MK Pulse Magazine July 24

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TFrom the Kerry Lewis-Stevenson Editor

he Parks Trust’s grand opening of the Shearing Park play area and green space was quite an event. With so many local streets named after breeds of sheep, residents and school children voted for the ideal name.

Don’t forget your youngsters can walk, run or scoot a sponsored lap of Willen’s North Lake at the Mini-Moo event on Sunday 15 September. With Willen Hospice’s ‘Flo the Cow’ mascot, music, games and stalls it’s a fabulous family day out.

Before that, we can say ‘Hello’ to a summer packed with activities and events you won’t want to miss! We’ve selected some of the highlights to help you start planning your summer fun.

For example, on 14 July, you can step back in time for the Battle of Northampton Day at Delapré Abbey. Or you can head to the water for Aqua Parcs’ ‘Mammoth’ obstacle course – no wonder it received MK’s Top Attraction award. Northampton is looking lovely with hundreds a flower displays and there are plenty of giggles at the Comedy Crate this month. For foodies there’s Bite Street at the County Cricket Ground in Northampton and Sophie’s Street Feast will be back in Milton Keynes in September. If you enjoy the Great Outdoors there are plenty of parks and farms to visit and Northampton’s wonderful Balloon Festival at the Racecourse in August.

What’s more, wildlife lovers could win free tickets to Woburn Safari Park. Just email us the answers to some easy questions before the end of the month. Or, if speed is more your style, scan the QR on page 28, to enter our competition by answering a simple question. You could win tickets to the Silverstone Festival in August.

There are just so many events and happenings –

you can fit in!

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

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

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

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The Parks Trust’s playful new addition

Whitehouse, Milton Keynes – The Parks Trust is excited to announce the grand opening of Shearing Park, a brandnew play area and green space named by the local community. Drawing inspiration from the rich history of the area, where some of the land was once part of an old clay pit and a section of the ‘Common Farm’, local residents and school children were invited to vote on a list of potential names. Reflecting the heritage of local streets named after breeds of sheep, Shearing Park emerged as the clear favorite, receiving over 80 votes.

Shearing Park is now open to the public and offers a variety of recreational facilities, including a play fort, climbing frames, a roundabout and swings. Surrounding the play area, visitors will find a multi-use games area equipped with football goals and basketball hoops, as well as beautifully landscaped areas with benches and walkways, making it the perfect opportunity to get outside.

Developed by L&Q and located off Ramboullet Drive in Whitehouse, this new park has been adopted by The Parks

Trust, making it the 30th play area managed by the charity. Moving forward, The Parks Trust will oversee the care and maintenance of Shearing Park and its equipment, adding to the 6,000 acres of green space they already manage across Milton Keynes.

Natalie Dewhirst, Green Infrastructure Officer at The Parks Trust, said: “We are thrilled to be able to open Shearing Park for the residents of Whitehouse. We hope that this wonderful park will be enjoyed by residents for years to come, enabling them to play, get together with family and friends, and create precious memories in their new local park.”

Adrian Clack, Managing Director at L&Q Estates, which is one of the UK’s major land promoters and developers, added: “Creating communities is one of the key drivers of our business and it is fantastic to see this park come to life. We believe our investment in Shearing Park will lead to the site becoming a focal point of the community and we are delighted to have handed it over to The Parks Trust to manage this new green space.”

Discover more about play areas in your area by visiting www.theparkstrust.com/shearingpark

Shearing Park is now open to the public and offers a variety of recreational facilities, including a play fort, climbing frames, a roundabout and swings

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile.

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

any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window

once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

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

Kids gear up for a ‘udderly’ good time at Willen Hospice’s movie-themed Mini-Moo event!

Willen Hospice is inviting local children to grab their trainers and scooters for their annual Mini-Moo event, on Sunday 15 September.

Taking place by the Hospice, this popular family event sees hundreds of children walk, run or scoot a sponsored lap of Willen’s North Lake, receiving a finisher’s medal at the end. Families can also look forward to music, games stalls, and Willen Hospice’s very own mascot, Flo the Cow, cheering the kids on!

This year’s event is extra special with a “moo-vies” theme. All MiniMoovers are encouraged to ‘Let it Flo’ and dress up in their best filminspired costumes, bringing their favourite movie characters to life!

Katrina Walsh, Willen Hospice events fundraiser, said: “Our Mini-Moo is such a great, family event. It’s fantastic to see all the kids dressed up and enjoying a morning of fun, fitness and fundraising. It’s also an opportunity for children to learn about our charity and giving back to their community.”

The Mini Moo is open to children aged 0 – 14 years, and the charity are offering a generous half-price early-bird offer until the 30 June, with tickets costing just £6!

Willen Hospice needs to raise £5.9 million every year, that’s £11 a minute, to continue caring for families affected by a life-limiting illness. Organisers are encouraging young fundraisers to go the extra mile by

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Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elevation New Homes presents Tempus House

Tempus House is a private and exclusive development of 100 apartments situated on the corner of Midsummer Boulevard and Upper Fourth Street; just a five-minute walk to Central Milton Keynes station.

Tempus House boasts an eclectic range of 100 studios, one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Offering an outstanding premium specification, including stone kitchen worktops, engineered wood flooring, fully tiled bathroom with a large vanity mirror and fully integrated kitchen with Smeg appliances; these apartments are a must see.

Currently on offer at Tempus House we are offering various incentives to help different buyers needs. Whether this be a stamp duty contribution or contribution towards your mortgage deposit. We can also tailor incentives to each individual’s needs.

There is currently one live show home, which is open five days a week (Thursday to Monday), 10am-6pm. Customers are welcome to walk down to the site to have a look, or you may book an appointment with

one of our experienced site representatives on 01908 767667.

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£199,950 for a studio apartment

£230,000 for a one-bedroom apartment

£280,000 for a two-bedroom apartment

Located on the tree lined Midsummer Boulevard, this opulent location of Milton Keynes City is just a five minute walk from Milton Keynes Central train, offering

you journey times of just 30 minutes to London Euston. This up and coming brand new residential square of Central Milton Keynes is set around the private and secure quadrant, offering a hidden green park area.

Elevation New Homes have currently sold 60% of the apartments. The majority of the apartments are build ready with the top floor apartments being ready July/August 2024.

Tempus House is situated on the corner of Midsummer Boulevard and Upper Fourth Street. Show flats now open for viewing. Open 5 days a week call 01908 767667 for an appointment.

A lesson in learning from the past

In the early 1900s, education in Newport Pagnell was courtesy of The National School, and there were three catering for local youngsters, who would put a penny in a pot in return for their schooling. But a new, purpose built educational facility brought about a new era in learning in the town. Sammy Jones learned more...

When it opened its doors to its first pupils, Newport Pagnell's Cedars School was known as Board Schools. They were built in 1896, at a cost of £10,768, a substantial amount of money back in the reign of Queen Victoria, of course, and they were designed to cater for a very specific 926 pupils.

When the official opening was held on November 10, 1896, attendees included the Rev C. M Ottley, chairman of the first School Board in the town, E M Kenney Herbert Esq,

Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools, Councillor Wilmer and Messrs Fred J. Taylor, Wm. Rogers Bull, W.R. Chantler, all members of the School Board, and business leaders in the community.

It was a school that catered for generations of my own family; my grandmother and father attended before me.

The school was split into three; for infants, for boys and girls. Lessons could be mixed, but playtime was a single sex affair.

Writing in a log book a year after the school had opened, headmistress Miss Jupp noted: 'The circumstances of this department are now eminently favourable and the school already doing very well promises to become one of the best of its class.'

In 1947, reorganisation saw the former boys school premises opened as the Primary School with mixed pupils and the girls school became the mixed Senior School.

The infants school remained unchanged, catering for little folks aged five to seven. When I was a pupil, I was lucky enough to have Mr Riches as my music teacher. He was a warm and funny man, who also worked as a DJ on a local radio station.

Music lessons were decidedly different for Nick Jones, who started his learning journey back in 1949. He recalls singing lessons being taught from a blackboard by Miss Richardson.

How did she rally the pupils? By using a pitchfork, of course!

“She would bang the pitchfork on a table and the vibration would provide the starting note for the key!” he remembered. Imagine that.

English, Maths, History and Art were staple subjects, but there were gender distinct lessons too – gardening for the boys and cooking for the girls!

“Needlework was a shared subject though,” Nick said, “We had one teacher, who would threaten punishment, 'I'll hit you just now, boy,' he would say. I don't remember him ever carrying out the threat, but I did get the cane across my hands on a couple of occasions – once when I was pushed out of line going to a lesson, and I took the blame.

“On another occasion, some climbing frames had been put up for the younger kids to use but we had a swing about on them, and paid the price!”

School days then were longer, running from 9am through to 4pm and class sizes were notably smaller, with a little more than 20 pupils per class. You would backchat at your peril!

Tom Cox attended the school between 1949 and 1952 and remembers a time of national mourning: “My abiding memory is the morning of the death of the King.

“We had to take our shoes off and then went into the main area where we were told of his death. If I remember we were then sent home,” he said.

Diane Sutton recalled that the toilets were in the playground during her time at the school – and would often freeze in winter.

And what about that mid-morning drink?

“Small bottles of milk were delivered daily and left in the playground and at morning break we all had to drink a bottle – that turned me off milk for life as they were freezing in winter and had gone horrible for being left in the sun in summer.”

In 1963, the senior school was moved to the new secondary school, Ousedale, with the old secondary space being distributed for use between the remaining schools.

A decade later, and a new name was given; Cedars County First and Middle School, and three years later, Portfields Combined School opened in keeping with the growing town, with some pupils transferring to the new build.

In 1981, the school celebrated the nuptials of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer by creating paper mache versions of them, and school trips to France became a tradition for Middle School pupils; a 12-day stay in Brittany for an environmental study was an annual opportunity.

School fetes were successful, and during my time there, needlework was still a thing – I utilised one of my dad's old socks to fashion a dolly as a wee nipper – bet they don't teach that skill today!

In 1980, a swimming pool was built on the school site, but though it made a splash when it opened – with First School headmistress Mrs Rose and Middle School headmaster Mr Harris taking to the water – it is now relegated to the memory; corroded foundations pulled the plug on the indoor pool.

As the town has continued to expand far beyond its 19th Century size, it has responded to growing numbers of people and there are now four junior schools to encourage young minds; Lovat School

closed in 2006, but Green Park and Tickford Park have joined Cedars and Portfields. Now known as Cedars Primary School and Nursery, the learning hub is under the stewardship of Headteacher Mrs Joanne Goldsmith.

It is a remarkably different establishment to the one that first opened its doors way back in 1896, and that aforementioned cane whacked the hands of its final victim decades ago.

Despite the many changes that have happened in its history, some things remain the same – and Cedars still boasts the same passion for the betterment of its pupils.

“Our guiding principles, supported by our vision and values, help to ensure our children blossom into confident, polite, well-rounded young people who, by the time they move on at the end of their primary years, are proud of their achievements and feel good about themselves,” said Mrs Goldsmith, “A huge influence on our success is the relentless high standards in all that we do. We have a highly motivated, enthusiastic team of staff who always put the children first. Children have one chance at their education and we believe they deserve the absolute best.”

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

Find out more about forthcoming events and see our opening times at: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Keynes Museum.

Additional info: The Living Archive

Two contrasting class photos at Cedars School, from 1932 and 1981

The imposing frontage of the original school building

Blackthorns Sun Club

A peaceful 15 acre woodland setting in which to spend the day, or bring a tent or caravan. Enjoy the heated pool, various sports, clubhouse, play area, sauna, BBQ, sun lawns & socials with meals & live music. Your membership will allow you unlimited attendance throughout the year. Feel at ease in a contained, safe environment, top up your Vitamin D levels and learn to relax. We have the naturist lifestyle for the whole family, just north of Bedford.

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FRI 12th JUL ‘24

Blenheim Palace with Afternoon Tea

£85 Adult, £83 over 65s, £70 per child 3-16yrs*, includes entrance fee, guided tour & afternoon tea.

*Please make us aware of any dietary requirements at booking* Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, is the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough. famous for its beautiful grounds including the Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House.

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 9.00am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 9.20am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.40am Blenheim Palace at 16.00pm

SAT 13th JUL ‘24

Trip to Eastbourne

£27 Adult, £17 per child 16yrs or under.

Enjoy more than 3 miles of vast shingle beaches and browse avariety of shops, restaurants & tea rooms.

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 7.30am

CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 7.50am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.10am Eastbourne at 17.00pm

TUE 16th JUL ‘24

Kew Gardens

£42 Adult, £37 over 65s, £29 per child 4-16yrs, £17 under 3s, includes entrance fee. Explore the world’s most famous botanic gardens. Kew Gardens boasts landscapes, glasshouses, and historic buildings. It’s also home to a vast range of rare and beautiful plants.

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 9.00am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 9.20am

Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.40am Kew Gardens at 16.30pm

SAT 20th JUL ‘24

Buckingham Palace

£52 Per person, includes entrance fee. Go behind the gates of the most famous property and landmark in the world, on a tour of the King’s Official Residence with 775 magnificent rooms. Highlights of the Buckingham Palace summer opening include:

• The 19 beautifully decorated State Rooms, used for receiving guests and official functions.

