MK Pulse February 2022 Edition by PulseGroupMedia

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Issue 148 | February 2022

County-wide news, views and stories

The magazine at the heart of Milton Keynes and Bucks

What’s going on in your local area

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CONTENTS

From the

Editor

February 2022

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

he first signs of spring bulbs shooting are encouraging reminders that spring is on the way again. We can all wear brighter colours and head outdoors for some fresh air.

Some local people can also enjoy a spring spruce up by heading over to the Milton Keynes branch of Haircuts 4 Homeless. Volunteer stylists help to cut through the stigma of homelessness and help people to look good and feel good as well. What a great service! One of our local treasures will be heading off to Buckingham Palace soon, having been awarded an MBE for his services to museums and the Milton Keynes community. Bill Griffiths, the director of Milton Keynes Museum, has worked tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly and richly deserves our thanks. We’re very happy to hear he doesn’t have any plans for retirement. Two local charities have received generous and much needed support recently. Children’s cancer charity the Henry Allen Trust received almost £18,000 thanks to the generosity of the 60,000 people who enjoyed Jack and the Beanstalk at Milton Keynes Theatre. This will help to provide support for children, young adults and their families while they battle cancer. Local band Solstice, which recently celebrated 40 years on the music scene, had to cancel their planned performances in 2021, but is now looking forward to live shows again. The first of the year at MK11 at Kiln Farm on 13th February will be very special, with the money raised going to Willen Hospice to help support their great work, so go along if you can. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you’ll want to take a moment a look at our romantic treats. Your garden will need some love too this month, so don’t forget the annual seed swap at Bletchley on the 12th.

Kerry Read previous editions online: www.pulsemagazine.co.uk 01908 465488 mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk 17 Stilebrook Road, Olney, Bucks MK46 5EA Connect with us on socials: /pulsemagazines @pulsemagazines mkpulsemagazine FINISHED READING? PASS PULSE MAGAZINE TO A FRIEND OR PLACE IT IN THE RECYCLING.

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

22 6

NEWS

INTERVIEW

BUSINESS

LOCAL HISTORY

PULSE PICS

FASHION

BEAUTY

FOOD & DRINK

ENVIRONMENT

HOME & GARDEN

MK COUNCIL

MUSIC

WHAT’S ON

THEATRE

FILMS

PUZZLES

YOUR STARS

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

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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NEWS

The action team taking on the litter louts

Meet the five new enforcement officers recruited by Milton Keynes Council in its campaign against littering across the borough.

hey are pictured with Cllr Lauren Townsend (front centre), cabinet member for the public realm. Their arrival follows strong public calls for action on the increasing problem of litter. The wardens have been on the streets of Milton Keynes since the start of January. Careless litterers caught by the wardens may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £125. Just over 60 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued on the wardens’ first day of patrolling the streets. Wardens will also be able to issue FPNs for dog fouling under a Public Space Protection Order. Cllr Townsend said: “We will clamp down on offenders who think it is acceptable to litter our streets. Not only is littering unsightly but cleaning up after careless litterers is also an additional and totally avoidable pressure on our limited resources.” Litter collection and streetcleaning costs the council

Just over 60 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued on the wardens’ first day of patrolling the streets

around £3.5 million a year. The newly appointed wardens watch out for and investigate littering such as dropping fast food wrappers and items such as empty coffee cups.

For those offenders under 18, letters will be written to their parents/guardians to educate them on environmental issues. The council’s future plans include to work with local

secondary schools to help raise awareness of keeping the environment clean. “We want to keep Milton Keynes clean and green,” said Cllr Townsend.

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February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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07/12/2018 15:30

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust! These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in. The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our watchwords

are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been

referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles. At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9552 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

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All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

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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Love Your Home - Protect Your Windows - Save Money For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

NEWS

Parish Council uses children to raise awareness of road safety Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) has taken drastic action in its bid to solve traffic issues around schools in its Parish - by using children to stand in the problem areas.

Headteacher Kate Mathews and GLPC Parish Manager Eirwen Tagg with some of the road safety ‘pupils’

ut these youngsters, affectionately nicknamed ‘little people’, are made from a metal compound and serve as a very clear warning for motorists to think before they park irresponsibly.

The Parish Council secured funding support from Milton Keynes Council in the initiative to support schools in the Parish wanting to raise awareness and improve safety.

And they have been proving quite a hit since being introduced! “Like most schools, we have a lot of traffic building up at the beginning and end of the school day,” said Kate Mathews, Headteacher with the Boulevard Primary Partnership Federation (BPPF). “The areas around where the children enter and leave can become very congested. The ‘little people’ are a wonderful addition to help us safeguard our pupils at this busy time, and help reinforce the work we do in school around road safety and hopefully alert our parents to the problem areas. “Southwood School, Downs Barn School and Germander Park School have all benefited from the Parish Council’s generosity with this scheme and our new ‘little friends’ are in use daily around the school gates,” Kate added. GLPC Parish Manager Eirwen Tagg said: “Because these signs are in the shape of pupils, they really capture the attention of drivers and share the road safety message. They are helping schools to tackle dangerous parking at drop-off and pick-up times, and are helping to help keep students, staff and parents safe, which is priceless.”

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FEATURE

Because they are worth it - Haircuts 4 Homeless volunteers making a difference

Members of the YMCA team with Hetty (second right)

The charity that really is a cut above the rest Pulse’s Sammy Jones speaks with Hetty, founder of the Milton Keynes branch of Haircuts 4 Homeless.

t’s not so much about cutting the hair as it is about cutting through the stigma, and helping to make a difference to individuals in need. That is exactly what volunteers with the Milton Keynes branch of Haircuts 4 Homeless have spent the past couple of years doing. When we look good, we feel good. You leave a salon feeling that bit taller, don’t you? But something as simple as getting your locks trimmed isn’t easily accessible to all – and Hetty decided she wanted to rectify that for residents of the new town. Hetty has spent almost 30 years in the hairdressing industry, often working abroad as a technician, and knows only too well the power of a haircut. In the autumn of 2019 she began volunteering her services at Unity Park Station, home to the Winter Night Shelter. “The power of having your hair done is 12

massive,” she told me, “It makes you feel great, and that should be available to everyone; that’s my ethos – I treat everybody with the same amount of respect, no matter what your background is.” Quickly realising the service was going to be too much for her to cope with alone, she made connections with national charity, Haircuts 4 Homeless. “It has given us more of a platform and helps with getting funding. It’s nice to have their support, and to be able to talk to other team leaders from different areas has been really useful.” The name might be a little bit misleading though, because Hetty and her team of volunteers – there are now around 16 trained barbers and hairdressers donating their time to the valuable cause – cater for anyone who can make use of their service.

“We are there for anybody that needs us; from people that are rough sleeping and the hidden homeless, to those who have recently got a home but are still struggling, and then there are vulnerable adults...” The list goes on. But those who are rough sleeping do make up a fair proportion of users. “The haircut is actually the smallest part of the service,” Hetty promises, “It is about that human touch.

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

FEATURE “If you are rough sleeping, people don’t want to touch you and people don’t want to hear you. “We listen, we talk, we care,” she says, “For our guests to be heard? The power of that is massive.” Let’s be clear, this is no Vidal Sassoon salon experience. But it is a fun, uplifting one. Those donating their time make sure of that. And the post-service boost? That’s every bit as important. “We offer a very basic service of cuts and blow dries, and we have people come along to have their hair cut for a job interview. On average we do about 100 cuts a month.” Nowadays Hetty spends less time fiddling with fringes, and more time behind the scenes organising rotas, sorting the admin and generally busying away in the background. “I like being under the radar,” she admits, but when duty calls she is still happy to ‘jump on tools when needed.’ And forget all of those ‘Where are you going on your hols?’ natters that have long been the foundation of chit-chat with your stylist. When your guests might be homeless, the conversations are way more real.

We offer a very basic service of cuts and blow dries, and we have people come along to have their hair cut for a job interview. On average we do about 100 cuts a month. “I was talking to one guy who I’ve met since lockdown. He is an absolute gentleman, one of the rough sleepers, and he told me his story. What happened to him could happen to anybody,” she reflects, “Most of the stories we are told of how people have ended up on the streets, if we walked in their shoes, we would have ended up in exactly the same place.” Hetty also has many stories of people helped by the actions of a quick haircut – that’s the thing, Haircuts 4 Homeless is all about bringing the positive. “I met one gentleman as I was booking in haircuts for the day, and he had the weight of the world on his shoulders and was very upset. “He was so keen to have his hair done that he left his food – he told me the haircut was a priority. While cutting his hair I could tell there were many walls up, and his mood was low.

“His head was very sensitive,” she recalled, “I finished his cut and gave him the mirror and we were all surprised by his reaction. His face beamed, and he jumped up thanking us all, looking at his reflection, saying ‘wow’ over and over. “His reaction was pure joy, and left us with tears in our eyes,” she said, “It wasn’t a complicated cut, it was just a little care, a little conversation and a little human touch.” Where does Hetty’s own empathetic nature come from? “I grew up in an environment that wasn’t affluent, and we struggled,” she admits, “I think knowing what that’s like and what hardship is, really inspires you to help others. That’s where it has come from.” Hetty speaks with a real passion for her charity, and with all the expected compassion for those that she and her teams are supporting. But how do you deal with the trauma of hearing some of those stories? It must be difficult to disengage at the end of a session. “I always tell our new volunteers that it is a really uplifting place and that you will laugh a lot, we laugh more than anything, but there will always be one guest that you will ‘take home’ with you and that you will keep thinking about. “We have our own WhatApp group and as volunteers we talk it out there – it’s a safe space that we can all use.” At a time when we are experiencing an increase in rough sleepers, a significant amount of monetary support has been withdrawn, and in 2021 the charity lost its main source of funding, from the National Lottery. But though that cash loss has left a void, there is no chance of this valuable service being given the chop; in fact, Haircuts 4 Homeless has expanded and now offers its services at three locations across town – at Unity Park, at the YMCA and at the Bus Shelter MK. Luckily, the place we call home is full of fabulous folk: “I just love people,” Hetty exclaims, “We sometimes do an Amazon wish list when we are short of supplies. We did one a few weeks ago, and these gorgeous people brought everything in just two days! “I love the ethos we have here in Milton Keynes; what people do and how caring they are should be applauded.” Much like the hair they cut, this service is continuing to grow, thanks to a generous team of time-givers and good-hearted people. Long may that continue.

> Haircuts 4 Homeless would welcome any trained hairdressers and barbers keen to be a part of this brilliant charity by donating a little of their time to support others.

Members of the Unity Park team

Make contact via FB and Instagram: @haircuts4homelesmk and on Twitter: Hair4homelessMK

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

Is a Kitchen re-spray the new way to update and save?

any of us have thought about repainting our kitchen cupboards as a way of refreshing them without replacing, especially now we have had more time at home lately.

“Can any kind of kitchen can be refinished or is respraying just for solid wood?” As long as your kitchen is in reasonable condition, FX-SPRAY MK can refinish it., even carrying out minor repairs and changing handles as part of the process.

But concerns over the finish achievable and how well the paint would last usually puts us off making a mess of things.

FX-SPRAY MK also treats doors, windows and furniture. For more information or a free quote, email jason@fxfinishing.co.uk or visit www.fxfinishing.co.uk Jason Thompson, FX-SPRAY MK

Why replace when you can reﬁnish?

Now local company FX-SPRAY MK is offering a complete professional paint spray service for kitchens. It is a quick and simple process that leaves your kitchen looking brand new, says FX-SPRAY MK. The company removes and sprays 90 per cent of the kitchen off site, which means that very little work has to be done in your home, in turn meaning minimal disruption. An average kitchen can be completed within a week and home owners continue to use it during the process.

