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WFrom the Kerry Lewis-Stevenson Editor
elcome month’s edition of Pulse – your go-to for all things Milton Keynes. As autumn sets in, the city is buzzing with activity, and we’re here to guide you through it.
First up, if you’re a regular in the City Centre, you’ll notice something fresh! The MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District has just launched a new consumer brand and website, all designed to improve your experience while supporting local businesses. Shopping, dining, or simply exploring – it’s all about making your time in MK even better.
On a more serious note, Willen Hospice is facing a funding crisis, one that’s hitting hospices across the country. Their ‘Care at Home? Who Cares?’ campaign is calling on the people of Milton Keynes to stand with them and demand fairer NHS funding. Unless more funds are secured, they could be forced to cut back on essential services, like Willen at Home, which supports families in need. Let’s rally behind this important cause.
For a lighter look at the past, Milton Keynes Museum is set to bring back its popular Organ Festival this October. Sammy Jones takes us back to the days of traditional fairground fun and gives us a peek into the history of these enchanting machines.
On the musical front, we’ve got a chat with Pip Akers, MK’s own lady with The Voice, who’s determined to teach the city to sing. Whether you’re a singer or just enjoy a good hum, she’s inspiring people across the city.
And finally, MK Theatre is celebrating its 25th anniversary! It’s hard to believe this cultural gem has been here for a quarter of a century. We reflect on the theatre’s rich history and its place in the heart of Milton Keynes.
As always, we’ve got your October round-up of what’s happening in the city, so you won’t miss a thing!
Enjoy the issue – we hope it leaves you feeling inspired and connected to all that Milton Keynes has to offer.
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 homes and businesses across: Aspley Guise, Aspley Heath, Bancroft Park, Blakelands, BlueBridge, Bolbeck Park, Bow Brickhill, Browns Wood, Caldecotte, Carlton, Castlethorpe, Clifton Reynes, Deanshanger, Emberton, Emerson Valley, Filgrave, Furzton, Gayhurst, Giffard Park, Great Linford, Hanslope, Harrold, Haversham, Kents Hill, Kingsmead, Lavendon, Lathbury, Loughton, Middleton, Monkston, Monkston Park, Newport Pagnell, Newton Blossomville, Oakridge Park, Oakgrove, Odell, Old Farm Park, Olney, Pennyland, Ravenstone, Shenley Church End, Shenley Brook End, Shenley Lodge, Sherington, Simpson, Stoke Goldington, Tattenhoe, Turvey, Tyringham, Walnut Tree, Walton Park, Wavendon Gate, Wavendon Village, Weston Underwood, Whaddon, Willen, Willen Park, Woburn, Woburn Sands, Woughton on the Green and pick up points across MK.
Ice Skating in Milton Keynes
From mid-November, Woburn Sands Emporium real ice rink opens for you and your family to enjoy some festive winter fun.
Ice skating sessions are available during the day, with extra evening sessions on certain days. Skating aids available to hire.
Tickets include skate hire and 45 minutes on the ice, everything you need for a fun ice skating experience
SEN sessions are
Toddler
Refreshments
New Artwork Celebrates Wildlife and Pollinators in Milton Keynes
The Parks Trust has unveiled The Bee and the Butterfly, a new public artwork celebrating the rich biodiversity of Milton Keynes. Located on the exterior wall of the Education Centre at Howe Park Wood, this vibrant mosaic pays tribute to local flora and fauna, highlighting the importance of pollinators in sustaining natural ecosystems.
Created by local artist Melanie Mosaics, a resident of Milton Keynes, the artwork draws inspiration from species found within the ancient woodland, which is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Commenting on her work, Melanie said: “I hope people enjoy this mosaic as much as I have enjoyed creating it. I hope it inspires visitors to reflect on the crucial role of nature in our lives and the vital
importance of pollinators and native species.”
Funded through Section 106 contributions from Milton Keynes City Council, The Bee
and the Butterfly aims to raise awareness of the critical role bees, butterflies, and other pollinators play in maintaining biodiversity.
Sarah Griffiths, Outdoor Learning and Interpretation Manager at The Parks Trust, said: “Melanie’s artwork beautifully encapsulates the significance of these species. Without pollinators, many of the crops we rely on for food, as well as countless wild plants, would simply vanish.”
The Bee and the Butterfly joins an impressive collection of over 30 public art pieces maintained by The Parks Trust across Milton Keynes, from the iconic Concrete Cows of the 1970s to more recent installations such as the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park. Melanie’s earlier work, a striking white barn owl, can also be found on the Gyosei Art Trail.
‘Created by local artist Melanie Mosaics, the artwork draws inspiration from species found within the ancient woodland
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A night of sport and charity at Stadium MK
Harry’s Rainbow and KidsOut are joining forces to host a Question of Sport-style charity event at Stadium MK on Friday, 7th February next year.
Inspired by the iconic BBC television programme, the black-tie evening will see teams compete for top honours through interactive quiz rounds, games, and challenges, including classic segments like Mystery Guest and What Happened Next?
Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, followed by a threecourse meal, while engaging in a lively competition. Each table will be assigned a football team to represent, adding a touch of good-natured rivalry. Teams will vie for trophies and special prizes under their football team’s name, with limited availability for specific team choices.
Alongside the quiz, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in games and auctions, all in support of two vital charities. KidsOut works to improve the lives of vulnerable children, especially those who have suffered domestic
violence. The charity provides fun day trips, toys, and books for children entering refuges with little to their name. Harry’s Rainbow, meanwhile, supports bereaved children in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, offering support groups, counselling, memory boxes, and respite trips. The charity reports a 50% rise in referrals this year, with the cost of supporting one child now exceeding £650 annually.
Tables of 10 are now on sale, and sponsorship opportunities are available for those wishing to contribute further. For booking details or to explore sponsorship options, please contact Alison at Harry’s Rainbow via alison@harrysrainbow.co.uk.
The event promises to be an entertaining evening in aid of two charities making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
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
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Your Business Expo: A key date for local business leaders in Milton Keynes
The countdown has begun for Your Business Expo, a must-attend event for businesses looking to connect and expand their network. Set to take place at King’s House in Bedford on 8th October, the event promises to bring together over 70 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors from across the region.
While the focus is on North Bedfordshire, this event is also an excellent opportunity for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and local professionals in Milton Keynes to build meaningful connections, raise brand awareness and gain insights from industry experts. Attendance is free, but registration is required: https://bit.ly/4bEeUEq.
Your Business Expo is brought to you by Pulse Group Media, publisher of Business MK – the leading business magazine for Milton Keynes – and MK Pulse, the region’s popular lifestyle magazine. This year’s expo is supported by full-service marketing agency qoob as the headline sponsor. The day will begin with a networking breakfast at 8.30am, offering an informal but invaluable opportunity to meet and connect with other professionals. Tickets are £20 and can be booked at: https://bit. ly/4dMMxpp.
Following the breakfast, the main exhibition will open at 10am, free to attend for registered visitors. The event will also host three seminars throughout the day, covering topics at the forefront of business, such as the Psychology of Marketing, Microsoft CoPilot, and Profit through Process.
“We are thrilled to see such a strong response to Your Business Expo this year,” said Pulse Group Media director Kerry Lewis-Stevenson. “The event has grown significantly and has become an essential platform for businesses to connect, promote themselves, and engage with a broader audience. We look forward to welcoming visitors from Milton Keynes and across the region to this exciting event.”
For more information and to register, visit: yourbusinessexpo.co.uk.
•
Following the breakfast, the main exhibition will open at 10am, and is free to attend for registered visitors
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!
Age UK Milton Keynes announces Fundraising Gala Dinner
Age UK Milton Keynes will host its first-ever Fundraising Gala Dinner this November, aiming to raise essential funds for local older person support services.
Age UK Milton Keynes will hold its inaugural Fundraising Gala Dinner on Saturday, 16th November 2024, at Hotel La Tour. This exclusive event promises a night of fine dining, entertainment, and community engagement, featuring a silent auction with highly soughtafter prizes, a photo booth, and music from renowned DJ Simon Tuck.
The evening aims to raise essential funds for the charity, offering guests the opportunity to support a vital cause while learning more about Age UK Milton Keynes’ work in the
community. Proceeds will directly benefit local services that improve the wellbeing of older residents, such as the Befriending programme and essential advice services.
Denise Stygal-Watson, Chief Executive of Age UK Milton Keynes, commented: “As an independent charity, we rely entirely on our own fundraising efforts. Our mission is to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for over-55s in the local area. Every year, more than 30,000 people contact us, many of whom benefit from services like our Befriending programme, which provides 13,000 hours of companionship annually.”
She added: “In 2023, our free information and advice service helped older residents claim £1.93 million in benefits. As the costof-living crisis continues to affect vulnerable communities, the demand for our services is increasing. This Gala will be crucial in ensuring we can continue to meet the growing needs of Milton Keynes’ older population.”
The charity encourages local residents and businesses to support the event, which promises to be an unforgettable evening for a worthy cause. By attending, guests will help Age UK Milton Keynes continue its vital work, delivering crucial support to those who need it most.
>> For tickets and further details, visit: https://bit.ly/AgeUK_MK
Keep the family active this autumn...
Scan the code and we’ll make sure you’re in the loop with what’s going on across Milton Keynes & Bucks
A new look and feel for Milton Keynes city centre
MyMiltonKeynes (MyMK)
Business Improvement District unveils a new consumer brand and website for the City Centre, designed to enhance visitor experience and promote local businesses.
MyMyMiltonKeynes (MyMK)
Business Improvement District (BID) has announced the launch of its new consumer brand for Milton Keynes City Centre, supported by a cutting-edge website designed to enhance the experience of visitors, residents, and workers. This initiative aims to promote the full breadth of what Milton Keynes has to offer while driving footfall and supporting local businesses.
The newly launched website, mymk.cc, serves as a comprehensive guide to the City Centre, providing up-to-date information on events, shopping, dining, and leisure activities. It is designed to be a one-stop destination for anyone looking to explore Milton Keynes and discover its hidden gems, offering a sleek, user-friendly interface that caters to the diverse needs of visitors and locals alike.
Jill Farnsworth, Chief Executive of MyMK, said: “Milton Keynes City Centre has always been a well-kept secret. While many know it as a retail hub, it is time to celebrate the wider range of activities and attractions available here. From indoor skydiving and skiing to trampolining and ice skating, the City Centre offers an exciting mix of activities for all ages. We also have an impressive array of bars, cafés, and restaurants, as well as a top-tier theatre featuring popular West End shows.
“The new website will act as a key tool, helping residents, workers, and visitors alike –including the 4,500 employees at Santander – make the most of everything the City Centre has to offer.”
The new platform, built on advanced technical architecture, features a wealth of resources designed to enhance the user experience. Its business directory allows users to easily discover local enterprises, while an interactive map highlights key locations across the City Centre, helping visitors to navigate the area effortlessly. Additionally, the website includes a day planner that lets users customise itineraries for their visits and share them with friends or family.
One of the standout features is the AI-
‘The new website will serve as a comprehensive guide to the City Centre, providing up-to-date information on events, shopping, dining, and leisure activities’
powered assistance, which personalises the experience based on user preferences, making recommendations that cater to individual interests. The platform’s intuitive design ensures that both residents and visitors can plan their time in the City Centre with ease, whether they are looking for the best places to shop, eat, or simply enjoy a day out.
Partnering for Success
To realise this ambitious project, MyMK enlisted the expertise of award-winning digital product and design agency evensix. Known for their innovative approach, evensix worked closely with MyMK to ensure that the website not only meets the expectations of the local community but also reflects the energy and diversity of Milton Keynes itself.
Pete Cockram, Design Lead at evensix, said: “It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with the MyMK team in bringing their vision to life. Using the latest technologies, we’ve created a visually engaging and highly functional platform that is easy to navigate and helps people fully engage with the City Centre. The website reflects the vibrancy of Milton Keynes, and we’re excited to see how it will be embraced by the community and visitors alike.”
Driving Growth and Engagement
Through this digital strategy, MyMK seeks to foster a stronger sense of connection between Milton Keynes’ City Centre and its surrounding community. The BID aims to encourage more people to explore the area, benefiting both
residents and businesses by driving footfall and promoting the unique offerings available within the City Centre.
The new platform plays a central role in this strategy, with its emphasis on usability, innovative features, and a commitment to promoting local businesses. By providing a digital gateway that showcases everything from leisure activities to retail outlets, MyMK hopes to establish the website as the goto resource for those looking to get the most out of Milton Keynes.
With this initiative, MyMK reinforces its mission to create a dynamic urban environment that appeals to both locals and visitors, positioning Milton Keynes City Centre as a key destination in the region.
Email: info@mymiltonkeynes.co.uk and to find out more about the BID’s work in Milton Keynes City Centre visit www.mymiltonkeynes.co.uk
Scan the code below to start exploring the new website at mymk.cc
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MK Chorale celebrates 50 years!
MK Chorale is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special series of concerts, beginning on 23rd November with a moving performance of Benjamin Britten’s St Nicolas. This piece holds a unique place in the choir’s history, as it was the very first work performed at Chorale’s inaugural concert 50 years ago. In a fitting tribute to its origins, the choir’s founder, renowned conductor Hilary Davan Wetton, will return to lead the performance, creating what is sure to be a stirring and emotionally charged evening of music.
The concert series doesn’t end there. The anniversary celebrations continue throughout the season, with Christmas with Chorale in December, bringing festive classics and seasonal favourites to the stage. In March, the choir will perform Carl Orff’s powerful Carmina Burana, known for its energetic rhythms and dramatic flair. The season will conclude in July with a performance of Mozart’s Requiem, one of the most sublime and revered works in classical music.
