MK Pulse Magazine June 22

LOCAL NEWS

32,000

FREE COPIES DELIVERED DOOR TO DOOR Est. 2009

Issue 152 | June 2022

The magazine at the heart of Milton Keynes and Bucks

County-wide news, views and stories

What’s going on in your local area

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CONTENTS

From the

Editor

June 2022

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

W

ith the Queen’s extraordinary milestone around the corner, there’s no doubt this month will be unique.

The beacon lighting ceremonies alone will create lasting memories and there will be street parties, special lunches, picnics, marvellous music and special events all around our community – have a fantastic time whatever you’re doing.

Willen Hospice is also having a busy time. Work is underway to convert the former Bingo Hall inside The Point into a retail clearance space for sustainable pre-loved fashion from as little as £1 per item.

The proceeds will support specialist care for the end of life patients and their families provided by Willen Hospice. And don’t forget the fundraising walks too – the Midday Moo on the 25th with the Midnight and Mini Moos in July and August.

62 6

NEWS

14

VOLUNTEERING

18

LEGAL

Since 1 to 7 June is Volunteers’ Week we are taking a look this month at the difference some of our own local heroes have been making.

Jan Kendall, for example, answered the call for volunteers from her children’s school and has never looked back. Her work with Age Concern and the Alzheimer’s Society led to a 25-year career in dementia care and more recently to a new friendship with her weekly walking partner, Vivienne.

24

JUBILEE

28

LOCAL HISTORY

33

YOUR HEALTH

30

PULSE PICS

Of course, there are also the remarkable local people who give their time and help to raise vital funds that allow Willen Hospice to support 1,000 people every year. Nor could local treasures like Milton Keynes Museum and MK Gallery provide so many extraordinary experiences for the whole community without their volunteers.

40

FASHION

42

BEAUTY

44

FOOD & DRINK

46

HOME & GARDEN

56

MUSIC

59

WHAT’S ON

62

THEATRE

63

FILMS

65

PUZZLES

66

YOUR STARS

Did you know that the Green World Awards has given a prestigious Silver Award for energy management to centre:mk? With the UK’s first carbon neutralising shopping centre roof system it’s well deserved recognition for local imagination and innovation.

Who knows what can happen once you’ve taken the first step?

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 WEDNESDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 8TH JUNE 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

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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.

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

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5

LOCAL NEWS

W

illen Hospice is in the process of converting the former Bingo Hall into a vast retail clearance space.

Supporters, many of whom are facing a tough time due to the economy, will be able to choose from an extended range of sustainable pre-loved fashion at affordable prices. The focus of the new store is to be a dedicated clearance area with clothing starting from as low as £1 per item.

Proceeds will go towards supporting the specialist care that Willen Hospice delivers to end of life patients and their families.

Mark Rawlins, associate director of commerce at Willen Hospice said, “Hot on the heels of our flagship Midsummer Place shop that opened in December, comes a brand new retail offering. This is our fourteenth store in the local area, but it is completely different in that it will offer rails and rails of donated clothing from just £1.”

Chris Duffy, head of asset management, acquisition and commercial at Galliard Homes said, “Since acquiring The Point we have been keen to work with the local community and we are delighted to have partnered with Willen Hospice to help support their charitable endeavours.”

Work has started on the premises, with teams dismantling over 400 bingo hall seats and tables, to recycle the wood and metal and raise additional funds for the hospice.

Peta Wilkinson, Willen Hospice Chief Executive, said “I am proud that owing to the generosity of the landlord, we are able to regroup and expand, to

Willen Hospice points to a new city centre shop Local charity, Willen Hospice is set to open its third city centre shop; located downstairs in The Point.

Work has started on the premises, with teams dismantling over 400 bingo hall seats and tables

recuperate some of the financial losses we faced when shops closed during Covid”.

Mark continues “We are appealing to people to help us by volunteering their time, even if it’s just a few hours a week. Volunteering will help to build your

confidence, enable you to learn new skills and it’s a fantastic way to socialise while you are giving something back to support your local hospice.” > If you are interested in volunteering, please email Volservices@willen-hospice.org.uk

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

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 £444! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our watchwords

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

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

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

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

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

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Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement.

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

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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”.

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LOCAL NEWS

Green roof tops centre:mk’s sustainability drive

We will deliver your leaflets direct to homes and businesses across Milton Keynes

The sustainability achievements at centre:mk have been recognised with a Green World Award.

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he centre has received a Silver Award in the category for Energy Management at the Green Apple Awards.

By installing the first carbon neutralising shopping centre roof system in the UK, centre:mk has converted 30,000kg of carbon over the last 12 months and seen a 15% reduction in landlord-controlled carbon emissions. The centre has also reduced gas usage by 57% and electricity usage by 24% through conscious everyday measures.

Waste reduction initiatives have resulted in 100% diversion from landfill, with an average 78% recycling and 22% waste to energy. The centre now has a green roof and bug hotels, rainwater harvesting and has brought in a fully electric fleet of patrol, waste and cleaning vehicles.

“Through our continued investment in sustainable technology and practices, we have been able to exceed predictions for our ESG credentials and the latest Green World Awards honour is great recognition of

‘By installing the first carbon neutralising shopping centre roof system in the UK, centre:mk has converted 30,000kg of carbon over the last 12 months’

centre:mk’s commitment to be as green as we can be,” said centre:mk centre director Kevin Duffy. “The Green World Awards is one of the world’s most prestigious recognition campaigns and centre:mk’s many wins are entirely attributed to the great team we have here.”

The Silver Green World Award in the Property Management Sector for Energy Management comes after centre:mk’s recent win of both Sceptre’s Energy Management Award and Hermes’ RPI Best Property Award.

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

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CHARITY EVENT

Al’s Pals supporting patients in hospital and in the community Al’s Pals has one vision and that is to ensure that no patient or family member feel alone following a cancer diagnosis. Actively supporting patients since March 2020. We support hospital patients that are receiving treatment, and, in the community, we are there to for patients and families in their own homes; uniting one caring community together.

Zoe Curlett

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Al’s Pals are hosting a musical celebration at The Stag, Mentmore featuring the musical talents of West End stars Zoe Curlett and Keiron Crook

W

e are proud to introduce Al’s Pals and me. The is our very own online support group/hub for patients, family members, loved ones and Al’s Pals volunteers. www.alspals.me We will be launching our support groups in the community very soon.

At Al’s Pals we want everyone to always feel supported. Going through cancer is a tough experience on everyone involved and we want to ensure that, with Al’s Pals by their side, no-one walks alone. With our 40 plus volunteers we know and understand a little of what you may be going through and for an informal chat in confidence please never be afraid to pick up the phone and get in touch.

Like many charities, it is an ongoing battle that we continue to receive funds to enable us to provide our valuable services.

We are super excited about one of our latest fundraisers – a Rat Pack and musical celebration with stars from the West End. The evening at The Stag, Mentmore includes entertainment by the wonderful Zoe Curlett, star of Phantom of the Opera, Cats and much more and Keiron Crook,

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

star of Phantom of the Opera and Rat Pack the musical. The ticket price includes a delicious hot and cold buffet provided by the Stag and we will then dance the night away courtesy of 1981 DJ and entertainment. Tickets for the show on Saturday 20th August are now on sale at £55 each.

Call the charity on 07958 800081 or alternatively go to Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ als-pals-32296839331

FUNDRAISING There are many ways you can support our charity including ‘Wear red for AL day’ on 13th July.

And ‘afternoon tea week’ running from 17th to 24th October Please get in touch if you would like to support a fundraising event or volunteer. We sincerely hope you can continue to support us as we move forward and continue to support cancer patients and families in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

Get in touch with Al’s Pals or visit the website to find out more about our valuable work.

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We’d love to tell you how

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What we can tell you is, “We are a small school with a

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“All pupils achieve good levels of progress because they are encouraged to be curious.”

“Innovative approaches to learning encourage all pupils to develop their talents and try new things.”

SIAMS inspection March 2022

OFSTED and SIAMS rated GOOD We have spaces available in all year groups

Bow Brickhill CofE Primary School 01908 373672 office@bowbrickhillprimary.co.uk

“A small school with a BIG heart”

Located on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, Bow Brickhill CofE Primary School currently has spaces available in all year groups.

A

lthough the school’s catchment area is defined as Bow Brickhill and Eaton Leys, they are fully inclusive, accepting children from all across Milton Keynes and from all faiths - even those with no faith.

“They achieved a Good rating in both their Ofsted report and their SIAMS inspection. The latter took place in March 2022 and described the school as: “a small school with a BIG heart”, where: “all pupils achieve good levels of progress because they are encouraged to be curious.”

Visitors to the school always comment on staff friendliness and how wonderful the children are – polite, engaged and well behaved.

Playing facilities include a trim trail and all weather play area and the school is surrounded by fields and the Bow Brickhill woods. While up to date technology and interactive boards fitted as standard help deliver an exciting curriculum which enhance teaching and learning.

The school’s core Christian values of Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Courage, Honesty and Forgiveness provide the foundation for maximising academic and spiritual growth. Through these core values pupils develop in their academic ability, as well as developing their personal characteristics, to become well rounded and responsible young people that flourish in their everyday lives.

Spaces are currently available in all year groups and the school warmly welcomes visits from anyone interested in joining. To find out more please visit: www.bowbrickhillprimary.co.uk or contact the school office on office@bowbrickhillprimary.co.uk or telephone 01908 373672.

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Telephonewww.goodtiming.uk John: 07432 007007 For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | June 2022

13

VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK

Why giving a little means a lot Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution made by millions of people countrywide who give their time to support others.

Ahead of this year’s event between June 1-7, Pulse’s Sammy Jones looked at why we should all try and give back to our community.

M

ost of us would like to give a little time to make things better for individuals or charities if we could, right?

But time is money, and money is tight. Pretty sure some of you are reading this and thinking, ‘I would, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day.’

But by making time, you’ll not only assist others, but you’ll be rewarded in other ways for your efforts.

When Jan Kendall answered the call for volunteers at the school her children attended, it kick started a passion for volunteering.

“I wanted to support them, and helped out in the classroom, became a member of the school PTA organising fundraising events and school uniform, and later I became a parent governor.

“Life was busy as a mum of young children but I also wanted to be involved in my local community and find ways to use and develop my skills.

“I didn’t think of it as giving my time up, but rather making good of the time that I had,” she told Pulse.

When her children moved to secondary school, Jan was keen to continue volunteering, but began looking for new opportunities – and the local volunteer bureau was a wealth of information and ideas.

“I felt drawn to working with older people and became a befriender with Age Concern where I visited an elderly lady every week for a chat or I’d take her out in her wheelchair,” Jan recalled, “I also volunteered with Alzheimer’s Society as a befriender to families coping with dementia – I was particularly drawn to this charity as they offered very comprehensive training.

“I loved this new role and felt I made a difference to the lives of the people I supported.”

And that voluntary role led to a career in dementia care that lasted more than 25 years

14

and took her intro training practice which saw her travel the UK and further abroad.

As her career progressed Jan rose through the ranks from volunteer coordinator to national trainer and support manager.

“It has been challenging at times, but thoroughly rewarding,” she said.

Jan retired in 2020 during the pandemic, but perhaps unsurprisingly, she wasn’t about to put her feet up; she decided to re-enter the voluntary sector once more.

Today, she gives her time to a variety of roles; as a tour guide at the Safety Centre in Kiln Farm, as a reading volunteer in a primary school and as a coach with ReadEasy, helping adults learn to read.

Jan with Vivienne - a firm friendship has been allowed to flourish over the last few months

“I like to be busy, but also want to be useful and feel that I make a difference to someone else’s life or to society in general.”

To that end, Jan also volunteers as a walker/ befriender through Age UK Milton Keynes, and when Pulse made her acquaintance she was out and about in a local park with Vivienne Holliday.

Vivienne accessed the walking befriending service after her GP referred her to Age UK’s LiveLife Social Prescribing service, which connected the pair. It provides non-medical solutions to worries and problems that affect people’s health.

They have now struck up a firm friendship through their weekly meet-ups, which means that Vivienne is still able to enjoy her love of long walks.

“It’s the highlight of my week and I look forward to it,” said 86-year-old Vivienne, “Jan is an ideal companion; caring, always reliable, a patient listener and we have some great chats that are fun and interesting, with stops to look at beautiful views, listen to birds and try to identify trees and wildflowers along the way.”

Vivienne spent her career as a medical secretary, working first in London, before moving to the new town in the early 1980s where she was able to continue in the same line of work. She retired in 2000 before she spent time volunteering at Milton Keynes Hospital, so Vivienne has seen the benefits of being a volunteer herself, and then taking advantage of a volunteer scheme.

Meeting up with Jan allows Vivienne to keep her independence which is invaluable.

“I feel completely confident in Jan’s presence on my two walking sticks to tackle longer walks and it’s an opportunity to enjoy a variety of scenery. Life would seem poorer without her good company, patience and empathy.”

But Jan takes just as much from her timegiving: “When I was younger, volunteering gave

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

VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK

I feel completely confident in Jan’s presence on my two walking sticks to tackle longer walks and it’s an opportunity to enjoy a variety of scenery. Life would seem poorer without her good company, patience and empathy.

me opportunities to gain knowledge and skills that helped set me on a career. Now I am in my 60s, I am still able to use my knowledge and skills but in different ways to make a difference to others.

“Whether I am going for a walk with someone or listening to a child read I feel I am doing something useful. It’s rewarding. It’s also fun. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning.”

For the past 18 months Vivienne and Jan have enjoyed their weekly walks and exploration of the local area, and a firm friendship has been allowed to flourish.

If you’ve thought about giving your time, but have never taken the next step, or if you are reading this and thinking for the first time that you might like to volunteer, Jan has some words of encouragement.

“If you have time on your hands or are feeling a bit bored, consider it,” she encourages.

“There are numerous opportunities to volunteer in Milton Keynes. Whatever stage you are in life, you will find something to interest you. If you are not sure, just give it a go. You may surprise yourself.”

> If you would like to learn more about volunteering with AgeUK Milton Keynes visit ageukmiltonkeynes.org.uk

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

15

VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK

Join the local people making a difference I

n 2021 Willen Hospice celebrated its 40th anniversary, and as the only adult care hospice covering Milton Keynes, the Hospice, its staff and volunteers are a beacon of light during immensely difficult times.

Annually, the Hospice cares for an average of 300 people at its centre, and around 700 more are supported in their own homes. Putting that collective arm around the new town comes with a hefty price tag.

It costs £9 a minute, or £13,000 a week to fund its exceptional services, and volunteers are key.

“We rely heavily on the passionate support we get from so many people who freely give up their time,” said Voluntary Services Coordinator Lorraine McDonald.

Annually, supporters donate more than 72,000 hours to the Hospice – whether shaking buckets at events, maintaining the gardens or helping in administration.

There is simply so much to do.

Volunteer Jackie works in the Kiln Farm warehouse: “I come in on a Wednesday morning and we’re a really good group of friends together – the Wednesday Girls,” she said.

“As the years have gone by we’ve been there to support each other. We sort donations and always make time for coffee and a chat.”

Bev assists the in-patient unit after school.

“I find it enriching to ease the workload of the medical staff,” she said, “Volunteering helps me develop my communication skills and be sensitive to different situations. The environment is always positive with lots of smiles, but my best moment was being there to give a patient a hug and offer some consolation when she was having a particularly bad day.”

Jackie and Bev are just two of more than 600 volunteers who regularly give their time, and Willen Hospice would love you to swell that number.