• The Throne Room – often used as a backdrop for royal wedding photos.

• The magnificent Grand Staircase.

• Pieces of fine art, including works by Canaletto, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.

• A multimedia tour introduced by King Charles III.

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 9.00am

CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 9.20am

Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.40am London at 17.00pm

SUN 21st JUL ‘24

Nottingham Trent - Princess River Cruise with Sunday lunch

£55.00 Per person includes 3 hour cruise with a 2 course Sunday lunch.

*Please make us aware of any dietary requirements at booking* Based at the stunning River Lodge, conveniently situated two miles from Nottingham City Centre, the Nottingham Princess is the largest River Cruiser on the River Trent. Relax on board, enjoy Sunday lunch and listen to the live commentary of the local area and wildlife.

Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 9.00am CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 9.20am Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.40am Nottingham at 15.45pm

daytrips@billscoachhire.co.uk | www.billscoachhire.co.uk

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

SUMMER

The Pulse guide to summer events and attractions

Get ready to embrace summer, whatever the weather! Our annual guide, Hello Summer is bursting with 18 pages of thrilling things to do and see across Milton Keynes, Bucks, Beds and Northamptonshire. Whether you’re with kids, family, or friends, there’s something exciting for everyone. Explore Hello Summer and start planning your summer fun.

Giggles

summer sounds Hello

He’s a Rascal and he’s heading our way! Dizzee will be gracing the grounds of Delapré Abbey (August 9). The super successful MC and rapper is a grime pioneer who has spent the past two decades chart-bothering and shaking up the scene – his first elpee, Boy in da Corner took the prestigious Mercury Award.

Earlier this year, he unleashed the essential Don’t Take It Personal LP, which reaffirmed him as a genre leader, with another victory lap on what is one of rap music’s defining legacies.

A day later (August 10) and Summertime Live returns to the venue with a one-day festival headlined by Classic Ibiza, with two stages of music and DJs to get lost in.

Over in Bedford, Welsh wonder Tom Jones is back (July 4) and this consummate professional is ready with an armoury of classics like It’s Not Unusual, She’s A Lady and Sexbomb

Tom has been a music staple for more than six decades, and during that time he has racked up sales in excess of 100 million!

A Knighthood, many BRIT awards, a Silver Clef Award and a Hitmaker Award make that mantelpiece a busy place in his abode.

Tom will be supported by Beverley Knight, Stone Foundation and STORRY

Pete Tong returns with Ibiza Classics (July 5). The electronic dance music pioneer has committed himself to transforming dance music into a global genre, and what a great job he has made of it!

Joining him at the Classics bash will be Jules Buckley, The Essential Orchestra, Groove Armada, Arielle Free and Five Past 5

James (July 6) celebrated 40 years of music making in 2023, and the band aren’t slowing any, but they are offering something different for this performance, which will be orchestral, following on from last year’s anniversary opus, which reimagined their music with a 22-piece, orchestra and choir.

Expect a transformative musical experience where their hits will be elevated by dynamic layers of those aforementioned orchestral and choral additions.

One time Smiths guitarist turned solo hitmaker, Johnny Marr is also on the bill, along with Inspiral Carpets, The Magic Numbers and Tom A. Smith

The ridiculously talented Nile Rodgers and CHIC (July 7) will wrap up a mammoth weekend for the town.

The multiple Grammy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer and guitarist has worked with Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Madonna and Duran Duran, and he’s had some none-too shabby collaborations with artists like Daft Punk and Beyonce, not forgetting his own deliveries like Le Freak, which was the biggest selling single in the history of Atlantic Records.

Oh to have a pinch of that man’s talent.

A non-stop dance fest is a given, and it will start early – support comes from DJ Spoony, Deco and Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Go check in and get those tickets at smmrsessions.com

At The National Bowl in Milton Keynes, Reggae Land will be king on August 3 & 4 with more than 80 artists appearing across four stages, with headliners including UB40 featuring Ali Campbell.

Music aside, there will be a Reggae Flea market, fairground, Carnival Float stage and dancers, not to mention a Caribbean Food Village, and drinks galore in the Rum Shacks, Gin Bars and Caribbean cocktail bars.

Chase & Status (August 10) play their biggest ever headliner at the venue with support from artists including Andy C, Hedex B2B Bou and Casisdead

On August 11, the vibe will be different, but the buzz will be just as great when Yungblud brings his Bludfest to the venue.

Other artists on the bill include Lil Yachty, Soft Play, The Damned, Nessa Barrett, Lola Young and Jazmin Bean

“Bludfest will blur the lines of genre and destroy the limitation of imagination,” Yungblud promised.

Yungblud (inset) brings his Bludfest to Milton Keynes and Dizzee Rascal will make the crowd go Bonkers at Delapré Abbey

Tom Jones brings his voice to Bedford Park and Reggae Land returns to The National Bowl

Nile Rodgers completes the line-up at Bedford Park this summer

Pic: Reggae Land and Luke Deakin

Dancing Hello

Chester House Estate is getting into gear in anticipation of its Classic Car & Bike Show (July 13). If you love nostalgia and beautiful bodywork, this is the event for you with automotive elegance at its best.

From vintage motors to timeless motorcycles, the show will be an opportunity to learn about the craftsmanship, innovation and golden era of motoring.

Live entertainment and a selection of food vendors will also be present.

ABBA fans will be able to delight in the music of the Swedish superstars when the 21st Century ABBA Tribute arrives (July 14).

You know the soundtrack to expect, and this will be delivered with a full band in the otherwise tranquil setting of Chester House grounds – pack a picnic and enjoy the space with friends and family before reaching for your dancing shoes and moving to the smashes, thrashes and hits of Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Frida.

If you want more chart-bothering hits aired in the great outdoors, you are in luck – on July 28, the 21st Century Queen Tribute

Delapré Hello

Delapré Abbey invites you to step back in time for the Battle of Northampton Day (July 14) with tours of the battlefield, and you can learn about the pivotal moments from the 1460 clash and have the opportunity to engage with reenactors who will bring the era to vivid life.

You can even attend a medieval hawking show in the Walled Garden, a must-see display of medieval hunting birds in action.

On July 21, it will be canines, not birds that fill the space, with Delapré’s inaugural Doggy Dawdle – you get to walk, jog or run with your pooch at this doggy themed fun run. It’s not too strenuous either; choose from a one, two or three mile route. Will you go walkies or up the pace? Tails will wag.

An afternoon session of Princess fun is planned for August 3 and August 17, when the venue teams up with Kelly’s Princess Parties for an afternoon tea (with all the expected sandwiches, scones and treats), the opportunity to meet the Princesses and enjoy music, singing and dancing, games, Princess training, bubbles and photo time. Which little child wouldn’t enjoy this?

Queens

will have a setlist crammed with finery; from Keep Yourself Alive and Crazy Little Thing Called Love to We Will Rock You and the lesser-known Bohemian Rhapsody!

If you want to spice up your weekend, you could do worse than take a ticket for the Spice Girls tribute (August 23). Forget two become one, at this show, five become four, with Posh missing from the line-up but the remaining ladies will bring a fine line in 90s nostalgia.

If you still know how to bust the moves to Say You’ll Be There, Stop and Who Do You Think You Are, then you Wannabe in the audience for this!

Motown by Moonlight (August 26) will deliver the music of icons including Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. Motown magic, again with the option to picnic on site.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company will deliver a brand new take on the classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast (August 29).

Away from music and theatre, Chester House Estate has opportunities to engage with Prehistoric Workshop sessions, starting with an introduction to Flint Knapping (August 2 & 3) and introduction to flax processing (August 16 & 17).

You will learn how to spin flax on the leg, be able to experiment with a range of drop spindles, and try your hand at spinning. Last up, on August 24, you are invited to a hafting workshop

Hafting is the process of attaching a stone or metal tool to a handle or strap. Explore the basics of flint-knapping, flax cordage-making, wood-working, and hafting with flint tools and tree-sap glue as you make your own flint sickle or bladed tool to take home.

> For the full listings visit chesterhouseestate.org

Dinosaurs in the Park (August 16 - September 1) will be a roar-some event, and one that is set to transform the grounds!

Look into the trees and discover the dinos hidden there. Marvel at the majestic Brachiosaurus, be wowed by the T-Rex and learn lots of fascinating facts courtesy of the Dinosaur Dentist.

A bouncy castle, face painting and fossil digging will add to the fun.

Once you’ve completed the trail, a fun zone will deliver lots of hands-on activities, including mini golf, soft play for the under 3’s, and a visit to the Palaeontological tent will deliver fossils and dinosaur dung. Kids will love this – and plenty of adults will, too!

> To book and for more information tap to delapreabbey.org

Delapré Abbey has something for all the family this summer, including the pooch

Chester House hosts its Classic Car & Bike Show on July 13 and a Spice Girls tribute on August 23

Water Fun

The Mammoth is back! Hello

Summer’s here and it’s time to head to the water! Aqua Parcs on Willen Lake is back and so is its giant ‘Mammoth’ obstacle – colossal by name and by size!

Introduced to the 450-metre-long inflatable water park last year, the ‘Mammoth’ stands at 30ft tall and features a daring 20ft ‘cliff jump’ – making it ones of the biggest attractions in Milton Keynes.

Awarded MK’s Top Attraction 2023 at the MK Food & Leisure Awards, Aqua Parcs enters its 7th year at Willen Lake and will bring new features to the park for 2024. Split over three unique sections: Union, Aqua Glide and Airspace, visitors get a different experience at each area – all included in the one-hour session.

Aqua Parcs has also taken over the Open Water Swimming operations at Willen Lake

Flowers Hello

Around 500 beautiful hanging baskets and planters are now installed in Northampton town centre and the surrounding wards, bringing a splash of summer colour to the urban streets.

This annual planting scheme, known as ‘Northampton in Bloom’, is coordinated by Northampton Town Council and includes community-led and sustainable planting initiatives, such as using peat-free compost and perennial flowers, which will grow back year after year.

The council’s Climate Change Forum has led the way on introducing these sustainable planters, selecting plants not only for their sustainability, but also for their biodiversity value in attracting bees and providing a habitat for insects and birds.

An example of this planting can be seen in the recently restored St Katherine’s Gardens in Northampton town centre, where forum members worked with the Northampton BID and volunteers from local organisations including the Royal British Legion, to plant beds with a mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs.

The town council has also funded several community groups through its Bloom and

that invites people to join a community of swimmers that take to the lake on Saturday mornings with Sunday mornings and a weekday evening to be added in line with demand.

This year, Aqua Parcs introduces its new tiered memberships: Silver (£50) gives access to all Off-Peak sessions and Gold (£75) gives unlimited access to Peak and OffPeak sessions. Individual entry is from £22. All sessions include wetsuit hire, a safety briefing, a buoyancy aid and 50 minutes on the park.

Families, kids from the age of 6 years old and adventurous thrill-seekers alike will all be able to take part in the inflatable water fun on the lake in total safety, thanks to Aqua Parcs’ stringent safety measures as recognised by The Royal Life Saving Society awarding Aqua Parcs a Gold accreditation.

Numbers on the park are strictly limited. The park has been split into sections, and visitors will move between them at allocated times within their session.

> Further details about booking and preparing for a visit can be found at www.aquaparcs.co.uk

Connect with Aqua Parcs on social media at: Facebook: www.facebook.com/AquaparcsUK Twitter: @aquaparcs Instagram: @aquaparcsmk

Northampton is beginning to bloom

enhance green spaces such as public gardens and church yards in their neighbourhoods.

In 2025, the town council will enter the East Midlands in Bloom competition. Community groups are welcome to be part of this and can contact the council if they have a planting project they would like to include.

This summer also sees the re-introduction of the Wellness Walk around Abington Park, where visitors can follow a trail of boards amongst the park’s flower beds, each featuring a different uplifting wellbeing quote written by local poet James McInerey.

> For information on Northampton in Bloom, including a trail map, and to find out more about the Climate Change Forum, please visit www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk

In other news, Bands in the Park performances continue at the Abington Park Bandstand every Sunday between 2 - 5pm. This month’s performances are: 7th July - Moulton 77 Brass Band 14th July – Brackley & District Band 21st July – City of Coventry Brass 28th July – Nene Valley Community Band.

And the Northampton Pride Parade and Festival takes place on Saturday, 13th July from 11am – 6pm at the Northampton University Waterside Campus. Visit Facebook for more information.

Giggles Hello

LOL this summer

The Comedy Crate has been stacked over the past few weeks with a veritable feast of cracking nights, and the funny times keep on rolling through to the end of July with much still to enjoy.

Scott Bennett and Sara Barron visit

The Lamplighter (July 8) and Scott’s turn in the spotlight, Blood Sugar Baby, tells the amazing true story of how his infant daughter fell ill with a rare genetic condition. It mightn’t sound very funny, but Scott has managed to make it so – and it comes with a happy ending.

The blurb goes like this: ‘Two soul mates are taken from the idyllic world of NCT classes and plunged into months of treatment, genetics, bizarre side effects, private jets, and celebrity encounters.’

Foodies Hello

Jon Pearson asks What Have You Been Up To? (July 17) when he rocks up at VandB as part of his first UK tour.

It comes with the promise that he will weave comedy gold from what feels like thin air, by talking to you, the audience.

