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EFrom the Kerry Lewis-Stevenson Editor
veryone loves a freebie, and Heritage Open Days are back, offering a treasure trove of family-friendly events between September 6 and September 15. From hidden historical gems to stunning architecture, this nationwide initiative truly lives up to its promise of ‘something for all.’ Our own Sammy Jones has sifted through the offerings to bring you the best of what’s happening across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. Don’t miss out on these local highlights!
Meet the woman behind a medical movement—Dr. Louise Newson. Known as the doctor who sparked the menopause revolution, Dr. Newson’s work has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of women. But she’s not stopping there. Despite facing criticism, she continues to push boundaries and break taboos, ensuring women’s health gets the attention it deserves. Her story is one of perseverance, passion and profound impact.
Relive the sights, sounds, and sirens of 1940s Britain at Milton Keynes Museum. This September, the museum invites you to experience its popular 1940s weekend, a remarkable journey back in time to one of our most challenging and defining decades. Pack up your kit bag, and bring your family and friends to enjoy an immersive step back into the era dominated by World War II.
September is also packed with family events to chase away those back-to-school blues. Willen Hospice is hosting two fun-filled days that blend entertainment with a good cause. And if music is your thing, we’ve got you covered with our roundup of gigs happening this month.
Here’s to making the most of September.
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.
Frosts Garden Centre sold after 78 years in the family
It has been in the same family for more than 78 years, now Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands has new owners.
The Frost family, led by directors James and Jeremy Frost, have completed the sale of the business to The Blue Diamond Group.
The new owner already runs 44 garden centres across the UK and in the Channel Islands and has pledged to maintain the Frosts heritage, reputation and brand.
The Blue Diamond group’s chief executive Alan Roper said: “Frosts Garden Centre is a thriving and respected family business with a unique brand and excellent reputation within the local community. Blue Diamond is proud to be the new owner of this aspirational garden centre.
“We intend to protect its heritage and core values whilst driving the business forward into the future and are delighted to welcome Frosts into the Blue Diamond portfolio.”
Frosts was founded in 1946 as a nursery by Harvey Frost and his wife Vera. Their son Brian opened the nursery to the public and in 1972 partnered with the Godber
and his brother Jeremy, Harvey’s grandsons, said in a statement:
The Godbers had owned the Willington site since the late 1890s, operating it as a successful wholesale nursery before it became a garden centre.
Discussions are ongoing on the future of the Willington site.
The company also opened a successful landscaping division.
Current managing director James Frost
“When our grandfather started this business in 1946, he could not possibly have foreseen how Frosts would develop – it has been our family’s passion now for over 75 years.
“We are not getting any younger and there is no one in the Frost family to take over the reins. Therefore, when we received an approach from The Blue Diamond Group to buy Frosts, we concluded that the time was right – not only for us, but also for the business.”
family to develop Willington Garden Centre near Bedford.
‘There is no one in the Frost family to take over the reins’, said James and Jeremy Frost
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The Milton Keynes Rose Trust and The Parks Trust, which maintain the city centre landmark, want your ideas for an appropriate theme to mark the artwork’s ten years.
Ideas for the theme of a new pillar to mark the tenth anniversary of The Milton Keynes Rose are being sought from city residents.
The monument’s Pillar Panel meets every two years to consider new suggestions from the community as the landmark looks to grow and expand the events, themes and issues being commemorated or celebrated.
It is ready to look at nominations for the tenth pillar, which is due to be engraved next year. Subsequent new pillars will not be added until 2030, said a spokesman for The Parks Trust which looks after the MK Rose.
“This tenth Pillar dedication is part of a year-long celebration marking ten years
since the opening of the Milton Keynes Rose,” the spokesman added. “Memories and memorabilia are also being sought to form an archive.”
A film screening telling the story of the Milton Keynes Rose, and a pop-up exhibition will take place at MK Gallery during Heritage Open Days on September 13.
To submit an idea for the tenth anniversary pillar – a date significant in the lives of people or organisations associated with Milton Keynes past or present –with reasons for your nomination, email miltonkeynesrose@gmail. com Scan the code to find out more.
Lighting installation
- Adding/moving sockets
- Consumer unit replacement - Ring doorbells
- Security cameras - EICR - Power to outbuildings - Solar Panels/Battery storage
- Extension/conservatory wiring - Fault finding
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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DISCOVER THE BIRCH AT WOBURN
The Birch is an award-winning family-owned restaurant set on the outskirts of the historic market town of Woburn, just 10 minutes from Milton Keynes. Over 25 years, we have gained a fantastic reputation in the area for offering quality fresh food, specially selected real ales and fantastic choice of wine, all served in a comfortable and modern environment by our attentive and friendly waiting team.
Seasonal Menus
The Birch have championed the use of organic, local produce for decades. Surrounded by amazing farms, our talented chef’s devise menus showcasing the best Bedfordshire and its neighbouring counties have to offer.
Our stunning seasonal lunchtime and evening menu offers exciting English food with a Mediterranean and New World twist. On Sundays
we are open for an extended lunch serving food from 12pm – 5pm offering a range of top-quality roast.
With our Children’s Menu created especially for our little diners aged 10 years and under, and a mini roast dinner available for children, The Birch is the perfect venue for a family meal out.
We’re offering a FREE 125ml glass of house wine per person/per booking (or 1 bottle of wine for 4 people) when you bring in this article next time you dine at The Birch.
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!
Family events to beat back-to-school blues
Willen Hospice is turning backto-school stress into family fun with two exciting events this September: the Mini Moo at Willen Lake on Sunday, 15 September, and a weekend takeover of Gulliver’s Land on Saturday, 21 September, and Sunday, 22 September.
The Mini Moo invites children aged 0-14 to walk, run, or scoot a lap around Willen’s North Lake, earning a medal at the finish. With a ‘moo-vies’ theme, participants are encouraged to don their favorite filminspired costumes. The event, featuring music, game stalls, and mascot Flo the Cow, costs £12 per child.
Volunteers are needed for the Gulliver’s Weekend takeover, with perks including free entry for children. Willen Hospice, which provides specialist care for those facing life-limiting illnesses, relies on community support to cover 85% of its costs. Willen
The following weekend, Willen Hospice takes over Gulliver’s Land, offering not just rides but also extra stalls and games to raise funds. The first 500 tickets are discounted at £12.50, with £2.50 from each ticket supporting the hospice’s essential services. Nikki Poole, Willen Hospice’s events and community fundraising manager, emphasised the importance of these events: “We’re inviting families to put the ‘fun’ into fundraising this September. Our Mini Moo is a cherished tradition, and we’re excited to bring even more joy with our Gulliver’s Land takeover.”
‘The Webber aims to inspire and prepare children for their learning journey’
Discover how The Webber Independent School provides personalised education from Nursery to Senior School. Attend their Open Day on 12 October 2024.
Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision that comes with extensive research.
School Open Days offer an invaluable opportunity to explore the environment, meet educators, and gain insights into the School’s culture. The Webber Independent School is a modern, private educator for Children aged 6 months to 16 years based in Milton Keynes and invites you to experience the School.
The Webber aims to inspire and prepare children for their learning journey which begins at the Nursery. A vibrant home from home setting for children aged 6 months up to 4 years and leads to a seamless transition into the Prep School for children up year 6 and then onto Senior School up to 16 years.
The Prep School harnesses the natural curiosity of childhood by engaging and empowering our children to discover who they are while learning about others and the world around them.
Senior School is a time when young minds
begin to experience extra responsibilities, flex their academic muscle in new ways, and prepare for the rigors of the GCSE examinations. Delivering personalised learning and enhanced National Curriculum with additional subjects, extra-curricular activities, clubs, societies, enrichment trips, and workshops.
The Webber offers interest-free monthly payments. To simplify the payment process, they are offering parents the option to pay over
eleven months of the academic year, this means that the fee invoice can be paid in eleven equal instalments.
From the moment students enter the welcoming, refreshed and vibrant classrooms, they are immersed in an exciting and progressive learning environment aimed at inspiring their pathway to success..
Visit the website for details on how to attend their upcoming Open Day, 12 October 2024.
‘Webber offers a modern approach to private education in a collaborative environment’
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The ‘postcode lottery’ of hospice funding
Willen Hospice is currently one of the most poorly funded hospices in the country. Only 13.8% of their running costs are met by ongoing NHS funding, which is less than half of the average amount provided to hospices nationally. In fact, their lesser-known Willen at Home service, which costs £1.4 million each year, is entirely funded by donations.
This month, the charity will be launching a campaign to raise awareness of the service. Penny, who has kindly shared her story, highlights the difference Willen at Home made for her family.
“After a long and happy retirement, my husband Peter was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 85,” says Penny. “He had no problems from the cancer really, until it went into his bones. Suddenly one day he was curled up in pain. A GP prescribed Peter co-codamol, which made him very sick, then morphine. I can remember standing in the kitchen with two lots of morphine, one in each hand, and no idea what to do with them. Peter was in a fair amount of pain and needed a walking frame to move. Then the GP put us on to the Hospice.
The expert care and support provided by Willen at Home is free of charge and is the only service of its kind in Milton Keynes.
“We had always known about the Hospice because it was built while we were living here, and we all raised money
for it. There wasn’t a bed available for Peter in the In-Patient Unit, so we were looked after by Willen at Home. They arranged for us to have an adjustable bed to make him more comfortable and I had no hesitation in phoning them if I had any questions. Nothing was too much trouble. They were super.
“One of my daughters says she will always remember a Willen at Home nurse called Ellie sitting us down and explaining to us what would happen when Peter was dying. We found that very useful because none of us knew; we’d never been with anybody who was dying.
“I have no idea what it would have been like without Willen at Home. I don’t think we could have coped.”
Look out for their Willen at Home campaign launching this month at www.willen-hospice.org.uk
Penny and her husband, Peter
From the mud to the Museum for the Bury Common finds
In the second part of our coverage of the Bury Common dig, Pulse's Sammy Jones talks to the archaeologists responsible for revealing Newport Pagnell's forgotten history...
Anna Wolf was the lead archaeologist for the exploration. Munich-based, she works for the Milton Keynes arm of Cotswold Archaeology, but flew in specifically to head up this dig, which gleaned some nice finds.
“In terms of results it has been really positive, we have confirmed that the Civil War defences do match the historic mapping and are basically what you’d expect – nice big ditch, we’ve got a bit of a rampart, and a track road behind it connecting the bastions, so that has been really nice just to get into
that - especially getting access to Trench 1. It is part of the scheduled monument, so to be able to get in there took a long time and discussions with Historic England to get the permission. That in itself was exciting,” Anna said.
This particular dig had the same importance as any other, but with less of the pressures.
“We don’t often get the opportunity to do purely community based digging for the interest of finding out what is in the area,” said Anna, “Most of what we do is development led and with very
tight deadlines in advance of housing or commercial development, so it’s really nice to do this and get the community involved.”
And with more than 70 members of the public rolling up their sleeves and taking part, it was a valuable dig on many levels.
Generally speaking, is it easy to get access to do your work, or is there a lot of red tape that makes the process tricky?
“It’s a lot easier than it used to be because a lot of what we do has been built into the planning system and legally developers are obliged to let us come in to fund our work. So in those terms it has become a lot easier to
Lead archaeologist Anna Wolf on site
Mathilde Laval Karlsen and Rachel Alexander
get in and do archaeology, and to do it in a way that does it justice. Now it is all built into the process and there are fines and sanctions in place for any developers who try to get around it.
“It has become much easier since all that planning legislation was introduced in the last decade.”
Bury Common might be different, but it is absolutely worthy of attention - and some people travelled long distances to get hands-on.
“It is hugely significant for our understanding of the local history, and significant in the sense that until now noone has had a proper look at some of the Civil War defences here.
"And until very recently no-one had any idea that the Roman site even existed, so being able to confirm that it was definitely real, that ‘yes’ there was definitely something there and it is all fairly well preserved... that’s been massive.”
Investigations took place in three trenches during the week-long dig; two near the Parks Avenue entrance to the common, which included the fortifications which were built in 1644.
The other site, further into the Common, had already been identified as a site of particular interest.
“We have put some memorial benches in for the loyal and noble people of Newport Pagnell, and when they were going in, the workman had found pottery underneath the soil – literally just under the surface, six or nine inches down,” said Common Chairman Andrew Craddock.
“We knew there was some sort of settlement, but we couldn’t date it, so we’ve used things like ‘Iron Age’ ‘Anglo Roman’ ‘Anglo Saxon’ – that’s 1000 years of history.
“Imagine my excitement on the Monday morning when we got the digger and the authorised guy from the archaeological team had his metal detector out and said, ‘I’ve got a coin – and it’s a Roman coin!” he smiled, delighted at the recent memory.
“Then we found some Roman pottery, so we are pretty much convinced AD100300, second and third century of Roman occupation, there was some sort of settlement there.”
Rachel Alexander and Mathilde Laval Karlsen had focused their attention on this particular trench.
“A geophysical survey picked up magnetic disturbances in the soil, and brought up all the archaeology, so we picked the area that we thought was the most interesting,” Mathilde said.
And the excavation yielded results.
“We’ve pulled out quite a lot of pottery, which is always nice, so there are plenty of finds for dating,” she added.
Standing in the trench among a number of dug out areas, Rachel is quite at home. It’s not so easy to fathom what has been happening to those of us without the expertise. Apparently, it’s all about slots and interventions.
“We do relationship slots, so if we have two ditches that cross, we want to know which one is later and which one is earlier, what we call trouser leg slots, and you might be able to catch what is later.
