award-winning T&K Home Improvements have had 44 years in the industry manufacturing and installing Windows, Doors and Living Spaces for over 60,000 satisfied customers. Their products are manufactured on site and their team of experts are available to give free advice. Alternatively, you can book a show site or factory tour. To find out more visit www.tkhi.co.uk or call 0800 622 716

What guarantees and what finance options do they offer? A well-established company will offer an unconditional 10-year guarantee, so check that everything is covered within it.

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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MPS OUT & ABOUT

Iain outside Lunaz ahead of the roundtable

Christmas card competition winner and a visit to Lunaz I hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful Christmas, and I would like to extend my very best wishes to you all for 2024. As we step into the New Year, I eagerly anticipate my return to Parliament to continue advocating for Milton Keynes.

Christmas Card Competition Each year, I organise a Christmas Card Competition, inviting students from schools across Milton Keynes to create artwork for the front of the Christmas Cards I send to my family and friends. This year, as always, I welcomed designs inspired by these three themes: Festive Big Ben, Christmas at Home and Santa Claus in a favourite Milton Keynes location. I am thrilled to announce that this year’s winner is Vaishnavi from Abbeys Primary School. It was a joy to visit her at school to offer my congratulations on this remarkable achievement. I had the honour of delivering my first Christmas Card, featuring Vaishnavi’s design, to the Prime Minister.

IKEA Visit Additionally, I was warmly received at our local IKEA store in Bletchley. I had the chance to meet with the Store Manager, Kim and other team members. They posed questions about local transport and affordable housing, to which I shared updates on the Government’s efforts in these sectors. I was impressed by the substantial support IKEA offers to local community groups and charities, both in manpower and IKEA products.

Opt-out HIV Testing Following correspondence with the Health Secretary alongside Ben Everitt MP, I am pleased to report that the opt-out HIV testing scheme is now being expanded to Milton Keynes. This is particularly significant, as Milton Keynes has a higher proportion of late-stage HIV diagnoses than the national average. Modern medications and treatment plans enable those with HIV to lead healthy, long lives, making early diagnosis and support crucial. This expansion is another testament to the Conservative Government’s investment in our local NHS healthcare. Throughout 2024, should you or anyone you know require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office using the provided contact details. We are more than willing to offer help wherever possible.

Iain Stewart MP hands Roundtable at Lunaz the Prime Minister a The Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce Christmas Card designed recently invited me to a roundtable at Lunaz, located by Vaishnavi at Silverstone Technology Park. I greatly appreciated the chance to visit Lunaz and meet with local businesses, gaining insight into their operations and how they are aiding the UK in becoming a greener, more eco-friendly nation. They Iain Stewart MP for Milton Keynes South achieve this by converting old petrol and diesel refuse lorries into fully electric vehicles. Discussing how this can reduce carbon CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01908 686830 emissions in the transport sector was particularly useful for my Email: iain.stewart.mp@parliament.uk role as Chair of the Transport Select Committee. Following the www.iainstewart.org.uk Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, it was enlightening to learn how local businesses have received the announcements, which will Suite 102, Milton Keynes Business Centre, Foxhunter Drive, inform the feedback I provide to parliamentary colleagues. Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6GD

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

MK CITY COUNCIL

Making Milton Keynes a better place to live for everyone

ilton Keynes City Council wants to make Milton Keynes a thriving, progressive and sustainable city for everyone. Families living here should be able to lead heathy and happy lives. This year, as part of our work delivering hundreds of vital services, we hope to make progress on three major projects that will help us achieve that aim and I wanted to provide an update below. Regenerating the Lakes Estate A major regeneration programme of Serpentine Court in the Lakes Estate has been given the green light, following years of engagement with the local community. Since 2017, the City Council has been working with residents to determine the best approach for regeneration, and 93% of voters sought to demolish Serpentine Court and redevelop the estate. That is exactly what we seek to do, with plans to build almost 200 new council homes, a nursery, community centre and retail space in Serpentine Court’s place. We have appointed builders to start on the site and hope to see movement soon, but in the meantime, we have been conducting wider public realm work including building four new play parks and improvements to courtyards. Regeneration is not just about building new homes; it’s about improving quality of life and this project will create a positive environment for local residents. Creating a New City Plan The City Council is in the process of writing its New City Plan, an important planning document that helps shape our longterm vision for Milton Keynes called the Strategy for 2050. The Strategy, which was finalised two years ago following extensive public consultation, sets out a bold and ambitious vision for Milton Keynes including equal opportunities, new jobs, affordable and ‘lifelong’ homes that suit people at all stages of their life, and a pioneering mass rapid transit system. To help develop the plan, we are asking residents to tell us about their experiences of how they use their neighbourhood so we know what works and what could be better. A survey is running until 23rd February, where you will be asked questions such as whether you find it easy to shop, take children to school, enjoy green space, what changes would

improve your physical and mental health, and what would make you more likely to use local facilities. You can find out more and help shape the New City Plan at www.mknewcityplan. commonplace.is Developing a new centre for residents with complex needs The City Council has invested £4m of funding it has received from housebuilding in a large and modern building for transformation into a dedicated centre for residents with complex disabilities. Nestled on the outskirts of Linford Wood among surrounding woodland, Linford Wood Place will provide accommodation and care for vulnerable adults with a range of needs, bringing together the City Council’s short breaks and day services offer. For those adults that live at home with their families, overnight stays offer vital breaks for carers. Linford Wood Place will also have tailored activity spaces, dedicated areas for personal care, and a private garden. Works will begin on site this summer and will ultimately help us deliver an improved service with better facilities for the adults we support. We want to make our city a better place to live, and we hope these works will help us achieve that. If you’d like to find out more information about what we’re doing locally, visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk.

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

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

MUSIC

A lion’s roar to start the new Craufurd year Q

uite often, a new year brings new resolutions, but at The Craufurd Arms, they ain’t bothering with any of that – instead, it’s business as usual at the venue, which means gigs galore. After all, if it ain’t broken, there’s nothing to fix, is there? Things get off to a flying start with the return of British Lion (Jan 5), the hard rock mob founded, and featuring, Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris. Of course it’s all sold out – the opportunity to see bassist Harris in a hot and sweaty club is too good an opportunity for fans not to take up. But, this is more than just an opportunity to gawp – British Lion play with an undisputed roar, and tunes? They’ve got lots of ‘em.