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BUSINESS

Big exposure that doesn’t cost a penny: How to ‘go viral’. Learn the tricks of the trade for getting your content to go viral on social media.

oing viral is the holy grail of marketing. What we mean by ‘viral’ content is that you create something on social media which gets the attention of the public, people then share it to their network and, in turn, those people do too. Before you know it, and in the same way bacteria multiply in a dish, hundreds of thousands to millions of people have seen your content and it hasn’t cost you anything! Viral content creates success Many successful businesses and careers have been created off the back of one piece of viral content. Yes, one! If you look at your Facebook or Linkedin feed you may notice the same few people cropping up time and time again. From modern marketing gurus such as Gary Vaynerchuk, Stephen Bartlett and Neil Patel to Internet celebrities like Logan Paul, The Smithy Family and The Bald Builders, they were all catapulted to success by viral content. In today’s connected world, all it takes is for a single, popular piece of content to create notoriety for you or your brand and the rest can be built from there. What makes content go viral? Any old content does not simply go viral – it takes a perfect storm of factors for this to happen. Of these factors, you can control only one and that is the content itself. The rest is down to influence. You need to pitch it the right way then what happens next is almost entirely out of your hands, down to the public’s response and the platforms’ algorithms (e.g. Facebook). Just like a fire, in order to achieve an inferno of attention you need fuel, a spark and a catalyst. The spark is your content, the fuel is the platform (e.g. Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, TikTok) and the catalyst is the public response. The most critical part here, as you can probably gather, is what content you create and then where and how you pitch it to get traction. How does some (rubbish) content go viral and other (great) content not? If you are even vaguely familiar with content on social media you will have noticed that not everything of brilliance goes viral and not everything viral is brilliant. Far from it, in fact. More often than not, the content that gets the most impressions/reach (people seeing it) and interactions, is pretty dull. You will have seen a basic quiz or personal questions that rack up hundreds of thousands of comments, shares and likes or someone’s

random cat video… but why is this? Well, it all comes down to engagement. Whatever the platform, they all work fundamentally the same way. People create and post content, some of the people in their immediate network see that, the more people interact with it, the more other people then see it. This works on two levels; first, if you have say 1,000 followers and post something most of them are not actually going to see it. This varies from platform to platform but 100% of your followers will never be exposed to 100% of your content and this is intentional. If you create good content that people interact with then more of your immediate network will see it, simple as that. And ‘good’ does not mean the content is good, just that people seem to respond well to it, whatever it is, it has their interest. Second, the more your immediate network interacts with your content by liking it, commenting, sharing, tagging their friends or hash-tagging groups, the more people outside of your network, who you do not know, will see it. Then if they do the same, their connections do and you end up with an exponential growth in exposure all the way through the six degrees of separation. Where this really can also take off is, on some platforms like Linkedin, this “trending” content is then shown to selected people that the algorithm believes may also like to see it. These are people you have no connection with whatsoever. You can see the fundamentals of how it works; everyone else is doing the work for you and it works in a similar way to spreading a rumour. How are you going to create that spark that gets the public behind you? There are actually some fairly simple base mechanics to creating content that is primed to go viral. If we keep in mind that the goal is public interaction then we want to create something which the public wants to interact with, whether they know you or not. We can do that one of two ways: 1) Create content that asks them to interact in some way or 2) Create content that they feel compelled to express an opinion on. Believe it or not, there does not have to be any reward mechanism at all. You do not need to give away something for free (though that can be hugely effective) you simply need to get a response. The most effective way to do this is by creating something that is both visual and emotive. By visual, I mean it should be noticed, be clear and draw people to it. Whether this is a giant personal question in text format or a cute kitten, it works the same way.

By emotive, I mean your content should resonate with people in some way emotionally. It can be silly or it can be serious, it can be happy or it can be sad, it can evoke anger or it can bring laughter. Positive content (eg. good news stories) will always outperform negative content (e.g. criticism of bad traits in business) so you are better concentrating on emotions that provide a human serotonin or joyful response. This said, both can work well but be careful with the negative stuff and steer well clear of anything deeply sensitive or political, as you do not want to polarise your audience. You then want to make sure you post it on all your social channels and use appropriate hashtags to push it into groups you think are most likely to respond to it. Get creative. Think outside the box. How will I know if my content is going viral? There is a fairly simple rule of thumb that we look for to have a good idea if a piece of content is going to go viral. When you post it, you want to keep a watch of the number of impressions/views primarily, and also the number of likes, reactions and comments. If these numbers are roughly doubling in a 24hr period, two days in a row, then they could well be on track to go viral. You will know it’s ‘gone viral’ once you start getting into the thousands. If you want to see a current example of a viral piece of content in action, go to the following link. I shared a personal story about our newborn son on Linkedin and, at time of writing on 19th January, it had approaching 400,000 views and 7,300 comments: bit.ly/3rwF4n1. I hasten to add, this was not shared with the intention of self-promotion, it just happens that a 6-week old baby is now more famous on Linkedin than the 44year old man who created him. Follow TFA’s Linkedin page here to see the exciting viral content campaign we have coming up: bit.ly/3AkSCGf If you need help with your business marketing, feel free to get in touch with me at TFA: darren.isaac@t-f-a.co.uk 01908 263650 www.t-f-a.co.uk

Darren Isaac is the owner of TFA, a multi-award-winning brand, marketing and creative agency. 56 The Triangle, The Coachworks, Wolverton Park Rd MK12 5FJ www.t-f-a.co.uk | 01908 263650 16

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THUR 10th FEB ‘22 Colesbourne Gardens Snowdrops & Pub Lunch Price: £60 per person.

Includes home-made cakes and tea and coffee, a talk about Colesbourne and the snowdrops, followed by the guided tour of the garden with Sir Henry Elwes which takes around 1¼ hours. Colesbourne Gardens is the premier place to see snowdrops in bloom. The collection is probably the most varied of any garden on display, with over three hundred varieties of this spectacular harbinger of spring on show during the short season. Over 10 acres of private gardens and woodland walks with a mix of snowdrops, hellebores, cyclamen and a wide variety of early flowering shrubs. The Gardens include an arboretum of rare trees privately collected over the past 120 years, many of which are Champion trees listed in the Tree Register of the British Isles. In the afternoon we make our way to The Old Rectory restaurant, Colesbourne where you will enjoy a two-course lunch. Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 8.30am and leaves Colesbourne at 3.30pm.

TUE 22nd FEB ‘22 London Day Out

Price: £25 per adult. £15 per child 3-16 years. Enjoy a day out at your own leisure in London! The coach will drop you at a central location and you will have the day to explore. Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 8.30am and leaves London at 5.30pm.

SAT 26th FEB ‘22 Cadbury World

Price: £40 per adult. £30 per child 4-15 years. Uncover a world of chocolatey delights and enjoy fascinating fun packed day out. You’ll learn how your favourite confectioneries are made, play in virtual chocolate rain, and add your favourite treat to a delicious pot of warm melted Cadbury Dairy Milk. Discover the origins of the cocoa bean, before hopping aboard the magical cadabra ride and meeting the infamous Cadbury drumming gorilla. Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 9am and leaves Cadbury World at 3.30pm.

SAT 9th - THUR 14th APR ‘22 Isle of Wight Holiday- 5 Nights

Five nights staying at Trouville Hotel Sandown, half board basis, includes ferry. Excursions include: Isle of Wight steam railway, tour of the island and Osborne House. Based on two people sharing Double room: £425.00 per person. Based on two people sharing Twin Room: £425.00 per person. Single Room: £425.00

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LOCAL HISTORY

Meet the man giving our past

a future

Under his guise, Milton Keynes Museum has grown into a jewel of Milton Keynes. It's a place with true family appeal; where youngsters have fun, and older generations reminisce. And it's a place where everyone smiles. Fresh from being awarded an MBE for his tireless work, Pulse's Sammy Jones spoke with Bill Griffiths. 22

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

LOCAL HISTORY

s the director of Milton Keynes Museum, Bill's daily routine is as varied as the artefacts housed at the Wolverton centre. From meeting and greeting important visitors like the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire or potential funders, to repairing cobbled flooring; from making particularly flavoursome mulled wine (for Christmastime visitors) or rodding drains. “I think it's fair to say that at one time or another I have carried out every job at the Museum and I love the variety,” he tells me. But there is one day on the horizon that will be truly unique; a trip to Buckingham Palace to collect his MBE. In the 2022 New Year Honours List, Bill was given the gong for services to Museums and the community in Milton Keynes. “I got home from work and Diana, my wife, mentioned there was some post. I didn't read anything on the large, thick envelope, but said something about it being 'more tax forms to complete, I suppose.' “When I opened it up, there it was,” he says, remembering the special moment, “I had no idea and no expectations, I could feel the blood drain from my face and didn’t know what to say or how to react – it was a mixture of joy and tears. I was just speechless.” The award gives a very special nod to Bill's countless achievements and unbridled passion for the Museum which has seen him at the helm for nigh on three decades. Having previously spent more than 30 years as a zoologist looking after education and public information at London Zoo, he began as a volunteer at the Museum in 1992, and took on the role of director a year later. “People are often amused that I switched from working in zoology to working in a Museum but I see them as having much in common – they are both about life,” Bill said, “What I have also discovered is that I get a real buzz from finding out some aspect of these, or any other related to our world, that is new to me and then trying to find ways of passing on that excitement and fascination to others.” One of Bill's first projects as a volunteer was preparing a Development Plan for the Commission for New Towns. Bill has been instrumental to the success of the Museum and its growth since the get-go.

It hasn't always been easy, and he has had to fight opposition. Overcoming obstacles? He'd probably be an ace at the hurdles in the Olympics based on challenges he has taken on and won. It's a trait shared with Milton Keynes Dons chairman Pete Winkelman: “His vision and dedication is incredible,” Pete said, “Bill could have given up a million times, but he didn't – and just look at what he has achieved!” One of his darkest times came in the early hours of New Year's Day in 1996 when the Museum was targeted by arsonists. It caused mass devastation and buildings and unique artefacts were lost forever. Undeterred, standing among the smouldering ruins, Bill vowed that it would rise from the ashes.

People are often amused that I switched from working in zoology to working in a Museum but I see them as having much in common – they are both about life. “As well as losing half the collection and the buildings where the Museum had begun, we didn’t really know that people would come back in the numbers that would make us sustainable,” he recalled, “Thankfully, they did and we were. Being shut-down after Covid, leaves us with similar problems. “Extra effort was needed to recover after the fire, and I knew I would need to work a sevenday week until it was up and running again, and that became the norm. I suppose that's when it took over my life,” he says with a smile. Bill lives and breathes the Museum. There is seldom a time when he isn't working, or working on a plan. Do you ever put your feet up? “Only very rarely, I am afraid. There is so much to do and even more to think about,” he

The shocking scene on New Year's Eve 1996 and how it was reported in the local press at the time.

Bill has been involved with the MK Museum since joining as a volunteer in 1992 and there isn't a job on-site that he hasn't carried out at some point or another

explains, and if you are quiet you can almost hear his mind turning over, “It’s also a project I know I will leave unfinished – perhaps not a bad thing. “I have Diana, two daughters and two grandchildren and family time remains precious, but my family all agree that work is good for me. Boring aren’t I?” he laughs. Heading up a history hub in the new town can be tricky at times, and of course it attracts the usual nonsense from those who know no better. 'Museum? You have no history!' is a regular mumble from those who have never even visited our not-so-concrete jungle. Bill has become an expert at educating the ill-informed. “Everywhere has some history and that thought really needs to be challenged,” Bill replies, “Are certain aspects of history more important than others? Is history about the wealthy, the powerful and the victors, or should it be about the lives of ordinary people, how they earned a living, played and loved? “Before developers had a legal obligation to carry out archaeological research to allow building work to start, the Development Corporation decided it was the right thing to do and established an Archaeological Unit, ensuring that Milton Keynes was one of the best archaeologically researched areas of its size in the country.