"There is a lot of tactical planning, but this one has been quite easy – a few profile slots, a few relationship slots and then the two terminus slots. In between the terminuses we think we’ve got a layer of trample material from where everyone has walked through over the years...” Quite literally tracing our ancestors' footsteps...
What makes the work so interesting –what’s the lure for you?
“The fact that you have picked up something that has not been touched for 2000 years or so,” she smiled, “I found a lovely metal iron arrowhead last week, at Sizewell, where the nuclear power station is.
“We’re doing all the archaeology for the next power station and there is just so much down there, it’s crazy. I’ve also found a skeleton with a ring on their finger in the past.”
No skeletons surfaced during this dig, but there were some animal bones released from their muddy resting spots, displayed in the finds tent: “These examples are cattle, but we’ve also potentially got some goat, sheep and maybe even pig, which is fairly standard,” Anna said.
“They could have been butchered, or they might have just died. Probably both,” Anna considered, “We would have had a relatively self sufficient little farmstead with a single family unit living there,” she said, nodding in the direction of that trench, “... and they would have been using the livestock for everything - at some point they would have slaughtered as well.”
There were other remnants left by those who lived here many centuries ago, including part of a little cooking pot, still with one of its feet intact, thought to be from the 1700s.
But some of the oldest finds have secrets of their own waiting to be revealed: “The oldest at the moment based on very preliminary findings are some bits of Iron Age pottery, and you can see those little burnt bits of food residue," she said, pointing them out, "For us, that is hugely exciting.”
That it has survived so well, Anna tells me, is down to how well it is burned onto the pottery and the excellent soil chemistry: “It is very nice and gravelly and sandy in that area - very well drained, which helps with preservation because it doesn’t get waterlogged and doesn’t start to break down.”
Those finds are now being examined and reported on by the team at Cotswold Archaeology.
"We live in a new city, but there is still so much waiting to be discovered from our history," said Museum director Bill Griffiths, "The Bury Common excavations prove just how much more there is to learn. We had such little evidence of the Civil War, despite knowing that the area played a key part locally, so this proved particularly exciting.
"We look forward to receiving the finds here at the Museum and ensuring their survival for future generations."
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
Milton
Some of the animal bones discovered during the dig
Some of the recovered Iron Age pottery
Al’s Pals, supporting cancer patients in hospital and at home
Al’s Pals provides an emotional support service to all Cancer patients in Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) and at home in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and we are now launching in Northamptonshire.
Al’s Pals was named after one of Milton Keynes Cancer Patients Alan Dumbell who received ongoing cancer treatment at MKUH. Alan noticed that throughout his treatment as much as he was surrounded by his loving family he still felt very lonely and lost at times and he often discussed having a buddy to support him and help him where he felt things were missing. It was his legacy to have a cancer buddy scheme like this and with the passion driven by his daughter Suzanne Brown Al’s Pals was born. For 4 years we have been supporting patients in hospital and at home.
Al’s Pals is currently looking for some wonderful volunteers for their home support service. As a Volunteer you will offer support, companionship and a listening ear to any cancer patient/and/or their family.
We offer a full induction, training and ongoing support. Our volunteers are the heart of our charity and are making a difference to hundreds of cancer patients and their families. Be part of something truly amazing and inspirational. If you feel you could benefit from this service, then please feel free to give us a call so we can discuss further how we can help.
Please get in touch if you would like to make a donation to the service or for any more information on any of the above: www.alspals.org.uk info@alspals.org.uk 07958 800081
Charity no: 1184001
Who Are Al’s Pals?
Al’s Pals is a service offered to all cancer patients in the Beds, Bucks, Herts and Northants area. We provide a support service to cancer patients and their families at home and in hospital ensuring that no one has to walk alone through cancer.
Al’s Pals is named after Alan Dumbell, who received cancer treatment at Milton Keynes University Hospital.
Alan noticed that throughout his treatment, although he was surrounded by his loving family, he still felt very lonely and lost at times, and he often discussed having a ‘buddy’ to support and help him where he felt things were missing. It is his legacy to have a cancer buddy scheme like this and with the passion of his daughter, Al’s Pals was born.
Volunteers
We would love to hear from you. If you would like to become a volunteer then please feel free to enquire online or contact us direct
If you would like to use our service We would love to hear from you, If you would like to find out more about our service and how we can help you then please get in touch
Unit 6B, Pineham Farm, Haversham, Milton Keynes MK19 7DP
Jewellery
Unit 6B, Pineham Farm, Haversham, Milton Keynes, MK19 7DP
Collectors put their stamp on fundraising
Under the hammer at a series of stamp auctions throughout the year, stamp collectors in Milton Keynes have raised more than £900 for two city-based charities.
Members of Milton Keynes Philatelic Society are pictured after presenting cheques to the society’s two charities of the year for 2023-24: Milton Keynes Reader Service, which recruits volunteers to help the visually impaired with reading their post, bills, magazines and books and to join them on shopping trips, visits to the theatre, museums and evening classes.
“The service is a lifeline as many users live alone and do not always have family or anyone else to help them,” said Philatelic Society treasurer David Bown, who has been a volunteer with the service for 11 years.
The second charity to benefit is Harry’s Rainbow, set up to provide bereavement support to children and young adults who have lost a parent or sibling.
Stamp auctions at the society’s annual charity event and at member and club auction nights raised a total of £909.70 – a record amount. The lots have been donated by stamp dealers and the public.
This year’s auction proceeds will go to
Stamps are making a difference at a series of auctions run by Milton Keynes Philatelic Society, raising hundreds of pounds for charity.
nominated charity for 2024-25 the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The society welcomes donations of stamp collections large and small for auction at its regular Stamp Fairs. The next takes place on October 12, 10am-4pm, at The Methodist Hall in Queensway, Bletchley.
“The Stamp Fair is greatly enjoyed by members and collectors alike,” said Karen Goodger, Stamp Fair Organiser. “Many
coming for the first time comment at the friendliness of the fair and join the Stamp Club as a result.”
The society runs regular events including speaker evenings, collection displays by society members and an annual competition night.
Find out more about the Milton Keynes Philatelic Society and next month’s Stamp Fair at miltonkeynesphilatelicsociety.co.uk
Paula Suchy, Chairman of MK Reader Service receiving MK Philatelic Society’s cheque
FRI 20th SEP ‘24
Royal Leamington Spa
£27 Per Person
Sophisticated regency town with stunning architecture, independent boutiques, high street brands, and diverse restaurants, cafes and bars.
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
Royal Leamington Spa at 16.30pm
TUE 24th SEP ‘24
Dover Castle
£55 Per adult, £52 over 65’s, £45 Per child 5-17yrs, £17 4yrs and under, includes entrance fee
Iconic fortress above White Cliffs, pivotal in royal history and WWII Dunkirk evacuation. Explore its underground wartime tunnels.
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
THUR 26th SEP ‘24
Tate Modern - London
£27 Per Person
Explore free-entry gallery with groundbreaking art, including Picasso, Kusama, and Matisse, in London’s iconic Turbine Hall alongside underground Tanks, a striking space dedicated to live performances and video.
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
SUN 29th SEP ‘24
Birmingham Back to Backs
£45.00 Per person- Non national trust members
£27.00 Per person national trust members. Includes entrance fee & 90-minute guided tour. Experience life in small 19th-century houses with steep stairs, intimate history, and working-class stories.
* Please note that the full tour does include 8 steep, narrow and winding staircases that might not be accessible for everyone*
Leaves from... Bill’s Coach Hire at 8.30am
CMK K4 bus stop at the Point 8.50am
Bletchley Bus Station Bay 1 at 9.10am Birmingham at 15.00pm
SAT 5th OCT ‘24
Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens with Lunch
£60.00 Per Person non national trust members
£43.00 Per Person national trust members
Includes entrance fee. Romantic gardens by Vita SackvilleWest, with a rich history, from prison to poet’s retreat.
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 Kent at 16.00pm
WED 9th OCT ‘24
Roman Baths
£50 Per Person, includes entrance fee
Historic Roman baths with ancient ruins, interactive museum, and steaming spring water still flowing today.
ilton Keynes Museum invites you to share in all of the sights, sounds and sirens from one of our most challenging and defining decades this September, with the return of its popular 1940s weekend.
Pack up your kit bag, and bring your family and friends together to enjoy a truly exceptional step back in time to the era dominated by World War II.
Displays and re-enactors present all weekend will include The Oxfordshire Home Guard, which preserves and promotes the memory of those who volunteered to defend our shores during the conflict. They will be dressed up and ready to answer your questions, along with the Hertfordshire Home Guard.
The RAF Bomber Command, GI 44-45, and the women of the American Red Cross will be colouring up the event, too.
The Resistance worked across the channel, helping pilots and spies to escape the enemy – pay them a visit to learn how they did their work, and explore the equipment they used.
Speaking of undercover agents, young visitors will be invited to ‘hunt the spy’ with a game which will be just as much fun for grown-ups.
Wartime was tough, and everyone was expected to do their bit for King and Country, but when there was time for a little fun, communities made the very best of it – flocking to dances to relax, and maybe even find a significant other!
A good old sing-song and boogie did wonders to raise the spirits, and
Museum favourite Lola Lamour will bring the tunes, with support from Mick Wilson’s Skylark Music
Those so inclined can show off their Lindy Hop or dance the Jitterbug or, if that sounds a bit too energetic, simply pull up a chair and enjoy a nice hot brew served by one of the Nippy waitresses, while you watch others tear up the dance floor.
Outside in the Museum grounds, brilliant vintage singer and entertainer Johnny Victory will be putting on the ritz in the Band Stand, and traders will be selling vintage clothing, accessories and bric-a-brac. A military trader will see you stocked up with all your combat gear needs.
You’ll be able to visit the emergency shop, explore the bombed out house set up for perusal, and military vehicles will be dotted around the grounds.
Railways at War will deliver a first class display in the Field Study Centre, and the Street of Shops will be bustling with store keepers on hand to talk you through shopping lists from back in the era.
Wartime on not, there is no excuse for not keeping a tidy home – Mrs Skivvy will be sharing tips on how to ensure everything is kept spick and span.
On Sunday, a Dad’s Army reenactment will cheer the mood – Captain Mainwaring and members of his platoon will be attending!
“If you’ve not joined us for this event in previous years, make sure you visit this time – it’s a fantastic weekend that has plenty on offer for all ages,” promised Museum director Bill Griffiths, “The displays and visitors will depict life in England, not only during the WWII years, but from the entire decade.
“Rationing was brought in during wartime, and continued right through until 1954, but we can guarantee there will be absolutely no restricting the enjoyment on offer at this event,” Bill added.
> Standard admission applies. For more event information visit miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
The 1940s Weekend at Milton Keynes Museum will feature re-enactors, memorabilia and an emergency shop
HODs return with 10 days of free fun for everyone
Everyone loves a freebie, and Heritage Open Days has 100s of opportunities to get out and enjoy a wealth of family events, between September 6 and September 15.
The oft used line ‘something for all’ really stands true with this nationwide initiative.
Pulse’s Sammy Jones has dug deep to bring you some of the choice cuts covering Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire.
Friday, September 6
Milton Keynes Central Library has a number of exhibitions to lure you in: British and Ukrainian arts, craft works, historic documents, sculptures and more feature in Ukraine From Past to Future, open through to September 14.
Hidden Stories: The Indian Chapter, uses storytelling and filmmaking to spotlight the diverse tapestry and its impact across the new city (usual library hours until September 15).
How about an exhibition spanning Doomsday to the coming of the New Town of Milton Keynes in 1967?
Local history group Woughton Heritage are responsible for An Ancient Village at the Heart of a New Town, which focuses on Woughton On The Green. Until Sept 14.
Take a Tour of Unity Place, the new city’s significant centre for work, dining and leisure, which puts sustainability at its very core. For example, the new hub harvests rainwater, has solar panels, and repurposes surplus bread in the microbrewery. Prebooking is essential. A second chance to tour the building presents itself on September 13.
Why not head out on a self-guided tour around Northampton town centre, with a Heritage Quiz Trail?
Pick your trail up from the Central Library and then answer the questions about the sites you visit – one winner will bag a prize. Collect your map September 6-14 (with the exception of Sept 8), 9am – 5pm.
A guided tour of Commonwealth War Graves is being offered at Manor Road Cemetery in Fenny Stratford, a place where 22 men who fell during the First and Second World Wars, rest in peace. Pre-booking is essential. A second tour will be hosted on September 8.
Newport Pagnell Historical Society opens its doors giving you an opportunity to explore many previously unseen artefacts. Also open on September 7, 8, 14 & 15.
Wolverton Society of Artists will be sharing their latest creations at The Creative Void, located beneath The Old Bath House Community Centre. Expect an eclectic mix of painting, photography, installation, music and more. Until Sept 14.
Enjoy ‘Wonderful Willen – Through A Sociological Lens’ with a guided walk departing from The Tree Cathedral, passing by the Peace Pagoda, and checking in to St Mary Magdalene Church at the north end of Willen Lake. Includes a discussion about what these local landmarks tell us about the community of MK from a sociological perspective.
The award-winning Victorian Ridgemont Station house and booking office has been restored in the Gothic Cottage Orne style, and has a museum, vintage tea room, gift shop and courtyard garden.
Guided tours will be provided. Open daily 10am-4pm until September 15 with the exception of Sept 9 & 10.
St Mary Magdalene Church in Willen, designed by Robert Hooke, will be open daily for a plant sale, and the chance to find out more about the building itself, which has been a place of worship since 1668. Open 10am-5pm through to Sept 15.