Tickets for all concerts are now available, with early bird discounts offering audience members a chance to secure seats at a reduced price. These events are set to be some of the most exciting in the choir’s history, and audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
50th ConcertBirthday
Britten
St Nicolas
Saturday 23 November 7.30 pm
St Mary & St Giles Church, Stony Stratford
Alina Orchestra & MK Youth Choir Mark Jordan | conductor Hilary Davan Wetton | conductor
Tickets available via QR code or www.mkchorale.org.uk
Care at home? Who cares?
In the face of a funding crisis affecting hospices nationally, Willen Hospice has launched its ‘Care at Home? Who cares?’ campaign. The charity is calling on the people of Milton Keynes to pledge their support for fairer funding from the NHS. Unless there is an increase in the Hospice’s income, it will be forced to cut back core services, such as Willen at Home.
The charity’s Willen at Home team make it possible for many local people with a life-limiting illness to stay in their own home and live well until they die, for however long that may be.
Although the Hospice is well-known for its lakeside In-Patient Unit, the majority of its care happens in the community. 86% of the Hospice’s patients are cared for in the place where they live, by Willen at Home nurses. That could be in a house, a nursing home, a caravan, a canal boat – anywhere that the patient calls home.
When asked where they would prefer to die, two-thirds of the Hospice’s patients choose home. The specialist knowledge and training Willen at Home nurses have means they can help alleviate some of the
symptoms that often come with a life-limiting illness, such as constant pain or nausea. During home visits and regular calls, they can also give medication advice and provide emotional support, to carers as well as patients.
Despite being the only service of its kind in Milton Keynes, Willen at Home receives no NHS funding. The expert care and support provided is free of charge to patients but costs the charity £1.4 million each year. This is entirely covered by charitable donations from generous local supporters.
Willen Hospice is currently one of the most poorly funded hospices in the country. Only 13.8% of its running costs are met by ongoing NHS funding, which is less than half of the average amount provided to hospices nationally. And in neighbouring counties, community services like Willen at Home are entirely paid for by the NHS.
The people of Milton Keynes rely on the services Willen Hospice provides and deserve a better deal. The city continues to grow, demanding more from the charity. There’s currently no Macmillan nurse provision in Milton Keynes, and on top of this, stretched local NHS services, such as GP surgeries, are increasingly relying on the Willen at Home team for support, easing pressure on the NHS locally.
Willen Hospice has announced that unless it can get a fairer level of NHS funding and an increase in fundraising, it will have to take the heart-breaking decision to cut back core services, like Willen at Home.
As part of the campaign, the charity is calling on the people of Milton Keynes to pledge their support and stand in solidarity with their local hospice. The charity is hoping to get 10,000 signatures to show that the people of Milton Keynes DO care about care at home and want fairer funding for their hospice.
> Scan the QR code or visit www.willen-hospice.org.uk/ whocares
81-year-old Barbara pictured with Willen at Home nurse, Anita. Barbara has COPD and has been able to stay on her narrowboat thanks to Willen at Home
Willen at Home nurse, Lou, administering medication in a home
The sounds of the fairground ring loud at the Museum
Milton Keynes Museum will be transporting visitors to the days of traditional fairground fun with the return of its popular Organ Festival this October. Sammy Jones ‘tuned up’ on the history of these enchanting machines.
Organs were the very essence of the fairground back when a visit from the travelling fair was a treat to be enjoyed by the whole community. The music making machines are still a thrill for those who remember the charming machines from their youth, and today they are still finding new receptive audiences.
Visitors to the annual Organ Festival will be able to hear the historic machines playing just as they used to while youngsters would have soaked up all the fun of the fair with its toffee apples, hoopla and thrilling rides.
These mechanical players have quite the following, and Calvin Battersby, current organiser of the festival, is one of them. These days, we live our lives immersed in music; it's everywhere, and it's difficult to imagine a time when that wasn't the case. But you don't need to travel back too far to find a time almost silent of sounds.
“The first auto playing equipment was only available to richer families and was out of reach for most people,” Calvin explained, “The average person only heard music if they went out - they might have heard an organ
playing a street organ, but as
grinder
The Emmett family's 89-keyless Gavioli organ
Pic: Carole Matthews
they were often in a state of poor repair the grinder was regularly paid to move on!
"Otherwise, it would have been a large fairground organ playing telling local people that the fair was in town.”
The first fairground and street organs started to appear in larger quantities around the late 1800s but the smaller auto playing barrel organs, which used a wooden cylinder with pins on the outside to control levers, date back to the 1700s. Even so, that's pretty modern if you think about it.
“The large fairground organs used a folded book to play the tune by blowing or sucking air through holes and slots cut into the card to control which pipes would be playing,”
Calvin said, explaining the mechanics, “A large handle needs to be turned to drive bellows and pull the card book through the control mechanism.
"As the first fairground organs were made by the Gavioli company, the man that turned the handle and changed the books as they came to the end of the tune became known as the 'Gavie man'."
It was actually a trip to the Museum a decade ago that started Calvin's passion for the players.
“I've always liked the sound of the fairground organs the odd time I had seen them at events, such as steam rallies or at Milton Keynes Museum.
Museum visitors will be able to see the beauty of these organs and musical boxes first hand
The star attraction at the Organ Festival is a magnificent Gavioli Organ built in 1903, and now owned by the Emmett family, who are responsible for delivering the annual firework display in the new city.
“It's an 89-keyless Gavioli, built in Waldkirch in the Black Forest,” Keith Emmett III explained, “It was purchased by my grandfather in 1984 and underwent a full refurbishment in 2003. It has become a staple in our family, and we are so proud of it.
“The organ is very sentimental to our family and its many familiar songs spark memories for us all, of childhood and family members, some of whom are no longer with us.
“It has just had another full refurbishment this year, and we are constantly adding to the song catalogue to try to engage the younger audience,” Keith added.
“During one visit, I was surprised to see quite a few smaller organs that were more affordable and then I learned that some exhibitors had built their own.
“I was amazed to be told you could build your own for a relatively low cost and that one of the builders on the site sold a range of plans to build your own. My birthday had passed and my wife was still looking for that present that would inspire me - she suggested buying me some plans to have a go myself.
“Within a few months I was hooked and have now built a variety of small street organs – the fifth one is on its way!”
So what is the attraction?
“The sound the organs can make,” he says, unsurprisingly, “By using different types of pipes you can have sounds like the flute, strings, trumpets and many more - and some even have a rich percussion. With all these things going on and a good selection of arrangements, they really can stand out in the musical world.
"Fairground organs even more so, with the sheer number of pipes and the large sound they are awesome.”
Museum visitors will be able to see the beauty of these organs and musical boxes first hand – and can even try playing one during the festival.
“We will have a large range of organs playing at the event,” Calvin promised, “You may think they are not for you but there's a good chance you will not have seen or heard so many different types and sizes of organs, and they are really enchanting and evocative of times passed.”
From petite music boxes to fairground centre-of-attractions, the Museum will be dancing to a decidedly different tune this October 12 &13!
“Some are from the distant past, many have a rich sound and others have cabinets and carvings that really are a work of art,” Calvin added, “You will find all the exhibitors friendly and happy to answer any questions you may have about their exhibit, its history and how it works.”
Milton Keynes Museum is one of the best interactive museums, a perfect outing for all ages, staffed by friendly volunteers, and highly recommended by visitors on TripAdvisor. This feature was written by Milton Keynes Museum. Find out more about forthcoming events and see our opening times at: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
A long time before streams and downloads, these were King - and they are certainly the more visually appealing
Pic: Carole Matthews
Pic: Carole Matthews
Unit 6B, Pineham Farm, Haversham, Milton Keynes MK19 7DP
Unit 6B, Pineham Farm, Haversham, Milton Keynes, MK19 7DP
WED 9th OCT ‘24
Roman Baths
£50 Per person, includes entrance fee
Step into history at the Roman Baths, a wellpreserved Roman site where hot spring waters still flow daily.
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
Bath at 16.00pm
WED 16th OCT ‘24
St Paul’s Cathedral
£62 Per person, includes entrance fee and guided tour - Admire St Paul’s Cathedral’s iconic dome, explore monuments like Wellington’s, and experience the grandeur of one of London’s most breathtaking architectural masterpieces, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.00am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.20am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.40am
London at 16.00pm
FRI 18th OCT ‘24
Chatsworth House- Derbyshire
£62 Per person, includes entrance fee and 1-hour guided tour
Discover Chatsworth House, home to the Devonshire family, featuring 30 grand rooms, remarkable art collections, and stunning gardens set in Derbyshire’s picturesque Peak District.
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.00am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.20am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.40am
Derbyshire at 16.00pm
SUN 20th OCT ‘24
Nottingham Castle
£45 Per person, includes entrance fee
Uncover Nottingham Castle’s rich history of rebellion and legend, explore historic caves, and enjoy art exhibitions, including the renowned
Nottingham lace gallery and craft collections.
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.00am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.20am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 8.40am
Nottingham at 15.30pm
MON 28th OCT ‘24
Pitt Rivers Museum - Oxford
£30 Per adult, £19 per child 16yrs and under, includes entrance fee
Explore Pitt Rivers Museum’s vast collection, showcasing 600,000 unique artefacts that trace human evolution through history.
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.30am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.50am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.10am
Oxford at 16.00pm
WED 30th OCT ‘24
London Leisure Day
*Free entry into all the museum, but please check each museum website as you may need to book an entry time*
£27 Per person - Enjoy free entry to London’s iconic museums: Natural History, Science, and Victoria & Albert, all within walking distance.
oo! Halloween is creeping up on us, and while we’re busy planning the perfect costume and stockpiling sweets (don’t pretend you’re not), there’s a lot more to this spooktacular celebration than just trick-or-treating. It’s a holiday steeped in centuries of history, mysterious traditions, and some truly surprising facts. So, as you carve your pumpkins and get ready for all things spooky, here are 10 fun (and slightly eerie) Halloween facts that are sure to give you a treat!
Halloween’s Ancient Roots This isn’t just about dressing up in your finest vampire costume–Halloween goes way back, over 2,000 years in fact! The holiday has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people believed that on October 31st, the line between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to wander the earth. Spoooooky!
Jack-O’-Lanterns Were Originally Turnips Forget pumpkins–back in the day, the Irish were carving faces into turnips to scare away evil spirits! It wasn’t until Irish immigrants arrived in America that they switched to pumpkins (because they’re bigger and much easier to carve). Makes you wonder how tricky it was to carve a turnip!
grab apples with your teeth? It’s got ancient Roman roots! The Romans celebrated the goddess Pomona, and the game was meant to predict your future–especially when it came to love.
Trick-or-Treating Has Medieval Origins The classic “trick-or-treat” isn’t just a modern invention. It’s based on a practice called souling, where, during the medieval period, the poor would knock on doors offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. Now, we get sweets instead–arguably an upgrade!
Black Cats: From Luck to Spook In ancient Egypt, black cats were seen as symbols of good fortune and were deeply respected. But during the Middle Ages, they unfortunately got a bad rap and became associated with witchcraft and bad luck. To this day, many still believe black cats bring misfortune (we say they’re just misunderstood!).
Victorian Mirror Superstitions
Feeling brave? In the Victorian era, it was believed that if you stared into a mirror at midnight on Halloween, you might catch a glimpse of your future spouse. But beware–some also believed you could see a ghost or even your own death. Maybe don’t try this one at home...
Michael Myers’ Mask Has a Funny Backstory The creepy white mask that haunts your dreams in the Halloween movies? It was actually a Captain Kirk mask from Star Trek! The filmmakers bought it from a costume shop, gave it a quick spray-paint, and turned it into the iconic mask we all know today. Talk about a budget makeover!
John Carpenter’s Halloween Wasn’t Meant to Be a Hit You know Halloween, the iconic 1978 slasher film? It was made for just $300,000 and was never expected to be the massive success it became–raking in over $70 million worldwide. Not bad for a film made on a shoestring budget!
The World’s Largest Pumpkin If you think your pumpkin is big, think again! In 2021, an Italian farmer broke the world record with a pumpkin weighing an astonishing 2,702 pounds (that’s about the weight of a small car!). Just imagine the size of the pie you could make with that!
Bobbing for Apples is an Ancient Tradition That game you played as a kid where you dunked your head into a bucket of water to
Harry Houdini’s Mysterious Death Legendary magician and escape artist Harry Houdini passed away on Halloween in 1926. His death, from a ruptured appendix, only added to the mystique surrounding his life. To this day, his name is synonymous with mystery and illusion–fitting for a man who died on the spookiest day of the year.
So there you have it! Next time someone asks you about Halloween, you’ll have a cauldron full of fun facts to share. Whether you’re dressing up, bobbing for apples, or just enjoying the sweets, now you know the history behind the holiday–and it’s even spookier than you thought!
Meet MK’s lady with The Voice
Pulse’s Sammy Jones had a pitch-perfect chat with Pip Akers who is ‘scaling’ new heights in her quest to teach Milton Keynes to sing...
“My mum noticed first,” Pip says of her passion and talent for performing and for song, “She realised I had an interest in music and did everything she could to encourage it, including putting me in keyboard lessons from the age of four. I sang with her in the church choir from a very young age, and got involved in every school production and talent show I possibly could.”
Listening to Stevie Wonder as a wee youngster was another landmark moment for Pip, which she remembers as being ‘pure joy.’
Other voices who would join Stevie in her favourites list include Whitney Houston, Inez Andrews, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, George Michael, Celine Dion, “...to be honest I’d better end it there or I’d go on forever,” she laughed.
The lady who now helps others free their voice through her own coaching business was herself a regular at music lessons when she was growing up: “I took SO many music lessons. Mum would drop me off at Stantonbury Campus every Saturday morning and I would just go from one class to another; piano, violin, guitar, drums, voice and choirs.
