INTERIORS

www.braided-rug.co.uk www.jjtextile.co.uk

Sustainable

corsesidenursery.com

Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts these days, and for good reason. From bamboo toothbrushes and reusable cotton pads to gorgeous gifts and statement bags, there are so many sustainable alternatives available to help us be kinder to the environment.

It’s becoming second nature for companies to follow an eco-conscious route, pressured by consumers and laws to ensure the environment is at the forefront of decision making. Interior design is no different, with homeowners, interior designers, architects and students all having a responsibility to design with an eco-friendly approach in mind. To achieve truly sustainable interior design, many aspects should be considered - composition, origin, transportation, waste reduction, energy efficiency and longevity. But being sustainable doesn’t rule out buying new or having nice things in your home. You don’t solely have to be reusing and upcycling to be environmentally mindful.

Designers Guild’s eco-friendly range of vibrant matt emulsion, eggshell and floor paints are water-based and low or very low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds, that contribute to atmospheric pollution). VOCs in paints are usually solvents, which evaporate as paint dries and release pollutants into the environment. Waterbased paints are kinder to the environment and enable you to clean your brushes and other equipment simply using warm, soapy water. No need for harsh chemicals. Designed to last, the Designers Guild paints

Design

Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com

www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

are washable (including their chalky matt emulsion) and extremely durable. All offer excellent coverage, adhesion and flow, meaning fewer coats are needed, when compared with other premium paints. They are also quick drying meaning your decorator can finish sooner. They are manufactured in the UK so have a lower carbon footprint than internationally manufactured paints and the paint tins are made using 50% recycled steel which can be recycled again after use.1

As a major contributor to the textile industry, Osborne and Little play their part by embracing new eco-friendly technologies. They recently introduced ‘Ocean’ - their first collection of fabrics made by processing plastic bottles into chips and then filament yarn. The yarn is spun, textured and woven into beautifully soft fabrics. In addition, 10% of this collection’s first year’s turnover is to be donated to support the One Ocean Foundation. This funds amazing projects throughout the world, reducing pollution and returning the oceans to the cleanliness they deserve.2

www.linenbarn.com.au

Indirectly, Colefax and Fowler, a British company distributing luxury furnishing fabrics and wallpapers across the world has been supporting the effort to lessen its impact on the environment. The company has recently achieved the Planet Mark certification and in doing so has set a target to reduce its carbon emissions by 5% annually. Through Planet Mark the company has also protected an area of endangered rainforest thanks to Cool Earth, a charity working alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation. Its pledge through Cool Earth goes directly towards supporting the Asháninka community in Central Peru.

They have also helped the Eden Project – an educational charity building connections with each other and the living world, exploring how we can work together towards a better future.3

In addition to the big names doing their bit at corporate level, there are plenty of ways for us to shop conscientiously for our homes both locally and online. Whatever product you’re thinking of buying, be sure to ask the company or use the search option online to explore what eco-friendly products are available.

At the Walls and Floors tile showroom in Kettering, the Yuri Sand range of recycled tiles have a raw, industrial feel that emulate the look of salvaged metals and concrete, with small details in their appearance like abrasions and oxidisation. In light shades of beige, they are mottled and metallic, creating comforting feelings of warmth and relaxation; you can almost feel the soft sand beneath your feet. They are made from 90% recycled raw materials, water and minerals, with an eco-friendly manufacturing process. With no compromise on quality or finish they are the ideal choice if you’re keen to have a more sustainably designed bathroom or kitchen.4

At Coreside Nursery, you’ll find pretty Ocean Plastic Plant Pots, made from 100% reclaimed fishing rope and nets from UK oceans. The Braided Rug Company make their rugs from recycled plastic whilst Homescapes Online have a colourful range of rugs made from 100% cotton, sourced from recycled fabric offcuts.

Whether you chose to adorn your home with recycled glass accessories, curtains made from plastic bottles or washable paints originating in the UK, rest assured that it is completely possible to redesign your home in a way that not only reduces your impact on the environment but could also be instrumental in improving it for future generations to come.

1www.designersguild.com 2www.osborneandlittle.com 3www.colefax.com 4www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

www.prestigious.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON FABIAN PEREZ

Enter the atmospheric world of Fabian Perez

For those that love the craft and beauty of figurative painting, the work of Fabian Perez will stop you in your tracks. Fabian Perez takes inspiration from his fascinating upbringing in the back streets of Argentina, but his artistic skill creates sophisticated, seductive art that has led him to huge international success.