St Mary Magdalene Church in Willen is playing its part in this year’s HODs
Pic: Sammy Jones
Saturday, September 7
Learn about the 12th century St James The Great Church in Hanslope, which boasts the tallest steeple in Buckinghamshire. The church will also open on September 15, when the tower will be open.
Twenty years ago a derelict site was purchased from British Rail by Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council, and it has since undergone a great transformation. The green oasis is now home to public art and used for events. This is your chance to take a guided tour and learn about the development of The Secret Garden
Take a peek inside the Performing Room at 9 Guildhall Road and discover the hidden history of the building, which was built as Franklin’s Hotel and Restaurant in 1872, when it became a meeting point for merchants, traders and travellers visiting Northampton.
‘A quick tour of the picture galleries, display stands, glass cabinets and slideshows include authentic old newspapers, vintage bottles, champagne corks, war memorabilia, decorative ceramic floor tiles, an original train ticket used to transport people to St John’s and more,’ is the offer.
Swing by between midday and 6pm today or tomorrow, or on Saturday, September 14m between midday and 5pm.
Bradwell Windmill still produces flour and this is an opportunity to peek inside, see the workings and go away with a bag of freshly milled wholegrain flour. The sails will be turning on Sept 8 too, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm both days.
Northampton’s Deco Theatre originally opened its doors in 1936, when it was known as the Savoy, a ‘super cinema’ which would also provide the town with shows and concerts – The Beatles and The Stones both played there, and PJ Proby was arrested for splitting his trousers on stage.
Times changed, and it shut up shop in 1995, standing dormant for five years before it was refurbished, putting it back at the heart of the entertainment world again, as a multi-purpose venue.
Pop along, explore and learn more between 10am and 3pm (also on Wednesday, Sept 11). Pre-booking required.
Wolverton’s Scarecrow Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary at The Community Orchard. Take a stroll around Wolverton’s historic Conservation Area of terraced houses and meet the acquaintance of some of Worzel’s pals!
The church will be open 10am-4pm today, and again on September 8, 14 and 15, all between 2pm and 4pm.
The event runs between 10am and 5pm, and again on September 8.
Cotswold Archaeology will open its MK office, at Stonebridge, for you to find out about the projects it has worked on locally, and to see behind the scenes. Includes hands-on family activities. Dig deep between 10am and 3pm.
Pay a visit to the church at the centre of Northampton’s historic quarter, St Peter’s, which is found in a grass churchyard beside the buried remains of a Saxon palace. The church is Norman, dating back 900 years, and is filled with carved treasures – a treat for the eyes. The space is also home to a bust of William Smith, the father of British geology.
Sunday, September 8
In Sherington, St Laud’s Church – the only one in England known to be dedicated to Saint Laud – will be open to visitors. Then grab a leaflet and take a self-guided walk around the village learning about the historical buildings of the area. Also on Sept 14, 11am-4pm daily.
MK Classical Guitar Society will be tuning up and presenting part of its repertoire at St Mary Magdalene Church in Willen, between 12.30pm and 2pm. Entry is free, no strings attached!
If you’ve got the pedal power, The Parks Trust has the scenery; a 30-mile Challenge Cycle guided tour that will show you the whole of
Hunsbury Hill Country Park houses a 2,500 year old Iron-age Hillfort and this weekend it will also house a Viking re-enactment group – be careful, battles and ambushes will be forthcoming, which will involve younger members of the public. Seriously, worry not, it’s all good, safe fun! Visit between 11am and 5pm today or tomorrow. A chainsaw artist will also be demonstrating his skill with sculpture (Saturday only).
Enjoy a Band in a Van at Bletchley Library with Alina Orchestra – expect to hear anything from Disney to classical music. You could even conduct them yourself at this interactive, family friendly bash, between 11am and midday.
Northamptonshire Natural History Society invites you to its purpose built rooms at Castilian Terrace to learn more about their historic and varied natural history collections; from rocks and fossils to butterflies and flowers. Visit today, or tomorrow, between 10am and 4pm.
Stop by Westbury Arts Centre for a Visual History Display, and there is 1000 years of history on this site to unpack! The event also runs on Sept 8, 14 & 15, 11am-4pm daily.
Milton Keynes, using the parks that connect it. Meet by the Willen Observation Wheel at 10am for a three hour session.
Step inside Northampton’s Performing Room and discover a rich historySeptember 7
Visit Bradwell Windmill and ‘flour’ up your weekend – September 7
Pic: Sammy Jones
The Vikings visit Hunsbury Hill Country Park – see September 7
Monday, September 9
Join the chamber choir, Quorum, for unaccompanied renaissance and contemporary sacred music, The 90 minute session at St Mary Magdalene in Willen will begin at 8pm.
Tuesday, September 10
Explore the distinctive work of Stony Stratford architect Edward Swinfen Harris, who died a century ago this year, with this Architectural Hero guided walk. You’ll see where he was born, and where he grew up, before raising a glass to the creative at The Old School House. Pre-booking required.
Back at St Mary Magdalene Church in Willen, enjoy the ringing of the bells with the new bell tapper donated by John Figg in memory of his wife, Roma. John will then lead a talk on Robert Hooke and the architectural history of the church. 11.30am-1pm.
Glorious Campbell Park is 40 years old this year, and The Parks Trust invites you to tour the space with its Landscape Officer, learning about the care taken all year round to ensure its condition is maintained. The tour will run from 2pm to 3.30pm.
Wednesday, September 11
Enjoy a tour of Camphill MK Community, watch a brief presentation explaining their arrival in the city, and see how blooming great their gardens are.
An Introduction to Bancroft’s Roman Villa is precisely as it suggests - learn more about the history and archaeology of the villa and the site in general.
Whether you are green-fingered, or just an admirer of others’ hard work, you’ll love the opportunity to wander Stowe’s 250 acres of landscape gardens, visit the Gothic Temple, take advantage of the rare opportunity to climb the historic Cobham’s Pillar monument, and much more. The open day runs from 10am to 5pm, with booking recommended for those of you who want to visit the Gothic Temple.
Thursday, September 12
Thursday is almost the weekend, so how about a cheeky pint (or two?) to sign off the week with?!
Milton Keynes Museum will have a thirst quenching range of real ales and ciders waiting for you in its Courtyard, today and through to Sunday – and at super affordable prices. Leave the car at home to take full advantage. Open daily between 10.30am and 4.30pm.
Bletchley’s railway flyover is finally going to be used for timetabled passenger trains for the first time since it was built way back in 1959, after the East West Rail Alliance rebuilt it in an incredible feat of engineering by refurbishing or rebuilding its longest and heaviest spans.
Phil Marsh is the official photographer for the project, and will give an illustrated talk looking at the innovative engineering solutions involved, at Rectory Cottage in Bletchley from 7pm. Pre-booking required.
Olney’s Cowper & Newton Museum throws open its doors giving you the opportunity to relive Georgian life and learn how people travelled back in the 18th century, when there wasn’t a scooter in sight!
Explore the home of the renowned poet William Cowper, and his friend John Newton, who gifted the world with the hymn, Amazing Grace. While there, take a stroll through the Flower and Summer House gardens. The Museum will be open between 11am and 4pm.
Campbell Park is one of MK’s jewels – learn more about maintaining the space on September 10
Enjoy a pint of real ale or cider at Milton Keynes Museum – September 12 - 15
Pic: Sammy Jones
It’s all about the malts and the hops at Towcester Mill on September 14
Friday, September 13
The Point is the most iconic of buildings in Milton Keynes, and the ziggurat used to be a beacon for travellers heading back to the new town. Of course it served thousands of people looking to catch the latest movie, grab a bite to eat, or let their hair down in its nightclub space - it was innovative and awesome.
A new Living Archive documentary relives its glory days with memories and footage from the 80s and 90s. View it at The Sky Room in MK Gallery from 2pm. Pre-booking is essential.
Living Archive MK will tell the story of generations of craftsmen and women in Wolverton and their unique relationship with successive generations of the Royal Family, whose train they have produced, maintained and staffed for nearly 150 years.
The Willen Royal Train documentary screening will be held at St Mary Magdalene Church in Willen from 7.30pm.
Saturday, September 14
Men in Sheds throw open their workspace – at 30 Burners Lane in Kiln Farm – to show you what they get up to, with activities including woodwork, metalwork, fabric work, 3D printing and laser cutting. It’s a brilliant initiative offering much to its members and benefiting the community. Also open on September 15.
Do you have ‘Grave Concerns’? Address them with a tour of Northampton’s disused, but much loved, Billing Road Cemetery
Among the names resting there are Robert Fossett and his family, responsible for Fossett’s Circus
The Friends of Billing Road Cemetery will meet you at the main gate and guide you around the site, explaining its original layout and architecture, and you’ll learn more about some of the characters associated with the ‘dilapidated but tranquil green oasis.’
It’s also a chance to learn about future plans for the space. Sensible footwear is advised for those who want to participate in one of the hourlong tours, at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm (also Sunday, Sept 15 at 11.30am and 2pm).
Fancy a Bradwell Village Walkabout? Meet outside the Prince Albert pub for the 10am start, and enjoy a two-hour stroll, looking at the village’s features and how it developed – before and after the designation of MK as a New Town. Pre-booking required.
Let the bus take the strain with free heritage bus services transporting you around Northampton, linking the venues participating in HOD. Short tours will also be operating – hop on at 3 George Row, between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
Want to know how Towcester Mill Brewery creates its pints? The brewing process will be
Sunday, September 15
Enjoy a Medieval Family Fun Fayre at Bradwell Abbey, with medieval stall holders and re-enactors, guided site and Chapel tours, a guest appearance from King Arthur, have-a-go archery, dragons, a medieval puppet show and an exhibition explaining the history. The bar will be open too. Head over between 11am and 3pm.
revealed during a day of tours, hosted by its director, who will give you a 30 minute briefing about the malt and hops. Pre-booking required, and tours will run between midday and 4pm.
Weedon Depot has played a great many roles in its history, which dates back to the early 1800s and Napoleonic times, and the visitor centre has plenty to share with you. And just what links the Depot to a man’s razor, the D-Day landings and Father Brown? Pop along to find out. Reenactors will be on site, refreshments, stalls and activities will run, between 11am and 3pm.
All Saints’ Church in Pytchley, Northamptonshire has been a landmark in the village for many hundreds of years. The oldest parts date back to the early 12th century and Norman decorations still adorn some of the arches. Take this opportunity to peek inside and enjoy its historical and architectural features - it will be open between 10am and 5pm.
For the full programme of events, and more details of all the opportunities listed here click to livingarchive.org.uk (Milton Keynes) or heritageopendays.org.uk (Northampton)
Celebrating The Point with a new documentary – September 13
Step back in time at Bradwell Abbey on September 15
Pic: Living Archive
Pic: Kate Davies
How Weedon Depot used to be – see September 14
There is nothing quite like resetting the mind and wiping away everyday stress with a walk in nature.
The modern way of life is fast-paced and unrelenting, but press the ‘pause’ button and take yourselves outside and you’ll be royally rewarded - we aren’t the only ones buzzing around.
Pulse’s Sammy Jones got busy with her camera in one of MK’s many beautiful
Peacock Butterfly
Ruddy Darter Dragonfly
Meadow Brown Butterfly
Mating Blue Damselflies
Comma Butterfly
PeacockButterfly
Because size does matter!
Who doesn’t love a getaway? A chance to swap work for sun and relaxation. But the stresses of airport travel and oversubscribed suitcases can take the shine off a little bit – and that’s before we’ve even boarded the plane. Don’t cram that family-sized conditioner into your suitcase, and forget any plans to pack your entire fragrance counter worth of mists.
With these perfectly compact miniatures, you’ll have all of the beauty support you need, without wasting precious case space!
When the aeroplane doors open and you make your descent onto the tarmac of new climes, you might well feel a bit dried up and tired. Reach for the Thayers Rose Petal Mist for an instant pick-me-up. This 89ml of toner will refresh, hydrate, and aid glowy skin. Alcohol-free and with a whopping 98% natural original ingredients, it is pure, effective, cruelty-free and cool.
Get it: boots.com
RRP: £4.99
If you walk the Lush way, you won’t need to decant your liquids into mini pots ready for travel – you need not take the liquid route at all, with a whole host of easy liquid-free swaps ready to go – replace shampoo with a Shampoo Bar, reach for a Solid Conditioner, park the face wash in favour of a Solid Cleanser, and toothpaste can take a holiday of its own – toothpaste tabs will keep your gnashers looking and feeling nice. Or, grab mini sizes – Sleepy body lotion, Rub Rub body scrub, Sweet Wild Orange hand cream and Revive hair moisturiser are all compact and clever.
Get it: lush.com/uk or at Lush stores at Grosvenor Centre in Northampton and centre:mk in Milton Keynes
The Sol De Janeiro range makes life feel softer, and smell altogether more fragrant, and we’re loving the brand’s travel sized-trio of its best selling body heroes – Bum Bum, Bom Dia Bright and Beija Flor Jet Set Each set contains a mini Body Cream, Shower Gel and Cheirosa Mist, packaged in their own little travel case. We’ve used these all summer. Sol-tastic.
Get it: cultbeauty.co.uk or Harrods Beauty at centre:mk in Milton Keynes RRP: £30
Ella & Jo have a Travel Essentials Bundle which brings together everything you need for a complete skincare routine, with a mini Melt The Day Away Cleansing Balm, Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum, Relax & Renew Night Cream and Plump & Protect Day Cream, all tidy in its own cosmetics bag. Ensure dewy glowing skin is still a thing while you unwind with some poolside chilling.