“Volunteering is a fantastic way to make new friends and be part of a fantastic team whilst giving back to your local community,” said Lorraine.

“It’s also an opportunity to learn new skills and boost your CV with a wide variety of roles on offer, or for those who have retired and may have more time on their hands it’s a wonderful way to keep using valuable skills you already have.

“Volunteering is flexible and can be arranged to work around the hours you are able to give.

Above all, our volunteers at Willen simply love 16

Bev, Clinical volunteer at Willen Hospice

the feeling of fulfilment that comes with playing an important part in our ability to deliver our much needed care.”

Whether your interest is in helping with ward support, retail, administration, complementary therapy, eBay or fundraising, the Hospice would love to hear from you.

Visit willen-hospice.org.uk/volunteers

Anyone who has ever visited Milton Keynes Museum will have come away with a heap of new knowledge, willingly shared by some of its many enthusiastic, friendly volunteers.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Museum, and there are currently more than 150 involved in its smooth running.

They work in all areas; Room guides, cafe and shop staff, administrators, educators, event organisers, maintenance workers, gardeners and collection specialists among them.

And they work at all levels, including management, giving anything from just a few hours a month, to several days a week.

“It is their enthusiasm and knowledge that has taken the Museum to the next level,” said education and outreach officer Surbhi Bhambri, “They really are the backbone of the operation, and without their continued commitment, the

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

Museum simply wouldn’t be the success it is today.”

Those currently giving their time are aged 16 years-old to 91 and come from all walks of life.

“Their work has been wholly responsible for the Museum being recognised as an important tourist attraction, and a welcoming place to spend leisure time, Surbhi said, “Over the past 47 years they have steered it from a small collection to an award-winning heritage site.”

The Museum is famed for being hands-on,

VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK

“We would love to hear from anyone who wants to be part of a friendly team and loves the community,” Surbhi added, “It would be great to have some young recruits too. If you’ve got time to spare, we’ll be only too happy to help you spend it well!”

Get in touch: volunteer@mkmuseum.org.uk

Room guide Roy Laurent in the Parlour at Milton Keynes Museum Pic: R. Ian Graham

Volunteers at the MK Gallery help to enhance the visitor experience

and it also has a whole lot going on to tempt all ages; you can stroll its street of shops which faithfully recreates the popular stores of days gone by, to the communication gallery which has examples of some of the earliest telephones, and some of those mobile phones we all remember from a couple of decades ago!

There are fascinating looks at transport (some of its more unusual items include a tram, a sedan chair and a Sinclair C5), and

a recent music exhibition by Wired For Sound and Marshall Amplification gave the history hub plenty of rock n’ roll swagger!

Volunteers love its variety every bit as much as the visitors, and their efforts are rewarded in many ways.

“They enjoy new, exciting experiences, and can learn and develop new skills in a social, friendly environment, Surbhi explained, “...and it’s also a chance to contribute to the ownership of their community.”

Volunteers also benefit from discounts in the shop and tea room, entry to other local heritage sites, specific training, and there is free entry to the Museum for friends and family.

Visitor feedback constantly praises the volunteers for making visits so enjoyable, and in 2019 their efforts were acknowledged by royalty, when they were the collective recipient of the highest award that a voluntary group can receive in the UK – the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Milton Keynes Museum is currently looking to engage new volunteers in all areas, and with all skill sets. Full training will be given.

“Volunteers are essential to the smooth running of the gallery,” said volunteer manager Annette Parmar, at MK Gallery “They are the friendly, welcoming and helpful face of the gallery, they support art exhibitions, usher at events and give tours of our exhibitions. They also volunteer in our shop and help in our art workshops and fun days.”

The gallery currently has 205 people who support its events, but on any given month around 90 volunteers step forward to help, and the gallery is keen to welcome more.

“We are looking for all sorts of people, especially those who like supporting the public and meeting people,” and you don’t need to be an art expert to apply, “No knowledge of art is needed, just an interest and a thirst for learning,” Annette promised.

One of the best things about volunteering is that it can fit around your timetable – not the other way around: “We are open six days a week from 10am till late and are looking for people who operate on different timetables,” Annette promises, “We love having students support us in the holiday times, or people who are working and can only volunteer in the evenings, or people who want to build their skills or confidence or anyone who would like to be around art and other people who love art.

“We are welcoming and inclusive and accessible to everyone. We are a team that looks after each other. We love to provide opportunities to enhance people’s lives, we are a great place to volunteer if you would like to meet people and be in an interesting environment.”

Those who do give their time are rewarded with discounts in the gallery shop, cafe and cinema, enjoy exclusive behind the scenes opportunities with the exhibition team and director, and have the chance to attend previews.

“I feel proud of what we offer to our volunteers,” Annette told us, “I love my job because it enhances people’s lives; it enhances the experience of our volunteers, staff and our visitors. I would love to welcome more people to join our team and have access to this wonderful opportunity.” > Get involved: Call Annette on 01908 558305 or email aparmar@mkgallery.org

> If you want to volunteer but aren’t sure where to start, visit communityactionmk.org to search for volunteering opportunities that work for you.

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

17

LEGAL

Powers of Attorney – an introduction Having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place will ensure you have the right documents to allow your attorney to deal with your affairs as you would wish. Healds’ LPA solicitor Surindepal Singh, explains the two different types of LPAs available to you.

Surinderpal Singh and the wills, trusts and probate team provide effective and proactive guidance when dealing with estates and estate planning.

Artemis House, 4 Bramley Road Milton Keynes MK1 1PT

What is a Power of Attorney (PoA)?

Whether it’s getting you the best deal on a home equity plan, changing your GP, or dealing with a utility provider, your Attorney should be someone you know and trust. A PoA empowers others with the legal authority to assist you (the Donor) in making decisions or acting on your behalf if you’re no longer able to. Your family, including your spouse or civil partner, will not automatically have this right; therefore, you should grant authority to whoever you want to act for you. You can have more than one valid PoA at a time. There are two main types of PoA: 1. Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) EPAs are a form of authority popular in the 1980s and 1990s; they are valid and can last a lifetime, enabling your appointed Attorney(s) to make property and financial decisions on your behalf.

If you lose capacity, an EPA cannot be used until registered.

2. Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) LPAs replaced EPAs in 2007. An LPA continues to have an effect even if you lose capacity, which allows the Attorney to make decisions on your behalf when you are unable. You can choose whether the LPA comes into effect immediately or when you lose capacity, limit what decisions your Attorney can make or express a preference on how decisions are made. There are two types of LPA: a. Property & Financial – allows for any financial and property decisions b. Health & Welfare – allows for health and social care decisions Should I replace my EPA? EPAs are still valid and can be used if you have capacity without being registered. However, they cannot be used for health or welfare decisions and cannot express preferences or wishes like an LPA.

The above information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

Heald Solicitors disclaims and excludes any liability in respect of the contents of this article or for action taken based on this information. If you need legal advice, please contact a solicitor.

To use an EPA when you lose capacity, it must be registered at the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).

This can be a long process as notices must be served upon family members and the Donor in addition to the OPG procedures.

It is good to review any EPA to ensure that it reflects who and how you want to make decisions for you. It may be a good time to change to an LPA if it doesn’t.

What are the advantages of an LPA? An LPA is registered at the time of creation, so no issues can arise when you may lack the capacity. They also allow for more flexibility and consider replacement Attorneys, expressing instructions or preferences and who should be notified that an LPA exists. There is also the option to have a Health and Welfare LPA, which covers medical decisions.

If you don’t have an LPA and you lose capacity, usually family members need to act on your behalf in healthcare matters. They will need to apply for a court order upon each separate issue, making it not only impractical and time-consuming but also costly. By executing an LPA for Health and Welfare, that right to act on your behalf is automatic and covers all decisions.

Should you lose capacity without Attorney arrangements in place, family members or the Local Authority can apply for a Deputyship Order from the court to make financial and property decisions for you. Ordinarily, a court will not give such an order for general healthcare decisions. The time and cost of a Deputyship Order far outweigh the costs of LPA(s), with annual reporting, security and all the costs which are borne by you.

We can help register an existing EPA or create new LPA(s). We will guide you through the process, handle the application and answer any questions you have.

If you are looking for further assistance or information that will give you peace of mind, our private client team would be delighted to help you. You can find out more by visiting our website or calling Surinderpal or Kate on 01908 662277.

Find out more at: www.healdlaw.co.uk 18

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

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For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine |16/05/2022 June 202220:1821

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FRI 3rd JUN ‘22

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See England how it used to be & discover a wonderful little world tucked away from the hustle & bustle of everyday life at Bekonscot Model Village. Afterwards enjoy a two hour cruise along the Thames taking in the sites of Windsor Castle whilst enjoying a fish and chip lunch. *Please make us aware of any dietary requirements at booking. Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 9am and leaves Windsor at 3.45pm.

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

23

JUBILEE EVENTS

Congratulations and jubilee-tions!

You’ll can’t fail to have noticed that our monarch is celebrating a very special milestone this year, and the nation will join Her Majesty the Queen in marking her Platinum Jubilee between June 2 & 5.

Here is a peek at some of the events happening across Milton Keynes to celebrate.

Thursday, June 2 Things will be taking a fiery turn at Milton Keynes Museum with the lighting of its beacon.

Gates open at 7pm, and the beacon will be lit at 9.15pm. Entry is free. > In CMK, The Parks Trust will host a Beacon Lighting Ceremony at 9.45pm – choosing to illuminate the Light Pyramid. Milton Keynes Brass will be live at the MK Rose from 9pm and Vice Lord-Lieutenant Alexander Boswell will give a speech. > Beacons will also be lit at Hanslope Recreation Ground, at Hindhead Knoll in Walnut Tree and at the Wavendon Recreational Ground. > Earlier in the day, a Jubilee Parade and Ceremony will snake a trail from Midsummer Boulevard to MK Rose and Campbell Park from 10.30am, followed by celebrations in the park from 11am. Details were still being finalised as Pulse went to press. > Wavendon Parish Council is holding a Cream Tea in St Mary’s Church Rectory Garden between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Tasty scones and tea? It can’t fail to be a royal success! > Head to All Saints’ Church in Loughton between 11am and 4pm for a Flower and Cake Festival (which will be running daily through to Sunday).

Friday, June 3 Newport Pagnell watering hole The Kings Arms is hosting a Kings Army Jubilee Street Party, beginning at 1pm.

The family-friendly bash will include bouncy castles, children’s entertainment and music.

A magician will ensure a magical atmosphere for youngsters. > A Community Picnic will unpack at the Wavendon Recreation Ground from 2.30pm.

Bring your chairs and food and get involved – the Woburn Sands Brass Band will provide the soundtrack.

Garden fete games will feature, and little people can get involved with wellie wanging! > Bletchley Town Bowls Club, located on Princes Way, invites you to its Jubilee Festival from 2pm.

24

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

JUBILEE EVENTS

A beacon lighting ceremony is planned at MK Rose on Thursday 2 June

Saturday, June 4 Milton Keynes Museum has partnered with Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council for a Big Celebratory Party.

The royally good afternoon will include music and arts and crafts, and if you think you’ve got a good swing, you can step up for a game of crazy golf. Or perhaps you’d be interested in the Kings and Queens pageant? The Museum will also be hosting a proms finale and more.

The party will run from 1pm until 7.30pm and entry is free.

Head to miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk for details. > In Hanslope, residents will be limbering up for a Sports Day to mark the Jubilee! > Little Brickhill Street Party will run from midday to 2.30pm and under 13s can get involved in a fancy dress of any theme. Over 13s have a red, white and blue theme. If you feel like channeling your inner Mary Berry, a cake competition with a royal theme is waiting for your submission.

Little Brickhill organisers have gone all out for these celebrations, which will also feature Best Dressed Dog and Best Decorated House in the village. There will be no special treatment if you enter your corgi, mind you! > In Newport Pagnell the Platinum Jubilee is being marked with a Vintage Day, which will run from 11am through to 5.30pm.

The whole town will be ‘dressed’ for the celebrations, which will feature staged entertainment, indoor displays from the period, and dozens of vintage stalls.

A living history museum will be set up, and a vintage fashion show will show you the ‘current’ 1950s trends to adopt.

Add in singers and dancers and a live band paying homage to the period, and you’ll be ready to bop. If you do want to get your boogie on, take a trip to Bury Field where the dance floor will be set.

Beautiful bodywork will be on display at the vintage car and military vehicle show, and it’s such a big ‘do’ that the Rt Honourable Winston Churchill will be stopping by.

For more details click to newport-pagnell.org.uk

> Other areas holding Big Lunch events today include Hanslope (theirs will take over the High Street for six hours from midday) and Wolverton Recreation Ground (midday-4pm) in Stony Stratford with magician Mr Custard, a coconut shy and music from the New Bradwell Silver Band.

If you are able, please pack a tin or two of something to pop into the MK Food Bank Collection being held at the event.

Leon Recreational Grounds Park will be the setting for a Big Lunch in Bletchley, running 1pm-6pm, and in Walnut Tree, bring your Sunday, June 5 picnic blankets and hampers to Hindhead Knoll between midday and 3pm.

Big Local Conniburrow is among those parishes > A special service to commemorate the taking part in the countrywide Big Jubilee Lunch. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be held at The community bash will include a bouncy St Mary’s Church from 3pm. All are welcome. castle, arts & crafts, soft play, garden games and > Milton Keynes Chorale present their a live band. concert to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee “We wanted to bring the celebrations to with Crowning Glory, at MK Theatre. the heart of the community to share One hundred and twenty singers friendship, food and fun with each from MK Chorale, Polymnia, other and to let people be a Musical MK and Oxford part of history,” said organiser Pro Musica Singers will Leigha Britnell. combine talents and Email contact@big vocals to deliver pieces localconniburrow.org

by Handel (Zadok the to book a table. On the Priest), Elgar (Nimrod) day, take along your grub and Walton (Coronation and get stuck into a right Te Deum). royal feast!

A rousing evening Catch Magic Karl at the Big “Anyone can turn up for will reach its end with Jubillee Lunch in Conniburrow the event,” Leigha told us, a big finale featuring a “There are 35 craft and trade fresh arrangement of the stalls to peruse as well as free National Anthem. face painting and activities.”

Tickets start at £15, the MK-based family and children’s show goes live from 7.30pm. Visit entertainer Magic Karl will perform throughout atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes the afternoon, and live music will come from covers band, Wired. > Another Jubilee Lunch is set for the grassy area around Broughton Pub, between midday and 3pm.

Pack a picnic, or feel free to share your signature dish with your community.

Music, magic, inflatables, fete style games and food vendors will all feature.

A royal thank you for Knitting Nana

K

nitting Nana has been cheering residents of Newport Pagnell by hiding her little presents around the town since the pandemic started – little acts of kindness that went a long way during difficult times.

Things may be returning to normal now, but she has continued to bring cheer by hiding gifts, and has donated items to children displaced by the war in Ukraine.

Knitting Nana, who has also crafted

some spectacular post box toppers, sent Her Majesty a card and knitted figure congratulating HRH on her Platinum Jubilee from the people of Newport Pagnell.

And she has received a Royal thank you for her excellent efforts!

“I was so pleased and dead chuffed to have an acknowledgement,” said the mysterious lady responsible for so many smiles, “It was completely unexpected and I was thrilled to receive it.”