British Lion - Jan 5

Cancer Bats

The UK winter tour also features Tony Moore’s Awake in the special guest slot. “Tony was, of course, in Iron Maiden back in 1977 so it is great to have him on the bill,” Steve said. The planned Swamped! event sank late last year due to events beyond their control, but The Ogretones are re-booked to play the Wolverton venue (Jan 6). This homage to the Shrek films will roll for six hours from 8pm with DJs spinning when the band stops playing. Don’t be a donkey – book early for a January lift-me-up. 999 celebrate their 48th year together in 2024. The British New Wave quartet from London played their first ever gig up the road from here, at Northampton’s Cricket Club in January 1977, and they soon found favour with the alt-youths. When the single Homicide leapt into the UK Top 40 without the assistance of any radio play, the BBC and many other stations responded by banning it. What was more punk than that?! Still hard at it, 999 delivered their most recent album, Bish! Bash! Bosh! In 2020. They’ll be at the venue on January 12. 44

If you’ve still got some pennies left after the Christmas capers, get ready to hand them over at the Craufurd’s Record Fair (Jan 14) when the dealers bring out the vinyl delights and you get to flick through the racks. Entry is free and the fair runs from midday to 4pm. The bar is open. So sup as you search – just don’t spill any over those albums... Cancer Bats come to play homage to Black Sabbath as Bat Sabbath – keep reading Pulse Music for details about that. Moretallica (Jan 28) sold-out the venue last year, and they’ll probably do it this time too, playing music from all 11 of the San Franciscan-based titans studio releases. Want to Ride the Lightning with them? The early bird is sure to get the ticket. Saint Agnes (Jan 31) wrap up the month of music at the venue as they tour in support of their current album, Bloodsuckers. In fact, the band has just issued a deluxe version of said opus with four new tracks for fans to hop onboard with. “Making that record was such a surreal and emotionally raw time for me but also for Jon and Andy who had to make a record with somebody who was falling apart, it felt good to go back and develop some of those songs and vocal performances that were so heart wrenching to create, a bit of closure maybe?” said Kitty of this updated version.

Pic: Richard Hedge

“Creating this album gave me a reason to get to my feet at a time when I really wasn’t sure if I could. I’ve tried to put everything I’ve been feeling into it, all the pain, the rage, the grief, even the unexpected moments of beauty and belief. I hope it makes you feel less alone. I hope it makes you feel bigger, badder and stronger. We might be damaged but that doesn’t mean we’re worthless. This is a record for the defeated, the crushed. “We might be broken but that doesn’t mean we’re not whole...” > For tickets, head to thecraufurdarms.com

Saint Agnes - Jan 31

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

MUSIC

n October, The Libertines released Run Run Run, their first single for the best part of a decade, and they caused more excitement with the announcement of a new album – All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade will find its way into record collections in March. Speaking about the upcoming single, Carl Barât said: “It’s about being trapped, and trying to escape your dismal life, a bit like the man in Bukowski’s ‘Post Office’. The worst thing for The Libertines would be to get stuck in a ‘Run-runrun’ rut, constantly trying to relive our past.” As for the forthcoming album? “Our first record was born out of panic, and disbelief that we were actually allowed to be in a studio; the second was born of total strife and misery; the third was born of complexity; this one feels like we were all actually in the same place, at the same speed, and we really connected.” Barât and co-frontman Pete Doherty began recording a little over a year ago in Jamaica, picking up with drummer Gary Powell and bassist John Hassall at the band’s own Albion Rooms studio in Margate. To celebrate that impending release, The Libertines announced a small and decidedly intimate road trek, The Albionay Tour, and MK11 in Kiln Farm is one of the venues that bagged a show on January 25.

k c a b e r a s e n ti r e ib L e h T

The Libertines Pic: Ed Cooke

and armed with bangers!

he highly-anticipated date sold-out almost immediately, but you’re not surprised about that. “I feel like we’ve completed a cycle of some kind as a band, and finally now we can add these songs to the set list, because we’ve got some bangers in there,” said Pete, talking about the new album, “Now we’ve opened the hotel and used the studio ourselves and it’s all worked out—more Libertines records? I should hope so!” Scottish trio High Fade visit on January 11, and this six-legged machine and its razor-sharp funk and disco has gained a heap of thumbs up from big names; everyone from Jack Black and Deep Purple’s Glenn Hughes to RATM’s Brad Wilk is a pretty cool roll call! Edinburgh chaps Harry, High Fade - Jan 11 Oliver and Calvin are cool cats whose musical get down,” they say. Don’t tastes and experience let them down. That’s a long span Barry White to Buster’s still got Bad Manners! drive from the Royal Mile to Kiss, so lots of scope for play for us! experimentation there, then, At the tail end of last year, the and they make good use of band returned home after sprinkling the genres. their magic on a decent sized tour of the US, When there’s a dance floor, they want you so they are decidedly well-oiled and ready on it, and they make light work of getting to impress. you on there, with their high tempo jazz and For a truly ska-mendous time, you need to funk flavours. check in with stalwart players Bad Manners “High Fade doesn’t work unless there’s a (Jan 26), who are well into their fourth decade crowd, a dance floor and people that want to

and still pulling the punters en masse. The Buster Bloodvessel fronted mob did call time on the band back in 1987, but they were back in play three years later to sate the public’s appetite and they’ve been at it ever since. The band blew up the charts in the early ‘80s with much-loved tracks including Lip Up Fatty, Special Brew and Ne Ne Na Na Na Na Nu Nu, which will all get an airing. Tickets to see the band boasting the man with the most famous tongue (after Gene Simmons) and his two-tone chums are £23.50. Silly on-stage antics and novelty ska favourites aplenty, and if that guitarist looks like a chip off the old block, it’s because he is; Buster’s son in now a fully fledged BM member. > For the full list of MK11 dates this month, check in at mk11kilnfarm.com

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

MUSIC

Into the tribute void Bat Sabbath - Jan 19, Craufurd Arms

ast July’s return visit by those hyper heavies Cancer Bats was a certified highlight of the 2023 calendar, and now the band of Canadian whiskey metal punk b*stards (their words, not mine) are coming back to replace January drear with cheer, writes Sammy Jones. It’s a show with a difference though, as the band again adopts its cover band persona of Bat Sabbath, and prepares to rage with some of the greatest songs ever created by Osbourne, Iommi, Butler and Ward. Cancer Bats first showed its love of Birmingham’s finest at the Sonisphere Festival more than a decade ago, and says it is ready to fuel beer-soaked orgies of destruction upon their return to these shores, which aside from stopping off at The Craufurd Arms, will call in at another 16 venues.