Born in the capital Buenos Aires in 1967,

Fabian had a tumultuous childhood. His father was a charismatic man with a difficult life, owning a number of brothels and illegal nightclubs which meant he was frequently running from the law. But the scenes he witnessed as a young boy during this time left a deep impression and led to a lifelong fascination with the underground world of city nightlife. He often draws on his father for inspiration when painting male figures, as the brooding cool guy at the bar and he remembers the beautiful women he would see in the clubs or dancing the tango.

It was Fabian’s artistic mother that encouraged him to pursue his talents and ultimately his creativity led him to a better life. Incredibly considering his talent, he has never received any formal training in painting.

He developed his style and skillset over a number of years through a deep love of art and painting portraits of his friends and family. In particular he is influenced by artists such as Picasso, Sargent and Cézanne – but his work is unmistakably his own, with its distinctive interplay between shadows and light. Fabian has named his style or art movement, called Neo-Emotionalism, which he says places emphasis on emotion and dramatic narrative,

“I do not want to paint on canvas, I want to let my feelings become shapes on the canvas without thinking about the results – letting my experiences tell their own story with each brushstroke” – Fabian Perez.

Fabian’s success has led him to become one of the world’s most collected artists as well as receiving commissions to paint a number of famous people including Pope Francis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Al Pacino. In a local connection, he recently made an appearance at the family home of Princess Diana, Althorp House in Northampton, where he unveiled a portrait of Lady Countess Spencer.

Celine Lee Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk

Celebration time for the city

Our first catch-up with the 50th Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Amanda Marlow

The start of my Mayoral year began with the momentous news that on our fourth attempt, HM The Queen has granted Milton Keynes city status. I cannot begin to describe the elation and excitement that has been shared far and wide, with congratulations being sent to us the world over. So far my first month in office has already proven to be incredibly busy, with celebrations held over the long bank holiday weekend to mark HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. On 2nd June, together with MyMiltonKeynes, the MK Rose Trust, the Parks Trust and the Mayor’s Office, we kicked off the start of the Platinum Jubilee with a parade along Midsummer Boulevard. Our city came out down the country, including many here in Milton Keynes; with events taking place in Campbell Park, Hanslope, Emberton, Olney and at Milton Keynes Museum to name a few in our area. The celebrations culminated with a chorale concert ‘Crowning Glory’ to mark the end of the Jubilee Weekend held at Milton Keynes Theatre. It was a joyful event filled with beautiful singing and music provided by the MK Chorale, the Alina Orchestra and guests. It was a fitting finale to a weekend filled with celebration, and it has been wonderful to see the love that we have for our Monarch.

Each year, on the 1st - 7th June is Volunteers Week which celebrates and recognises the incredible work that volunteers provide for charities and organisations across the country, and of course right here in MK. Volunteering comes in many guises, and I am always struck by the amount of personal time and commitment that people are willing to give to make something worthwhile and to help others. Volunteers help to make a difference to not only other people’s lives, but also to their own. We also celebrate Carers Week (6th-12th June) which shines a light on the invaluable contribution that carers make to families and communities throughout the UK.

Finally, I would just like to remind you that we are fortunate to have the UEFA Women’s Euros coming to Stadium:MK in the form of three Group B games and a semi-final match. I am sure that this tournament will prove to be inspirational to many girls and women across Milton Keynes, and that hopefully we will see a surge of women and girls taking up football locally. Tickets are available at www.uefa.com/ womenseuro/ticketing/

The Thanksgiving Service held at the MK Rose for Her Majesty, with hundreds of people taking part in the parade, and scores of spectators waving flags, cheering and joining us at the MK Rose in Campbell Park, to give thanks for 70 years on the throne. It was incredible to see the many organisations who took part in it, marching with our armed forces and cadets. My heartfelt thanks go to Melanie Beck and her team at MyMiltonKeynes for taking on the lions share of the organisation, Mayor’s Chaplain Andrew Geary for performing the Jubilee Thanksgiving Service at The Rose, the RBL for their parade leading and also to MK Chorale for their incredible singing of Zadok the Priest and Jerusalem.