Knitting Nana received this letter to thank her for raising people’s spirits during the difficult times

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

25

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Perhaps the greatest benefits are having my independence and the freedom to live my life the way that I wish but having support and friendship at hand. So many pressures and cares have been lifted.” Barbara Brown, Hawthorns Northampton resident.

>> To arrange a safe, guided in-person or virtual tour, call 01604 553639 or visit hawthornsretirement.co.uk

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27

LOCAL HISTORY

A visit to your local cemetery will open up a whole new chapter of history

Side by side with our past If you want to learn about the history of an area, a look around the often fading headstones of an old cemetery will yield all sorts of results.

I

n Newport Pagnell, if you allow yourself a stroll around Ousebank cemetery, it is easy to be captured by the many gravestones, some fading with the passing of time, others being ‘devoured’ by the flora that slowly creeps its way over the final resting places of our long lost ancestors and fellow townspeople.

That quick stroll can easily turn into a decidedly longer, contemplative visit.

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One fairly unostentatious, well preserved gravestone commemorates Robert Bason, who passed away on November 30, 1889 aged 78 years.

The inscription reads, ‘Who was for 38 years faithful Postman of this town.’

Robert would have been at the heart of the community he served almost four decades, when the town was much smaller and would have been decidedly close-knit.

With such a long period of service, he must have been privy to more than a few secrets, too!

By the time of the 1881 Census, Robert was recorded as having no occupation, being instead listed as a ‘Superannuated Letter Carrier,’ an old-fashioned term, effectively meaning that advancing age had seen him pensioned off.

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

LOCAL HISTORY

A little search reveals that Robert was born in Weston Underwood, and his wife, Sarah, came from Stoke Goldington. She was four years younger than her husband, and working as a lacemaker.

Even less is known of Charles Wilford, at rest elsewhere in the graveyard, but the Census showed him as the head of his household and listed his occupation as ‘master plumber and painter.’

His wife, Elizabeth had no form of employment listed, and nor did his daughter Sarah, but son William was working as a painter too, a trade no doubt learned as an apprentice with his father.

A little stroll away, we visit the resting place of James Knight, who passed away in 1905, aged 63 years. He was spared the agony of seeing his son Leonard, who was a Corporal in WWI, ‘wounded at Armentieres,’ as recorded on the headstone.

The Battle of Armentieres was fought during October and November 1914, and Leonard succumbed the following June. He was 29 years old.

How tragic for James’ wife, Mary who survived her husband and son and who was in her 80s when she passed away in 1928 – she is buried with her husband and son in the same plot. Reunited again for nigh on a century now.

Records state that the family was large in number; it is thought Leonard was actually the second youngest of an estimated 13 children, although he is recorded as the youngest son on the plaque.

We do know that Leonard’s father worked as a master shoemaker, and that his mother was a shoe closer when they married in 1860. They lived in the High Street for a number of years before moving to St John Street.

In 1901, Leonard was a coach wheeler apprentice, and a decade later he was a wheelwright in the Royal Engineers in Chatham, before he was cut down at such a young age.

Arthur Charles Vickery was another casualty of war – killed in action on December 1, 1917 at France & Flanders.

Born in London, he was a resident of Newport Pagnell at the time of his death, living with his grandparents at Riverside.

Arthur was 26 when his life was taken.

Tragically, he left a widow, Katy Mary who he had married just a year before his death.

This grand-looking memorial belongs to the Taylor family, famous today for their mustard

The gravetone of James Knight, his wife Mary and son Leonard who died of wounds received during the Battle of Armentieres.

One can imagine the whisperings and grief of a town united in sorrow for the loss of the young man, and of their thoughts for a young lady whose hopes and dreams were cruelly stolen so soon after the couple had pledged to spend their lives together.

Arthur is buried in Nord, but a memorial to this member 3rd battalion of the Coldstream Guards can be found in the cemetery, placed on the grave of his in-laws.

There are three Commonwealth War Graves from World War II here too.

A touching tribute to the the town's ‘postie’ of 38 years, Robert Bason

Naturally, many names associated with the cemetery are from prominent families locally; Cowley, Coales and Odell are among the familiar names on site.

While we don't know what kind of people they were, it is still possible to uncover the most random of facts about those buried here; George Heley passed away in 1872, but five years previously, an agreement had been struck that he would pay ‘Thomas Lawman one shilling p.a. for allowing soil from Heley’s water closet to pass into Lawman’s drain’!

Though there are many aged graves to take attention, a trip back to the 1950s (if only we were able to), would have revealed an altogether more historic vision; many gravestones were removed from the churchyard during a clearance in the mid1960s, and they have been laid in the floor of the nave inside the church itself.

At the time, the external area was becoming difficult to maintain. Many of the graves were aged - over a century old - and only a minority were still being tended by relatives.

A stroll around the church introduces you to glimpses of heartbreaking stories; like the Coles family who lost three children in just eighteen months; John died on September 17, 1814 aged three months, sister Sarah was eight months old when she departed this life on February 29, 1816, and their sister Mary Ann passed away on March 1, 1816, aged three years and two months.

There are some significant memorials on the site, including one for the Taylor family which was erected around 1900 and is Grade II listed. It is decidedly grand, and yet its positioning means that it is possible to walk the graveyard and not catch sight of it.

The Taylor family enjoyed a long history with the town, and were respected as chemists, for their mustard (Taylor’s Mustard was given them King’s seal of approval) and as mineral manufacturers.

On the other side of the cemetery, another large memorial – this one housed on the mound – is for the Bull family, a family of respected solicitors.

We grew up in Newport Pagnell and have long enjoyed this slice of tranquility a mere stones throw from the bustling town centre. And with every visit, we still discover something new.

If you really want to get close to the past, a trip to your local historic cemetery is the easiest way to roll back time, and recall those whose footsteps we follow in.

Additional info: buckinghamshireremembers.org.uk doverwarmemorialproject.co.uk

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

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

29

PULSE PICS

Bird life, vikings, corgis on postboxes and a celebration of dance....

It’s pretty easy to put some bunting up and crack open a bottle of something nice, but it takes real effort to celebrate HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee like this!

It is the first time that a British monarch has celebrated such an important milestone, and Knitting Nana and Sarah Quittenton helped Newport Pagnell to mark it in style - with these outstanding postbox toppers. They give new meaning to the term ROYAL Mail!

The sharp eye of photographer Colin Kempster resulted in these splendid shots of local birdlife, captured at the FloodPlain Forest Nature Reserve. See more of his superb images on Instagram @pixbycurvy pster Kem olin s: C Pic

International Dance Day was acknowledged with two nights of marvellous movement at Milton Keynes Rose.

Many dance groups participated in the show, which was curated by MÓTUS, and highlighted the variety on offer here in the new town; from street and parkour to indian and belly dance.

Pic: Sammy Jones

When Les Misérables returned to Milton Keynes Theatre for a much anticipated monthlong stay, the venue decided to shout about it from the rooftops...or rather they projected the iconic image onto the side of the venue!

Milton Keynes Museum is used to all sorts of visitors, but the vikings are without doubt some of the most formidable!

They paid a visit to the history hub for the return of the Museum’s annual History Festival.

Pics: Sammy Jones

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

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TRANSITION TOWN

Coping with current crises and food insecurity As the world grapples with converging crises of conflict, cost of living, and climate, the war in Ukraine exacerbates the threat to precious life and resources.

H

ow we got here is much bigger than what we can cover on this page. But the butterfly effect of these crises converging, particularly following a global pandemic, demonstrates a clear and present danger to people’s lives all over the world.

Just as inflation, energy costs, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the climate crisis make sobering news, the impact on our globalised food system has staggering humanitarian and geopolitical consequences for us to consider too.

Food security concerns While the World Bank estimates a 37% spike in food prices across the globe, we’re feeling the impacts here as British shoppers are reported to be facing the biggest grocery price hike in a decade which is already evident with the increasing demand on UK food banks.

This focus on food security raises a critical question we need to ask ourselves: How can we (re)build a more resilient, future-proofed, food system?

There is plenty we can do on this front alone – from shopping locally or growing our own food to reduce our food miles and support the local economy, and eating less meat, to composting household food waste instead of sending it off to landfill.

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More people than ever are having to turn to food banks to feed their households

We need to act now

Food for thought and next steps

The latest report from the UN’s IPCC warns that we must take swift and aggressive steps to transition away from fossil fuels if we hope to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

There is undeniably a lot for us to cope with right now. But rather than bury our heads in the sand, we can strengthen our capacity to face these global crises and respond with resilience and creative power.

The years of research that have gone into the report call for drastic measures to be taken now if we are going to achieve net zero in thirty years. There are several ways we can support some of these measures but one major mitigating factor that we can all do our bit to act on immediately in our everyday lives is to reduce our food waste and shift towards a more plant-based diet.

“The greatest potential… comes from changes in food demand”

We can be active participants in bringing about the change we want to see. Yes, we should switch up our daily habits to be more sustainable (- see our Library of Ideas for more on that), but we believe that to make impactful and long-lasting change, being part of a strong and resilient community or group provides the essential support we all need too.

The numbers behind this show that food systems are responsible for a whopping 42% of global emissions, and 28% of households’ carbon footprints.

There is plenty we can do on this front alone – from shopping locally or growing our own food to reduce our food miles and support the local economy, and eating less meat, to composting household food waste instead of sending it off to landfill.

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

> For more information on Transition Town Milton Keynes, visit: www.transitiontownmk.org or email: transitiontownmk@protonmail.com

YOUR HEALTH

Do you suffer with sore heels?

Mr Joel Humphrey What is heel pain?

Heel pain is a common foot condition.

Symptoms can range from a dull ache to a more intense pain. The pain can be worse first thing in the morning, when standing from a seated position or having walked any long distance.

The two most common causes of heel pain are either plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy.

What is Achilles tendinopathy?

Achilles tendinopathy is an overuse injury. The Achilles tendon undergoes a degenerative process in response to repetitive small tears that do not completely heal after each injury. The Achilles tendon can be painful, stiff and swollen.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is chronic inflammation to the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone although it is more common in people who spend all day on their feet, are overweight or have altered foot biomechanics.

If you are experiencing pain in your heel which is intense, worsening or persistent then it’s important to get it treated, whether that’s conservatively or with specialist intervention.

Read on to find out what Orthopaedic Specialist Foot and Ankle Surgeon from the Saxon Clinic MK, Mr Joel Humphrey, has to say on possible causes of heel pain and what he would recommend as a course of action.

How do you treat heel pain?

Below are some of the non-surgical treatments that specialists can recommend for Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis, however this list it is in no way exhaustive. Nonsurgical treatments are effective in the majority (85-90%) of patients: 1. Appropriate footwear which is supportive and fits well is recommended.

2. Medical insoles can be useful to improve the foot position.

3. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol, anti-inflammatory tablets or anti-inflammatory gels can be beneficial in reducing the pain symptoms.

4. Weight-loss is an important part of the treatment plan to reduce the forces going through your heel.

5. Activity modification aims to reduce impact activities that cause

your symptoms. Fitness can be maintained by doing other forms of exercise such as cycling or swimming.

6. Stretching exercises to the calf muscles and plantar fascia are very effective for many patients and form the mainstay of treatment to promote long term resolution. You may require specialist input from a physiotherapist.

7. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is offered to patients who have not responded to first line treatments. It uses shockwaves (low energy sound waves) to increase the blood flow to speed up the body’s natural healing process.

Can you treat heel pain with surgery?

Surgery would only be considered an option as a last resort after nonsurgical treatments have failed. It would depend on the extent of your condition and exact diagnosis.

Heel pain can be caused by other conditions. If your condition doesn’t resolve or if another cause to your heel pain is suspected you will need a referral to a specialist.

Mr Joel Humphrey, Foot and Ankle Surgeon, The Saxon Clinic, Milton Keynes.

For more information or to book an appointment online please visit: circlehealthgroup.co.uk/ consultants/joel-humphrey You can also find out more by Emailing: admin@ mercuryfootandankle.clinic Visiting Mr Humphrey’s website: www.mercuryfootandankle.clinic

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Back of the net… Denbigh School’s under-18 team are county champions after winning the inaugural Buckinghamshire Schools Plate.

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aptain Joel Marklove received the trophy after the team beat Waddesdon School 3-1 in the final, played at the home of Slough Town FC. He is pictured with his teammates as the celebrations begin.

The team is made up of members of Denbigh’s successful Football Academy, which offers post-16 students the opportunity to develop their football skills and gain qualifications that can set them on a successful path in sporting professions and Higher Education.

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YOUR HEALTH

Hear, hear… Ear care expertise eases the pain of aural discomfort Ear wax and infections can cause problems for many people, resulting in major discomfort or hearing issues if left over a long period of time. The Nurse Clinic, based in Bedford, are private ear care specialists who are here to help you hear.

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ffering professional ear care treatments to all ages – adults and children – ear wax removal, ear care consultations and private prescriptions are just some of the services available from The Nurse Clinic.

The main methods used at The Nurse

Clinic for extracting ear wax include irrigation and microsuction. Irrigation uses a gentle, regulated stream of water to eliminate blockages while microsuction involves a suction tube into the ear canal. The suction tip is attached to a long plastic tube, which is then attached to a suction unit or machine.

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Both methods are effective, gentle and safe, taking between 15 and 20 minutes.

Since last year, The Nurse Clinic has treated more than 2,000 patients for private ear care.

Ear wax removal packages are £55 for one ear and £75 for both. For children (aged three-18, accompanied by a parent or guardian), the price for microsuction is £95.

Choose from one of three ear care consultation packages. A Standard Ear Consultation (£45) involves ear examination and no procedures. The Premium (£65) package includes an examination and private prescription if necessary, while a Premium Plus (£100) Consultation offers an examination, private prescription and ear swab to be sent off for further examination if needed.

The Nurse Clinic is also registered and regulated by the Care Quality Commission which represents private healthcare businesses across the UK including the NHS. The clinic also offers face-to-face minor illness consultations led by highly qualified nurse prescribers. These consultations can range from coughs and sore throats to skin infections, and UTI / cystitis diagnosis or treatment.

These consultations ensure visitors to The Nurse Clinic get extra value and can be treated efficiently and effectively. All Minor Illness Consultations are £65 – the clinic can also see children as young as six months old, as well as adults.

Donna Dady, founder of The Nurse Clinic, is an Advanced Nurse Specialist and has more than 25 years of experience working as a Registered General Nurse within the NHS and other healthcare settings. Her vast expertise, kindness and knowledge result in the Nurse Clinic delivering exceptional service to all its’ patients. >> To book an appointment or find out more information, call 01234 958995 lines open seven days a week - or book online at www.thenurseclinic.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

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

35

Making Tax Digital Are you ready?

S

ince 2019, VAT-registered businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold (£85,000) have been mandated to keep digital VAT records and send returns to HMRC using Making Tax Digital (MTD) compatible software.

From April 2022 these requirements will now apply to all VAT-registered businesses, meaning any business who voluntarily registered under the taxable turnover threshold of £85,000 will be affected.

What is MTD?

There are many reasons we chose to partner with Xero, outside of the Making Tax Digital requirements, including: Being able to keep your invoice records and paperwork stored online, so you no longer need to keep large boxes of paperwork Being user friendly The ability to see how your business is performing in real time Being able to produce sales invoices easily, with the ability to automate your credit control and get paid faster

MTD compatible software There is a large choice of MTD compatible software on the market. In most circumstances we recommend Xero. We have partnered with Xero since 2013 and have helped many clients transfer onto the software, providing set-up and training support.