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

LOCAL HISTORY

“They also thoughtfully preserved all the existing towns and the village, each with its own story, as they developed new Milton Keynes. “Among the Bronze Age finds is a set of gold torcs that were found with pottery, enabling similar finds in the country to be dated more accurately. “If we just use the Museum farm site as an example, there is Neolithic pottery of three styles, and then there is building 200 – the largest Bronze/Iron Age roundhouse so far described in the country, Bancroft Roman Villa, the association with Dr John Radcliffe and Oxford, the Grand Union Canal and Wolverton, the first town in the world built for the railway...” And that's not all of it: “Of course there is much more, enough to fill a gallery, but now there is also the history of the New Town and that’s a story that must be told to help both Milton Keynes residents and all future new towns.” Which brings us neatly on to one of Bill's current projects; working to fund the two new galleries that will bolster the Museum and allow it to tell both the ancient and the modern story of the town. “I am really very disappointed that we have not yet raised the funding for the exhibitions in the new galleries – about £2 million from preCovid estimates,” he admits. “I hope that I will live to see the galleries open – but, more than that, see it carrying on the same level of interaction and volunteer engagement as the rest of the Museum. “Getting the buildings up has been a real achievement. We had always wished to tell the story of the New Town and of its Ancient History using the archaeological collection. “Unfortunately, old farm buildings are completely unsuitable to achieve this adequately. The decision of the Council to tell both these stories together for its 50th Anniversary provided the opportunity but first they wished to consider other sites too. “Thank goodness that independent consultants recommended the Museum and so began a partnership with the Council...it was a relief to see them up.” The Museum prides itself on being a handson history hub and Bill obviously takes much joy from those who explore it: “One of the best things is never knowing what the next visitors reaction will be. It might be like the Russian lady who told us how their Museums are full of treasures – rich with jewellery, icons and The new galleries

Volunteer Ron Unwin laying the foundation stone assisted by Bill Griffiths

beautiful ceramics, whilst in the UK we seem to be prepared to hang any old c**p on the walls and then call it a Museum,” he laughs at the memory, “She enjoyed her visit though,” he promises. “I also love the delight of visitors when they have been encouraged to play the Pianola, make toast or use the telephones. This is particularly true of children but not exclusively so – adults can show the same pleasure. They sometimes have to be dragged off the Pianola, so that others can have a go!” The Museum has celebrated its first 40 years, but where does Bill hope it will be in another four decades?

Having the volunteers receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service was a real highlight - they really are at its heart. “I hope that it will have vastly developed all its present attributes; that it will be even more immersive and interactive and that volunteers will still be very much at its core – still contributing to every aspect of the running of the Museum. I hope that it will be recognised as a leading museum and an example of what museum’s should be. It will be an important attraction, a reason for people from far-afield to visit Milton Keynes.

“As important, and I hope that this is achieved much sooner, is that it should be a place that every individual feels is welcoming and relevant – it is a place that they own and can influence because it tells the story of their home. If they are able, they should feel that they can become involved in any way and at every level – from regular visitor or occasional volunteer to being in an advisory capacity or on the Board.” But while Bill has one eye firmly on the future, he has the other trained on the immediate plans – and as you would expect, there are plenty of those too. Securing funding for those aforementioned galleries is a priority, and in turn, the present entrance will become the Education Centre. The existing Museum displays will be upgraded and interpretation will be completed, 'so that it tells a coherent story.' “The bandstand from Willen Lake will be in use, as will the extended cart-sheds, allowing the large agricultural equipment to be displayed under-cover. “The Nature Centre and trail around the perimeter of the site will also be completed, and we will continue to expand the Education Service and volunteer teams. “You asked me about my personal highlights from the Museum, and having the volunteers receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service was a real highlight - they really are at its heart. “They provide so much but it is the manner of their contributions too, particularly the knowledge and expertise they have gathered and enjoy sharing with visitors. They are awesome and the Museum is what it is because of them.” With so much to do is there even time to think of retirement in the future? “I would love to go on as long as I can do the job,” Bill promises, “I have no wish to retire...”

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

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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Volvo Car UK records increased sales and market share in 2021

olvo Car UK has again demonstrated the quality and appeal of its cars and the strength of its business, recording growth in both its new car sales volume and its market share in 2021. The achievement is set against the challenging trading conditions for the global automotive industry, caused by the continuing pandemic and associated vehicle supply issues. In total, 48,260 new Volvo cars were registered in the UK, an increase of 4% on 2020’s figure, outperforming the market as a whole, where volume grew by 1%. As a result, the company’s market share rose from 2.85 to 2.93%. Central to this performance was the success of Volvo’s fast-expanding Recharge range of electrified – plug-in hybrid petrol-electric and pure electric – models: with sales more than doubling to 15,376 units year-on-year, these accounted for 32% of all Volvo’s UK sales in 2021. Order books show that proportion rising to more than one third (37%) of the total, reflecting the momentum of growth in customer demand for low- and zero-emission cars. This strong UK performance has contributed to Volvo Cars’ global growth. Worldwide, the

Central to Volvo’s performance was the success of their fast-expanding Recharge range of electrified models

business saw its sales rise by nearly 6% to 698,693 units; international Recharge model sales increased by 64% compared with 2020. The XC40 compact SUV was again Volvo’s UK best-seller – its total sales of 25,242 units reaffirming it as the country’s most popular premium SUV for a second consecutive year. The XC40 was also the third-best-selling plug-in hybrid car of all in the UK in 2021. The mid-size XC60 and large luxury XC90 SUVs held second and third places in Volvo’s rankings, with 10,131 and 7,221 sales respectively. The high demand for Volvo products extended to the pre-owned market, with the

Volvo Selekt Approved Used Car operation recording 32,401 sales – up 12% on 2020’s business, despite reduced supply. Matt Galvin, Volvo Car UK Commercial Operations Director, said: “This continues to be a challenging time for the automotive industry, but these excellent results demonstrate how the strength of our products and the way we are adapting our business are inspiring customer confidence. Having seized the initiative with our Recharge electrified model range, and by progressing towards alldigital car sales, we are reaping the rewards of innovation while preserving the qualities and values that are central to our brand.” Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “It is hugely rewarding for everyone at Volvo to see their hard work and dedication delivering this strong sales performance. My thanks go to them, and to the growing number of consumers who are making Volvo their preferred choice. I am confident that the coming year has the potential to deliver greater rewards as we expand our Recharge portfolio and continue to evolve business models that address new consumer preferences for accessing mobility.”

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ased in the Xscape entertainment complex, Nuffield Health Milton Keynes is a multiuse gym here to meet whatever your health, wellness or fitness goals are. The site features a comprehensive and spacious gym floor, up to 60 classes a week, from PT-led to Les Mills based, full swim and spa facilities including steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi as well as other additional services like personal training, physiotherapy, health assessments and swimming lessons. We offer memberships and crèche services for children 6 weeks onwards, as well as fitness based classes for 8 to 15 year olds. Our flagship programs help those who are looking for a more focused health plan, our joint pain program helps those with ongoing or new joint pain issues and our Covid rehab program helps those affected by the long term effects of coronavirus. >> Pop in for a look around or contact us for more information or join online. MiltonkeynesFWmanagement@nuffieldhealth.com

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

PULSE PICS

From taking a doggy for a walk to counting up thousands of creatures at the annual zoo stocktake. Animals take up the majority of this month’s Pulse Pics, but we also send Pulse congratulations to one MK lady whose community efforts saw her rewarded in the New Years Honours... There could only be one winner – and it certainly wasn’t the fish! Photographer Colin Kempster took this snap of a Cormorant grabbing breakfast on the move at The Floodplain Nature Reserve at Ouse Valley Park. See more of Colin’s photography on Facebook @Curvymusic Pic: Emma Street

Whipsnade Zoo’s keepers had their annual stocktake earlier this month – and with more than 9,500 resident animals, it was quite the task. Keepers got busy with their clipboards and calculators to take stock of every animal; from tigers to butterflies! They did have some help though; the ring-tailed lemurs lent a hand. Pics: ZSL Whipsnade

We might feel the chill outside just now, but our canine friends love to go for walkies no matter what the temperature. Casey Cakes was snapped by his owner enjoying a stroll at Caldecotte Lake, while cockapoo Dennis visited historic Bury Field in Newport Pagnell. Ruth Panther has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List, ‘for service to the community in Great Linford, Milton Keynes during Covid-19.’ Ruth supported residents in her role as chair of The Little Bookshop, and when the Community Fridge was forced to close its doors during lockdown, she ensured food was still available for families who relied on the service. 28

One hump or two? The annual stocktake at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Pic: Sammy Jones

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

As more people switch to a plant-based diet, the Vegan Market Co. visited Bletchley with a street event to mark Veganuary. The wet, gray January day failed to dampen the spirits, with stalls doing a roaring trade in belly filling tasty stuff; from burritos to fish-free fish and chips. And anyone wanting something a little more traditional could get their fix too...

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February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Gutter Clearing Conservatory, fascias and soffit cleaning. Domestic & commercial.

he charity, which supports children, young adults and their families battling cancer, will use the £17,732 to bolster its services including care packages, support groups, well-being counsellors and nurse oncology courses. The Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime was enjoyed by audiences totalling more than 60,000 during its four-week run. The Henry Allen Trust was set up in 2014 by Henry Allen’s parents who were inspired by their son’s bravery while facing a rare cancer. Before Henry passed away, he made his parents promise to follow his dream of helping other children and their families create memories and fulfil wishes. Dawn Allen, Henry’s mother and director and founder of the trust, said Team Henry had an absolute blast meeting the audience after the shows and raising awareness of childhood cancers and vital pennies so urgently needed to continue our invaluable work in MK and beyond. As a small charity this was a truly amazing opportunity and one which Henry’s Mummy and Daddy along with the incredible army of volunteers known as Team Henry will never ever forget.” The Henry Allen Trust does not receive any government funding and was hit hard by the pandemic as fundraising halted. Despite this, the charity has continued to deliver all of its services.

NEWS

Panto goers raise more than £17,500 for local cancer charity Children’s cancer charity the Henry Allen Trust has received a massive funding boost thanks to audiences at Milton Keynes Theatre’s pantomime over the Christmas period.

Collections for the Henry Allen Trust were made during the panto

CE BOOST YOUR CONFIDEN S IMPROVE YOUR FITNES BUILD YOUR STRENGTH PERSONAL TRAINING

Raw PT Gym is a purpose built facility in Kiln Farm that is open 24/7 to members, PTs and day pass guests. We are a gym that covers all types of fitness to include functional fitness, machine weights, free weights, strong man, cardio and more. Whether you are looking for a PT to train with, or a membership to a local yet private gym, come and visit us or drop a message through our Instagram page @RawPTGym

51 Potters Lane, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MK11 3HQ visit us or drop a message through our Instagram page @RawPTGym or call, text, WhatsApp on mobile 07949 128 201

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

River Island Blazer Dress £95

FASHION

River Island £14

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

The new look of V

love...

alentines Day is here, along with a few small signs of spring - two sweet reasons to reassess one’s wardrobe, and explore the chemistry between your clothes again.

