MK Pulse magazine October 2022

From the

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson Editor

Wesaid a moving farewell to Her Majesty last month, who once said, “grief is the price we pay for love”. This month Sammy Jones shares touching memories of joining mourners to pay her respects in London. We have also created a nostalgic collection of pictures of the Queen’s many visits to Milton Keynes over the decades.

As well as our usual guide to all the good things happening in and around Milton Keynes, you can find out about plenty of festive events you can take part in. Whether you’re looking forward to Olney’s traditional Dickens of a Christmas on 4 December or the Stony Stratford Farmers’ Market on 23 December, there will be something exciting to do.

Visit the carol service at the Tree Cathedral or drop in to see Santa in his Grottos at Milton Keynes Museum or centre:MK. Alternatively, you can join hundreds of ‘Santas’ for the Willen Hospice Santa Dash on 18 December.

We’ve got some helpful tips for Christmas on a shoestring this year, including making your own colourful wreaths with the Parks Trust in Milton Keynes, at Delapré Abbey or Whilton Locks and ideas for Secret Santa gift giving and making the most of your festive food.

As a special treat, five families can win two tickets each to the ever-popular Festive Gift Fair at the NEC in November. Just answer our simple question online before 31 October and you could be one of the lucky ones.

If you’re a panto lover you can also look forward to performances of Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Night Before Christmas, Potted Panto and Santa’s Christmas Rescue – oh yes you can!

Finally, look out for the many magical light shows that will be switched on in the coming weeks to really brighten the spirit of Christmas.

CONTENTS October 2022

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.

Published by MK Pulse Limited

MK Pulse take responsibility for the content of the advertisements, editorial or the services provided by the Advertisements are on the that descriptions of artwork has been given

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Milton Keynes podcaster runs 1,000 km’s in days and over for charity

Mental health podcaster Luke Clark has raised more than £1,300 for men’s mental health charity the Campaign Against Living Miserably and Survivors UK, which helps men who have sexual completing 100 consecutive 10km runs. Both charities have helped Luke, 33, in his mental health battles over the past couple of years.

The podcaster, who lives in Bletchley, has broken the stigmas around mental illness through his podcast ‘The Stress Sessions’, speaking to celebrities and friends in a series of honest conversations ranging from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and grief.

Luke is due to wrap up Series Four shortly by releasing the penultimate episode with opinionated US-based blogger Perez Hilton, has already hosted the likes of singer and actor Suzanne Shaw, reality star Jess More from Below Deck Mediterranean, and former footballer Jermaine Pennant on the podcast.

Throughout his 621-mile challenge, Luke ran with B*witched singer, Edele Lynch, team GB badminton player

Lauren Smith, and other running buddies including small business owner Kirsty Lund of OhMyCakery! to complete the challenge the equivalent of running from Penzance in Cornwall to Dundee in Scotland.

“I’m a runner at heart and it’s one of my coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety and depression,” says Luke “so I really wanted to do something to give back to the charities who have helped me over the years with my daily struggles.

“By running the 1,000 kilometres, I want to prove that you can live with a mental illness and still achieve something that seems impossible.

“Although the whole thing was a real struggle, and getting shin splints halfway through, everyone was so supportive throughout. A special shout out to Sally at MK Osteopaths for helping me pull through with my injuries when I felt like my legs had given up on me!”

>> You can sponsor Luke by visiting linktr.ee/stresssessions or follow @ StressSessions on Instagram for updates.

Throughout his 621-mile challenge Luke ran with friends. is pictured here with Lauren Smith, team GB badminton player

Doors have opened at Glebe Farm School, the first in Milton Keynes to be built fossil-free.

The ‘all through’ school, which will eventually welcome more than 1,500 pupils, showcases the way innovative technology can be used to create an environment fit for the future.

A wealth of energy-saving technology has been used across the school. Air source heat pumps that absorb heat from the outside air provide all the energy needed for air and hot water. Lighting is via ultra-efficient LEDs using power generated by hundreds of solar panels.

During construction, a zero-carbon site hoarding and an on-site solar-powered generator were used and 840 trees, donated by the Woodland Trust have been planted on the grounds.

“This major new school is essential for the future of this fast-growing area of the city,” said Cllr Zoe Nolan, Milton Keynes Council’s cabinet member for children and families. “The whole site has been designed to have a minimal impact on the environment and will provide access to high-quality facilities for the local community.”

The school was developed by Morgan Sindall Construction and supported by Milton Keynes City Council.

Since 2015, Milton Keynes City Council has opened six new schools and expanded 22 others, creating thousands of school places. The council is well on track to be carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon negative by 2025,

First ‘fossil free’ school in Milton Keynes promises to be community’s ‘beating heart’

Doors have opened at Glebe Farm School, the first in Milton Keynes to be built fossil-free.The ‘all through’ school, which will eventually welcome more than 1,500 pupils, showcases the way innovative technology can be used to create an environment fit for the future.

Construction said: “This project is a great showcase for how to rapidly create a high-end educational environment that is not just at the cutting edge of sustainable design, but which has been delivering tangible social benefits to the local community at every stage of its development.”

Glebe Farm School, part of the Inspiring Futures through Learning multi-academy trust, has opened its doors to 250 children and will eventually educate more than 1,530 pupils. Children can enter at reception and stay through to Year 11. There is also a 39-place full-time equivalent nursery.

through the use of clever designs and new, greener technologies.

David Rowsell, of Morgan Sindall

“What a privilege it is for us to be able to engage, inspire, shape and grow with our young people for such an impactful period of their lives,” said Headteacher Matthew Shotton. “Our school will be the ‘beating heart’ of its new and developing community. We will offer unrivalled curriculum and enhancement opportunities, enabling pupils and students from all backgrounds to pursue their interests and fulfil their potential.”

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

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

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

Now local company FX-SPRAY MK is offering a complete professional paint spray service for kitchens.

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

FX-SPRAY MK only use specialist products and having the latest spray equipment means the company delivers that brand new factory finish. A colour matching service to all major paint brands gives a huge choice - you can even go with a two-colour scheme.

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

Jason Thompson, FX-SPRAY MK

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a lightall fully fitted in less than a day from just £444! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our watchwords

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

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

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

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

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

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9552 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile.

Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to risk their windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the road, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have

any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window

once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.com

“I really liked the fact that they were a local community run business”

Publishers put on a show after sealing partnership deal with exhibition organiser business Business MK and Business string company’s bow after agreeing a organiser of two major annual business exhibitions.

ulse Group Media, which also publishes the lifestyle magazines MK Pulse and NN Pulse, has joined forces with Your Business Expo and will co-host exhibitions in Milton

current publishing business in print and online,” says Pulse Goup Media director

much synergy with what we are already expert in and, in the current climate, diversification into a complementary

Your Business Expo is run by Sheila Smith. She launched a networking group back in 2010, from which evolved the Northamptonshire Business Expo. It continues to attract dozens of exhibitors from all over Northamptonshire and beyond and has enabled Sheila to launch

Business Expos elsewhere in the UK, including in Leicester.

“We have known Sheila Smith for some time and know that she is hugely respected in the exhibition sphere,” says Kerry. “When the opportunity came up to team up with her on the exhibitions, we felt it was a chance not to pass up.”

Sheila will continue to contribute to the expos as a consultant. “I have been running the expos for some 12 years now and feel that it is time for them to benefit from a fresh set of eyes and ideas,” she says.

“I am delighted that Pulse Group Media have come on board. They are hugely respected regionally for the quality of their publications and online offer and I have no doubt they will bring the same level of quality, positivity and innovation to the expos. We cannot wait to get started.”

Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar wins Chef of the Year at 11th English Curry Awards 2022

Delighted Salam Abdul is pictured with his colleagues at Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar in Central Milton Keynes after he was named Chef of the Year at the English Curry Awards.

Mr Abdul received the award for the South regional category I front of 350 guests at the ceremony in Birmingham. He said: “I have been a chef all my life and work hard to create the very best food for our customers. This award is also for the rest of the kitchen team who support me each night and work equally hard.”

Willen Hospice Firewalk coming to Milton Keynes this October

Willen Hospice is daring local people to walk across four metres of hot embers at their charity Firewalk on Thursday 13th October at Willen Hospice.

Taking place at 5.30pm, with the added drama of darkness, participants will be greeted with a pathway of glowing hot coals. They will then be given full training on how to conquer the walk, before having to do the real thing and take their first scorching steps.

Katrina Walsh, Senior Events Fundraiser, said “Our Firewalk is a really unique event to Milton Keynes and a lot of fun. It’s a great way to fundraise whilst ticking something off of your bucket list.’’ Willen Hospice needs to raise vital funds to provide free, palliative care to the community. By taking part in events like the Firewalk and getting sponsorship, local people can help the Hospice to always be there to care.

>> To sign up visit https://bit.ly/WILLENFIRE22

The Willen Firewalk - ‘A great way to fundraise while ticking something off your bucket list’

“MY DAD WAS CARED FOR BY WILLEN, AND I WANT TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK”

“We recently looked at updating our Wills and discussed leaving money to charities close to our hearts. We’ve used Willen Hospice and I’m a great believer that if you use a service, to support that charity as much as you are able.

By leaving a legacy, your generosity will always be remembered

Giving to Willen Hospice in your Will allows your gift to last beyond your lifetime. It helps us plan for the future, to continue caring for people in our local community.

During Will Month in October, we team up with local Will-writers and solicitors who will waive their fees and help you write your Will, online or face-to-face, in return for a donation to Willen Hospice. We would be grateful for any gift you could leave to us, in your Will.

Choose from our list of participating solicitors and book early as spaces are limited.

“I know things are hard right now, but you can put something in your Will for when you do go, and however much you want to give, it’s very easy to do. We know that somebody will be grateful for any gift that we can give, to give that family the support that my dad and my family were lucky enough to receive. It’s imperative we do something. If we can do it, we must.” - Nas 01908

‘Thank you Ma’am, for everything’

Pulse’s Sammy Jones joins mourners in the capital in the days after Queen Elizabeth II’s death...

It’s raining as I join those filing in a slow but determined manner from Green Park tube station, through the park which leads out to Buckingham Palace.

A few short months ago these streets were crammed with well-wishers as the country celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of this incredible lady. Today the mood is sombre, and people are visibly shocked; How could she be gone? And so quickly.

It matters not that Her Majesty was 96-years-old. People were still unprepared, as one couple tells me later, “We really didn’t see a time when she wouldn’t be here.”

Eighteen hours have passed since that briefest of statements announcing her death changed everything, and at her London home, the collective upset felt by the thousands of people being drawn here is palpable.

The world’s media is descending and camera crews can be found at every turn. Aside from the ‘village’ of press tents reporting to their respective nations, presenters and camera operators roam among the crowds.

The queue to leave flowers at the front of the palace already stretches to the back of the historic residence, and by the time we approach those famous front gates, people are politely being asked to leave their tributes in the surrounding parks as there are simply too many to deal with – they’ve all but run out space.

I spend what feels like an age standing over the blooms that have been left; seas of roses and sunflowers and every coloured flower you care to imagine. And the fragrance of those blossoms is quite something.

Days later, television announcements will say, “Please don’t bring any more Paddington Bear toys or marmalade sandwiches,” which have become a popular tribute following that wonderful Jubilee sketch, because they are numerous in volume, and difficult to remove.

But when I visit, there is just one lone sandwich placed front and centre at the palace. An accompanying note says those by-now familiar words, ‘Thank you Ma’am, for everything.’

I arrived in time to see the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery leading out on their way to nearby Hyde Park – at 1pm they delivered a Death Gun Salute. The sound of the cannons firing in the distance shattered the otherwise quiet hum of mourners at the palace.

But while on the ground the streets are bustling, up above, the flag, flying at half-mast, cuts a lone figure against the sky, which is now blue. The rain has stopped.

I am close enough to the action to realise that a Royal visit is imminent and security teams clear the area in anticipation of the arrival.

For the first time as King, Charles arrives at the Palace, accompanied by The Queen Consort, Camilla.

All London pics: Sammy Jones

Charles III entering Buckingham Palace as King for the first time

When they step from their car, the rush to get a glimpse of him, to shake his hand, to record the historic moment is on a par with the response afforded to any current pop star. Everyone wants to savour the moment as our King steps out in public for the first time.

Suddenly, he appears before me as he winds his way towards the sea of floral tributes, stopping briefly to check messages pointed out by Camilla. Behind me, one of the Queen’s former guards shouts ‘God Save The King!’ and another ripple of applause breaks out.

Watching the King and Queen Consort entering the palace on foot is a moment in history, but more than that – and more than all the pomp and circumstance that will follow in the coming days, here stands a man in mourning for the loss of his mother less than a day ago. And yet grief comes second to duty when the eyes of the world are trained on you.

No amount of ‘training’ or preparation can prepare you to deal with that. What a remarkable show of togetherness at a time of indescribable loss.

Later, crowds gather at St Paul’s Cathedral for a special service.

“We had to be here for her,” one lady who has made the journey from South Oxfordshire tells me, “She was always there for us, wasn’t she?”

Days later, I’m among the thousands who have gathered to watch the procession as Queen Elizabeth’s coffin is moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for that momentous period of lying-in-state.

By now, we have almost grown used to watching the journey of Her Majesty; from Balmoral, to Edinburgh and then on to London, by road and by air, but this is altogether different.

As the procession moves closer, people’s voices fade away as the haunting music –pieces by Beethoven and Chopin played by The Grenadier Guards – rises in volume with every carefully choreographed footstep of those bringing the sounds, and Her Royal Highness

draws that bit nearer, with the occasional horse hoof clopping as it strikes the road of The Mall.

The same gun carriage moving our departed Monarch has previously been used in a number of royal funerals, including the Queen’s father, King George VI’s in 1952.

Then, just as today, crowds took to the streets to pay their respects, but this time people hold their mobile phones aloft, to capture the moment that her Majesty’s coffin, draped with the Royal Standard and with the Imperial State Crown seated on a velvet cushion, passes by. And what a moment it is; His Majesty The King is joined by The Princess Royal, The Duke of York, The Earl of Wessex, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Sussex, Peter Phillips, The Earl of Snowdon, The Duke of Gloucester and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, all processing behind the coffin.

Seeing Her Majesty’s final departure from Buckingham Palace and experiencing that national feeling of loss is another of those ‘moments in history’ I mentioned earlier and a few minutes that will stay with me forever.

A short walk away, the sea of blooms that have carpeted Green Park continue to swell in number. The flowers, messages, unique tributes, gifts, photographs and artworks and trinkets placed among the petals are staggering in size and overwhelming in sentiment. Close by, a teenage girl sobs on her mother’s shoulder, but she is far from alone.

Queen Elizabeth II really was a constant in an ever-changing world, even if we never really appreciated it while she was here.

Eventually leaving the park behind us, London bustles with life as always, but with a very present and clear ache – and every newspaper, shop window and billboard laments her death.

‘Grief is the price we pay for love,’ Her Majesty famously said, and nowhere is that grief more evident than in London, which is mourning its loss very publicly.

We have passed from the second Elizabethan age and entered the Carolean era, but Queen Elizabeth II will continue to reign in people’s hearts.