MTD for VAT Although this has been in place since 2019 for MOST VAT-registered businesses MTD for VAT will be expanded to cover ALL VAT-registered businesses. This will mean more businesses needing to keep digital VAT records and submit VAT returns using MTD-compatible software. Action needs to be taken as soon as possible by those businesses now caught by these regulations from April 2022.

MTD for Income Tax MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment will apply from April 2024 for unincorporated businesses and landlords with total business or property income above £10,000 per year.

MTD is a key part of the Government’s plans to make it easier for businesses to get their tax right and keep on top of their tax affairs. HMRC’s ambition is to be one of the most digitally advanced tax administrations in the world, modernising the tax system to make it more effective, more efficient, and easier for customers to comply. This means businesses need to keep digital records and use compatible software to send their VAT returns or Income Tax updates (more details to follow) to HMRC. Keeping digital records and providing updates to HMRC directly through MTD compatible software is designed to reduce errors, cost, uncertainty, and worry. This streamlined digital experience integrates tax into day-to-day business record-keeping, so that businesses can view their tax position in-year and be confident that they have got their taxes right.

Summary

Further Information?

Have you ever wondered what Xero is and how it could change the way you run your business?

This is your chance to find out.

Manage your accounts from anywhere, on any device Manage your cash-flow Invoice customers from any device Take payment directly from your sales invoice via an online payment gateway

Come along to our free seminar to discover the key features of Xero and how it could help run your business finances. We understand the move to online software is a step into the unknown for many businesses, so we’ve set-up a series of events to help provide information about Xero and how to best transition your businesses finances online.

Unlimited user access, with multiple user levels

Visit advaloremgroup.uk/events or scan the QR code below to register and attend one of our “An intro to Xero” seminars.

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View live reports e.g. profit & loss, balance sheet, age receivables

(e) enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk (w) advaloremgroup.uk (t) 01908 219100

High level security 36

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

Cloud Accounting Specialists But don’t take our word for it.

Here’s what our clients have to say.

Xero is key to keeping our accounts info up-to-date and allows Ad Valorem to provide Management Accounts, which are so valuable to assess business performance and to aid decision making.

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WILLEN HOSPICE

Get Mooving for Willen Hospice this summer!

W

Willen Hospice is encouraging local people and businesses to join the herd of fundraisers who are Mooving for the charity’s Summer of Moo, which encompasses three of their biggest fundraising event: The Midday Moo (25th June), The Midnight Moo (15th July) and The Mini-Moo (7th August).

But why should you Moo? Firstly, it is for a fantastic cause!

Willen Hospice is the only adult hospice in the local area, caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families. It is a common misconception that hospices only care for people at the end of their lives, but in fact patients can receive support for years.

At Willen Hospice this can be in the form of counselling and art therapy to help someone

38

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5 or 10 mile walk • Big Food Festival

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Run, walk or scoot, or do all three!

Show us your Mooves! who has just received a terminal diagnosis; occupational and physiotherapy to ease the side effects of treatment; or a short stay on the lakeside In Patient Unit for pain relief and specialist care. Similar to the NHS, the care at Willen Hospice is free of charge, but unlike the NHS, Willen receives less than a quarter of its funding from the government.

They rely on the local community to help them raise the rest – £4.7million a year – which is

WWW.Willen-hospice.org.uk/Moo why fundraising events like the Summer of Moo are so important.

everyone who signs up, with a collective fundraising goal of £125,000 across all the events.

Secondly, the Moo events are great fun! There is always an amazing atmosphere at the events, whether it’s a walk in the sunshine at the Midday Moo, a party vibe at the Midnight Moo, or hundreds of children scooting, running and walking at the Mini Moo! Nothing beats the buzz of hitting your fundraising goal either, which is £100 for

What are you waiting for?

Get Mooving and sign up for the Willen Hospice Summer of Moo now: www.willen-hospice. org.uk/moo Entry is £20 for the Midday and Midnight Moo (group discount for teams), which includes a Moo t-shirt and medal, and £10 for the Mini Moo which includes a cap and medal.

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

THE POWER

of Three

The Power of 3 runs through the core of OCM as we have three professional disciplines brought together allowing

us to deliver such a powerful client focused proposition.

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FASHION

F&F @ Tesco £16

Main image: Swimsuit by M&Co

Stripes are back, according to the catwalks at JW Anderson, Louis Vuitton and Fendi - which is great news for all the timeless shirts, tops and Summer dresses we’ve all got stashed at the back of our wardrobe.

But before you rush to coastlines in your fave Bretons and pinstripe, why not dare go in a different direction - in rows of rebellious waves instead?

Making the case for crazy prints in cute colours are the knitted wavy-wear seen in House of Sunny, Gabriela Hearst, and Elleme’s collections. Very and River Island are on the same wavelength - else swing

by Primark for a knitted set that defies old fashioned rules around pairing blue and green.

Looking for your holiday hero piece? You’ll want to pack River Island’s sequinned number - a show stopper, like the glittering maxi dresses seen on Fendance and Versace’s runways. Just see Celine for style tips on wearing it day-to-night; try shrouding the sparkle under an oversized blazer, and downplaying its sass with flat sandals and a pair of shades.

If you’re not so keen on loud lines, try a blurry tie-dye instead, a la the looks that made a splash at Altuzarra and Max Mara.

Head to Zara, where there’s a two-toned shirt that’ll work with bright, white, light or dark denim. Else see F&F at Tesco for a swimsuit that’ll rival the water of any pool.

Guaranteed, with a bit of colour, row of fringing, or a flash of sequins involved, you’ll not have one bored walk all Summer - whether you toe the line in a classic stripe, go rogue in waves, or cheat a little with a zebra print that’s bordering on marble.

George @ Asda £12

Zara £19.99

New Look Top £19 Skirt £22.99 River Island > £150

BOARDWALK

REMIX

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

Zara £19.99

Zara £22.99

Primark > Trousers £18 Top £10

< Zara £59.99

M&S £19.50 M&S £69

< Primark £18

40

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

FASHION

Cruise in style

L

Don’t forget swimwear is often worn most of the “sea days” on board, so you don’t really need to wear clothes in the daytime. A fact most women forget and end up taking far to much!

A top tip is to use the laundry facilities on board so you don’t need to take so much and you can recycle the same clothes wearing them in different combinations the next week.

ots of my customers are now able to get away on holiday and some love cruising. It is a tricky business trying to plan your wardrobe whether it’s a weekend down the river or a round the world adventure.

The perennial problem is what is the dress code and how much can I cram into my suitcase. Much of the information can be gleaned from a proper look at the itinerary. Will you need formal attire, cocktail, or just smart casual? And how much of it?

My recommendation is to Google the company you are cruising with to get a feel of past events to see what others have worn. You do not want to find you have overdone or underdone your selections. Pay attention to any specific themes, e.g., roaring twenties or a red and gold night. The men can join in with a complementary bow tie to echo your outfit too.

Think about the temperature changes. Are you going to be in one type of climate or are you going to be wardrobe-challenged with different temperatures to contend with? What type of excursions are you going on and how much time will you be “at sea”? All of these situations require different clothing.

A top tip is to use the laundry facilities on board so you don’t need to take so much...

I always suggest you pull out all the clothes you think you might want to take and try them all on to check fit and suitability. Draw up an agenda of the days you are away and what you will be doing, then you can figure out the clothes you need. For example in one/two weeks you might take one pair of shorts, one light weight pair of long trousers that can be turned up, one skirt or extra pair of ⅞ trousers, seven T-shirt’s/blouses (mix of sleeveless and short sleeved that tone with the bottom half) plus a light weight cardi or jumper and jacket for the day time. For the evening maybe a jumpsuit, a couple of light maxi dresses and possibly a couple of more sparkly tops to dress up the trousers or shorts you have taken. Clearly the dresses can also be worn in the day time so you have plenty of variety without a trunk of clothes.

Trust me, if it’s not a highly memorable print no one will remember. If the cruise is more formal you might find your allocated more baggage allowance worth enquiring. If you are sailing from Southampton clearly that’s not a problem. However I would still work out what you need to make sure you will have enough of the right clothes. Yes, you can often buy more on the ship but it will be expensive in comparison.

If you are heading off on your travels and finding the whole prospect somewhat daunting give me a call and let’s see how I can help you.

Think it’s a bit extravagant? Just think about the money you can save on excess baggage costs and buying more clothes when you're away and the extra suitcase required for the journey home...

Jane Sumner Image Matters 07779 585323 www.imagemattersuk.com

Two hours wardrobe planning and advice for £99 At Image Matters Studio in Olney or online Normally £150, please quote Pulse magazine when booking

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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 | June 2022

41

BEAUTY

Gifts for Daddy!

Your dad is always there to care, so it’s time to say ‘thank you’ this Father’s Day. Here are some fragrant ideas to get you ready for Sunday, June 19.

Good things sometimes come in small packages, and this could well be the best present that dad won’t ask for.

If he’s an eyebrow plucker, get him the ‘Ferrari of Tweezers,’ the Rubis Classic Slanted, and he’ll be able to shape those brows with ease.

Boys love their toys and Moschino’s Toy Boy EDP is a blast – a fragrance which ‘reinterprets elegance with a touch of irony.’

It somehow manages to straddle the thin line between cool and classy and playful and fun with ease.

The fragrance itself brings together woody and spicy tones for a seductive splash.

RRP: £64.50

Get it: Fragrance Shop at centre:mk or Grosvenor Centre in Northampton, or head online to thefragranceshop.co.uk

RRP: £24.90

If your dad is an absolute winner, he’ll need a Lush bubble bar to celebrate with, won’t he?

Get it: amazon.co.uk

No.1 Dad is scented with the bestselling Dirty fragrance and will deliver a bubble bath of blue water with a touch of gold.

Lush also has a Big Moustache soap which is full of charcoal, and contains Old Man’s Beard Infusion (usnea), a lichen used in traditional medicine for inflammations and wound treatment. In fan-’tache-tic!

No-one wants chapped, irritated, moisture-starved skin, and SBC’s Aloe Vera Moisturising Gel is just the job for cooling, soothing and moisturising the face and body.

RRP: £6 each

Get it: Lush stores at centre:mk and Grosvenor Centre in Northampton

It’s a water-based gel that offers quick cooling relief – guaranteed to get dad’s approval!

RRP: £6.50

Get it: sbcskincare.co.uk

Bulldog Skincare has a brand new range of products guaranteed to give dad’s hair some flair!

Original Styling Salt Spray, Styling Pomade and Styling Cream are a trio of hair care items that have been formulated using 100% naturally derived styling agents and will ‘set’ him for success.

Trust Bulldog to protect hair and scalp; these bathroom essentials are free from artificial colours and synthetic fragrances, and vegan to boot.

RRP: £8 each

Get it: Stores nationwide or at uk.bulldogskincare.com

Pepe Jeans Celebrate For Him EDP unites the aromatic potency of juniper and cardamom with subtle notes of gin and cocoa for a fresh delivery.

Purchase the gift set and you’ll be giving him a 100ml EDP spray with a shower gel.

A daring fragrance housed in a masculine bottle that demands attention.

RRP: £58

Get it: Fragrance Shop at centre:mk or Grosvenor Centre in Northampton, or head online to thefragranceshop.co.uk

42

Skin can sometimes be irritable post-shave, but with support from Origins’ Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion it won’t stay that way for long.

This lotion is a dab hand at reducing redness and irritation, and it soothes and hydrates with ease. It’s gentle enough to be used on all skin types too. An all-round winner that can be used morning and night. This Father’s Day, treat him to the power of the fungi!

RRP: £33

Get it: Available at stores nationwide

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Chicken burgers with raspberryhoney sauce

COOK’S TIP For a quick dessert, blend the remaining raspberries with a little icing sugar and lemon juice. Serve over vanilla ice cream and top with toasted flaked almonds.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

2 x 305g packs Southern Fried Breaded Chicken Mini Fillets

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Cook the chicken according to pack instructions. Add the burger buns to the oven for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

4 burger buns, split open 2 tbsp Greek strained yogurt 2 limes, juice ½ large pointed spring cabbage, shredded (about 175g prepared weight) 2 tbsp clear honey ½ tsp hot smoked paprika 150g No.1 Speciality Raspberries Sliced gherkins or pickled cucumbers, to serve Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Total time: 35 minutes Serves: 4 44

2. Meanwhile, mix the yogurt and juice of 1 lime in a mixing bowl and toss through the cabbage and a pinch of salt; set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the honey, paprika and juice of the remaining lime. Add the raspberries and gently crush with the back of a fork. Stir together and set aside.

3. When the chicken and buns are cooked, arrange the bottom halves of the buns on a board. Spoon over most of the raspberryhoney sauce, then scatter over some of the sliced gherkins or pickled cucumbers. Arrange the chicken on top, then pile on the cabbage. Top with the burger lids and serve immediately with any remaining raspberry-honey sauce on the side.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose.

Recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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

FOOD & DRINK

T

he setting of Calcutta Brasserie is exquisite – situated in a stunningly beautiful Grade II Listed Chapel in the historic and picturesque town of Stony Stratford, the Indian Restaurant is home to, no doubt, one of the most beautifully adorned Indian restaurants in the country. As previous winners of the Best Asian Restaurant in Milton Keynes at the MK Food and Leisure Awards, finalists at the British Curry Awards and with a Head Chef named the second best Indian chef in the country, Calcutta Brasserie put a whole host of passion and detail into every dish, each from varying regions throughout India – a country we all know is rich with diverse ingredients, cooking-style and traditions – and packed-full of flavour.

Although the Brasserie is open for takeaway every day from 5pm-10pm, an ‘Indian takeaway’ it is not; there is no doubt that the dine-in experience is worth it for the beautiful surroundings. Although the Brasserie hosts a whole heap of offers (including an exceptionally well-priced Sunday Buffet, Express Business Lunch, and a Wine and Spice evening) I was invited to try a very unique experience there – ‘Dining in the Dark.’ I really was thrilled to go along – I’d heard about these events a few years ago, but I never had the chance to visit and try out this culinary adventure.

As I was lucky enough to trial some of the dishes on a regular evening at the restaurant, I would like to point out that the staff at Calcutta didn’t plunge the whole restaurant into darkness when we visited, as I’m not sure this would have been fair on their regular customers! For the event itself (priced incredibly reasonably at £24.95 a head) the stunning interior will be solely lit by candlelight – a pathway will guide diners along the walkways of the chapel and to their seats, with each table dimly lit by a single candle. Just as each guest will be, we were provided with blindfolds to give us the full ‘Dining in the Dark’ experience. After a few slightly confused looks from the other guests (understandably!) we prepared to don our eyewear and strapped in for the experience.

To begin, we opted for a bottle of a particularly delicious South African Sauvignon Blanc (£28.50) and tucked into the altogether familiar taste of crisp poppadums with various chutneys while we discussed what culinary delights were yet to come. The first thing we noted straightaway was the quality of the service – each staff member was friendly, professional and attentive and, very importantly, always on-hand to top-up our wine glasses! When the starters arrived, they were presented beautifully on a single plate. These consisted of: Lasooni Murgh Tikka – beautifully succulent chargrilled

Dining In The Dark takes place in the beautiful setting of the Old Chapel, Stony Stratford

Dining

in the Dark chicken tikka marinated in garlic yoghurt; Onion Garam Pakoda – Spanish onion strands fried in a spicy, crisp batter; one of my all-time favourite dishes, Gilafi Seekh Kebab – deliciously spiced minced lamb kebab, coated with herbs and peppers, and lastly the Chowk Ki Tikki, which was probably our favourite item from the plate.