On the new season catwalks, designers were besotted with teeny, tiny skirts, belly tops, low-rise jeans and corsets, urging Gen Z’s love of 2000s styling from fling status to full on affair across the highstreet. But before we all catch the millennium bug and indulge in a little skin-showing, we can concentrate on the sugary palette also coming our way. Spring greens, sweet pinks, and sorbet oranges are all shades to fall for now: clashing, ideally, in one outfit. At H&M, there’s a swirly twin set for your attention; at New Look, all kinds of pink, collared creations; while at Primark, a green tweed two-piece seeks to give Chanel a run for its money. If underwear or pajamas are more your style of suit? Head to Matalan or River Island, where romantic red and pink sets lie waiting. Just don’t leave the house without trying to reignite flames with the items already in your wardrobe. Saving money and the planet? So seductive. Should you buy new though, buy smart and consider your clothes as long term loves, as opposed to holiday romances you experience once then forget or regret…

Matalan £14

Zara £59.99

New Look £27.99

Pyjama Set H&M £59.99

M&S £65

M&S £39.50

Primark Jacket: £30 Skirt: £13

New Look £15.99

River Island £50

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

River Island Bra: £25 Thong: £14

FASHION

A new year resolution that you can keep... for yourself E very January we have lots of new years resolutions and good intentions by the end of the month we often find those resolutions waning for one reason or another! Loosing weight, toning up , looking/feeling confident, getting rid of all the clothes you never wear... Are all common themes for many reading this article. Many of you promise yourself that when you have lost weight, toned up, etc then you will “treat yourself” to maybe a spa day, a haircut and colour or perhaps a colour analysis or a style consultation. Some are waiting years! One service that is not weight related is a colour analysis; it doesn’t matter where you are in your weight journey. Getting advice about colours which are going to make you look healthy and wearing them in the right way can make you look taller and slimmer has to be a win win! A colour analysis will also guide you to the correct colours to select when selecting makeup colours too. When it comes to loosing weight many ladies have a number of wardrobe sizes on the go. Be honest with yourself, if you loose all the weight you are aiming for will you be able to maintain it? Finding a healthy, ”mid weight” which is easier to control and takes the pressure off psychologically helps you to relax and feel happier about your appearance rather than constantly beating yourself up about not being the “perfect” weight on the scales. Discovering that actually your height and where your shoulders, hips and general proportions of your body doesn’t change while loosing weight is quite a revolutionary for many. Where you lay down inches depends on your body shape. Hour glass shapes tend to put weight on more evenly all over. In contrast rectangles tend to put it on around the middle of their bodies. Unless you have many stones to loose your overall proportions won’t change that much. For example, If you have always been short waisted,

or longer in the body than the legs neither will change whatever your size. The fabrics selected might be different BUT it’s really important to find a few pieces you really like wearing and flatter your figure shape at that moment regardless of where you are in your weight journey. Giving you the confidence to continue, and help you feel better about yourself. It is very important in building self esteem which is fundamental to us all, especially as so many ladies and gentlemen have found the past couple of years challenging, with many finding it difficult to reconnect in social environments. We all need a boost to our self confidence. Once you have the basics of colour and style for you at your figure tips then it is far easier to make sense of your wardrobe and discover why you have so many clothes that no longer work. This will allow you to make sensible wardrobe investment decisions rather than just buying more clothes without working out how they will add value to the wardrobe.

In my 25 years of experience it doesn’t matter what weight, height or shape women are NEVER happy with the way they look. So instead of chasing unrealistic goals ask your self what do you like about yourself? I know most of you will struggle badly with this question, acceptance is the key. It is entirely possible to look good and feel confident regardless of your size or shape, long will you wait to look and feel better about yourself?

Jane Sumner Image Matters 07779 585323 www.imagemattersuk.com

An introduction to colour, style and make-up advice for just £99 At Image Matters Studio in Olney Bucks or online Quote MK or NN Pulse when booking your appointment Valid until February 28th 2022

Image Matters | Fashion Styling | Colour Analysis | Personal Styling

Email Jane on: jane@imagemattersuk.com or call: 07779 585323 www.imagemattersuk.com For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

BEAUTY Show the Lush lover in your life that they are your No1 with a seasonal bath bomb – and Mr Loba Loba bath bomb is the perfect way to do it. The lobster will swim into the bath and release his sodium alginate, which is perfect for hydrating while they soak. Mr Loba Loba also features biodegradable red hearts and is an aromatic treat; scented with sweet benzoin and tonka. You might say it’s boombastic, romantic and fantastic!

For the lovers...

It’s time to snuggle up and bring the romance with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Here’s some of the beauty products that we heart the most this month...

RRP: £3.50

The bigger the bath bomb, the bigger the bath art – and the Big Aubergine is a 9” version of Lush’s cult classic. Nothing more to say... RRP: £10

Send them Lots of Love with a collection of five products from Lush’s all year round selection, and two products from the Valentine’s Day range. And we love the environmental message too; the present is wrapped in paper made from t-shirt offcuts. RRP: £45 Roses are red, but so too is the Lush Strawberry Heart Shower Jelly, and it smells divine! Wobble the anatomically correct heart-shaped goodness over you and lather up for a scentsational time under the water!

The Lush Sweet Temptation gift is a fresh orange hit, pairing a Valentine’s Day 2022 exclusive shower gel with the orange body scrub which is available all year round. RRP: £15 Pucker up with Sisley’s first refillable lipstick, Phyto Rouge Shine, which offers a sheer and glossy flush of colour whilst providing nourishing and moisturising benefits to care for your lips just like a balm. Sustainable and sensational, Sisley has delivered again with 12 shades to match any mood. RRP: £39

Get it: H Beauty at centre:mk or at sisley-paris.com

Looking for a little loving care for hair? Nutriplenish moisture treatment masques from AVEDA deliver an advanced hydration system for all hair types and textures, giving highperformance, nutrient-powered hydration for 72 hours. The range also includes shampoos, conditioners and hair oil.

RRP: £5 Get it: All Lush products are available at the stores in centre:mk and at the Grosvenor Centre in Northampton

Mindful Extracts have a CBD bath bomb gift set bringing together a trio of products to help still the mind and calm the body.This ‘holy trinity’ of bath bombs comprises one bergamot and lemon for positivity, one lavender to promote sleep, and one eucalyptus and peppermint to ease aches. Run your bath, step in...and relax. And for every set sold, the company plants a tree in Indonesia. Another thing to love about them. RRP: £22.49

Get it: mindfulextracts.co.uk

RRP: £45.50 (Deep Moisture Treatment Masque), £35.50 (Light Moisture Treatment Masque) Get it: aveda.co.uk

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

FOOD & DRINK

Treat your Valentine...

Irish cream fudge This fudge makes a lovely gift. Wrap it in parchment and arrange in pretty boxes, or simply use a little cellophane and ribbon.

INGREDIENTS 397g can condensed milk 150ml whole milk 425g light brown soft sugar 115g unsalted butter 100ml Baileys The Original Irish Cream Large pinch of salt 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped

Preparation time: 20 minutes + cooling + chilling Cooking time: 25 minutes Makes: About 30 pieces 36

METHOD 1. Line a 20cm x 20cm baking tin with parchment. Put the milks, sugar and butter in a large, nonstick saucepan and warm over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Put a sugar thermometer in the pan and turn up the heat a little, bringing the mixture to a moderate bubble. Stir continuously until the thermometer reaches 113-115°C or ‘soft-ball stage’ (this should take about 15 minutes). Take the pan off the heat and set aside for 5 minutes. 2. Stir the Irish cream and salt into the mixture. Using electric beaters set to a medium speed, beat for about 10 minutes until you have a thick mixture that’s starting to come away from the sides of the pan. (You can also do this with a wooden spoon, beating for about 15 minutes.) Tip the mixture into the lined tin, spreading it out evenly. Cool to room temperature, then cover and chill for 1 hour. 3. Melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water, stirring until smooth. Meanwhile, put a large sheet of baking parchment on the work surface. Turn out the fudge and trim the edges to neaten, then cut into squares about 3cm x 3cm. Dip ½ of each square of fudge in the chocolate. Leave to set on the parchment, chilling again briefly if needed.

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

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Valentine’s Day 14th Februar y 2022 Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Calcutta Brasserie with delicious Indian cuisine in a beautiful converted chapel with live acoustic music. Dine from the full award-winning menu with no additional charges.

Live music from vocal duo

Simply Acoustic

7 St Paul’s Court, High Street, Stony Stratford, MK11 1LJ

01908 566577 • www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

THE ENVIRONMENT

Shrink by 20%

Your Carbon Footprint Challenge Now that COP26 has made it clear that we all need to take urgent action to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, can we all reduce our individual carbon footprints by 20%?

Take the challenge...

Step 1 - Measure your carbon footprint using a

comprehensive tool – here are two examples: World Wildlife Fund (www.footprint.wwf.org.uk) or Small World Consulting (www.swconsulting.co.uk/carbon-calculator).

Step 2 - Work out what your footprint would be if you reduced it by 20% by multiplying your figure by 0.8. If it is currently 20 annual tonnes CO2e, it would become 16; if it is currently 14 annual tonnes CO2e, it would become 11.2.

Now taking registrations

Step 3 - Propose some steps and implement them one at a time. The calculator on Small World Consulting allows you to play with some “what if ” scenarios, while the WWF calculator has an app that allows you to set yourself and track challenges.

Fun is an essential ingredient at Hampstead Gate Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them. FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

For example, you might want to cut back on your gas and electricity consumption and/or the amount of petrol/diesel you buy or reduce your food waste. As with all changes, it’s better to start with one action and to get others around you onboard. Share your results and spread the word.

So what are you waiting for? >> If you’d like to know more about Transition Town MK or any of our projects or partners, visit: transitiontownmk.org or email us: transitiontownmk@protonmail.com

DELIVERY PEOPLE WANTED The role is to deliver magazines once a month and would suit a retired, active person, a stay-at-home parent, someone looking to supplement their income or school children (must be over 14 years with parental consent). To apply and for more details please email: mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk stating which area(s) you could deliver to. www.pulsemagazine.co.uk

Please call 01908 101070 or email hampstead.gate@childbase.com Hampstead Gate Day Nursery and Preschool, 1 Eelbrook Avenue, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes, MK13 8RD

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU www.childbasepartnership.com

What is a carbon footprint? It is the amount of greenhouse gases that are added to the atmosphere by our activities.

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February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Take on a Challenge this year...

...and make a difference

By taking on a challenge with Willen Hospice, you’ll be making a difference to local people who need our care. From iconic running events and trekking the Sahara Desert, to cycling tours and sponsored skydives, we have incredible challenges for you to choose from and a supportive team on hand to help you make it happen. Whether you join us solo, together with friends or with a team of colleagues, you’ll be making lasting memories whilst raising vital funds for people affected by life-limiting illnesses.

For more information, scan the QR or visit www.willen-hospice.org.uk/events

“When you fundraise for Willen Hospice you become part of that ‘Willen family’, and I’ve made some really good friends.” - Wesley Auvache

Registered charity number 270194

HOME NEWS & GARDEN

Save money and still do your bit for the environment Access4Lofts, make it easy and affordable!

limate change is the hottest topic right now - everyone needs to do their part in the years to come. We all know that flying and driving less can help reduce our impact on the environment, but you might be surprised to learn that one solution is right above your head! According to the Energy Saving Trust, as much as 25% of the heat in your home is lost through your loft or roof space.* It could even be as high as one third, or more, in some properties – that’s heating and energy you’re paying for, literally flying straight out of the space in your loft. Not only does that mean you’re getting bigger bills than you should be, you’re also contributing much more than you need to towards greenhouse gases and your carbon footprint. There is an easy solution – have the right insulation installed. While Access4Lofts specialises in supplying and installing loft ladders, hatches and boarding, we also offer loft insulation that could reduce heat loss by as much as 20%. That’s going to mean not just a significant

been insulated, as our expert techniques can ensure any storage solution is fitted above your loft insulation.

As much as 25% of the heat in your home can be lost through your loft or roof space

saving on your energy bills, but also a big step in the right direction when it comes to your household’s impact on climate change. Access4Lofts is fully committed to providing you with loft insulation that is not only practical and affordable, but also meets the very highest environmental standards. All insulation installs comply with the National Insulation Association (NIA) recommended standard depths of insulation. There’s no need to worry about how this might affect your loft access either as you will still be able to use your loft for storage once it has

How much does insulating your loft cost? It’s probably cheaper than you think! AND… it’s an investment too. You’ll make that money back in what you save on your bills, and more. Exact costs vary from house to house; typical costs for insulating your loft in a detached house is around £395; expected annual savings are around £225 on your heating bills.* That’s year on year for the lifetime of the product too, and you’ll be doing your bit for climate change by using less fuel, without compromising on a warm and happy home. >> Discover more about how loft insulation could work in your home by completing our form here: www.access4lofts.co.uk/request-aquote (and we will contact you) OR find a local installer here: www.access4lofts.co.uk/ find-a-local-installer OR call now for a FREE quotation: 0800 909 8967. *Source - Energy Saving Trust (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk)

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WE ALSO SPRAY:

Fitted furniture & Joinery Composite doors *booking now for spring 2023 PVCu windows *booking now for spring 2023

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

HOME & GARDEN Two way gold ceiling shade £70

iconiclights.co.uk

Arabesque Chrysler LED lamp £POA

Curvature vgnewtrend.it/en

After the tough couple of years that everyone has endured, there is no doubt that people want a safe and cosy space in which to call home. Curvature has made a comeback within interiors, satisfying our desire for a happy and comforting life. This cocooning feel can come from the soft, round edges of a sofa or the meandering of an art feature - no matter what room of the house, this warming trend is one to keep up with.