The scene in Green Park

The procession of Queen Elizabeth’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall design by: Simon Goodger

Bank of Mum and Dad

Financial Remedy Proceedings prospective of the parents and how to “protect” their loans/gifts

An issue that can arise within financial remedy proceedings is how to deal with third party support, often in the form of a parent who has financially contributed towards the purchase of the family home. The starting point is to establish if the money was a loan or a gift as this will decide if the money falls within the matrimonial pot that is to be divided between the spouses.

It is not surprising that the views between the spouses will differ on this point. The spouse whose parents provided the support will no doubt argue that it’s a loan to be repaid and to fall outside the matrimonial pot, whilst the other spouse will likely argue that it was a gift, and so fall within the matrimonial pot.

An important factor in assessing if the money provided was a loan is whether there was a clear obligation for a repayment, and if the loan is considered a soft loan or hard loan. Loans that are considered soft loans will be considered part of the matrimonial assets.

evidenced, then it can be argued that the loan is a hard loan and therefore a debt to be repaid.

Soft loans are generally considered informal in the sense that there is no agreement in place and no belief or understanding that the money will ever need to be repaid. The consequence of the soft loan (despite not being considered a gift) is that it will fall within the matrimonial pot.

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.

A hard loan will often have a clear written agreement in place, setting out the terms of the loan, when and how it is due to be repaid, interest owed on the loan etc. In most cases, a written agreement between parent and child is very rarely made (and often the transaction would have taken place many years prior) and so the Courts will look at factors such as if any requests for payment have been made and if any actual repayments have been made and is it likely that a threat of litigation could happen in the event of no repayment. If these factors can be

How can parents protect their money?

Parents who find themselves in this situation may well wish to seek to protect their money. Ideally, a contemporaneous clear agreement between the parent and the couple clearly stating the nature of the loan and the terms of the loan, would serve as evidence of the parent’s intentions.

Without evidence of the monies being provided as a hard loan, if either spouse issues financial remedy proceedings at court, the parent/s may find themselves having to be added to the

proceedings as intervenors in order to get their money back. Having an intervenor in proceedings will inevitably delay the conclusion of financial matters and lead to an increase in costs for all parties. As with any litigation, there is also the risk of a costs orders being made against either spouse or the intervenor, so it is important to weigh up the benefits and merits of intervening and consider whether the overall costs of an application to intervene will be proportionate to the value of the claim.

In a case where the matrimonial pot is already modest, the additional costs of joining an intervenor and the inherent risks of making an application to intervene, might mean it is best not to unless there is clear evidence of the existence of a loan.

For more information, please visit our wesite: www.healdlaw.com or scan the QR code on the left.

Keshini Rajendra and the Heald Family Department deal with separations and divorces with kindness and good sense. Artemis House, 4 Bramley Road Milton Keynes MK1 1PT

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made lots of visits to the area over the decades, but her first trip here was as a young Princess.

In a special edition of Pulse Pics, Sammy Jones opens the archives and takes a look back at some of those memorable occasions.

HM the Queen and the are November 2007 the official opening of Stadium MK “It was the most amazing day, probably of my life and it will stay with me forever,” Pete said, “The roar of the crowd the Queen out was added, “It was a that was to

On April 4 1966, the Royal couple visited Bletchley with residents congregating at Simpson, Aylesbury Street, Bletchley Road and at Warwick Place to get a glimpse of our monarch.

While there, it was explained to The Duke of Edinburgh how Bletchley was growing and expanding.

“Why do you want it to be so big?” Prince Phillip asked. They also made a stop off at Wolverton Works – the crests that Her majesty is inspecting are now available to view in the BoardRoom at Museum.

With Lord Campbell in Central Milton Keynes, on June 27, 1979 where Her Majesty opened the Council’s new Civic Offices.

The young Princess on a visit to Wolverton Works, home of the Royal Train, on March 11, 1948, sharing laughter with Miss Mo Clarke who worked in the polishing shop. visit was to inspect a coach that had been built for them. Naturally, she travelled by train. She visited twice more as Queen – in 1966 and 1976.

Opening the Church of Christ the Cornerstone in 1992 – the cake is beautifully adorned with symbols of the new town including The Point cinema, the Peace Pagoda, and the famous red balloons.

Page design by: Simon Goodger

TUE 11th OCT ‘22

Coventry Transport Museum and Coventry Cathedral

Price: £40 per person. Includes entrance into transport museum and cathedral (guided tour included).

Coventry Transport Museum houses the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles on the planet and tells the story of a city which changed the world through transport. Coventry Cathedral: One of the cathedral’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will lead you through the history of the Ruins, the Blitz, and the building of the New Cathedral. Tour lasts approx. 1.15mins.

Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 9.30am and leaves Coventry at 4.30pm.

WED 26th OCT ‘22

Mondon Museum/Leisure Day

Price: £25 per person. *Free entry into all the museum, but please check each museum website as you may need to book an entry time*

Visit the Natural History Museum to come up close with thousands of bones and fossils. If fashion, art and design is your thing then there’s the Victoria & Albert Museum and if you’re interested in things that are out of our world the the Science Museum is a must. The coach will drop you on Cromwell Road (outside The National History Museum) all three museums are within walking distance of each other. Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 8.30am and leaves London at 5.30pm.

SUN 13th NOV ‘22

National Memorial ArboretumRemembrance Sunday Service

Price: £50 per person. Includes entrance fee, welcome talk with tea & coffee, buffet lunch.

Welcome talk on arrival with tea & coffee. Service live streamed into Aspect’s conference centre so you can watch the service seated inside.The service will take place outside in the grounds of the Arboretum for those who would prefer to watch from outside. 2 course lunch – main course and dessert. *Please make us aware of any dietary requirements.*

Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 7.30am and leaves National Memorial Arboretum at 3pm.

SAT 19th NOV ‘22

Gloucester Quays Christmas Market

Price: £25 per person.

Visit this local market with artisan makers, bakers to tempt you with a seasonal pick of festive food and drink, art, gift, craft, treats and shopping inspiration. Visit the range of stalls offering delicious street food, bars, and hot drinks. Everything from mulled wine to luxury hot chocolates.

*Previous years Gloucester Quays has been a Victorian Christmas market, this won’t be taking place, this will be just a standard Christmas market with lots of stalls.* Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 8am and leaves Gloucester at 5.30pm.

Stacey Bushes, 1 Hollin Lane, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK12

Christmas in City

A Dickens of a Christmas

It’s an Olney town tradition that attracts thousands of people every year and it returns in 2022 on December 4.

Enjoy the seasonal market with stallholders choosing to don Victorian costume, and enjoy a cup (or three) of mulled wine as you peruse the stalls selling gifts, food, Christmas trees and decorations, and much more. There are more than a few stalls to take attention too – with Market Place and the length of the High Street occupied by sellers. Additionally, The Olney Centre and library and The Carlton House Club will host craft fairs.

An old fashioned fair, street organ entertainers and the Olney Brass Band will entertain you, and many of Olney’s independent retailers open their doors for this special event, offering still more giftbuying choices.

Georgian Christmas Display

Inhale the aromas of the festive season; smell the evergreen sprigs of greenery among the decorations and spices in the kitchen at The Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney, before enjoying the festive display which will be open between December 1 and 21.

Usual entrance fees apply, and a free children’s trail will keep them occupied.

Stony Stratford Farmers Market

Wrap up warm and peruse the stalls with their lovely produce in the Market Square on December 23 – perfect for last minute gifts and nice things. The event will be soundtracked by live music, and children can line-up for face painting, while parents enjoy a cup of mulled wine.

The man in red might be popping along too...

If you want to skate your way to December 25, Daventry’s Whilton Locks Garden Village is the place to go to – with a real ice undercover rink back in play from November 18 (until January 3, 2023), and this year the village promises it will be ‘bigger, better and icy-er than ever before.’

Sessions last for 45 minutes, beginning on the hour, and advance bookings are advised.

Whilton delivers the skating experience to as many people as possible – it offers Super SEN Skating sessions for you and your children, so you can use traditional skates, or twin blades skates for added stability.

Penguin and polar bear skate aids are also available, and there are special Toddler Skate events too, for children aged four years and under.

Any ‘cheap skates’ among you? You’ll want to make full use of the half price sessions available, then. For full details visit whiltonlocksgardenvillage.com

At The Cowper and Newton Museum, mulled wine and hot chocolate will be among the steaming drinks to warm you up between 10am and 4pm, and entertainment in the garden will be running at midday, 2pm and 3pm.

At 2.15pm, you are invited to the ‘24 Days of Advent’ carol singing in the Flower Garden, and a festive display, A Georgian Christmas, will run inside the Museum – usual entrance fees apply.

Parking can be a problem due to the popularity of this seasonal special, so make use of the park and ride services which make moving about easy – they will be running from Emberton Park and the Yardley Road Industrial Estate.

A Dickens of a Christmas is free to attend and runs between 10am and 4pm.

The whole family can take part in the skating with penguin and polar bear skate aids and special Toddler Skate events

Celebrate the winter solstice

In the bleak Midwinter

Carol Service at The Tree Cathedral in Milton Keynes

At a traditional carol service, you should be able to see your breath in the chill of the winter air, you should hold a cup of steaming mulled wine in one hand, a song sheet in the other, and you should have a snuggly hat pulled down tight... You’ll need a nice setting too, and The Parks Trust have sorted that – they will once again be holding their annual festive sing-song at the Tree Cathedral.

But before the open air carolling, a procession will begin at Willen Lake car park.

You will follow a lantern trail along the redways to the cathedral itself. Bring a lantern or torch of your own and meet in the Peace Pagoda car park. Parking charges will apply, but the carol service is free.

When: Sunday, December 11, 3.00pm-5.30pm

Lights of Love

Time to get spooked

There’s always a chill in the air in December, but on December 16, the chill will be somewhat different – with a Spooky History Walk booked in, courtesy of the Cowper & Newton Museum.

Walk Olney’s mysterious byways by night, and learn some of its hair-raising history.

Meet outside the Museum ahead of the 7.30pm start. Adults pay £10, under 16s go for £2, payable on the night. Mulled wine and nibbles are included in the price.

Christmas is a time for families and friends and this poignant event, organised by Willen Hospice, is the perfect opportunity to join a festive celebration of life to remember those who are no longer with us.

It’s a time to remember, and to reflect.

Lights of Love is being hosted at The Ridgeway Centre in Wolverton and anyone from the MK community is welcome, whether your loved one was cared for by Willen Hospice, or elsewhere.

Please remember your purses and wallets –donations will be appreciated.

When: Saturday, December 3, 2.30pm Book: willen-hospice.org.uk

The Carol Service at The Tree Cathedral offers a unique festive experiemce for all of the family to enjoy on Sunday, December 11

Stanwick Lakes in Wellingborough will observe the winter solstice with fire beacons around the lake on December 21. An archer will shoot a burning flame into the middle of the lake to celebrate the pagan festival. Tickets will soon go on sale for fiery display. Check back at stanwicklakes.org.uk

Where to see Santa

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the most famous VIP of all is ready to set up his grotto to greet you all. Father Christmas will be keeping an eye on his reindeer and helping the elves with the present making before heading out on his most special journey on Christmas Eve.

He’s very clever and will be showing up at several locations around and about. Here’s where to see the man with the red suit.

Milton Keynes Museum

Milton Keynes Museum is pleased to announce that it has secured another visit from the biggest star of the season!

He is currently very busy in Lapland, but Father Christmas will be taking time out to meet boys and girls in the new city of MK. The man in red will be in situ at the Museum for the first three weekends in December.

When: December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18

Cost: £10.50 per child (Usual admission charges also apply) and all children will receive a present from Santa. Book: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Delapré Abbey

The house will be dressed for Christmas, and Santa will move in temporarily, setting up his grotto on site – and he’ll bring his team of elves with him.

Little ‘uns will get to meet him, will receive a present lovingly wrapped by his team of helpers, and can be transported to a magical space with an original Christmas story.

When: December 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, with timed entries daily between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Cost: £8 (£5 for those with an annual pass) Book: delapreabbey.org

Willen Hospice

For five-days only, Santa will be setting up his grotto in the gardens of the Milton Keynes Hospice, ably assisted by his ever so nice elves. Open to all ages and absolutely everyone who wants to meet the man with the best beard in show business...

When: December 16-20

Cost: £15

Book: willen-hospice.org.uk

Delapré Abbey will be hosting Santa from December 11

Enjoy a vintage Christmas with Santa at Bletchley Park from November 26

You’ll see hundreds of Santas at the Willen Hospice Santa Dash

centre:mk

The city’s shopping centre has a new themed Santa’s Grotto for 2022. centre:mk has teamed up with Penguin books to deliver an immersive, wonderful adventure with The Snowman. Visitors will experience the story of how The Snowman comes to life and embarks on that magical adventure, which is an integral part of the perfect family Christmas for so many of us.

The experience will last for up to half an hour (and includes decorating a Christmas Elf biscuit) including that meeting with Santa – and he will have a quality gift for each child he meets.

When: November 18 – December 24

Cost: From £13.75 for children and £5.50 for adults.

Book: centre:mk.com

Northampton’s Grosvenor Centre

Santa’s Grotto will be open to little visitors and their families and when you splash the cash to meet him, you’ll be doing a good thing to help others – all proceeds will be given to swell the coffers of the Mayor’s charity.

When: From November 26 with the chance to meet the man every Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am-4.30pm in the run-up to the festive season. There will be additional openings too; from Monday, December 19 to Thursday, December 22, again between 10.30am-4.30pm.

Cost: £1

Book: northamptonbid.co.uk

Bletchley Park

Step back in time and enjoy a vintage Christmas at the home of the Codebreakers. The mansion and Codebreaking Huts will be dressed in decorations and we have been advised there may be some cheeky elves about the place too!

Visitors will meet Father Christmas in his Vintage Christmas Grotto, and will return home with a special gift from him.

When: November 26, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 & 23 (Relaxed Grotto being held on November 27 and December 21).

Cost: £10.50 per child

Book: bletchleypark.org.uk

Stanwick Lakes

Father Christmas will be in his grotto over the weekend of November 19 & 20, meeting fans (and maybe using his spot in the tranquil place to do a little bird watching if time allows). He will be busy in the week planning his annual trip, but will be back at the grotto every weekend until Christmas.

More details to be announced at stanwicklakes.org.uk

Santa Dash

Granted, this is slightly different from the aforementioned Santa appearances – you won’t be going to a Grotto, but the gift of seeing 100s of people dressed as Father Christmas is priceless. The annual fundraising event helps swell the coffers of Willen Hospice, and they need to raise a whopping £9 a minute (or £4.7 million a year) to deliver free care to the city.

Every participant in the Santa Dash is therefore asked to raise £50 to help support their remarkable efforts. Though it is called a dash, if you’d rather walk your way around, that’s cool too, and delightful doggies are welcome to attend with their owners.

The event – taking place at Willen Lake North – is the only place you’ll get to see a ‘sea of santas’ and fingers crossed the new extension will be complete and serving refreshments.

When: Sunday, December 18, 10am

Cost: A minimum of £50 donation

Register: willen-hospice.org.uk

Whilton Locks Garden Village

Father Christmas will be settled in his grotto and ready to meet children of all ages in the lead up to the big day.

The meetings with Santa last for 10 minutes and children will be given a premium gift...so long as they are on the nice list!

When: The man in red will be resident from November 26 and through to Christmas Eve.