h t a b b a S t a with B Back in August, the band released Bat Sabbath – Masters of Duality, a five-track live off-the-floor EP delivering their take on classics Children of the Grave, Iron Man, Into the Void, N.I.B and War Pigs. To celebrate the impending riff-athon on our doorstep, Bat Sabbath’s new ripping guitar player Jackson Landry whittled down his Top 5 Sabbath songs for Pulse. Fairies Wear Boots ‘Definitely my favourite song to play on guitar because it’s very groovy and heavy’ War Pigs ‘A classic and crowd favourite, always gets me super hyped and stoked to hear everyone singing along’

Supernaut ‘This is probably my favourite Sabbath song in our set list. Also, who doesn’t love a drum solo!’ Black Sabbath ‘Super fun to slow things down and bring them back up with a fast mosh ending’ Children of the Grave ‘Banging intro, love playing this song first in the set. Usually lights people up pretty quick’ > Cancer Bats play The Craufurd Arms on Friday, January 19. Tickets are £19.50 in advance. Don’t leave it to chance. Book yours at thecraufurdarms.com

Wilson & Wakeman return with new disc and Stables date

hen Wilson & Wakeman make their return to The Stables at Wavendon this January, they arrive armed with a new album; their third release, ‘Can We Leave The Light On Longer?’ hits shelves on January 12. Aside from Damian’s vocal and acoustic guitar abilities, and Adam showing light work on piano, Hammond organ and acoustic and electric guitars (and percussion) the release is also swelled by trumpet and an 18-strong choir. There is a very personal depth to the songs, Damian said. “The album is about how we are connected as human beings and what drives us to be alive. It tells tales of hopeful inspiring dreams and our fight to live and function, with the ultimate and inevitable loss we face through mortality.”

For those not already acquainted with these Pulse regulars, Damian is a songwriter and singer who has put his name to more than 70 album releases, while you might say Adam was Black Sabbath’s fifth member, working as their keyboard player, and on Ozzy’s solo ventures. He’s also toured extensively with the likes of Slash, Annie Lennox, Will Young and his dad, Rick Wakeman. “We’re really excited to be on tour promoting our latest studio album,” Adam told Pulse, “I think it’s our most personal album to date. We’ll be playing lots of songs that people associate us with along with some from our back catalogue and of course there will be songs from the new album.” Damian and Adam play the venue on January 18. > You can check out the singles Ai and The Man From The Island, and get your tickets for the gig at wilsonwakeman.com Wilson (right) & Wakeman - Jan 18, The Stables

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Film Reviews by Jordan Adcock

Image: https://www.hindustantimes.com

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 4/5

Suzume is the kind of palate cleanser that reminds you what animation (or more specifically Japanese anime these days – see the Wish review below for more on that) can uniquely create compared to live action. Screened in cinemas earlier this year and now streaming online on Crunchyroll, it’s a truly modern fairytale, not just with its visually arresting journey and perilous sequences but with the coming-of-age story it tells along the way as the heroine confronts her grief and trauma while stepping out into the wider world. The film follows (who else?) Suzume, a high-school girl in Kyushu whose curiosity leads her to a mysterious solitary door which, when opened, unleashes a terrible destructive force. She suddenly must trek across Japan to close all these doors before the devastation spreads, aided by a

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & NAPOLEON SNAKES Star Rating: 3.5/5

Star Rating: 2.5/5

How could a Hunger Games prequel about the series’ main villain really work, nearly a decade after the original series ended and with it enthusiasm for films based on dystopian Young Adult novels? Surprisingly well, though don’t expect the tangible danger of Katniss Everdeen’s trials in Panem. There’s still Hunger Games of course, involving children forced to kill each other, along with a garish post-apocalyptic aesthetic and names ripped from an ancient Roman glossary. But Coriolanus Snow’s struggles are much more political as he mentors his irrepressible tribute from District 12, well-acted by both Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler respectively. While overlong, it’s impressive how much it stays focused on his rise, fall and rise again despite firmly trading in this series’ main selling points. ✪

Cinematic veteran Ridley Scott directing a historical epic of Napoleon, played by Joaquin Phoenix, reads like a plan worthy of the French emperor himself – it’s a shame that the reductive script proves unworthy. It hurtles through decades of history, determined to cram in as many scenes of war, strife and sex as it can. But without a narrative throughline to string it all together, it’s a load of expensive scenes that fail to explore who this man was and why he was such an incredible leader. It leaves Phoenix adrift and unable to settle on a persona for his Napoleon, not helped by too much meandering drama with his wife Josephine (Vanessa Kirby), nor the actor’s age making him feel miscast in the earlier stages. ✪

young man named Sota. Helpfully, he’s a ‘closer’ of these doors – that is, until he unhelpfully gets turned into a three-legged chair. Yes, you read that right – not that it stops Sota. The thrill of Suzume is how it recreates Japan, not just through stunning backgrounds and cityscapes but through impeccably mundane everyday details, and seamlessly combines it with fantasy magic like portal doors and chase scenes involving a chair intrepidly leaping and running in every environment. That the filmmakers would have worked out how to credibly animate that is by itself very charming, fortunately the whole film charms as well. Some of the many characters Suzume encounters leave more lasting impressions than others but it’s hardly episodic, taking multiple unexpected and rewarding turns which enrich Suzume’s personal arc. ✪

OPERATION FORTUNE

WISH

Star Rating: 2/5

Another film now streaming after a brief cinema run is director Guy Ritchie’s international spy actioner, where Jason Statham leads the mission to disrupt the sale of deadly weapons tech. They rope in a handsome movie star to help their ruse, and Josh Hartnett’s charisma livens some dreary, if well-heeled, proceedings with bored-looking actors. Statham brings the expected brawn and gruff tones, but saying it’s merely routine would be too kind. It doesn’t so much build to a climax as canter between destinations with guns and fistfights before tastefully stopping short of two hours. The film was reportedly kept on the shelf for at least a year, owing to its Ukrainian gangster villains making it poorly timed, but its overwhelming mediocrity was surely another reason. ✪

It’s bad that on Disney’s centenary year, you’ll wish upon a star for them to make good films again. Following a recent poor run for their animation arm, quality and box office-wise, Wish tries to be so quintessentially Disney – young trailblazing princess, vaguely medieval kingdom, magic spells, a greedy sorcerer villain, cute animal sidekick – it fails to bear a strong identity of its own. Unless you mention the ‘hybrid’ animated style of 3D visuals and 2D outlines, which like everything else here comes across as half-hearted and uninventive. Chris Pine voicing the king who keeps people’s wishes for them is the small highlight in a film that’s so straightforward, with any edges firmly filed off, that even the musical numbers feel like they’re only filling time. ✪

You can follow Jordan on Twitter (@JordanReview) and read his blog at www.reviewsreflections.wordpress.com For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

THEATRE

Rock .