Get it: ellaandjo.co.uk
RRP: £55
We might love the sun, but our hair begs to differ – hot, humid weather leaves our locks dry, frizzy and damaged.
HASK Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner is an easy fix –it strengthens, restores and smooths and is free from all those nasty bits that we don’t want in our haircare. Super hydrating, it is formulated with Argan oil to help reduce split-ends and nourish. And it takes next to no case space!
The new season’s taking shape, and with it appears new trends to see inside your wardrobe.
lAt a glance, Autumn/Winter ‘24 is going to be a bit of a mixed bag, with prints going from punk plaids to cabbage patch twee, vibes from boho babe to DIY, and colours from misty blues and pale greens to browns popped with cherry red.
Things to find in the fashion woods (the sale rails) right now: Anything buckled, hooded, or high-necked. Yes, giant brass buckles will cinch waists throughout Winter, along with anything with a belt detail - according to looks at Loewe, Junya Watanabe and Mugler where entire dresses were made from buckled straps. At Issey Miyake tops and dresses came hooded, with the highlight of the show being an OTT wrap-around hood that will fight chills but show off plenty of ‘cool’. Meanwhile, collars were The Big Vision at Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen–the bigger, the more ridiculous, the better, obviously–whether seen on a coat, jacket or polo neck jumper.
But the best trend to manifest (for your bank account at least)? Up-cycled looks that needn’t mean buying new. Think: classic pieces, reworked; hybrid garments, like the puffa-pea coats and blazer bomber jackets seen at Sacai, and jeans reconstructed into tops at Balenciaga, where oversized items were bound and given shape with sellotape, and where there was even a gown made out of bras. Simply delve into your existing wardrobe at home — see what new things you can dream up with a little DIY and imagination of your own.
Dr Louise Newson has been described as ‘the medic who kick-started the menopause revolution’ and her work has positively impacted hundreds of thousands of women, which is quite the legacy.
Except that she still has much work to do – and this lady won’t let cruel comments deter her, she told Sammy Jones.
Meet the pioneering thought leader changing women’s health
There’s a misconception that no-one really understood menopause a few years ago.
But actually, that’s not the case: “I’ve been reading a lot of history books, and when hormones were first discovered 100 years ago people did have meetings, but Pharma got hold of hormones, manipulated them so they could sell them and then targeted certain doctors, including gynaecologists,” Louise explained.
“I read a book from 1870 and it describes menopause, and the suicide and the mental health problems - it’s all there,” she told me, “But it’s only in a book read by a certain people.
“What’s different now, is you can ping something on social media, get on the radio and empower women in ways that they’ve not been allowed to be empowered before.”
Louise is all about knowledge and empowerment, but it’s crazy to think that had she been around a century earlier, she wouldn’t have been allowed to practice medicine.
“It was only 90 years before I qualified in Manchester that the first female doctor qualified there.
“I am really privileged that I am alive now...”
But really, the privilege belongs to the country full of women who, in Dr Louise, have a voice that is as trustworthy as it is knowledgeable. Her work is positively impacting many, many women’s lives.
Bizarrely, some people don’t like that.
“Someone said about me being controversial. I’m not,” she promised, saying she prefers the term, ‘thought leader.’
“I am just spouting research and evidence that we have known for decades, but others either haven’t known it or have chosen to ignore it, or it’s about controlling women.
“It’s because I am a woman and I say things that people don’t like to hear!” she said, explaining the negativity, “And I’m not antimen, I am married to one!”
Some elements think Louise is, shall we say, rocking the boat.
“We get letters of complaint, I have been reported to the GMC (General Medical Council) a few times, and I find it really disappointing,” she says, quietly.
“You only need to follow me on Twitter to see the comments other doctors put about me and you think, ‘This isn’t what I went into medicine for.’”
Facing online negativity was never part of the plan when Louise started to move towards a career as an expert on menopause and hormones, but now that she is making a difference, she’s not about to be sidelined or stopped by the small mentality of others.
These days, she heads up her own clinic group too.
“That was set up to help a few local people who had been told they could only have antidepressants, and then it got busier and busier...”
Now the clinics are operational across the country.
Louise juggles that work with leading a research team, working on collaborative research, lecturing, education, charity endeavours...and the list goes on.
How on earth do you stay focused?
She laughed: “Oh, it is so hard, and one day I will write a book about just how hard it is. But the best thing is, you don’t know what you don’t know, if you see what I mean?
“There is so much that I know now to the extent that I never would have set the clinic up if I’d have known then,” she paused, “But then if I didn’t set it up I wouldn’t
have helped as many people and had the knowledge and experience that I do now.
“Running a business is really difficult, but it is about surrounding yourself with the right people, and you don’t get it right the first time.
“I have read so many books about big organisations. I’m reading about the founder of Nike at the minute, and it’s like, ‘Oh good, he made mistakes too! It’s not just me!’ she laughed again.
She credits the support of her family; her husband (‘Everyone says to women, ‘How do you do it? But no one says to my husband, ‘How do you manage?’) and three daughters for their unwavering support which helps keep her focused, and Dr Louise has pillars in place that keep her on track: “I will never forget that I’m a clinician not a business person, and everything I do is so that I sleep well at night.
“I’m not driven by spreadsheets or finances, and I’ve not had external funding, because it has kept me really focused and keeps the people that I’m helping, whether it’s the patient or the women’s partners or work colleagues in the core of everything I do. That is something that is really important.
“I have a huge amount of insight and knowledge, so I know what I am doing is right.”
That knowledge is also being used during her work in prisons, which she says has been most rewarding.
The aforementioned clinics are doing great things, but they aren’t a consideration for everyone; they are private practices with the price tags to match. Those costs can’t be lowered, but they can be justified.
“Yes, it’s a private clinic, and very expensive, but without it I wouldn’t be able to have the free app, or the website with 1000s of resources. I wouldn’t be able to fund a research team or outreach work. So I can justify what I am doing because we give a lot back.
“All our money comes from the people that we see, but then it’s recirculated. We are very transparent in what we do.”
Menopause is responsible for many of the antidepressant scripts issued every year, but as recently as 1992, Louise’s psychiatry training textbook stated there was ‘no mental health component of menopause,’ she said, incredulous at the words she has only recently rediscovered.
What advice would you give anyone struggling with potential perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms?
“They need to have information, and whether they are a person experiencing symptoms or a healthcare professional, it needs to be knowledge that is not biased – ie not Pharma funded, also evidence based.
“There is a whole debate about HRT or nothing, and it’s like hang on, we still need to think about nutrition and exercise, and sleep and wellbeing.
“It’s about empowering people and sharing decision making processes and working out what’s right for each individual. That’s the art of medicine isn’t it?” she asks, but really she is stating the case, “...to individualise care.”
It’s not as simple as throwing out a prescription for HRT...
“No, absolutely not! Obviously HRT is the first line of treatment for the majority of women, but there are different doses and different types and it is not a one size fits all.”
Louise will visit Northampton’s Royal Theatre this November, as part of her inaugural tour, Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, which will see her accompanied by Dublin-based comedian Anna Gildea.
book, or on my Instagram Live or whatever, because otherwise there’s no point in coming...”
In the midst of a crazy busy schedule, how do you manage your own health?
“I’ve gotten more selfish as I’ve gotten older and I’m blessed and not blessed that I suffer from migraine, so I have to be really obsessed with routine – what time I eat, what I eat, how I eat,” she considered, “It forces me to eat really well. I do quite a lot of yoga as well, which is really good for mental and physical health, so I try to do yoga practice at least three or four times a week.
We still need to think about nutrition and exercise, and sleep and wellbeing
It will be a show to educate and challenge misconceptions about the menopause and advocate for better healthcare for women.
“Anna is going to be doing a couple of songs - if people are happy they are going to learn more, aren’t they? It will help them feel more relaxed and they will be able to resonate more with what she is talking or singing about as well. It will set the scene a bit...”
There will be slides, a Q&A and much sharing of information before Louise does a post-show book signing.
“I want people to learn things that they won’t have learned on my podcast or my
“That’s really important for me and I always finish with a head stand which I enjoy, which is a bit of power because not many people can do headstands!
“I don’t drink alcohol, so I never have hangovers, I’m not very sociable and I have this ability to multitask.”
One thing over all others spurs her on every day though – she just wants to help make positive change.
“I am driven by the stories of women suffering. That’s why I went into medicine; to help as many people as possible – that’s why staying focused and remembering that I’m a doctor is more important than anything else...”
> Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate, Royal Theatre, Northampton, Tuesday, November 5.
Book tickets: royalandderngate.co.uk
I will never forget that I’m a clinician not a business person
METHOD
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
1 large red pepper, halved, deseeded and cut into strips
1 large red onion, trimmed and cut into thin wedges
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Toss together the pepper, onion and oil. Season and spread over a medium, foil-lined baking tray and roast for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the yogurt, garlic and Ras el hanout in a bowl; season. Cut each salmon fillet into 5 even pieces and coat in the marinade.
2. Remove the vegetables from the oven. Turn the setting to grill on a high heat and arrange a shelf at the top. Push the vegetables to one side of the tray and arrange the salmon on the other. Once the grill is hot, place the tray beneath it and cook the salmon and vegetables for 3 minutes. Remove the tray, stir the vegetables and turn the salmon, then return to the grill for 2 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and opaque. Remove the salmon and vegetables from the oven. Sprinkle the flatbreads with water; grill for 2 minutes.
3. Arrange the flatbreads on plates and top with the spinach, vegetables and chunks of salmon. Finish with the yogurt, mint and lemon wedges for squeezing over. Serve immediately.
COOK’S TIP
Ras el hanout is a rich, fragrant spice blend often used in Moroccan cooking. It’s great mixed with yogurt as a marinade for meat and seafood.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose. Thousands of recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.
DIGGING DEEP
How does your garden grow?
Late summer is a rewarding time; there are plenty of ripening tomatoes, and the pumpkins and squashes are growing well and will be a good size by Hallowe’en.
Helping the hedgehogs
Last month, keen gardener Jean Cocker shared her allotment experiences to inspire you to get busy cultivating your own blooms and veg. But over the past few weeks, Jean has been busy ‘growing’ other things - three baby hedgehogs!
Sadly, hogs are in steep decline in the UK; It is estimated their numbers have fallen from almost 40 million in the 1960s to less than 879,000 today. That figure is shocking, but gardeners can step up to provide these gentle pricklies with support. And in return, they will take care of those bugs that make us gardeners see red.
“A while back I sadly found a dead adult hedgehog near the allotment gate,” Jean told us, “The following day, my friend Theresa called me over because she had found three baby hedgehogs out in the middle of the afternoon.”
Having lost their mother, the little orphans were out trying to find food. Without the relevant experience, and during daylight, they were in a precarious position and would soon have been predated on.
“Theresa’s husband contacted a lady known for looking after hedgehogs who gave us lots of advice about how to care for themcurrently they are in a large box with plenty of hay and towels, in the safety of my shed.”
“Every night at around 8.30pm I go out to feed them and they are usually fast asleep, but as soon as they smell the food they awaken to get their dinner,” she smiled, “I am feeding them a diet of dog food which allotment holders and friends are kindly donating, and plenty of water is always available to them. Every morning I go down to clean out their box and replace the hay and towels.”
Her efforts are being rewarded too; “The hogs are gaining weight and size and I am changing things up now - one friend has given me a dog crate and another has provided a hedgehog house. The house fits inside the crate with room to spare, so I am going to put it under the apple tree we have, to get them used to going outside, but it will still keep them safe as they grow.”
Looking after Zippy, Bungle and George is another job for this allotment workhorse to do every day, but Jean is relishing the task, and those aforementioned rewards: “Without intervention, these three would have perished very quickly,” she said, “Watching them grow and seeing their little personalities emerge is truly delightful.
Weeding the plot is a priority, so we can grow hardy varieties of peas and broad beans for harvesting in spring. Lettuces, for example Winter Density or Winter Wonder, may also be sown now, as can plug-grown vegetables or herbs, from your local garden centre or mail order. Covering them with a cloche will keep the soil warm.
The greenhouse glass should be cleaned, and the summer’s shading removed. I have lined the cold frames with polystyrene for insulation and light reflection.
The herbaceous border needs attention, most dead flower seed-heads removed, some left for the birds, and some, like lupins, foxgloves and delphiniums, to be collected when dry and then stored in the refrigerator for next year’s sowing. Poppyheads can be collected when dry and the seeds scattered where you want them, not randomly anywhere, as in my garden this summer! When the ground is cultivated and weeded it can be covered with a mulch of spent compost or garden compost, then new plants may be arranged and planted to establish for the next season.
The unpredictable weather may have left your lawn in poor condition – raising the mower’s cutting height, digging out perennial weeds, seed sowing or laying pieces of turf in damaged areas will help to improve the appearance of this important visual area of the garden.
Granted, the process of looking after a trio of hoglets isn’t quite the same as a tray full of seedlings, but they do both need nourishment and a tender hand to deliver strong results, and Jean is working wonders with these three, who have affectionately been named Zippy, Bungle and George, after the much-loved children’s TV characters.
“I am minimising contact though –they are wild animals and as soon as they are ready, they will be released back into the allotment here, where they were born. It feels so good knowing that I have managed to save their lives.
“They are called a gardener’s friend with good reason, and their natural diet means we will have less critters to take care of here too – and that means more veg for my dinner plate, which is all the thanks I need!”