The Comedy Crate Weekender (July 20 & 21), with support from Northampton Town Centre BID, will deliver 25 acts across three stages in two days. All those taking part will be delivering Edinburgh previews or work in progress sets, and there are some terrific

talents lined-up for you – Maisie Adam, Jack Skipper, Mark Thomas, Angela Barnes, Hudson & Hudson and John Robertson among them.

Local talent done swell, Andrew Bird is also on the bill.

Last up, on July 27, Markus Birdman and Jacob Nussey will grab the mic at Cheyne Walk Club

> To book tickets head to thecomedycrate.com

Go take a bite

Bite Street Northampton has liplicking events offering fabulous eats, liquid treats and cool beats throughout the summer.

The brand will cater for you at The County Cricket Ground (July 26-28), with the promise of epic vendors, house cocktails, foaming beer, good wine and great vibes.

Meet the acquaintance of Tapas Zampa, The Patty Freaks, Gyro Guys, and vegan donut deliverers, Flats Doughnuts.

The bar will be serving up Budvar, Brooklyn Pilsner, Brooklyn Defender, Punk IPA, Prosecco van, cocktails, cider, Warner’s gin and vegan wine. Cheers to that.

There are further chances to tickle those tastebuds at Franklin’s Gardens with a variety of traders – check in between August 9 & 11, and again between August 23 & 25.

Food shouldn’t just nourish, it should be an occasion, and Bite Street has got this business bang on.

> Let the tasting begin at bitestreet.co.uk

Looking ahead, Sophie’s Street Feast will return to Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre this September 22, promising an eclectic mix of street food vendors, with delicious dishes inspired by cuisines from far and wide. More details will be announced in due course.

Get ready to devour all kinds of delight at this free to attend event in the picturesque corner of the new city, which also raises funds for some deserving charities. What’s not to like?

Clockwise from the top left: Angela Barnes, Mark Thomas, Jack Skinner and Maisie Adams will deliver the laughs from the Comedy Crate

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

HISTORIC F1 CARS

TOURING CARS GT CARS SPORTS CARS PLUS: AYRTON SENNA TRIBUTE TRACK ON

FEST FOODIE

DIDDLY SQUAT FARM SHOP

LOCAL ARTISAN MARKET

TASTING TENT

SILVERSTONE KITCHEN LIVE WITH TOP CHEFS TO BE ANNOUNCED...

CIRCUS SHOWS & WORKSHOPS

STEM ACTIVITY WITH LEGO BIG WHEEL

TRADITIONAL FUNFAIR

THRILL RIDES

CRECHE & SOFT PLAY

AXE THROWING

WATER ZORBS

CRAZY GOLF & GARDEN GAMES

MINI MONSTER TRUCKS

FACEPAINTING

FT. FORMULA 1 TEAM SHOW CARS FAN

THOUSANDS OF CLASSIC CARS

HOT AIR BALLOON NIGHT GLOW DREAM RIDES

STUNT & RALLY SHOWS

DRIFTING & DRAGSTERS AUCTIONS

EV TEST DRIVES

YOUNG DRIVER LESSONS SHOPPING VILLAGE PLUS

Parklife Hello

The Parks Trust has a heap of family friendly events to get you out and making the most of MK’s beautiful green spaces in the coming weeks.

Love Nature Day (July 6) at Howe Park Wood is the perfect example – local wildlife organisations who are driving positive change in the natural environment will show you how to connect with nature, and how you can support it at home.

There will be a number of crafts and activities to partake in, and if you want to learn how you can support our pollinators, you’ll ‘bee’ in the right place.

The Biodiversity Team will be present and leading guided walks in the ancient woodland – a BSL interpreter will be available for both walks, and you can practice mindfulness in nature with a yoga session.

Add in face painting and storytelling and you’ve got all you need for a fab, free afternoon out.

At Willen Lake (July 6), the 22nd MK Dragon Boat Festival will be causing ripples.

More than 40 teams will compete over the 200m course, and spectators can enjoy food and activities on terra firma.

Back at Howe Park Wood (July 23-25) a series of Open Mornings will be taking a closer look at mammals, by exploring some of the nests, feathers and skulls discovered in local parks.

The woods are home to many endangered plant and animal species, and have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Nature themed challenges and self-guided trails await, and volunteers will be on hand to help you get the most from your visit.

A trip to the Fun Fair is a school holiday treat, and John Scarrott and Sons will bring the rides, stalls and games to Willen Lake between July 25 and August 11.

The aroma of donuts and candy floss will fill the air, accompanied by the excited chatter of youngsters.

At Ashland Lakes (August 7) little folks can get stuck into Parkland Play with face painting, crafts, soft play, storytelling, lawn games and sensory experiences.

Why not join the Outdoor Learning Team for a bug-hunting escapade?

Further sessions will be held at Glebe Farm (August 14), Whitehouse Park (August 21) and Stanton Low (August 28).

History lovers can trace the footsteps of the Romans at North Loughton Valley Park (August 17).

This is a chance to learn about their way of life, and how better to fire up imaginations than with a guided tour around the Roman Villa remains?

Meet ‘real-life’ Roman soldiers and see if you’ve got what it takes to join the army...

Build your own fort before dismantling it with a hand build Roman catapult!

While there, you can also learn about everything from Roman medicine to mosaics. Fun-filled and educational, and as with all these events, free to attend.

> For more information on all upcoming events offered by The Parks Trust, visit theparkstrust.com

Howe Park Wood

Discover the Romans at North Loughton Valley Park on August 17

Love Nature Day, Howe Park Wood

Win a family ticket to Woburn Safari Park!

Woburn Hello

Win one of THREE family tickets to Woburn Safari Park and you’ll find yourself transported to the savannah grasslands of Africa, the forests of North America, the desert coasts of South America… and beyond!

You’ll get the chance to get up close to some amazing animals, including rhinos, tigers, lions, bears, monkeys and giraffes. Once you’ve enjoyed your amazing adventure by car in the Road Safari, continue the fun on foot in the Foot Safari, home to squirrel monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, sea lions, penguins, and many others!

Catch the programme of fascinating keeper talks and demonstrations throughout the day, to learn more about the species and get to know individual animal residents better.

See a world of wonderful animals, all in one amazing day, without even leaving the country. Fun, learning and playtime for you and your little monkeys.

Spot the three adorable endangered ring-tailed lemur babies born recently in the Land of the Lemurs walkthrough enclosure. Watch them take on new heights as they learn to climb, jump and play - as you walk right alongside them in their beautiful woodland enclosure.

Venture around the Park this summer and you may spot a familiar face, as some of the most popular kids’ TV characters are coming to say hello to their littlest fans. Visit on selected dates throughout July and August, and book your ticket to see Peppa Pig, Hey Duggee, CoComelon characters, Bluey and Gruffalo, as they’ll be popping up to meet and greet their fans!

For your chance to win, answer this question:

Name three of the continents that our animals originate from... and email your answer to mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Subject: MK Pulse Woburn Safari Park along with your name, address and a contact telephone number. The closing date for entries is: Wednesday July 31

farm fun Hello

Forget term time, it’s farm time for guaranteed school holiday fun, and Mead Open Farm in Billington has got plenty to keep the kids happy. Shaggy’s Summer Spectacular launches on July 20 and runs through to September 1.

Visitors will be able to try Water Zorbing (suitable for ages six and over), can strut their stuff on the dance floor at the Silent Disco and foamy fun will rule with the end of the day Foam Party returning.

There is plenty more, with Indoor Soft Play, Sky Trail-High Ropes, a Climbing Wall, Go Karts, Outdoor Log Play, and even a JCB Digger Village!

Get grooving on the farm

Tractor and Trailer Rides will take the strain while you put your feet up for a while, and if you want to get hands on with the animals, how about taking a turn with the daily pony grooming sessions or the Bunny Hop?

Don’t forget to grab a selfie with Mead’s mascot, Shaggy too.

> Book online and you save 20%. Visit meadopenfarm.co.uk

An amazing attraction

The Patch MK is a petal-tastic treat just now, with its Flower Fields delivering a sea of colour.

Speciality sunflowers and wildflowers are grown across 50 acres of the family farm. The flower fields are no ordinary pick your own, with more than 500,000 sunflowers and 75 million wildflowers, the fields are a stunning spectacle to behold and offer visitors endless choice when creating their bouquets to take home. They also offer an escape from the pace of life and allow visitors time to reconnect with nature. But the flower power is only a small part of the offering from The Patch, located on Stratford Road in Northants, a small drive from Milton Keynes.

If you visit, you must investigate the Maize Mazes, which this year include the roar-some Jurassic Maze, which is home to 14 giant dinosaurs, and the Musical Maze – as you navigate the space you can make music with family and friends, experimenting with rhythm and pitch.

> Book for your bloomin’ great day out at thepatchmk.co.uk

Something to ‘tipple’ your fancy

If, like us, you love a little gin tipple, your palate will no doubt have met with Warner’s Gin before now.

The distillery, which is all about quality and contemporary twists on traditional flavour, is set in the rolling hills of Northamptonshire on an estate dating back to the 13th century.

Its super spirits utilise the elderflower, angelica, verbena and lavender grown on the farm.

The team behind the winning liquor are offering tours of the distillery, which gives you unrivalled access, taking you through the art of gin-making, from those beautiful botanicals to the sustainable practices they employ, showing a commitment to the environment.

There are two tours to choose from; a classic distillery tasting tour within the farm, or, a longer nature experience, which will see you tour through the 140 acre farm, where you will tend the bee hives, harvest those farmgrown botanicals, mix up cocktails and enjoy a tasting of the range of award-winning flavours.

This sounds like our idea of heaven.

> For a truly Gincredible day out visit warnersdistillery.com

Pic: Kate Stoddart-Scott

Pic: Kate Stoddart-Scott

Heartlover1717, flickr

Silverstone

Hello Win a family festival ticket

When it comes to putting on prime entertainment The Silverstone Festival is in pole position, and ready to deliver a weekend of sunny delight this August 23-25.

Pop perfection will spill from the main stage with headliners Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Busted and Olly Murs playing over the three days, with support acts including Shola Ama, Nath Brooks, Somebody’s Child, Cassa Jackson, ADMT and Furnace and the Fundamentals

But music aside, there is much, much more to take attentions, with historic F1 cars and sports cars, a tribute to Ayrton Senna, a foodie fest including Diddly Squat Farm Shop, a local artisan market, tasting tent and Silverstone Kitchen Live – expect to see some familiar faces in charge of the live demos...

History Hello

Milton Keynes Museum prides itself on being a hands-on environment, eschewing exhibits behind glass in favour of tactile opportunities, making it a firm favourite with visitors.

And what a lot there is to see!

Set in beautiful farmland on the outskirts of Wolverton, the Museum is dedicated to the history of the new city, and of the ancient history which came before it.

Step inside the Victorian Farmhouse and play old fashioned games and musical instruments in the Parlour Room, make toast in front of an open fire in the kitchen or tackle the washing in the laundry room.

Go window shopping in the Street of Shops, with its many original old shop fronts saved from long gone stores locally.

There is a Farming Barn, a Print Room, and in the Hall of Transport you can investigate the old fire engines (that were pulled by horses!), explore bicycles through the decades, and take a seat on the world’s biggest stream tram, and much more besides.

One highlight for many visitors is a trip to the Telephone Gallery, which offers a

Elsewhere, there will be circus shows and workshops, STEM activity with Lego, a big wheel, traditional funfair, creche and soft play, axe throwing, crazy golf and garden games, mini monster trucks and face painting.

The Fan Zone will be displaying the Formula 1 team show cars, so make sure to go and check them out, and in addition to that there will be thousands of classic cars parked up for inspection, a hot air balloon night glow, stunt and rally shows, young driver lessons and a shopping village to get lost in.

It’s a monster of an event which truly caters for everyone.

> Make tracks for an exceptional weekend, visit silverstone.co.uk

For your chance to win one of two sets of family tickets at Silverstone Festival:

Where does the Formula 1 British Grand Prix take place each year?

Scan the QR code below to enter

The family ticket at Silverstone Festival is for two adults and up to four child tickets, on the day of the winner’s choice so that you can be part of the ultimate family festival at the home of British motorsport.

The closing date for entries is:

Wednesday, July 31

nostalgic look back at how these essential communication tools have evolved.

Two new galleries are currently being worked on, and once open they will tell the story of Milton Keynes becoming a city, and its ancient past – from the Jurassic era to the here and now.

There is so much to see and do, and a yummy tea room to ensure that tummies don’t rumble during your visit. If you’d prefer, take a picnic and enjoy the green spaces, play area and the pretty Victorian and Wartime gardens, and no visit is complete without popping to

see MK’s famous concrete cows, who have now retired to chew the cud at the Museum! Pay once, and enjoy unlimited visits for a whole year – including free entry to all its special events. And there will be plenty of summer holiday activities, so there’s no need to worry about keeping the kids entertained once school is out.

Think you know Milton Keynes? Visit MK Museum and think again!

> Connect at miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Youngsters can learn about the past in a fun environment at Milton Keynes Museum

Hello

Wicksteed

The new Jolly Jockeys ride at Wicksteed Park has got visitors jumping for joy!