This was a dish neither of us had tried before at a South Asian restaurant – a crispy potato cake with ginger, fresh and mild green chillies and roasted cumin. We found that texture was one of the most important elements for us when tasting each dish blindfolded; we particularly favoured the crisp, fried starters – which happened to be the Vegetarian choices – over our usual preference for meat!

It is important to note that I had given the restaurant prior notice of my allergy, which I would highly recommend doing to give the chefs time to prepare alternatives. This meant they were able to adapt most of the menu to be without nuts and coconut and made it very hassle-free on the evening.

Now on to the mains – all served with pilau rice and plain naan – and what a selection we had. We were served four delicious curries with distinctly different flavours: Murgh Tikka Lababdar – chicken tikka pieces cooked in a satin-smooth tomato and onion gravy, rich with butter and cream; Kosha Mangsho – my favourite main dish of slow-cooked lamb with hot aromatic spices, caramelised onions and ginger; Dal Makhani – warming black lentils and kidney beans stewed with spices, butter and cream and, as a replacement for Cabbage Thoran (a savoy cabbage dish that contained coconut) Punjabi Gobi Matter – cauliflower and pea curry that was traditionally cooked and delicately spiced. The curries were brilliantly varied in flavour and texture and gave us a true taste of authentic Indian cuisine.

Unfortunately, both desserts on offer contained nuts and/or coconut and we weren’t able to try the Kulfi or Cheesecake but, in all honesty, I was far too full at this point to face it!

Both the regular and vegetarian menus for this event have been designed for guests to enjoy some Calcutta classics, alongside some dishes you may, perhaps, not have tried before.

I would absolutely love to return and try the full vegetarian menu next time – especially as I know one of the main dishes contains paneer which is one of my all-time favourite Indian ingredients.

There is no doubt that eating blindfolded heightens your other senses – we were able to taste individual elements of dishes that would perhaps have otherwise gone unnoticed. For example, we found the sweet pop of the peas in the Gobi Matter and the fragrantly rich sauce in the Murgh Tikka Lababdar to be particularly noticeable when going in to taste blindly. We also noted afterwards that we hadn’t looked at our phones (apart from to take photos before tucking in) during the entirety of the meal – instead, we had taken the time to talk to each other about the complex flavours of each dish and really focus on where we were and what we were eating.

Something to note: I’d recommend going to this event with someone you know well as, if you’re really entering into the spirit of the evening as you should, you may have to feed your dinner guest – we worked this out a little late after I attempted to feed myself blindfolded and incidentally dropped a fair amount of food on to my lap, the floor and also on to the crisp, white tablecloth…

All in all, our time at Calcutta was incredibly memorable and I would highly recommend their ‘Dining in the Dark’ event, especially to couples and close friends. For such a special evening with an extremely generous amount of food, the price-point of £24.95 per person is incredibly reasonable. You must make sure not to miss out on their next event!

The next 'Dining In The Dark' night takes place on Thursday May 26. To book your place visit our website or call the restaurant Calcutta Brasserie, 7 St Pauls Court, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK11 1LJ Tel: 01908 566577 www.calcuttabrasserie.co.uk

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

45

HOME & GARDEN

DIGGING DEEP

Don’t ditch the dandelions!

W

ith things warming up and extra light afforded us during this time of year, our plants and flowers should be blooming. But they aren’t the only things that benefit from the long, warm days – weeds make the most of it too, and seem to spring up just as soon as your back is turned!

While a cleverly cultivated outdoor space is a beautiful thing, it is also worth remembering that weeds are simply plants in the wrong area.

Take the cheery dandelion, for example.

They are flowering fantastically just now, and are a valuable, early food source for bumblebees and solitary bees, hover flies, day flying moths and butterflies who make the most of their nectar and pollen.

If they aren’t interfering with your best garden displays, would you consider letting the dandelion stay?

Their bright yellow flowers are visible from March through to October, but this time of year is when they are at their most abundant.

They are easily adaptable and can grow anywhere – from fields and roadsides through to your carefully maintained garden, and their seeds are plentiful; a flower can have as many as 400, although on average around 180 are released from each head.

If left to its own devices, dandelion plants have been found to survive between 10 and 13 years, which is quite something – though not if you are a gardener being driven mad by this persistent player which keeps on trucking despite best efforts to remove it.

Before having a lovely lawn became a thing, dandelions were a favourite blossom – and grass was often moved out so the dandelions could flourish!

These masters of survival have long been revered for their first aid properties and 100s of years ago they were used to treat a variety of ailments; from warts to the plague.

And it seems that our ancestors really were onto something: That little plant that you show such disdain for, happens to be rich in vitamins A and C, and also boasts a whole load of other goodness.

In her book Eating on the Wild Side, author Jo Robinson said that compared to spinach, dandelion leaves have eight times more antioxidants and two times more calcium.

They are also said to be a good source of iron, magnesium and potassium.

46

Today, dandelion tea is readily available to purchase and the leaves act as a diuretic and help aid digestion, and while the recipes have changed with time, just what do you suppose dandelion and burdock is all about?!

The drink has been taken in this country since the Middle Ages, and while it’s a readily available carbonated treat today, in bygone times it was a type of mead.

As a youngster, my rabbit would love it when I’d return home having spied and collected some spectacularly sized dandelion leaves, which would be washed and presented before Currants devoured them with glee.

My bunny and our pollinators clearly know a good thing when they see one.

Whether you love it or hate it, the resilient dandelion is certainly a fascinating plant with a long and rich history, and try as you might, this persistent garden dweller is going nowhere anytime soon.

When you spray nasty pesticides or chop one down, you also cut down a food source for Bertie Bee, which is food for thought...

How does your garden grow?

Seed balls are great fun for children and adults, and whether it’s in a plant pot or a patch in your garden, sowing wildflowers provides vital resources to support a wide range of insects that couldn’t otherwise survive in urban or built-up areas.

Seed balls are a mixture of wildflower seeds in a nutritious and protective coating.

Examples of seeds you could use include yarrow, pheasant’s eye, cornflower, cosmos, california poppy, borage, dill, linum flax, stocks, and candytuft.

How to make them Mix together in a bowl:Five parts of clay soil (abundant in MK!), one part compost and one part wildflower mix seeds, or similar.

Water it drip by drip.

When it becomes moist enough to form into balls, press it together with your hands.

Dandelions provide an early food source for bumblebees and solitary bees

Top Tip...

Greenhouses can overheat at this time of year, and need adequate humidity and shade to ensure plants are happy and leaves aren’t being damaged.

If it’s a gloriously hot day, and a balmy night, feel free to leave the doors to your greenhouse open throughout. When it comes to humidity (necessary to prevent heat damage during hot spells), damping down usually dry, hard areas like pathways in greenhouses is a brilliant and simple way to avoid problems.

Dry the balls on a tray to harden them off for a day or two, before clearing a patch of soil of weeds and water well, then scatter the balls evenly over the area. Water regularly.

Alternatively, just throw them onto a patch of waste ground and hope for the best!

Parents won’t want to have to buy numerous packets of seeds to do this project, but you can buy single packets of wildflower seeds or butterfly attracting seeds.

Bletchley Garden Club also holds Seed Swap events, and has quite a stock of suitable seeds.

If you email info@bletchleygardenclub.org.uk we may be able to give you some mixed seeds.

Jan Taylor, Bletchley Garden Club > Bletchley Garden Club (BGC) meet each month at Freeman Memorial Methodist Church Hall, Buckingham Road, MK3 5HH. New members welcome. For details visit bletchleygardenclub.org

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

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HOME & GARDEN

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

HOME & GARDEN

Trickle Vents - What the latest government

regulation means for your home’s windows

E

arlier this year (25th February 2022) the government released new building regulations around ventilation requirements for UK properties. This outlined that all rooms with external walls should have background ventilators (such as trickle vents) and that a window with a night latch position is no longer suitable for background ventilation.

‘Trickle vents are a small slot in a window or door which allow for small amounts of ventilation even when

Why? It has been identified that night latches increase the risk of draughts and even, perhaps more seriously, produce numerous security risks to your home. It has been well reported that burglaries are much more frequent during the warmer months, because at night many people leave their windows partially open (on latch) in order to keep cool.

In short, many windows which do not feature some other in-built means of ventilation, such as a trickle vent, no longer meet building regulations and may not be as secure as they could be.

for small amounts of ventilation through the portal even when closed and allow polluted air out. You can normally find them fit to the window frame itself or sometimes they are embedded between the glazing and frame.

Trickle vents can be opened and closed manually so you can adjust them based on your ventilation requirements. They are also designed to prevent issues from poor ventilation such as a build-up of condensation, mould and discomfort associated with high temperatures.

Trickle vents also ensure that your home is well ventilated when you are away. You simply open the vents before you leave and your home will remains well ventilated without compromising your property’s security.

What is a trickle vent and what can it do for your home? Trickle vents are a small slot in a window or door which allow

What does this mean for your home and its windows? For your existing windows this may be helpful to see how a new set of windows, featuring in-built trickle vents, can improve the security and performance of your home.

For those looking to purchase new windows from T&K Home Improvements you are in luck, as we have ensured all our windows have trickle vents installed. This means your new windows will not only be confirming to the latest building regulations for your peace of mind but will also help keep your home secure.

You will also benefit from a well-ventilated home which, coupled with our bespoke doubleglazing profiles means your home is thermally regulated regardless of outside temperatures. >> T&K Home Improvements is a family run business that provides quality windows, doors and conservatories since 1979 in Northamptonshire and surrounding areas. To find out more on high performance energy efficient glazing options and how much you can save visit: www.tkhi.co.uk.

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

51

INTERIORS

Swinging T www.divinesavages.com

here will be those among you that sigh at the thought of the emergence of regurgitated schemes from decades past, but with the current mindset being to reuse and recycle it’s likely that many of us will have a cherished, nostalgic piece or two linking us back to those times. Such pieces could no doubt benefit from being integrated into a modern interpretation of bygone designs.

From flat pack furniture to space age materials, ‘60s interiors were filled with reflective surfaces, organic shapes and modular elements. Pop artists such as Andy Warhol and fashion designers like Mary Quant heavily influenced design trends throughout the era. Metal, glass, wood and PVC all became popular with furniture designers, and fabrics featured eye-popping colours in paisley swirls and psychedelic prints.

The cultural revolution of the ‘60s inspired individuals to move away from the softer aesthetic of the 1950s and become braver by embracing individuality. Where the 1950s had a ‘one size fits all approach’, the 1960s was all about self-expression through art, music, fashion and interior design.

Typical paint colours of the 1960s were green, yellow, pink and orange, in hues ranging from muted pastels to bright pop art statement tones. Mostly, it’s the eye-popping lime greens, magenta and tangerine that are remembered from the period.

Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com 52

60’s www.divinesavages.com

The best place to access current day versions is Little Greene’s ‘1960s Paint’ range. Little Greene describes their selection of colours as a reaction against the austerity of the period following World War II, when modern methods of pigmentation led to a revolution in what colours were available.

From Dorchester Pink to the iconic Hicks Blue, Little Greene’s collection accurately reflects the pop revolution of the time.

As a self-confessed wallpaper fanatic, the ‘60s as a design period has been highly motivating and inspirational to me.

Wallpaper was used on almost every surface, from walls to ceilings to furniture. It was everywhere, and though the decades in between have seen a reaction against its use, wallpaper is now well and truly back.

With almost unlimited choice in terms of pattern and colour, vinyl-based papers are bathroom and kitchen friendly, ‘paste the wall’ papers enable much easier hanging and self-adhesive papers are cleaner and quicker to install and remove; no wood chip challenges here!

Carpets were another key element of the ‘60s decade. Homeowners were keen to have a luxury feel under foot with many choosing shag pile rugs and sumptuous and heavily patterned carpets. Until the early 1960s, wall to wall carpets were considered a high-priced, luxury item, solely in reach of the more well-to-do. However,

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

www.thenorthernline.co.uk

THE ARTS the introduction of manmade fibres and improvements in production technology, made carpet more affordable and within reach of the many. Carpets became popular in every home and were even introduced into kitchens and bathrooms - one trend I don’t imagine re-emerging any time soon.

But patterned carpets are being seen again in living rooms, family rooms, offices and on stairs. Interesting rugs make a striking focal point beneath furniture arrangements

Portraits of the Queen www.heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

with a difference!

and can highlight otherwise overlooked areas within a room. For hand tufted and hand knotted rugs, William Yeoward has a stunning collection. Alternatively, Romo and Villa Nova have a range created in collaboration with renowned rug makers Louis de Poortere. Harlequin, Sanderson, Scion, and Designers Guild also supply rugs. There’s hardly a fabric you can buy that doesn’t have a rug to co-ordinate with it!

If you like the idea of making a change and introducing some ‘60s styling but are on a limited budget, then choose accessories as a way to dress up your space without breaking the bank. Whether you source a record player, drinks trolley, kitchen appliance, clock or vase, adding some ‘60s accessories or a quirky art print can create a perfect centrepiece.

The swinging 1960s was a high point for British interior design. Linked to popular culture and fashion it appealed to the younger generation and inspired homeowners to become more daring and adventurous. This spirit continues today with personality and individuality becoming ever more accepted, embraced and encouraged. Our homes should reflect who we are, no matter how loud, how impactful, or how bright we shine.

H

appy Platinum Jubilee to Her Majesty! In her 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II has been captured across media like no other royal - on film, in print and on canvas. Did you know the Queen sits for four official portraits every year? (That is a lot of sitting still).

Since the 1970s, artists have broken away from the traditional portrait painting, placing her image from pre-existing photographs in a pop or urban art context as a popular icon rather than esteemed monarch.

Perhaps the most famous subversive images are artist Jamie Reid’s design for the Sex Pistols’ single God Save the Queen and Pop Art legend Andy Warhol’s screenprints, released during the Silver Jubilee in 1977. In a surprising twist, the Queen actually owns copies of Warhol’s portrait of her and they are currently in the Royal Art Collection – maybe her tastes are not as traditional as you might think?

To mark this very special anniversary, here is a highlight of contemporary artists following in Warhol’s footsteps, portraying Her Majesty in a very different light.

Dan Pearce is one of the UK’s most talked about contemporary artists. His work uses familiar images of famous faces or brands which he presents in a playful, thoughtprovoking way. Dan uses innovative mixed media techniques which are described as a “controlled explosion of energy, colour and texture” incorporating smashed glass and other unexpected objects. His latest portrait of the Queen, titled “World Class”, depicts her on a 1st Class stamp as part monarch, part soldier, perhaps in reference to her legendary calm demeanour through multiple crises.

Paul Normansell’s art is created by individually painting dots – all applied freehand using a fine brush - in high gloss enamel paint onto sheet

aluminium; this meticulous process creates a flawless reflective quality as if looking at a glossy magazine. In what is surely bad news for his back, Paul has to paint on a canvas that is permanently horizontal until it dries because due to the materials used, if he places the canvas upright on a traditional easel, gravity causes the paint to run. Paul’s amazing results have been rewarded with global acclaim and high profile assignments including an album cover for The Killers. This image is titled “Happy and Glorious”.

Dylan Izaak is a true original, with an instantly recognisable whimsical style which is full of personality and unlike anything else on the contemporary scene. Dylan recently released a series of editions that are a playful tribute to the royals, London and the British sense of humour – including a cool dancing Queen.