Plants like fuchsias, penstemons, verbena, lavender and hydrangeas may be propagated now, from cuttings 15cm/6” long, inserted into a gritty potting compost.
As autumn advances, now is the time to trim hedges and topiary, privet, conifers and box (which has, hopefully, recovered!). There will be little further growth, so they will retain their neat, clean lines through the winter.
Ralph Westmoreland
Zippy, Bungle and George are making great progress
The back-to-school season is fast approaching, and whether you’re moving into student accommodation for the very first time or heading back for your final year, curating a home-from-home that feels practical, comfortable and catered to your personal style is crucial.
From stylish decor to essential supplies, this edit offers everything you need to transform your student digs into a stylish sanctuary. Think cosy bedding, practical storage solutions, and must-have school supplies—all designed to help you feel right at home as you hit the books and settle in for the year ahead.
Nautical Stripe Cotton Luxury Bed Linen, £24 thefinecottoncompany.com
Travel Sewing Kit, £11.99 sueryder.org /shop
Cushion in Light Blue, £195 loaf.com
Sleepover
Snack Cucumber Plant,
Indoor
Renovation
Corked potential
The sustainability of materials being chosen for projects, is an ever-present consideration of modern-day interior design. There will always be consumers who opt for those that are produced quickly and are damaging to the environment, so it’s the interior designer’s responsibility to encourage the client to look beyond the build completion date and consider the long-term effects and impact of the choices they are making. Even recycled plastics are being packaged up as ‘sustainable’ nowadays, as the demand for multi-functional products conflicts with the need to decorate with a clear conscience. Nearly all materials are currently undergoing such ‘greenwashing’ campaigns, but one of the few exceptions, whose credentials stand up gallantly without any need for airbrushing, is cork.
Cork is increasingly popular and making a strong comeback since the days of our grandparents’ houses clad in cork tiles. Cork is celebrated for being natural, renewable, biodegradable, durable, fire and moisture resistant, insulating and tactile. Moreover, cork can add a warm and organic, artisanal look to your spaces, connecting with nature and complementing a wide range of interior design styles.
The cork oak tree grows in Mediterranean climates, surviving for up to 200 years and can be repeatedly harvested without causing any damage to the tree. Even more interesting, is that after each extraction, the cork tree absorbs up to five times more carbon than an unharvested tree.
Recork, a sustainable brand selling cork flooring sourced from Portugal, says that the insulating properties of their cork floors will help to reduce utility bills. They explain that cork has a honeycomb structure with millions of air-filled cells, which can insulate and retain an optimal temperature all year round. Plus, it’s naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, and sheds no nasty
microfibres, so the air stays purer and cleaner than with other types of flooring. Cork is soft underfoot and absorbs sound easily, making it ideal in noisy playrooms or in rooms with lots of hard surfaces.
A quick internet search took me to B&Q’s Cork Roll - 5 square metres of ‘natural beauty and functionality’. They describe it as an eco-conscious choice for various applications in your home or office and by the time you’ve read the comprehensive sales blurb, I’m confident you’ll be fully committed to finding as many surfaces as you can on which to install it. They mention it being aesthetic, practical and an excellent choice for use as an underlay. They talk about its exceptional acoustic insulation properties and impressive
www.themonkeypuzzletree.com www.naturewall.com
thermal regulation capabilities, helping maintain a comfortable room temperature and reducing unnecessary energy costs. And as a last hurrah, their final sales statement uses adjectives such as waterproof, durable, resistant to wear and tear, versatile, sustainable, natural, impact resistant and eco-friendly. It’s a convincing set of accolades for a roll of cork that is easy to cut to size and can be installed using glue or pins. With no requirement for a skilled tradesperson to install it, the lower costs stack up well compared to other options. Its suitability for both indoor and outdoor use means it doesn’t have to be sealed with nasty chemicals and if any damage happens to the surface, it can be lightly sanded to repair.
All these qualities also make cork an excellent material for accessories and furniture. Lighting, place mats, floor mats, chairs, notice boards – cork-based products are slowly making their way into mainstream stores and retailers. Since 2017, Tom Dixon has been incorporating cork into his furniture designs, so from a trend point of view, these cork-based products are ideally suited to modern interiors. The warm and textured nature of cork along with its natural colour and sustainable, organic provenance, add a biophilic aspect to interior schemes connecting the building and its occupants with nature and their natural surroundings.
Whilst the impact of purchasing a single cork coffee table over a plastic version may seem fairly benign, reducing your carbon footprint and inadvertently enabling even more carbon to be absorbed by the tree your materials are sourced from, is probably one of the most important things an individual can do. We need to change the rhetoric that buying cheap, synthetic imitations online is savvy and smart. Actually, changing the cheap-consumerism mindset of modern life and continually opting for long-term sustainability, will do more for future generations than our conscience-covering offsetting ever can.
and
Milton Keynes Artificial Intelligence Festival announced
The Milton Keynes AI Festival 2024 will be held from 28th October to 1st November and follows on from the UK Government’s AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park last year, which saw global leaders attend to discuss the future of AI.
The Festival will be an opportunity for businesses to showcase their AI work, share insights and engage with a diverse audience determined to make the most of the opportunities presented by modern technologies.
Organisations are being invited to express an interest in hosting events during the week.
Events, conferences and hackathons will be running across the city, hosted by major organisations including Bletchley Park, The Open University, Connected Places Catapult, Aiimi and His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre, with more to be confirmed.
Organisations and businesses are also welcome to set up their own fringe events which, while self-funded and separate to the main programme, will be promoted by the city council to help the organisers find a wide audience.
Scan the code to find out more.
A key focus of the festival is to highlight the ongoing work to boost the city’s position as a leader in the tech ecosystem and deliver on the city council’s Technology, Smart City, Digital and Creative Industries Strategy, cementing Milton Keynes’ global reputation as a smart city and the home of innovation.
Plans progress for the redevelopment of Bletchley’s Brunel Centre
Following engagement with the local community, The Brunel Centre and former Sainsbury’s site have been earmarked to deliver a modern mixed-use scheme, including new homes and shops in the heart of Bletchley’s town centre.
The city council’s independent property arm, Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP), purchased the sites last
year to form part of the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Deal project. The Town Deal project will see major improvements to Bletchley and Fenny Stratford, partly paid for by £23m in government funding the city council had previously secured.
Both sites form part of the city council’s proposals to regenerate the town centre. Plans are also progressing to attract more events to Queensway such as food festivals and offer grants to entrepreneurs who want to open small business on the high street.
Free digital services at MK libraries
Free digital services at MK’s libraries are one of multiple Milton Keynes City Council initiatives that have helped attract tens of thousands of extra visits to the city’s libraries in the past year.
Residents can visit any MK library to trace their family history back as far as 1841 with free access to Ancestry.com. More than 54,000 searches have been made so far. Also offered for free is Theory Test Pro, a highly realistic online simulation of the UK’s driving theory test.
Library members can also browse more than 7,000 digital newspapers and magazines in 60 languages as well as eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines on the free PressReader system.
The City Council expects thousands of extra young visitors over the summer as part of the Summer Reading Challenge, through which libraries support children with their reading and literacy skills. This year, more than 3,000 local children are expected to take part. Last year, 1,394 children read and finished at least six books over the school summer holidays.
hackathons will be running across the city, hosted by major organisations including Bletchley Park, The Open University, Connected Places Catapult, Aiimi and His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre
Sound architecture from Torus
Fast-rising MK rock trio Torus will sate the appetite of fans when they launch their self-titled debut album on September 13.
It is, they told Pulse, ‘A rollercoaster of emotions and struggles from a year which had many ups and downs and the mental battle of trying to work it all out whilst feeling isolated and disconnected to things close to you.’
After a revolving line-up. Torus is now a taut trio, comprising guitarist/singer Alfie Glass, bassist Harry Quinn and drummer Jack Orr. Alfie thinks Torus is capable of tickling all ears: “Even if you’re not a rock or heavy metal fan, we strive to write the best and the strongest songs we can that would work on an old beaten up acoustic guitar as well.
“This album is for all the music nerds who like obscure bands, but also the everyday people who don’t play music and just want something to bang their heads to.
“We try to make it so there’s something for everybody in our music.”
Track by track
Avalanche
About having a need and longing for clear communication and understanding between yourself and someone who is a significant force in your life. It was written quite late in the midst of tracking the album, stemming from just a video of a jam we had months prior in rehearsal. We were on such a tight schedule trying to finish everything up, but we managed to squeeze in writing the track amongst tracking guitars for the album and we are all so glad we did.”
Into The Clear
It was super fun working on this song in the studio, experimenting with different drum sounds and chucking about a billion room mics around to see what sounded best for the almost break-beat style chorus. Lyrically, it’s about feeling drained by allowing yourself to consistently fall into the trap of being manipulated by someone you deeply care for. Expressing a sense of frustration, impatience and a desire for change or something more fulfilling.
When It Comes
The first track we wrote alongside our producer Tom Mitchener, we went into the studio for a sort of trial day and came out with this brand new track and a demo to go with it. It’s about feeling a complex mix of emotions, uncertainty and a desire for a connection with the people around us during a year of many ups and downs.
All On Me
A hidden gem that resurfaced when our producer told us how much he loved it. The lyrics express facing the pressures of a fast-paced and challenging environment; trying to take responsibility for your own life and dealing with the struggles and difficulties around that.
The Overload
When you are overwhelmed with the feeling of being disconnected to a loved one. When you could be sitting for endless hours waiting on your phone, desperate for that emotional connection you desire. It’s more or less one riff throughout the whole track, an AC/DC style four-on-the-floor drum beat, and a chorus made up of just ah’s. We like to joke it’s like if Torus wrote a Coldplay song!
Alfie talks Pulse’s Sammy Jones through the new release.
Torus; Weaving a rollercoaster of emotions into a tasty debut album
Pic: Andy Ford
Seethe back on stage for a special reunion
The chance to indulge in a little local heavy nostalgia presents itself at The Craufurd Arms on September 7, and you’ll be swelling the coffers for a deserving charity by taking a ticket.
Seethe, Crossburner and Keeper of the Rifle are coming together to raise money for the National Gaucher Foundation.
Seethe’s Matt Downes is behind this event, and it is a cause close to his heart; he lost his niece to the condition.
“Gaucher’s disease is a rare genetic disorder where the body is missing an enzyme that breaks down fatty substances called lipids, and as a result, severely lowers your life expectancy,” Matt said, “‘The disorder generally begins during childhood or adolescence, but can also affect adults.”
Downfall
“A Tony Hawk: Pro Skater esc anthem disguised in a mental battle between knowing what to believe in today’s state of the world. Touching on themes of urgency and a yearning for something different in the face of life.
Crash Wave
A super honest moment with a hiccup in the band during a time of uncertainty, misunderstanding and paranoia. It was a difficult time, each of us were dealing with personal things and not communicating very well with each other. At the end of the day, it was about us realising that we are actually all just mates and that we are here for each other.
The timing of this reunion show is important too – poignantly, Matt’s niece would have recently celebrated her 21st birthday.
“Getting back together with the Seethe and Keeper of the Rifle lads has been great,” said Matt, who now fronts Casket Feeder.
“It will be great to be able to be together again and just have a laugh and enjoy playing together, without having to worry about the politics that sometimes comes with being in a band.
“The fact that we can do it while raising awareness of a special charity, and celebrating the memory of my niece, makes it incredibly special.
“We would love you to join us for a night of nostalgia and to help raise awareness. All profits will be donated to the charity.”
Tickets are £8 in advance, £10 on the door.
Other shows worth checking out at the Wolverton hub this month include tribute Robbed Zombie (Sept 6), and London’s The Karma Effect (Sept 13) who will
This Feeling
A breakup song, plain and simple. We’ve all been there, it’s hard, it’s confusing, to be honest, it’s just sad. You can obsess over decisions and overthink everything, that’s what This Feeling is about.
Undercover
“About the feeling of people hiding and shying away from reality and how we should all act on our limited time on earth.
Gone
A song in our locker since the band first started. It has had many different forms, however when we started playing around with it in the studio we saw the real potential in it. The core ideas have stayed the same but something is just completely different and reinspired after working on it with our producer.
peddle the raw, hip-shaking rock ‘n’ roll laid down on their new album, Promised Land
Da Flyy Hooligan (Sept 20) is at the forefront of the UK underground scene, and his arrival is bound to cause a stir for all the right reasons.
Also taking up space on that bill, Dotz, Grotty White and Simiyun, with MK based producer Whiskeyman claiming a part, and fellow Keynesian The SheJay Djing and hosting. Tickets are £14.50.
> Visit thecraufurdarms.com
Perfect Pistols
Space Pistol made a massive impression at this year’s Bloodstock Festival earlier this month, delivering a typically fired up and furiously catchy set comprising music from their brilliant debut album, Leave With Everything “What an experience it was! By the end of it, we think a pretty sizable portion of the 20k attendees knew who Space Pistol were simply by how many stickers we plastered on every surface of the festival!” the band told Pulse “We brought our full energy to the New Blood Stage, Sunday morning, and we got it back. The crew were awesome, the crowd was packed and we’re leaving knowing we got everything out of the festival we could have.”
Back To Life
“Recognising you are caught up in a cycle of negative emotions or circumstances and want to break free from that, longing for a positive change.
Speed Trial
“About a physical and emotional journey from the point of view of someone struggling with addiction. The heaviest, most dramatic and probably most raw song on the album. It was an extremely difficult period for the band, with huge amounts of disconnect, yet somehow amongst all of this, we came up with what seems like the easiest song we have ever written.