Olbia round stoneware vase, green £42 cultfurniture.com

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

Gold luxe round drinks trolley £238 audenza.com

Round tray seagrass £32 iamfy.co

Sabrina curved velvet artchair yellow £635 modishliving.co.uk

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

HOME & GARDEN

DIGGING DEEP

Gardening with Pulse

lthough still some way off, the new season is drawing that little bit closer, and our garden reflects the approach of spring; we get our first peek of bulbs breaking through the soil, and things are warming up just a little bit, or rather a lot; those record breaking new year temperatures show that things are changing. A number of shrubs and plants can be pruned now, including wisteria and climbing roses, but be sure to leave spring-flowering shrubs alone – instead of stimulating growth, getting busy with the secateurs will damage your chances of blooms. Generally speaking, there should still be more than a chill in the air, so if you are going to plant hardier seeds, a snuggly environment helps ensure the best chances of success. A heated greenhouse is perfect, but is a luxury many of us don’t have, so seed trays should be brought inside instead. As for flowers? Sweet peas are a delicate delight in the summertime garden. They deliver a dazzling array of colours and a fragrance that takes this gardener straight back to her childhood gardening roots – where I spent hours learning about seeds and flowers and vegetables as my grandfather’s little helper. But though they may look dainty, sweet peas are hardy and super easy to grow – and now is the time to get them started, planting them into biodegradable pots. They will be perfectly

Top Tip... If you want to learn more about the comings and goings in your garden, consider installing a nest box and camera. Watching birds raise their young is a wonderful thing, and needn’t be confined to episodes of Springwatch! Birds will be looking for suitable homes to nest in from the middle of February, so fly to it! If you have old boxes already in place, ensure they have been cleaned out; empty old nests and rinse through with boiling water. Cameras are an affordable way to grow your appreciation of nature, and you don’t need to stop at birds; garden cameras will show you who is making the most of your outdoor space while you sleep. You might be surprised at just how busy a place it is!

How does your garden grow?

Sweet peas give off amazing scent and make excellent cut flowers

fine in an unheated greenhouse, and in time when they are transferred outside, they can simply be planted in their pots. It’s a good way to guarantee a great bloom later in the year. Now is also the ideal time to chit potatoes. Chitting simply means to encourage and prepare the seed potatoes prior to planting. If this is new to you, don’t try to use supermarket purchased examples as seed potatoes – they are more prone to disease, and many shop bought spuds will have been treated to prevent the act of sprouting. Once you have your seed potatoes, simply let them sprout shoots; Pop them in an open box or an old egg box, not too deep, and use newspaper to divide the box into sections for the pre-sprouters. Anywhere between four and six weeks after the chitting process is started, the green shoots should arrive.

At this time of the year, gardeners naturally look to seed catalogues for inspiration and for new varieties of plants, be it flowers, fruit or veg. Perhaps you could see yourself getting an allotment and growing your own? Now is the time. The Bletchley and District Allotment Association have available plots. If interested, email bdallotmentassoc@gmail.com. Other plots may be available from your local council. You could just have a small plot to try out your ideas. For instance in February, you could plant garlic, onions, peas, broad beans, or chit potatoes on the window sill. This is also the month for sowing any Hardy Annual flower seeds. “I start growing chillies and tomatoes too,” said Jan Taylor from Bletchley Garden Club (BGC). “I use a heated propagator in an unheated greenhouse, but they can be started in pots or seed trays on a windowsill indoors. “I favour a chilli called Apache, which are of medium heat, and grow on neat, bushy plants about 30 cm in height. The ripe fruits can be dried, and store well. They make a pleasant display when the fruits are ripening towards autumn. In warmer climates chilli plants are perennials, and there are many different kinds of chillis to choose.” The photo above shows what Carol picked for her Christmas dinner this year. If the idea of all that digging doesn’t thrill you, maybe just plant the onions or garlic in your flower beds. After all, peas and beans have nice flowers too.” Jan Taylor and Carol Smith, BGC On February 12, BGC will host its 14th annual Seed Swap and plant sale from 10am2pm on the forecourt of 72 Stoke Road in Water Eaton, Bletchley, MK2 3AD. Check the website bletchleygardenclub.org for up to date information.

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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TRANSFORM & BRIGHTEN YOUR OUTSIDE SPACE Commercial & Domestic Grounds Maintenance

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Email: jim@urbanrootsmk.com www.urbanrootsmk.co.uk For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

HOME & GARDEN

Energy Bill Crisis

How can you save more? It is no secret that energy prices have soared over the past 12 months and the industry is warning that energy bills are likely to rise by a further 50% by April.

n 2021 wholesale energy prices increased significantly and hit their highest levels for decades. There are a host of reasons why this has happened. Last year’s cold winter put significant pressure on suppliers resulting in stored gas supplies being low. The UK had a particularly windless summer following this, making it difficult to replenish supplies. In addition, there has been an increased demand from China for liquefied natural gas during the pandemic leading to several major energy firms going bust. This ‘tsunami’ of issues has led to the dramatic rises every household is seeing. So, what can you do to reduce energy bills? There are several good habits and smart solutions that households can employ to improve on energy efficiency, reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. For example, turning standby appliances off at the plug when you are not using them, using energy smart meters, utilising thick curtains and adding insulation to your roof and cavity wall will help to retain heat and reduce bills. But one of the best additions to saving on your energy bills is by modernising your home with the latest high-performance A+ rated triple glazed units, sealing the draughts and keeping out the cold air for years to come.

By installing highly efficient glazing, households can save £100’s every year, and with energy prices only increasing year on year, after ten years those savings may run into thousands of pounds. With a wide range of colours, styles and glazing options to choose from, not only will you save money on your energy bills but you will also have reinvented the way your home looks and feels.

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Landscapes & Tree Care GARDEN DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE Based in Stony Stratford, we pride ourselves on excellent work, at very competitive prices. No job is too big, or too small, and we offer everything from full garden design, to general garden maintenance. Whether you would like a free quote for your home or a commercial property, please give us a call. Services include: Hard and soft landscaping Grass cutting and strimming All aspects of tree surgery Hedge trimming Pruning and weedkilling Shrub and tree planting Leaf and litter removal General tidying

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

THE CHOICE FOR MK

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Established over 17 years ago Contact us today for a FREE market appraisal

Sales & Lettings: 01908 304480 www.cauldwellproperty.co.uk

MK Council

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Leader of Milton Keynes Council

Whitehouse Health Centre, which opened in 2020

appy New Year! 2021 was a year of hardship for many, and no doubt that will continue into 2022. However, Milton Keynes remains in a strong position to recover from the pandemic, and this year Milton Keynes Council will work to ensure our home is the best that it can be. This will be achieved in a variety of ways: by providing even more financial support to businesses that need it, continuing to tackle child poverty and support our most vulnerable, while also investing in infrastructure and making Milton Keynes cleaner, greener, and safer. Tackling litter The Council is keen to tackle litter, as it has drastically increased since the first lockdown. We collect approximately 140 tonnes of litter each month, which is the equivalent of the Statue of Liberty in weight – now multiply that by 12, and that’s how much litter we collect in a year. Litter harms the environment and it is a blight on the community, so we are calling on people to quit littering as their New Year’s Resolution. The Council has also employed enforcement officers who can issue onthe-spot fines to those who drop rubbish, including coffee cups, food wrappers and can even fine dog walkers who don’t clean up after their pet. There really is no excuse for littering, so please make sure you Take Pride in MK.

The Agora centre in Wolverton will be demolished by summer and will make way for the Love Wolverton scheme

Good news for Wolverton The Council is continuing to invest in some of our older estates that require attention, such as Bletchley, Fenny Stratford and Wolverton. Wolverton’s £35m regeneration has leaped forward in recent months, as the Council has purchased the abandoned and unloved Agora Centre. The former shopping building will be demolished by the summer, making way for the award-winning Love Wolverton scheme. There will be new homes, spaces for independent businesses, car-free ‘little streets’, a pocket park, sustainable mobility hub and even an energy microgrid. The Council is also proposing a new town centre car park at St George’s Way, public realm improvements and a public toilet. I look forward to seeing this development take shape over the next couple of years.

Improved health services It is important we have the correct infrastructure in place to support our increasing population. That is why the Council invested £9.5m to build Whitehouse Health Centre, which opened in 2020, and why we will invest a further £1.3m to provide specialist healthcare services. The now-empty first and second floors of the centre will be fitted with facilities to provide endoscopy and renal services, and will save people having to travel outside of the city for help. We want Whitehouse Health Centre to become a major health hub for MK, and this is one of the steps we are taking to get there.

CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01908 252442 | Email: peter.marland@milton-keynes.gov.uk | Facebook: @mklabour ADDRESS: c/o Milton Keynes Council, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

MPS OUT & ABOUT

Iain Stewart

MP for Milton Keynes South

ith Christmas and New Year well behind us, it has been great to be out in the constituency again and I want to update you with what I have been up to since my last article. John Lewis Partnership & Home-Start – Prior to Christmas, Ben Everitt MP and I visited John Lewis in Centre:MK to wrap some presents for vulnerable families in Milton Keynes. With the help of HomeStart and the John Lewis Partnership, families across Milton Keynes were able to celebrate Christmas with presents, food and decorations being provided to them. This great initiative allowed families

Iain speaking with Marcus by Goldman Sachs at the MK Job Show

and priorities with MK Council Councillors and the MK Conservatives. From potholes to fly-tipping and our NHS to the Covid recovery, residents have been sharing their thoughts and ideas. If you would like to have your say on the local issues and priorities that matter most to you, you can do so online at: www.miltonkeynesconservatives. co.uk/local-survey-winter-21

Iain with Councillors and volunteers preparing to speak to residents

Iain wrapping presents at John Lewis with Ben Everitt MP

who were in need to still enjoy Christmas regardless of their situation, and I was pleased to have contributed by wrapping some presents (although I am never going to win any prizes for my wrapping skills!)

MK Job Show – In early January, the MK Job Show returned to Middleton Hall with over 70 exhibitors in attendance. This event is a great opportunity for local residents to meet local employers to see what job opportunities there are in Milton Keynes. I enjoyed talking to some of the exhibitors who were in attendance to hear of what jobs they are currently recruiting for, including Centre Parcs and Marcus by Goldman Sachs. It was encouraging to learn that some of the exhibitors were conducting interviews at their stall and even offering jobs to successful applicants on the spot. I look forward to visiting the next MK Job Show later this year, and the Apprenticeship Fair.

Homelessness Prevention Grant – Recently, the Government announced £315.8 million of funding through the Homelessness Prevention Grant. As part of this funding announcement, Milton Keynes will receive £1,990,412 through the Homelessness Prevention Grant and £32,702 through the Domestic Abuse new burdens. The £2m of funding for Milton Keynes underlines the Government’s commitment to preventing homelessness and ending rough sleeping for good. I am hopeful that the local authority will utilise this funding, from the Conservative Government, to help those who are vulnerable or are in need. In 2022, I would welcome the opportunity to meet as many of you as possible. If you have an event, organisation or business that you would like to showcase, please do get in touch with my office and I will endeavour to come along.