Cost: £14.99

Book: whiltonlocksgardenvillage.com

The centre:mk has The Snowman as the theme for its Christmas display this year

Father Christmas will be settled in his Grotto at Whilton Locks from November 26

Meet the jolly man in red at MK Museum from December 2

Time to party!

Are you looking to celebrate Christmas with your work colleagues or need somewhere to host a big family get-together? Stadium MK can help you with that.

You want your festive party your way, and DoubleTree by Hilton will make it happen. Whether you are looking to bring together 100 or 600 of your nearest and dearest, Stadium MK has the right room and dates are available throughout November, December and January.

Your guests will receive a festive arrival drink, a three-course dinner or grazing menu, crackers and party novelties and a private bar.

For quotes and enquiries call the Festive events team on 01908 364170 or email through the website stadiummk.com

Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa in Kettering is hosting special Christmas Party Nights this December. The evenings will comprise a drinks reception in the ballroom, prior to dinner and festivities with a live swing singer and DJ and dancing, all hosted in the spectacular new Orangery within the history rich setting.

There are three party dates to choose from –on December 2, 16 & 17.

To take a peek at the menu and secure your seat for a special night visit rushtonhall.com

Kettering Park Hotel & Spa will host a luxurious Christmas Ball, a party evening delivering fabulous entertainment with disco and casino tables, and a three-course festive feast.

The hotel’s dedicated staff will be going all out to ensure that your evening is a night to remember. Make an exciting event even more special by staying at the hotel – no need to curtail the enjoyment by waiting for cabs to take you home. Instead, you can simply head to one of the rooms for a relaxed night’s sleep... followed by a filling breakfast.

Kettering Park Hotel & Spa offers a life of luxury at their Christmas Party Nights and the opportunity to stay and enjoy all of the facilities they have to offer guests

Aside from the breakfast, your accommodation also allows use of the hotel spa. Bliss!

Christmas Ball events will run on November 19, 25 & 26, and December 2, 3, 10, 16 & 17.

Perhaps you would prefer to welcome in the new year in style – and Kettering Park Hotel has that all wrapped-up for you too; You’ll enjoy afternoon tea in the restaurant, and use of the spa before getting ready to spend the evening in the beautifully dressed Rutland suite.

Champagne and canapés will be served, while a Scottish piper starts the evening, which will be followed by a five-course dinner, and then dancing to the resident DJ.

To book and for more details head to ketteringparkhotel.co.uk

Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa

Hanging around for Christmas

We love seeing Christmas wreaths adorning doors –they look all smart and inviting in equal measure.

But why spend lots of money on one from a store when you can sign up for a Christmas Wreath workshop organised by The Parks Trust and create your very own?

Better still, all the materials needed to make your wreath will be natural and harvested from the parks in Milton Keynes.

Your wreath will be made from hazel and dogwood, yew, ivy and other seasonal greenery.

No previous experience is necessary, and aside from taking home your festive ‘crown,’ you’ll also learn skills that you can take with you and use year in, year out.

Refreshments will be served in seasonal style; a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie will help the creative flow!

No need for booze? No worries – nonalcoholic alternatives will be available.

The two-hour sessions will be running on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 8, 9 & 10.

To book, visit theparkstrust.com

Over in Northampton, Delapré Abbey invites you to partake in its wreath making sessions using natural materials which will be foraged from the Abbey grounds.

Sessions run at 10am or 2pm on December 5, 6, 10, 11, 17 &18 at a cost of £20 per person – numbers are limited to a maximum of 14 for each session, so don’t ‘wreath’ it too late before booking!

Visit delapreabbey.org to join one of the sessions.

Make your own Christmas Wreath at The Parks Trust organised workshops on December 8, 9 & 10

At Whilton Locks Garden Village in Daventry, you can book up for a wreath making workshop which will begin with a talk and demonstration from their horticultural experts to get you ready to let your inner florist flourish.

The gardening hub will provide everything you need to produce your own wreath to take home.

Energy levels will be kept up with homemade soup of the day and a warm baguette and tea and coffee included in the price. You are invited to get creative on December 1 or 2.

Book at wlgv.co.uk

Stanwick Lakes Craft Fair

Wellingborough’s wildlife haven will welcome many artisan sellers and crafters selling a variety of products – from pet accessories to clothes and candles during the weekend of November 19 and 20.

The visitor centre will also be suitably festive and the café will be selling traditional Christmas gifts.

For more information visit stanwicklakes.org.uk

‘Tis the season to be thrifty!

The cost of living crisis has caused stress and anxiety for a great many people in 2022 and, sadly, Christmas looks set to exacerbate those worries still further. But it’s worth remembering that first and foremost, Christmas is a time for togetherness, not a time for increasing debt.

The joy you will feel by being too free with the plastic cash for a few days of fun simply isn’t worth the trauma that will follow in the new year.

Christmas can still be a success on a shoestring – and if you have children, they will never remember what they didn’t get for Christmas, but they will cherish those times of togetherness.

It’s important to set a budget, and then stick to it.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the season of goodwill for less.

Be realistic

If you can’t afford to buy this year’s must-have toys, paying for them on the ‘never-never’ isn’t ideal – because you will have to pay eventually, plus interest.

If your children are young enough to know that Santa is visiting, they are young enough to appreciate whatever he leaves for them.

Look online for bargain buys from the online auction sites, check the online sales of your preferred stores and stay tuned – many shops offer flash sales or special days with super reductions at short notice.

And how many extended family members and friends do you splash the cash on, but seldom see throughout the year?

With the constraints on our money, 2022 is the ideal year to have a conversation about cutting back – they will welcome your honesty and quite possibly be glad of it. Martin Lewis has been telling us to do this for years!

Secret Santa

It doesn’t just have to be a bit of fun in the office – it can be a great way to ‘do’ Christmas at home too. Everyone agrees on a spending amount, pops their name into a hat and takes the name of another. You then purchase an item for your recipient.

You might choose to keep the cost low, or maybe you’ll spend a larger amount, but only buy a gift for that one person – everyone will still receive, but the piggy bank won’t be broken in the process.

Let’s be honest, the boxes often prove just as popular with young children as the contents!

Real tree, or not real tree, that is the question...

If you have a plastic tree, make it work for you. When you throw your tree out for the dustmen it’s destined for landfill which is terrible, so keep your ‘fake’ trees and love them – after all, they are only used for a couple of weeks annually!

If you really must have a newbie this year, please consider donating your pre-loved one to a charity for resale – or offer it free online. People will be only too pleased to come and collect from you.

And what of real trees? In December they are paraded in windows looking spectacular, and yet come January, the sad piles of dumped trees are a depressing vision.

If you have a real spruce in the house during the festive period, you have a responsibility to dispose of it properly – and if you live in Milton Keynes, for a suggested donation, Willen Hospice will take it off your hands.

Every year they increase the postcodes they collect from – keep an eye on their website (willen-hospice.org.uk) to see if they will be collecting in your area – they’ll be out and about between January 6 and 8.

Decorations

The price of some baubles these days can be as much as buying someone a gift. It’s enough to make you choke on your advent calendar choccie!

A tip for next year – buy decorations in the January sales. They are slashed in price in time for the Boxing Day sales, and if you don’t mind waiting longer you can pick up fabulous adornments for pennies. Some of the biggest savings can be found in the biggest stores.

But what about this year? Make do with those you already have languishing in the loft or at the back of the cupboard, and encourage the kids to get creative.

And start saving those empty toilet roll tubes right now; a little bit of sticky paper and some felt tip pens can transform the tubes into ace Christmas decorations, or you could use them to make crackers. Much cheaper than buying in the shops, recycled and you choose what goes inside, meaning no terribly cheap plastic trash!

Paper snowflakes are another easy to do craft activity and the kids will love seeing their creations hanging at home – perfect decorations for minimum expenditure.

Food

Food prices have risen enormously and the nation’s collective purse has felt the pinch, but it is still possible to shop for a food bargain this Christmas.

Here are some ways to make the cash go further:

Pick up the in-store magazines

They often have money off vouchers for new products, and some even offer free items within their pages.

Cash in those store cards!

We all swipe when we shop, but do you know how much you’ve got on your cards? It’s free cash, so use it to purchase any treats – and always look out for special offers rather than popping the first things you see into the shopping basket. It’s an easy way to make the money work even better for you.

Buy own brands

These are often made in the same factory as those premium brands, and it’s impossible to taste the difference. In fact, the only difference you’ll notice is that your wallet isn’t quite so light.

Compare prices online

By doing a quick sweep of supermarkets online, you’ll be able to see where the best special offers are from the comfort of your sofa.

Lots of stores offer big discounts on wine and champagne if you buy in bulk. Why not split the cost and the fizz between yourself, families and friends? You’ll all be quids in.

Check sell-by dates

Confectionaries will often have long dates on - buy when they are on special offer and set aside for Christmas.

Seek help if you need it

Christmas time can make things seem all the more difficult, but please reach out for help. Food close to and just past its sell-by date can be taken for free from the many Community Fridges that are in the area, which is a great way to prevent waste, and if you are struggling to feed your family, Food Banks are there to help.

Please make the connection.

It’s simple, if you are fortunate to have enough food, consider giving a little, and if you need some help, take a little.

Be neighbourly

Fewer of us than ever know our neighbours today, but there really is nothing stopping you from offering a mince pie or sharing a glass of mulled wine across the fence.

Please make an effort to check on elderly or vulnerable people too – a small gesture could make all the difference, and it’ll make you feel good too.

Make your own decorations out of things you can find

Bake some mince pies and share them with a neighbour

Nothing beats the excitement of going to choose a Christmas tree but make sure you recycle real trees in the new year

Compare prices of supermarkets to get the best deal on your Christmas food

All the fun of the Fair

Find out for yourself why so many people love shopping at The Festive Gift Fair and return every year… bring on the Christmas cheer!

Christmas isn’t just about buying gifts, it’s making sure every corner of your home looks fabulous and your table is set for a festive feast! All of which can be found at this much loved Christmas shopping fair returning to the NEC, November 17-20 for its 26th year!

Often the most time-consuming part is finding unique presents but there’s no need to be stuck for ideas this year! Get your Christmas off to a cracking start at The Festive Gift Fair and you’ll see how fun and easy Christmas shopping can be!

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of the day, exploring 300 stalls (over 100 new stalls this year!) overflowing with thousands upon thousands of clever gift ideas and decorations at affordable prices. The variety is huge, with something for everyone. To get you into the Christmas spirit, while you’re shopping at the fair, you can enjoy a whole line-up of fantastic musical entertainment to get your toes tapping!

Back by popular demand is David Julien, finalist of The Voice UK, The Grinch, The Stilt Jazz Band, choirs and more! And of course, Santa will be there along with his fabulous sleigh… plenty of photo opportunities!!

It’s no wonder The Festive Gift Fair is the most popular Christmas shopping event in the heart of the country… here’s a little sneak preview of some of the goodies you’ll see …

Santa will be making an appearance at The Festive Gift Fair

Eat, Drink And Be Merry!

Christmas is the one time of year when everyone can over indulge a little. At The Festive Gift Fair you’ll find a whole array of delicious artisan food and drink to sample, before you buy.

New for this year

The Panettone Store will be selling mouthwatering panettone in beautiful Dolce & Gabbana designed tins. A perfect dinner party gift.

Add a little heat to your cooking with Leithal Hot Sauces …hot, tangy and fruity sauces and even a mojo rub!

WIN ONE OF FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS

Just answer this simple question... at what venue is this year’s The Festive Gift Fair taking place?

Email your answer to mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Subject: MK Gift Fair along with your name, address and contact telephone number.

The closing date for entries is: October 31, 2022

>> Want to find out more, then click to: www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

>> Advance adult tickets are priced from just £6, children 5-16 years £4, under 5’s free . Book online at www.theticketfactory.com group tickets available (15+ adults)

Getting Christmas wrapped up

The ever-popular Handmade & Vintage event will return to centre:mk between October 28 & 30 (during usual shopping hours) with its usual array of retro, unique and antique stalls offering a real opportunity to shop smart and find that truly one-off item for a loved one.

From teddies to jewellery, clothing, records (and even jukeboxes) to soaps and fragrances, tempting tipples and novelties, H&V has the lot, with fashions, original art, homewares and ceramics and glass also included.

In all, more than 130 stall holders will be vying for your attention which makes it the perfect place to get Christmas all wrapped

up in advance – and many stallholders will be happy to discuss bespoke orders and commissions. H&V will also return to Rushden Lakes for two pre-Christmas weekends – on December 3&4 and 10&11 for more of the aforementioned.

Shop Saturdays between 9am and 6pm and Sundays, 10.30am-5pm.

For more information visit mkhandmadeandvintage.co.uk

We are all feeling the pinch after a year of obscene rises. It’s worth remembering that charity stores are great for bagging bargains of new and pre-loved items, and Milton Keynes is brimming with charity shops – head to outlying towns; Olney, Newport Pagnell, Stony Stratford and Bletchley, and remember that Willen Hospice has a new location inside The Point.

Christmas cards aren’t as popular as they used to be, but we’re pretty sure they would never have fallen out of fashion if all the designs were as lovely as those gracing the annual Willen Hospice cards

Festive images of popular local spaces adorn their cards – purchase from one of their many stores locally. And if you want to keep Christmas simple, why not pop in a Winter Draw ticket or one of the Hospice’s scratchcards as a little gift?

Pantos are coming... Oh yes they are!

Christmas shows are as much a part of the festive season as mince pies, Christmas trees and carols – and there is plenty of choice for you. Make your selection and go book a seasonal treat...

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Starring: Lesley Joseph, Rob Rinder and Paul Chuckle

Milton Keynes Theatre December 10, 2022 – January 8, 2023

Book: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Jack and the Beanstalk Starring: Keala Settle, Bob Golding and Alex Lodge Northampton Derngate Theatre December 9, 2022 – January 2, 2023

Book: royalandderngate.co.uk

The Night Before Christmas Starring: The clever folks at Polka Theatre Northampton Underground November 25 – December 31, 2022 Book: royalandderngate.co.uk

Snow White Starring: A cast of pros are waiting to make you boo, hiss and laugh lots!

The Old Savoy, Northampton December 9 – December 31, 2022 Book: theoldsavoy.co.uk

The Adventures of The Little Red Hen Starring: Members of the leading family theatre brand, Stuff and Nonsense

The Stables, Wavendon December 19-24, 2022

Book: stables.org

Christmas Fair

Delapré Abbey will host its own Christmas Fair, with unique, handmade gifts from carefully selected stalls in the historic setting. It will be fantastically festive, with the house smartly dressed for the season and food, drink and children’s activities all on the menu.

Entry is £1 per person (under 5s go free) plus a donated food item – because Christmas is the time for giving, and this year more than ever we need to help each other.

Collected items will once again be given to Northampton Hope Centre and Food Aid Far Cotton to help tackle poverty. If those that can, give a little, it really will help a lot.

The Fair will run the weekend of November 26 &27, and again on December 3 & 4, between 10am and 4pm.