> Torus will hit the road to support the album’s release – stay up to speed with the latest on FB @torusuk
Seethe - no politics, just good times for a great cause
Keeper of the Rifle
‘We’re always inappropriate - that’s what we are’
We’ve lost count of the number of musicians we’ve spoken with, only to discover they don’t really have much to say. Blag Dahlia, founder of Californian-based rock legends The Dwarves isn’t one of them, as Sammy Jones discovered...
We could have filled a whole Pulse music section with Blag’s thoughts – everything from self-care (“you have to monitor yourself constantly for anger, jealousy, sadness – these are the things that kill us”) to his many epiphanies – the last one developed into his solo Introducing Ralph Champagne record, which pushed a different musical agenda; one where outlaw country and trucker ballads found a home through his retro crooner alter ego.
But we’re here to discuss The Dwarves, and there’s plenty to natter about – starting with the brilliantly hooky Concept Album, which hit the racks last year. It boasted 20 songs that very much ran the gamut of musical styles.
“...every different genre,” Blag picks up, “It had garage stuff and hardcore stuff, thrash stuff, pop-punk stuff and it had everything, right?”
Blag is the driving force here, but make no mistake, there is a band of brilliance at work.
‘’I run the band, but I do it in a very open ended way, because I’m not one of those people that thinks I do everything better than the people around me, and when you got Josh Freese, who is now in the Foo Fighters, on drums you want to let him drum. When you’ve got Rex Everything, aka Nick Oliveri, who came from Kyuss and those bands, you want to let him play bass.
“Nick is such a unique singer and bass player, he is so strong on bass and has got such a great right hand and his voice is so distinctive. He is also underrated as a lyricist and a songwriter – I think his lyrics are very interesting, there is a depth of intelligence to them, which I think has been influenced by The Dwarves. He has a very deep well of musical knowledge.
“Nick doesn’t take a day off - he is a real true rock n roller, more so than me – I get tired of it.
“I just don’t have the energy to do it and I don’t find it interesting after a while. Nick was just born to rock n roll, he’s that guy. He’s amazing.”
With that kind of cool in the ranks – swelled by the guitar greatness of The Fresh Prince of Darkness, aka Marc Diamond and demon drummer Snupac – Blag’s work is made all the easier.
“I don’t sit there and micromanage these guys, or pretend to be able to tell them what to play and where to put it...”
But with so much creativity and variety, not even the band agrees on everything.
“The guy that always gets me is The Fresh Prince of Darkness – he will always come in and go, ‘Ok man, it’s a good record, but I don’t like this song and I don’t like that song’...but with this current record, he actually came in and said, ‘Blag, I like every single song, I wouldn’t get rid of any of them.”
Right before heading off on their European tour The Dwarves were back in the studio, and the band that launched as a 60s stye garage collective back in the 80s, later morphing into hardcore purveyors before delivering slicker releases (“...but we always tried to hang on to the profanity, the nudity, the nastiness and the sticking it in your face,” Blag counters) are on the musical turn again, prompted in part by the rediscovery of old tapes that dated from the era of their seminal Blood, Guts & Pussy delivery.
“I’d forgotten about those tapes for years, but I went back and mixed them, and spoke to the photographers that took part in that stuff and got a bunch of great photos from the Blood, Guts era and I got this totally different record that has a lot of those songs, but done live in the studio, so it’s got a different feel. That’s gonna be the next Dwarves album that comes out, called Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.
“I think that will give people an interesting window into the old punk rock Dwarves, the not so pop Dwarves, with no background vocals and all that kind of stuff and you will see a lot of those alternative photos from
the Blood, Guts & Pussy shoot that is so famous, with the naked girls, and the rabbit and the dwarf guy.”
The band is also hoping to have a new release out by next Halloween, “...and it will be more that style – more punk rock, more straightforward, less produced and more, ‘this is what we sound like.’”
With new offerings comes the need to tour ’em – Having coloured up everywhere from Venice to London on their recent European tour, and having smashed out dates stateside, the band is soon off Down Under with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.
Blag is well up for this forthcoming stint, while admitting that a life on the road ain’t quite the fun it used to be.
“I’m an old guy so touring is hard, you are tired, you are hungry, you are cranky, the other old guys are complaining.
“Touring makes you tired and sick, it’s really a young guy’s game. When we were kids it was fun.
“But the older you get, every backstage looks the same, every van looks the same...
“I really love touring in terms of being with my friends and playing music for people – it’s the other 23 hours out of the day where you can’t eat and you can’t sleep and you are all f*cked up!”
In today’s world where people get offended even if there’s nothing to be offended about, the notoriously un-PC Dwarves keep ploughing ahead, and they are still the same nasty, uncompromising unit that fans love them for.
But with everyone being censored by the keyboard police, is it harder being The Dwarves in 2024?
“Yes and no, I think it would be harder to start now. But we’d already established this brand with nudity and profanity – it’s not like we’re just doing it now to freak you out.
“It cost us a lot at the beginning,” Blag admits, “Any chance at radio play, any chance at a major label deal...so that was always difficult.
“When I was 20 and writing a song about an underage girl it sorta meant one thing, but to go and sing that song 40 years later, people are like, ‘What is your problem, when
you’re an old guy and singing this song?’ My response is, ‘It’s a song,’ he laughs, “It’s not real!
“You have to take it in the spirit in which it was written. Some people say, ‘I’d stay away from that material because it’s not appropriate any more’, but I look at it as, ‘It was never appropriate’, we’re always inappropriate, that’s what we are and I’m not gonna pull back on it now.
“I think it’s just funnier now, but I am sure it has cost me a lot in various ways. Most of what people do to ruin your career is just ignore you and not mention you.”
Blag ain’t concerned: “No. It doesn’t worry me at all, because in order for it to destroy me, it would first have to make me more popular than I am,” he laughs some more, “I am fine with that. You want to throw a whole bunch of sh*t at me, please do!
“I’ve been the same guy pushing the same stuff for a long time, and the idea that it would ruin me is funny to me.
“I haven’t had enough success to fear that, I have always been very ballsy and open minded, and if you are gonna take me on –here I am.”
Right now, this singer-songwriter, author, producer and creative has more work to be done. The Dwarves are gearing up for those live dates, and Ralph Champagne is back – a second album is being put together as you read this.
The man who sees ‘a tremendous amount of blandness’ in music’ and his creative companions are certainly doing their bit to counteract the tedium.
> Get acquainted: thedwarves.com
Ralph Champagne - more meow-sic is coming
The Dwarves: the Fresh Prince of Darkness, Blag, Snupac and Rex Everything
Pic: Julia Lofstrand
Pic: Julia Lofstrand
Film Reviews
by Jordan Adcock
LONGLEGS
FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 4/5
Any film which opens by quoting rock band T-Rex (“You’re dirty sweet and you’re my girl”) likely has something interesting about it to recommend. Fortunately Longlegs, through sheer force of awkwardness, has tension and fright to lose yourself in if you permit its chilly mood.
Maika Monroe plays the lonely and socially distant FBI agent Harker, who in the 1990s is assigned to investigate Longlegs (who else?). He’s a serial killer who targets families and leaves coded messages without any other trace of his crimes. The deeper Harker delves, the more she discovers her personal history is tied to this horrific villain and what’s required to finally stop him. It’s to Longlegs’ credit that its filmmaking and settings darken its mostly straightforward horror-thriller plot – with how everything’s shot, uncomfortably framing the characters rather than connecting with them,
there’s hardly a reassuring location in the entire film, as if Harker’s every move and memory is haunted. Good thing too, considering the plot introduces and kills off Harker’s partner agent within a few minutes, not to mention hinted-at psychic powers, neither development basically going anywhere afterwards. Monroe convincingly plays Harker as emotionally repressed rather than dull and flat – she, like the whole film, are hard to warm to but you can’t help but be compelled by just how sinister everything is. And that’s before mentioning Nicolas Cage plays Longlegs himself – dressed and made up as garishly pale, he cuts a figure both shambolic and nightmarish. His renowned, energetic talents provide a manic contrast to occasionally puncture the film’s otherwise reserved, dreading air rather than relying on cheap jump scares. ✪
TALK TO ME
Star Rating: 3.5/5
Released last year and now streaming on Netflix, Talk to Me is another horror film that’s well worth a watch. A group of teenagers take turns performing a ritual where grasping an embalmed, cursed hand and saying ‘talk to me’ makes you see dark spirits – for the laughs, of course! This being horror, until everything goes wrong, of course. The allegory with drugs is hard to ignore but its tense atmosphere comes from the characters being haunted by the consequences of their recklessness as much as by the supernatural, with the visitations themselves providing the brutal and messed-up highlights. The climax refreshingly avoids more predictable plot beats for its lonely, troubled protagonist Mia, which makes you wish some of the human elements were more fleshed out. ✪
TWISTERS
Rating: 2.5/5
Making a sequel to Twister, a selfcontained, 28-year-old tornado disaster film, could have defined a new low in Hollywood’s barrel-bottom scraping for another ‘franchise’ to exploit. Truth is, you can watch this film completely standalone and it has its own, mostly Glen Powell-oriented charms. He’s by far the film’s biggest draw as a brash ‘tornado wrangler’ with a huge YouTube following, certainly more than the main character Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is. For all the film’s destructive, high-velocity storms and attempts at crafting a redemption storyline for Kate as she returns to chase and study tornadoes raging in Oklahoma, it’s never hard to tell everything that’s coming a few steps ahead of the main characters – all of whom are supposed to be experts! ✪
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Rating: 2/5
Deadpool & Wolverine’s already grossed tons of money and why not? Two of the most popular comic book characters are fighting and quipping together, with Ryan Reynolds delivering his usual winking panache and Hugh Jackman even coming out of superhero retirement. It’s a real shame then that this superpowered buddy comedy gets lost in the utter worldbuilding mess that is the current Marvel Cinematic Universe, not to mention stale writing which focuses on inserting fanservice-y moments (plus lots of cameos) without doing either character justice during its overly long runtime. There’s some laughs and half-decent fights but imagine a better film where these two strong personalities drove the story instead of the plot just pushing them toward the next scene after fighting each other for a bit. ✪
UNDER PARIS
Star Rating: 1.5/5
Streaming exclusively on Netflix, Under Paris helpfully answers the question of whether the French film industry could concoct a killer shark film as ridiculous as the Sharknado franchise. Not quite, but perhaps even more bizarre is how this film pretends to have both a serious environmental message and a sombre ending. This comes right after several laugh-out-loud, over-thetop shark kills portrayed using unrestrained CGI silliness. And if the Olympics weren’t exciting enough for you, you can also watch Paris self-destruct thanks to flat-out stupidity – yes, really! Those moments punctuate an otherwise pretty dry story with stock characters figuring out how and why a shark swam into the Seine, and how to get it out. It’ll leave you wondering why they didn’t lean more into the ridiculousness. ✪
Canine Capers make for a paw-some night at MK Theatre!
She has been a pop star and a soap star, but for her latest role, Kym Marsh – one time chart topper with Hear’Say and Rovers Return regular in Coronation Street – is channeling an altogether more unsavoury character; starring as Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians The Musical
This production, which visits Milton Keynes Theatre in October, comes with plenty of bark and bite, and Kym is relishing the challenge of playing the dog murdering fashionista.
It’ll test her acting skills too: “Trying to get into the head of a person who wants to skin puppies to wear is especially alien to me because I’m such a huge dog lover!” she laughed, “I’ve got two of my own, and I adore them.”
This being a musical, Kym is getting to flex her vocal chords once again, something that she’s not needed to do for quite some time.
“If you don’t sing, you forget,” she said, “In this, I’ve got my own songs, and there’s a lot to learn.”
Ask what the public will make of Kym’s Cruella portrayal and she is positive: “I think people are going to absolutely love her. The costumes are so brilliant, and when she walks on, she’s just in command of everything – she’s the most fun character ever.”
Naturally, her barnet will be big too, with that iconic black and white hair-do taking centre stage.
“...but there won’t be just one wig,” she teases, “There’s going to be several changes and it’s not just what you expect from her. We’re like Cruella De Vil times ten!”
Kym has enjoyed that aforementioned successful career in music and soapland, and has worked as a face of daytime TV with the BBC, hosting Morning Live alongside
Gethin Jones: “I was very fortunate to be paired with him, because he’s a very generous co-presenter. He took me under his wing, and I’ve learned so much from him.”
101 Dalmatians The Musical might be taking her time just now, but other theatre credits include the Take That musical, Greatest Days, which saw her joined by her daughter, Emilie.
“I watched her going into rehearsals on the first day, being like a rabbit in the headlights and doubting herself, to suddenly making the role so much her own,” Kym recalled, “It was lovely to hear her playing with the part.”
And yet, had her own parents not been supportive of her hopes and dreams, we might have missed out on Kym’s talent altogether.
“I fell pregnant at a very young age and my parents were like, ‘This is even more reason
for you to continue and carry on pursuing your dream, and make the life that you want, not just for you, but for the children. I was very much spurred on and encouraged, and I’m very thankful for that.”
In January, Kym’s father David passed away following a long battle with prostate cancer, and she took the necessary time off to grieve and care for her family.
“My dad was the pinnacle of our lives, and very much the figurehead of the family. It’a a huge loss and I needed time off. I think there may come times down the line where I need it again, because it’s not something that you get over. It’s always going to be very tricky, to not have him around...for him not to see me play this role makes me very sad because I think he would love it. I just hope he’s with me every night on the stage.”