Tom Butler uses mixed media to create stunning cityscapes in the form of newspaper cuttings – always hiding some surprising and humorous headlines in the artwork. To mark the Jubilee he has created this fun tribute to the royals, including the Queen waving to the crowd in an open top black cab in a Union Jack top hat, flanked by her corgis of course.

Celine Lee Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk

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

53

MPS OUT & ABOUT LOCAL NEWS

Business on the agenda and a sweet treat in Stony Stratford

Iain with members of the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

I

hope readers have been keeping well and enjoying the longer hours of daylight. The month of June is the start of official celebrations of 70 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. I would like to send my best wishes to Her Majesty The Queen on this amazing achievement and I look forward to celebrating the Platinum Jubilee at a range of events across Milton Keynes.

Schools Debate Competition – Alongside Ben Everitt MP, I recently hosted the final of the Milton Keynes Schools Debate Competition in Westminster. It was fantastic to be able to host the final of the debate competition in the Houses of Parliament and welcome the debaters, their family and their teachers onto the Parliamentary Estate.

The debate was incredible to listen to with Oakgrove and St Paul’s providing excellent arguments, interventions and counters throughout. I am already looking forward to next year’s competition!

I want to take this opportunity to say well done to all the schools that participated in this year’s competition, particularly to Oakgrove School who were this year’s winners. Also, thank you to the judges for having the difficult task of choosing a winner.

The National Lottery Community Fund – Another recent event I co-hosted with Ben Everitt was a National Lottery Community Fund briefing for local charities and community organisations. There were 18 different organisations and charities being represented.

The event was an opportunity for the attendees to learn more about The National Lottery Community Fund, with advice on how to apply for grants and how to make a successful application. I am confident that each attendee left with more knowledge on the application process and feeling optimistic in applying for a grant.

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to Campbell Park Parish Council for hosting the event at The Springfield Centre, their facilities were wonderful.

MK Chamber of Commerce Roundtable – At a time of increasing pressures for businesses it is crucial that government 54

Iain and Ben tasting Great Gelato’s gelato

remains engaged with the business community and continues to listen so I recently attended a roundtable discussion with members from the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce.

I have made a point to join a number of these sessions to ensure that I am kept abreast of the issues local businesses face.

Many challenges make it difficult for businesses to grow and we need to do what we can to understand and ease those.

It is important that businesses know that we are listening to them and it was very useful and insightful to hear directly from companies in Milton Keynes.

Great Gelato – A newly opened shop selling gelato, cakes and treats made a particularly sweet visit last month.

Great Gelato can be found on Stony Stratford High Street and I would thoroughly recommend a couple of scoops of their vegan biscoff gelato.

While visiting, I was able to discuss with Ethan, the business owner, the many challenges and difficulties that start-ups and small business face in Milton Keynes. I will be taking his points and concerns to raise them with ministerial colleagues to see what this Government can do to help.

If I or my office can be of any help, please do get in touch on the contact details provided.

Iain Stewart MP for Milton Keynes South CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01908 686830 Email: iain.stewart.mp@parliament.uk www.iainstewart.org.uk Suite 102, Milton Keynes Business Centre, Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6GD

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

MPS OUT & ABOUT LOCAL NEWS

Funding for charities

and a knockout visit to Boxing Clever MK

W

ith the Platinum Jubilee upon us, I hope everyone enjoys the celebrations. This Jubilee truly is a historic occasion, not only because of Queen Elizabeth’s rein but because of the timing of the occasion – on the back of the pandemic when families were kept apart for so long. It is really wonderful to see communities coming together organising different events. I have heard of street parties, beacon lightings, concerts, picnics and lunches being planned, so enjoy!

Oakgrove Crowned Schools Debate Champions In Westminster - The final of the Milton Keynes Schools Parliamentary Debate in the Houses of Parliament was such a fantastic occasion to be a part of – the standard of debate was incredibly high and both teams did themselves proud.

Ben takes to the ring at Boxing Clever in Milton Keynes

would also like to say a big thank you to Campbell Park Parish Council for letting us use The Springfield Centre for to host the event.

Ben Everitt and Iain Stewart with pupils from Oakgrove School and St Paul’s Catholic School, finalists of the Milton Keynes Schools Parliamentary Debate

Oakgrove School and St Paul’s Catholic School reached the final after numerous rounds of the competition earlier this year.

During the final each school was asked to debate whether the United Kingdom should put troops on the ground in Ukraine, with St. Paul’s selected to argue in favour and Oakgrove chosen to argue against.

Both schools had well-researched arguments, were passionate, articulate and respectful and it was genuinely fascinating to hear arguments for and against. So a huge congratulations to Oakgrove for their amazing achievement but also to St. Paul’s and every other school that took part – it is such a brave thing to do and we had such a high level of competition this year.

Funding Event For Charities - Last month I was delighted to host a funding event for local community groups with The National Lottery Community Fund. The joint event with MK South MP Iain Stewart was held at The Springfield Centre in Springfield to help charities, organisations and similar groups get a better understanding of how to apply for funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and to introduce them to the Thames Valley and Chilterns Region Funding Officer.

It was also an opportunity for in-person networking between local community groups which has been missed over the past two years due to the pandemic.

We had a fantastic turnout from a diverse range of different organisations across Milton Keynes and hopefully we will see some worthy community projects funded off the back of it. I

A visit To Boxing Clever MK - Boxing Clever MK helps transform the lives of young people across Milton Keynes and was set up by PC Adrian Cafe, who also runs the New Bradwell Youth Boxing Club. Adrian works with local authorities, police, health organisations, public and private sector organisations and third sector organisations to deliver an inclusive service.

Based out of Bletchley Boxing Club in Kiln Farm the scheme also delivers boxing sessions to young people in schools.

Participating pupils will sign an acceptable behaviour contract and the sessions have improved behaviour and attendance at schools.

Schemes like Boxing Clever MK and the New Bradwell Youth Boxing Club are vitally important in keeping young people engaged and away from antisocial behaviour and I want to thank Kevin, Claire and Adrian for their fantastic work and dedication to such an amazing cause.

Over the last month I also… ▸ Thames Valley Police now have 368 more police officers than 2019 as part of the Government’s 20,000 national uplift programme ▸ I’m encouraging museums, galleries, libraries and cultural venues across Milton Keynes to bid for funding from the Government’s Museum Estate and Development Fund - more info on my website ▸ I signed a letter calling on national organisations to commit to not digitally manipulate body proportions in any direct advertising or promotional material

Ben Everitt MP 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

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

55

MUSIC

Rock to the genius of

Wolfsbane

T

he best part of 30 years have passed since Wolfsbane were last live in Milton Keynes - but that substantial drought is set to be broken in spectacular style when the Tamworth terrors return on June 14.

Back in ye olde rock n roll days (when music was vital and tattoos were rudimentary) Wolfsbane were a major draw at The Pitz Club.

That venue is a long time gone, but the memories remain, and now the band are set to make some more with a date at The Craufurd Arms.

The guys also recorded here; choosing Linford Manor to complete work on their self-titled 1994 disc.

“Milton Keynes really does have a very special place in our hearts and the band’s history,” guitarist Jase Edwards told Pulse, “Those gigs had a special kind of energy and we have some of the loveliest and craziest memories of that time!

I think the thing I take away from those times are the memories that MK knows how to let its hair down and have a great time. Literally how to ROCK! “We always had the best time there and can’t wait to be back.”

A short time after that aforementioned third album was laid down, frontman Blaze Bayley jumped ship, joining Brit Metal titans Iron Maiden, and Wolfsbane wilted, but they eventually reconnected and have been keeping busy – they’ve just issued their new elpee, Genius.

EEE issue new EP

F

R33ZEHEAD Records will make tracks to the motorway and journey south from its home in Manchester to present a showcase event at The Craufurd Arms in Wolverton on Friday, June 3.

Mancunian music makers Aughra and Slowknife will be in the van for the trip, but gig-goers from these parts will recognise the rabble of fine noise that goes under the moniker Exploding Ear Ensemble (EEE).

Exploding Ear Ensemble (EEE)

Aughra support EEE at The Craufurd Arms gig

56

The MK guys have a new EP coming out and so this is a bit of a toast for that – not least as the EP is being issued through FR33ZEHEAD. Switchlead will complete the bill and tickets are a snip at just £6.

That’s a whole heap of nice, noisy stuff for next to nothing.

Wolfsbane - Set for an MK return

“The album has a Genius vs Zombie theme,” Jase said, “Each song has a retro tattoo linked to the song’s subject.” Obviously.

For now, the band is buzzing for the Wolverton show and ready to paint the town red again: “We are very excited to be back in MK. What could possibly go wrong?” he laughed. > Get tickets at thecraufurdarms.com

Music to remember

A

show being hosted at MK11 on Friday, June 10 will welcome sets

by Supakarma (pictured above), Chemical Minds, All Tied Up, Liam Payne and Forbidden Romance.

Tragically, all four bands have lost members to suicide, or circumstances linked to addiction.

Now, they are pooling talents to remember their family, friends and bandmates; to celebrate them with music and to raise a swell amount of money – funds from the show will be given to mental health charity, Mind.

“If you or anyone you know has been affected by the loss of a loved one through suicide or a mental health related illness, this event provides a great opportunity to remember them, to encourage people to reach out for help and support, and help change the way we think and speak about mental health problems,” said Steve Sciberras from Supakarma who lost his brother David through suicide.

“This show is honouring the lives of David, Jamie Paul Morris, Stephen (Billy) Hunt and Leebo,” Steve said, “Nothing brings people together more than music. It’s the universal language. The power a music event can generate is something spiritual and unique and I don’t think any other platform can unite people more than music. Music is what we do and it’s who we are. We wanted to do something really honourable for our brothers and our friends.”

Tickets are £8 in advance, £10 on the doors. > Visit mk11kilnfarm.com

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

MUSIC

Dogzen Zendog returns

L

ess than a year has passed since Dogzen Zendog (dogzenzendog.co.uk) presented their debut album, Walking Quickly Standing Still, and they are back with Petals Nails, but when the ambience is as good as this, no-one will be caught complaining about the quick succession of releases.

Petals Nails is an eight track journey that tiptoes into the room and then holds court with a clever expanse of musicality.

Glenn O’Halloran is the man with the musical plan, and he’s employed a clutch of his favourite people to make Petals Nails, including returns for ‘Big Tenor’ Joe O’Halloran, guitarist Howard Lewis and bassist/producer/pal Blake Leyh.

Eddi for Togfest There’s no dragging heels during the recording process, either. Sessions are done and dusted in two hours. No messing. And he wants his bandmates to contribute organically, to play ‘the first thing that hits them.’

Glenn said: “I work this way not give them added pressure, but to show I have confidence in them to be able to contribute without the hassle of spending hours trying to get something down before ultimately failing in the original plan, which was to collaborate rather than dictate.”

And that reasoning has worked a treat.

There’s no failure here.

Sophie Knochelmann’s violin delivers a delicate beauty and another O’Halloran, Brent, turns his attention to vocals, piano, harmonica and acoustic guitar.

There’s a lot going on, but it’s delivered with a gentle persuasion. And Laura (In The Rainstorm) is playing in our mind on a loop...

A super stylish soundscape of art rock for the here and now, and tomorrow. Music your neighbours would bang on your door and ask you to turn up, if they were cool.

Togfest is back in 2022, with a two-day stay at the usual site of Bradwell Abbey.

The ‘all music festival’ will be back on June 24/5, although sadly The Blockheads won’t now be a part of the action.

Instead Eddi Reader will head up the Friday night stage, with Tinkers Lane, Stella, Gwen and the Good Thing, 3rd and Lindsley and The Beneficial Blues Band on the musical menu.

As is traditional, festival creators Togmor will round things off on the Saturday night, but before they do you’ll have artists including Paul McClure, Stray, forest of fools and Lucy Shaw to enjoy.

It’s a trusted, affordable, family-friendly festival on your doorstep. > Visit togfest.org for tickets and info.

Pic: Elly Lucas

Pic: Neil-Krug

Spiers & Boden are back

From sin city to the new ‘city’ for the Dragons

T

hey’ve sold in excess of 40 million records, and 50 million songs globally, and now Imagine Dragons have decided to ‘drop’ into Milton Keynes as part of their current tour, playing the not insignificant stadium:mk to an audience of more than 30,000 on Saturday, June 18.

The MK show is the only UK date the multiplatinum, Grammy-winning Last Vegas dwellers will play, and tickets are still available for the band which released its fifth studio album, Mercury – Act 1 at the end of last summer.

Support is coming from Canadian players Mother Mother, and British singer Lola Young, who positively sizzled with her performance of Fake on Later...with Jools Holland.

If you want to catch a fast-riser with a truly authentic feel, get along nice and early. You’ll be rewarded when she takes the stage. > Still want tickets?

Visit stadiummk.com

John Spiers & Jon Boden hung up their highly regarded hats back in 2014, by which time they had earned a place in the hearts of the folk audience that few could rival.

John and Jon also founded and fronted the lauded folk big band Bellowhead, but now the duo have returned to their Spiers & Boden name.

They issued a new album, Fallow Ground, late last summer which is bursting with ideas.

Although the decision to make new music was made pre-pandemic, the album was recorded between lockdowns.

“I guess we were looking for songs during lockdown with a sense of fun and light relief,” says Jon, “I realise there are zero songs about death on this album, which is probably a first and may get us expelled from the English Folk Dance & Song Society. Yes, traditional songs with a joyous edge,” he added.

Spiers & Boden near the end of their tour with a show at The Stables on Friday, June 24. > To book your seat visit stables.org If you were reading last month, you’ll know that we are rather enamoured with the debut EP from MK’s Space Pistol.

If you want to check them live, the band will bring its moody, layered alt-rock to The Plough in Newport Pagnell on June 5. Whoever said Sunday’s were for chilling got that wrong!

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

57

MK Council

Women’s Euros come to MK

I

t has been a busy month in Milton Keynes, as the start of May marked the local elections. The latest election results mean that Labour and the Liberal Democrats continue to have the highest number of seats on the Council, and they have come together for the second year of the Progressive Alliance – reflecting the views of the majority of Milton Keynes.

2022/23 Budget The Progressive Alliance will continue to put people before politics and work for the local community. Some of the key aspects of this year’s budget include £16m in direct cost-of-living support for people that are struggling financially as inflation continues to skyrocket. Half a million pounds has been set aside to help residents during the energy crisis, and we are providing help with peoples’ council tax bills.

On each of the match days, there will be events taking place at Station Square in CMK to give the thousands of fans a warm welcome. The square will be transformed into a party, fully decorated in tournament colours, complete with entertainment, refreshments, and football-themed exhibitions.

The UEFA Women’s EURO is expected to be the most-attended women’s football tournament in history, and you can be a part of it. Any remaining tickets will be on UEFA’s website, or you can simply come along to Station Square on match days to soak up the atmosphere.

In addition, over £14m will go towards mental health support including dementia placements in the next year. The budget also tackles child poverty and funds projects such as a second Summer of Play, where children will have access to free activity sessions and healthy meals during the summer holiday. Millions of pounds have also been invested in our key services to ensure we can stamp out fly-tipping and litter, fix more potholes, tackle rats and pests, and improve our roads and pathways.