Entry is staggered – for more information see the website – delapreabbey.org

Jack and the Beanstalk Starring: Matt Montfort, Adam Borzone and Will Frazer Castle Theatre, Wellingborough December 3-31, 2022 Book: parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Potted Panto Starring: A cast of characters The Core, Corby December 7-11 2022 Book: thecorecorby.com

Santa’s Christmas Rescue! Starring: Santa, Rudoph, Ellie the elf and her best friend Izzy The Core, Corby December 12-24 2022

Book: thecorecorby.com

The Handmade & Vintage event returns to centre:mk between October 28 & 30

Illuminating times

Stony Stratford

The town will be bathed in light with the return of the traditional parade of handmade lanterns travelling from York House to Market Square via the High Street , which this year takes place on November 26. The theme for the event – the first time it has been held since 2019 – is Monster Christmas, which encompasses cartoon monsters, monsters from film and TV, classic monsters, mythical monsters or indeed any other that you can create – let your imaginations run wild!

Please leave Rover at home – the streets can get very congested, and it will prove stressful for pooch, and for you too.

You might choose to make your lantern at York House (with sessions happening on November 12 &13, and 19 & 20) or purchase a kit so that you can get creative in your own home.

The CLASS (Christmas Lights at Stony Stratford) Committee have organised the Switch-On Fun Day.

At 10.30am, a Stony Stratford Story Stroll will wander around the town with Red Phoenix, and children will be able to try their hand at juggling, unicycling, tight-rope walking and other skills in the company of Concrete Circus. Funfair rides will be tempting you on the High Street and in Market Square, together with the many other stalls.

Add in food and drink, and Watlingfest, bringing music to the Market Square between 11.30am and 4.20pm with a good mix of genres ready to go live, and you’ve got the perfect lead up to the big switch-on.

Check in at stonylights.org for the latest updates.

Candlelit Tours

Ok, so this isn’t a light switch-on, but Northampton’s Delapré Abbey will be glowing by candlelight, as you’ll see if you book your space on one of the special out-of-hours tours. You’ll learn more about the Abbey’s history and its people while also getting to explore some of the many nooks and crannies of this most special building.

Tours will run on December 1, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 21 and 22.

Get more details at delapreabbey.org

Stony Stratford takes on a carnival atmosphere with its parade of handmade lanterns

Delapré Abbey will host an illuminated woodland trail from Nnovember 17 to January 2

Winter Light Trail

Enjoy a breathtaking, illuminated woodland trail with an array of magical light installations with a new trail experience spanning more than a mile and quarter of stunning woodland, walled garden and grounds of Delapré Abbey.

The perfect way to light up your life, and there’s plenty of time to enjoy it – the trail will run every Wednesday to Sunday (4pm8.40pm) from November 17 to January 2.

Independent food vendors, an Aprés Ski bar and children’s funfair will also feature.

To book, visit delapreabbey.org

centre:mk

If you want to attend centre:mk’s switch on, the date for the diary is Friday, November 18 – which is also the opening night of its Santa’s Grotto.

Beginning in City Square at 4.30pm there will be entertainment and guest appearances from the cast of MK Theatre’s panto Snow White who will be coming along to help with the festivities, while everyone awaits the arrival of Santa.

When he arrives, the parade will begin –travelling the length of the centre to his grotto in Middleton Hall.

Just one question: As Santa and the cast of Snow White will travel together, will they go off to work with a hi-ho-hi-ho or a ho-ho-ho?!

Wolverton Lantern Festival

This isn’t a light switch-on either... but it will be a glorious parade of light when the Lantern Festival makes its return in 2022 after an enforced absence of two years on Saturday, December 3.

Food and drink vendors will be serving up good things from 2pm, live music will sound out from Foundation House and if you fancy picking up new tricks, Kester the Jester will be hosting free circus skill workshops between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

The MK Community Choir and Wolverton Town Band will also be showing out on the day.

The parade will begin from The Square at 4.30pm, and this year’s theme is minibeasts, perhaps giving a nod to many of our delicate species that are essential, but under threat.

Hopefully that will inspire young minds to support our beasties and bugs, and it will certainly make for an array of wonderful lanterns.

Of course if you want to take part in the parade, you’ll need a lantern and kits will go on sale in local outlets (Mrs B’s Emporium, Maisies and at the MK Christian Foundation) from the end of October for £4. Alternatively, step up for one of the public-making workshops happening at The Old Bath House on November 6, 13 and 27 between 2pm and 5pm. No need to pre-book.

Get more by visiting FB @wolvertonlanternfestival and tell them we sent you.

Northampton Christmas lights

The switch will be flicked on November 26 at the annual event in the Market Square, and the festivities will continue across town, with businesses being encouraged to get creative with festive themes window displays, all coming under the theme of Mischievous Elves – dozens of elves are expected to pop up in shop windows.

And, while not Christmas lights related, we have to mention the 24-hour Christmas radio station which goes live for the start of advent and will pump out seasonal delight at the University of Northampton, the Grosvenor Shopping and at town centre businesses.

Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights

Newport Pagnell Christmas lights have been bathing in the town in a festive glow annually since 1960, when Early Beatty of Chicheley gave the command for that inaugural switch-on.

Today, the event is a chance to bring the community together with a day of stalls and fun ahead of the switch-on, which this year is taking place on Saturday, November 26.

Historic Northampton comes alive with the switching on of the Christmas lights

Northampton Christmas Lights

The big switch on at centre:mk coincides with the arrival of Santa on November 18

Tree-mendous times

If a real tree is set to be a focus of your family Christmas in 2022, you won’t do better then choosing it straight from the field at Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees who have the perfect tree to ‘spruce’ up your abode, just waiting for you to discover it!

You’ll stroll the field of plenty and choose your very own, British farm-grown tree which the team at Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees will cut down for you.

And there’s no need to stress about getting it back to the car – the team promise they have plenty of helpful elves on hand to help take the tree back to the farmyard where it will be netted, helping getting it into your car a breeze!

Refreshments will also be served by Really Awesome Coffee (Saturday) and Good Times

Cafe (Sunday) and if you are wondering where to get your holly and mistletoe from, there are plenty of both of those for sale too, together with tree stands, logs and kindling.

The farm also makes its own range of The Fruity Farmer fruit gins, liqueurs and rapeseed oils which will be available for purchase. They make ideal stocking fillers, secret Santa opportunities, or buy for yourself – because you deserve it!

Visits to the farm begin on Saturday, November 19 and run for the five weekends before Christmas, on Saturdays and Sundays, with two Friday openings, 9am-4pm.

There is no need to pre-book.

To check the full list of dates visit stokegoldingtonchristmastrees.co.uk

Wolverton Winter Fair

Willen Hospice: Care at Christmas

The care at Willen Hospice is important all year-round, but perhaps even more poignant at Christmas time. For many of our patients, this could be their last Christmas. Our teams go above and beyond so families can make those all-important memories that they will cherish forever.

A Willen Hospice Christmas means our Willen at Home team visiting patients on Christmas day so they can spend it at home with their families. It means Christmas dinner served with all the trimmings and a cheery smile to patients and their families at our lakeside In-Patient Unit. Or a friendly voice on the other end of the phone, for those spending their first Christmas without a loved one. We can only do this thanks to your support

Why our nurses and doctors are the greatest gift of all

Joy Butler, Willen at Home “Working at Christmas is just like any other day for us. We go out to visit the patients that need our care, or we speak to families over the phone to offer advice and support. Caring for patients and their families is the most important thing, no matter what day it is.”

Support Willen Hospice this Christmas

There are many ways you can support us whilst ticking off a few items from your Christmas shopping list. Our shops are bursting with bargains including Christmas party outfits as well as our charity Christmas cards and Lottery Scratchcards* - a fun table favour or stocking filler! And for the person who has everything, a Lottery subscription for our weekly draw is the perfect gift that keeps giving all year round.

Made in Stony

Get your Christmas gifts, cards and confectionery sorted in one fell swoop –with a trip to York House on December 3. Shop there between 10am and 4pm.

We also have a whole host of festive events to keep you busy over the Christmas period. Celebrate the life of a loved one at our Lights of Love on Saturday 3rd December at The Ridgeway Centre, enchant the children with Santa’s Grotto from 16th – 20th December, or get the whole family Santa-suited up for a walk, run or jog around Willen Lake North at our Santa Dash on Sunday 18th December.

*Over 18s only

The old railway town will host its Winter Fair on the weekend of December 10 & 11 in The Square, with stall-holders selling their goods out of festive alpine huts. Entertainers and food vendors will add more flavour to the traditional shopping opportunity.

Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees offer you the chance to choose your tree straight from the plantation

Your support can help the team at Willen Hospice provide the patients with the extra care and support they deserve at Christmas

Chilling beauty for Halloween

It’s the most monstrous time of the year and irrespective of whether you are all about the ‘tricks’, or would prefer to ‘treat’ yourself, Lush has an array of awful(ly) good bathroom goodies to ‘creep’ it real.

on a not so fun ride you’ll remember!

The gift set include Cyclops and Alien bubble bars, Ghostie and I Want My Mummy bath bombs and two sheets of spooky stickers.

How about celebrating the scariest time of the year with a terrifying trio of vampire inspired treats?

Get in a flap with Bat Art, which comprises a Bat Art bath bomb, Bubble Lugosi bubble bar and a Vampire Kisses lip scrub.

Perfect treats for twilight bathing. We think it’s a simply fang-tastic selection!

RRP: £20

the mess of carving? Then skip that and purchase Lush’s Punkin Pumpkin instead.

‘The witching hour brings nightmares crawling. To make the shadows retreat and recoil, fizz this ghoul of bright citrus oils.’

RRP: £5

(Lush products are available from their stores at centre:mk in Milton Keynes and the Grosvenor Centre in Northampton)

This is the only spider we will ever want to find in our bathroom!

The Tarantula jelly arachnid comes with activated charcoal, rainbow glitter and a cherry amaretto fragrance. You’ll not find another aromatic spider, that’s for sure. This one is hair-free too, of course, and he’s Vegan Society approved and self-preserving.

Time to make friends with the eight-legged fella.

RRP: £8

Feeling stressed? You need a long soak in a hot tub with a Lush bath bomb to keep you company, and Screamo is just the job. Watch your fears fade into cobalt blue waters with this ghostly bomb, or take Ghostie as your bathing pal.

A rainbow spectrum of citrusy fragranced water pushes him along your bath with eerie cracking sounds, thanks to the filling of popping candy, Sicilian Lemon Oil and Lemongrass Oil. One minute he’s there, the next he’s gone.

There’s nothing to be scared of. Honest.

RRP: £5 (Screamo) £4.50 (Ghostie)

Do you feel like getting down and earthy? The Lord of Misrule Shower Gel is just the job, with mischievous black peppercorn and patchouli. Skin will be softened with carrageenan seaweed, and put simply, you’ll no more be the fool after a session in the shower with this!

The fragrance is also available in a bath bomb, body spray and candle.

Get it: Starting at £8

Beauty extra

Earlier this week the UKs best selling nail brand, Mylee, rocked up on our High Streets for the first time - it has just launched in more than 1300 Boots stores, with a whole range of gel-icious kits to make your nails magnificent!

Regular salon trips can be costly, but Mylee comes in at a fraction of the price, without compromising on the quality.

Being able to achieve durable nails at home is a synch with this brand; chipping, smudging and dents won’t be a thing.

The Mylee Mighty Mani Gel Polish Kit comprises a Pro LED lamp, four pigmented colours and all you need to remove the mani with ease. And it is worth £127, so it’s a bit of a bargain too - a saving of 25%

You might say that when it comes to gel polish, Mylee has nailed it!

RRP: £95

Get it: Boots stores

Halloween might be the stuff of nightmares, but getting your quota of Z’s is made all the easier by investing in products from the wellness and CBD brand Dreem Distillery

The award-winning company’s range includes Into The Deep CBD Therapeutic Bath Oil which turns down the body clock lights while you enjoy a little soak in the tub.

Follow that by our favourite, the sleep-inducing Among The Stars Body Oil. This expertly blended treat comprises aromatherapy oils, skin-absorbable CBD and botanicals together with organic essential oils.

Forget the stresses of the day as the oil tackles muscle soreness and helps your mind decompress as you slip between the sheets. A natural way to give insomnia the elbow.

RRP: £28 (30ml), £75 (100ml)

Get it: dreemdistillery.co.uk

A heavenly new gel polish kit, and so to bed with Dreem Distillery...

How to choose post-surgery lingerie

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is only the first step on the road to recovery. Post-surgery, ladies are often left struggling with feelings of insecurity over their new shape and many don’t realise how much correctly fitted specialist lingerie can do to boost confidence and restore their pre-surgery silhouette.

Happily there are many ways to ensure that you keep your confidence after having breast surgery and as long as you have selected the right piece for your personal situation you can feel confident in your shape and still enjoy activities like swimming and going on holiday to the beach.

Eloise has a fitting suite at Furzton Lake Milton Keynes and has been providing women who have had various forms of breast surgery with beautiful lingerie and swimwear since 2015. Our styles cover a wide range of price points to suit all pockets and include the latest fashions from brands Anita, Royce and more.

Additionally we can offer you a selection of breast forms, and partial forms, including special swim forms for ladies who want to return to swimming or sporting activities post-surgery. As well as suggesting a few starter styles for you, our specialist Bra Fitters, Lisa and Hazel look forward to welcoming you for a free of charge bra and swimwear fitting at your convenience. Why not call us today on 01908 340 094 to book your appointment and see how Eloise can help you with your postsurgical bra and breast form needs.

Having a specialist bra fitting with a retailer is usually the best option for both lingerie and breast forms but if you can’t get there then Eloise have put together a few tips on what to look for that might help you to find your perfect pieces of post-surgery lingerie online.

Sit in the relaxed and comfortable fitting suite situated at Furzton Lake

Open Day at Eloise

We are having an open day on Tuesday October 25, 8am to 8pm.

There will be samples on sale and an opportunity to view the fitting suite and learn about what we do. We are asking everyone to wear masks inside the building.

• Wide comfortable and adjustable straps – this is crucial to reduce the risk of Lymphodema developments.

• Good separation between the cups, with a deeper centre that sits against the breastbone along with deeper cups to ensure the breast form is secured firmly and cannot be visible if the wearer bends forward.

• Deep side wings under the arms and no stiffeners so they do not rub or chafe on scar tissue from lymph gland removal.

• Appropriate depth in the cup to accommodate the breast form

• Pocketed to house the breast form

• Comfortable and soft fabrics and seams

• Generally wire free – on the advice of surgeons

• Multi-sectioned or pre-formed cups generally give a better and fuller shape.

>> If you would like to browse our collections of post-surgical lingerie and swimwear please visit our website at www.eloise.co.uk where you will find styling options. Alternatively to make a private appointment for a bra or breast form fitting please call 01908 340 094

Bra fitters, Lisa and Hazel are there to advise you in making the right choices

Browse our selection breast

It’s happening: The temperature is dropping, and our need for layers is rising at an alarming rate every day. But before we confront winter in yet another new coat, let’s rally round the catwalks for a little inspiration - see if they don’t show us things we already know and have, hanging up at home...

Along with aviator jackets, the key shape for outerwear is a classic: the boldshouldered blazer. Seen across almost all the designer collections, they came feathered at Prada, double-breasted at Jil Sander, and oversized at Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton.

To wear the one you probably already own? Throw slouchy armed blazers over shirts, ties and trousers - or

over knitted joggers - like the models at Louis Vuitton. Fitted blazers in basic black looked great over mini skirts and skintight, thigh high boots at Givenchy; sleek as hell when buttoned up, sans anything underneath besides a matching pair of trousers, at Versace.