“I’m very grateful for that experience but my ADHD made it difficult for me to concentrate. If I didn’t take to something naturally, I lost interest. Luckily I ended up sticking with piano and singing as they felt the most natural.”
In her late teens, Pip hotfooted it to Blackpool to work as a cabaret singer and lead park vocalist for the Bourne Leisure brand. Experience picked up then, convinced Pip she had made the correct career choice.
In millions of homes across the country, Saturday night currently means switching on the box and checking in with The Voice, to listen to unknown singers battling to get the all-important chair spin from the panel of industry judges. You know the drill.
Not so long ago, Pip was one of those, mic in hand, belting out the goods: “I spent a few years working with The Voice and one of my auditions was televised. Tom Jones said I was, ‘punching with both fists’ which I assume was a good thing!” she smiles, “It was that which inspired me to become a vocal coach. I had industry level coaching throughout my time on The Voice and I learned so much from them and I thought, ‘this is definitely something I can and want to do.”
“I had two auditions, and my first one didn’t go well. I was nervous and pitchy, and after I came off stage a camera was shoved in my face and I was asked how my parents would feel – they had only recently passed away.
“Safe to say I was a bit of a mess and lucky to have my family there who looked after me and made it bearable. However, this only made me more determined to redeem myself the next time I was asked back.
“Although I didn’t get a chair turn, it looked like Olly Murs was close! I felt confident I had done myself and my family proud.”
Pip is all about finding the positive, and she took plenty of good stuff away from that experience.
“There were no tears, my family cheered when I walked into the interview room and we all had a lovely time celebrating after. And you know what? I’d do it again!” she said, “It taught me resilience, the importance of proper coaching and hard work, how the industry works, trusting yourself and going for it, working the crowdI had them all on their feet the second time round - and not letting anything stop you,” she remembered, “No matter how many knock backs you get, if you want something, keep going. I wanted to work in music full time and now I do. A big part of that is down to my experience on The Voice and I’ll always be so glad I did it and super grateful to the producers, vocal coaches and team that saw something in me.”
Pip’s business is now bursting with people wanting to unleash their inner star quality. But really, can anyone be taught to sing?
The students and parents love the showcases and I’m now preparing for the eighth one! The children get to sing a song each, on a professional stage, have professional photographs taken and share their hard work with friends and family.
“I believe everybody can learn techniques and build their confidence to enhance their natural ability. Everyone can be taught to sing better, but it may take some longer than others. If you stay the course and trust the process you can achieve amazing things. I’ve been doing this almost six years now and the proof can be heard in my amazing students...”
And she has plenty of those amazing students; her business launched with just a handful of pupils on a Saturday morning, but her reputation is sterling and she now works five days a week tutoring, with a waiting list that has been in the 100s. Demand for Pip’s tutoring is sky high.
“I now offer ad-hoc sessions over the school holidays to try to see more students, and twice a year I put on showcases at The Craufurd Arms, which is where my teaching studio was for a long time.
“The students and parents love the showcases and I’m now preparing for the eighth one! The children get to sing a song each, on a professional stage, have professional photographs taken and share their hard work with friends and family. I have to give a special shout out to all my friends and family that put in a shift on showcase days to help make them successful, without their support, none of this would ever have been possible.
“It’s not just children though, I also have a wonderful bunch of adult students, some of them now sing professionally when they would only ever sing in the car when they started!
“It’s one hell of a rewarding job for so many reasons.”
Those of us who keep our vocal inabilities confined to our own company, and don’t even like going as public as singing in the shower struggle to imagine having the confidence to cut our voices loose in public. Share the appeal.
“Some people are straight up extroverts and love sharing their passion and art with others, and coaching sessions enable them to build on their techniques, and to have more self belief to get out there and do it!
“Others may see it as a challenge; something to help build their confidence, a healthy outlet for emotion, a way of being a part of a community, or of connecting with their own body - a way of letting go of the stresses and control of everyday life,” Pip explained.
“Some do it simply for the joy and happiness it brings them and others. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Six years in and Vocal Coaching with Philippa Akers (“Yes, I do regret not choosing a more catchy business name!”) is a flyaway success, but she has her eyes on a bigger prize in the future.
“I’d love to have my own vocal coaching and performing arts school one day,” she divulges, “...that’s the biggest dream goal. I’d love to work with and learn from other music and arts teachers. More immediate goals include attending the Vocal Educators ToolKit course with a teaching school I’ve been following for years. It’s important to invest in myself and stay up to date with research and studies to enable me to be the best vocal coach and mentor I can be...”
> Check in with Philippa –and her talented students – on FB and Insta @vocalcoachingwithphilippaakers
Pip’s next student showcase takes place on Sunday, October 13 at 2pm at The Craufurd Arms in Wolverton. Tickets are £7.50 on the doors.
A mosaic, a marvellous retro event, and stars - in person and in straw form! Here are this month’s Pulse Pics...
The Bee and the Butterfly is a striking new artwork by MK artist Melanie Mosaics who took inspiration from creatures found in the ancient woodland, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, that now houses the piece – Howe Park Wood. “I hope it inspires visitors to think about the role of nature in our everyday lives, and the vital importance of pollinators and native species,” Melanie said.
Things have moved on a little bit since the era of Worzel Gummidge!
The Wolverton Scarecrow Festival returned earlier this month, and there were some staggeringly good contributions – including Dumbledore from the Harry Potter books (from the creative hand of Andrea Nixon), and Queen guitarist and animal rights ace Brian May
Keynes Museum turned back the clock to the wartime era for its annual 1940s Weekend, which saw re-enactors, some wonderful music and dance, and fashions from the decade back on trend!
Milton
Film and TV lovers flocked to centre:mk for the latest Collectormania, with stars including Lesley Joseph and Phil Daniels meeting and greeting fans. But the biggest star in attendance was hairy Star Wars warrior Chewbacca, who towered over everyone!
Pics: Sammy Jones
Pic: Nicky Kenny Pic: Emma Rix
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‘Please take your seats, this evening’s performance will begin in two minutes...’
It is such a big part of the cultural offering in Milton Keynes that it is difficult to imagine a time when it wasn’t here, and yet MK Theatre is only just celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. And what a quarter century it has been, writes Sammy Jones.
Campaigners in the new town had been calling for a new arts space for the growing community as far back as the early 1970s, but though there was mention made for a largescale theatre in the development blueprint, there would be no movement for decades.
But when it – eventually – came, it was stunning.
It was designed by Blonski Heard architects who were appointed in 1993, and actor and local resident Kevin Whately launched the construction in 1997.
The considerable sized building took 500,000 man hours to complete, with more than 2,300 concrete-mixing lorries responsible for delivering more than 25,000 tonnes of concrete to the site!
Building work was completed in 1999, with the curtain rising on this new theatrical hub for the first time on October 4, 1999, signalling the start of a weeklong celebration.
“I opened this theatre with Annie, and I introduced Simon Callow who made
the opening night speech,” remembered Lesley Joseph, who has since returned in several productions, and spent a season in panto here.
“I think it is fabulous,” she said, “It has a great atmosphere and I’m always really pleased to come back.”
Somewhere in the region of nine million people have followed those first audiences in catching a show here – and at the last guesstimate, they’ve had more than 10,000 productions to choose from; so many musicals, comedies, plays, ballets and operas among them.
Ordinarily, the theatre finds itself making headlines for its shows, but every now and again it picks up coverage for more colourful events; much-missed singer Amy Winehouse enjoyed a few too many drinks before a fiery confrontation with a theatre manager landed her in court.
She pleaded guilty to common assault and public order offences, and the national press had a field day.
A minority of people also saw red when Jerry Springer The Musical was staged here, but the small protest was far outweighed by ticket-holders keen to see the lively show!
EastEnders’ Steve McFadden attracted more national titles to write about the theatre when he stayed in his motorhome in the theatre car park while appearing in pantomime back in 2004.
But most of the time, the headlines are for the top-draw shows and names to match, and there have been so many.
The annual pantomime has delivered Hollywood stars and household names aplenty; Elvis’ former wife, Priscilla Presley and the inimitable Mickey Rooney have all starred. In 2024, we will welcome the fab-ulous Craig Revel Horwood to town, heading up the cast of Peter Pan
Others who have stopped by include Dame Joan Collins, Sheridan Smith, Sir Patrick Stewart, Martin Freeman, Dawn French and Penelope Keith.
You want more? David Suchet, Neil Pearson, Susan Hampshire, Marti Pellow, Richard E Grant, Wayne Sleep and Timothy West.
TV and stage favourites who have taken the reins during the festive seasons include Gok Wan, Brian Conley, Bradley Walsh, Shane Richie, Gareth Gates, Lenny Henry, Joe Pasquale and Gary Wilmot.
As for shows? How do you pick from thousands of ‘em? It’s an impossible list to harvest, but includes Les Miserables, Starlight Express, Cats, Cabaret, Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, Wicked, Hairspray, Blood Brothers and War Horse
Starry, starry nights
My work as a leisure editor in Milton Keynes has given me access to the stars and creatives behind the shows, and I have had a ball (and been to a fair few with Cinders!), writes Sammy Jones.
the shadow of Big Ben was sensational. Memories to treasure, for sure.
The whole team here at Milton Keynes Theatre are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the building’s opening this year.
The theatre strikes a wonderful balance between core favourites and classics, and new innovative deliveries, so there is always the opportunity to discover a new favourite show.
Musicians who have delighted fans at the venue are as varied as Elvis Costello, Queen’s Brian May, Katherine Jenkins and cockney aces Chas & Dave, while singers who have taken on stage roles include David Essex, Tommy Steele, Will Young and Alexandra Burke.
The auditorium, which can be adjusted to vary between 900 and 1400 seats in number, is widely heralded by the many stars who perform there, who are used to playing older and less accommodating spaces. They appreciate its welcome use of space, and modernism.
“The whole team here at Milton Keynes Theatre are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the building’s opening this year,” said theatre director Emma Sullivan, “Since our doors first opened in October 1999, some of the most iconic dramas, comedies, musicals, dance productions, operas and more have been performed on our stage. Our 25th year promises even more brilliant productions, including Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen and of course, this year’s panto Peter Pan
“It’s been our pleasure to welcome audiences from Milton Keynes and beyond over the last 25 years, and we look forward to welcoming them to the theatre over the next 25 years and beyond,” she added.
I have danced with Lionel Blair, got the giggles with Roger Moore, stage-stepped as an extra in Spamalot alongside Joe Pasquale (and was afforded the title of ‘Best couldn’t give a s**t face of the tour’!), and been charmed by Sir Ian McKellan.
An unashamed pantomime devotee, I always look forward to the annual festive offering, and we have had plenty of A-listers stepping up to bring the fun times; chatting with Priscilla Presley about family life away from the glare of the spotlight was enlightening, Dirk Benedict, star of The A Team, opened up about his battle with ill health,and how he triumphed and came back stronger, and Patrick Duffy, aka Bobby Ewing in Dallas, told me how Buddhism helped him deal with the tragic murder of his parents. Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney was a tricky interviewee, but, in between bickering with his wife, I managed to get him to open up. As other interviewers will tell you, that was no easy feat!
I shared incredibly rude insults with the late, great, Rik Mayall, who appreciated my ability at matching his crude turn of phrase, and later I joined him in Westminster when he launched his tour of The New Statesman
Watching him trading verbal blows with protestors who believed him to be a real MP, and seeing him bring the traffic to a standstill on those busy London streets in
Chatting with Eurythmics man Dave Stewart about his work as Musical Director for Ghost, was a rare chance to discover the man behind so many classic hits, and nattering with Neil Sedaka felt like a real privilege.
I’ve given music to Bilbo Baggins, or at least the actor behind the character, Martin Freeman after we talked about music for a time. Wonder if he still has that Mark Lanegan cassette?!
Queen star Sir Brian May and I bonded over a shared passion for animal welfare, and Chas Hodges, of Chas & Dave, talked of his early career days working with artists like Jerry Lee Lewis, and also spoke frankly about his cancer diagnosis in a bid to encourage others to get checked.
Such a down to earth, lovely man, with an exceptional amount of talent to match – and greatly missed.
I even had a long chat with Buddy Holly’s widow, Maria about her husband which was a highlight among many.
Theatre is as much of a passion to me today as it has ever been. Provoking, moving, enlightening, emotional...it is all of these things, and so much more.
Theatre is pure escapism, and a safe way to lose yourself in other times, events, people and places. When the lights dim and the curtain rises, the anticipation is every bit as palpable today as it was that first time I engaged with a production. And in MK Theatre we have the best of the West End delivered direct to our doorstep.
Aren’t we lucky?
Clockwise from top left: Sammy, with the cast of Spamalot, the Ugly Sisters from the 2023 panto, Bradley Walsh, Dirk Benedict, Sir Roger Moore and Ian Hislop
Emma Sullivan, Milton Keynes Theatre director
Prep-hair-ation is key!
Got a big night out or a job interview to look sharp for? Heck, you don’t even need a special event to want your locks to bounce, shine and look fine – and here’s a selection of products at the cutting edge of cool to get the job done...
Bondi Boost’s best-selling Miracle Hair Mask can be used weekly to give your strands salon-level deep conditioning – Quinoa extract, Argan oil, Jojoba and Queensland Nut Oil work with Australian Aloe Vera for the goodness of your tresses. There’s nothing nasty to be found here – parabens, sulphates and silicones are banned, but the fragrance is mighty fine; ‘Like a fruity pomegranate mojito on a first date,’ is how the brand describes it. Smells like heaven.