The lakeside attraction allows you to hit the saddle and gallop to victory in a horse race around a circuit of twists, turns and fences.

Jolly Jockeys is the latest addition to the park, and follows on from recent year additions including the Galaxy Invaders rider, the Garden Wheel and Meerkat Manor.

The Park also cheers little folks with its daytime shows including Wicky Bear and friends.

All the park’s rides and attractions will be open each weekend and throughout the summer holidays, so you can enjoy rides like Dinosaur Valley and Rocky River Falls or favourites like the Paratrooper, the Dodgems, the Train, Sway Rider and the Carousel

And with everyone having to make the pounds and pence go further, the park has reduced pre-booked, dated wristbands to just £20, with individual ride tickets at £3.

Under starter’s orders

Wicksteed Park was opened in 1921 by Charles Wicksteed, the creator of swings and slides as we know them today, who had a vision to inspire and encourage play as part of families’ health and wellbeing.

More than a century since turning his vision into a reality, Wicksteed Park is still at the heart of the matter for families seeking fun times.

> Arrange yours by clicking to wicksteedpark.org

Up, up and away!

Hello

Balloons

The Northampton Balloon Festival is back at the town’s Racecourse (August 16-18) and ready to delight thousands at the family spectacle. Enjoy lots of live arena entertainment; a circus workshop will wow, a funfair will thrill and there will be plenty of trade stalls to investigate. Wonder at the majesty of the birds of prey, and plenty of food and drink stalls are set to keep your energy levels up.

At sunset, the hot air balloons will glow in a true spectacle of light, and then, when the skies have been filled with the balloons, you can keep your eyes trained upwards to enjoy the fireworks that will follow.

‘Don’t miss this magical celebration that promises unforgettable moments for the whole family. Join us in Northampton for a weekend of high-flying joy!’ urge organisers. Visit once and never again will ‘a load of hot air’ have the same meaning. This is a gem in the town’s annual programme.

> For more information, fire over to thenorthamptonballoonfestival.co.uk

Hello

exhibitions

MK Gallery has partnered with five local community groups to curate this year’s edition of MK Calling; MK SNAP, The Visually Impaired People Group, Unknown Collective, members of the Middle Eastern Cultural Group, and adults from Q:Alliance have all played their part in this show.

The result is a melting pot of marvellous, creative moments, spanning sculpture, painting, photography, installation and film. In all, there are more than 120 established and emerging artists showing out in the gallery space, with themes as varied as the pieces on display; inclusivity, identity, possible futures, heritage, and significant moments all take their turn across the five thematic gallery spaces.

The show runs all the way through to September 29, so plenty of time to check in with the talents on your doorstep, and it’s a celebratory event too – marking a quarter of a century that the gallery has been providing visitors to Milton Keynes with thought-provoking exhibitions.

> For more information head to mkgallery.org

Atemporary exhibition at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery will bring to life the history behind the infamous Royal Mail Steamer, Titanic

From conception to her tragic and untimely demise, Honour and Glory will display artefacts from the disaster, together with props from the blockbuster film.

The exhibition is open now, and continues through to September 15.

Something quite different, and very charming, is Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee (showing until September 8). Elmer, Mr Benn and Bernard will be brought to life using original paintings, storyboards and illustrations, film and interactives.

No matter whether you are a youngster or a big kid (!) you will find something to charm you.

If you are a fan of our feathered friends, then you’ll want to stick your beak into Brilliant Birds: The Love Birds Wedding (until September 1) at Abington Park Museum ‘Owls, a penguin, cranes, and storks along with many other birds all feature in The Lovebirds Wedding by Henry Stacy Marks.’ Pop along and explore their stories and myths, facts and imagery in this family friendly display.

The many stories shared as part of the recent 80th D-day commemoration were moving, poignant and inspirational, but the tales of heroism and devastation should never be forgotten.

Also at Abington Park Museum (Until September 30), Poppy Project showcases an impressive number of locally crafted poppies, each representing an individual with a Northamptonshire connection, who was a casualty of the D-Day landings, and the subsequent battles.

> Investigate more by visiting northamptonmuseums.com

Clockwise from top left, Darcey Fleming, Bubble Bath; Eliza Rawlings, Self-portraits; Nour Huda, Prayer; and Allistair Covell, The Night Cafe. See them at MK Gallery this summer

Honour and Glory displays artefacts from the Titanic and the James Cameron film of its name

The Poppy Project at Abington Park Museum will display locally crafted poppies

Lamport Hall supplies the sunshine

Summer events at Lamport always feel particularly special with the gardens a riot of colour and the sun (mostly!) shining.

This year’s outdoor theatre is being performed by Boxtree Productions and will be a family-friendly performance of Wind in the Willows on Friday 12 July. Order a picnic and enjoy the wonderful surroundings of the Walled Garden on a summer’s evening.

The Tame Valley Stompers Allstars return for another year on Sunday 14 July. This always feels like a quintessential day out so gather a group of friends and family, bring some strawberries and soak up the sounds of traditional jazz on a Sunday afternoon.

We continue to celebrate 50 years of the Preservation Trust which cares for Lamport Hall with the King West Country Club Cocktail Party on Saturday 27 July. Lamport Hall was converted briefly into a country club in the 1930s so we’ll be turning back the clocks for a cocktail party in the Hall. There will be themed cocktails and canapes as well as dance demonstrations, a gramophone DJ and a live jazz vocalist. 1930s outfits are encouraged!

We will also be welcoming LunaFlix back to Lamport on Saturday 3 August for an

outdoor cinema screening of Pretty Woman. Enjoy a stroll round the gardens, an evening picnic and the bar and gourmet popcorn on offer before settling down at sunset to watch the 1980s classic. Perfect for a girl’s night out or romantic date night.

For smaller visitors, we have our stay and play sessions with The Realm of Enchantment and Outdoor Explorers as well as brand new activity packs to complement a visit to the Hall.

The Hall and Gardens will also be open every Wednesday and

Afternoon Tea Al fresco

Indulge in our summer afternoon tea menu with delicious sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries on our al fresco dining area. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Rose Prosecco in June, July and August.

Served daily from 12pm to 5pm

Traditional Vintage £32.95

To book call 01536 416666

Thursday alongside our café and gift shop. Dogs on leads are most welcome. We can’t wait to welcome you this summer! Please visit the website on www.lamporthall.co.uk for more information or phone the office on 01604 686272

Chaiiwala Indian Street

We’ve

The Uk’s premium dessert restaurant is now open in Milton Keynes. Visit and enjoy our desserts created with dedication and passion, our menu has been ‘Made with Love’ creating Heavenly moments for all who visit. We are open from 12pm to 11pm every day. Deliveries available on UberEats & Deliveroo.

We’ve got politics, wildlife and plenty of vava-vroom for you in this month’s Pulse Pics...

Snapper Colin Kempster delivers truly beautiful wildlife and nature shots taken here in Milton Keynes, as these examples demonstrate; a Silver Green Leaf Weevil, a Malachite Beetle and a chirpy Common Whitethroat

Now we’re no lover of arachnids, but this image is a stunner too, right?

See more of Colin’s perfect pics on Instagram: @pixbycurvy

The election is now imminent, but both the Conservatives and Labour made early visits to the new city on the campaign trail, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner in town to support their respective local candidates.

More than 400 cars and bikes, including some military vehicles, turned Stony Stratford’s town centre into a classic motoring fan’s dream, with tens of thousands of members of the public flocking to assess the gleaming body work on display at Classic Stony. The free to attend annual event raises funds for Willen Hospice.

A little ray of

of sunshine

Us Brits are weather obsessed, and the moment the sun breaks through, we shed the layers in search of bronzed skin. But no tan is worth the threat of skin cancer. As we get summer ready, it should be the lotions, not the bikinis and shorts, that are top of our shopping list. Be smart. Stay safe. Introducing your new best friends...

New to the Clarins offering are four protection from sun products which will help to prevent wrinkles and dark spots. Sun-induced ageing is being packed off for a holiday of its own!

The Face Protectors – Youth-protecting Sunscreen - are available in SPF30 and SPF50+ and capable of supporting all skin types, even the most sensitive. Water resistant, the melting texture has a dry-feel and a matte finish.

Before you step outside, give your skin a spritz of the Sun Spray Lotion, or get busy with the Body Oil. It’s lightweight and presents an invisible finish. This is what happens when plant power meets science.

Get it: clarins.co.uk

RRP: £26 (Sunscreen)

£28 (Sun Spray Body Lotion & Sun Body Oil)

Grab an RMS Beauty SuperNatural Radiance Tinted Serum, and you’ll be in great company –within a week of its launch in February, it became a top seller on SpaceNK! Its light formula delivers a soft-focus filter and the perfect tint to enhance your natural complexion. There are three versatile shades to choose from which blend to a range of skin tones, and they all benefit from non-nano Zinc Oxide, which is a mineral SPF to keep skin safe.

Get it: SpaceNK.com

RRP: £51

Sol de Janeiro has just launched Body Lotion. It’s non-greasy, hydrates with ease and is beautifully fragranced with Sol’s Cheirosa 87.

The lotion works on all skin tones, delivering a soft-focus, easy glow – and with SPF50 at your fingertips, you’ve got an easy barrier from the damage potential.

If Body Oil is your go to, Sol de Janeiro has bottled that for you too – same fragrance, same SPF, this one will brighten and nourish.

Get it: cultbeauty.co.uk

RRP: £40 (Lotion), £38 (Oil)

Million Dollar Sunscreen is Lush, through and through! Made with honey and Fair Trade shea butter, the brand has also utilised organic sesame, jojoba, and cold-pressed primrose oils in this tub of skin support, which is aided by a subtle shimmer.

This SPF30 is great for the face, neck, chest and arms and should be applied generously every two hours.

Get it: Lush stores in centre:mk, Milton Keynes and the Grosvenor Centre, Northampton and online at lush.com/uk

RRP: £18 (50g), £30 (100g)

Shower on your sun care, while you shower off the grime!

The Lush Sunblock is a solid combo of sunscreens and skin-loving Fair Trade organic cocoa butter, calamine powder, and chamomile blue oil. It’s SPF30 and will leave you feeling cool, calm and protected. Cleverly marked out in chunks so you can be sure to use the right amount, you simply leave the shower and gently pat yourself dry to help protect against those harmful rays.

When it gets really hot, the Sunblock might have a little meltdown of its own – in extreme temperatures, keep it safe in the fridge.

Get it: Lush stores in centre:mk, Milton Keynes and the Grosvenor Centre, Northampton and online at lush.com/uk

RRP: £11

No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield there’s no time to regret, but definitely time to reverse the visible signs of sun damage, tackling fine lines and wrinkles, uneven tone, texture and dry skin by supporting skin’s natural self-repair.

Use every morning after cleansing, and before reaching for the make-up. Apply evenly to the face and neck.

Keep rays at bay for a truly sunny complexion...

Get it: boots.com

RRP: £24.95 (Defence Shield) £34.95 (Serum)

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

EXTRA-EXTA COOL

Summer’s up, temperatures are climbing, and high street rails are hotting up with pieces you need to add to your wardrobe.

Everything goes right now, thanks to the return of fashion’s maximalist trend — an eclectic aesthetic that combines vibrant pattern with lavish texture, seen best on Bottega Veneta and Etro’s Spring/Summer catwalks.

From exaggerated silhouettes at Comme des Garçons and Marni, to the shock of feathers at JW Anderson — from piled up prints at Etro and Louis Vuitton, to Alexander McQueen’s Little Shop of Horrors take on florals. Designers’ big vision is of grandeur and ‘dopamine dressing’; vivid colour on luxurious fabrics, in unforgettable shapes. Find larger-than-life prints and roomy dresses at H&M, or try River Island’s swirling two-piece to make casual look cool. Else follow the models at Hermes and turn heads with a hot flash of red. Just accessorise with showy jewels and a stride that says “confidence!” ‘More is more’, so go big and bold or go home — where you’ve probably got an excess of nice things in your wardrobe already.

River Island £45

H&M £37

Dune

Zara £17.99

H&M £44.99

Carini Mastectomy Swim Suit from eloise.co.uk £100

British summer salad with honey-mustard dressing

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

4 essential Waitrose Free Range Eggs

750g pack Waitrose Baby New Potatoes, halved

250g pack British Green Beans, trimmed

1 tbsp cider vinegar

1 tsp wholegrain mustard

1 tsp clear honey

2 tbsp The Waitrose Farm Leckford Estate

Cold-pressed Rapeseed Oil

250g cherry tomatoes, halved

100g radishes, thinly sliced

Punnet essential Waitrose Salad Cress

METHOD

1. Boil the eggs in a pan of simmering water for 9 minutes, then drain and cool. Shell and halve the eggs.

2. Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in a pan of boiling water for 8–10 minutes until tender. Add the beans and cook for a further 3 minutes until both are tender. Drain and cool under running water then transfer to a serving platter.

3. Whisk the vinegar, mustard and honey together with a fork, then whisk in the oil until well blended.

4. Arrange the tomatoes, radishes and eggs on top of the beans and potatoes. Drizzle over the mustard dressing and scatter with cress to serve.

COOK’S TIP

A few capers or anchovies scattered over the top before serving would add a nice salty balance to the sweet dressing.