But if you must, must arm yourself with a new coat or jacket, consider colour, fabric and make it worth the spend. For maximum impact choose a luxe-fun vibe, with silks in high voltage hues - Barbie pink, sky blue, or grass green. Versace did it best with boxy, blazer-shaped overcoats that came down to the shins, flung over corset tops, slouchy trousers and maxi skirts. See River Island, Matalan and Zara for items that are just as bold - after raiding your wardrobe first of course, for secret weapons you’ve bought, long forgotten, but could dust off and wear now. Because it surely feels better battling the weather, while doing one’s bit to fight climate change, too. Island

MK Pulse welcomes our new food writer, Sofia Gallo, who will contribute our recipes. Sofia is an acclaimed local chef, food writer and also teaches at Milton Keynes Cookery School. She has recently won the ICG Cooking Competition and was a contestant on BBC’s Masterchef.

Pistachios Frangipane Tart

INGREDIENTS

For the shortcrust pastry:

METHOD

1. Prepare your pastry. Place the butter, chilled, just out of the fridge, salt, lemon and sugar in a bowl of a standup mixer with the paddle attachment. Start creaming the two without losing the consistency of the butter, to sand-like consistency. The same process can be done by hand, using a metal fork, so that the butter doesn’t get too hot too quickly.

2. Add your yolks and mix until fully incorporated, then add your flour and combine fully.

3. Place the pastry onto some parchment paper, cover with more parchment and roll to 3mm thickness before placing in the fridge to chill for about 15min. Rolling before will allow you to chill quicker, but is also malleable.

For the frangipane filling

To

4. Heat your oven to 200 C/Gas 6. Line the tart tin chosen and let the sides hang a little.

5. Line the case using parchment paper and fill it with either rice or ceramic beans. Blind bake for 12-15min or until golden and dry to touch. Remove the paper and beans and place the case back in the oven for a further 5 minutes just to dry the bottom.

6. For the frangipane, cream together the sugar and butter until light, then beat in the eggs, one at a time, and finally fold the ground pistachios.

7. Spread a thin layer of frangipane at the bottom of the tart and layer the raspberries. Top with the remaining frangipane and spread evenly before baking for 25 min or until golden. Halfway through, scatter the sliced pistachios if using, before returning the tin to the oven.

8. Before serving, dust in icing sugar.

MAKE THE HAWTHORNS

Itʼs time we stopped wasting food

With inflation, rising energy costs, and the alarm call to take action on climate now from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, there is undeniably a lot for us to cope with right now. Transition Town MK (TTMK) believe in tackling these crises together, and that rather than bury our heads in the sand, we can strengthen our capacity to face them by responding with resilience and creative power as a community.

As we discussed at a recent TTMK social event, one way we can all make a positive, large-scale impact (for health, saving money, and to lower our carbon footprint) is by reducing our food waste.

Reducing food waste is the number one solution to the climate crisis

On first impressions, it seems remarkable that reducing food waste is the number one solution to the climate crisis, coming above electric cars, solar power, and plant-based diets as the best way of bringing carbon out of the atmosphere and drawing it down into the ground.

But when you learn that all the world’s nearly one billion hungry people could be fed on less than a quarter of the food that is wasted in the UK, Europe, and USA alone, the scale of the problem becomes very clear!

It’s not just that hundreds of billions of £££ are effectively going in the bin, or that food is not getting to people that need it. The danger is that the billions of tons of wasted food going to landfill produces methane and greenhouse gases as it decomposes, which is 28 times more potent that carbon dioxide as a contributor to climate change and people’s worsening health problems.

Over half of all food waste takes place in the home

Olio has found that the average UK family puts £730 worth of food in the bin every year. Apart from the startling amount of money

Olio has found that the average UK family puts £730 worth of food in the bin every year... for every pound of food we throw into the bin... we are releasing the equivalent of two exercise ball-sized balloons of CO2 out of the window!

we’re wasting, it is also concerning to think that for every pound of food we throw into the bin like this, we are releasing the equivalent of two exercise ball-sized balloons of CO2 out of the window!

What we can do?

As we learnt at our recent TTMK social event on the first Wednesday of the month, we have some fantastic food waste prevention initiatives in Milton Keynes, including Woughton Community Council’s café and numerous Community Fridges and Community Larders across the city. Apps like ‘Too Good to Go’ and ‘Olio’ are great resources to help reduce food waste by sharing surplus food too.

We can all be active participants in bringing about the change we want to see. Join TTMK to share ideas for how we can create more sustainable daily habits and build stronger, more resilient communities for impactful and long-lasting change.

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

DIGGING DEEP

Those of you who planted the seeds back in the spring, and who managed to keep them well watered during this year of record breaking temperatures should be receiving the fruits of your labours around about now – with plenty of ripe, plump pumpkins to be had.

They are relatively simple things to grow, so long as water is forthcoming and they are sheltered from biting winds. They are sun worshippers too, so pick a cheery spot with lots of space to grow.

Pumpkins also deliver a pop of colour at a time when mother nature is being pretty dreary.

If you’ve never tried to grow a pumpkin, you’ll have to wait until April before getting involved, when the seeds should be sown, or if you’d rather opt for a plant, check in with your garden centre to see what they have on offer.

Seedlings can be sown indoors, and transported outside later, or plant them where you want them from the get-go – by popping two to three seeds in each hole. If you do it in May, you’ll be fine.

Cover with jars or sheeting for a couple of weeks, and then thin them – leaving only the strongest to flourish.

If you sow inside, move outdoors in June, and be prepared to nurture.

The water needs to get deep down to the roots - if you end up with a squelchy, rotten ‘kin, it’ll likely be the result of too much water resting at the base. Better still, when the fruits

grow, place them on glass to keep them away from the wet soil.

Frost will damage the pumpies, so always harvest ahead of the first frost.

Provided you allow them to harden – in the sun, or in a greenhouse for seven days or so –pumpkins can stick around for a long time.

But to cook or to carve? That is the question!

>> Visit The Patch MK for their annual ‘pick your own’ spectacular, which is open weekends beginning October 1, and then daily from October 19-30.

There are more than 50 different varieties to choose from, and in excess of 85,000 have been planted!

“Without doubt this is the hardest year I have ever had to contend with as a farmer,” Joe Gurney told us. “The hot dry weather has made life for our crops very difficult. However the pumpkins are looking well, they have flowered well and are now growing a plentiful stock of fruits. We have lots planned to make it a special year. An early picked pumpkin uncarved will last for months so if you want to get the best choice, come early and store until needed.”

Visit thepatchmk.co.uk

Some of the usual gardening advice is a little different this year, after those record-breaking, and quite devastating temperatures. But as we try to take a step back to normality, remember to get busy with the bulbs; and we don’t just mean flowers!

Now is the ideal time to plant garlic. Nestle it just below the surface of the soil, about one inch will be perfect, and space the cloves between 10 and 15cm apart.

Central European folk beliefs considered the pungent bulb to ward against werewolves, devils and vampires, and in ancient Egypt, workers responsible for those majestic pyramids were fed garlic daily.

Garlic is known for boosting our immune system and its antibiotic properties, so the old Welsh rhyme, ‘Eat leeks in March, wild garlic in May, all the rest of the year the doctors may play,’ may have some substance.

Get planting!

How does your garden grow?

I wonder if you feel pretty unmotivated about gardening at the moment because of how the drought has affected your plants.

Many have gone into early autumn behaviour, and may well recover next spring. We will have to wait and see. The advice from the Royal Horticultural Society is not to cut anything back now. The photo is of my raspberry canes, which have been fruiting well for 25 years.

No home-made jam, liqueur or fruit vinegar this year.

To regain your enthusiasm, why not sow some seeds?

Sweet peas are always a delight and are totally hardy outdoors. I use pots about the size of the short, wide, one litre yoghourt pots. Sow seeds 2cm deep, four around the edge and one in the middle. Put them in a shady place, and make sure they don’t dry out.

In the spring I transplant the whole pot into the ground, next to one of the six tall bamboo canes I have sunk into the soil and tied together with string, wigwam-style.

Other flower seeds you can sow this month are perennials including hollyhock and aquilegia, and hardy annuals like cornflowers, poached egg plants, larkspur and annual poppies.

With vegetables, now is the time to sow broad beans, such as Aquadulce, for an early harvest in May, and winter-hardy salad such as land cress, lambs lettuce, Chinese leaves, and Rouge d’Hiver and Winter Density lettuces. Don’t forget windowsill sowings of herbs including basil and coriander all year round.

Jan Taylor, Chair, Bletchley Garden Club

> Bletchley Garden Club (BGC) meet each month. New members welcome. For details visit bletchleygardenclub.org

Jan’s raspberry canes are looking very sorry for themselves

Experts at Elegant Garden Rooms can help clients avoid the potential pitfalls which risk a project falling foul of planning regulations.

Most houses in the United Kingdom have permitted development rights which allow changes to the property to be undertaken without the need for planning permission. The main exceptions are flats, maisonettes and listed buildings, where planning permission is always required.

For most properties, an imaginary line is drawn along the principal elevation of the house. Anything in front of the line will always require planning permission but everything in the side or rear gardens would be considered permitted development.

In a conservation area the line is drawn along the rear elevation meaning a garden room in the side garden would require planning permission but those in the rear garden would be permitted development.

Additional rules apply if the property is in a National Park or area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). It is always worth checking for local restrictions wherever the property is in the country.

Before starting to construct a garden room under permitted development, it is important to make sure the development meets the following rules. planning permission for garden room?

A garden room is not in front of the home. The total area of all extensions, sheds and outbuildings – including the proposed garden room – must not cover more than 50 per cent of the total area of land around the property. The maximum height is 2.5 metres if it is within two metres of the boundary. The eaves are no more than 2.5 metres above ground level, there is no balcony, veranda or raised platform and it isn’t self-contained living accommodation.

Building regulations are about how a structure is designed, built and insulated. Certificates will be required if planning to sell a house. Building regulations do not usually apply if the garden room is not attached to the main building and has no sleeping area or electrics.

To find out more about planning permissions and how to enjoy a garden room without the hassle call the team on 0800 669 6537 or visit the website www.elegantgardenroomsuk.com

Getting to grips with Window Energy Ratings

The cost-of-living crisis is encouraging people to look at ways to reduce their energy bills. There is little point in turning down the thermostat if heat is escaping through your old windows and doors. Adrian Timbers, Sales and Marketing manager at T&K Home Improvements, gives an insight into energy ratings with windows and what customers should consider

So, what are Window Energy Ratings?

Window Energy Ratings provide an outline or overall value for how energy efficient a window is. They take into consideration the thermal efficiency, solar gain and the air leakage of the window. Windows are rated using a scale to symbolise the total energy efficiency of the windows. Where an ‘A’ rated window is the highest rating in energy efficiency and a ‘G’ rated window has the lowest rating in energy efficiency. Window energy ratings are tested and approved by independent organisations, so you need to be sure that a manufacturer can verify the performance claims of their products. This rating is designed to be used specifically as a guide to help consumers choose between window systems based on the overall energy performance of the windows and give them an idea of how likely they are to save money on their household bills when installing these windows.

Who came up with Window Energy Ratings?

Window Energy Ratings (WER) are governed by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). The colourful graph, pictured, is a guide to a window’s level of energy efficiency.

This rating features in the key components including the glazing, level of heat loss and air leakage. All factors that will determine the windows’ level of energy efficiency. The higher the window energy rating, the better the window’s energy efficiency and thermal performance. When buying windows always make sure that the company has a WER rating which you can search for online and is verified from an independent body.

Is having high performing windows worth the cost?

There is a cost factor when considering the energy rating for new windows. Naturally, the higher the window’s energy rating, the higher the price but this needs to be considered alongside how much money will be saved on energy bills.

So, what is the right choice for your home?

The scale ranges from A++ to B at the top end, and C to G at the bottom. This is a decision only you will be able to make when presented with all the facts, but our advice is simple. Consider all the options with a professional company who has all the accreditations and certifications – but the general rule is the higher the rating on the window the more thermally efficient it will be, and the higher the savings you will make from rising energy bills.

Energy efficiency made easy

Fortunately, the experts at T&K can help you with a wide range of energy efficient windows and doors made in their own bespoke factory in Wellingborough where

they are now providing tours as well as having a revamped showsite with 15 Living Spaces demonstrating their products. Plus, with their flexible monthly payment plans, it’s a great way to buy now and pay later, spreading the cost and saving on energy bills straight away. If you are interested in learning more about how you can save on your energy bills or if you’d like to discuss our window options then they would love to hear from you.

>> To find out more visit their Wellingborough Showroom at Huxley Close, Park Farm South, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 6AB

T&K Home Improvements is a family run business that has provided quality windows, doors and conservatories since 1979 in Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas. To find out more about high performance energy efficient glazing options and how much you can save visit our website: www.tkhi.co.uk

Window Energy Ratings provide an outline or overall value for how energy efficient a window is. They take into consideration the thermal efficiency, solar gain and the air leakage of the window

Elizabethan Era

The Britain of 1952 was black and white. Current affairs were reported in black and white newspapers, our food was simple and uncomplicated (affected by rationing until 1954), clothing was unfussy with little flair or embellishment and parents had rules that were rarely challenged by their children. The nation was still struggling to recover from the repercussions of a World War which saw the obliteration of our greatest cities and the displacement of many of our people.

But with Queen Elizabeth ascending the throne and Churchill back in Downing Street, the period was hailed as the ‘new Elizabethan age’. Britain emerged from the ashes both literally and metaphorically. Where once, the skyline had been dominated by cathedrals, churches, castles and palaces (at the time of King George’s death, St. Paul’s Cathedral was the tallest building in Britain), soon high-rise concrete office blocks and buildings such as the Post Office Tower (1960) were being constructed. The Brutalist Britain of the 1960’s was a time of both architectural icons and eyesores! Mass housing estates sprung up as well as new cities like Milton Keynes. Impressive structures followed including the Gateshead and Millenium bridges, the London Eye, the Channel Tunnel, the Welsh and Scottish assemblies, the Gherkin and the Shard.

Interior design was no different, seeing dramatic shifts in design preferences during every decade from the 1950s right up to 2020. The Queen’s coronation was viewed by more than 20 million

people, with the public gathering around newly bought televisions to see the spectacle. It was the coronation that put tv’s on the map and by 1956, many more people had them and were adapting their homes to suit. Furniture arrangements became less focussed on the fireplace, so sofas were instead positioned to capture the best view of the tv. Low backed, streamlined settees were popular and although televisions mostly came inside a cabinet, other furniture was designed as an extra add on to be sold in sets.

The late 1950s saw interiors reflecting space travel and flight, with stars and boomerangs appearing on everything from clocks to upholstery. Innovative materials such as plastic were further developed, initially as a material for moulding laboratory equipment but later to make home furnishings and furniture. The 1960s took plastic to a whole new dimension. Interiors became bolder, brighter, more dynamic, colourful and graphic. But by 1970 the environmental movement had been born and the first Earth Day was held. People had a desire to feel at one with nature, so filled their homes with earthy tones and a plethora of indoor plants. There was a resurgence in the use of wood, with designs losing their vivacity, becoming simpler and minimalistic.