Get it: bondiboost.co.uk
RRP: £28
Get it: Harrods Beauty, CMK or online at sisley-paris.com
RRP: £100
Hair Rituel by Sisley launches its Intense Nutrition Hair Care Mask this month, which transforms all dry to very dry hair with a nourishing, lightweight formula. The mask benefits from Coconut, Meadow Form Seed, Moringa, Macadamia and Shea oils, providing essential lipids. Use for just five minutes and the rich, creamy, enveloping textures will make for one spectacular transformation; hair will be shinier and more transformed, less knotty and easier to style. An easy way to show your softer side!
Who wouldn’t want champagne styling on a prosecco budget? And now, thanks to Bondi Boost, you can have it!
The Australian hair experts have launched an unbeatable multitasking hair tool which is able to cater for all hair types, and all situations – taking your hair ‘from wet to dry with a smooth salon quality finish.’
A six-in-one styler, this will add shine, reduce frizz and allow you to create a custom look, and when your hair looks fabulous, you feel great – and walk taller, right?
This Everlast Airstyler System comes with a tidy little travel case, making salon-level hair an easy achievement wherever you go. Bondi Boost have delivered Bondi Brilliance with this.
Get it: bondiboost.co.uk
RRP: £175
Nourish the roots, strengthen the length, cool and invigorate with this Growth Vegetarian Society approved haircare trio from high street leaders, Lush This set brings together a new shampoo bar with its stimulating peppermint infusion, Valkyrie conditioner bursting with protein-rich ingredients to revive chemically damaged hair, and Roots - to rejuvenate tired scalps, with peppermint, spearmint and honey the triple threat employed to do that job.
Get it: lush.com/uk
RRP: £42
Enjoy a detox treatment with a creamy whipped formula to buff away dead skin cells, rebalance an oily scalp, unclog pores, remove product build-up and support a healthy scalp.
Stimulating green coffee, nourishing vitamin E and sea salt power this Pink Salt Scalp Scrub, which is guaranteed to put you ‘ahead’ of the pack.
Get it: bondiboost.co.uk
RRP: £28
By Cindy LGH
The New Golden Era
All the leaves are turning brown, red and gold - and so are the fruits of fashion’s labour; the best items to squirrel away into your wardrobe for Winter
After what feels like a millennium of worshipping 90s-00s looks, we might finally have reached a nostalgic peak, with catwalks looking to the era’s final boss: Sienna Miller, the golden girl of the early naughties. Famed in fashion for her long necklaces, brown leather belts, suede bags, wafty dresses and Ugg boots - she’s back. Or at least in homage, via designers’ catwalks for this season.
At Isabel Marant, brown, black and khaki ensembles were finished with heavily fringed boots; 70s tan suede, drape-y snake print dresses, leopard print belts and furs worn with the occasional shock of postbox red. At Chloe, the look was remixed with New Romantic-era details: riské lace, tight, shiny leather, and indulgently-layered ruffles running down shirt sleeves and stacked hem-to-shoulder on dresses.
The key is to refine the look. Think: 2000s Boho Babe, but all grown up. Replace the tiny ra-ra skirts of ‘then,’ for mid-length (very mindful, very demure) suede. Swap strappy tops for billowy blouses, decadent macrame and expensive-looking fringe. But those iconic floaty dresses? Those are forever a vibe, so find your fave from the back of your wardrobe or inside your local charity shop where bell sleeves and pussy bow shirts tend to hibernate. Just be sure to add in a little leather and leopard print (a big deal for Autumn/Winter’24), because today’s It-Girl does romanticism with a bit of a wild side.
@CindyLGH
Zara £15.99
Main image: All items Zara
Per Una @M&S £89
Jacket and trousers Monsoon £TBC Zara £17.99
Matalan £24
George @Asda £45
And/Or @ John Lewis £119
John Lewis £75 >
Jager @M&S £89
Village Schools Federation
School Open Days
Is your child due to start school next year?
Come and visit our small schools with a big heart, based in the villages around Milton Keynes and Olney. Out of catchment applications are welcome.
Nurturing and caring environments - Weekly forest school - High teacher pupil ratios - Community based learning opportunities
Tomatoes stuffed with spiced lamb
METHOD
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4-6
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp Cooks’ Ingredients Barberries
6 No.1 Jack Hawkins Tomatoes
1½ tbsp olive oil
1 large red onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
400g British lamb mince
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp Cooks’ Ingredients Baharat Spice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
250g pack microwaveable wholegrain rice
20g pack dill, leaves roughly chopped
½ lemon, zest and juice
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. In a bowl, cover the barberries with just-boiled water from the kettle; set aside to plump up. Meanwhile, cut off the tops of the tomatoes (reserve them for later) and scoop out the insides with a spoon. Discard the seeds and finely chop any leftover flesh. Put the bases in a baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.
2. Heat ½ tbsp oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until starting to soften. Add the lamb, season and fry for 8-10 minutes until any excess liquid has evaporated, the lamb is browned and no pink meat remains. Stir in the tomato purée and spices; fry for 2 minutes more. Add any chopped tomato flesh and the rice, and fry for a final 2 minutes.
3
. Drain the barberries and stir into the pan with the dill, lemon zest and juice. Check the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper or lemon juice to taste. Pile the mixture into the hollowed-out tomatoes and top with the lids. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp oil and bake for 25-35 minutes, until the tops are starting to blister, and the tomato shells are soft but not collapsing. Serve with a green salad, if liked.
COOK’S TIP
Barberries are small, sweet yet slightly sour berries often used in Persian cooking. You could use dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots instead.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.
Help your charity to help Animals in Need
So, you want to help your local animal charity, but don't know how to? Pulse's Sammy Jones checked in with Animals in Need Manager Annie Marriott and discovered plenty of ways you can support their wonderful work - making it easy for all of us to do something...
Regular readers will know only too well the fantastic work carried out by Animals in Need's team of staff and volunteers, whose boundless energy and passion saves literally thousands of lives, year in, year out.
But the truth of the matter is that it's really not all about fun play time with kittens and long walks with pooches. If only.
It's a gruelling, emotionally challenging, and never-ending workload with a constant influx of injured, unwanted and abused animals to care for - and they take a heck of a lot of looking after, which costs a pretty penny.
There are lots of ways you can support the charity, and in turn you might be clearing the clutter from your abode. It's a win-win!
Their Northampton-based charity shop is another valuable source of income, and if you are spring cleaning (at any time of the year!), you should fill the boot of your car and drop in to the store, located on Lea Road.
“Clothes are the biggest seller for us, and good condition clothing is always welcomed. Books, music, bric-a-brac, small items of
Keeping the chills at bay post-surgery
furniture... you name it, we can sell it, so please do think of us if you are having a tidy out,” Annie urged, “The only things we can't sell are electrical products, for safety reasons.
“We also have a dedicated eBay page which we use for certain items.”
All these cash swelling avenues take time and volunteers to make them a success, of course.
“Absolutely,” Annie nodded, “We are so grateful for our small army of volunteers who support us – without them, we simply couldn't exist. If you can spare at least four hours a week, and are dedicated, please get in touch. Whether it's mucking out the farm animals, walking the dogs waiting for their forever homes, or assisting with the endless stream of wildlife casualties we receive, we will certainly put you to work!” she smiled, “Contrary to popular belief, it's not glamorous work, but you will sleep well after a shift here,” she giggled, “Best of all though, you return home knowing that you have made a real difference to the lives of those in need, and to us staff.”
“We have recently branched out into plant stalls too – people love a sweet little succulent, or a spider plant, or a perennial, and they sell like hot cakes, which are another favourite at our fetes!
“If you are green fingered and want to donate some well rooted plants, or simply sell them on our behalf, that would be fantastic.”
The charity is always in need of blankets, towels and sheets for the animals too –
with so many creatures to keep warm and snuggly, they go through bedding at an unbelievable rate, and their two huge industrial washing machines are permanently loaded and in action.
“We try not to put the dryers on though as the bills are extortionate – as a consequence, part of the site permanently resembles a scene from My Beautiful Launderette!
“We also have three volunteers who take the washing home to dry it. If you imagine somewhere in the region of 70 dogs and 73 cats and kittens all having bedding that needs to be changed – not to mention the wildlife casualties...it's massive.”
Can you ever have too much bedding?
“We can take as much as you can offer!” Annie said, “I recently collected all of the bedding and sheets from the Doubletree Hotel in Milton Keynes when they had a bedding changeover. We had a van full and we were so grateful to them.
“The only thing we can't take is anything with stuffing – so no duvets, or pillows, and we can't take electric blankets either. Anything else is welcome."
And with so many animals at the centre, the quantities of food consumed are insane too.
“Dog and cat food, rabbit and guinea pig pellets and hay are all warmly received,” Annie said, “We are lucky that we have some regular donors, but no matter how much food we have, it's honestly never enough.
“We do have an Amazon wish list page, so if anyone would like to support us with minimum fuss, that's probably the easiest way – just the click of a mouse will make a difference to us.
“One thing many people don't think of is toys – dogs and cats need stimulation, they need entertainment and they need
Do you have a cupboard of unwanted goodies, or a drawer full of bits and bobs that never get used?
Are there unwanted toiletry sets lurking in the corner? Or have your children got more toys than they can cope with?
Animals in Need can make use of any good quality items: “We get through so many Tombola prizes, it's insane!” Annie
something to occupy their time. Having toys is a brilliant way of keeping them engaged, and can be invaluable with some particularly traumatised animals who find themselves in our care – sharing play time helps them to start trusting in us, which is a massive thing when some of the little souls have been so let down by people in the past.
“Perhaps your pooches and puddies are spoiled and have too many toys. If they have a surplus and would like to donate to their fellow furries, good condition second hand toys are appreciated.
“We are so grateful to everyone who takes the time to give to us, but at the same time, it is scary that we are so reliant on people's goodwill,” Annie said, shaking her head, “Every time we are met with adversity, somehow we up the ante and swerve the problems, but it is a non-stop battle.
“The fact that people choose to donate here, when there are so many deserving causes out there is never lost on us,” Annie added, “I'd like to thank Pulse readers for their constant support and interest in the charity.
“Every time we rescue an animal from suffering, or re-home or release a rehabilitated animal, it has always benefited from the generosity of volunteers and supporters. That is so precious. Thank you all for sticking with us during these difficult days.”
told us, “We are always on the lookout for items – from sweets to teddies and everything in between. People love the surprise of a Tombola, and the monies generated really help us to keep the wolf from the door,” Annie said, “Although if we were presented with a wolf in need, of course we would help it!” she laughed.
Amazon Wish List deliveries
Members of the public make all the difference with their donations
Toys are a stimulant, engage animals and allow them to relax and have some fun
Time for a rest in the autumn? Forget it! DIGGING DEEP
To the uninitiated, it might seem like green fingered types have it easy at this time of year.
Summer is done, the growing is slowing and it’s time for gardeners to adjust their pace, too, right?
Nothing could be further from the truth; the clear-up campaign needs to be worked through, and preparation is key if you want a bloomin’ good summer in 2025.
Jean Cocker, who has already shared some of her gardening secrets with Pulse readers, is every bit as busy just now as she has been all year, working her allotment.
She does have a little more free time now that the hedgehogs she was caring for are making their own way around the space and no longer require help, but she has popped some hog houses out for them – ready made snug homes to hibernate in, should they choose to.
But what about the more general garden work?
“There are plenty of finished produce beds that need to be cleared, so I have been getting stuck into that, and as I go I am covering the empty beds with horse manure so they will be ready for use again in spring.”
But where to get that horse produce, and why is it so valuable?
will be pleased to help you. When you grow plants and produce, the soil is stripped of its nutrients - manure replaces those nutrients.
“In the spring I will dig the manure in and cover it with new compost and it will be ready for another great year.
“There is plenty of planting to be done just now too, and I am focusing on onions, garlic and broad beans which will be ready for spring, and I have some more salad leaves coming through which will make for a tasty amount of fresh food in the new year.
“Of course, the bigger the space you work, the bigger the workload, and my allotment is quite a size, so I am always pottering about with something!
“I am fortunate to have a number of fruit trees; apple, pear and cherry, and now is the time to prune them back. Doing so makes them less susceptible to wind damage, and is a great way to get rid of any disease.
“Anyone with a paddock and horses will have it readily available, and you will find the owners are eager to get rid of it, so do have a conversation with people local to where you live,” she advised, “Horse owners
“Importantly, it will also support healthy growth moving forward, so it is a really important part of the autumn garden-keeping.”
Seed gathering is another key job: “When the flower head dies it turns to a seed head, and I leave some to go to seed, but the majority I gather, dry out and save in envelopes for use next year – and I will typically sow them around March-time.”
Much of what Jean is doing now will yield results next summer, but some things will be required sooner: “I’ve got some sprouts and potatoes on the go just now that I am confident will be on the dinner plate on Christmas Day!”
How does your garden grow?
Autumn is here already! Clear away any remaining bedding plants to the compost heap and begin to plant the spring display of wallflowers. I was taught to plant them with a dibber - they prefer a firm soil.
Hanging baskets should be emptied, brushed out and put away.
Now is the time to replant the daffodils that were lifted in the spring. Prepare the space, digging the soil quite deeply, and add a handful of grit. Backfill and water thoroughly. Plant crocuses too.
The last maincrop potatoes should be harvested, left on the surface to dry, and then stored. Leave marrows to ripen in the autumn sun, but harvest squashes before a frost. Dig up and divide any large clumps of rhubarb, replanting the best piece into soil enriched with compost.
Hardy broad beans, like The Sutton, may be sown in the ground or in small pots to be planted out later. Pot up lettuce plants sown earlier and grow in the greenhouse, or plant them out and protect them with a cloche.
Start to collect fallen leaves from the patio and paths but leave those fallen on the border to be pulled down by worms. Leaves on the lawn may be collected by mowing as long as they are dry. They will be chopped up and will decompose more quickly in the compost bin.