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

FAMILY AFTERNOONS

4th Aug & 1st Sept

1pm-4pm with special guest TONY HOWES

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

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

A blooming great show! DIGGING DEEP

Following months of digging, planting, potting and planning, the fruits of all those gardening labours are paying off and – if your garden is anything like the large allotment space being worked by Jean Cocker – you’ll be reaping the rewards with a colourful show to lift the spirits!

“There are lots of flowers blooming just now,” she told Pulse, “There are so many to enjoy – Lobelias, Pansies, Petunias, Mallows, Fox Gloves, Holly Hocks, Marigolds, Stocks and Aubretia are leading the way.”

Jean is a slave to her open space, and is often out early enough to enjoy the bird song and see those flowers awakening from their slumber and turning towards the sun.

A member of Conniburrow’s Larkspur Avenue, Jean has transformed her patch from an overgrown plot into a welcoming, cheery space to lift the mood.

“...and the scent in the evening is gorgeous,” she promises.

Gardening novices might look at Jean’s efforts and be overwhelmed, but she says that you should start small, and don’t be

fazed when things go wrong, as some inevitably will; it’s all a learning curve.

And, just like those stems that are the objects of desire, as your knowledge grows, so too will they.

“Mallows are always easy to grow,” Jean promises, “The seeds soon germinate and they also self-seed. My personal favourites are Fox Gloves and I have lots of those on the allotment.

“If you want to garden but really feel at a loss, start by planting some flowers in pots, which makes gardening very easy, and even a little window box with lots of colours can make a big difference.

“The satisfaction of being able to sit back and say ‘I did that’ is quite something, and of course, you’ll be bitten by the bug...”

Speaking of garden irritators, you will need to work to bug proof your seedlings and plants as much as possible, but no matter how good you are, you should expect some casualties.

Marigolds provide a perfectly bright pop of orange and yellow with their carnation-like flower heads also standing strong against incredibly hot temperatures.

Planting close to tomatoes – especially if greenhouse-grown – is worthwhile; they make the perfect companion flower as they deter whiteflies.

“They can be tricky when grown outside because we aren’t the only ones that love them – the slugs do too!” Jean said, speaking from experience.

“Being on the allotment gives me such a feeling of wellbeing. It gives me a great sense of achievement and at this time of year especially, I can’t wait to get out of bed and get down there. It’s food for the soul and I really would advise anyone to give it a go. The difference it makes to mind, spirit and body is really something!”

How does your garden grow?

The holiday season approaches! The rate of growth of all the plants in the garden is increasing.

The squashes, melons and pumpkins have grown well, as have the tomatoes in growing bags, and the chillies in large pots.

All need regular feeding using a high potash tomato fertiliser. It is important to use the correct dilution, preferably in rainwater, applied to the compost or soil around each plant without splashing the foliage.

The first early and second early potatoes have all grown well in large pots, topped up with ’acquired’ loam and some have been harvested, with great results.

Early-sown sweet peas are flowering well. Picking the flowers daily inhibits seed pod production and encourages more flowers. They, too, need watering and feeding regularly. Remember the mantra “Feed on Friday!”

Last month we mulched around the strawberry plants with straw and they have rewarded us handsomely.

The collection of large terracotta pots, in which we had a wonderful display of spring tulips, have been emptied and the bulbs dried and stored. They are refilled with container compost and planted with bedding plants, including impatiens, pansies, lobelia, bacopa, petunias and pelargoniums, amongst others.

The compost heap, (piled within three pallets set at right angles), has been dug out. The coarse material on top, which has not rotted down, has been heaped on top of the logs of a hedgehog’s den. The rest of the decomposed material was used to mulch the decorative shrubs around the sitting area.

We all need a rest!

Ralph Westmoreland

Flower power on Jean’s allotment

•

•

‘Planting the saplings’ for the city’s future

As we head into the summer months, there’s lots happening in Milton Keynes to be excited for. The Milton Keynes Youth Orchestra has been selected to perform at the world-renowned Symphony Hall on 6 July, The Parks Trust and MK Gallery have a wide range of events taking place, local carnivals and festivals are also set to be taking place across the city.

Milton Keynes City Council has been working hard to create some more spaces for local communities. Here’s a round-up of just some of the things that have been going on:

New Community Orchard for Stantonbury

A dozen fruit trees and fruit bushes have been planted at a new community orchard in Stantonbury. Milton Keynes City Council helped the project happen after residents came up with the idea of creating a community orchard. 12 fruit trees including cherry, apple, pear and plum, plus gooseberry, red currant, raspberry and blackberry bushes have been planted as part of the project.

Once the plants are established, a bug hotel will be added made from recycled and natural materials to create a space to host pollinating species such as bees and beetles. Wildflowers will also be planted to increase biodiversity, by providing food for the insects which are then eaten by creatures up the chain such as birds and bats.

New playpark for Crownhill

The City Council has unveiled a new and improved play park in Crownhill inspired by HM King Charles III’s Coronation, it includes a Coronation-themed features including a throne seat and references to Westminster Abbey, and also has a roundabout, rocking horse and swings.

Milton Keynes City Council worked in partnership with Timotay Playscapes to deliver the improved play area after feedback from local residents.

Investment has been secured by MK City Council from the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme, to support the Milton Keynes tech ecosystem, and assist the City Council in delivering its Technology, Smart City, Digital and Creative Industries Strategy. It will play a key part in the city council’s ambitions to grow Milton Keynes’ global reputation as a smart city and home of innovation.

In addition to securing the Barclays funding, the City Council is pleased to announce the successful partner it will be working with in 24/25 on its tech ecosystem project. Protospace, an MK-based not for profit initiative, will receive funding to nurture and accelerate the growth of tech and digital businesses in the city. It will use the funding to create a diverse calendar of events that will serve as a centre for knowledge sharing and networking for the local tech sector.

Protospace will work with the city council over the next year to boost the local tech ecosystem, focusing on:

• Strengthening MK’s tech networks: encouraging collaboration among tech professionals

• Identifying challenges and opportunities: creating a forum to discuss sector-specific challenges and opportunities

• Professional development: ongoing learning and development to enhance skills in the sector

• Increasing accessibility: making the tech sector more approachable and open to encourage diverse participation

You can find out more about the events here: protospace.uk/

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

Investment secured to supercharge MK’s tech sector

Pete Marland Leader of Milton Keynes City Council

Councillor Stephen Brown helping to plant out the new community orchard in Stantonbury

www.lights4fun.co.uk

www.nkuku.com

Let’s go outside

The upside of a very wet spring is a garden full of colour and luscious greenery. Now that warmer days and longer nights are on the horizon, the time has come to turn our thoughts to the garden and outdoor dining and enjoy the benefits of all that rain. Whatever the occasion, a dinner party with friends, a barbecue with family or some impromptu drinks with neighbours, a well decorated garden table will provide a welcoming focal point for everyone to congregate around.

The table is an ideal place to express your personality but try not to overcomplicate it. The key is to create an eye-catching look whilst still leaving plenty of space for food and drink! To keep it simple, select a colour palette and stick to it. This will ensure a harmonious appearance that looks well considered and visually appealing without it needing to have lots going on. Incorporating fewer but well-chosen items is the key to success. Some pops of bright colour will add energy to the arrangement and reduce the need for expensive floral displays.

Whilst pricey cut flowers are far from necessary, a floral centrepiece is a good place to start. Foliage, particularly long

Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com

stems such as olive branches, eucalyptus, pampas grasses or pussy willow will give the table some height and impact without costing the earth. Long artificial stems can be supplemented with smaller flowers from your garden or by using a shop bought but good value filler plant such as Gypsophila (also known as baby’s breath). The white foliage of Gypsophila will break up the green and keep the arrangement looking fresh and alive.

If you’d rather not use artificial plants but need an option that’s long lasting, relatively inexpensive, and easy to maintain, then try succulents. Succulents are resilient to our climate and pretty weather-resistant so are ideal for keeping outdoors throughout the summer. This ensures your table looks good all the time, with or without any further dressing and with one less thing to think about, makes prepping for gatherings even easier. Growing them in a black, white, or brass, metal terranium provides a lovely contrast to the colour of the plants and helps to frame the succulents, maximising their impact on your table. During the winter, bring them inside for protection (and for your own enjoyment) or put them in a greenhouse (so long as it’s frost-free). Always ensure that their soil stays on the dry side. If you prefer a centre piece to be even lower maintenance, then consider a statementmaking sculpture or fire bowl, solar lit at night. When not in use, the table will look purposeful and staged ready for events, and in the evening it will be an attractive feature to look at. A concrete circular tray, urn or hurricane lamp can be another versatile alternative. They can be used to hold food, drink, plants, candles or other decorative objects depending on the occasion and the grey looks great against the green of the garden. Grey is ultimately a very practical

colour to use outside and combines effortlessly with the more colourful patterns of napkins, cushions, throws, and blankets.

When it comes to glassware, there are so many beautiful options to choose from. Even plastic picnicware effectively imitates crystal glassware nowadays, allowing households with children and pets to opt for practical solutions without too much of an aesthetic compromise. But if you’re happy to have glass outdoors then there’s a plethora of attractive and interesting jug and glass combinations, juice dispensers, mason jars, vases and hurricane lamps to get creative with. I recently came across rechargeable bottle top lamps - lampshades with built in lights which can either be placed on top of your own choice of empty liquor bottle or

www.abigailborg.com

screwed into the top of a wine bottle. To find out more about these, try searching online for LED bottle lamps.

If you want to elevate your look for a particular event, then it will really help to add a tablecloth. This could be as simple as cutting a piece of hessian from a larger roll or as extravagant as having a tablecloth made bespoke, using your favourite fabric. Tablecloths have the potential to transform any type of outdoor table into an elegant and inviting space. They help your table look clean by disguising unsightly stains, damage, candle drip marks or worse. When co-ordinated with placemats and napkins the look can become quite formal and staged but this can easily be softened using greenery, pinecones, string lights or candles if required by the occasion.

However, you choose to dress your table, try to have an arrangement that varies in height and is spread evenly across the length of the table, or alternatively, collate everything together in the centre. A strong focal point on the table, gives you the opportunity to show off your decorative skills and attention to detail without stealing the limelight from what you are eating and drinking. Don’t feel you have to spend lots of additional money. Remember, anything extra that you buy for your garden table is going to have to be stored somewhere. Very often, accessories bought for inside the house can also be used outside. Indoor accessories take on a new lease of life when used outdoors. Away from their normal setting, they may stand out more or look markedly different with the change of backdrop. Keep an open mind and get creative, the reward will be a summer of magical outdoor dining and memory making.

Rockpools and sketchbooks:

Seaside inspiration with Giles Ward

As summer draws ever closer, we can almost taste the ice cream and hear the waves on the beach. We’ve been thinking about trips to the seaside and all the joy they bring—yes, even the blustery winds and sand on your tongue.

A recent visit from the sea life artist Giles Ward was an excellent opportunity to talk about our memories of coastal day trips: the thrill of the wide open beaches, the taste of salt on the air and the wonder of getting lost in the secret world of rockpools.

Oh, We Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside In Giles’ book See Life, he eloquently shares how he was captivated by the oftenoverlooked beauty of tiny creatures.

“We’ve all done it; paused on a beach walk and crouched beside a rockpool. The surface is still, a drift of seaweed occasionally sighs on the pool’s surface and we think there’s nothing to see. Linger a little longer and slowly but surely, a whole world of activity starts to announce itself. A sea anemone stretches its tentacles, a tiny blenny darts between crevices, a shore crab peeps out to see if the coast is clear.

“The longer we look, the more we see. This is where my love affair with life in the sea began: in the bottom of a yellow plastic bucket of rockpool finds.”

Back then, Giles would scoop up a portion of this marine world and sketch it - drawn into the multitude of textures and characters he’d find in his bucket. Now, he starts with photographs, then oil and canvas, but builds these pieces layer upon layer, he brings in other media like acrylics and spray paints, then natural textures such as sand and crab shell.

Will you be off to the beach this summer? Whether in the UK or further afield, there are always interesting things to discover if you take the time to look. We’d love to know where you’ll be visiting — perhaps sunny Hunstanton or popping on the train to Brighton. Be sure to explore.

Natalie Trembecki

Gallery Correspondent

www.therosegallery.co.uk

A Love-ly show with lots of fizz

Love with Johnny Echols call in at Wavendon venue The Stables as part of their annual tour, and they will be keeping the music – and the memory of frontman Arthur Lee – alive by delivering classics from the albums Love, Da Capo, Four Sail and Forever Changes Love formed in the mid-1960s in Los Angeles, and their exemplary catalogue of work still sounds as fresh as the day it was originally cut loose. Love co-founder and guitarist Johnny will be joined by Lee’s longest serving band, Baby Lemonade for the show.

A cracking set of musicians with the songs to match.

What will be on the setlist when they visit? Johnny took the time to share five tracks that will definitely air at the show.

Orange Skies was originally a kind of show tune written by Bryan Maclean, though his version was much different than the record. After several changes and rewrites, the song developed into a jazzy, Gary McFarland-like tune that became a fan favourite.