By 1990, living rooms had become larger, all-purpose spaces, and the idea of open-plan living was taking hold. The term ‘family room’

was used to describe the one area in the house which could accommodate all the family’s activities, a concept that survives to this day.

More recently, however, changes in interiors have been reactionary rather than the result of a gradual shift in taste. The pandemic forced us to re-focus our minds. Up until the start of 2020, no one was questioning the merits of open plan living, until we were being forced to carry out our jobs in our all-purpose spaces. The 2020s have so far seen us desperately trying to regain our private places in which to think, work or take a call.

Queen Elizabeth II presided over 70 years of rapid technological expansion and sociopolitical change. Architecture and interior design move with the times, reflecting the shift in tastes, expectations and demands of the modern world. As the ‘new Elizabethan age’ becomes confined to the history books and we finish the era trying to recover from Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and de-escalate a war following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, it’s only natural to wonder what the dawn of the next era will bring. Whilst it can be tricky and not necessarily helpful to try and predict the future, I am convinced that the next five to ten years could be very exciting for interior design.

www.istockphoto.com

Robert Keane, unsplash

Smart homes are still in their infancy with technological advances being made all the time. Italian Design Company Tipic are currently developing induction hobs, weighing scales and phone chargers all built into the stone work surface of a kitchen! 3D printing will continue to play a considerable part in interior design. 3D printing can be used to design intricate furniture that modern machines are too clumsy to create. As this technology is further developed and the costs reduced, more designers will have access to it and we will see both creativity and productivity increase. Augmented reality will continue to combine virtual reality with the real world, enabling clients to overlay a virtual idea on top of an existing one.

And finally, sustainable design. As we all become increasingly aware and conscious of our environmental footprint, the future for eco-friendly design looks particularly bright. Undoubtedly, upcycling and buying locally will remain important, but striving to be energy efficient to reduce our reliance on natural resources and cut down our bills may be the pressing need of this new Carolean age.

Sam Toft artist profile: Inviting you into her world of whimsy and joy

You may be surprised to hear that Sam Toft didn’t always want to be an artist, with her earliest ambition being to work in a post office - or circus! Perhaps the signs were there however, as a child whose imagination set her apart, Sam has now created friends who inspire her and has built a wonderful world in which these friends now live.

Her art focuses on the Mustards, a warm and friendly couple who dote on their adopted jack russell terrier named Doris. Living on the Brighton Hove border, many of the Mustard’s adventures take place by the sea, and often include any number of furred or feathered friends.

The art of Sam Toft is joyful and uplifting, sharing positive messages and sunny outlooks with a focus on friendship and love. Sam has established herself as an artist whose work speaks to people - in a calm, gentle and loving way - creating a devoted following.

It is likely this popularity is influenced by the wonderful opportunities there are to share her work, allowing those of us who are inspired by the Mustards to share their message with those around us. There is a huge collection of prints available - proclaiming ‘Good Day

Sunshine’, ‘Being With You is Like Coming Home’ or ‘Best Friends’ - and if you pop into the cafe at Bell Northampton you’ll also find a selection of cushions and mugs.

A gift from the Sam Toft art print collection can be gift wrapped and include a thank you card designed by Sam herselfexclusively for the Rose Gallery. There are also new formats available in Sam’s most recent collection, block mounted prints on canvas with a whitewashed oak effect frame. These pieces stand out proudly with a glorious effect and we’re incredibly fortunate to have exclusive access to artist proofs in the Collection.

Whether you are hoping to indulge your own Mustard craving or introduce them to a friend, there’s a lot to explore on our website and in the gallery.

Natalie Trembecki Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk

Football, scouts and results... it’s been a busy summer in our city

A round up of the summer with the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Amanda Marlow

What a summer we have had! Record-breaking temperatures, a host of wonderful events across the city and, of course, football.

Starting with Newport Pagnell Town FC’s emphatic victory at Wembley, winning the FA Vase trophy and then through to the UEFA Women’s EUROs juggernaut rolling into Milton Keynes made for a memorable and successful summer of football. Stadium:MK was festooned with UEFA marketing and Station Square was transformed into UEFA Fan Central for the thousands of visitors coming to MK to watch the games. The atmosphere and the excitement at the games was incredible and with record attendance numbers for matches not involving the host nation, Milton Keynes had the eyes of the world on it.

With the England Ladies Captain, Leah Williamson being from Newport Pagnell, this has only added to the high level of interest locally that the Women’s Euros has generated, by collectively shining a spotlight on the girls and women’s game at a grassroots level.

pitch afterwards to practice on. What struck me about the sessions was how the women who were playing were all saying the same thing: ‘Team sports are less available the older you get’. ‘Women want something that is just for them, that allows them to play for fun or competitively’. ‘Women want to get fit and to do it in a way that isn’t in a gym but out in the fresh air’, and ‘I have had so much fun and made so many new friends, since I joined’. Some of the women, who were pulling on their football boots, were aged in their 40s and they looked forward to coming to football practice every Tuesday night. If you’re interested, then please check out their website www.mkunited.co.uk.

making new friends and learning new skills. As with so many of these group events, they’re run by volunteers who give up their personal time to help others. Without volunteers, activity groups like scouts and cadets wouldn’t be available to our children and young people.

I was very fortunate to be able to go along on a Tuesday night, to a football training practice session for women only at the Fairfields Sports Hub 3G artificial grass pitch. There were several women only training sessions taking place. I watched two training sessions one for MK United FC Women’s Over 30’s, which is run by Kate and Fraser Davidson and also something that was new to me – and more my speed – was the Women’s Walking Football Both sessions were really well attended, with the MK Dons Women’s team also using the

Over the summer I have attended many stand-out events as Mayor, including the Bucks Scouting Annual Beaveree in Chalfont St Peter. It was a fantastic turn-out with hundreds of Beavers attending from packs all over Buckinghamshire. The theme of the day was ‘Wizarding’, so as you can imagine nearly all the events and crafts had a Harry Potter feel about them. The children attending, all had a wonderful time, as did the grown-ups! It was lovely to hear the sound of happy children playing and making new friends in the sunshine, as well as learning new skills. I also travelled to Weymouth to visit the Buckinghamshire Rifles Army Cadets Summer Camp to watch their team -activities and their drill competition. Like the Beavers, it was heartening to see the hundreds of Army Cadets having a fantastic time away from home, having new experiences and also

The summer has also been taken up with graduation ceremonies and awards. It has been very inspiring to see those individuals who have worked so hard to receive their awards, be it a certificate or a plaque. They have all put time, effort and commitment into their achievements and endeavours, and this has also been reflected in the A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and GCSE results that our young people have received. The pathways and next steps to success are varied, and it was good to see that T Levels are getting more recognition and that many young people are also looking at apprenticeships, rather than the traditional university route. Apprenticeships are a great way to preserve skills and ensure their survival by training up new people as our skilled workforce heads towards retirement. If you’re interested in career pathways, there are many apprenticeships available and I would encourage you to take a look at what is available. www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Amanda

Amanda

Cadets pass basic training at the Buckinghamshire Rifles Army Cadets Passing Out Parade

Newport Pagnell Town made history winning the FA Vase at Wembley

She will be forever held in our hearts and in our memories

On Thursday 8th September we learned that HM The Queen was gravely unwell and that senior members of the Royal Family had been called to Balmoral Castle. By 6.30pm that evening the sad announcement that our Monarch had died was made to the British people and to the world.

Her late Majesty was born in 1926 and was third in line to the throne. With the Abdication of Edward VIII in 1936 she became first in line. A childhood forever changed as she became a queen in waiting. At the age of 21, she made a personal commitment to devote herself to the service of the British people and to the people of the Commonwealth. That devotion never wavered and as we mourn the death of our late Queen, the most famous woman of the 20th century and indeed of this one, we give thanks for her remarkable reign. One that saw 15 Prime Ministers, countless technological advancements, sporting achievements, a postwar building programme, economic growth and recovery and of course a worldwide pandemic.

Here in Milton Keynes, we are the epitome of the modern Elizabethan age. Born in 1967 as part of the New Towns building programme to help the London overspill and to help to redraw the economic map in this country, we have been blessed with 55 years of growth, innovation, architecture, heritage, parklands and a unique identity that has captured people’s hearts and minds. Milton Keynes City Council’s civic offices were in fact opened by HM The Queen on the 27th June 1979, and they will now house Her Late Majesty’s Letters Patent that was granted to Milton Keynes for City Status this year.

The Queen visited Milton Keynes many times over the years and her visits were always eagerly anticipated and well attended. In 1992 I can remember her arrival by the Royal Train when she came to Central Milton Keynes Station to dedicate The Church of Christ the Cornerstone, which was the UK’s first ecumenical city centre church. I was working for BT at the time and we had our offices in Phoenix House and Elder House at Station Square. All the windows in the buildings were open as people had poked their heads out to get a better look and there were many of us who abandoned our work so that we could all rush out of our offices to watch Her Majesty get into the official Rolls

Royce with its glass roof and Royal Standard and drive along Station Square. Such was the excitement felt that The Queen had come to Milton Keynes.

I was very proud and pleased to have played a small part in organising a parade as part of our city’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. On the 2nd June this year, people from across the city gathered together to walk along Midsummer Boulevard to the Milton Keynes Rose. There were so many excited children in the parade and along the street, waving flags and cheering. It brought back memories of the Silver Jubilee and how it was to be a small girl again, celebrating a monarch who has meant everything to so many people across the world.

As Mayor, it was my humble duty to read the Accession Proclamation on Sunday 11th September. Feeling the weight of history on my shoulders, as I read the Accession Proclamation in Milton Keynes formally announcing the death of HM The Queen and the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III.

We will not see the likes of Queen Elizabeth II again, who as a wife and young mother took on the heavy mantle of the Crown, the establishment and centuries of tradition. She was a trailblazer and will be forever held in our hearts and in our memories as someone who helped to modernise Britain.

A reflection on Queen Elizabeth II as Mayor Cllr Amanda Marlow reads the Accession Proclamation in Milton Keynes.

Flowers laid at the MK Rose to pay respects to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second

A successful over 55’s fair and Strictly business as Minister visits MK

This is the first time I have written my monthly column for MK Pulse since Her Majesty The Queen sadly passed away. I want to start by paying tribute to the Queen for her incredible service to our country over her 70 years on the throne. I also stood in the House Of Commons to make a speech in tribute and joined events at Milton Keynes Council and in Wolverton for the Proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III. God Save The King.

Over 55’s Fair Is A Success

In September I hosted an Over 55’s Fair in Milton Keynes with MK South MP Iain Stewart. It was amazing to see how many people turned up to get advice, information and more from local businesses, charities and leisure groups.

The advice fair was held from 10am-3pm at St Paul’s Catholic School and there were a range of organisations hosting stalls from Newport Pagnell Bowls Club and Milton Keynes Walking Football, to South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Police, to National Energy Action and the Department for Work and Pensions.

I was thrilled the event brought so many different groups from across Milton Keynes together and created an opportunity for local people to find out more. We know the global rise in the cost of living is worrying a lot of people and we wanted to make sure we had organisations at the fair who would be able to offer support to those who need it the most.

MK’s Best Café Winners Announced

I am delighted to announce that more than 8,500 votes were cast in the MK’s Best Café competition and your winner is Woodside Café

Iain Stewart MP and I set up the contest to help promote our fantastic local cafes and create a real buzz around the local scene and it’s brilliant to see so many people got involved and voted in the competition. Congratulations to Woodside Café for receiving the most public votes and being crowned MK’s Best Café and also to our runners up Bean In Stony in Stony Stratford and The Game Changer Kitchen in Giffard Park.

Strictly Business! Minister Visits MK Business Minister Jane Hunt visited local business International Dance Shoes, the providers of shoes for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. The Stonebridge based company manufacture footwear for dancing and were awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in 2020.

We were given a tour of the International Dance Shoes’ factory and had a meeting to discuss some of the issues the business was facing and how the Government could support them and similar small businesses.

It is fantastic to have such an amazing local exporter based right here in Milton Keynes who ship shoes to places like Germany, Japan and the USA and the Government is working to ensure we get the best trade deals in place to support local businesses.

Over the last month I also… ▸ I took part in a Q&A with staff at Milton Keynes based charity World Vision UK about the role of international aid, the importance of tackling climate change and more.

▸

Milton Keynes University Hospital has been provided with Government funding to begin preparations for a new Women and Children’s Hospital in the city.

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 Ben Everitt MP for Milton Keynes North

Ben Everitt MP at the Proclamation ceremony in Wolverton last month

Hospital gets green light and MPs’ Best Café winners announced

Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second

I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. I thank her for her constant service to this country; we owe her so much. I was able to pay tribute to her and what she meant to people in Milton Keynes during the special sitting of the Houses of Parliament. My condolences to the King and the Royal Family. God Save the King!

Over 55s Fair

Early in September, along with Ben Everitt MP, I hosted the Over 55’s Fair at St Paul’s Catholic School. It was an opportunity for constituents to meet local organisations and learn of the opportunities they can utilise to improve their health, safety and wellbeing. I welcomed the opportunity to talk with some of the organisations that were exhibiting to hear about the services they can offer to the attendees. In particular, I enjoyed the chance to have a go at netball, table-tennis and football with the teams in attendance. The Over 55s Fair was a success and I look forward to hosting another one next year.

MK MPs’ Best Café Competition

Last month saw the end of the MK MPs’ Best Café Competition with a total of 8583 votes being cast. I am pleased to share that the Woodside Café finished in the top spot, followed by Bean in Stony and The Game Changer Kitchen. I would like to congratulate all the cafés that participated, particularly the winners. We are fortunate to have so many wonderful cafés across Milton Keynes, all of which offer a good selection of food and drinks – and excellent customer service. Through this competition, I enjoyed visiting

each café in my constituency and meeting the team that run each one.

Government Approve Funding To Begin Work On A New Hospital

A new £200 million Women and Children’s Hospital for Milton Keynes was confirmed

in 2020 as part of the Government’s plan to build 48 new hospitals across the country, and the green light has now been received to begin preparations. The Health Minister wrote to me to announce that funding had been approved to support the delivery of the scheme including survey works, planning and modelling. It is brilliant news that the Government has approved the development funding for a new Women and Children’s Hospital, the next step in making the new hospital a reality.

As ever, my team and I remain on hand to assist constituents. Please do get in touch on the provided contact details if you have an invitation, query or casework that I can help with.

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

Iain Stewart with

Iain Stewart MP at Bean in Stony who finished second in the MK MPs’ Best Café Competition

Support during the cost-of-living crisis

This winter, the cost-of-living crisis is expected to hit people harder than ever before. Energy prices are set to rise once more, inflation continues to hit record levels, and many families are worried about being able to put food on the table. Now that the weather is beginning to take a turn, I wanted to update you on the extra support that Milton Keynes City Council has put in place to help those who may be struggling financially.

Alongside the continued support available from Milton Keynes City Council services, last month we agreed an additional £500,000 package which we hope will provide practical advice and assistance during the winter period. This month, we will be launching an additional telephone helpline which offers an increased level of financial assistance for those on the lowest incomes, information about potential grants and/or funding towards energy efficiency measures.