Paper.

Sensational and sharp Edward Scissorhands

Scissorhands

Looking for a little post-Crimbo lift? How about some inspired asian culture, a ‘cuttingedge’ dance delivery, a new production that is simply kick ass-pirational and the multi-talented Miles Jupp. Sammy Jones has the lowdown...

and film credits to his name, and is every bit as Classic dance, enchanting live orchestral accomplished in theatre land and on radio. music, authentic costumes and interactive His last tour wrapped up at The London backdrops combine for an exquisite night, but Palladium in 2017, and then? He appeared in don’t take our word for it, take that of Strictly’s The Full Monty, delightful Sunday night staple head judge, Shirley Ballas. for many (including us) The Durrells, made “I’ve never seen anything quite so an award winning radio series and beautifully choreographed in my put out a novel. entire life,” she declared. Despite the dampers of A new stage show visits for Covid, Miles was all smiles, a four-day stay (Jan 24-27) until a brain seizure and Fantastically Great changed everything. Women Who Changed A tumour the size of The World is being sold a cherry tomato was as a ‘kick ass-pirational discovered and major et’s be honest, January is the most stage show’ based on neurosurgery followed. miserable time of the year; you go from the children’s book “I was filming the ITV tinsel and cheer to month long drear. by Suffragette relative series Trigger Point, I’d The weather is woeful, payday takes Kate Pankhurst. just finished my scene. forever to arrive, and taking down the From explorers to Ludicrously my character, decorations just makes everything seem even artists, scientists to secret Miles Jupp comes to town a radio host, is speaking and more gloomy. agents, this work has plenty with On I Bang then a bomb goes off roughly If only there was a way to hang on to a little of characters and songs that when it felt like a bomb had gone off of the festive fun. But wait, there is; go see pack a popstar punch. Inquisitive in my own head,” Miles said, recalling the Cinderella at MK Theatre. heroine Jade will meet wonder women moment the seizure happened, “Luckily I was Nothing, and we mean nothing, will stop including Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia in a work environment which meant there was Brian Conley and the panto clan from lifting Earhart, Mary Seacole, Marie Curie and a medic on the set so they wrestled me into the your spirits. Emmeline Pankhurst. appropriate position. It was only a day’s work, The Fairy Godmother of all Pantos also has Things will get a bit snippy at the end of but taking that job might have saved my life.” the best Ugly Sisters around; Claudia and Tess the month (Jan 30 – Feb 3) with Matthew This new show is a tale about surprise, fear, bagged a prestigious gong to say as much! Bourne’s interpretation of Edward luck, love and qualified practitioners, but On I Performances continue until January 14. Scissorhands. Bang is funny too. A night filled with beauty and wisdom, courage The razor-sharp production is based on “It’s a story told in a stand-up style,” Miles and hope is the promise at the theatre (Jan 17 Tim Burton’s classic film of an incomplete boy explained, “I promise you there are lots of & 18) when Shen Yun invites you to experience left alone in a strange new world with scissors jokes. It’s not me moaning about unsatisfactory China before communism on an extraordinary for hands. customer experience or something I’ve noticed journey through the country’s 5,000 years of Will the community see past his curious about luggage. Hopefully it’s a pure piece divinely inspired culture. appearance to his gentleness? of storytelling, with a beginning, a middle The role made famous and an end.” by Johnny Depp on the big screen will be played by a leading mover from New Adventures, Bourne’s dance-theatre company > Book your tickets: which premiered the work in 2005. This current tour is the first time on stage at UK theatres for nine years. It will be beyond beautiful. Over at The Stables, Miles Jupp will play to a sure to be capacity crowd when he brings On I Bang The Stables: stables.org to the Wavendon venue Milton Keynes Theatre: (Jan 25). From explorers to scientists and atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes The hugely successful secret agents - you’ll meet them all in fella has a wealth of TV Fantastically Great Women

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

THEATRE

A Christie classic e g d e n r e d o m a h t i w

The Cast of And Then There Were None

Pics: Manuel Harlan

It is the best selling crime novel of all time, and a brand new production of And Then There Were None is heading to Milton Keynes this February. Great news for fans of crime queen Agatha Christie, and those who want a truly thrilling night out...

‘T

en strangers are lured to a solitary mansion off the coast of Devon, by Mr and Mrs Owen. When a storm cuts them off from the mainland, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear.’ Bob Barrett plays Doctor Armstrong in the play, but he’s reluctant to give too much more away. “Basically...they all think they’re there for legitimate reasons. Then, when they turn up, they find out that all is not as it seems. Mr and Mrs Owen are nowhere to be seen and they learn they are being accused of various different murders that they have supposedly perpetrated.” Bob is used to playing a man with a stethoscope – his former ‘tv home’ was Holby City. But this character is very different from Dr Sacha Levy. “He’s a former surgeon who left to become a nerve specialist and he has risen to the top of the tree. He’s a Harley Street surgeon and he’s world-renowned, and as a person he’s patrician and quite remote, keeping himself to himself,” explains Bob, “Because of what he’s been accused of in the play, he has trouble with his own nerves, so ironically a man who is an expert in treating nerves is actually a very nervous man himself. “He tries to keep it under wraps, to keep it hidden, but it becomes more and more revealed as the play goes on.”