Tie grease bands around the trunks of trees to stop insect pests climbing up and laying their eggs.
Remove weak, damaged and dead growth from climbing roses and tie the strong permanent framework of shoots horizontally. Bush roses should have tender shoots reduced to prevent frost and wind damage. Bare root roses may be planted now, in soil enriched with well-rotted compost or manure.
Turf may be laid, to repair damaged parts of the lawn or to create a new one.
Ensure that planted-up containers or urns are raised off the ground with three pot feet, to avoid ‘wobble’ and waterlogging.
Ralph Westmoreland
Collect seeds from your dried out flower heads for next year
Now is the time of year to replenish your soil with manure and compost
Six Wooden Acorn Baubles, £16 marquisanddawe.co.uk
Autumn has officially arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited! As the leaves turn golden and the air gets that unmistakable crispness, we’ve pulled together a collection of our absolute favourite finds to help you settle into the season. Picture this: earthy tones, snug textiles that practically beg you to curl up, and all the harvest vibes – pumpkins, pine cones, the works. And because it wouldn’t be October without a little mischief, we’ve sprinkled in some seasonal touches of Halloween (just the right amount of spooky). Ready to cosy up?
20 Maple Leaf Micro Fairy Lights, £9.99 lights4fun.co.uk
Mercury LED Glass Pumpkin Light, £29.99 lights4fun.co.uk
Autumn Wheat Wreath, £39.99 lights4fun.co.uk
Cone Finial, £48 joannawood.com
Rope Finish Bow Pumpkin, £14.95 homeluxeco.com
homeluxeco.com
Earthenware Leaf
Shape Dish, £15.99 giselagraham.co.uk
Gold
Green
Velvet Pumpkin Wreath, £44.95
Pine
The Charms of Chestnut
Chestnut is the colour I can’t get enough of this season! Warm, earthy, and effortlessly stylish, this rich, deep brown adds a cosy yet sophisticated touch to any space, whether you’re going for a modern vibe or something more classic. From statement furniture to those little accessories that make all the difference, chestnut’s natural charm looks fabulous in any room.
When combined with cream, beige, caramel and coffee colours, chestnut tones create a refined and relaxed look perfect for the seasonal change in climate. As the nights draw in, create the ideal setting in which to curl up and relax. Pay attention to textures that are tactile – velvets, suedes and faux furs – these make lovely cushions and throws.
If you’d prefer a fresher, cooler look then set chestnut wood finishes against a backdrop of an icy blue paint such as Albany’s ‘Ice Blue’ or Paint and Paper Library’s ‘Ice II’. If you don’t like the idea of dark wood then use chestnut colour fabrics as the contrast.
Lusso Chestnut from Warner House or Linwood’s Omega Chestnut are both ideal fabric options for covering sofas and armchairs. Omega is made from 60% recycled polyester and is stain resistant and washable. Adorn these rich pieces with cushions in grey, blue and white to balance the contrast of the delicate blue paint with the deeper, darker colour of the furniture.
Paint colours such as Tailored Paint’s ‘Chestnut Brown’ or Neptune’s ‘Chestnut’ are good examples of the varying interpretations of what constitutes a ‘chestnut’ colour but essentially, both are from a palette of rich, warm browns. They work exceptionally well with navy blue for use in a smart study, library or reading room. In rural properties, especially in cottages with exposed beams or inglenook fireplaces, add in the autumnal hues of mustard, maroon and pumpkin orange to give a country feel, reflecting the natural environment found outdoors.
The timeless appearance of chestnut leather upholstery never goes out of fashion. The smart but casual finish works well on both new and old-style sofas and armchairs. It is a hardwearing and practical option, great for footstools and dining chairs due to its durable finish that is easy to clean and maintain. Pair plain brown leather fabrics with cream checks, plaids and stripes; Isle Mill, Ian Mankin and Sanderson each have some lovely options, combining a range of different colours to suit most tastes and styles.
Metallic accents can look glorious when set off against chestnut backgrounds, particularly copper and brass. Add in deep green on furniture, drapes or as accessories and you will create a refined and elegant ambiance in your chosen room. For a lighter look use cream painted furniture against the darker painted walls, topped with a display featuring a ceramic cream vase. These creamy accessories will contrast with the deep chestnut décor to create a sense of space and light in smaller rooms. If you want to add more colour then recall the tones you see working well together in nature – the russetty reds and ochre yellows of deciduous autumn leaves set against the blue of the sky; the richness of a conker in its cream and green casing, and the deep green and cream of evergreen holly tree leaves combined with the red of the berries.
www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk
www.flum-manufaktur.de
www.therange.co.uk
www.naturewall.com
www.originalstyle.com
The lovely aspect of this trend is the way it can embrace antique furniture. We no longer need to feel forced to part with our inherited brown pieces in walnut, mahogany or rosewood. Set these stunning, sentimental gems off against a cream or blue wall and then introduce curtains or a blind in a fabric that features one or two of the autumnal colours we’ve already mentioned.
Earthy tones have dominated 2024 and increasingly we are being asked in our showroom for fabrics and wallpapers that feature tree scenes, leaves, flowers and landscapes. Perhaps this is fed by the increasing desire to feel at one with nature and to improve our sense of wellbeing. So, what better place to start than with a palette of rich browns, the literal shade of the earth beneath our feet, to ground our scheme and provide a basis for our developing ideas to mature.
Meet Philip Gray, the Extreme Artist Adventure on canvas:
What makes an extreme artist?
While there is no easy answer to that question, Philip Gray is someone who can safely claim the title. He’s an Irish artist whose work has taken him from Everest Base Camp's icy peaks to the ocean's shark-infested depths, all with a paintbrush in hand.
Wild and Extraordinary
With a drive for adventure as much as for art, Gray continually seeks opportunities to interact with the natural world he captures. His adventures have taken him to the
waters and icebergs of Antarctica and the rainforests of Borneo, driven to create art and capture the essence of nature in places others have rarely seen.
Following a 17-year career as a diver in the Irish Navy, Gray tells us of his deep connection to the sea, which continues to inspire his work. “I have a great love of the sea… and as I lean over the side of a ship heading towards a new destination, I still feel that the ocean is speaking to me with a thousand words and a thousand visions... New life challenges provide the impetus for my work and are an essential element of my painting process.”
Gray creates many of his works in oils, favouring them for their slow-drying nature, which allows for greater creativity; he says, “There are no limits with oils, which is reflective of how I try to live my life.” He also uses pastels that are easier to take out on his adventures, enabling him to get closer to the elements he wants to capture.
His works have found homes in the collections of some incredible people, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and even Dolly Parton.
We're thrilled that Philip Gray will be visiting our gallery on 17th October. This is a rare opportunity to meet this fascinating artist, hear firsthand about his incredible adventures, and experience the power of his art up close.
Natalie Trembecki Gallery Correspondent
www.therosegallery.co.uk
City Council supports much-loved
Milton Keynes International Festival
Milton Keynes City Council has committed £250,000 to support the world-class, award-winning IF: Milton Keynes International Festival in 2025
The Festival takes place every two years in multiple locations across the city and attracts a global audience, bringing a major boost to the local economy. Developed and delivered by The Stables, the Festival is a key part of the city’s cultural offer and the City Council provide financial support to ensure many of its events remain free or low cost for local people to enjoy.
Last year, 56,000 people attended the programme of events in centre:mk, Fred Roche Gardens, Campbell Park and other locations. A further 180,000 people are estimated to have experienced the Festival through casual engagement as they passed by exhibitions and performances.
IF: Milton Keynes International Festival brings major benefits for the local economy with centre:mk reporting a 14% increase in footfall during last year’s festival. Calculations also show that the 2023 event saw £6.7m injected into the local economy as participants enjoyed everything MK has to offer through restaurants, cafés, bars and other amenities.
The Festival also receives significant funding from other partners, including Arts Council England.
Milton Keynes residents recycling more than ever before It’s been a year since Milton Keynes City Council rolled out wheelie bins to 119,000 households in the city and since then volume of MK’s ‘red and blue bin’ recycling has risen more than a third, putting MK in the top 25% of all English councils for recycling.
Last September, the city council unveiled a greener and more modern waste collection service, including state of the art electric-powered waste trucks and wheelie bins for most of the city. MK’s wheelie bins have been emptied 22.5 million times by 57 frontline collection crews in the last year, and the city council
estimates its waste collection vehicles have travelled more than 750,000 miles. That’s equivalent to going around the Earth 30 times.
The city council is aiming to raise recycling rates even further, which will be even better for the environment. In the meantime, any ‘black bin’ rubbish that can’t be recycled continues to be used in a green and sustainable way, generating electricity to power many of the city council’s waste collection, cleaning, and landscape maintenance vehicles.
Local children enjoy Summer of Play
The City Council funded more than 100,000 hours of free activity sessions for local children and young people, as well as providing 25,000 healthy meals and snacks over the school summer holidays.
More than 3,000 children took part in the City Council’s Summer of Play programme, an increase of around 600 children compared to last year’s events.
The free programme offered indoor and outdoor events in 62 locations across MK for families with children who usually receive benefit related free school meals.
Activities were designed to be as inclusive as possible and this year, almost 1,000 children with special educational needs attended.
Working with local organisations such as schools, clubs and charities, the City Council enabled 25,000 sessions throughout August, each including a free healthy meal and snack. Activities included sports such as basketball, netball, and football alongside day trips, cookery, crafting and music.
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 Pete Marland Leader of Milton Keynes City Council
IF: Milton Keynes International Festival brings major benefits for the local economy with centre:mk reporting a 14% increase in footfall during last year’s festival
Yungblud? He’s a right ‘glassy’ act!
Yungblud came to Milton Keynes last month, with the singer bringing his inaugural Bludfest to the National Bowl on a hot August afternoon.
A day of live wire sets by artists including Lil Yachty, Soft Play and The Damned culminated in an immense headline show from Yungblud himself, who played before an avid audience of fans. It made for fabulous viewing.
Speaking ahead of the gig, the man at the helm said he wanted Bludfest to be, ‘a place where being different is celebrated.’
And so it came to be – and it wasn’t just one of the most diverse bills staged at the Bowl, it was also one of the most accepting.
But after such a spectacle on one of the country’s most famous stages, what to do next?
Yungblud and his crew and guests knew the place to be – and held their after show at The Craufurd Arms in Wolverton.
Upon arrival, Yungblud was greeted by a vision of himself, delivered by master artist and illustrator, Chiba Creative honcho Luke McDonnell
“Yungblud had asked me to create some bespoke stained glass artwork for the after show,” Luke told Pulse Music’s Sammy Jones, admitting he had some initial concerns about committing to the visual.
“The walls in the venue are firmly reserved for our late, great heroes,” said Luke, who has delivered wow-some windows of departed musicians including Motörhead great, Lemmy, and Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.
“I sat down and watched the interview he did with Louis Theroux and I realised that Yungblud, aka Dominic Harrison, was a stand-up guy, so I started drawing his portrait.”
Luke popped along to meet Dom, who was thrilled with the art: “He was very complimentary about it – and he has so much energy! He has since done a number of posts about it and the last one featured what
he’d been up to in the last week – it was nice to be tagged alongside The Offspring and Frank Carter.
“It looks like Dom and I may work together again in the future too, which is exciting.”
The images at The Craufurd Arms are admired far and wide: “It brings tourism from around the world, and I send signed prints around the world, week-in, week-out,” Luke said, “I’ve just posted one to Ginger from The Wildhearts and Benji from Skindred ordered two prints.’
As for that aforementioned collaboration between two such amazing creatives? It couldn’t fail but be anything other than spectacular, could it?
Yungblud has had praise heaped on him for his music and his positive attitude, but now, thanks to Luke, he is officially a ‘glassy’ act, too!
Yungblud and Luke –creative collaborators
Cam’s keeping the creativity flowing
Bedfordshire-born polymath Alfie Templeman issued his second album, Radiosoul in the summer, and as you read this he’s fresh back from another Stateside trek.
But he’s not been out there alone; MK’s own Cam Owden is Alfie’s resident bassist, and there’s no time to chill - the band is just about to undertake a meaty UK tour which will take them through November. The band then rounds off a pretty perfect year by heading into Germany.
“To say I’m excited to be back out on the road is an understatement,” Cam said, “I live for touring, there is really nothing else like it, so having to wait so long has been a real exercise in patience, especially when we put out what I think is a fantastic new album...”
That release – which features a host of producers, including Templeman himself, and some chap called Nile Rodgers – has received mass acclaim; NME declared it ‘Strutting acid-pop’ while Classic Pop said it
was, ‘A stratospheric leap above his peers for album two...Templeman emerges as a major talent.’
Cam has his own choice faves from the disc: “My favourite to listen to is Vultures and the most fun to play live is Hello Lonely.”
In between schedules with Alfie, Cam has been keeping the creativity flowing: “I’ve been anything but patient,” he said, “2024 will forever be the year I took the bull by the horns.
“I haven’t done much touring with Alfie, but that doesn’t mean I’ve just been sitting around waiting to go again.
“My side project, KC Blackwater, has been very busy doing shows and putting together new music of our own, so the off period between tours with Alfie has been anything but quiet.”
We’ll bring you the latest on KC Blackwater soon. Stay tuned.
Solstice sign with US label
Prog heroes Solstice have just inked a record deal stateside.
“We’ve been on an extraordinary journey since releasing the album Sia in 2020,” founder Andy Glass told me, “Signing with PRE in the States is a thrilling next step for us and we can’t wait to get to work!”
The band has just completed a summer of fab festival sets, playing at A New Day, Towersey and Nene Valley Rock Festival, and earlier this month they delivered to a packed out Stables crowd.