This winter, we will also be launching a new online voucher portal that will help Milton Keynes City Council and the voluntary sector in issuing support with the cost of food, fuel and essential living items. We will also be issuing bulk fuel awards to pensioners on low incomes prior to the winter period.

Further features of the £500,000 support package include home energy performance reviews; the Council will work with partners to advise communities what work could be undertaken to improve energy efficiency of their property, and potentially allow groups of homeowners to collectively apply for grants (e.g. whole streets). There will also be energy crisis community drop-in sessions across the city which involve multiple agencies to help people with cost-of-living pressures.

The current crisis is devastating peoples’ lives and we, as a City Council, will do all we can to mitigate its impact. At the time of writing this column, the plans are currently being developed and we expect further information to be published throughout the month of October. You can keep up to date by visiting www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/benefits/cost-living-support

Pete Marland Leader of Milton Keynes Council

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

Pure rock fury from the Broken Castles

Fifteen years have passed since Graveltrap played its last gig, but now frontman Dan Gibling is back in the musical saddle.

This time it’s not punk rock that he is pushing, but rather ‘a riff-led style of stonerblues-grunge-sludge-psych-punk-rock,’ and he’s doing it with a couple of pals, and fellow scene stalwarts.

Graham Hulbert (Our Man in the Bronze Age) and Ben Suttey (Exploding Ear Ensemble) make up the trio of noise-bringers who call themselves Broken Castles, and their angsty, distorted, rhythmic rock can be heard on their debut EP, Follow

“It’s great playing music again... it’s been so simple writing, recording and gigging with Ben and Graham – we’ve all been mates for 20 years now, and for them this is their side project band, so there was no pressure for it to become anything,” Dan told Pulse Music’s Sammy Jones, “I think that freedom and lack of intensity that other bands can have really permeated the jams, and songs just flowed out of us having fun and playing riffs – it’s all been very organic.”

There are some obvious reference points here, and no apologies for them.

“We’ve had such a laugh layering up this huge grungy sound, pulling in all our favourite textures and rhythms from a lifetime spent digesting 90’s rock music,” Dan said, “There was one rule with the writing – just have fun. Someone wants to do a Nirvana-style build up, just do it. Wanna slip in an upbeat Terrorvision pop riff – do it. Fancy a QOTSA stomper, or a slice of Silverchair sludge –crack on. No judgement, no over complexity, just pure rock fury!”

The aforementioned EP was never part of the plan (“We just recorded for fun”) but they were so enamoured with the results that they thought sharing it with the rest of us was the decent thing to do.

“Graham worked hard on the mixes and has really produced a record that is far greater than what we set out to initially achieve,” Dan said, and gigs are now being booked, so the trio will transfer their creations to the live stage. Perhaps Broken Castles is destined to become a little more than a side project after all.

> Follow is out now through Fr33zehead Records. Keep in touch with Broken Castles on Instagram: broken_castles

Rory’s illuminating sounds

Singer-songwriter Rory O’Kane has just released the fruits of his recent labours – the eight track elpee Standing By The Lights.

From Northern Ireland, but firmly settled in the new city where he has spent most of his years, Rory says the album is ‘a mixture of acoustic-y folky sounds with an indie electric feel to it with some sing-a-long classic vocals as well as some old songs you may have heard in pubs and clubs in the area, and a couple of songs new to the ears.’

The release is available on all major streaming platforms right now, so pop over and make the connection that way, then keep ‘em peeled for live shows which will follow – check out FB @yordieokane88 for details.

How to make friends and influence people

Last month we brought you the first in-depth interview with MK’s fast-rising young pop players The Stencil Pencils, and they’ve since stage-stepped at the Shropshire arm of Camp Bestival Festival where they went down a storm.

The pencils spent their time backstage hanging with some big players too; Fatboy Slim, Rag’n’Bone Man and M People’s Heather Small all got acquainted with the siblings.

Rory O’Kane

The Stencil Pencils backstage with Rag’n’Bone Man

Broken Castles

Check the Craufurd’s colossal line-up

There’s a load of Bull on the way at The Craufurd Arms this month, quite literally; the band plays on October 2, with the quintet sure to deliver tracks from their new EP, Stuck Between The Virtual and Physical World. More than a decade has passed since they started making the music that they wanted to listen to, inspired by cool cats including Pavement and The Pixies.

It’s a Sunday night show, which makes it all the more essential that you attend – make the weekend last longer and stay in denial that work is looming!

Stalwart New York ska exponents The Toasters (Oct 4) are a decidedly welloiled machine – as one of the original second wave of ska bands, they’ve been bringing the sounds since 1981.

Mind you, if there was an award for ‘most former band members’ this lot would have no opposition, there have been dozens of faces in the ranks during that time, and founder Robert ‘Bucket’ Hingley is the only constant face about the musical place.

Destrange

Enjoy a taste of Italy when prog metalcore monsters Destrage arrive (Oct 5) as part of their European tour in support of the new longplayer, SO MUCH. too much, which hit racks last week and features the single Everything Sucks And I Think I’m A Big Part Of It. A date to blow away any cobwebs in the vicinity.

“It’s a child of the pandemic,” explains guitarist Matteo Di Gioia, “You’re coming from a very boring time. It’s the feeling of

disappointment, being left alone, and being let down. It’s very introspective, yet it’s also narcissistic.”

Speaking of the release as a whole, he added: “There’s a lot of dense information on this album to the point where it’s almost overwhelming. We really put it all out there.” And they’ll be doing more of that when they visit the Wolverton haunt.

Post macho noise pop players Byker Grove Fan Club – who were seen at the venues’ Multitude Festival recently – are back as headliners (Oct 6), playing the first date of a mini tour in the Keynes. Later in the month they’ll depart our shores for their first European dates, hitting up Paris, Antwerp, Rotterdam and Brussels. Bet none of those venues have their own sterling Fries Above van serving up belly busting taste extravaganzas though, do they?!

Now TesseracT bring the caffeine bomb!

You can now get your full fill of TesseracT direct to your coffee cup. The prog metal specialists who formed in Milton Keynes have collaborated with Birmingham-based Quarter Horse Coffee on TesseracT Lunar Phase. It’s a light to medium roast delivering notes of milk chocolate, caramel and orange zest. Sounds tasty, right?

TesseracT bassist Amos is barmy about

coffee beans and a passionate caffeine drinker.

On their website, Quarter Horse said: ‘The coffee-house is based in a city that created heavy music, which felt like a perfect fit of quality and sentiment.’

> Get your mitts on the filter blend by visiting quarterhorsecoffee.com

Beatcheck brings back the ever-popular Dub Pistols (Oct 7) who are eating up the motorway miles as part of their Frontline tour to plug their new elpee by the same name.

The Craufurd Arms is going all out with stage activity this month, with other dates hugely popular tribute types The Smyths (Oct 8), London-based blues rock guitarist Jack J Hutchinson (Oct 9), swashbuckling renegade flamenco rock rumba punk ‘n’ roll pioneers Gypsy Pistolero’s (Oct 14), Foo Fighters GB (Oct 15), and beatdown hardcore leaders, Terror (Oct 25) who visit from L.A as they plug their 2022 album, Pain Into Power.

It might be cold outside, but the sweat will be running from the walls for this show by the Scott Vogel fronted mob, which is a hot ticket.

Remember British Sea Power? The English alt-rockers now save time and syllables by going out as Sea Power and they’ll play for you (Oct 26) before The VirginMary’s (Oct 26) and last up, Pulled Apart by Horses (Oct 27). Current single Sleep In Your Grave is a gritty belter.

> For more information and ticket bookings tap to thecraufurdarms.com

Byker Grove Fan Club

Bull start the month at The Craufurd Arms

TesseracT’s Lunar Phase and band mascot, Loki the kitty

#WhatsOnPulse

MK Autumn Run Weekend

Saturday, October 1 – Sunday, October 2

The MK Autumn Run returns after a couple of years absent from the calendar, and it has four new distances.

The Run it for Willen 5K and MK10K will take place on the Saturday, with the MK Autumn Half Marathon and the (#NotLondon) MK Autumn Marathon on the Sunday. Trainers on: theparkstrust.com

South Northants Art Trail

Saturday, October 1 – Sunday, October 9

Free art exhibitions and art demonstrations at 18 venues, showing the work of more than 40 creatives.

Making a splash: arts-sn.org.uk

Boobs & Brass and Towcester Studio Band Saturday, October 1, 7.30pm

The two bands team up and tune up for a night of fundraising for the Breast Cancer NOW charity, at the Brooklands Suite, Whittlebury Hall Hotel.

Tickets: towcesterstudioband@gmail.com

Marti Pellow

Saturday, October 1

Join the former Wet Wet Wet frontman and stage favourite when he visits The Core with his Pellow Talk Tour.

“I’m inviting you to spend an intimate evening with me – think of it as coming back to my place for a night of stories and songs...Enough years have passed for a story to be told.”

Sweet Little Mystery: thecorecorby.com

Glenn Miller Orchestra

Sunday, October 2

A big band with a reputation to match – join the world’s most popular big band, directed by Ray McVay, as they cut loose blockbusters including In The Mood, Tuxedo Junction, Moonlight Serenade and many more.

Chattanooga Choo Choo: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

The Lesson

Monday, October 3

Icarus’ award-winning dark comedy comes to Stantonbury Theatre, a comically surreal expose about power, knowledge and those who hoard both.

Lessons learned: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

Destrage

Wednesday, October 5, 7.30pm

Join Italy’s most fascinating, furious and fiery export when they swing by Wolverton’s Craufurd Arms.

Extreme: thecraufurdarms.com

Milton Keynes National Trust Association Thursday, October 6, 2-4pm

Meeting at the Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, Shenley Brook End, for the lecture, Lady Craven.

Entry is £2 for members of the MKNTA and £4 for non-members.

More details and questions: sue-davedee@talktalk.net

Comedy Club Special Thursday, October 6

Find the funny with Gavid Webster, Fiona Allen, Radu Isac and Robyn Perkins when they take over The Picturedrome and command at the mic. This bloke walked into a bar: thepicturedrome.com

Talk: Our Hedgehog Habitats

Thursday, October 6, 7.15-8.45pm

A third of the population of the UK’s hedgehogs have been lost since 2000. Their rapid decline is terrible and so the urban parks and gardens in the new city are becoming increasingly important to these beautiful creatures. This session will help you understand how you can help them and encourage them into your gardens.

Prickly subject: theparkstrust.com

Dub Pistols

Friday, October 7

The electronic/dub icons return to The Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes in support of their upcoming ninth album, Frontline. Pistoleros are riding in: thecraufurdarms.com

Banging tunes from the Dub Pistols at The Craufurd Arms on October 7

Tricky Teddy’s Family Magic Show Saturday, October 8, 2.30pm

Whether child or just young at heart, you’ll not fail to get your fill of fun with awardwinning magician Krisgar and sidekick Tricky Teddy with this afternoon show. Tricky and treat: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

Make a Miniature Garden Saturday, October 8, 2-3.30pm

Build a miniature garden to take away using resources from the gardens at The Cowper & Newton Museum. Usual admission charges apply and spaces are limited. New roots: info@cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

Nick Helm

Saturday, October 8

Join the critically acclaimed, multi-award winning funnyman as he unleashes a show so insightful, so honest and so legitimate that it will fix all of society’s problems! He’s calling it the ‘What Have We Become?’ tour. Comedy daredevil: ketteringartscentre.com

The Smyths

Saturday, October 8

Tickets will fly for this show at The Craufurd Arms in Wolverton, so act swiftly or heaven knows you’ll be miserable!

Hand in Glove: thecraufurdarms.com

Bookshop Day Saturday, October 8, 2pm

Visit Waterstones Bookstore in Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes for an event with local author Paula Harrison. The free session for children aged 5-8 years will be based around Paula’s new book Kitty & the Vanishing Act, followed by an opportunity to make Kitty masks. Turn the page: FB @mkwaterstones

Sabbra Cadabra & Devil’s Ransom Saturday, October 8

One for the Black Sabbath fans among you, as the Ozzy-era tribute arrives at The Black Prince to rock up your weekend. Rat Salad: sbdpromotion.com

Buckingham Canal Society Sunday, October 9

Help needed at nature reserve sites – a chance to get fit, improve the environment and make new friends. Play your part: Email info@buckinghamcanal.org.uk

Denton & District Gardening Club Monday, October 10, 7.30pm

Speaker Andrew Ward from Norwell Nurseries will be giving a talk, ‘Ringing the Changes with Bellflowers.’ It’s free to members, visitors are welcome for £3. There will be refreshments and a raffle, and plants for sale. Petal power: Call 01604 890875 or Email m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk

Meetings held at Kents Hill Community Centre, Frithwood Crescent, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6HQ.

Doors open at 7.30pm with the lecture at 8.00pm.

Visitors are always welcome. Entry is £5.00 for visitors or free for members (annual fee £22)

For further information please contact Chris Bosworth (cj.bos@ntlworld.com or 07860 629494) or visit our website www.mkas.co.uk/lectures

October Highlights

Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Sunday, October 9, 8pm

Direct from London’s worldfamous jazz club and combining jazz, footage, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars take to the stage to The Ronnie Scott’s Soho

The Best of Queen Tuesday, October 11, 8pm

Join Freddie, Brian, Roger and John as they take you on a magical journey performing The Best of Queen, whilst celebrating the music and showmanship of the UK’s favourite rock band.

Vonda Shepard Saturday, October 15, 8pm

Vonda Shepard returns to The Stables with her full band to play a set of greatest hits and fan favourites.

Mark Kingswood Friday, October 21, 8pm

Mark introduces fresh, original music for the jazz and pop genre in addition to reworking pop classics from the ground up and tying them in seamlessly with his signature crossover sou

Lionel: A Tribute to Lionel Richie Suday, October 23, 8pm

Malcolm Pitt delivers a powerhouse and breathtaking performance in this high-octane show celebrating the music of Lionel Richie and the Commodores.

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

WHATS ON

Buckingham Canal Society

Thursday, October 13

Help needed at nature reserve sites – a chance to get fit, improve the environment and make new friends.

Ask where: Email info@buckinghamcanal.org.uk

Bugsy Malone

Tuesday, October 11 –Saturday, October 15

Custard pies and splurge guns feature in this gloriously uplifting masterclass of musical comedy, which will be a crowdpleaser on its brief visit.

Razzmatazz: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Dave Ferra Band

Tuesday, October 11

Dave will be live at the blues church, and after a successful solo show last year, this time he is bringing his band along. Doors at 6.30pm, music starts an hour later. Check in: bletchleybluesclub.uk

The Comedy Cow Saturday, October 15

Join Angela Barnes, Steve Bugeja and Luke Kempner at The Venue MK as they bring more much needed laughter to the fore. Moo-giggles: thecomedycow.co.uk

Definitely Oasis Saturday, October 15

The Oasis tribute prepare to deliver the famous Knebworth set in full, with support from the Complete Stone Roses. Roll with it: theroadmender.com

Phil Beer

Saturday, October 15

One half of Show of Hands performs at Shutlanger Village Hall. All profits to Northampton Music and Performing Arts Trust (MMPAT). Beer for the ear: 07941 368958

Olney Historical Walk – North End Saturday, October 15, 10.30am-12pm

Discover the stories of yesteryear, including the Great Fires of Olney, and life and trades of the 18th and 19th centuries. Meet outside the Cowper and Newton Museum and pay on the day. Details: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

10CC Sunday, October 16, 7.30pm

Join Graham Gouldman and the gang for a run through some blistering tracks – I’m Not In Love and Dreadlock Holiday are among the classics set to air at The Derngate.