“Nobody in the play is a particularly sympathetic character and he certainly isn’t. When you first meet him, you’d think he’s a snob and stuck up, although as the story goes on more and more humanity is revealed in him.” And Then There Were None has enjoyed extraordinary success. Why do you think that is? “It’s so perfectly constructed, and Lucy (Bailey, director) has done a brilliant new take on it. Obviously, there are going to be people coming along who are Agatha Christie fans and people of a certain age who’ve lived with this book for a very long time. “Then for a younger audience you can cite things like The Hunger Games and there are elements to do with the climate crisis in the play Bob Barrett is appearing in that Lucy has picked up on, And Then There Were None which make it very relevant at MK Theatre next month for a modern audience,” Bob says. “This is my first foray back This is the first time he has worked on into big productions and I love anything by Agatha Christie, and aside from it,” he says, “There’s something the joy of working with Lucy, ‘an extraordinary special about being in a proper director,’ he had another very personal reason big theatre and there’s something so unique for saying yes. about coming out and doing a play for 800 or “...I wanted to do it because my mother was 1,000 people. a big Agatha Christie fan, who even named “We’re doing the show at some of the best her car ‘Agatha’. She died when I was 12 and I theatres in the country. I missed the sort of worshipped her, so this felt like a nice thing to flexing of the stage muscle, the excitement and do for her. And if you’re going to do an Agatha the stretch of it both vocally and physically, so Christie this is the one to do because it’s the it’s exciting to be doing all that again.” jewel in the crown.” This is the first time that Bob has trod the boards for almost 15 years, when he appeared > And Then There Were None Milton Keynes Theatre, February 6-10 in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It must feel To book, visit atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes good to be back? For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

WHATS ON

#WhatsOnPulse Vintage Stony Festival Monday, January 1, 9.30am-2pm Annual New Year’s Day vintage car and motorcycle gathering, including ‘one minutes noise’ at midday with a cacophony of engines. Va-va vroom: Admission free for drivers and spectators, but donations to Willen Hospice are welcomed. 2:22 A Ghost Story Friday, January 5 – Saturday, January 13 The new stage phenomenon stops off in Northampton. Secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear! Spooky times: royalandderngate.co.uk Swamped! Featuring The Ogretones Saturday, January 6, 8pm An Ogre-loaded club night celebrating the film Shrek with an eight-piece live band and DJs. Shrek to it: thecraufurdarms.com Bletchley Vegan Market Saturday, January 6, 10.30am-4pm An event which brings together a huge variety of vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, zero-waste champions and more. Plant based ace: veganmarkets.co.uk Community Litter Pick: Linford Wood Monday, January 8, 10am The litter pick will be led by a member of Parks Trust staff who will provide all equipment and take the litter away for disposal. The pick will last for around an hour, using a mix of hard and soft surfaced paths. It may be muddy in places, so come appropriately dressed for the weather. Meet at the “Aerial Carpark” entrance to the wood. Pick it up and start again: theparkstrust.com

Vintage Stony - New Year’s Day

Bletchley Blues Club Tuesday, January 9 January is a difficult month, so it’s just a fiver to get in for this musical event, though if you want to give more, that’s fine. Any profits for the night will go to the club’s Blues in Schools project. Still got the blues: bletchleybluesclub.uk The Christians Friday, January 12 The Christians were a hit producing machine in the 80s and 90s, Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Harvest for the World, What’s in a Word, Hooverville, Words, Father, The Bottle and many more, and they sound every bit as great today. Go fill your ears up. Born Again: stables.org

Antiques Centre

Building 1, The Royal Ordnance Depot, Weedon Bec, NN7 4PS

OPEN: Wed to Mon 10am-4pm, CLOSED: Tues Facebook: @vintiqueltd Instagram: vintique.limited T: 01327 341 980 E: info@vintique.co W: vintique.co 50

2.22 A Ghost Story - from Jan 5

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Craufurd Record Fair - Jan 14

Dean Friedman in concert Thursday, January 18, 7.30pm Friedman will perform songs from his four decade-long career, with plenty of familiar moments including Ariel and Lucky Stars. On song: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

Milton Keynes Aviation Society Present our next Lecture events: 9 January “100 Years of RAF Family History” 13 February “Tornado” 12 March “MKAS A.G.M & Annual Photographic Competition”

Visit www.mkas.co.uk/lectures for full details. Meetings held at Kents Hill Community Centre, Frithwood Avenue, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes, MK7 6HQ Doors open at 7.30pm with the events at 8pm. Enquiries to Ian Carr on 01234 742057 Entry is £5.00 for visitors, free for members – annual fee £22.00.

Milton Keynes Record Fair Sunday, January 14, midday- 4pm Vinyl continues to go from strength to strength, and this is the place to head if you are looking for a gem, or simply want to browse the racks. Entry is free. Like a record, baby: thecraufurdarms.com

Wilson & Wakeman Thursday, January 18 Damien has released a heap of solo albums and spent two years as the principal playing the lead in Les Miserables, while Adam is best known as the keyboard and guitar player with Ozzy Osbourne and also works with his father Rick Wakeman. Now join them united for an intimate musical journey. Can You Leave The Light On Longer? Stables.org Kites Collective Friday, January 19, 8pm The band will be playing a mix of folk and acoustic rock music at The Song Loft Session, happening at York House, London Road,Stony Stratford. Stony Words: stonywords.org.uk Bat Sabbath Friday, January 19 Cancer Bats returns to The Craufurd Arms, this time with their celebration of the music of Black Sabbath. It will be loud. Fairies Wear Boots: thecraufurdarms.com Guz Khan Live Friday, January 19 This loveable, funny guy is known for bringing his big-screen persona and BAFTAnominated hilarity to the stand-up stage, and it’s MK Theatre that will benefit from his smile inducing material this month. Try for returns, he’s a popular chap. Man Like Mobeen: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Discovery Stroll: Stanton Low Park Tuesday, January 16, 2pm A Parks Trust led Discover Stroll to explore a new park, with explanations about some of the key features and the area’s history. The walk will last for around an hour, dress appropriately. Step up: theparkstrust.com

Jonathan Healey - The Blazing World Saturday, January 20, 1pm ‘The Blazing World offers a new history of revolutionary England in the 17th century. The century began with the Gunpowder Plot and ended with the Act of Union, bringing England and Scotland under one monarch. In between, for a brief period, England was a republic – the only time that it had a written constitution. Was this where modern England actually began?’ With the Associate Professor in Social History at Oxford Uni. Stony Words: stonywords.org.uk