Seven & Seven Is is meant to be a loud, jarring, nonstop cacophony of sound, i.e. controlled chaos. Recording it was a long, loud, physically exhausting trip. Kenny was at one end of the studio and I was at the other, to keep Kenny’s bass from bleeding into the guitar track. I’ve never worked so hard on any one song, ever.

By the time we called it a day, we had done 70-plus takes and over 20 false starts.

The Red Telephone was and is one of my favourite songs, Arthur’s vocal delivery is superb.

The man’s mind was always working, even while relaxing at a Movie Theatre. We went to one of the local art cinemas to see a movie called “Marat Sade.” One of the lines in the film stuck in his mind “We’re all normal, and we want our freedom.”

That beautiful, poignant, prescient song was conceived because of one simple phrase.

Live and Let Live opens with the line, “Oh the snot has caked against my pants, it has

turned into crystal” and goes on to paint a picture of a dystopian society marked by violence, mistrust, and tribalism, much like the times in which we were living. The song rocks out with some interesting interplay between Bryan on acoustic and me on electric guitar. It also features a complex rhythmic counterpoint by Michael StuartWare on drums.

You Set the Scene was actually three different songs that were never finished. Kenny Forssi did a fantastic job arranging those unfinished songs into one song. Arthur wrote some amazing, prescient, and timeless poetry, “for everyone who thinks that life is just a game, do you like the part you’re playing” is, in my opinion, one of the best song lyrics ever written.

> Love with Johnny Echols play The Stables on July 31. To book tickets visit stables.org

Love with Johnny Echols - Stables bound

Pistols are cocked and loaded

Not everything to come out of the pandemic was terrible; there was the occasional gem, and Milton Keynes alt-rock trio Space Pistol is one of those that glisten.

The band – guitarist Dan, bassist Ash and drummer Joe - has just issued its debut album, Leave With Everything following a successful spring tour.

Space Pistol teased the elpee in May when they released the lead single, Death Collector, setting things up nicely for the long-player, which is particularly personal for frontman Dan.

“The main narrative was always going to be the most present part of my life, which is maintaining my sobriety,” he said.

Speaking about the title track, Dan said: “I never knew when to stop, when to leave, when to go home, or that the party was over. This always fed into my struggles with addiction.

But I learned the power of ‘no’ and now I just do a ‘French exit’! In other words, I just leave with my sobriety and everything I’ve built because of it, intact. This is where Leave With Everything came from. I am learning in sobriety when it’s time to go home in social situations. It’s such a simple thing to do but to me, it’s a massive step in getting my life back.”

Like the music itself, which the band call ‘a rollercoaster mix of huge and heavy riffs, frantic fast-paced thrashing, infectious head nodding grooves and beautiful melodic songwriting,’ the lyricisms take you on a real journey - through those aforementioned struggles with addiction, personal demons, and mental health battles.

Listers will follow the band’s darkest times and break through to the hardwon victories.

If you’ve had the fortune to see Space Pistol live, you’ll know already what a taut, sometimes demonic, always essential proposition they are. If not, the alt-rockers will be live at The Craufurd Arms on June 28.

the suspenseful nature of the film it’s named after. The relentless drive and powerful riffs capture the ferocity and intensity of both sharks and personal battles.

Death Collector

Death Collector is a contemplation on mortality, reflecting on how death eventually comes for everyone.

Track by Track

The band talked us through the majestic Leave With Everything, which they say will ‘captivate fans of Queens of the Stone Age, Biffy Clyro, Nirvana and Jamie Lenman’ with its fusion of fast-pace thrashing, melodic songwriting and plenty in-between.

Happiness Anonymous

It delves into the theme of wearing masks to protect ourselves from inner traumas and anxieties. The lyrics explore the universal struggle of maintaining a facade while dealing with internal turmoil, resonating with anyone who has felt the need to hide their true emotions.

Why Am I Lonely

This track looks at the the complexities of feeling isolated in a crowd, capturing the internal conflicts that many creatives face. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the solitary battles waged within one’s mind.

Jaws

Jaws is all about riffs. Fast-paced and bursting with energy, this track is designed to keep listeners on the edge of their seats, much like

“It plagued me for years, obsessing about when I am going to die,” Dan days, “I’m learning to focus more on feeling alive now.”

I Am Your Doom

It explores a toxic relationship endured for far too long, reflecting on the destructive dynamics and eventual realization of needing to escape.

Drawing inspiration from Nirvana, the song features a groove-heavy verse that builds into a big, anthemic chorus. This dynamic contrast emphasizes the emotional highs and lows of the relationship described in the lyrics.

Time Me Til I Drown

The music is direct and powerful, serving as a palate cleanser within the album. Its straightforward approach underscores the blunt honesty of the lyrics, creating a raw and impactful listening experience.

Paper Dragon

Inspired after playing a show with Enola Gay and drawing from Killing Joke’s hypnotic, repetitive sound, Paper Dragon features lyrics written by Dan and his eight-year-old daughter, inspired by her paper dragon hand puppets.

Red House Lagoon

Depicts the descent into madness and obsession. Serving as a prelude to Cryptid, this

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song represents the calm before the storm, setting the stage for the ensuing chaos.

Cryptid

Tells the story of a character obsessed with finding and killing the Loch Ness Monster, as a metaphor for seeking validation and self-worth. The song mirrors Dan’s own struggles with self-acceptance.

Lunatic

The music mirrors the tumultuous journey described in the lyrics, with dynamic shifts and intense passages that convey the emotional highs and lows of recovery. The track goes from huge explosive riffs and whaling guitars you may expect from a 90’s Joe Satriani, to a fun stompalong anthem.

One Click

Written by Ash, it ponders the idea of going back in time to change pivotal moments in life. It questions whether altering the past would change who we are today or if everything has led up to this moment for a reason.

Leave With Everything

The most stripped and vulnerable track on the album, with just guitar and vocals, it represents a weight being lifted from the shoulders as the concept of Leave With Everything is, to the band, brought to light. It serves as a fitting conclusion, summarizing the emotional and musical journey of Leave With Everything.

> Stay in touch at spacepistol.co.uk or visit FB and Insta: spacepistol

Space Pistol – The debut album is out and they are live at The Craufurd this week.

Scan the QR code for tickets

MK11 welcomes punk royalty

It hardly seems possible that it has been two decades since King Blues first showed themselves.

London’s punk players and their boundary-pushing fusion of punk, ska, reggae and hip-hop, with lyrics that resonate with social consciousness, made an indelible mark on the scene.

Their first elpee, Under The Fog, was recorded in their Hackney flat in just five days, but they have since racked up a heap of album successes.

A mini album went viral despite being banned for the cover art, which depicted the severed head of the then British Prime Minister, and in 2018 they were in the iTunes chart with the soundtrack to 38 Minutes, a ‘punk puppet opera’ penned by frontman Jonny ‘Itch’ Fox, based on a false missile alert sent out in Hawaii in the same year.

In 2024, The King Blues are still revered for their poetic storytelling, innovative musicality, unwavering activism, and messages of hope amid adversity.

The guys are currently working on a new record, slated for release in 2025, but if you are looking for the live connection, you are in luck – the band plays live at MK11 on Saturday, July 20 as part of its Weekend Warrior tour.

Support will come from So Good.

> For tickets, visit mk11kilnfarm.com

Kendall Calling from the Keynes

Milton Keynes-based singersongwriter Jon Kendall will be sounding out at the HMV store in Centre:MK on July 6.

Jon will play a full hour long set from 2pm, delivering a mix of original songs and his own take on a few covers that will be familiar to all.

Jon has been collaborating with singer Helen Dangerfield on a number of tracks and she will be joining the live set to showcase the developing project they are working on.

Aside from the HMV date – which is free to attend – Jon is keeping busy songwriting for others, including the gospel artist Emmanuel Smith, who he joined on stage at the Indigo 02 just days ago.

There’s plenty going on in Jon’s musical world, and this summer will see him graduate as a Masters in Songwriting with ICMP London.

> Keep up with gig news and developments at jonkendallmusic.co.uk

The Smell of Victory fills The Craufurd Arms

Calling vinyl junkies around the new city – this is your reminder that The Craufurd Arms Record Fair returns for its quarterly stint this month. Whether you are in the market for a special sort of seven inches of pleasure, or just want to flick through the pre-loved elpees of the dealers to see what takes your fancy, be there you must, with thousands of LPs, 45s, CDs and occasional cassettes and memorabilia to choose from.

Whatever your favoured genre, there will be a space dedicated to it at this bash – from grunge to punk, psych to Northern Soul, trance to rap and everything else you can think of.

The Wolverton venue is hosting the flicking great event on Sunday, July 21 between midday and 4pm.

Entry is free.

Also at The Craufurd this month, Broken Castles will play their first Craufurd Arms headliner on July 5, and you’ll be wanting to take along extra pounds and pence –the trio has just issued its new EP and will be selling CDs and lovely vinyl copies of The Smell of Victory

The EP is out through Vandalism Begins at Home Records.

“It represents a move forward in our sound and development of our songwriting as a band, whilst still staying true to our core of heavy riffs, big drums and aggressive vocals,” Graham Hulbert said, “We’ve always gone for a big sound and this EP is no exception, definitely one to crank up and enjoy the ride!”

Joining MKs noise bringers for the date will be sharp two-piece punk rock players, Gaylips, who are ‘angry and relevant,’ says Broken Castles’ Dan Gibling.

Screaming Mechanical Brain are BC label mates and channel the best of the angsty 90s; from Soundgarden to Rage Against the Machine. If you are looking for an epic riff monster, head towards the stage nice and early.

Doors open at 7pm.

Master fret feeler Jared James Nichols makes his return on July 22.

Wisconsin raised and LA based, the Shredder is a beast of a player, bringing a new excitement to the blues and classic rock and roll that is his calling.

The ambassador for Northampton’s Blackstar Amps, who was recently seen bill sharing on a date by Kyuss frontman John Garcia stateside, won’t fail to wow you if you give him half a chance.

And you really should do that. Can’t wait until the show? Go sniff out his self-titled third elpee.

You should also be punctual – support is coming from Ramblin’

Preachers whose Sins & Virtues elpee has been well received.

Support local folks.

> Book your ticket at thecraufurdarms.com

Broken Castles will be performing songs from their new album at The Craufurd Arms this month

Jared James Nichols brings his unique mix of blues and rock and roll to the Wolverton venue

It’s time to follow

the yellow brick road

As you’ll have read on the main theatre page, it will soon be time to join Dorothy, Toto and pals on that famous adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz – The Wizard of Oz is nigh!

Six days of performances at Milton Keynes Theatre begin on Tuesday, July 16 with Craig Revel Horwood cast as The Wicked Witch of the West.

“She’s a little bit demented, I’ve got to say,” Craig laughs, explaining the character he is adopting, “She’s a powerhouse of a woman. Of course, the character all stems from the mind of Dorothy, so the character that I play is a landowner named Almira Gulch who in turn becomes the Wicked Witch of the West when Dorothy gets to Oz.

“In Kansas she’s not a nice woman who wants to get Dorothy’s dog, Toto, put down and she’s threatening the whole village with taking their land from them.

“She’s a real busybody who then manifests into this green witch who is desperate to get her hands on Dorothy’s ruby slippers.”

As the show progresses, she becomes more and more demented, he promises.

“...and increasingly desperate to get her hands on those shoes. All the time she is worried about coming into contact with water because it’s like Kryptonite to her and she’ll melt. All of this makes her a lot of fun to play.”

This version of the classic story retains all of the magic you know and love, but does have some unique elements – Andrew Lloyd Webber has penned some extra songs for a start: “... including Red Shoe Blues, which I get to sing and it’s FAB-U-LOUS,” Craig promises, “Audiences that have seen this production already have really loved it. It’s not only a wonderful trip down memory lane for people who remember the movie from their childhoods, it also brings new light to a lot of the characters.”

Craig has judged on all 21 series of Strictly Come Dancing, and also directs and appears in the show’s annual tour of arenas. Later this year he will spend Christmas here in the new city, starring as another baddie, Captain Hook, in Peter Pan

You’ll have some wonderful costumes then, of course, but we’re guessing you get to wear some fabulous costumes and heels in this show, too?

“Of course, darling! That said, I’ve had recent toe surgery, so I’ve got to be really careful. But yes, I’ve got some powerful heels to wear as well as amazing costumes. I’m no stranger to heels or drag, although this

isn’t really a drag part for me. I’m treating it seriously as an acting piece, creating a really strong and vibrant character, no matter what the shoes are.

“I mean, the important thing about those iconic shoes is that she needs them. Without the ruby reds, she can’t rule the world, so it’s more about the shoes she wants than the shoes she’s got on.”

Craig is no stranger to delivering delicious roles on prime stages, with parts in La Cage Aux Folles (“It taught me how to play and dress up and become different characters”), Cats and Miss Saigon all proving memorable.

But what is it that makes The Wizard of Oz such an enduring story?

“Because Dorothy is full of hope and it teaches people a very important thing in life, namely that home is where the heart is and running away from problems or running away from something that may have occurred at home is not the answer.

“It’s about love and family and it’s about learning that your actions may hurt other people. That is the big heart of the story, isn’t it? It’s about discovery and it’s about learning to respect and love your family and knowing that they will love you unconditionally.”

Performances of The Wizard of Oz play at Milton Keynes Theatre from July 16-21.