Local Issues Survey – I have been out and about across the constituency speaking to residents about local issues

CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01908 686830 | Email: iain.stewart.mp@parliament.uk | www.iainstewart.org.uk CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: Suite 102, Milton Keynes Business Centre, Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6GD 48

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

MPS OUT & ABOUT

Ben Everitt

hope all MK Pulse readers have had a great start to 2022 and speaking of the New Year I’d like to congratulate those who were named in the New Year’s Honours List including Bill Griffiths for his wonderful work at Milton Keynes Museum in Wolverton, Andrea Vincent for her role supporting domestic abuse victims with MK Act and Peter Wilson from the Milton Keynes Special Needs Advancement Project. I am truly grateful to all of you for the work you do for our communities and for your service to our country. And a I want to say huge thank you to our NHS, Armed Forces, volunteers and so many more who have helped us deliver a worldleading booster jab programme. However there are still too many people who haven’t had their booster. Vaccines work, vaccines are safe, so please, if you haven’t already, get your booster and protect yourself, your family, your friends and your community. The Nags Head Wins Pub Of The Year I was delighted to meet the team at The Nags Head in Great Linford and inform them they had been voted the winners of my Milton Keynes North Pub of the Year competition. Hundreds of votes were cast in the competition with 42 pubs across the MK North constituency being nominated. Votes were cast for pubs in areas from Astwood and Bradwell to Neath Hill and Newton

MP for Milton Keynes North hospitality and leisure businesses in the form of grants. This Government has always said it will do whatever it takes to support businesses through the pandemic and this is yet another welcome round of funding to an industry which has been hit extremely hard by restrictions and cancellations due to isolation.

The Nags Head in Great Linford have been voted the winners of Milton Keynes North Pub of the Year

Blossomville to Wolverton and Weston Underwood, while 11 pubs from Newport Pagnell received votes. We need to support our pubs. They have struggled so much throughout the pandemic with restrictions, closures and isolation, so I am pleased this competition has helped highlight the wonderful local pubs we have across Milton Keynes and the support they have from the MK public. It was lovely to meet the team at The Nags Head and hear about the fantastic work they are doing in the community, including an upcoming event with Willen Hospice. Giving Blood Can Save Lives It is suggested that nearly 400 new blood donors a day are needed to meet demand. Giving

blood can help save lives and that’s why I continue to regularly do so in Milton Keynes and would strongly encourage other people to do the same. It is quick and easy to do, you could save a life, and there’s even free biscuits involved! The statistics on blood donations are quite stark - 40,000 more black donors to meet growing demand for better-matched blood, 30,000 new donors with priority blood types such as O negative are needed every year.

Over the last month I also… ▸ Welcomed the Government’s announcement on forcing those responsible to pay for fixing cladding. It would be morally wrong for leaseholders to foot the bill and I’ve been working closely on this issue with the LUHC Committee and have met with affected MK residents ▸ Called on the Government to do everything possible to keep schools open, as MK Youth Cabinet told me just how much of an impact closures had on the mental health of young people ▸ Backed new criminal offences and tougher sentences being introduced to crack down on hare coursing

£2 Million To Support MK Businesses As part of the response to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 the Government put together a package of support for businesses and I am delighted that more than £2 million was provided to Milton Keynes Council to deliver to

CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01908 686830 | Email: ben.everitt.mp@parliament.uk | www.beneveritt.com | Facebook: beneverittmk CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: Suite 102, Milton Keynes Business Centre, Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6GD

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

MUSIC

Solstice stage step for Willen Hospice A little over a year ago, we spoke with Solstice’s founder and guitarist Andy Glass about his band’s current standing. Having recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, the group was buzzing with the response, from fans and media alike, to their first album in eight years or so. “We are humbled by the response,” Andy had told me, “... this album really does seem to resonate with people and I couldn’t be happier. The support has been truly inspiring.’ Sia had reinvigorated the band, and the plan was to take the music to their masses. “We have a bunch of great shows lined up for 2021, fingers crossed!” he said. But someone, somewhere clearly forgot to entwine those fingers, and the first six months of the year were spent holed up at home. “2021 was full of joys and frustrations for the band,” Andy says looking back over the shared annus horribilis. “We started the year with Sia already out and plans in place for rehearsals and gigs to promote it. Of course, they were scuppered by restrictions and it wouldn’t be until June that, for the first time, the new lineup could get in a room together… what a joy that was!” Solstice took to the stage for four gigs during the summer. Their hometown show at The Craufurd Arms was the first live date we had been able to attend in six months. It was a glorious return to live music in general, and a welcome chance to hear Sia sounded out before its admirers. “It felt like a new band… the vibe was just magical!” Andy remembered. “We captured a lot of content during those summer shows allowing us to release a steady stream of content and that’s helped bring the music to new ears and will hopefully attract some of those new listeners to shows this year.” And while 2021 might have been the musical equivalent of ‘nil points’ at the Eurovision, the band is keen to get in the van in 2022; Solstice has more shows in the diary for this year than they’ve had since 1985! Festivals are looking tasty too, and they figure on line-ups for HRH Prog xii in Great Yarmouth (joining the likes of Pendragon and Steeleye Span), the Cambridge Rock Festival (they’ll headline the Emerald Stage), and they join The Martin Barre Band and Karnataka at the inaugural Soundle weekend as a headliner. Provided we are allowed out to play, 2022 is looking good. And local fans of the band will be able to indulge soonest – Solstice’s first gig of the year is taking place at MK11 at Kiln Farm, on February 13. 50

Solstice at play - Andy Glass and Jess Holland

Pic: James Westlake

It’s a special show with monies raised helping to swell the coffers of Willen Hospice. “It’s a gig close to our hearts and our homes,” Andy said, “We’re delighted to be playing a fundraiser for the Hospice. Their incredible work will have touched, or will touch so many of us in Milton Keynes. “This is an opportunity to give something back, while enjoying an evening of great music.” Ebony Buckle will also play the date. The Aussie-born singer-songwriter now calls

London home and will be performing tracks from her Disco Lasers album. Solstice drummer Pete Hemsley is getting twice the stage time at the gig; he’ll be opening the show by playing material from his solo album, Beauty of Time. “We really hope local people will take time out to join us at MK11 and help make this a magical evening and tribute to Willen Hospice,” added Andy. Check in with mk11kilnfarm.com for tickets.

Grey matter work out The Craufurd Arms knows how to rock out, of course, but Wolverton’s music hub knows how to give the grey matter a workout too; its Quiz Night is back in play every Thursday. The interactive keypad event is a great chance to enjoy a few drinks while showing off your general knowledge. The winners of the ‘last man standing’ bag free drinks, and the overall winning team take a £50 cash prize. The venue also has some nice new merchandise for you to add to your spring clothing collection – but the puppy is not included! Visit craufurdgarms.bigcartel.com

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

MUSIC

Shooting a legend P

hotographer Richard Hedge is used to shooting musicians, in the best sense of course, but it’s not every day that one of his all-time greats appears on the local stage. Iron Maiden are usually found filling stadiums and headlining the biggest rock festivals around the world, so when The Craufurd Arms welcomed founding member bassist Steve Harris with his side-project British Lion recently, it was a hot ticket. Richard had the best seat in the house – stage front, camera in hand documenting the occasion, as our pictures show. “The heavy galloping bass sound of Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris has been a cornerstone of my musical listening life for nearly forty years, however I have only ever seen them

perform at large festivals and arenas in front of thousands of fans, so it was an amazing experience to see Steve perform in such an intimate space,” Richard told Pulse. “It was the full Harris too, prowling the stage with his trademark bass, singing along to every word with his foot on the monitor and peering down the fretboard firing bass bullets into the crowd ably assisted by the supreme musicianship of his colleagues. “Imagine being in the same room as Beethoven as he tinkled the ivories; that’s how special it was. A truly memorable performance that will live long in the memory for everyone who attended.” You can see more of Richard’s work by tapping to rmhphotography.co.uk

Say you will be there

rank Turner reckons that Will Varley is genre of days gone by, jazz they are not – they ‘one of the best songwriters in the are loud, fast paced, heavy bass players UK,’ and he is spot on. with an infectious stage energy. Active for years, Will The pandemic saw their headline released his most recent tour pulled, but they still put out album, The Hole Around My an album, and in the iTunes Head in October, which is chart they went to battle with helping to swell an already Lady Gaga and Run The Jewels mighty fan base. over the top three positions, The press bumf says his which is pretty awesome. songs ‘seem to transcend This party of players is just the themselves, marrying vivid thing to perk up an otherwise imagery, politics, emotion and dull and boring Saturday night at Will Varley surrealism to capture his musings in the start of February. Tickets to see a way that is quite remarkable,’ declaring the multi-genre unstoppable force at play him ‘a source of truth in a world gone mad,’ are £19.50. which is right on the money. Tap to mk11kilnfarm.com to book in for If you’ve never experienced Will’s either date. observational musical aces previously, click on YouTube or fire up Spotify. Do it now. Then, when he’s won your ears over too, go and grab yourself a ticket for his MK11 show on Thursday, February 3. The Dutty Moonshine Big Band visits the Kiln Farm venue on February 5 as part of Independent Venue Week. Calling them a live Electronic Dance act doesn’t even scratch the surface when it comes to this 13-piece collective. DMBB is crammed full of jazz trained The Dutty Moonshine Big Band musicians, but while they pay homage to the

British Lion pics: Richard Hedge

Got a gig? A new release? Something else everyone needs to know about? Send music submissions for consideration to Sammy Jones: Sammy@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

‘Premier League’ sounds Sean Grant and the Wolfgang will represent Buckinghamshire as part of the Herts, Beds, Bucks, Cambs and Northants package of promising artists about to head out on Project: Leave The Capital. The vinyl EP and UK tour ‘will highlight what can be achieved away from the label millions, harnessing a DIY attitude for passion, not profit.’ The tour launches at Bedford Esquires on February 5, before calling in at Stoke Underground, Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton and London, wrapping up at MK11 in Milton Keynes on March 5. “It feels like we’ve won the Premier League and we’re going out in an open top bus,” Sean said.

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

WHATS ON

#WhatsOnPulse Stony Words: Selina Todd – The great British social mobility myth February 1, 7pm The Stony Words Festival continues with a Zoom event in the company of Selina Todd, a Professor of Modern History at Oxford University. She will show ‘how a powerful elite on the top rungs of the social ladder have prevented others from ascending, and argues greater opportunities for all to thrive to ensure the survival of our society.’ Click and connect: stonywords.org.uk Walk & Talk: Wonderful Willen – A Sociologist’s View Wednesday, February 2, 1.30pm-3.30pm Take a guided walk around Willen Lake and the Tree Cathedral through a sociological lens, as The Parks Trust explores how the landmarks around the lake reflect the social makeup of Milton Keynes. The brisk two hour walk is suitable for adults and children aged 12+ Check out the greenery: theparkstrust.com Shaparak Khorsandi: IT WAS THE 90S! Wednesday, February 2, 8pm Join Shaparak as she steps back in time, ‘to the decade where ‘kinky’ was nurse roleplay and whipped cream’ when our lady at the mic found herself navigating London with hope in her heart, a tenner in her pocket and spare knickers in her handbag! Suitable for over 16s. We were young, we were free: stables.org Stony Words: Kehinde Andrews – The New Age of Empire Wednesday, February 2 Kehinde is the UK’s first Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University. Join him for an evening exploring his current book, The New Age of Empire – How racism and colonialism still rule the world. ‘This is not a book that offers easy answers but forces us to think about the legacy of our history.’ Books will be for sale at the event, being hosted upstairs at The Crown in Stony Stratford. A new chapter: stonywords.org.uk Women’s Walking Network Thursday, February 3, 10am-midday The Parks Trust organised event visits Tattenhoe Valley Park this month. The parkland is well known for its necklace of ponds which provide a great habitat for insect, bird and water life. Participants will also get to explore the ancient woodland of Howe Park Wood during the walk, which is a little less than four and a half miles long. Best foot forward: theparkstrust.com 52

Shaparak Khorsandi delivers a funny look back at the 90s at The Stables this month

Stony Words: Helen Thompson - Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century Thursday, February 3 Join the Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge University as she talks about her upcoming book release; a long history of the present political moment created by the shocks of economic failure by the banks, the rupture of the European Union and political schisms in the United States. Tickets are £5 in advance for the event, which is taking place upstairs at The Crown in Stony Stratford. Book in for the book bash: stonywords.org.uk The Smeds and The Smoos Thursday, February 3 (1pm & 4pm) and Friday, February 4 (10am & 12.30pm) Theatre-time for little folks who will be charmed by the Tall Stories team as they deliver an exciting adaptation of the awardwinning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for those aged three years and up. Space time: thecorecorby.com