MK’s Libraries Did you know that there are ten libraries in Milton Keynes? They each provide an open door to anybody wanting to borrow books, access IT facilities, or those who simply wish to find a space to meet and study. Milton Keynes Council operates libraries in CMK, Bletchley, Kingston, Olney, Newport Pagnell, Westcroft, Stony Stratford, Woburn Sands, Wolverton, and Netherfield. The Netherfield library is the city’s newest, having opened at the end of March, and Stony Stratford Library has just had a major refurbishment. The libraries are a brilliant way to access free information and you can find out more, including opening hours, by visiting www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/libraries.

Women’s Euro You may have heard the news that Milton Keynes will be hosting part of the record-breaking UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. Next month, football fans will be descending upon Stadium MK to watch three group games involving teams from Germany, Denmark, Spain, and Finland, as well as the heavily anticipated semi-final:

Pete Marland Leader of Milton Keynes Council

• Spain - Finland, 5pm on Friday 8 July • Finland – Germany, 8pm on Saturday 16 July • Denmark – Finland, 5pm on Tuesday 12 July • Semi-final match, 8pm on Wednesday 27 July 58

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

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

WHATS ON

June Highlights

Sally Luff is among the artists exhibiting at Gallery Live in Stony Stratford this month

#WhatsOnPulse Discover Nature Session Wednesday, June 1, 10am-3pm An action-packed day for 8-11 year olds featuring activities including discovering tracks and trails; foraging, hunting minibeasts, habitat surveys; pond dipping; creating mini-habitats; bird identification.

Wild and wonderful: theparkstrust.com Jubilee Beacon Lighting Thursday, June 2, 7pm Head to Milton Keynes Museum in Wolverton for the free community event, with food and drink available from the cafe.

The beacon will be lit at 9.15pm and live music will also feature. Illuminating: wolvertonandgreenleystowncouncil.gov.uk Jubilee Beacon Lighting Thursday, June 2, 8pm Enjoy music from Milton Keynes Brass from 9pm together with a speech from Vice LordLieutenant Alexander Boswell, in Campbell Park Ma’am-ellous: theparkstrust.com MK National Trust Association Thursday, June 2, 2-4pm Kay Goddard presents a talk, ‘The Underground Railroad – Patterned Path To Freedom,’ at the Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, Shenley Brook End. More details: sue-davedee@talktalk.net Guild of Motoring Artists Exhibition Thursday, June 2 - Wednesday, June 29, 11am-4.30pm An exhibition of 40 paintings by five Guild members, with media including watercolour, oils, acrylics and 3D. Includes classics, motorsport and a few images with a local twist.

Showing in the Three Hares Gallery at Cowper & Newton Museum.

Making a splash: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

John Lenehan: The Roaring Twenties Saturday 11 June Pianist John Lenehan presents a celebration of the music and film of an iconic decade, the fabulous 1920s.

John will perform music

by Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Lenehan himself, bringing to life on-screen appearances from the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, Harry Houdini and a host of others

Mikron Theatre Company Sunday, June 5, 2.30pm Arriving by boat, the collective of drama aces present the show Raising Agents (see show details on June 17) at Great Houghton Village Hall.

Narrowboat, but big show: mikron.org.uk

Marty Wilde Friday 17 June A chance to see live on stage one of the only performing original rock’n’roll pioneers in the world today. Marty and his fabulous band the Wildcats take you back through some of the most exciting musical times this country has ever experienced.

Space Pistol Sunday, June 5 The Milton Keynes-based noise bringers who caused a bit of excitement on last month’s Pulse Music pages check in at The Plough in Newport Pagnell. Well worth checking in for if you like your music noisy and promising!

Fired up: www.facebook.com/spacepistol

Nell Bryden Saturday 18 June For her latest tour Nell Bryden has gone back to her roots and followed the traditional sonic footsteps of her idols Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin and Carole King.

Gallery Live Monday, June 6 - Sunday, June 12 While Stony Stratford enjoys the return of its Stony Live Festival, Gallery Live will turn the High Street into a big art space, with 17 local artists having their work exhibited in the windows of local stores.

Artists taking part include Sally Luff, Shelly Wyndebank, Roddy Clenaghan, Melanie Watts and Debra Danu Matthews.

Window shopping: Stroll the High Street!

The Waterboys: An Acoustic Evening with Mike Scott & Brother Paul Monday 20 June Few bands have as great a live reputation as Mike Scott’s Waterboys. The mercurial Scott will be joined by long-term Waterboys keyboardist and Memphis great, Brother Paul for this new and unique two-man version of the band.

These Hills Are Ours Thursday, June 9 Award-winning Daniel Bye and Chumbawamba founder Boff Whalley bring together story and song in a collaboration about escaping it all by running to wild places. Can we go too?

Running men: thecorecorby.com Refreshments in the Courtyard Thursday, June 9, 10.30am-midday Enjoy delicious homemade cake, a drink and a walk around the beautiful gardens at Olney’s Cowper & Newton Museum Tranquility: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

© Nell Bryden

Spiers & Boden Friday 24 June Described by The Guardian as ‘the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene’, Spiers & Boden first rocketed onto the music Pic: Elly Lucas scene in 2001, quickly winning a clutch of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and going on to form and front the extraordinarily successful folk big band Bellowhead.

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 | June 2022

59

WHATS ON

11th & 12th June 2022 At Towcester Racecourse

www.towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk facebook.com/TowcesterFoodFestival

Northampton Colour Run Saturday, June 11, 10am A very messy and very fun cross-country run in support of the Cynthia Spencer Hospice, at Overstone Park, Northampton. Great for families, friends and colleagues, and it’s for a fantastic cause. Count me in: cynthiaspencer.org.uk/ northamptoncolourrun or call 01604 973340 National Gardens Scheme Saturday, June 11 & Sunday, June 12, 11am-4.30pm Things are blooming at The Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney, and this is your chance to investigate as part of the national event. Green-fingered delight: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk Denton & District Gardening Club Monday, June 13, 7pm AGM followed by ‘My Favourite Plants of the Moment’ by Colin Ward, at Denton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, Denton, NN7 1DT Seedlings: m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk

@towcesterfood

Jess Jocoy Friday, June 17 Jess brings her beautifully atmospheric Americana to Milton Keynes as part of her First Time Here tour to plug her Let There Be No Despair album.

Twang and texture: stables.org Towcester Midsummer Music Festival Friday, June 17 – Sunday, June 19 Two days of music across the town centre with drummers, brass, a Cappella, community choirs and much more on the menu. At a glance: towcester-tc.gov.uk/midsummer-music Mikron Theatre Company Saturday, June 17, 7pm The team who bring professional theatre to canal and riverside venues deliver Raising Agents. When a PR guru becomes a member of the Bunnington WI, the women are glad of new blood...initially!

Essentially though, this is a show about friendship. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy.

At The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne Messing about by the river: mikron.org.uk

Jimmy Regal & The Royals Tuesday, June 14, doors at 6.30pm, music from 7.30pm London-based tough and howlin’ blues threepiece with harmonica, guitar and drums return to Bletchley Blues Club.

Regal times: bletchleybluesclub.uk Linford Eats Thursday, June 16, 5pm-8pm Bring your friends and family to Great Linford Park and enjoy street food from some of MK’s tastiest vendors. Bringing your own camping chairs and picnic blankets is advisable. Parking is at Great Linford Memorial Hall. Tastebud tickler: theparkstrust.com The Teapot Prince Thursday, June 16 & Friday, June 17, 6-9pm A contemporary re-imagining of the lost 18th-century French Ballet des Porceleines will be performed in the fairy-tale grounds of Waddesdon Manor, bringing to life a story of magic, desire and exotic entanglement.

Temperatures rising: waddesdon.org.uk Summer Festival Friday June 17 Wootton Primary School celebrates its 150th birthday with a special event at Wootton Community Centre from 3.30pm to 6pm.

Enjoy bouncy castles, entertainment, stalls, face painting and much more.

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

Enjoy live international and national theatre and dance performances from the best seat in the house at MK Gallery’s Sky Room independent cinema.

Event Cinema NT Live: Prima Facie (15) Thursday 21 July | 7pm Jodie Comer, the Emmy and Bafta Award-winning star of TV’s Killing Eve, and more recently Bafta Award-winner for Channel 4’s TV series Help, makes her West End debut in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning play, Prima Facie which takes us to the heart of where emotion and experience collide with the rules of the game.

There is something for all tastes this month Jimmy Regal (above) brings a touch of Royalty to Bletchley Blues Club, while you are sure to get your teeth into something tasty at Linford Eats (left) or enjoy something more refined, Ballet des Porcelaines at Waddesdon Manor (below, left)

Mikron Theatre Company Saturday, June 18, 4pm Mikron continue their tour of the waterways, this time with Red Sky At Night, a show about the wild and wonderful world of weather, showing at The Old Rectory at Blisworth. Making a splash: mikron.org.uk Northampton Music Festival 2022 Sunday, June 19 If you love music, you’ll love this; 60 performers going live across six stages in a showcase and celebration of local music, from opera to rock.

Scream for me, Northampton: northamptonmusicfestival.co.uk

Sparks: Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside Saturday, June 25, midday Visit The Lab at The Core and check in with Sparks, the youngest theatre group at The Core as they present some fantastic summer holiday adventures; by the beach, on the sea and underwater.

Bucket and spades: thecorecorby.com The Midday Moo Saturday, June 25 A challenge to local people to walk a five or 10 mile route around Milton Keynes.

It’s a relaxed affair, starting and finishing at the MK Rugby Club in Emerson Valley, including pub stops on route and a finale at The Big Food Festival. Walking boots on: willen-hospice.org.uk/moo

Wildflower ID for Beginners Wednesday, June 22, 10am During this workshop you will receive an introduction to the common ways to identify plants in the wild and get to grips with using plant ID keys. This two hour event is being held in Great Linford Manor Park.

Petal power: theparkstrust.com

Olney Cherry Fair Sunday, June 26, midday Head to Glebe Field, Church Street for a fruit filled afternoon as the town hosts its Cherry Fair, which also features a fun dog show, tours of the Bell Tower, Olney Brass Band and Country Dancing.

There will be a visit from the local Fire and Rescue, Organ Recital, refreshments and open garden, and much more. Not to mention the Pimm’s tent!

Entry is £2 for adults, under 16s go free.

Fruity: olneycherryfair.org.uk

Carpenters Gold Friday, June 24, 7.30pm Enjoy the musical brilliance of Richard and Karen Carpenter, delivered by West End star Vikki Holland-Bowyer, who perfectly emulates Karen’s legendary rich contralto.

Greg Stevenson will take care of duties at the piano. Top of the World: theoldsavoy.co.uk

Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords Tuesday, June 28, doors at 6.30pm, music from 7.30pm Hugh is a harmonica player and a showman to boot and with his band the Blue Chords they deliver joyous swing, jump, jive, rock, funk and soul, but all within the blues idiom.

Swing-in: bletchleybluesclub.uk

> Don’t forget to check our special Jubilee round-up for a peek at some of the events happening in the area between June 2 & 5 - see pages 24 and 25

NT Live: Much Ado About Nothing (12A) Thursday 8 September | 7pm Following the award-winning success of National Theatre Live’s Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night and Antony and Cleopatra, director Simon Godwin returns with this irresistible comedy, broadcast live from the National Theatre stage.

NT Live: Jack Absolute Flies Again (12A) Saturday 8 October | 7pm After an aerial dog fight, Pilot Officer Jack Absolute flies home to win the heart of his old flame, Lydia Languish.

Back on British soil, Jack’s advances soon turn to anarchy when the young heiress demands to be loved on her own, very particular, terms.

Emily Burns directs this spectacularly entertaining new version of Sheridan’s The Rivals. Featuring a cast including Caroline Quentin, Laurie Davidson, Natalie Simpson and Kelvin Fletcher.

Exhibitions Vivian Maier: Anthology 11 June - 25 September MK Gallery presents the first exhibition in the UK of acclaimed photographer Vivian Maier (1926 – 2009) – celebrating the talent and remarkable story of a Chicago nanny who took hundreds of thousands of photographs of everyday life, carefully storing them during her life and posthumously becoming one of the greatest street photographers of the 20th Century. Curated

by Anne Morin and produced by diChroma Photography. Free guided tours every Tuesday & Saturday at 2pm.

Vivian Maier, Self-portrait, New York, 1953 © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY.

Visit mkgallery.org or call on 01908 676900 for more information and to book.

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

61

THEATRE

Comedy, rock anthems, kids shows and a classic murdermystery. It’s another variety filled month ahead in theatre-land.

Pulse’s Sammy Jones takes you through the happenings....

Give us a

The suspects are lined up for Cluedo at Milton Keynes Theatre this month

CLUEDO! A

new stage play based on the classic board game Cluedo opens at Milton Keynes Theatre (May 30-June 4) guaranteeing armchair crime solvers a top time.

When Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs Peacock, Reverend Green, Mrs. White and Colonel Mustard all arrive at a country house one dark and stormy evening, they are concerned to find they have all received the same mysterious invitation from Lord Boddy.

They all have something to hide and the mystery and hysteria grows when the inhabitants and guests of Boddy Manor start being picked off one by one, with a variety of familiar weapons, leaving everyone to wonder, ‘who will be next?’

Stage favourite, and former EastEnder Michelle Collins will appear as Miss Scarlett, and the spoof of a thriller is being directed by Mark Bell, the chap behind marvelous shows including The Play That Goes Wrong and A Comedy About A Bank Robbery.

If you need a bit of a laugh, Mark Steel is your man, and he’s coming back to The Stables (June 10) to give one, so to speak!

‘A few years ago, it seemed unlikely that the UK would vote to leave the EU; we had a reasonable opposition to the Tory Government;

62

Donald Trump was a buffoon who surely wasn’t going to beat Hillary Clinton and Mark was living the married suburban ideal… since then it’s all gone to absolute sh*t!’ says the show bumf. But Mark maintains that Every Little Thing Is Going To Be Alright.

Some of you will recall Menopause the Musical, and now the follow-up – Cruising Through Menopause – sails into town (June 11).

A quartet of familiar faces will be bringing the story to the stage; Benidorm’s Crissy Rock, Casualty’s Rebecca Wheatley, Eurovision player Nicki French and West End star Susie Fenwick will take you on a trip of self-discovery, love and friendship, which comes with a sideportion of parodied hits...and quite probably hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, memory lapses and weight gain.

While remaining a roar-some celebration of the musicality of Meat Loaf and his long-term collaborator Jim Steinman, Bat Out of Hell – The Musical (June 14-25) has also become the perfect way to pay tribute to both men who we have lost in the last year; Jim passed in April of 2021, and Meat departed this world in January.

But what a musical legacy they leave behind them. Bat Out of Hell is just part of the feast of fabulous music, and includes the title number, Dead Ringer Billionaire Boy comes to the For Love, You Took The Words stage at Milton Keynes Theatre Right Out of My Mouth, and It’s All Coming Back To Me Now. It’s time to get revved up – the cast certainly are: “Great music is timeless and ageless,” says Glenn Adamson who plays Strat, “...and nobody wrote rock anthems that are essentially musical theatre numbers like Jim.” Bat Out of Hell is on a lengthy UK tour, but Glenn is looking forward to Milton Keynes in particular: “I’m a local boy, so all my family will be coming along,” he said, “It’s going to be so good to be at home and to Pic: Mark Douet see everyone.”

Henry Blofeld returns to The Stables (June 22) with My Dear Old Things, recalling his time as a young England hopeful, with film and images on the big screen. A treat for the cricket connoisseur.