Trevor ‘Babajack’ Steger Trio Tuesday, January 16, 7.30pm Trevor’s music is influenced by his passion for early rural Blues and rhythmic African roots. His style of slide guitar, harp playing and songwriting earnt him UK Blues Act of The Year 2023 in the UK Blues Awards. Slide along: bletchleybluesclub.uk

The Bardic Trials Saturday, January 20, 7pm Your opportunity to elect the Bard of Stony Stratford for 2024, who will represent the voice of the community for the coming year. Head to York House, London Road, Stony Stratford. Stony Words: stonywords.org.uk

January Highlights Tom Robinson Band Saturday 13 January, 8pm

Legendary British songwriter and broadcaster Tom Robinson presents an evening of all his popular hits, including 2-4-6-8 Motorway and Glad To Be Gay. Teddy Thompson Tuesday 23 January, 8pm

Teddy and his band sing classic country from his new record featuring tracks by Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, George Jones and many more! The Jive Aces Sunday 28 January, 8pm

The Jive Aces perform songs in their unique upbeat style by great artists including Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as a selection of superb original tunes. The Budapest Café Orchestra Wednesday 31 January, 8pm

Refreshingly unconventional, The Budapest Café Orchestra redeliver gypsy and folk-flavoured music in their own fresh and surprising way. The Stables Wavendon Milton Keynes MK17 8LU Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

WHATS ON

Love and Information Saturday, January 20, 7pm, Sunday, January 21, 3pm Drama Llamas are back in Stony Library with Love and Information by Caryl Churchill, as part of Stony Words. With 57 one-scene playlets and countless characters, this play explores ideas around love, communication, memory and philosophy. Someone can’t get a signal. Someone won’t answer the door. Someone put an elephant on the stairs…. This in-the-round production is bizarre, moving, and darkly funny, and will stir up some ideas and questions you’ll want to talk about for a long while afterwards. Wordy wonderful: wegottickets.com

Guz Khan - Jan 19

Bob Harris & Colin Hall: The Songs The Beatles Gave Away Sunday, January 21, 8pm Join BBC’s Bob Harris and author and music journalist Colin Hall as they sit down to talk about their love and appreciation of The Beatles, including rare archive from Bob’s collection of interviews with Lennon & McCartney. Music masters: stables.org

Living Archive Band - Still Rolling Saturday, January 27, 7pm An evening of popular songs from the documentaries about Milton Keynes. Hear about the places, people and incidents from the city’s past in the words of those who were there and saw them happen. Stony Words: stonywords.org.uk

The Joe Nethercote Band Tuesday, January 23, 7.30pm One of the Blues Club friends and a great supporter of the club has put together his own band, guaranteed to include some of the names and faces you know. Blues times: bletchleybluesc.ub.uk Carers MK Wednesday, January 24, 10.30am If you are an unpaid adult or parent carer aged 18 or over, this writing group is for you - enjoy a fun session wrangling with words, generating creative sparks and spending time with like-minded people. Part of the Stony Words programme. Registration essential: 01908 231703 or email mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org Stonytime What the Ladybird Heard Thursday January 25, 10am, free A story for children up to the age of five, followed by rhymes and songs. Led by Harch Chaggar from Milton Keynes City Council Library Service. Stony Words: stonywords.org.uk Nigel Wearne Thursday, January 25, 8.45pm Hailing from the deep south of Australia, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Wearne cites influences including Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Rickie Lee Jones. The Reckoning: stables.org

Megaslam Wrestling: 2024 Live Tour-de-force Sunday, January 28, 3.30pm-6pm Join the action as team Megaslam battles it out with Team Nasty in a series of edgeof-your-seat matches to engage the whole family. Foam fingers at the ready: theoldsavoy.co.uk

Wizard of Oz - Jan 26

The Wizard of Oz Friday, January 26, 7.30pm A two act, full-length, ballet adaptation of the iconic tale by L. Frank Baum, told through the magic of classical dance. Follow the yellow brick road: theoldsavoy.co.uk Wood Walk: Campbell Park Saturday, January 27, 10am A ranger-led walk for you and your pooch, who must remain on their lead as you explore the park and socialise with others. Don’t forget the poo bags: theparkstrust.com Cirque Enchantment Saturday, January 27 A stunning family show with superb choreography, breathtaking live vocals and mesmerising circus performers. Escape winter with this dynamic fairytale. The Show Must Go On: royalandderngate.co.uk

Diane Purkiss - English Food Monday, January 29, 7pm A journey through the centuries looking at the development of recipes and the rituals for mealtimes with Diane, a Professor of English Literature at the University of Oxford. Your meals and eating habits will never be the same again. Stony Words: stonywords.org.uk Skinny Living Tuesday, January 30 From Wakefield to The Black Prince for the indie-soul fusionists who have racked up more than 60 million streams, which is pretty darn impressive. Living large: sbdpromotions.com Edward Scissorhands Tuesday, January 30 – Saturday, February 3 Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his New Adventures Company return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world. Tiptoe in: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

PUZZLES

View from the Far Kerb

SUDOKU PUZZLE Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats. Good Luck!

Made it!

f you have been reading and following the trials and tribulations of the O’Hara Household, the title says it all. Repeated attempts had been made to secure and complete a sale of our property but many had failed: some for apparently nefarious reasons on the part of potential buyers. However, we finally made it to celebrate Christmas and see in the New Year! Our first night consisted of hanging clothing from a bedroom curtain pole to preserve our modesty and avoid Red Light District performances through unshielded windows. There were no unexpected puddles or surprise packages from the dogs in the mornings and they were far happier with the garden than me due to the rear being surprisingly dark. Despite a very bright camping head lamp, mornings and evenings were always awkward. Bulkhead lights were required, as per our old place. With power to the garden being easily available from the garage, suitable wall mounted lamps ought to have been simple, but drilling that first hole in a new home is never easy… Still, there are options and it is just a case of determining which is best: once I have done one of the multitudes of other things needing to be done as part of a move!

Just ahead of the planned completion date, our car developed the habit of dying if parked for more than a day. No modern car needs to be run daily to keep the battery from running flat, especially when that battery is new. Both it and the alternator were tested and given a clean bill of health. Something was clearly draining the battery overnight. The mystery had threatened a car that wouldn’t start on The Big Day when it arrived. Due to previous house selling fiascos, our finances were such that having a car mechanic search for what may be an elusive short circuit, was a no-no. Instead, I borrowed a multimeter (mine was already packed somewhere in a box) and checked for current flowing when the car ignition was off.