Stony Words: Performers’ Night Friday, February 4 Visit York House Centre in Stony Stratford for your chance to perform those folk/roots/acoustic songs that you’ve been perfecting! Entry is £5 on the door – from 7.30pm ready for an 8pm start. Turn up: thesongloft.com Hairspray Northampton Derngate Until Saturday, February 5 The musical with big volume and even bigger songs is back. You still can’t stop the beat: royalandderngate.co.uk Stony Words: Alfie Moore – Fair Cop Unleashed Saturday, February 5, 7pm Alfie is an original and distinctive comedian with his niche area as a recently retired police sergeant – book for an arresting evening in his company at York House Centre, Stony Stratford. Tickets are £10. Guilty as charged: stonywords.org.uk

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Sunday, February 6, 3pm Enjoy the RPO at Northampton’s Derngate Theatre as they deliver work by Walton (Portsmouth Point Overture), Elgar (Introduction and Allegro for Strings) and The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, by Jenkins A classic afternoon: royalandderngate.co.uk

Dick & Angel Dare To Do It Sunday, February 20, 7.30pm Join the stars of the hit TV show Escape to the Chateau as they explain who they are, where they have come from, how they met and why they dared to do it! Head to the castle: royalandderngate.co.uk

Stony Words: Tales Tattled & Told Sunday, February 6, 7.30pm An evening of wicked words and mind-blowing music is promised with stories and songs by and for adults upstairs at The Crown in celebration of National Storytelling Week. Stony Storytellers and the 2022 Bard of Stony Stratford will be among those present, and the Hatstand Band will take charge of the folk and rockabilly. Tickets are £5. Naughty but nice: stonywords.org.uk

Larry Dean: Fudnut Friday, February 25, 8pm The double Edinburgh Comedy Awardnominee takes to the Underground stage with a new hour-long show of stuff guaranteed to turn frowns upside down. The show is suitable for those aged 16+ Get the giggles: royalandderngate.co.uk

Parks & Run: Great Linford Manor Park Sunday, February 6, from 10am Get that body moving with a choice of either a 2, 6 or 10km route at the historic park. Be sociable while getting the blood pumping. Want to participate? Meet at the Arts Centre Parklands, off St Leger Drive – there’s no need to pre-book. Jog on: theparkstrust.com The New Scummy Mummies Show Thursday, February 10, 8pm Comedians Ellie and Helen return to the Wavendon venue with new songs, new jokes and new catsuits as they celebrate the scummier side of parenting, from drinking wine at teatime to hiding from the PTA. Find the funnies: stables.org A talk: ‘Different Ways with Clematis’ Monday, February 14 Peter Skeggs-Gooch will be in conversation at Denton & District Gardening Club. Entry is free for members, £3 for visitors. There will also be a raffle and home-made refreshments. Put down roots: Call 01604 890875 or email m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk

Dan Webster Friday, February 25, 8.45pm Singer-songwriter Dan’s music is influenced by the sounds and storytelling traditions of Americana, which the Yorkshireman melds with an honest northern English perspective. Open your ears: stables.org Space Friday, February 25, 7.30pm During the band’s lifetime, Space have shifted more than five million records, and made their way into the Top 10 singles chart 10 times. After an extended period of downtime because of Covid, the Brit aces are getting back on the stage with a date in Corby. Suburban Rock and Roll: thecorecorby.com Bob Dylan Night Saturday, February 26, 8pm Enjoy local performers as they deliver their own interpretations of Dylan’s marvelous music; from Freewheelin’ to Street Legal. Those taking the stage at York House in Stony Stratford will include Rd Eyre, Sue de Souza, Chrissy Leonhardt, Monty Lunds, David Mains, Paul Manning, Miller & Walker and Pat Nicholson. The bar opens from 7.30pm, the music starts at 8pm, and ‘those times are not a-changing,’ say organisers. Nice work. Going, Going, Gone: wegottickets.com/event/531645

February Highlights Count Arthur Strong Friday 11 February From his breakthrough Edinburgh Fringe show Forgotten Egypt in 2002, Arthur has two decades of memories from his ten national tours, 15 years of his multi-awardwinning radio show and three series of his BAFTA nominated TV sitcom. Harriet Saturday 12 February Following numerous sold out shows across the UK including her hugely popular ‘Piano Sessions’ series and opening for Michael Bolton on his UK tour, Harriet returns to The Stables for a special one-off show with her live band. Sharon Shannon Quartet Tuesday 15 February The accordionist from Ireland has achieved legendary status throughout the world and has made the muchmaligned accordion ‘cool’ in her home country. Sharon has recorded and toured with a who’s who of the Irish and global music industry including Bono, Adam Clayton and Sinead O’Connor. Ian Ashpitel & Jonty Stephens as Eric & Ern Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 February A show for all the family from 8 to 108! A brilliant homage crammed full of those famous comedy sketches, much-loved Morecambe & Wise routines and songs and, of course, a musical guest! Fairport Convention Tuesday 22 February Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century, with 2022 being their 55th anniversary! This year’s Winter Tour will present a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new.

Pic: The Parks Trust

The Parks Run jogs into Great Linford Manor Park

The Stables, Wavendon Milton Keynes MK17 8LU Box office: 01908 280800 stables.org

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

Pic: Eric Richmond

THEATRE

The School of Rock will be a blast at MK Theatre

Welcome to the school of hard rocks! Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker

A musical to raise your fists to, a sweet treat, and sunshine times remembering two of this country’s most-loved funnymen – Sammy Jones take a look at the month ahead in theatre land...

f you read our feature last month, you’ll be if not, you’ll need to cross your fingers and call well-versed in the Dreamgirls story which up the box office in the hope of returns; tickets continues at MK Theatre, starring local lady to see the ‘deluded thespian’ are all sold-out. Natalia Kassanga. A show from the sublime Matthew Bourne It’s the first time the show, described by is an annual highlight at MK Theatre, and this one critic as ‘a glittering tour de force of disco year we are being treated to the sweet treat and soul,’ has toured nationally, and there’s still that is Nutcracker! (Feb 15-19). time to take a ticket before the curtain falls on Colourful and classy, it’s bursting with Bourne February 5, before something else musical, but brilliance, wit and magical fantasy. quite different, rocks up. Join Clara as she journeys through a The movie was marvelous and then School of shimmering, ice-skating wonderland to the Rock wowed the West End stage. kingdom of Sweetieland in the show which Now, the amps go up to 11 and the Jack takes its influence from the gloriously lavish Black smash – adapted for the stage by Hollywood musicals of the 1930s. Andrew Lloyd Webber (ALW) – arrives at MK As if Matthew’s choreography isn’t enough, Theatre (Feb 8) for a five-day stay. Nutcracker comes with Tchaikovsky’s score You’ll get a heap of new songs courtesy and costumes and sets by Anthony Ward. of ALW, all the tracks you want from the What a perfect show for Valentine’s week, or movie, and a band of clever kids in charge any week, come to think of it. of instruments. Morecombe & Wise have long since It’s a long way to the top if you departed this world, but they are part wanna rock ‘n’ roll. Or a short of the fabric of entertainment in journey to the heart of the this country. Keynes for your musical For the past few years, Ian comedy fix. Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens Over at The Stables, Count have been taking their show, Arthur Strong presents cunningly titled Eric & Ern to And This Is Me (Feb 11). the comedy masses – and they During the past 20 years return to The Stables this month Count Arthur Strong he has enjoyed 10 national for a two night stay (Feb 19 & 20). drops in at The Stables tours, 15 years of his multi-award Their performance is bursting with winning radio show and three series the comedy sketches that you know of his BAFTA nominated TV sitcom. If so well, and will evoke memories of those you’ve got tickets, you really will be laughing, but times on a Sunday night when everyone would 54

gather round the telly to share in the antics of the national treasures. This isn’t just any old performance – they really are superb. Accurate? They are spot on. It’s also worth pointing out that Ian and Jonty have been given the thumbs up from the estates of Morecambe & wise – the families even give the scripts their seal of approval before they are performed. “I have been fascinated with Eric Morecambe for as long as I can remember,” says Jonty. “I took on his persona at school and it never really left me. He was the funniest and loveliest of men. We both feel it’s a privilege to play Eric and Ernie and some people have said it’s like we’re channeling them - some nights it does feel like that.” Jersey Boys is working its way back to MK Theatre for a bumper stay (Feb 23-March 5). The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is jam-packed with all of those highvocal, huge hits; Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Oh What A Night, Walk Like A Man and... you get the picture. But while the vocal aces were in perfect harmony on the stage, away from the bright lights it was a different story... This show has won a whopping 65 major awards, and been seen by more than 27 million people worldwide, but this is more than just another jukebox musical; it’s a chance to learn the full story of the music-makers who went from New Jersey all the way to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. > Book in: The Stables: stables.org MK Theatre: atgtickets.com/ venues/milton-keynes-theatre

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

Film Reviews by Jordan Adcock

HOUSE OF

GUCCI

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 4/5

In House of Gucci, the scandalous based-on-real-life drama of a wannabe heiress to a wannabe family dynasty, is the embodiment of fashion as incredibly serious business and also more than faintly ridiculous; maybe it’s appropriate that the film wildly swings between tones, it’s certainly never boring during its two and a half hours. Lady Gaga builds on the promise she showed in her leading turn in A Star Is Born with this even more confident performance as Patrizia Reggiani works for her father before encountering Adam Driver playing the socially awkward Maurizio Gucci, actual heir to the eponymous fashion brand. Their subsequent relationship survives the suspicions of Gucci’s father (Jeremy Irons, with an even more suspicious Italian accent) but is tested much harder as they

ascend to run Gucci itself. It’s safe to say the ending made global headlines but I won’t spoil it for anyone too young or hermit-like to know it already. Director Ridley Scott, whose last film The Last Duel unfortunately disappeared without trace in cinemas barely a couple of months ago (see the December issue for that one), is on reliably assured form showcasing the Gucci’s glamorous surroundings, striking outfits and seedy infighting as their global ambitions tear the family apart. There’s a whole line of strong actors on enjoy for more than a catwalk appearance, including Jared Leto in an extensive makeup job and a performance just the right side of camp as Paolo Gucci, the family’s poor relation with far more ambition than actual inspiration. ✪

THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS

LICORICE PIZZA

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME

Star Rating: 3.5/5

Star Rating: 2.5/5

Star Rating: 1/5

Licorice Pizza is yet more well-acted, ambitious drama from writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson, known for his sprawling masterpieces like Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood, yet his newest film is also one of his more esoteric. A story of an unlikely couple in 1970s California: Gary, a 15-year-old schoolboy trying to be above his years and the impulsive Alana, a 25-year-old photographer’s assistant not acting her age, their spontaneous friendship, business partnership… and maybe even a relationship? It convincingly portrays and evokes its setting with a great contemporary soundtrack and compelling performances from the two lead actors. Cooper Hoffman, (son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Alana Haim make you empathise in spite of scattered plotting and (hardly unwelcome) interjections from more famous actors like Sean Penn and Bradley Cooper. ✪

No Way Home is the best of Spider-Man’s films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a redemption story in several ways and easily the MCU’s best in a while. Whatever the (manifold) flaws of the MCU recently, its sheer success and clout allows it here to pull together Spider-Man’s cinematic history in ways unthinkable even a few years ago. Peter Parker’s attempt to erase the consequences from the previous film’s ending leads to inter-dimensional damage and familiar villains from earlier Spider-Man film series showing up. What could easily be a gimmick instead takes care with the characters, in many cases better than their original films did, while also giving Tom Holland the most compelling drama to work with as his Spider-Man so far. ✪

The 60th animated feature from what is now Walt Disney Animation Studios is as visually dazzling as can be expected from their computer animation while lacking enchantment in other aspects. In what’s a very slight story with lots of characters but few surprises, the Madrigal family live in a magical house in Colombia and are themselves gifted with delightful magic powers. Well, apart from main character Mirabel, whose struggles to fit in threaten to tear the whole house down. There’s lots of very hectic songs filled with character exposition. None of them are bad, they’re pretty diverting along with the equally busy, colourful visuals, but they don’t feel integral as all the setup fails to come together in a meaningful way besides a vague notion of family understanding and unity. ✪