Looking to her own working future, Kym would love to take on more meaty TV dramas, and some more films, and her current commitments are nothing if not varied: “One minute I’m serving chips and beans in the canteen at Waterloo Road, and the next thing I’m Cruella wearing pretend giraffe skin,” she laughed, “It’s a bizarre life I live!”
> 101 Dalmatians The Musical visits Milton Keynes Theatre October 1-5. To book your tickets visit atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Kym Marsh stars as Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians The Musical
#WhatsOnPulse
Live Big Band Night in Olney
Tuesday, September 2, 8pm-10.30pm
A rare chance to hear a top 20-piece Big Band performing live in Olney, at an amazingly affordable price. Only £15 to enjoy the great sounds of the classical big band era - as well as funk, latin and more - presented by the versatile Jazz Colossus Ensemble.
Formed more than a decade ago by a group of experienced and professional artists, Jazz Colossus has established a strong reputation both in the UK and Europe for a great evening’s entertainment. Entrance just £15 and drinks at affordable prices. Book early by calling 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!
Danesborough Chorus returns to rehearsals on Wednesday 4th September 7.45pm-9.50pm
Aspley Guise Village Hall
New singers in all voice parts welcome but especially tenors. Highlights of our 50th Anniversary Season include performances of Handel’s Messiah, Brahms’ German Requiem, Mozart’s Solemn Vespers and Haydn’s Nelson Mass.
For information email dcmembershipsec@gmail.com or visit www.danesborough.org.uk
1940s weekend at MK Museum –September 7 & 8
Community Litter Pick
Thursday, September 5, 10am
Bancroft Roman Villa is the location for this clear-up operation, which is a fab way to get some fresh air, explore your local park and help improve the environment.
The event duration will be around an hour. Supporting nature: theparkstrust.com/events
Oasiz
Friday, September 6, 7.30pm
Thirty years on from the release of the Gallagher brothers’ album Definitely Maybe, the tribute mob comes to The Old Savoy. Supersonic: theoldsavoy.co.uk
Friday Night Live at MK11: Band-E-Oke
Friday, September 6, 8pm- midnight
Get up and belt out your best Sweet Child O’ Mine and I Will Survive renditions with backing from the house band. Entry is free, and food is available.
Pass the mic: mk11kilnfarm.com
Robbed Zombie
Friday, September 6, 7.30pm
The UK’s tribute to the master of all things groovy and gory comes to Wolverton venue, The Craufurd Arms.
Black Sunshine: thecraufurdarms.com
Hardy Plant Society – Free taster session
Saturday, September 7, 2pm
Enthusiastic about hardy plants and would like to know more? The Northants branch of the HPS is offering a ‘taster’ session (normally £5) - a talk by Ingrid Millington - ‘Plant Hunting Holidays’, at Moulton Community Centre, Reedings, Sandy Hill Lane, off Overstone Road, Moulton, NN3 7AX. Easy parking. A raffle and refreshments will be offered. Take root: hpsnorthantsmem@gmail.com
1940s Weekend at Milton Keynes Museum
Saturday, September 7 & Sunday, September 8, 10.30am-4.30pm
Step back in time to share in all the sights, sounds and sirens from the defining decade, with displays, re-enactors, lots of live music with the tunes from the era, and traders selling vintage clothing and bric-abrac.
And much more!
A timeless weekend: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Seethe, Crossburner & Keeper of the Rifle
Saturday, September 7, 7.30pm
A night of the distinctly hard and heavy, topped by MKs Seethe, raising funds for the National Gaucher Foundation. Through Conviction: thecraufurdarms.com
Animals in Need Open Day
Sunday, September 8, midday-4pm
Join the staff, volunteers and animals who are all looking forward to welcoming you to their site at Pine Tree Farm in Little Irchester. Refreshments, tombola, lucky dip, bric-a-brac, raffle and crafts.
Adopt, don’t shop: animals-in-need.org
Denton & District Gardening Club
Monday, September 9, 7.30pm
Val Bourne, an enthusiastic advocate for gardening with nature in mind, will be talking about Southern Hemisphere Plants at Spring Cottage, at Denton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, NN7 1DT.
Easy parking, friendly atmosphere, visitors welcome (£5) or free to members. Blooming great: m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk or call 01604 890875
Bat Walk: Shenley Wood
Monday, September 9, 7.30pm
Learn about bats and see them in flight with The Parks Trust – be warned, there will be little to no lighting on the route, which will be a mix of hard and soft paths.
Assistance dogs only.
Upside down fun: theparkstrust.com/events
Upcoming Events
Everest Base Camp Challenge Information
Evening 18 September, 6pm, Willen Hospice
From MK to Nepal, journey to the top of the world with our Everest Base Camp challenge for Willen Hospice, departing October 2025. Come along to our information evening to find out more.
Gulliver’s Weekend Takeover 21 & 22
September
Gulliver’s Land & Resort, first 500 tickets just £12.50
Enjoy a discounted ticket price and extra fun games and stalls as we take over Gulliver’s Land! £2.50 of every ticket sale goes to Willen Hospice.
Thrive in 2025 19 November
The Ridgeway Centre, £50
early bird offer
Make 2025 your best year yet, and hear from motivational speaker, Ife Thomas plus special guests, all in aid of Willen Hospice.
Make a Will Month
For a suggested donation to the Hospice, have your Will written for free by a solicitor during October. Visit our website for more information.
Scan the QR code for more details >> willen-hospice.org.uk
Follow us on Socials:
Rolling with it – Oasiz visit The Old Savoy in Northampton on September 6
Milton Keynes Aviation Society
The Berlin Airlift –75th Anniversary
Tuesday September 10 at The Hunt House, Paulerspury, Towcester, NN12 7NA.
Doors open at 6.15pm with speakers from 7.00pm
On the 75th anniversary of The Berlin Airlift, for our annual “signature” lecture we have 2 distinguished speakers discussing its impact from both Allied and German perspectives.
Visitors very welcome –£10 payable on the night –but pre-booking essential with Chris Bosworth on 07860 629494 or cj.bos@ntlworld.com Visit www.mkas.co.uk/lectures for more details.
Heathers The Musical
Tuesday, September 10 –
Saturday, September 14
Visit MK Theatre and engage with a high octane, black comedy, rock musical that takes you to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death. Audience discretion advised. Kindergarten Boyfriend: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Hope & Social
Tuesday, September 10, 8pm Anthemic songs, infectious melodies and a formidable live experience, these key players are decidedly rousing. Take a chance on them in the intimacy of The Stables and you’ll be dazzled. South Facing: stables.org
Beer Festival at Milton Keynes Museum
Thursday, September 12 –Sunday, September 15
Enjoy a pint or two in the pleasant and spacious courtyard and gardens, with a fine selection of real ales and ciders on sale, and at very reasonable prices. Free entry to the Museum too! Cheers: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Oh What A Night
Friday, September 13, 7.30pm
Head back in time on a music journey through the career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – every song a sing-along. Let’s Hang On: theoldsavoy.co.uk
Douglas C-47s unloading at Templehof Airport Berlin 1948
Steel Magnolias – Sam Sharma, Abigail Thorne and Susan Lee Burton
Pride and Prejudice Sort Of –Derngate Theatre – Sept 30 - Oct 5
Where Two Rivers Meet
Saturday, September 14
Singer-songwriter Jon Gomm headlines
The Parlor Sessions, with support from Katie Malco and Joel Harries, at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, in Newport Pagnell.
Deep Sea Fishes: wheretworiversmeet.info
Everything Changes
Saturday, September 14, 7.30pm
The Take That show that Robbie is still a part of!
This two hour spectacular features a bumper amount of TT songs, and introduces Robbie’s solo anthems too. You’ll be hoarse from singing!
Greatest Day: theoldsavoy.co.uk
Olney WordFest
Literary Festival
Saturday, September 14
A new chapter begins in Olney and it’s one that will appeal to bookworms, newspaper lovers and poetry fans. The celebration of everything literary will cover writing, books, publishing, editing, photography, and even music and lyrics. Head to the Olney Centre.
The Illegal Eagles
Monday, September 16, 7.30pm
Join the pedigree imitators as they celebrate the best of the Eagles’ catalogue, from Hotel California to Take It Easy Life in the Fast Lane: royalandderngate.co.uk
Fern Brady – I Gave You Milk To Drink
Monday, September 16
Scotland’s queen of comedy is back on tour with a brand new show, asking ‘What happens when you get everything you want and it’s not enough?’
Milking it!: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Will Young: Light It Up
Wednesday, September 18, 7.30pm
With a new album to promote, Will visits Northampton on his most intimate tour to date – an up close and personal evening of acoustic performances, stories and conversation.
Leave Right Now: royalandderngate.co.uk
NC Jazz: John Law
Thursday, September 19, 7.30pm
Join the prize-winning classical piano prodigy turned jazz sensation. Prolific? And the rest - he has recorded in excess of 40 albums, and played at more than 50 festivals worldwide.
Class at the keys: royalandderngate.co.uk
The Jets
Saturday, September 21
The brothers Cotton will be bringing the music at The Black Diamond, Lower Harding St, NN1 2JL, with a special 50th anniversary show. Check in: thejets.co.uk
The Rocket Man:
A Tribute to Sir Elton John Saturday, September 21, 7.30pm
Settle in for a night which will recreate ‘the flamboyant megastar with as much vigour and brilliance’ as the real fella.
Saturday Night’s Alright: royalandderngate.co.uk
Faux Fighters
Saturday, September 21, 8pm
Rock up and rock out to a set of modern classics from Grohl and his gang.
The Sky Is A Neighbourhood: mk11kilnfarm.com
Steel Magnolias
Saturday, September 21
An ambitious tour of the play that inspired the film which starred Dolly Parton - catch a performance at the Open University in MK. Suite: etctheatre.co.uk
September Highlights
Danny Beard: Straight Expectations
Friday 20
September, 8pm
Join Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard and their full live band for a five-star night of killer vocals, snappy comedy, put-downs and pick-me-ups. (16+)
Peter Cox
Saturday 21
September, 8pm
As the singer, co-writer, and frontman of Go West, Peter Cox has enjoyed a career spanning four decades with a string of hits including We Close Our Eyes, Call Me, Don’t Look Down and Goodbye Girl Alongside this, he has maintained a successful solo career.
Dom Joly: The Conspiracy Tour
Monday 23 September, 8pm Comedian and writer Dom Joly presents a hilarious, fascinating and slightly anarchic guide to the wacky world of conspiracies. (16+)
The Leo Green Experience
Saturday 28 September, 8pm
Enjoy your favourite songs from the last 30 years or so, reworked into jazzy, soulful, sax-drenched brilliance, that will have you on your feet and singing along.
The Stables Wavendon Milton Keynes MK17 8LU
Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org
Sue Upton – delivering OlneyWordFest
Head to Milton Keynes Museum for their Beer festival – Sept 12 - 15
Re:Incarnation
Saturday, September 21, 7.30pm
An ode to the riches of Nigerian culture, this dance, music, fashion and visual art fusion mixes ancient Yoruba philosophy with the rhythm and spirit of the country’s hypervibrant youth culture.
Afrobeats and so much more: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Dom Joly: The Conspiracy Tour
Monday, September 23
Dom has been off travelling the globe again and now he’s out on a unique tour providing a hilarious, fascinating, and slightly anarchic guide to the wacky world of conspiracies. Conspiracy theorist Dr Julian Northcote will join him.
A Joly night out: stables.org
Steel Magnolias
Thursday, September 26
Etc Theatre deliver a performance of the play which inspired the film with the stellar cast, at The Old Savoy in Northampton. Suite: etctheatre.co.uk
Sarah Keyworth
Friday, September 27, 7.30pm
Head to The Royal and join funny girl Sarah as she presents her brand new, joyous show about family, acceptance and a pair of big losses.
Have you heard the one about?: royalandderngate.co.uk
Woof Walk: Stanton Low Park
Saturday, September 28, 10am
Organised by The Parks Trust, Woof Walks are a great way to discover MK’s lakes, parks and green spaces with your pooch, and to allow you and your canine pal to socialise and meet others.
Don’t forget the poo bags!: theparkstrust.com/events
Boombastic’s Daytime Disco MK
Saturday, September 28, 2-6pm
Enjoy the biggest hits, anthems and floor fillers in this special daytime event for the over-30s crowd. Hands in the air: mk11kilnfarm.com
Great Linford Manor Park Guided Walk
Sunday, September 29, 2pm
Join the friends of GLMP on a guided walk of the historic features of this unique site. Learn about the origins of the park and discover hidden gems including the Veteran Lime Tree, Doric Seat and Ha-ha, which survive from the 18th century. The walk will last for around 90 minutes.
Best foot forward: theparkstrust.com/events
Pride & Prejudice (Sort of)
Monday, September 30Saturday, October 5
Take your seat at the Derngate Theatre for a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. Includes a heap of pop classics!
You’re So Vain: royalandderngate.co.uk
Calling All Singers for a Fun Evening of Music Making!
Tuesday, October 1st, 7.30pm
Interested in experiencing what it’s like to sing with MK Chorale? You are warmly invited to come along to our open rehearsal on Tuesday October 1st for an evening of great singing with the choir. Enjoy the lovely interior of Christ the Cornerstone Church as you warm up with the glorious sound of the whole choir around you, then join in with the singing of the music: Britten, Dyson and Elgar are all on the menu, so it promises to be a fabulous rehearsal. To sign up for free, phone Glenys on 07969 120793. We look forward to seeing you there!