> Stay in the know – visit solsticeprog on FB
Solstice’s Andy Glass –‘We can’t wait to get to work!’
Alfie and Cam on stage in Madrid this summer
SWant to worship at the altar of Taylor? You’ll need to move Swiftly!
he is such a force that she can single-handedly lift the financial fortunes of a country. Imagine that. She is Taylor Swift (like you didn’t know) and as the UK continues its recovery after Swifto-mania last month, a trip to the Swiftogeddon Club Night might help fans with their transition back to normality.
This is a night dedicated to worshipping at the altar of the pop Princess – with deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits.
Feeling glum? Prepare to erm, Shake It Off and have lots of fun at The Craufurd Arms on October 5.
Once you’ve had your pop fill, you’ll want to follow that with some twitchy, socially minded, acerbic post-punk, won’t you? Luckily for you that purveyors of the aforementioned, Eyesore & The Jinx (Oct 9) will bring that via songs that often involve ugly narratives centred around vile fictional characters...
American goth and doom deliverers Type O Negative reached its end following frontman and founder Pete Steele’s untimely passing in the spring of 2010.
Dark albums like Slow, Deep and Hard, The Origin of the Feces and October Rust found their forever homes in our collection, and, fresh from welcoming the Rob Zombie tribute to their stage, the Wolverton venue presents Type Of Negative (see what they did there?!) to play tribute to Steele and co on October 11.
Ariel Posen is influenced by heartland rock and roll and electrified Americana, and that’s just some of it. Genre-defying guitar rock will be the name of the game when he stops by (Oct 16).
Devon’s Andras Droppa doesn’t do things by half measure – his Painted Ladies tour, which brings him to see us on October 17, is a 49 date long trek of UK and Ireland venues. Not bad for a debut trek.
A virtuosic ‘tour-de force’ of in-your-face guitar driven music, he’ll amp it up, and then some.
Being the frontman of the Levellers has kept Mark Chadwick (Oct 18) busy for three decades or so, and in that time he has put his skills to perfect use – co-writing 20 chart singles and six Top 40 albums. He also finds the time to sate his appetite to do the solo thing, and has issued the albums All the Pieces, and Moment
Mark’s visit to the Craufurd Arms is solo and acoustic, but he’s not going to begrudge you a sprinkling of Levellers aces in his set of plenty. It’s a seated performance too, so your legs won’t need to take the strain!
Another chance to get your tribute thing on arrives (Oct 19) with Biffy McClyro promising anthem after anthem by one of the UK’s biggest rock mobs around.
Hands-up who remembers the real Biffy playing at The Pitz to an audience of 40 people? And did you know the boys recorded their first two albums here in Milton Keynes, at Linford Manor Studio.
Back to the listings, and there are lots more for you, including a visit from Toronto’s F*cked Up, the quixotically diverse punks with ‘a weird, heavy catalogue of music that stubbornly sticks in your brain and your heart.’
Popestars recreate all of the dark and theatrics of masked rockers Ghost and they’ll deliver a different sort of chill on October 25. Calling all vinyl junkies, tape worms and CD fans: if you are looking to pick up music by any of the aforementioned, a trip to the next Craufurd Arms Record Fair (Oct 27) is the place to go. A midday start for another four hours of rummaging. Entry is free.
Gothic-pop chanteuse Freya Beer has been busy in 2024; she’s pulled in new listeners playing a string of festival shows, released the EP, Tatianna, and more recently supported punk poet Dr John Cooper- Clarke on his spoken word tour, which gave Freya the chance to cut loose her own poetry at London’s famous Palladium.
Now though, the striking looking lady is stepping out in her own right, and comes to see us on October 27 as part of a 22 date UK tour. She’s putting the graft in, so you can afford to ditch the sofa for one night to go see her, surely?
The singer-songwriter from West London is inspired by art, literature, alternative fashion and music, and distils her disparate influences through a gothic soul and devil-may-care spirit that dares to dream in the darkness.
> For all Craufurd bookings and info tappety-tap to thecraufurdarms.com
Levellers fella Mark Chadwick – acoustic and chilled
Freya Beer visits The Craufurd Arms on October 29 Pic: @garryjonesphotography
New on sale: Brant Bjork Trio announced for 2025 From the Archive...
Desert legend Brant Bjork is a favourite of Pulse (we were in Berlin to catch him back in the summer) so we’re stoked that the man responsible for playing his part with the likes of Kyuss and Stoner is bringing his groove-laden vibes to The Craufurd Arms on Friday, January 24.
Supporting the Brant Bjork Trio, which also features Mario Lalli and Ryan Gut, will be Earl of Hell. Tickets for the show are on sale now.
Speaking of Desert rock exponents, Fu Manchu - who featured Bjork in their ranks from the mid nineties for a few years - are touring this isle later in the month, in support of their current double album,
A familiar trio have bagged the support slot on the dates, MK’s Torus, whose album was discussed in depth on these pages last issue.
The band is buzzed to be playing with one of their favourite artists: “I don’t think it’s quite hit me yet,” frontman Alfie Glass told Pulse Music, “I mean I listen to Fu Manchu every day in the car. More than anything, we’re just thrilled to be able to watch them from backstage three nights in a row. This is just what we need and we’re all over the moon,” he said.
Fu Manchu and Torus will play: 02 Ritz, Manchester - October 21 Marble Factory, Bristol - October 22 Electric Ballroom, Camden - October 23.
> To book tickets click to fu-manchu.com/tour-dates
What a thrill to see The National Bowl showing its potential and welcoming thousands of music lovers over the summer, with Chase & Status, Reggae Land and Bludfest proving that the Bowl is still the best, just as it has been for more than four decades!
On October 2, 1982, Genesis headlined the National Bowl with support from Talk Talk, Blues Band and John Martyn Genesis had originally been slated to play three shows at the venue in August of 1981, but fans’ patience paid off a year later, with 50,000 fans making the journey for the Six of the Best date; some had travelled all the way from Canada to be stage front. It being October, it was chilly, wet and very muddy. Police said they were ‘very pleasantly surprised’ by the low levels of crime at the gig. Not sure what they were expecting, but on the day, a few wallets and three cars were stolen, and a hot dog vendor had £300 taken from his van. There wasn’t a single arrest.
Tickets set fans back £9 and you got them by sending a stamped address envelope off with your cheque or postal order. Imagine that. Actually, those of us old enough still can! Read the full history of The National Bowl in the pages of ‘Milton Keynes – Wired For Sound’
> Visit FB miltonkeyneswiredforsound for more musical memories, and to order your copy.
Dead good times (and tequila) at MK11
MK11 brings the Oktoberfest celebration this month (Oct 4-6) with three days of official German beers served in traditional steins, lots of Bratwurst, Currywurst and authentic cuisine (with vegan options available – hurrah!) and music airing across three stages.
Prost, everyone!
Speaking of music, Oasish do the Gallagher thing (Oct 4), while the bar space will be your place to shine on the stage, with Band-E-Oke, which is what it sounds like; your chance to belt out a tune with accompaniment by the house band.
On October 5, Stereophonies will share stories about bartenders and thieves, and there is a whole heap more tribute stuff waiting for you.
Wrong Jovi (Oct 11) head back to the venue to deliver to a couple of Jovi-al sets; the first will hear them play BJ’s debut elpee in full, to mark its 40th anniversary and, after some liquid refreshments, they will return with a greatest hits set.
Red Hot Chili Peppers UK (Oct 18) will jump like Flea and erm, jive like Kiedis, while
fans of the electro and hip hop side can check out the new breed on October 19, with Seven Sentinels, Bop State and The Jenkii out to impress.
Entry is free, and ages 14+ are welcome with a legal guardian present.
MK11 turns up the deathly dial for its Day of the Dead Mexican Halloween Festival (Oct 25-27).
Inspired by Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, this is your chance to dress up and engage with the fiesta.
‘Sip on shot paddle boards with tequila selections and cool chaser combos.’
We don’t need to be asked twice!
Frozen Margs and Palomas and Spicy Margs are also on the menu, and there will be plenty of food to soak up the liquid, so don’t do as we do and get messy, instead, dig in and line your belly!
The venue presents a pop punk party to lift the senses and see out the month (Oct 26), and as it falls during that Day of the Dead extravaganza, you are invited to dress the part – think candy skull shirts and face paint to match.
As for the music makers? Warning will deliver the thrashes, smashes and hits of Green Day, and you really don’t need an explanation about The Blink 182 Show or Jimmy Ate World. Later, a pop punk playlist will follow, with the promise of ‘banger after banger’ on the setlist.
> Check in at mk11kilnfarm.com
Torus – joining Fu Manchu for a run of shows this month
Brant Bjork Trio – Craufurd bound
Film Reviews
FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 5/5
Todd Phillips returns with Joker: Folie à Deux, delivering a bold and bizarre sequel that redefines what a comic book film can be. Gone are the gritty, isolated streets of Gotham from the first movie—this time, Phillips dives headfirst into madness, with Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck, aka the Joker. But the real twist? It’s a musical. Yes, you read that right. Lady Gaga joins as Harley Quinn, bringing her powerhouse vocals and undeniable screen presence into Arthur’s twisted, chaotic world. The chemistry between Phoenix and Gaga is undeniable, their toxic relationship both disturbingly real and operatically grand.
Set in Arkham Asylum, the film’s visual style mirrors the characters’ deteriorating mental states, blending reality and fantasy in ways that might alienate some audiences but will mesmerise others. Phillips weaves intricate
Star Rating: 4/5
Revisiting a horror classic is always risky, but The Exorcist: Believer pulls it off better than expected. Acting as a sequel to the iconic 1973 film, it retains much of the eerie, unsettling atmosphere of the original while adding a modern twist. Ellen Burstyn’s return adds gravitas, and Leslie Odom Jr. impresses as a father desperately seeking help for his possessed daughter. The dual possession angle feels a bit familiar, but the performances, especially from the young actors, keep the tension high. Though the jump scares are sometimes predictable, the overall tone is chilling and respectful of its roots. While it may not surpass the original, it’s a solid entry that horror fans will appreciate, especially those who love the original’s slow-burn dread. ✪
musical numbers that are as unsettling as they are spectacular, taking the genre in a direction never seen before. Gaga, especially, shines during these sequences, proving she’s not just a pop star but an actress who can stand toe-to-toe with Phoenix’s magnetic, unpredictable energy. While the musical aspect may feel like a leap too far for some, it’s precisely this boldness that makes Folie à Deux a cinematic marvel.
Thematically, the film delves deeper into mental illness, delusion, and the blurred lines between sanity and chaos. Phillips doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, portraying Arthur and Harley’s descent with an eerie authenticity. It’s not just a film about villains, but about how society creates them. It’s daring, grotesque, and sure to leave audiences debating long after the final, haunting musical number fades. For those willing to embrace the madness, Joker: Folie à Deux is an unforgettable ride. ✪
KILLERS OF THE FLOWER
Star Rating: 4/5
Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is a haunting, meticulously crafted tale about the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart, whose entanglement in the scheme to steal Osage oil wealth drives the story’s dark heart. Lily Gladstone delivers a standout performance as his wife, Mollie, providing the emotional core amidst the greed and violence. Robert De Niro is reliably menacing as the manipulative William Hale. At nearly three and a half hours, the film’s length might test patience, but Scorsese’s direction and the film’s grim beauty keep it riveting. It’s a slow-burn, sobering indictment of America’s dark past, blending history and crime with Scorsese’s trademark intensity. ✪
Star Rating: 3.5/5
Saw X brings takes the franchise back to its roots, giving longtime fans the grisly spectacle they crave. Tobin Bell reprises his role as John Kramer, a.k.a. Jigsaw, in a prequel that dives deeper into his twisted moral code. This time, Kramer targets a group of medical con artists, forcing them into his signature nightmarish traps. The deaths are as inventive and stomach-turning as ever, though the plot sticks to familiar beats. There’s little new in terms of narrative, but the tension and grotesque creativity hold strong. Fans will appreciate the nostalgic return to form, but others may find the formula worn out. It’s a brutal, bloody ride that delivers exactly what the franchise promises—nothing more, nothing less. ✪
FIVE
NIGHTS
AT FREDDY’S
Star Rating: 3/5
Based on the cult-favourite video game, Five Nights at Freddy’s attempts to bring its jump-scare-laden, animatronic horror to the big screen. While it succeeds in delivering a creepy atmosphere, with eerie, towering robotic mascots lurking in every corner, it’s let down by a thin plot. Josh Hutcherson plays the hapless security guard trapped in a pizzeria where the animatronics come to life after dark. The premise is intriguing, but the film struggles to flesh it out, relying too much on cheap thrills. Fans of the game will enjoy the familiar setting and lore, but casual viewers might find it a bit too shallow and reliant on spectacle. Still, it’s a decent Halloween watch for horror lovers who want a fun, if not groundbreaking, spook-fest. ✪
‘DNow That’s What I Call A Fab New Show!
ust off your spandex, crimp your hair and get ready to press play on the rest of your life,’ by taking a ticket for Now That’s What I Call A Musical, which will be raising the volume at MK Theatre this November.
This new to the stage delivery celebrates 40 years of the iconic, chart-topping compilation Now albums, with a soundtrack including goodies like Gold, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Tainted Love.
‘It’s Birmingham, 1989. Gemma and April, two school friends, are busy with very important business - planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley! Fast forward to Birmingham 2009, and they’re confronted with their worst nightmare: the school reunion...!
‘As friends reunite, drama unfolds, and old flames reappear...’
This show is actress Nina Wadia’s debut in musical theatre: “And I’m genuinely terrified,” she admitted, “But I love challenges in my career and I’ve tried every genre, I think, apart from musicals.