Our first night consisted of hanging clothing from a bedroom curtain pole to preserve our modesty and avoid Red Light District performances through unshielded windows.”

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As the battery health monitor lead for the stop-start feature was connected to the negative side of the battery, I decided to start there. For those who are not savvy in matters of car-related electrical magic, the fact is that modern cars draw a small current to maintain settings in radios, trip-meters, onboard computers, and all sorts of fancy gadgets – even when the ignition is off. So, I expected to see something. I did and it was tiny. Then I checked the isolated battery health monitoring lead and measured a substantial power flow. The immediate solution was to permanently disconnect it. Now the stop-start is unavailable, but at least the car no longer dies if left unused for a day. A simple bodge, if not a true fix. Given that the annoying function was usually turned off at the dashboard when driving in town, it isn’t missed. But, as we have finally moved, that is more than enough reason to not care!

Clues Across 1. Position indicator 5. Focal points 7. Irritating to the skin 8. Foundation 9. Constrictor snakes 10. Leaser 11. Pill 13. Chilled 14. Roamed (over) 18. State of neglect 21. Remain

Phil O’Hara

Solutions to Sudoku and Quick Crossword can be found on page 54

22. Said yes to 24. Neck warmer 25. Pimply condition 26. Church of Rome head 27. Long crest 28. Begins golf, ... off 29. Sums up Clues Down 1. Gangster 2. Bend to pray 3. Turn left or ...

4. Disfigured 5. Cross-breeds 6. Sportsmen’s jackets 12. Needle hole 15. Newspaper item 16. Hot springs 17. Imperious requests 19. Annoy 20. Unlimited 22. Proposal 23. Meat jelly

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

Your stars

Looking into 2024 As we embark on the journey of 2024, the celestial tapestry weaves a compelling narrative of change and opportunity. Our horoscopes for the forthcoming year paint a vibrant picture of transformation, driven by the dynamic movements of planets. This is your ultimate guide to navigate the cosmic currents with insight and optimism.

strologers often encounter challenges in accurately predicting specific events, a difficulty primarily attributed to the intricate interplay of planetary energies, which offers a myriad of potential outcomes. However, a significant and observable shift in the astrological landscape is anticipated in 2024, presenting a notable departure from previous years. This change is primarily marked by the movement of the substantial outer planets, specifically those positioned beyond Jupiter, which are now observed to have ‘gone direct’. In astrological terms, this phenomenon indicates that from our Earth-based perspective, these planets appear to be advancing forwards through the zodiac, contrasting their earlier retrograde motion. This perceived change in direction suggests a potential for tangible and positive progress in global events, steering away from the recurring themes and issues experienced throughout 2023.

into the same zodiac sign. This celestial alignment is particularly significant in astrological terms. Pluto, symbolising transformation and rebirth, traditionally heralds profound and sweeping changes with each transition into a new sign. Given Pluto’s prolonged 240year orbit around the Sun, its previous stay in Aquarius during 1778 was a period marked by monumental societal upheavals. These included the American Revolution, the abolition of slavery, the beginnings of the French and Industrial Revolutions, the publication of Mary Wollstonecraft’s pioneering work on women’s rights, and the dawning of the Enlightenment era.

Looking further back, Pluto’s presence in Aquarius during the reign of King Henry VIII of England played a crucial role in the country’s separation from Catholicism. This significant historical event laid the groundwork for the modern British nation-state. A pivotal moment in 2024 is Pluto’s entry into Aquarius These historical precedents strongly suggest that on January 21st, coinciding with the Sun’s ingress Pluto’s upcoming return to Aquarius might once Your Own astrological Forecast for 2024

PUZZLE

SOLUTIONS

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

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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.

From a predictive standpoint, I foresee a surge in innovative technological solutions being developed and implemented to address pressing ecological issues. This period is likely to highlight the effectiveness and necessity of collaborative efforts and partnerships over isolated or individualistic endeavors. The year 2024 presents itself as a time ripe for experimentation, adaptation and a collective willingness to venture into uncharted territories.

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The astrological trends of 2024 will become more evident around mid-February when a notable congregation of planets – Pluto, Venus, Mars, Mercury and the Sun – will all be positioned in Aquarius. According to esteemed astrologer Angela Cornish, this unique alignment is expected to ignite a fervent struggle for individual and collective freedom, equality, and autonomy against established authorities and norms. Aquarius, a sign often linked with humanitarianism, liberty and egalitarian ideals, might also unveil its more complex facets, particularly in relation to technological advancements and the growing concerns surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence. These themes are expected to become major points of discussion and deliberation in 2024.

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again be the catalyst for sweeping transformations in societal structures, ideologies, and perceptions. This impending era is perceived as an opportune time for resolving longstanding conflicts and fostering the emergence of innovative and fresh perspectives. In this context, clinging to past paradigms and traditions appears increasingly redundant and impractical, as the collective momentum is decisively shifting towards embracing an uncertain yet potentially transformative future. This transition, albeit uncomfortable, necessitates a profound and collective paradigm shift in our thoughts and behaviors.

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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January ‘24

HOWARD PARKER

THE ASTRO-GUIDE

The month ahead for your sign CAPRICORN

TAURUS

VIRGO

It’s the last gasp for you Capricornians at the new moon in your sign on 11th January. If you’ve been paying attention, you should have seen the signs that the future is going to look a lot different from now on, so you will have been rearranging things in preparation. This is big and radical, so desperate measures may already have been necessary. Good luck with it!

Uranus is the last big planet to go direct at the end of this month, and it’s going to be powerful. The old routines won’t wash now, but you have a little time – until about May - before you have to adjust to very new realities. Just make sure you don’t just wait for things to happen. You have to work towards the changes you want to see.

There is a dissolving energy present this month as Neptune turns direct, which can, ironically, either create complete confusion, as if a fog has descended, or it may indicate a certain clarity emerging as the fog lifts. It is hard to be sure of your ground, admittedly, but you will soon start to detect new ways of doing things that will change a lot of the ways you think, particularly creatively.