Branch out and try something new! Scottish Country Dancing
An 8 week Introduction Course for new dancers
Its is active, social and fun! Starting October 7 at 6.45 - 7.45pm
Bradwell Village Memorial Hall Vicarage Road, Bradwell Milton Keynes, MK13 9AG Cost: £40 for 8 weeks. No partner needed, just a pair of soft shoes.
Taught by qualified RSCDS teachers
Contact Marie and Sarah email intro2scd@gmail.com
More information at rscdsmk.co.uk
Playing a good game – Sarah Keyworth – Sep 27
Pic: Matt Crockett
Who’s up for a Joly night out?
Lots of variety, funnies and music for you in this month’s selection of theatre choices, which comes by Royal appointment, with lots of conspiracy discussion and a deadly school visit. Pulse’s Sammy Jones explains more...
If you want a show bursting with colour and filled with sensational songs, Hairspray (Sept 2-7) is this month’s choice at Milton Keynes Theatre
Just like the press bumf will tell you, it’s a big, bold and beautiful musical, just the same as the 80’s film which came first.
Taking the reins as Edna Turnblad is Neil Hurst, who some of you will recognise from his time on the Corrie cobbles.
Brenda Edwards was a smash hit in the show when she starred as Motormouth Maybelle, directed by Paul Kerryson. This time around the Loose Woman and stage star will be flexing her talent behind the curtainsharing directing duties with Kerryson.
Tracy Turnblad has big hair, big dreams and a big heart, and she wants to dance her way onto national TV and right into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin.
When she becomes a local star, she uses her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart –without denting her ’do?
At Wavendon Community Centre this month, MK’s Third Age Players present Secrets, Scandals and Gossip (Sept 6-8),
bringing the past forward to the present day in a show that is royally entertaining.
Here’s the gist: Henry VIII is looking for a sixth wife, but Catherine Parr is less than enthusiastic at the prospect of marrying the leering old fart, and anyway, she’s already in love with Sir Thomas Seymour. What will it take for her to avoid the chopping block?
A couple of centuries later, King George III is fed up with constantly shoring up the finances of his spoilt son, Prince George. The Prince comes up with a plan to marry into money, but when Princess Caroline of Brunswick arrives in England, things do not go to plan...
The high octane, black comedy, rock musical Heathers is back at MK Theatre (Sept 1014). The new school year is about to begin at Westerberg High; where popularity is so very a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day.
But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true.
That is until JD turns up, the mysterious teen rebel who teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it’s murder being a somebody...
Super smart and funny in equal measure, Dom Joly gifted us with the smash-hit prankster show Trigger Happy TV. What a joy that was.
He’s also cheered up our screens and stages appearing on everything from I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity Hunted, through to The Rocky Horror Show
Then there’s his work as a director, producer and celebrated author. Oh, and he’s made videos for artists including Blur and Ian Brown, and is a columnist who has penned for nigh on all the major national titles.
For his most recent book, Dom travelled the globe looking into some of the strangest conspiracy theories out there, and now he’s coming to MK as part of an extensive UK tour, to tell us what he thinks.
He’ll be sharing the stage with conspiracy theorist, Dr Julian Northcote to defend the alternative view. Whether you be a cynic, believer or undecided, you’ll get plenty to tickle the brain matter from a night in the company of these two.
“Expect the unexpected, verbal fireworks, public protests, unexpected knowledge and a lot of laughs...” Dom teases.
The Conspiracy Tour visits The Stables on September 23.
At Stantonbury Theatre, The Very Best of Tommy Cooper (Just Like That!) will play out on September 27. The one-man show delivers a peek into the unique and must missed talent of the man in the fez, and features his best one-liners, dazzling wordplay and celebrated tricks – who remembers delights like Spoon/Jar?
Past reviews suggest that this production, just like the man it pays homage to, will be fez-tastic!
> To book tickets:
The Stables: stables.org
Stantonbury Theatre: stantonburytheatre.co.uk
MK Theatre: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Wavendon Community Centre: ticketsource.co.uk/MKThirdAgePlayers
‘Setting the scene’ for Hairspray
Dom Joly (right) visits The Stables this month, while you can catch Heathers (left) at MK Theatre
Royally entertaining - Secrets, Scandals and Gossip
Bon Anniversaire!
This December will be the 50th Anniversary of the opening of Stantonbury Theatre, MK’s first purpose-built theatre. Since its inception, Stantonbury Theatre has endeavored to champion locally produced theatre and support local dance schools and youth theatres in producing the next generation of performers.
Announcements will be made soon with our own celebratory events, but in the meantime, there will be plenty more to commemorate as we are hosting a great
selection of comedy, children’s theatre and music along with the local theatre groups coming out in force with etcetera Theatre Company’s Steel Magnolias (13th Oct) and Company MK’s Sister Act (23rd-26th Oct) – Not to mention the anniversary concerts of Olney Brass Band’s 50th (28th Sept), MK Brass’ 40th (19th Oct), The Living Archive’s 40th (6th Oct) and the Wolverton Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s 50th (7th/8th Nov)!
MK Theatre of Comedy
revisit the quirky inhabitants of Dibley for the last installment of The Vicar of Dibley (12th-16th Nov).
The dream-crushing brainbox, ‘The Vixen’ from ITV’s The Chase will be entertaining us also this Autumn with her new touring show Out of the Box (18th Oct) along with spooktacular magic from Krisgar & Tricky Teddy (19th Oct), aquatic madness with The Bubble Show (12th Oct),
and a double-bill of improv fun from the acclaimed, The Noise Next Door (5th Oct)! Don’t forget to also check out award-winning star, Daniel Taylor, in his fantastic tribute to the comedy giant, Tommy Cooper! (27th Sep).
After a festive concert from Wolverton Light Orchestra (8th December), our Panto will be descending on us in December with RARE Pantomimes returning with the fantastical, magic carpet ride, Aladdin
> All shows now on sale at www.stantonburytheatre.co.uk
Where it all began, the opening back in 1974
There is a programme bursting at the seams in the anniversary year
The auditorium, Stantonbury Theatre
View from the Far Kerb
Looking Good
As social engagements go, this was big. Well, big for some. By some, I mean me and Aunt Matilda. It was her 90th birthday, so I dressed to impress. Every family has an Aunt Matilda somewhere, surely?
Whatever. My intention was to look good and show her respect. It was, shoes, jacket, tie, plus a shirt not featuring food stains. What I saw in the full-length mirror before heading out, looked good and it was an image spoilt only by my presence. It struck me how I could easily have been a male model. You know the sort: requires special glue, assembly, and lots of patience.
When I turned up, Aunt Matilda raised her eyebrows. Her inquiring look was to be expected as I am usually to be seen in jeans and trainers. Few get to see me in fine threads.
“It’s me, Phi—” I said, but she interjected, “No, I want something stronger than tea.”
“No, it’s me, Phil,” I told her. “Phil. The one who works in computers.”
“Why would you need a computer to serve tea?” Her face took on a decidedly grumpy look. “Do they have to be everywhere these days?”
This was a battle I looked destined to lose, so instead of seeking to elucidate and clear up the confusion, I said, “No worries, happy birthday!” and I turned away.
Aunt Matilda called loudly after me, “Hey, what about my drink?”
The gathering hushed as I turned to her and said sweetly, “I thought you didn’t want tea?”
“Yes! I want to know what else you people are providing.”
When I heard the words, ‘you people,’ it dawned on me that she not only didn’t recognise me, but she thought I was with a catering crew. This get-together was all about family members providing whatever fare was fitting. Then I looked about and realised I was the only tie-wearer. My shirt and jacket were competing with T-shirts, sweaters and jeans.
Dressed as I was, I appeared to be lacking a serving tray.
Around the room after Aunt Matilda had raised her voice in her quest for a drink with more ‘life’ than a cup of tea, I saw a mixture of smiles from those family members I knew well and looks of confusion from those faces I had only seen in photographs.
“Yes, please tell us, what are you serving?” came a voice behind me.
I turned to see a close cousin wearing an incredibly mischievous grin to go with his jersey bearing the slogan, ‘I got up this morning looking this good.’
“I’m not—”
“Ooo, I’d love a rum and Coke, do you have any?” was the enquiry from a photograph-only face to my left. It was quicky followed by, “I’m driving. Do you do coffee?” from my right.
My eyes went back to the cousin. His grin had widened, his eyebrows were raised with his head tilted as if awaiting a response.
I had definitely found the downside to looking good.
Phil O’Hara
QUICK CROSSWORD
Nephew?! He’s a terrible waiter!
Flavour of the Times - As the intense Leo summer energy fades, it makes way for Virgo’s ‘time-to-get-organisedfor-winter’ earth energy. Virgo’s symbol, the maiden with a sheaf of wheat, represents the harvest—what has been ripened under Leo is now gathered and stored for winter. Those who sow discord will undoubtedly ‘reap what they have sown.’ Virgo is all about order—sorting things out, preparing for the colder months. It’s practical, not glamorous, much like Gareth Southgate and Keir Starmer (both strong Virgos). Once everything is in place, there’s a sense of satisfaction in knowing all is as it should be. In our increasingly chaotic society, the new moon may unveil hidden truths that must be confronted. These issues will demand action. The question is, will we face them or ignore them like ostriches with their heads buried in the sand?
VIRGO
August 24 – September 23
The full moon on the 18th brings both confusion and opportunity. Letting go of control will help you navigate this time, allowing your intuition to guide you. Trusting your instincts could lead to unexpected achievements. By embracing the flow and relying on your practical nature, you can turn uncertainty into success, making the most of the opportunities that present themselves during this lunar phase.
LIBRA
September 24 – October 23
With the ‘Black Moon’ and Venus in your sign, deep desires in relationships come to the forefront. This energy urges you to explore what you truly want at a profound level. The balance between romantic ideals and reality is key now. Embrace this time to reflect on your needs, as it may lead to significant insights about your relationships and what truly fulfils you.
SCORPIO
October 24 – November 22
The full moon on the 18th might surprise you with an emotional outburst, even though you’ve been productive. It’s important not to bottle up these feelings; find healthy ways to express them. Letting your emotions out will prevent them from festering. Trust your instincts to guide you through this period, ensuring you manage these intense feelings without letting them overwhelm you.
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 – December 22
Jupiter in Gemini encourages future planning and mundane tasks dominate. Although you’d rather avoid organisation, it’s essential to tackle these chores now, especially as Virgo’s energy demands it. The full moon on the 18th may bring emotional challenges, but dealing with practical matters first will help you manage any fallout. Embrace the present, the future will take care of itself!
Your Own astrological Forecast for 2024
CAPRICORN
December 23 – January 20
This month is marked by confusion and uncertainty, with retrograde Saturn and Neptune clouding your path. Focus on what you can control by getting organised and tackling tasks within your reach. Worrying about what’s beyond your control won’t help. Instead, concentrate on creating stability where possible, and accept the ambiguity of the current situation as part of your journey forward.
AQUARIUS
January 21 – February 19
This month, Virgos in your life offer sensible advice, athough sometimes irritating, this is worth considering. Your mental energy is high, and following their practical suggestions will benefit you. Resist the urge to rebel and acknowledge that others’ insights can enhance your situation. By embracing this supportive energy, you’ll find yourself making wiser choices.
PISCES
February 20 – March 20
The full moon on the 18th may bring confusion, but Virgo’s influence can help ground you. Spend time alone to regain clarity, focusing on how you can serve others to prevent obsessive thoughts from taking over. This selfless approach will help you navigate uncertainty, turning potential chaos into a more stable period, allowing you to channel your energy in a positive direction.
ARIES
March 21 – April 20
Focus on daily routines and health to combat any indecisiveness about your future. Though you may lack your usual confidence, sticking to these routines will keep you grounded. By concentrating on practical, everyday tasks, you’ll navigate this period effectively. Maintain good habits now to build a solid foundation, ensuring that when your energy returns, you’ll be ready to move forward confidently.
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
TAURUS
April 21 – May 21
The new moon in Virgo on the 3rd brings practical energy, helping you organise your life. The full moon on the 18th may stir deep emotions, leading to tears and emotional release. Allow these feelings to flow; it’s part of your healing process. Embracing this emotional outpouring will cleanse and renew you, enabling you to move forward with greater clarity and strength.
GEMINI
May 22 – June 21
Virgo’s influence may amplify self-criticism this month, leaving you feeling unsettled. To manage this, adopt a daily practice like yoga or meditation to focus your mind. Quiet patience is essential now. By dedicating time to stillness and reflection, you’ll find balance amidst the emotional turbulence, allowing you to navigate this period with greater ease and inner calm.
CANCER
June 22 – July 23
This month may bring personal healing or a time to care for others. Address difficult issues fearlessly, bringing them to light for resolution. Once these energies are exposed, they can be dealt with, leaving you feeling lighter and more liberated. Embrace this healing process, whether for yourself or others, as it will lead to a renewed sense of peace and well-being.
LEO
July 24 – August 23
After the summer’s spotlight, it’s time to reflect and recalibrate. The Virgo sun encourages calm and introspection, urging you to review the past six months. Avoid arrogance and insensitivity, focus on self-reflection. As autumn approaches, prepare for rest and renewal. Use this period to assess your progress, set new goals, and prepare for the quieter, more contemplative months ahead.
you and your life. It will illuminate many things that you may not have considered up to now, and it will enable you to really take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the year.
My prices for chart readings remain the same as they have been for the past five years: starting at £67 for an hour on Zoom or Skype. Please visit www.astroguidance.co.uk for more details and to book a session. You can also text or WhatsApp me on 07866 727743 or email me at howpark@aol.com for more information.
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