The jubilee has been celebrated right across the city by you all in the form of street parties, concerts, big community picnics and barbecues, jubilee fetes, afternoon tea parties, and also with the lighting of beacons up and

Amanda Marlow – 50th Mayor of Milton Keynes 2022-23

Enjoy a round of golf at Aylesbury Vale Golf Club

Visitors/Green Fees With longer summer nights now with us we are offering progressively discounted prices for twilight rounds from 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Call 01525 240196 to book for 18 or 9 holes.

Memberships Having just passed a club renewal date we are able to lift the waiting list and accept new members to replace those not renewing. Hence we can now offer 9 x 7-day and 11 x 5-day memberships on a first come, first served basis.

Call in at the pro shop between 7am and 5pm on any day and we would be delighted to run through prices, tee bookings, competitions, handicaps, driving range, network of 30 courses, member discounts, playing socially with friends etc.

16th hole Societies Midweek societies between 11 July and 19 August ‘22 are available at just £20 pp (or £25 to add tea/coffee and a bacon roll on arrival). Call 01525 240196 to book your day, quoting ‘Pulse’.

Aylesbury Vale Golf Club Stewkley Road, Wing, LU7 0UJ 01525 240196 www.avgc.co.uk

11th hole

16th hole

Now accepting new members

Milton Keynes is now a city!

and innovative noise cameras could be trialled

Since my last column we have received the brilliant news that Milton Keynes was finally made a city as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. I am absolutely delighted we have been recognised for the role we have played throughout history from Wolverton Works to Bletchley Park and into the future by leading the way on innovation and technology. Thank you to everybody across Milton Keynes who played such an important role in making sure our bid was a success.

And as part of that I want to congratulate some truly remarkable MK residents on receiving honours in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list – Dame Ann Limb who was awarded a damehood, DREAMSAI founder Lakshmana Kastala who received a BEM and Odette Mould on her MBE for her work with Harry’s Rainbow. Thank you all for the work you do for MK and our country.

Noise Camera Trial Application Submitted - A number of constituents have emailed asking me to apply for the Government’s new noise camera trials to help stop rowdy motorists revving their engines unnecessarily or using illegal exhausts. I am aware this has been a particular problem for residents in Bradwell Common and those near the Network Rail car park which is often used for car meets.

Since the technology is just in design phase, MPs are currently being invited to submit applications to trial new innovative noise cameras in their local area, helping to ensure communities can enjoy their public and residential spaces peacefully. The technology, backed by £300,000, can automatically detect when vehicles are breaking legal noise requirements, helping provide police and local authorities with the tools and evidence to take action against drivers who flout noise laws.

Police have existing powers, including the ability to issue fines, but currently have trouble gathering evidence. Ahead of submitting my application I met with Thames Valley Police, who are aware of the issue, and worked with them to put the application together to give us the best chance of success.

Free Boxing Sessions For Young People In MK - I was invited to meet Karl Hanif and his team at Keeping Kids Off The Streets who provide free boxing sessions to young people across Milton Keynes. The sessions are run in Great Linford, Newport Pagnell, Broughton, Kiln Farm, Olney and New Bradwell throughout the week and are open to youngsters from the age of 4 through to 18. They are always looking for more volunteers and fundraising support so if you can offer any help please do get in touch with the team.

Visiting The Community Payback Scheme In Downs Barn I paid a visit to the Community Payback scheme currently taking part in Downs Barn to see the work they are doing with offenders in Milton Keynes.

Run by HM Prison and Probation Service who work with local Parish Councils, charities, schools and other organisations the scheme aims to get offenders involved in local projects to benefit the community. These can include projects such as litter picks, working in charity shops, helping to set up allotments at schools and other schemes. The programme I visited in Downs Barn involved maintaining the green spaces and I was able to meet some of the offenders who were currently working on clearing the Redways and footpaths of overgrown trees and hedges.

Over the last month I also… ▸ The Milton Keynes MPs’ Best Café competition has officially launched and runs until 2nd September so visit my website www.beneveritt.com to vote for your favourite ▸ I was given a tour of the Chaffron Centre, the brand new £3.5m

Government funded skills hub at Milton Keynes College ▸ I want to congratulate Newport Pagnell Town Football Club on their fantastic achievement winning the FA Vase at Wembley, a truly historic moment for the town

New innovative noise cameras will help to ensure communities can enjoy their public and residential spaces Ben meets the team at Keeping Kids Off The Streets

Ben EverittMP for Milton Keynes North

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