The brief recognition of seeing Keanu Reeves in his most iconic role again is the best thing about this terrible return to The Matrix, nearly two decades after the original films. Like Disney’s trilogy of Star Wars sequels before it, Resurrections rehashes a lot of the classic Matrix’s plot, worldbuilding and action, only much worse, while all of its newer ideas only denigrate the original by association. Morpheus and Agent Smith are back, just without their iconic actors (Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving), leaving a hollowness far more profound than anything in this sequel. It’s both lazy and convinced of how smart it is, including all its grating “meta” references to disappointing reboots and sequels that make the whole thing feel like it’s expensively trolling its audience. ✪

Star Rating: 4/5

ENCANTO

You can follow Jordan on Twitter (@JordanReview) and read his blog at www.reviewsreflections.wordpress.com For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

MOTORING

Super Cupra ADAM TUDOR-LANE reviews the Cupra Formentor

FACTS AT A GLANCE Top Speed: 127 MPH Performance: 0-62 in 8.6 secs

upra, the young, hip brand by SEAT. Its first-ever bespoke model is here, the Formentor. Just don’t tell them that my 67-year-old father really wants one. Wrong demographic. Thinking that Cupra was meant to be a sporty brand, it’s odd that the least powerful engine is this 1.5 litre turbo, producing 147 BHP. Not slow, not rapid, but it’s half the oomph of the most potent model. Prices start at £28,895. Yes, it’s yet another crossover; everyone loves them…right? This one does however look slightly different. It’s wide, low at the front and looks mean; there’s an LED strip that runs right across the rear to give it a unique light signature, although there’s still a third brake light which is odd. It’s certainly more stylish than a Nissan Qashqai and sleeker than the Hyundai Tucson. Drive wise, the Formentor is firm, as you’d expect. It matches the looks and gives it a slightly sporting dynamic worthy of those svelte lines. It still does an excellent job of

soaking up the lumps and bumps but becomes more jittery at slower speeds. With a 0-62 time of 8.6 seconds, it’s nippy enough for most; this one had the optional DSG gearbox, which didn’t miss a beat over 300 odd miles. It picked up pace when I needed it and became an eco-cruiser over those longer jaunts. MPG came in at a respectable 39 over a mix of A-roads, motorway and town driving. The lowest official figure is 41.5, which is probably doable over a long journey. Jumping inside and the SEAT heritage is clear to see; the dark trim is brightened by a few bronze touches here and there. It’s all very cocooning; the low seating position also makes you feel as hunkered down as the Formentor looks. A super large 12.3-inch touchscreen handles everything, and I mean everything. You won’t find any heating controls below, nor a tactile dial for the volume. For me, it’s something manufacturers should avoid, as

Power: 147 BHP Economy: 39 MPG it becomes a faff to do something as easy as demisting the windscreen. You have to take your eyes off the road for far too long while you prod and poke at menus. A touch-sensitive bar enables you to turn the heating up and down, but trying to do so while on the move can be hit and miss – the same goes for anything on the touchscreen to be honest.

Rear seat leg and headroom is decent considering the coupe-esque lines; shorter passengers or children won’t be able to look out of the windows though, as they’re incredibly high up and small. The same goes for the rear window; it’s tiny. Luckily you have a reversing camera to stop you from hitting things at wheel arch height. Boot space is easy to access thanks to a low, lip-less opening. It measures in at 450 litres, but that shrinks if you opt for the four-wheel-drive model and even further for the hybrid version. Cupra’s Formentor feels more like a hatchback than an SUV; its lower centre of gravity and wider track are to thank for that. It gets a ton of looks while out on the road, so that helps set it apart from the rest of the monotonous crossover crowd. Overall, it’s a yes from me.

For more car news, reviews and motorsport action visit carwitter.com or follow us @car_witter 56

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

PUZZLES

View from the Far Kerb

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

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Politics T

he word ‘politics’ comes from the Greek: Πολιτικά, politiká, meaning, ‘affairs of the cities.’ For some that is the most interesting thing about politics, and if you find the etymology interesting, then you probably need to get out more. Note to self: I must make more time for walks... Regardless of whether you consider yourself left, right, central or some political flavour utilising the seventh of nine dimensions, you may always be mislead by the word. One accepted definition of ‘politics’ is this: activities associated with the governance of a country or area Imagine a pride of lions. Then imagine a second pride of lions. Now, stretch and consider the two prides overlapping. It wouldn’t be too far left-field to suggest that the prides engage in a form of politics; the attempt to outmanoeuvre each other as one seeks to establish their dominance over the other. Because everyone knows that they are just smaller versions of lions, I shall henceforth use the term ‘kittens’ and by reasonable extension include ‘puppies.’ As rabbits overgrazing will impact negatively on the survival of one warren over another, governance and competition entails. In keeping with the nomenclature thus far used, I shall refer to ‘bunnies’ as opposed to ‘rabbits.’ Therefore a piece entitled, ‘Politics’ might be about kittens, puppies and bunnies. Nothing tough or unfriendly here! I can hear rumblings of dissent as counter arguments are prepared to be fired off via cannon and mortar. Explosiveness is ready to correct me and make it known that ‘politics’ is far more than just kittens, puppies and bunnies. Politics, in the view of Harold Lasswell, is “who gets what, when [and] how.”

Harold Lasswell (1902-1978) was a respected political scientist and communications theorist. He was a professor of law at Yale University and had studied at the Universities of London, Geneva, Paris, and Berlin in the 1920s. He served as president of the American Political Science Association, of the American Society of International Law and of the World Academy of Art and Science. In short, he was not silly, yet his definition of ‘politics’ completely supports my stance. And in case Harold Lasswell was having an off day, here is another expert.

The kittens, puppies and bunnies of my world of politics don’t use money. Instead they trade on survival. Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924) said, “politics is the most concentrated expression of economics.” The kittens, puppies and bunnies of my world of politics don’t use money. Instead they trade on survival. A face-off between a pair of lions (or kittens) over a carcass (their next feed), is likely to be a highly concentrated (intense) affair. Lenin (Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov to his friends), ran a large country. Whether for good or bad, is something for debate elsewhere. However, I’m going to suggest that running a small hobby club hasn’t quite got the same kudos. I believe his view might carry more weight and that I need to become a prime minister or president, or tell some fibs, before being able to pronounce upon such matters with suitable gravity. Politics – the science of kittens, puppies and bunnies. PHIL O’HARA

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QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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19 22

30 31

Clues Across

4. Slumbers (6) 24. Windpipe (7) 5. Acidic fruit (5) 1. Asian temples (7) 26. Problem (5) 6. Small house (7) 29. Foreign (5) 5. Place (5) 7. Wizardry (7) 8. Caustic solution (3) 30. Grounds, 12. Male child (3) 9. Line of descent (7) causes (7) 14. Pale (4) 31. Also (3) 10. Engine (5) 16. Bitter plant (4) 32. Indications (5) 11. Embarrass (5) 17. Broad sword (7) 33. Roams (7) 13. Thin fried 18. Significance (7) batter (7) 20. Account for (7) 15. Church service (4) Clues Down 1. Bohemian dance 21. Insect (3) 17. Percussion (5) 23. Restricted (6) instrument (6) 2. Italian port (5) 25. Clues (5) 19. By means 3. Former Greek 27. Beach (5) of this (6) 28. Corrodes (5) 22. Type of agate (4) currency (7) Solutions to Sudoku and Quick Crossword can be found on page 58

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | February 2022

Your stars NEWS

HOWARD PARKER

THE ASTRO-GUIDE

Flavour of the Times - Last month may have delivered a few surprises but at least you could deal with them. This month, the same unpredictability is involved but it may challenge us more. The new moon is in Aquarius, Uranus is the planet of that sign so it’s going to require you to muster all your resources to get to grips with the consequences. Both Planet and Sign have a kind of ‘this is the last thing you’d ever think would happen’ flavour to them, so be prepared for the twists and turns. Where this hits you will depend entirely on your own chart and will be different for everyone.

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 19

GEMINI May 22 – June 21

LIBRA September 24 – October 23

PISCES February 20 – March 20

CANCER June 22 – July 23

SCORPIO October 24 – November 22

The new moon on the first day of the month in your sign really sets the tone. To make it more serious and down to earth, Saturn is very close by, so working in an organised manner in groups is the kind of activity you should be considering here – what radical changes can you make in work processes, perhaps, or maybe a new campaign strategy?

Your mind may be spinning with ideas, concepts, thoughts etc. (as usual!) but you really should try to make some space for listening to what is going on in other peoples’ minds! Why? Because you are in danger of a) misreading what is real out there, and b) failing to see something important that you should take notice of right under your nose.

If you dare to dream, you might want to announce your intentions to everyone this month. Well, maybe, but I wouldn’t be too quick to do this for fear that it may all turn to dust. Or maybe you will just change your mind – again – which is not unknown, is it? Some serious thought is needed this month, so don’t go overboard on your instincts.

ARIES March 21 – April 20

The shock of the full moon last month may have rocked your home base where everything you thought was secure and dependable was shown to be transitory and problematic. Having hopefully, learnt the lessons of that crisis, the cosmos is offering you a more detached time to consider how to reshape things. There is probably a spiritual side to this so slow down enough to tune in to it.

LEO July 24 – August 23

Sometimes you can’t tell a Leo anything, but a good leader is always a good listener and this month you will need to pay attention to some of the subtleties bubbling up from down under. It’s a grounded time for bringing ideas gently into action but if you go too far, the full moon in your sign on 16th will show you where you went wrong!

Battering your way out of difficult situations through sheer activity may not pay off very well this month as, deep down, maybe you actually lack your usual self-confidence? You might literally bang your head, so take care, physically. On the other hand, there may be an opportunity to do something pioneering here. Subtlety and sensitivity is key, if you can manage it.

TAURUS April 21 – May 21

Your imagination is stirred but the actual details have yet to be worked out. This is a good time to make a start, but you do need to be open to things taking a different path from what you expected, (you should be used to this by now!). Career plans are likely to be unpredictable, to say the least. If you are still uncomfortable about all this, your mind needs to catch up with the cosmos!

VIRGO August 24 – September 23

Some adjustments to your usually highly organised routines are to be expected this month. Virgo sometimes needs to see the bigger picture, so allow the possibility that you need to rip up your carefully constructed plan and write a new one. Sorry about that, but sometimes you need to take bigger leaps rather than smaller steps.

PUZZLE

SOLUTIONS

To really understand what this means for you on a personal level during 2022, I would recommend that you consider booking a comprehensive personal astrological consultation that is completely specific to you and your life. This will illuminate many things that you may not have considered and it will enable you to really take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the year. 7 ( . 6 + ( :

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You prefer far distant horizons to what is close around you, which is why you probably like to travel. At the moment, though, all the cosmic action is happening within and around you. So try to travel in the mind and see what new vistas open up for you. It’s also time for leaving dogma behind and being open to new paths, directions and perspectives. Not everything is a conspiracy!

CAPRICORN December 23 – January 20

Last month may have had some tough and rather harsh moments, but the flavour this time is shifting from the past to the future, from constraints and limitations to possibilities. Be grounded in your actions, but also stay open to innovation and lay plans that allow for alternative opportunities, especially at the beginning of the month at the new moon.

Chart readings with me start at £67 and last for an hour on Zoom or Skype. Please go to 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. If you are interested in discussing and learning more about astrology, why not pop into my Facebook group The Astrocafe | Facebook.

GET INVOLVED!

We are always looking for local stories, news and events. If you want to get involved, please email mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

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SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 22

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You may have been digging deep this winter but the first stirrings of spring are occurring deep in the ground beneath your feet. Scorpios are probably the best people to be able to feel into this energy. The new moon occurs at the Celtic festival of Imbolc which symbolises this early movement in nature and this may appeal to you on a spiritual level.

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You will be able to bring your sense of balance and harmony to this month. This will help to ease the rather cranky and off the wall things that might be coming your way. It is a time to start to build some new foundations that may be based on new ideas and technologies. Your natural elegance will appeal to people you work with.

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February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

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