November 23 – December 22

AQUARIUS

November 23 – December 22

Your moment starts now. Are you ready for it? I hope you’re not just one of those rebellious Aquarians who is automatically against everything that is ‘normal’ because the new normal is going to be very Aquarian indeed. An interesting irony this, and it may well be a case of putting your money where your mouth is. Let me know…!

PISCES

November 23 – December 22

Neptune is now moving forward in your sign, so one of two things can happen. Either you are completely lost in the fog and have no idea what direction you are heading, or it is lifting, and to your relief, things are not as bad as you thought or feared. If you can stay in the boat and not get washed overboard, you may feel still seasick, but at least you are surviving!

ARIES

November 23 – December 22

It’s time to attach yourself to new ideas, humanitarian aims, and noble ambitions. The Aquarian energy is strong but needs your fire to make change happen. You know instinctively what is right, ethical, and honourable, so attach yourself to groups that you love and get things moving in the right direction.

November 23 – December 22

GEMINI

LIBRA

Geminis will start to feel at home quite quickly with the new Aquarian flavour to life that is unfolding. There will be so much to talk about and so many new ideas flying about that you will be in your element, particularly next month. However, it will be hard to focus, so try to retain at least a sense of stability and detached observation.

Taking practical measures to resolve past hurts and obstacles is favoured at this new moon in Capricorn, but it won’t necessarily be easy. Taking things one step at a time, though, will enable you to make progress that you will be able to sustain. This is the approach to take now, so don’t go looking for miracle cures at this time.

November 23 – December 22

CANCER

The new moon in Capricorn will challenge your sense of stability just as the whole applecart starts to look as if it’s going to be overturned. A lot of people are going to find life pretty difficult to adjust to in this mini age of Aquarius, so I’d say it’s best to accentuate the best virtues of humanity and work with that. ‘Be the change you want to see’.

LEO

November 23 – December 22

Jupiter promises more than it delivers sometimes, but it can assist you while it remains in your opposite sign of Taurus, as it does until the end of May. The Aquarian energies that characterize this new year may alarm you and rock your boat quite strongly now, so it is time to prepare yourself for the radical changes that this new period will bring.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 22

If you have been tempted to go it alone – don’t! About 25 years of Aquarius in Pluto starts this month, so Leonine egos need to serve wider, more humanitarian intentions now. Make yourself useful to those who need your leadership skills and see what we can all achieve together. You may surprise yourself at how rewarding this can be.

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SCORPIO

November 23 – December 22

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November 23 – December 22

A great time to travel or spend time with people of other cultures while Venus is in your sign! But do it before the 23rd because then it moves into boring old Capricorn. However, the bigger picture is exciting now, and your love of adventure will help you to see the opportunities it holds. Your main risk is clinging to old ideas and opinions because these will be challenged big time!

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | January 2024

INTERIORS

www.soakandsleep.com

Restful Retreats Spacejoy for unsplash

ith the frenzy of Christmas behind us, January is a great month for hunkering down, relaxing and enjoying the long nights of winter. Where once, January was my least favourite month, now I relish the opportunity to stay in and surround myself with soft lighting and textured cushions and blankets, retreating from the world for just a few weeks more before the activity of the spring and the demands of the longer days kick in. Of all the rooms in the house, our bedrooms make the best sanctuaries. Much of our homes are now either open plan and multifunctional, or are spaces dedicated to working from home. Being able to escape to our bedrooms to find solace, and peace and quiet away from the noise, is quite a luxury. A bedroom is the perfect place to transform into a snug setting and it can be done easily, effortlessly, and economically, which is perfect if we’re feeling the post-Christmas pinch. When you start to pack away the decorations, why not select some to keep out? Anything with a starry, icicle or snowflake theme is

Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com 56

arguably more suited to being on display in wintery January than it is in mild December. Hang decorations on your wardrobe door or drawer handles, drape fairy lights over your headboard or wrap them around your mirror or bedposts. If you like subtle lighting but prefer not to use fairy lights, LED candles are a safe and realistic alternative. Suitable for shelves, bedside tables, and non-working fireplaces, they can be remote controlled for use from the bed, or timer controlled to enable you to drift off to sleep without having to turn everything off. Another way to give your bedroom a cosy uplift is to switch your soft furnishings for those that are thicker, warmer, and more textured. Think knitted blankets, faux sheepskin rugs and chunky throws, ideal for snuggling amongst when reading a book or watching tv. If you’ve been given any new ornaments, photo frames, books, or pictures for Christmas, find space for them on shelves within your bedroom. Christmas can be hectic, so it’s therapeutic to be able to spend time organising your things and putting new possessions away. Bedrooms are ideally suited to being personalised but don’t let them get too cluttered. Ideally, arrange items in groups of three and think about the spacing, height and prominence of objects. For the ultimate way to unwind, invest in a diffuser. Research suggests aromatherapy helps to lower stress, decrease anxiety, reduce depression, and improves sleep quality. The best essential oils for promoting relaxation are lavender, rose, chamomile, geranium, jasmine, sweet marjoram, and bergamot. If you’d rather stay with something seasonal

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(but different from the fir, cinnamon, and clove scents of Christmas) then try orange, vanilla or sandalwood. Flowers aren’t synonymous with January, but you can still find ways to bring the garden into your bedroom. Global media company Forbes recently reported that house plants can reduce stress and improve health, citing that rooms with plants have cleaner air, better feng shui, are ‘emotionally cheering’ and prettier. Early daffodils and snowdrops might be available in your garden or to buy in garden centres. Failing that, houseplants can be bought all year round. Woody stems make for beautifully architectural arrangements and dried bouquets offer a sustainable option. With the taste of Irish coffees, mulled wine and hot chocolate still on our lips, warm drinks are a great way to relax ourselves and lighten our mood. In a bedroom, a coffee machine or teasmade makes for a wonderful addition. During Sleep Awareness Week last year, writer Grace Simple claimed that the coffee maker on her bedside table made her more excited to wake up, served as her snooze button (she hits the start button as a snooze then fully rises when it's finished), and functioned as a bufferworthy ritual that gave her some quiet time in bed before she got up to face the day. January is a long month with many hours of darkness and typically lots of icy mornings. But if you get your décor right - with atmospheric lighting, comforting soft furnishings, shelving displays that are well-considered, a new fragrance, beautiful house plants and tea and coffee on tap - then you’re sure to love being at home. You may even be disappointed when February is suddenly upon us!

January 2024 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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WHERE GIRLS THRIVE

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