“It’s 80s songs and you can sing them however you like, as far as I’m concerned, so long as it’s with enthusiasm. Then there’s the dancing side, which I’m actually looking forward to because with Craig choreographing it’s fun as hell.”
Yep, MK panto star Craig Revel Horwood is the director and choreographer behind this spanking new musical.
“It’s really exciting because... there’s nothing to really base it on, so when you get into the rehearsal room you can be really creative and you have an open mind. That’s what I love about doing new work,” Craig said, “With this it’s about weaving all the great songs through the story. That’s one of the challenges, as well as making sure the story is strong,” he added.
“Comedy is a huge element in the show as well as a lot of heartfelt moments, and we’re using songs from the 80s to help push the story forward. There are so many creative opportunities with a new show and when
I’m directing I really let everyone have a bit of a say. We all create the show together in the room and I think that’s really important.
“The actors can bring their creativity and their thoughts and ideas for the characters, then it’s about structuring it.”
Music can evoke so many memories – it’s important, isn’t it?
“Music in general helps people through lots of emotional journeys in their lives, especially with teenagers because their hormones are running riot,” Craig said, “As an older person you look back to those moments that made you happy and music is a huge part of that.
“This show taps into that nostalgia but it will also appeal to younger audiences because a lot of the 80s tunes are coming back or they’ve been covered by other artists. There’s something in it for absolutely everyone and I think teenagers will associate with the two girls - how they’re living their lives, their hopes and their dreams, and their aspirations - as much as adults will.
???
“Those are themes that are universal,” Craig added.
Make no mistake, Now That’s What I Call A Musical is bursting with pop players that you’ve never stopped humming from the 80s, but it’s more than ‘just’ another upbeat musical – for a start, pop princess Sonia will take the mic to sing her smash-hit Better The Devil You Know: “It’s gonna be fab. The concept of the whole thing is just so exciting, telling the journey of these girls’ lives through music and what’s happened to them since they were friends at school. We all remember when we had our first boyfriend or girlfriend, our first break-up, getting back together, all that stuff, and when you hear songs from that time it all comes flooding back,” Sonia enthused.
Craig thinks ticket holders will return home having learned something about themselves.
“The story will prompt them to reflect on their lives to date and how it’s all worked out for them - what their hopes and aspirations were and how that fuelled whatever passion they had to help them become who they are today,” he explained.
“People will see themselves in the show and that’s one of the many things that’s really great about it, along with the story, the costumes, the dancing, the comedy and all that fantastic music.”
> Now That’s What I Call A Musical visits Milton Keynes Theatre November 12 – November 16. To book your tickets visit atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Now, that’s a perfect pop cast – Sonia and Nina
The cast line-up for a photo on their first day in rehearsals
#WhatsOnPulse
Olney Jazz Club
From sell-out at Ronnie Scott’s to Olney
Tuesday 1st October
Stars of the UK jazz scene and sell-out act at Ronnie Scott’s, Kim Cypher and her Band are playing Olney Jazz Club 1st October. Kim is one of the UK’s finest saxophonists, vocalist and band leaders, having recorded top10 rated jazz albums and award-wining music videos. Four piece combo features guitar, drums, bass and Kim on Saxophone. Her style has been described as ‘Funky saxophonist and 40s jazz singer’ by commentators in both the UK and USA.
Entrance only £15.00 and drinks at affordable prices. Call 01604 858549 for tickets and info email tadjazzfriends@gmail.com
Olney Jazz Club (Carlton House Club) High Street, Olney, MK46 4BB
Live Jazz - use it or lose it!
101 Dalmatians
Tuesday, October 1 – Saturday, October 5
Corrie star Kym Marsh stars as the fashionista Cruella de Vil and plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies to create a new fur coat. Tails will wag: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Painters in the Park
Until November 3
Northamptonshire artists Emma Lindsay, Marisa Vanschuyver, Hilary Grayson, Cordell Garfield, Lisa Deighan, Sally Pennycate, Serena Durgheu and Carol Bullen are exhibiting a selection of their work at Abington Park Museum’s gallery space, for Northants & Rutland Open Studios Festival. Free admission.
Getting creative: nros.co.uk
My Mother’s Funeral: The Show
Thursday, October 3 – Saturday, October 5
Abigail’s mum is dead. But it turns out she can’t afford to be – a new play tackling the cost of turning your loved ones into art. Ashes to ashes: royalandderngate.co.uk
Swiftogeddon
Saturday, October 5, 10pm
An evening dedicated to worshipping at the altar of Taylor Swift, with non-stop deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits.
Shake It Off: thecraufurdarms.com
WI Craft Fair
Saturday, October 5, 10.30am-1.30pm
Browse the various craft stalls with WI refreshments available throughout, at WWI House, 71 Park View, Moulton, Northampton, NN3 7UZ. Entry is free.
The Noise Next Door: Freewheeling Saturday, October 5, 8pm
The quickest wits in comedy visit MK to take you on a totally improvised tour around your weirdest and wildest ideas.
Going hell for leather: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Chicago brings the razzle dazzle to MK Theatre - from October 12
Dane Baptiste
Saturday, October 5, 7.30pm
Catch the funny man in the Amps Room at MK Sports Bar, Howard Way, Newport Pagnell, with support from Danny Davies and Amy Albright. This bloke came up to me: £15
Milton Keynes in Words and Music
Sunday, October 6, 2pm or 6pm
Living Archive MK will tell the story of the new city, using their archive of music, storage, images and film.
Never Seen Anything Like It: livingarchive.org.uk
Singing for the Brain
Monday, October 7
Using singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity, Heron’s Lodge Centre, Loughton Lodge, with morning and afternoon sessions available. For info or to book a space: Call 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@alzheimers.org.uk
Milton Keynes Aviation Society
Present our next Lecture events:
October 8
“The Allied Invasion of Iceland”
November 12
“Electric & Hydrogen Powered Aircraft”
December 10
“RAF Bomber Command”
Visit www.mkas.co.uk/lectures for full details.
Meeting at Kents Hill Community Centre, Frithwood Crescent, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6HQ
Doors open at 7.30pm with the event at 8.00pm.
Enquiries to Ian Carr - 01234 742057
Entry is £5.00 for visitors, free for members – annual fee £22.00
Jo Harrop
Thursday, October 10, 8.45pm
Join the lady with one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz as she sizzles in the truly intimate setting of Stage 2 at The Stables.
The Path of a Tear: stables.org
An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck
Thursday, October 10, 7.30pm
After more than 60 years at the very top of his profession Jimmy Tarbuck OBE relives many of the most iconic moments of his life on stage and screen.
Boom Boom: royalandderngate.co.uk
Type Of Negative
Friday, October 11, 7.30pm
Worship at the tribute altar of the muchmissed Pete Steele and his Type O Negative goth doom music-makers.
Black No1: thecraufurdarms.com
Stamp Fair
Saturday, October 12th, 10am to 4pm
A first class event for all stamp collectors to get stuck into. Stamp dealers, auctioneers and members will be selling so you can be sure of a range of items to tempt you. Head to the Methodist Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2HB.
Stamp donations are always welcome for the society’s Charity Stamp Auctions.
In the post: miltonkeynesphilatelicsociety.co.uk or call 01908 521220
Ferocious Dog
Saturday, October 12
Celtic-folk infused punk rock from a band with a broad spectrum of influences and their left-leaning convictions.
Kleptocracy: theroadmender.com
Organ Festival
Saturday, October 12 & Sunday, October 13, 10.30am-4.30pm
Discover the allure and beauty of fairground organs and music boxes and have a go at playing one. What a wind up: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Upcoming Events
Make a Will Month
Write your Will for free and support Willen Hospice throughout the whole of October. Participating solicitors only. Visit our website for more information.
Lights of Love, 30 November, The Ridgeway Centre
This annual service offers a dedicated time and space to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us at Christmas time.
Santa Dash, 15 December, Willen Hospice
Join hundreds of Santa’s for a ‘dash’, walk or jog around Willen’s North Lake and raise festive funds for specialist, compassionate care.
Christmas Grotto, Willen Hospice, 14 – 15 & 21-22 December
Meet Santa in his festive grotto in the tranquil Hospice gardens. Ideal for any christmas lovers looking for a quieter experience. Open to all ages.
Christmas Tree Collection, 3 – 5 January 2025
Save the date for the Willen Hospice Christmas Tree Collection.
Scan the QR code for more details >> willen-hospice.org.uk
Follow us on Socials: willen-hospice
Pic: NASA X-57 Maxwell developed from Tecnam P2006T
Jo Harrop
Philately will get you everywhere! Don’t miss the Stamp Fair in Bletchley on October 12
Karl Phillips and the Rejects
Saturday, October 12, 8pm
Live music, with support from Project Noise and Stegosaurus at MK Sports Bar & Lounge, Howard Way, Newport Pagnell Amp it up: £13 OTD
The Bubble Show
Saturday, October 12, 2pm
Magic, storytelling, science and bubble art combine as The Highland Joker brings bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles and even fire bubbles! Lovely bubbly!: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
The Spooky Showcase
Sunday, October 13, 2pm
Students of Vocal Coaching with Philippa Akers will deliver a fun Halloween themed afternoon filled with beautiful voices and fun spooky vibes at The Craufurd Arms in Wolverton. Under 5s free. Hair raising: Tickets are £7.50 on the door
The Marvin Gaye Songbook
Sunday, October 13, 7.30pm
West End and X Factor fella Nate Simpson will respectfully recreate all the hits you expect – and he knows how to deliver the goods; he takes on this role fresh from playing Bob Marley in the West End musical, Get Up, Stand Up. Mercy, Mercy Me: theoldsavoy.co.uk
Steel Magnolias
Sunday, October 13, 7.30pm Etc Theatre delivers its version of the famous movie, which starred Dolly Parton, at Stantonbury Theatre. Book: etctheatre.co.uk
Denton Gardening Group
Monday, October 14, 7.30pm
Diane Clement will talk about ‘Woodland Plants in the Garden and in Cultivation’. There will be a raffle and home-made refreshments. Entry is free to members but visitors are welcome at £5. Easy parking. Digging deep: 01604 890875 or email m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk
Women supporting women in the arts
Women are underrepresented in most industries and it’s no different in the arts. Even though more women work in theatre, we continue to fight for gender parity.
Rosemary Hill, Artistic Director at The Play’s The Thing Theatre Company in Milton Keynes, is an advocate of supporting women in the arts. She creates platforms for showcasing new writing, celebrating female talent, highlighting women’s creative contributions and making women visible.
Her current project, Taking The Stage, is a four-day festival that empowers women in the arts - staged at MK Gallery from 16th - 19th October and funded by Arts Council England. With an inspiring lineup of new plays from playwrights, including Carly Halse, Lisa Stenhouse, and Suzette Coon, talks with Ita O’Brien, Intimacy Coordinator known for Normal People, plus discussions with panellists, including Winsome Pinnock, Jenny Sealey and Lynda Rooke, this is one festival you won’t want to miss. Panels will be BSL interpreted, and plays will be captioned.
Rosemary says: “It’s important to celebrate women in the arts as it isn’t done enough! We’ll continue to push the boundaries and bring more opportunities like this to our local community.”
> For full informationplaysthethingtheatrecompany.co.uk/ projects/taking-the-stage-2024
The Chase is on - The Vixen heads to Stantonbury Campus Theatre on October 18
Jenny ‘The Vixen’ Ryan
Friday, October 18, 7.30pm
Stepping away from daytime TV, Jenny invites you to an evening of song, storytelling and some showbiz secrets! Beat the Chaser: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Guided Tour of Cowper & Newton Museum
Saturday, October 19, 11.15-12.30pm
Learn about William Cowper, John Newton, Amazing Grace and 18th century life in Olney, through fascinating artefacts. Limited spaces.
Book via info@cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk
Vonda Shepard
Saturday, October 19
The acclaimed US singer/songwriter and actress will deliver a set of greatest hits and favourites from her 13 albums. Red Light, Green Light: stables.org
Medea
Saturday, October 19 –Wednesday, October 23
Carabosse Theatre returns to the stage with a Greek tragedy by Euripides, showing at Swinfen’s Harris Greek Church Hall, in Stony Stratford. Chaos and conflict: carabosse.org
Milton Keynes Brass
40th Anniversary Concert
Saturday, October 19, 7.30pm
Be seated for a wonderful concert celebrating four decades of musical excellence in the new city, and beyond. Tune up: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Russell Hicks: Lucky To Be Here
Sunday, October 20, 8pm
Russell has amassed millions of views online, and gained a devoted following of fans who’ve come to know that no two shows will be the same. Join one of the best improvisers in the country, on his debut tour at the Filmhouse. Get up, Stand up: royalandderngate.co.uk
Looking for a new choir?
Musica Charity Choir MK is a friendly and accomplished chamber choir where every voice matters. Your contribution makes a real difference – not just to our performances but also to the fundraising concerts we sing at for important community causes. Our varied repertoire offers something for everyone, from Mozart to show tunes. We’re serious about music but always keep things fun. As one audience member said: “What a wonderful evening. What music! What voices! What joy!” Rehearsals are fortnightly on Thursdays in Stony Stratford. If you’re an experienced singer, we’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch now:
Visit www.musicamk.uk Facebook: MusicaCCMK
Email: contact@musicamk.uk
October
Lady Nade Sings
Nina Simone
Friday 18
October, 8pm
highlights
Lady Nade pays tribute to the high priestess of soul, Nina Simone, performing classic tracks with her band including I Wish I Knew How, Ain’t Got No, I Got Life and Mr Bojangles
The Best of
Vonda Shepard
Saturday 19
October, 8pm
Best known for her work on the hit TV show Ally McBeal, Vonda Shepard is returning to the UK with her full band to play a set of greatest hits and favourites from her many albums.