Book your seat: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Craig Revel Horwood

A right load of

Silliness with science, piggy days out, yellow brick roads, high-kicking and a car with magical powers – just some of the great times ahead in a theatre near you this month. Sammy Jones has more.

We told you about it last month to whet the appetite, and now the wait is over – a truly scrumptious new production of Ian Fleming’s timeless children’s story is in gear and ready to fly onto the stage; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is coming! (July 2-7)! Absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts has restored a broken down old racing car, aided by his children Jemima and Jeremy. But this car seems to be exceptional –it has magical powers... Adam Garcia, Liam Fox and Charlie Brooks are your cast bringing the class.

Tickets are very sparse for the two shows that John Bishop will deliver (July 13). Not only is he a comedy superstar, but he also comes across as a thoroughly decent fella. Nice, that.

Bardy rubbish!

These MK sets are just two out of a whopping 86 dates he’s working his way through on the Back At It tour. Try your luck for one of the few remaining seats. Want to treat the kids? How about something 100% Educational. 200% Entertaining. 300% Explosive. 400% Fun?

Ministry of Science (July 14) is perfect for little folks from the age of six, and they’ll love the ‘anarchic approach to science communication’ aided by 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, fire tornados and ignited methane. It’s the UK’s Number 1 Science Show for Kids with good reason.

standing ovations and we aim to leave the audience spellbound.’

The Mousetrap this most certainly ain’t!

Craig Revel Horwood is leading the way in The Wizard of Oz (July 16-21) starring as The Wicked Witch of the West, which will warm him up nicely for his return in panto later this year.

But first things first, and you are invited to join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz.

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out (July 24 & 25) follows Peppa and her porcine pals as they visit the zoo and the beach in a production packed with songs, dance and muddy puddles. There are two daytime performances each day. We don’t know that it will be fantastic, but we bet it will be oink-tastic.

The theatre stage will take a hammering when Lord of the Dance: A Spectacular Return does precisely that (July 26-28).

That Lord of the Dance story so far: It has been seen by more than 60 million people in 60 countries on every continent and visited more than 1000 venues. Not bad.

Creative force Michael Flatley promises this show is, ‘...a celebration of a lifetime of

Find the funny side over at The Stables, with comedian Mark Simmons (July 18), who is still working his Quip Off The Mark musings. He’s as much a grafter as he is a fella of laughter.

‘This isn’t your average one-liner show as there is the running theme throughout.

This year Mark’s parents have sold the house he grew up in and he has to collect his box of stuff from the loft. Come and discover what’s in the box in this toplevel one-liner show structured in a way you’ve never seen before,’ invites the blurb.

Still in Wavendon, Rubbish Shakespeare brings Romeo and Juliet (July 21, 2pm) to the stage – but would the Bard approve of this version?

Three idiots perform the tragedy, using just a box of tatty wigs and a worn floral dress. Oh, and a burst airbed they found by the bins!

Clowning, slapstick and mischievous storytelling that is suitable for all ages, and the perfect intro to theatre for the kids. Go get.

Mark Simmons

John Bishop

What a load of Bardy rubbish (but it’s great too!)

The Wizard of Oz - There’s No Place Like Home

Film Reviews

by Jordan Adcock

DEAD HURT THE

Viggo Mortensen, ever since he finished playing Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings films 20(!) years ago, has pursued less conventional acting roles with directors like David Cronenberg before writing and directing his own films, of which The Dead Don’t Hurt is his second. While this Western doesn’t challenge his work with Cronenberg for daring or outright weirdness, it’s a well-considered film where he stars as Olsen, a handsome Danish immigrant carpenter in the Old West, but gives the most focus to Vicky Krieps as FrenchCanadian Vivienne. As both characters find solace in each other amidst their surroundings’ often abrasive melting pot (the film aims for authenticity in its mixture of accents, languages and ethnicities featured, most notably with Vivienne switching between French and English), they navigate their desires and consciences in an America still at war with itself and at the frontiers of law

Furiosa’s subtitle is curious: ‘A Mad Max Saga’ which doesn’t feature Mad Max himself? It perhaps betrays a lack of confidence that Furiosa, played here mainly by Anya TaylorJoy rather than Charlize Theron, can attract audiences for her origin story spin-off to 2015’s Fury Road. It’s a shame, since despite being overlong and essentially more of the same, Furiosa is impressively performed, including Taylor-Joy (along with Alyla Browne in the film’s early stages) selling young Furiosa’s transition from young abductee to road warrior, and Chris Hemsworth as the immature warlord Dementus. The postapocalyptic world remains garish, wacky and sinister, and the film’s action sequences stand out in today’s landscape (as they did in Fury Road) for their clear, practical direction and dangerous edge. ✪

Set generations after Planet of the Apes’ consistently very good reboot trilogy, Kingdom is a tepid restart with mostly bland characters and a thin narrative that amounts to at most half a film, stretched out to two-and-a-half hours. Following the journey of young ape Noa trying to rescue what’s left of his tribe from a hostile warband of apes seeking to control a world where human civilisation is gone, there’s nothing as distinctive or memorable as Andy Serkis’ unlikely simian revolutionary Caesar, and the novelty of credibly animated CGI ape main characters has already long passed. The world of greened-over cities is convincing but never really compelling, especially since the hints at a nascent human fightback remain frustratingly just that, teased for a potential sequel instead. ✪

and order. When Olsen joins the Union army, he’s not there to protect Vivienne from the predations of Weston, the corrupt landowner’s son.

Besides Mortensen’s perennially soulful acting qualities and the beautifully harsh on-location desert scenery, Krieps’ ability to play Vivienne’s stoic conviction and vulnerability without it becoming stale in the gradual pace is the film’s most creditable aspect. It might seem churlish to suggest given the quiet, contemplative mood is very deliberate, but the film could have better used its supporting cast and setting, which comfortably fit within the genre without ever standing out. In particular, Danny Huston’s mayor and his shady dealings with the landowner have little impact. The film’s dual timelines also take time to reveal their true import, but become more poignant the further the film progresses.

It’s no disgrace to Jennifer Lopez that she fails to carry this Netflix sci-fi film’s weight on her shoulders when it’s so lightweight anyway. Whether it’s the pretty sanitised version of an AI rebellion (humanity fights off the robots to another planet light years away) or the clearly digital visuals, to the point where Lopez and her mech suit cockpit are often the only real thing in frame, you’ll struggle to buy a single moment. And it’s not like Lopez’s character or performance salvage matters, as she plays a top analyst stuck talking to a program named Smith with whom she’s trying to sync, with plenty of forced humour and histrionics that come across as increasingly desperate to cling onto the audience’s attention. ✪

Star Rating: 1.5/5

Daisy Ridley’s acting career has largely fallen out of the spotlight after starring in the Disney trilogy of Star Wars sequels. She deserves better than Disney’s cloying, frankly obnoxious take on Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. To say nothing against Ederle’s real-life achievement, the film is like a worse version of what Disney’s recently done to Star Wars and Indiana Jones – all but uniformly, the women are portrayed as strong and principled and the men are dumb, clownish, and/or sexist - whatever combination, they all need putting in their place. The dynamic not only becomes gratingly obvious after just a few minutes, it ironically gives Ridley few chances to actually make an impression –not that the future Star Wars film featuring her will likely change that. ✪

#WhatsOnPulse

Singing for the Brain

Monday, July 1

Singing for the Brain® from Alzheimer’s Society uses singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity. Morning and afternoon sessions available. For more information: Call 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@alzheimers.org.uk

World-class Jazz live in Olney

Tuesday, July 2, 8pm-10.30pm

Music from the great Jazz era - Ellington, Basie, Sinatra, Brubeck and more - live from top award-winning artists. July’s programme showcases the 13 piece Harlem Jazz Orchestra, a group of top professional musicians from across the UK. So if classic big band pieces from the late 20s to the 30s from the likes of Ellington, King Oliver and Fletcher Henderson are your thing, this is the event for you.

Entrance only £15.00, great food and drinks at affordable prices. Call 01604 858549 for tickets and info or email: tadjazzfriends@gmail.com; pre-order food on 01234 711348

Olney Jazz Club (Carlton House Club) High Street, Olney, MK46 4BB

Community Litter Pick: Furzton Lake

Tuesday, July 2, 10am

An opportunity to get outdoors, explore your park and help your local environment. Grabbers at the ready: theparkstrust.com

MK Calling 2024

Until September 29

Artworks spanning sculpture, painting, photography, installation and film combine for this exhibition, which features more than 120 established and emerging artists. Themes include identity, inclusivity, heritage and significant moments.

Making a splash: mkgallery.org

Spooky Men’s Chorale – in tune on July 3 at The Stables

A chance to get out and help clean up the parks – Community Litter Pick, July 2, Furzton Lake

Stony Stratford Women’s Institute

Tuesday, July 2, 2.15pm

Meeting monthly for interesting and varied talks and demonstrations at York House Centre, visitors welcome.

Inspiring Women: llyn.chipperfield@sky.com

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Tuesday, July 2 – Sunday, July 7

Absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discovers the car has magical powers... Truly Scrumptious: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Spooky Men’s Chorale

Wednesday, July 3

A vast, rumbling, steam powered and black clad behemoth, seemingly accidentally capable of rendering audiences moist eyed with mute appreciation or haplessly gurgling with merriment!

Hold tight: stables.org

Milton Keynes Comedy Night

Thursday, July 4, 8pm

Hosted by Ryan McDonnell, giggle bringers Angelos Epithemiou, Lily Phillips and Mike Gunn will entertain you. Finding the funnies: mk11kilnfarm.com

Milton Keynes National Trust Association

Thursday, July 4

Summer Social at Clayton House with afternoon tea and a tour around the house.

Exploration: deefam5248@outlook.com

Steampunk Orchestra

Friday, July 5, 8pm

Classical elegance with the pulsating energy of classic rock, indie and pop hits. An immersive experience bridging the gap between musical genres and eras. Captivating: stables.org

Elmer and Friends:

The Colourful World of David McKee

Saturday, July 6 – Sunday, September 8

The colourful world of David McKee is brought to life through original paintings, storyboards and illustrations, film, and interactives.

Creative class: northamptonmuseums.com

MK Chorale presents A Musical Menagerie

Saturday, July 6, 2.30pm

A wonderful, animalthemed concert at The Venue theatre, Walton High School. Come and be delighted by a musical performance all about animals starting at 1.30pm, with craft activities hosted by MK Play Association. From 2.30pm MK Chorale, together with guest soloists, will perform - amongst other fun poems and songs - ‘Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo’ and ‘The Wind in the Willows’, everyone’s favourite story about Rat, Mole and Toad, with music by John Rutter. Adult tickets £15, up to three under 12s per booking are free. Tickets available from www.thevenuemk.com

Weeping Willows

Saturday, July 6

Laura and Andrew are steeped in Bluegrass tradition and draped in Gothic Americana imagery. Expect stories of sunshine and romance, God and the Devil, murder and decay. Real music: stables.org

80th Anniversary of D-Day: Poppy Project

Until September 30

A display of poppies all crafted by local groups – each knitted or crocheted poppy represents an individual with a Northamptonshire connection, who was a casualty of the D-Day landings in June, and subsequent battles through to September 1944.

In Flanders Fields: northamptonmuseums.com

NMPAT: Generations Sunday, July 7, midday

A lunchtime session with end of year performances by the County Junior Orchestra, NMPAT Singers, County Junior Brass Ensemble, Jazz 3, County Junior Strings and County Junior Wind Orchestra. Tuning up: royalandderngate.co.uk

NMPAT Generations

Sunday, July 7, 6pm

Return in the evening for end of year performances by the County Junior Orchestra, NMPAT Singers, County Junior Brass Ensemble, Jazz 3, County Junior Strings and County Junior Wind Orchestra. You’ll be brassed off if you miss out: royalanddergate.co.uk

Robin Bibi Trio

Tuesday, July 9, 7.30pm

A return visit from the popular player, this time working his trio for the Bletchley faithful. On a blues day: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Milton Keynes Aviation Society

Present our next Lecture events:

9 July –“Operation Backfire”

Post war V-2 Rocket Trials

13 August “Defford Airfield & Airborne Radar”

10 September “The Berlin Airlift -75th Anniversary” *

*Check Website for full details, location and required pre-booking .

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.

Psychic Sally

Wednesday, July 10, 7.30pm

Bringing mediumship into the 21st century, take your seats for lots of love, laughter and warmth in a show that is investigational and for the purpose of entertainment.

A message for you: theoldsavoy.co.uk

Image of V2 Rocket at Peenemunde Museum, © R P Dyer

Events in July

UEFA Euro Quarter Final

Live Screenings, July 5 & 6

Watch the quarter final games live on the big screen in The Urban Food Market at Unity Place. Enjoy street food from our vendors and drinks from our bar, arrive early to secure your spot with kick-offs at 5pm and 8pm!

Unity Place Quiz Night, Thursday July 11, 6.30pm

Looking for a night of fun and challenging trivia? Join us for our Unity Place quiz nigh on Thursday, 11 July, from 6 to 8 pm! Whether you’re a seasoned trivia buff or just looking for an enjoyable evening out, this event promises to entertain and challenge you with a variety of questions across different categories. Just £2 entry at the door!