Anyone who saw Harry Redknapp in the jungle a few years back will know that the football manager can tell a good story or 10, and he’ll be doing precisely that when he brings his An Evening with Harry Redknapp tour to MK Theatre (June 28).

Mark Steel gives us his take on the past few years at The Stables

The show title mightn’t be inspiring, but his ace ability as a raconteur will keep you hanging on his every word.

David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy takes its turn on the theatre stage (June 30 – July 3).

Joe Spud is just 12 years old and the richest boy in the country with his own sports car and £100,000 a week pocket money.

But money can’t buy you everything, and what Joe really needs is a friend...

‘What a magnificent show! If this production was on Britain’s Got Talent I’d be giving it the Golden Buzzer! It’s fantastic!’ declared one pundit. Oh, hold on, it was David Walliams that delivered those words!

He is great with a pen though, is David, and while this show is aimed at kids, some of us adults delight in the tales too!

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

> Reach for the plastic pal: Milton Keynes Theatre: atgtickets.com/ venues/milton-keynes-theatre The Stables: stables.org

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Film Reviews

by Jordan Adcock

BOILING POINT

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 4/5

Boiling Point, now available to buy and rent digitally, is less sensational than the average Kitchen Nightmares episode and yet has much more genuine drama packed into its ninety minutes, all very impressively filmed in one unbroken shot.

Stephen Graham plays Andy, a head chef reeling from divorce, debts and faltering attempts at fatherhood all while failing to properly manage the kitchen for an upmarket London restaurant. The evening starts with a pushy health inspector and only gets worse from there for him, his fellow chefs of varying experience and waiting staff. None of the main characters are strictly good or bad here, every character has their flaws or blind spots as they work and clash with one another to try and survive an overbooked night filled with barely-concealed racist diners, obnoxious Instagram influencers and (what else?) a prominent food critic.

Rather than the experience feeling unpleasant or claustrophobic as a result, the well-observed details and the direction moving seamlessly between believable interactions give the film its thrilling veritas. The one-shot technique helps connects these characters in a shared pressure cooker which also highlights their individual stories and struggles.

Everyone gets their turn in the spotlight but it revolves around Andy and Stephen Graham’s magnificent performance. He avoids any obvious theatrics while leading every scene he’s in with equal confidence and doubt, even as his character struggles to lead his own kitchen. Like him and the other characters, you won’t have time or space to focus much on the food. It might leave you marvelling that any fairly busy restaurant functions at all. ✪

THE NORTHMAN THE LOST CITY

THE GREEN KNIGHT

DOCTOR STRANGE 2

Star Rating: 2.5/5

Star Rating: 2.5/5

Star Rating: 2/5

Star Rating: 1.5/5

The Northman’s story of the young Viking prince Amleth driven to exile and later revenge by his uncle’s betrayal and murder of his father, was based on Scandinavian legends which helped inspire Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Despite what that might suggest, The Northman, for all its extended scenes of brutal, bloody violence and pagan enchantment, is a very straightforward revenge story that rushes the foundation to get to scenes of gruesome swordfights, bloody slaughter and incantations which consequently feel more gratuitous.

It’s rather familiar territory for director Robert Eggers, whose previous films The Witch and The Lighthouse were similarly haunted by dark magic and grisly gore. Yet those films had more genuine spooky atmosphere whereas here it’s more, admittedly impressive, gritty texture than anything else. ✪

Sandra Bullock is the adventure romance author, Channing Tatum her books’ dashing cover model, forced into ironically going on their own jungle adventure for treasure by evil Daniel Radcliffe. Whatever the terrible punchline for that setup is, the actual silly jokes in The Lost City are mostly better than that.

Sure, it’s close enough to being the 1980s film Romancing the Stone that it includes an obligatory background reference.

Still, there’s plenty of light action and romance, and its appeal is, strangely, being breezy and unpretentious in an era with films of all sizes trying to show off their worthiness. But while Bullock and Tatum are decent as an unlikely onscreen couple, it could stand to have more genuine charm and wit. ✪

Indie filmmaker David Lowery adapts possibly the single greatest medieval Arthurian romance, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, by mostly eschewing its courtly intrigue, complex symbolism and memorable characters in favour of a nihilistic and frankly simplistic telling. The story’s made both vaguer and more obvious, adding its own characters while diminishing the original’s. Sir Gawain, who in the romance was flawed but certainly chivalric, is turned cowardly and pathetic here as he journeys from a decaying Round Table to face the enchanted Green Knight. Lowery’s thematic interests in nature overcoming human civilisation would be better served in a new story than in yet another example of King Arthur and his knights being cinematically mishandled. ✪

With this latest entry in the ever less coherent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it’s not so much Multiverse of Madness (per this film’s subtitle) as MCU of Maddening. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is adrift in ostensibly his own film, that’s actually more interested in other characters like the bland America Chavez and the firmly wrong-headed “tragic” villain arc for Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch. There’s so many plot turns that would be laughable if they weren’t so wearyingly lame. There’s much visual chaos and expensive CGI shown off yet the lack of narrative imagination or overall point post-Avengers: Endgame is painfully clear. In that regard it’s no worse than other recent MCU entries but that’s no compliment either. ✪

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 | June 2022

63

MOTORING

Swift to prove its credentials

ADAM TUDOR-LANE reviews Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid

I

’ve always had a big, huge, soft spot for the Suzuki Swift Sport. A few years ago it went turbocharged and lost a little of its raw, thrummy hum, but it was still super light and a hoot around county lanes.

What’s new? Well, Suzuki is going hybrid across their whole range, even the Swift Sport.

So they’ve added a 48v (incredibly mild) hybrid system, turned down the power, added more weight and increased the 0-62 time by a whole second.

Oh, and the cost has gone up to a whopping £22,570.

Nothing has changed on the exterior; bar the simple addition of a ‘Hybrid’ moniker on the back.

From the off, you’d never know the Sport is down on power; that clever 15kg hybrid system torque fills like a supercar at lower revs.

Off the line feels pretty immediate, as if you have an EV type shove from a standstill.

‘Hooning’ it across town and the nimble nature still shines through, it’s a fun little hatch which you can drive at 100% of its abilities without the worry of killing yourself by flying backwards through a hedge on fire.

But one thing that’s kerbed the fun is how the hybrid system starts sapping away speed

Little has changed in the Swift interior apart from some extra menus on the LCD display

as soon as you let off the throttle. As the system is gearbox driven, you start slowing to charge the hybrid battery once you let off the go pedal.

Over nearly 300 miles, I never saw this battery fully charge; that was over long sections of A road, motorways and town driving; the most it ever got to was three bars, halfway.

That’s just annoying.

One good thing about the system is that the little Swift managed 45 MPG over our time together; sadly, I don’t have any MPG numbers for the non-hybrid model, but judging by ‘HonestJohn’s real MPG figure’, 44.8 MPG is the average for the hybrid-less Swift Sport. Not quite the 6% improvement claimed by Suzuki, but this isn’t a scientific test.

Power has been decreased to 129 BHP from 138, no doubt due to emissions and the power that the new ISG 48v gearbox add-on can cope with. Torque is up a smidge by 5Nm over the non-hybrid Swift Sports 230 figure.

Inside is just the same as the non-hybrid version, apart from some extra menus in the

FACTS AT A GLANCE Top Speed: 130 mph Performance: 0-62 in 9.1 secs Power: 139 BHP Economy: 50.1 MPG (Claimed)

LCD dash display to tell you the battery charge and energy flow.

That ‘hybrid’ tech sits under the front seats, so there’s no encroaching on boot space, but it does feel as though you sit a little higher because of it…that could be all in my head though.

Back in 2014, a Suzuki Swift Sport would set you back £13,999 – a bargain, right? 2018 that increased to £17,999, crikey…and now it’s £22,570.

A Ford Fiesta with the 1.0 litre EcoBoost mHEV (mild hybrid) will hit 62 in 9.4 seconds and set you back £22,015. Sorry Suzuki, but I know where my money would be going.

For more car news, reviews and motorsport action visit carwitter.com or follow us @car_witter 64

June 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!

World Domination

W

hile standing in my garden the other day I thought about how to ensure my future financial health. Looking into the gloriously blue sky, I saw a way.

The airliner was high up in the sky, perhaps some thirty thousand feet. Regardless of its height, it was passing over my house. I wondered how many people were aboard it, then I considered how much luggage they carried, and lastly I speculated over whether freight was being carried instead of passengers. That was when it came to me.

The decision was made to secede from the UK and become a sovereign power. Henceforth, Scarlett House (a name determined by my surname – it seemed more amusing many years ago) would become The People’s Republic of O’Hara.

For a small consideration I would grant permission to fly over my airspace. Additionally, I would set both income tax and capital gains tax at 1% and then allow my spare bedroom to become an address of convenience to whomever or whatever company wished to be officially domiciled at The People’s Republic of O’Hara.

With well off high rollers making many millions a year, my low tax rates would attract many to base their lives or businesses here.

While my tax take wouldn’t take much in terms of what they were passing through the National Bank of O’Hara, it would realise me quite a tidy sum. My retirement would be comfortable.

Naturally I anticipate resistance.

The possibly maladjusted at Westminster would probably protest that I was undercutting the UK and not competing fairly. Life isn’t fair – get over it.

However, I anticipate more local action at the start. Bailiffs would

9 8

There would be no need for an army. I have a bolt on the garden gate and a decent lock on the front door. I’d like to see an army division get through that lot!

With that sorted, all that would remain would be to go through the letters from rich people wanting to hold bank accounts here or maintain a presence in the box room.

There would be no need for an army. I have a bolt on the garden gate and a decent lock on the front door. I’d like to see an army division get through that lot! That would be a great saving.

Businesses operating through The People’s Republic of O’Hara wouldn’t need to change anything other than just altering their letterhead addresses to my box room and their personal box number confirming their existence here. Naturally, having properly registered with my Department of Overseas and Elsewhere I would hold a forwarding address for all their correspondence.

Fiscal world domination surely awaits me.

PHIL O’HARA

7 4

probably be knocking on my door seeking payments for various bills that I would have cancelled as part of my debt realignment upon creation of The People’s Republic of O’Hara. Naturally, I wouldn’t let them in my house – not without a visa in a valid passport. And equally naturally, I wouldn’t recognise the UK in the same way as the UK would no doubt refuse to recognise The People’s Republic of O’Hara. In any case, as I would be heading up my Department for Immigration and Visa Control, I would refuse any such applications.

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Clues Across 1. Safety device (4,4) 5. Page (4) 7. After birth (9) 9. Rock sideways (4) 10. Queen of Carthage (4) 11. Lowest male voice (5) 14. Play (5) 15. Opinions (5) 16. Light wood (5) 17. Blockade (5)

18. Poised for action (5) 19. Parking place alongside road (3-2) 22. Scottish dance (4) 24. Successor (4) 26. Practised (9) 27. Sleigh (4) 28. Stepping (8)

Clues Down

1. Lather (4) 2. Ancient city (4) 3. Additional (5) 4. Snares (5)

5. Heavy metal (4) 6. Notedly (8) 7. Limiting factor (9) 8. Emancipated (9) 11. Vocal confusion (5) 12. Sortie (5) 13. Reproductive organ (5) 14. Wishful (8) 20. Turn aside (5) 21. Carried (5) 23. Lascivious (4) 24. Listen to (4) 25. Ladder step (4)

Solutions to Sudoku and Quick Crossword can be found on page 66 For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | June 2022

65

Your stars LOCAL NEWS

HOWARD PARKER

THE ASTRO-GUIDE

Flavour of the Times - Last month may have felt a bit like everyone is plodding through mud and fog but things are looking very different this month. There is much more energy about, things are buzzing and there seems to be some kind of discernable direction to life. The new moon in Gemini is very sociable so there is lots of interaction, but not all of it is meaningful – wood from the trees time! It’s probably best to be very selective about how much time you spend on social media...

GEMINI May 22 – June 21

LIBRA September 24 – October 23

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 19

CANCER June 22 – July 23

SCORPIO October 24 – November 22

PISCES February 20 – March 20

Constant stimulation is the order of the day, which may suit and excite you but other people may find the constant barrage of information coming from you exhausting, so take time to listen to how people are receiving you. Mars and Jupiter are providing some fierce drive now but at the same time it is important to try to ground yourself. Not easy this month.

Everyone seems to be sure they are doing the right thing this month. There is a huge amount of nervous energy flying around but nobody seems to be really thinking things through, are they? You know there are many better ways of going about making the right decisions but hardly anyone is hanging around long enough to listen to you. They will… eventually.

This month may not suit you too well. You may seek to hang onto what is known and safe but your comfort zone will be under a lot of pressure, so you will feel others want you to change your cherished approach to life’s challenges. It’s up to you of course, to decide whether this is a good idea but it’s a good time to change if you feel you should.

You may be feeling restless in your personal relationships mid-month and not quite sure why.

You may feel your own freedom is somehow being unacceptably compromised and that something has to change. But this might not be the best time to actually do anything about it until you understand the situation a little more.

It might take a while to see how best to act.

LEO July 24 – August 23

SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 22

You will enjoy the fire and the mental challenges this month throws at you but there will still be ways in which you may feel held back by those less energetic than you. They will be challenging you to relax, get grounded and simply enjoy the pleasures of being alive, so don’t miss out on that while you are rushing around in a social whirl!

You will enjoy the step up in energy this month, like you are kicking back into gear after enforced idleness. The Gemini new moon is certainly energetic but the action is probably happening around you rather than over the next hill. The full moon on 14th may provide more confusion than clarity, I’m afraid, particularly when it comes to relationship issues.

VIRGO August 24 – September 23

CAPRICORN December 23 – January 20

You may feel you are watching people around you behave like headless chickens this month as the energy picks up and people move faster and events seem to be tripping over each other.

It’s easy to be dismissive and criticise but you should probably just recognise that it’s not really your month and that you might as well just get your head down and do your own thing.

There is not much focus this month which will feel very ungrounding for you if you are used to tried and trusted approaches to solving problems. The new moon in Gemini makes it a very sociable time with a lot of fiery energy to assist you, so if there are actions you need to get moving on with, now is the time to get stuck in and get it sorted.

66

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. : , ( ; ) , 3 ;

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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.

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9 , / , ( 9 : , + >

Venus bumps up against Uranus in your sign this month so there is a chance of an unexpected love interest popping into your life between 11th and the 23rd. Or it might be an unanticipated windfall financially. Either way, there’s a lot to share and talk about as your social life accelerates and there is a faster pace almost everywhere you look.

<

3

0

TAURUS April 21 – May 21

+ 6

:

9 , , 3

0

0

=

, . ,

You may have been wandering around impatiently in the fog last month but now the new moon in Gemini and Mars moving into your own sign, backed up by Jupiter, gives a real boost to your plans and ambitions for the future.

You will probably follow your instinct full tilt but there are still some steadying forces around that you should pay attention to.

(

(

0

ARIES March 21 – April 20

4

+ 9 ( 4 ( ,

You may almost feel if you have had too much of your own medicine recently, but the flavour of the cosmos is very different and there is much less room for vagueness and going with the flow now. If you are quite a sociable person you will enjoy this friendly and outgoing phase, but you will probably also want to take some time out to be on your own and consider things.

3 , ( -

9

+

You will get much needed assistance from the Gemini new moon this month. You can make some fast progress with all the things you have been planning (plotting?) over the past month or so. Mars in Aries will accelerate you forwards but remember to have your foot close to the brake pedal because you may well need to slam them on at some point!

; 9 , ( +

0

3

0

9

< 5

5 .

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