Henry Normal & Nigel Planer
Tuesday 22
October, 8pm
Comedy legend Nigel Planer (The Young Ones) joins BBC Radio 4’s ‘poet in reticence’ Henry Normal (The Royle Family, Alan Partridge) for an entertaining evening of poetry, stories, jokes and fun.
Seckou Keita
Homeland Tour
Sunday 27
October, 8pm
Seckou Keita is a renowned kora virtuoso who stands as a luminary among African traditional musicians. With an electrifying seven-piece band of influential Senegalese musicians, this promises to be an explosive live show!
The Stables Wavendon
Milton Keynes MK17 8LU
Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org
Vonda Shepard - making her Stables return on October 19
Singing for the Brain
Monday, October 21
Using singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity, Heron’s Lodge Centre, Loughton Lodge, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
For info or to book a space: Call 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@alzheimers.org.uk
Day of the Dead
Mexican Halloween Festival
Friday, October 25, 4.30pm
A vibrant celebration of life and death at MK11, dress up and join the fiesta! Did someone say tequila?: mk11kilnfarm.com
noasis
Friday, October 25
Back for their third show of the year at the venue, the definitive tribute to the newly reformed super group will deliver a sterling performance – and at a fraction of the prices being charged for the real deal!
Don’t Look Back In Anger: thepicturedrome.com
Megaslam Wrestling
Sunday, October 27, 3.30pm
Team Megaslam battles it out with Team Nasty in a series of exciting, edge of your seat matches designed to get the whole family out cheering on their favourites. Whose side are you on?: theoldsavoy.co.uk
Half Term at Milton Keynes Museum
Monday, October 28 –
Friday, November 1
Enjoy all the usual Museum attractions and some special craft activities for the holiday. Usual admissions apply – pay once and visit for free all year.
Making history: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Liverpool indie faves Cast visit the Roadmender in Northampton on October 31
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book
Tuesday, October 29 –Wednesday, October 30
Based on the original book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, perfect for little people aged three to eight years.
Turn the page: royalandderngate.co.uk
Hallowe’en Children’s Event
Thursday, October 31, 5-6pm
Hosted in the Summer House Garden at Cowper & Newton Museum.
‘Trick or Treating’ with a difference as you follow the trail of fairy doors for clues.
Suitable for children under 10 years old.
Usual admission applies.
Spooky fun: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk
Cast
Thursday, October 31, 7.30pm
Liverpool’s indie rock aces visit The Roadmender armed with a truckload of cool tunes.
Finetime: theroadmender.com
Handel’s Messiah
Saturday, November 16, 7.30pm
Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Milton Keynes MK9 2ES
Danesborough Chorus starts its 50th anniversary season with, for us, a rare performance of Handel’s Messiah which launched the choir back in 1975. We will be joined by Alina Orchestra and international soloists Carolyn Sampson, Anna Huntley, James Gilchrist and Ben Bevan conducted by our Musical Director, Ian Smith.
Northampton Philharmonic Choir present Carmina Burana
Backbeat Percussion Ensemble
Molly Cochrane - Soprano
Andrew Mayor - Baritone
Tom Lilburn - Countertenor
Simon Earl and Stephen Moore - Pianos
Directed by Thomas Moore
St Matthew’s Church
Northampton, NN1 4RY
23rd November 2024 - 7pm
northamptonphilharmonicchoir.co.uk
Enjoy a foxy night out
Dozens of dogs, a vixen, funny folks and an Awful Auntie – just some of this month’s highlights in theatre-land. Pulse’s Sammy Jones has more...
It’s something of a nightmare for pooches; Cruella de Vil has a plan to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town because she desires a new fur coat...which means there is trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of tail-wagging young pups.
But if Cruella thinks this will be an easy task, she is barking mad!
Pop star turned TV star Kym Marsh is in the role as the evil fashionista when 101 Dalmatians The Musical airs at MK Theatre (Oct 1-5).
The sexy, sassy stage hit Chicago returns (Oct 12-19) with murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery all playing their part in this legendary show.
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, this is the famous story of Roxie Hart, the housewife and nightclub dancer who puts paid to her on-the-side lover when he threatens to walk out on her.
Can she avoid conviction by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer?
An Officer and a Gentleman (Oct 21-26) is promising to sweep you off your feet when the show, based on the huge 80s film which starred Richard Gere, visits.
with The Vixen
Step into a world where dreams and destinies intertwine, and as the romantic masterpiece rolls out, so too does a brilliant soundtrack (including smashes from Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and Blondie).
Just sneaking in at the end of the month, David Walliams’ Awful Auntie (Oct 31- Nov 2).
When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, she has no idea her life is in danger, but when she wakes up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell her what has happened. And not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true.
in The
Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie!
Visit Stantonbury Campus and you’ll be invited to enrol at the world’s most reckless and ridiculous school with The Noise Next Door, who present The Adventure Academy... For Adventurers! (Oct 5, 2pm).
The promise is a ‘side-splitting, globe-trotting hour of entertainment that is fun for all ages,’ and one that might take you to dangerous deserts or volatile volcanoes!
The Noise Next Door are back in the evening with Freewheeling, which will see them race through a priceless parade of off-the-cuff gags, scenes and songs – and you make the suggestions.
Jenny Ryan, aka trivia queen The Vixen on ITVs The Chase is stopping by the venue as part of her Out of the Box tour, bringing song, storytelling and showbiz secrets (Oct 18).
It’s a chance to see the lady behind the mask: “The Vixen is very much a character that lets me behave with a bit more confidence and sass than I do in my everyday life,” she said, “People often meet me and say ‘You’re actually really nice!’”
, to
News he excelled, and did you know he won a Brit Award for his cover of Hole in My Shoe, back in the mid-80s?
Then there is his extensive work in film and on the stage. He’s worth his weight in gold.
Nigel won’t be going it alone when he visits, mind you, he’ll be joining BBC Radio 4’s ‘poet in reticence’ Henry Normal.
Poetry, stories, jokes, Q&A, fun, knitwear and a few surprises are all on the menu of plenty.
When ‘the fuzz’ are mentioned, you might want to step away, quietly, but when it comes to The Fezzes, you’ll want to run towards the fun – and they’ll bring lots of that (Stage 2, Oct 22).
Apparently, they will greet you, ‘stylishly turned out with a set loaded with the classic cool of 50’s American rock ‘n’ roll, filtered through the lens of Tarantino Soundtracks.’ The Fezzes include musicians from Madness, The Van Morrison Band and Jools’ Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
‘Hat’s’ the way to do it!
> For more events in theatre-land this October, flick to our What’s On guide.
> Book tickets:
Nigel Planer ‘is a comedy legend’, says the blurb for his appearance at Wavendon venue The Stables (Oct 22) and you won’t hear us questioning that; from playing hapless hippie
Neil
Young Ones
the rocker Den Dennis in spoof band Bad
Jenny Ryan (left), The Vixen visits Stantonbury Theatre on October 18. Enjoy a side-splitting, globetrotting hour with The Noise Next Door on October 5 (above)
Nigel Planer drops in at The Stables this month
Here come The Fezzes –The Stables, Oct 22
View from the Far Kerb
SUDOKU PUZZLE
Hard Hint
Around the end of August, I had a need to visit family a long way north of Pulseland. I don’t like having to drive, especially long distances, so I arranged to travel with a pal; the intention being to turn the visit into a trip out to enjoy a pint or three at various watering holes in the area.
As we headed along the tarmaccovered entertainment strip known as The M6, beyond where Manchester and Liverpool are to be found, I found myself looking at the vegetation along the verges. I was faintly disturbed by something I noticed. Some trees were less than the full-blooded green of others. I looked harder. Then I realised the only darker leaves belonged to those trees that shed their leaves over winter. They seemed to be preparing to take on their autumn colours. What I was seeing was their darkening as they prepare to turn brown, orange or gold before dropping off and littering the ground.
Reminding myself that August was not yet spent, I recalled that we’d only had a few warm spells. Summer wasn’t about to end, was it?
Schools were preparing to welcome their pupils and students back to what is known as the ‘Autumn Term’ and the realisation shook me. Were we beginning the slide towards a time of rain, wind and frost? Would we soon be looking up at the clouds and asking whether they threatened snow or cold rain ahead of the unleashing of their contents upon us?
Then I realised that I should not worry. I am well prepared. Other
than frosts, this summer has allowed me to get to grips with wind, rain and generally inclement weather. The winter about to creep up on us via the misleading season of autumn, will have been lessened by a summer that had lost its identity. Through seemingly continuous confusion, it was as if summer was unsure as to whether it was coming or going.
The vegetation lining the northernmost sections of the M6 seems to have decided for summer. It is apparently announcing that it is over and spent. Summer may have other ideas, but in reality, it never asserted itself in any meaningful way.
And, so it was with surprise that my friend and I headed back south with badly sunburnt backs and shoulders. My nose was red enough to have led Santa safely through the fog.
As I write these words, the huge maple at the back of my house is looking like it is about ready to dump its canopy across the bottom of my garden. It is an annual event that takes place over two days. It results in a shindeep layer of brightly coloured discarded leaves.
It would have been nice to have been able to organise outdoor events with friends, such as barbecues, more assuredly than a day ahead, but as summers go, this year has been rather, er, random. One should never rely on the weather. I obviously missed the signs.
Phil O’Hara
QUICK CROSSWORD
Flavour of the Times - This month starts with the autumn equinox, where day and night are equal, marking the transition from summer to autumn. Libra, symbolised by the scales, represents balance. In Celtic tradition, it’s the start of three months preparing for winter—the symbolic end of the year before spring’s rebirth.
Now’s a time to focus on balance and harmony, both in relationships and within. This could involve decluttering, balancing finances, or reassessing the give-and-take in your life. Many downsize, letting go of accumulated things. It’s also a good time to resolve conflicts and focus on fairness.
LIBRA
September 24 – October 23
Maybe it’s the little things? Not grand, extravagant demonstrations of feeling, but small appreciations of what you have in life. It might have to do with family, ancestors, or the place you came from— things often taken for granted. You may rediscover love in a relationship that had grown cold, but which you now begin to treasure again. The warmth is slowly returning, inviting renewal and affection
SCORPIO
October 24 – November 22
Love may intensify this month as Venus lingers in Scorpio, forming links with both Saturn and Mars—both bringing passion, even if a bit stressful! Alternatively, it could be more about staying authentic and ethical in your interactions with others. Be mindful of how you navigate these feelings. Sometimes, the key is finding balance between intensity and honesty. See where it leads!
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 – December 22
This full moon on the 17th may test you in unexpected ways. Venus moves into your sign, bringing excitement, though it might not enhance your empathy towards others. You’re naturally independent, but you’ll need to bring others along. Your vision can inspire, but be careful not to become too dogmatic if some don’t follow your lead. Keep it flexible!
CAPRICORN
December 23 – January 20
Quietly unnoticed, Pluto moves forward this month, starting its transformative journey, which will intensify in the new year. While you may not see much change immediately, any outdated structures in your life will soon start showing signs of strain. It’s time to reflect on what no longer serves you and consider how shedding those could lead to a better future.
Your Own astrological Forecast for 2024
AQUARIUS
January 21 – February 19
Pluto returns to Aquarius next month, and you might be the only ones unbothered by it—more of a “bring it on!” attitude for you! However, for now, take this time to reflect on others on this troubled planet and seek the personal balance that aligns with your ideals. Change is coming, but for now, consider what balance feels right for you.
PISCES
February 20 – March 20
Two things are likely happening: on one hand, you’re feeling intuitive, perhaps even inspired and creative, while on the other, Saturn’s heavy hand threatens to tear those dreams to shreds. Still, this has been ongoing, and perhaps you’ve found ways to navigate it by now. “Stay in the boat,” as they say, no matter how stormy it gets— ride the waves of creativity and challenge!
ARIES
March 21 – April 20
This new moon’s tone serves as an antidote to what began in spring, when we focused on independence and assertiveness. October’s Libra eclipse asks us to do the opposite: to consider healthy relationships and interconnectedness. Libra seeks balance, reminding us that life isn’t just about standing alone, but finding harmony with others.
TAURUS
April 21 – May 21
Were you born around 1974? If so, your life is likely feeling upside down right now. It’s classic mid-life crisis territory, with Uranus throwing what seemed solid up in the air. Even if you’re older or younger, odd events may still be happening—events you should notice. It’s a time for reflection, as unpredictable forces continue to shake things up.
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
GEMINI
May 22 – June 21
Jupiter is teaching you quite a bit, and you should pay attention! It goes retrograde in the second week of the month, continuing backwards until the new year. So, the focus may shift from new lessons to reviewing what you’ve recently learned. Some of this might have felt difficult, but we often learn the most from our mistakes. Keep reflecting!
CANCER
June 22 – July 23
Mars moves through Cancer this month, and it’s not entirely comfortable. Cancer is a water sign, while Mars is fire—so, it can feel like an awkward, steamy combo. You might feel more emotional or overprotective than usual. This could be particularly uncomfortable in management roles, where it might result in overly controlling behaviour driven by ego insecurities.
LEO
July 24 – August 23
You may feel thwarted this month, wishing for more appreciation for your accomplishments and personality, but others may not be as impressed as you’d like. You might even face opposition, and let’s face it—you’re only a team player when you’re the leader, right? It’s time to take a hard look at your ego and see what it’s stirring up.
VIRGO
August 24 – September 23
If your chart has optimistic planets, you’ll likely manage when life lacks the structure you crave. However, life rarely fits neatly into organised packages, and loose ends abound, threatening to undo all your careful efforts. Stay flexible, Virgo—unexpected consequences may arise, but with patience, you’ll navigate through the disarray.
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.