Wimbledon

Live Screening, July 1 to 12 (Mon-Fri)

Join us for some tennis action during the weekdays as we bring the prestigious Wimbledon tournament to Unity Place’s Urban Food Market. Enjoy live tennis matches while enjoying delicious eats from our selection of food vendors.

Sip ‘n’ Paint

Saturday July 6, 2-4pm

Hosted by Melissa Hurst, bring your soul, your loved ones, and your vibes to Unity Place for a painting adventure. Immerse yourself in a world of creativity with delicious small plates, and the new range of cocktails available to purchase from Unity Sky Lounge!

unityplace.co.uk

Unity Place

200 Grafton Gate

Milton Keynes MK9 1UP

Nik Kershaw

Friday, July 12

Just a man and his band playing lots of hits, because music doesn’t need to be flowered up when it’s sound. Wouldn’t It Be Good? You bet: theroadmender.com

Willen Hospice Midnight Moo

Friday, July 12, 10pm

Join the herd on a five or 10 mile nighttime walk and make a difference by swelling the charity coffers.

Step to it: willen-hospice.org.uk/moo

Art in the Park

Saturday, July 13, 1pm-9pm

MK Islamic Arts & Culture hosts its annual festival at the Campbell Park Events Plateau, this year’s theme is Green City. Includes Parade of Colours, performances, art marquee, food village and funfair. Culture, nature, identity: Free entry

A(Nother) Audience with Del Bromham

Saturday, July 13, 8pm

Stray’s frontman returns for a second show of tales, songs and jokes following an earlier sold out show at York House.

All in Del’s Mind: york-house.org.uk

The Wizard of Oz

Tuesday July 16 – Sunday, July 21

Bringing a lot of magic to audiences with this spectacular production which features the original score. Oh, and Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood is The Wicked Witch of the West. Follow the yellow brick road: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Darnell Cole & The Vibe

Friday, July 19

The independent Blues King is on a mission to spread his gospel of rock, soul and positivity, and heading to The Black Prince to do it. Man of Soul: sbdpromotions.com

A Foreigners Journey

Friday, July 12

A night to engage with a tribute to musical titans Foreigner and Journey - from Hot Blooded to Any Way You Want It Cold as Ice: thepicturedrome.com

Love Parks Week

Limelight Theatre School: Showstoppers

Sunday, July 14

Talented pupils celebrate everything Musical Theatre in this production featuring songs and dances from all your favourite West End and Broadway Shows.

Jazz hands, ready?: royalandderngate.co.uk

It will be blooming marvellous in Stony on July 21

Singing for the Brain

Monday, July 15

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

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

Cody Pennington Country Show

Saturday, July 20, 7.30pm

A tribute to country legends old and new –from Luke Combs to Miss Parton, and Cody will deliver his own hits to boot.

Rock the Rodeo: theroadmender.com

The Angels’ Share

Friday, July 20

Familiar sounds from the Celtic inspired rock/ folk peddlers who cross musical, cultural and age boundaries.

Hand clapping and feet tapping: thepicturedrome.com

Stony in Bloom

Sunday, July 21, 10am-midday

Head to the York House community gardens and help the team to grow veg for the Food Bank. All ages and abilities are welcome. Fresh veg is best: york-house.org.uk

Rubbish Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet

Sunday, July 21, 2pm

Three idiots perform Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, using only a box of tatty wigs, a worn floral dress, and a burst airbed they found by the bins.

Bardy excellent: stables.org

Dawg n Bonez

Tuesday, July 23, 7.30pm

A heady mix of energetic stone-cold classic blues, rocking self-penned originals and a sprinkling of Latin rhythms.

That’s why they call it the blues: bletchleybluesclub.uk

RDCC: Retro Reminiscence

Friday, July 26 & Saturday, July 27

Celebrates a time of Rubik’s cubes, bubble perms and the cassette Walkman. Big hair, ra-ra skirts and stonewashed jeans optional! Gareth Fuller will lead the Royal and Derngate Community Choir for this date at The Picturedrome.

Step back in time: royalandderngate.co.uk

The Jam’d – Tribute to The Jam

Friday, July 26, 8pm

All the Weller and Co. classics you expect, delivered with a believable bang at the Kiln Farm venue.

Going Underground: mk11kilnfarm.com

Kids Club: Pirates & Mermaids

Saturday, July 27, 11am-4pm

Pirates and Mermaids are calling from out in the great blue ocean. Kids will be decorating a treasure chest so they can feel like a Pirate or Mermaid. A free event at Door 1, by the M&S Food Hall, thecentre:mk All hands on deck: centremk.com

Love Parks Week

Sunday, July 28, Midday-4pm

A one-day event in Abington Park with activities for all the family, and a range of community organisations will be present for you to find out more about what there is to love.

Green goodness: northamptonmuseums.com

Pop in Wednesday

Wednesday, July 31, midday-4pm

Visit Northampton museum for fun, hands-on activities for families. No booking necessary, and entry is free.

Family affair: northamptonmuseums.com

Love with Johnny Echols

Wednesday, July 31

Love with Johnny Echols sees Arthur Lee’s longest serving band return to the UK to perform classic songs from Love’s superb back catalogue.

Forever Changes: stables.org

July Highlights

Mark Simmons

Thursday 18 July, 8pm

As seen on Mock

The Week, BT Sport and ITV, master of one-liners and social media phenomenon

Mark Simmons brings his sell-out tour show Quip Off The Mark to The Stables. (16+)

Rubbish Shakespeare Company:

Romeo & Juliet

Sunday 21 July, 2pm

Featuring clowning, slapstick and mischievous storytelling, this ‘side-splittingly funny’ (The List) production is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare – or even theatre itself! Suitable for all ages.

The Swing Cats

Friday 26 July, 8pm

The Swing Cats are one of the most versatile bands to have appeared on the UK jazz scene in recent years, evoking the great jazz voices and composers of the past century, such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, George Gershwin and Chet Baker.

Sandi Thom

Sunday 28 July, 8pm

Join Sandi for a night of soulful melodies and infectious energy as she takes the stage to showcase her incredible talent. With her unique blend of folk, rock, and blues, this is an event that music lovers won’t want to miss.

The Stables Wavendon

Milton Keynes MK17 8LU

Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org

< The Weeping Willows appear at The Stables earlier in the month on July 6

View from the Far Kerb

What a load of… Tosh!

Ithought I’d write about something close to the hearts of us all; something that stirs emotions like no other. It is the sight of men and women engaging in an activity that excites many and a subject that cannot be ignored. Yes, bowls, and not American.

To a minority (pronounced, majority), bowls is a game played by old people. Indeed, on any outdoor bowling green or indoor carpet, it is true that most of the players will be older than twentyone; sometimes by many decades. However, there is a ‘grass roots’ element populated by children usually from the age of ten, but it is possible to witness three-yearolds being introduced to the sport. Realistically, it is not unusual to watch a bowls match being played by people in the thirties to eighties range.

The game’s origins in this country can be traced back to the thirteenth century while a few sources suggest the twelfth. The concept of aiming at an object placed by another player dates to Ancient Greece.

Despite its image as a peaceful and relaxed pastime, it was actually banned in the fifteenth century because it was feared it might jeopardise archery practise, then important in battle. In 1541 the Unlawful Games Act came into being. It was not repealed until 1845: worth remembering while watching elderly players being construed as a threat to national security, despite being close to succumbing to arthritic knees.

The ban on the game, and its variations, lasted over three

hundred years; proof of the heinousness of the practice.

The oldest surviving bowling green in the UK is Southampton Old Bowling Green, which was first used in 1299. How it was regarded during the ban is anyone’s guess!

In the north of the UK, an outdoor variant is Crown Green Bowls. Not much stops it being played. Rain, wind and hail are ignored. Snow covering the green is considered to be a good reason to retire to the club house, while lightning storms are rightly feared lest a player become a smouldering mount in the centre of a patch of almost flat grass.

In the south, we are more likely to encounter flatter greens on which games are played up and down in lanes, or even indoors where weather isn’t a factor. That said, a leaky roof could possibly scupper a game.

Bowls was formerly codified in the 1860s. One might look at the 1845 repeal of the 1541 Unlawful Games Act as being the trigger, but it should be noted that the Act never applied to ‘gentlemen’ or land owners in the first place. No mention of women at the time, but it was enacted by Henry VIII who it is claimed had an interesting stance on women. The 1845 repeal didn’t address the 1541 Act entirely. Aspects were left in place until 1960 whereupon the vestiges were wiped from the statute books. Organised games, such as cricket, now could be played legally on Christmas Day.

That is a lot of bowls.

Phil O’Hara

SUDOKU PUZZLE

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across

Gains (8)

Pic: Neil Turner, flickr

Flavour of the Times - After all the airiness of June, July takes a more emotional turn, kicked off by the new moon in Cancer on the 5th. The image is of the crab with its claws pulling things in towards itself. It has a hard shell but is vulnerable on the inside. People born under this sign tend to be a bit too sensitive for this world, so they try to wear that hard shell as a shield against the harshness of life. Men in particular can sometimes be unduly aggressive and irritable to protect themselves. Cancerians are generally not good leaders because of this. So, at this new moon, try to let your fears go and be open to emotional connections with those around you. It also emphasises family and home.

CANCER

June 22 – July 23

A warm emotional glow might be felt at the new moon in your sign on 5th July. Venus is also in your sign, so you may really feel the love as you encounter family and friends. It also influences the love of your home base, where you feel most yourself, so allow that to refresh your emotional self after a rather crazy June.

LEO

July 24 – August 23

Avoid the tendency to show off as Mercury enters your sign. You like learning but you don’t always know as much as you think. It’s a more emotional month than last, so I hope you’ve learnt something about listening before offering opinions. You will learn most that way. People around you may need more emotional support, particularly at the new moon, so extend the hand of love.

VIRGO

August 24 – September 23

Some of your closest relationships may feel very chaotic at the moment. Emotions come to the surface but issues are ill defined and you find it hard to express yourself in the way you would like. You can’t seem to get any clarity about where you stand. There’s no doubting that there is love but maybe it has to take a different turn than you had anticipated. Try letting go of some preconceptions?

LIBRA

September 24 – October 23

Past patterns may feel as if they are really getting in your way right now and it’s easy to feel trapped, as if you have no room for maneouvre. The best approach might be to take a big step back to look at the every-day life you have and just change one or two things about it that may be overdue for renewal. See if you can find the simple love for people around you and go from there.

Your Own astrological Forecast for 2024

SCORPIO

October 24 – November 22

Mars is in your opposite sign of Taurus, known for its relentless stubbornness. You may be strongly triggered by somebody trying to get their own way and resorting to some quite unexpectedly tough ways of getting it. There are some deep emotions involved, you may feel misunderstood and hurt, so give yourself some space to avoid getting sucked into a damaging battle of wills.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 – December 22

There’s not a lot left of the crazy social Gemini energy from last month but Jupiter is still giving you some reasons to be pretty optimistic about your future. You are going to have to make adjustments, though, as family and home may be making demands on you that you’d rather not have to deal with.

CAPRICORN

December 23 – January 20

You prefer to be ambitious and are always looking for ways upward and forward in your life. You like to set yourself goals and then achieve them. Now, however, might not be the best time for this. Instead of climbing the mountains, maybe chill out at base camp and relax. You may find there is a lot to be gained by letting go of your goals for the moment.

AQUARIUS

January 21 – February 19

As Pluto retreats back in Capricorn for the last time, you may experience that feeling of being ‘on hold’, like a plane waiting for permission to land (or take off). You may have been making decent progress as you uncover your true values, but this month is very much for letting go of whatever you define as progress. The new moon is in a water sign in July so see if you can just feel the love.

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

PISCES

February 20 – March 20

Neptune is close to ending its apparently interminable time in Pisces, so this is a last chance to find your watery creative self and release yourself from past pressures and life difficulties. Saturn ought to be helping you out here but it seems just to be making things worse. It’s not like you to like boundaries but you could sure use a few now!

ARIES

March 21 – April 20

Your sign is fire and the cancer new moon is in a water sign on 5th. Either fire boils water or water puts out fire. Which is it, I wonder? Cancer is also all about nurturing and love and this is a definite flavour of this moment but pursuing love with too much ardour and too little sensitivity isn’t going to work so a more subtle approach is needed. Good luck!

TAURUS

April 21 – May 21

Repetitive tasks around the home and family can be done with focused energy this month although a few spanners may get thrown into the works now and again. There is a lot to be gained by sticking at the job in hand. Luckily you’re actually very good at this kind of thing so you will probably end the month feeling pretty satisfied with what you have achieved.

GEMINI

May 22 – June 21

Only Jupiter remains in your sign after the social whirl that was June. Maybe you’ve learnt something important recently. This month it’s much more about caring for those around you close to your home which may not feel all that exciting. If you get bored, just invite people round to help you with jobs that you can’t face doing. And then have a party afterwards!

you and your life. It will illuminate many things that you may not have considered up to now, and it will enable you to really take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the year. My prices for chart readings remain the same as they have been for the past five years: starting at £67 for an hour on Zoom or Skype. Please visit www.astroguidance.co.uk for more details and to book a session. You can also text or WhatsApp me on 07866 727743 or email me at howpark@aol.com for more information.

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