Rubber Bullets: royalandderngate.co.uk

King King Sunday, October 16

If you like the blues, you can’t afford to ignore these Glaswegian players, and you’ll need to be along to The Roadmender in good time to catch The Damn Truth up in support. Rock ‘til you drop: theroadmender.com

Steeleye Span Monday, October 17, 8pm

Expect to hear gems both old and new, all delivered with a burning passion and unrivalled experience when they make their Stables return.

Below the Salt: stables.org

Inner Wheel Newport Pagnell Tuesday, October 18, 2pm

This month’s speaker will be from The Co-operative Housing in New Bradwell. The talk will be followed by refreshments and an update on the club’s activities for the remainder of the year, which will include a presentation from Newport Pagnell Fire Service. Members and newcomers welcomed from Newport Pagnell, Olney and surrounding villages.

Discover more: 01908 217356 or innerwheelnewportpagnell@gmail.com

Evita Wednesday, October 19 –Saturday, October 22

Company MK have spent 30 years promoting musical theatre in the city, and now they are taking on the Lloyd Webber classic, with its unforgettable staple of songs including You Must Love Me and Don’t Cry For Me Argentina. Don’t keep your distance: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

The Pitmen Poets

Thursday, October 20, 7.30pm

From Billy Elliot to Auf Wiedersehen Pet, from When The Boat Comes In to the Likely Lads, this event at The Core will deliver songs and stories laced with northeast humour and humanity.

On song: thecorecorby.com

MK Western Front Association Friday, October 21, 7.30pm

A talk, ‘Bedford’s Highlanders –the Scottish Invasion of Bedford, August 1914’ by Richard Galley, being held at Wolverton Workingmen’s Social Club, 49-50 Stratford Road.

Details: westernfrontassociation.com

Steeleye Span make a welcome return to The Stables on October 17

Apple Day Saturday, October 22

Celebrate all things apple-y at the community orchard at Woughton on the Green. An afternoon packed with activities and tasty treats. A chance to learn some surprising facts about the crisp, fresh fruits. Core deal: theparkstrust.com

Sir Bryn Terfel – Songs And Arias Sunday, October 23, 7.30pm

Join Bryn as he performs songs and arias taken from a personal playlist, with music from Mozart and Wagner set to feature. Bass-baritone: royalandderngate.co.uk

Daily Story time for Half Term Monday, October 24 –Friday, October 28

Waterstones Bookstore will be hosting daily story time sessions for youngsters throughout half term. Times to be confirmed. Word up: FB @mkwaterstones

Staffell & Stewart Tuesday, October 25

Paul Stewart & Tim Staffell were original contributors to the Rhythm & Blues explosion of the ‘sixties; Stewart was lead singer and harp player with legendary The Others, while Staffell was lead singer and bassist in the pre-Queen power trio ‘Smile’ with a certain Brian May and Roger Taylor. Another great night at the Bletchley Blues Club is assured. Smiles all round: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Rich Hall

Wednesday, October 26, 8pm

Montana’s transatlantic messenger is back in play at The Royal with new rants and knifeedge observations.

You might ‘pay for the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge of it’ is the promise. Nailing It: royalandderngate.co.uk

Northamptonshire County Federation of WIs – AGM

Wednesday, October 26

Nick Bailey is a leading plantsman and garden designer from the BBC’s Gardeners World, and an author and writer with many great anecdotes, some of which he will share when he steps up as guest speaker at the AGM, which is being hosted at Northampton High School for Girls. Sowing the seed: Call 01604 646055 or Email admin@ncfwi.org.uk

A Murder, Mystery and a Man Marooned Thursday, October 27, 2.15pm, Friday, Oct 28, 7pm, Sat, Oct 29, 2pm

Join the MKU3A for their current stage delivery, three one-act plays being hosted at Marsh Drive Community Centre, Great Linford.

Acting up: Email TAP@mku3a.org or call 01908 501563

Buckingham Canal Society Thursday, October 27

Help needed at nature reserve sites – a chance to get fit, improve the environment and make new friends.

Find out more: Email info@buckinghamcanal.org.uk

Unsuitable for Women Friday, October 28, 6pm

Author Carrie Dunn will be in conversation about her book, Unsuitable for Women: The Rise of the Lionesses & Women’s Football in England, Waterstones Bookstore, Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes. Hat trick: FB @mkwaterstones

Harry Hill: Pedigree Fun Sunday, October 30, 7.30pm

Bonkers and brilliantly funny, Harry is back and gives audiences the chance to meet his new baby elephant, Sarah, and Ian, The Information Worm. His sidekick Stouffer the Cat will also put in an a-purr-ance.

Stand up: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Delapré Spooktacular

Sunday, October 30, 4-8.30pm

The Abbey will welcome you and your little monsters to a family-friendly spooktacular – watch out for fearsome creatures and ghostly apparitions from the Abbey’s past as you make your way around the house before collecting your trick or treat goodie bag.

Terrifying fun: delapreabbey.org

Ageing Well Talks –Home Instead Milton Keynes

Home Instead Milton Keynes will be hosting a series of talks on Ageing Well by Jitka Vseteckova phD, D.Prof. SFHEA from the Open University (Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies). The talks are to be held at Global House, Vincent Avenue, Crownhill, Milton Keynes MK8 0AB at 11am and are approximately an hour long (plus time at the end to ask questions). There will be a different topic each month:

22nd November 2022Pharmacotherapy While Ageing 13th December 2022Move It and Breathe

10th January 2023 - Standing Tall

The talks are FREE and are available to everyone – care staff, charities, clubs and societies, and anyone who is interested in this subject and feel that they can gain from the information.

Ample car parking available and refreshments will be provided.

Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/ageing-welltalks-home-instead-milton-keynes-6sessions-tickets-321267970147

For more information, please email sarah.freshwater@homeinstead.co.uk or call 01908 774333 www.homeinstead.co.uk/miltonkeynes

Leading plantsman Nick Bailey will be guest speaker at the Northants County Federation of WIs - October 26

A little bit of what you Shanty!

Custard pies, a Cornish buoy band and a Corrie bad boy in The Commitments... just some of the variety on offer in theatre-land this month. Sammy Jones takes you through what’s on, when.

The evening’s are drawing in, and things are all a bit grim at the moment, aren’t they? But here comes a glowing new musical to warm the cockles!

Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical (October 4-8, MK Theatre) is based on the true story of the chart-topping Cornish singing sensations and the smash-hit film from 2019. You’ve had the boy bands, now check in with the buoy band as they take you on a feel-good voyage about friendship, community and music.

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and this story is absolutely one of those times – re-telling the tale of how a group of Cornish fishermen united to sing the traditional songs they had sung for generations...and how they ended up performing on the famed Pyramid Stage at the hallowed Glastonbury Festival!

Dare we say you’ll fall hook, line and sinker for this delight?

Marvellous musical Bugsy Malone (October 11-15) is out on tour with a truly terrific cast of youngsters taking care of business – it’s going to be splurge-tastic!

We caught a little peek of the production and you’ll be wowed by the prohibition era piece. New York is bubbling with mobsters, showgirls and dreamers, and rival gangster bosses Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are at loggerheads.

You know what that means; splurge guns are being fired and custard pies are making a mess

all over the city. Since obtaining that splurge-r Dandy Dan and his crew have the upper hand, and Fat Sam and his bumbling buffoons are in trouble.

Penniless ex-boxer Bugsy Malone just wants to spend time with his new love Blousey, but what of seductive songstress Tallulah? Will he be able to resist her and help Fat Sam defend his business?

October is a particularly strong month for the theatre, with The Shawshank Redemption (October 17-22) arriving to examine the desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security facility.

Andy Dufresne has been given a double life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife and her lover, a crime he says he didn’t commit. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer, but when the Warden Stammas bullies him and exploits his talents for accountancy, a plot is hatched...

Joe Absolom and Ben Onwukwe lead the way in this must-see.

If it’s soul classics you are after, The Commitments has all you can handle, and more.

Thirty-five decades since The Commitments first left the pages of Roddy Doyle’s bestselling novel, the soul band are back in this new production, which will tour through to July 2023. Thankfully we don’t have to wait that long – it will be with us for a six-day stay beginning on October 24.

Corrie bad boy Nigel Pivaro who gave Jack and Vera Duckworth wrinkles for his exploits as their son Terry is heading back to the stage, performing as ‘Da’.

“It’s an iconic story that resonates across the years, about people who though distant from the music’s origins find communion and expression in the Motown style,” Nigel said, “A musical genre which was borne out

of oppression and which the characters embrace as their own. The Motown Sound is as vibrant today as it was when it first burst through in the sixties.”

At The Stables, Henry Normal presents Sit Down Poetry (October 8) in the snug of Stage 2, and here’s a fella who knows what he’s on about; Henry is a writer, poet, TV and film producer and the founder of the Manchester Poetry Festival, now known as the Literature Festival.

Making use of stories, jokes and poetry he will use his time to take on the world in search of a win-win situation...

We can’t let the month pass by without giving a mention to Company MK who will deliver performances of the Lloyd-Webber classic Evita (October 19-22) at Stantonbury Theatre.

Explore the life of Eva Peron as the Argentinian first lady goes from poverty to celebrity to immortality.

The production is airing in a celebratory year for Company MK – in 2022 they are marking 30 years of musical productions; from standards to the more obscure. That’s dedication to the arts – on behalf of our readers, Pulse sends our thanks for all their efforts so far. Here’s to a future every bit as productive and creative as their past.

Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical docks at MK Theatre in October

Bugsy Malone brings a bit of Fat Sam’s Grand Slam to MK Theatre

Nigel Pivaro

Film Reviews by Jordan Adcock

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 3/5 Crimes of the Future, written and directed by David Cronenberg, shows a world where people find new fashions and purpose when physical pain has essentially been eradicated, so now inflicting wounds and autopsies have become performance art. Most humans have apparently evolved with help from some gangly bio-machines (there’s plenty of scenes of prominent actors lying and writhing in sickly organic furniture) that wouldn’t look out of place in an Alien film.

Saul Tenser (Viggo Mortensen) and Caprice (Léa Seydoux) are among the world’s best surgical artists but they delve into an even shadier world of “evolutionists” who seek to justify their anti-government agenda through one of the couple’s performances. The film’s surprisingly topical, especially with its plotline of people changing their digestive systems to eat toxic

plastic waste instead of normal nutrients, including a very eerie scene of a young boy munching on a plastic bin, reminding however tangentially of humanity having to deal with the ubiquitous plastic it’s created and wasted.

Mortensen looks like Death himself as he wanders around the desolate Greek locations dressed all in black and he’s compelling even as the story’s complexities confound a casual watch. It’s very dense with worldbuilding dialogue that’ll need a willing viewer to withstand both that and the body horror but there are rewarding performances, also including Kristen Stewart. The film’s strangely convincing since the characters in their “evolved”, alienated state almost never bat an eyelid at proceedings, which makes sense internally. It’s to the film’s credit that you’d never want the future to look like this. ✪

Director, actor and comedian Jordan Peele made Get Out and Us, two very zeitgeisty if flawed horror films. Nope is perhaps his most ambitious film yet while also his most cumbersome. Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer star as ranch-owning siblings in California trying to solve the mystery of the “UFO” appearing and sucking up his horses. There’s also a subplot about a former child TV star with an extended (repeated, even) flashback to when a monkey killed his fellow cast members. That outline might give some idea of how well the combined plots hold together besides the vague theme of the horrors of pursuing grand spectacle, with added filmmaking and cinema history references throughout. It’s overly long and ponderous without being particularly profound. ✪

This murder mystery, surrounding an Agatha Christie murder mystery play in the 1950s West End, so badly wants to be charmingly referential and self-aware. But without the required depth or comedic writing it comes across as artificial and very broadly acted despite the huge cast including Adrien Brody as the abrasive narrator and murder victim. The American actor Sam Rockwell does a very decent English accent as the lonely, cynical Inspector Stoppard, though it’s slightly odd a British actor wasn’t cast. As for Saoirse Ronan as his plucky appointed sidekick Stalker, she’s stuck with rather irritating gags and she’s still the most appealing of the whole cast. But wasn’t the point of classic whodunits to actually get invested in who done it? ✪

Infamously over the top filmmaker Michael Bay no longer has Transformers to play with in his cinematic sandbox, but Ambulance shows he’ll have his explosions no matter what. In Los Angeles, the unemployed veteran Will (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is roped into his adoptive brother Danny’s armed bank robbery gone wrong. They commandeer an ambulance with a jaded paramedic onboard to escape with the cash and ensure an injured cop doesn’t die in the process. A combined chase and shootout which lasts for nearly two hours with yet more car crashes, drone camera shots flying so quickly and all over the place it’s actually hilarious, definitely funnier than the obnoxious “wisecracking” dialogue or Jake Gyllenhaal’s umpteenth shouting fit where he looks close to bursting a few veins. ✪

Three Thousand Years of Longing has Tilda Swinton act alongside Idris Elba as a lovelorn genie and is still, somehow, a chore to watch. Based on a mid-1990s short story, Swinton plays a scholar who buys an antique bottle while in Istanbul and it happens to contain a djinn (Elba) to grant her three wishes – but the real story’s the djinn telling her about his previous owners for most of the runtime.

It’s almost impressive how the film appears to neglect its two main assets as Elba and Swinton are stuck in a hotel room while other, ultimately pretty banal stories are told. It won’t feel like 3,000 years have passed when the credits roll, but you’ll still wish to reach the end. ✪

Long live the MPV

If you thought MPVs were dead, think again. BMW and Mercedes are probably the only brands with Multi-Purpose Vehicles in their line-up after everyone jumped to building crossovers. But if you need a family lugger, the 2 Series Active Tourer is well worth a look.

Prices start from just over £31k, and the ‘Luxury’ trim seen here packs some hefty options, which lift it to £39,500.

Once you set aside the new ‘marmite’ grille that’s afflicted nearly the entire range, the 2 Series Active Tourer isn’t a bad looker. Large slab sides give it presence, while the rear could almost be mistaken for one of the brand’s larger SUVs. It offers a refreshing alternative to crossover after crossover.

just as punchy as a 2.0-litre lump, even with only 170hp. There are more potent options with a 223i bumping power to 218 hp and two plug-in hybrids which go up to 326 horses.

For an MPV, the sporting nature of the BMW brand shines through; while ride comfort can be stiff and jittery at lower town speeds, faster-paced work on motorways and dual carriageways makes for a much smoother ride.

Handling is also rather sharp for such a vehicle; it’s refreshing for an MPV to be this pointy and agile, with a responsive turn-in, making the Active Tourer a joy to hustle along in. You can also add the xDrive all-wheel drive system on the 223i model, and the plug-in hybrids come with it as standard.

10.7” infotainment screen; there are volume controls on the steering wheel and a tactile roller on the armrest. But apart from that, you’re left digging around in the infotainment system, and with no iDrive jog wheel, it’s all touch-based. Back to the armrest though. When you open it, it hinges toward the passenger. Making it a total pain for the driver to stow or retrieve anything. It’s also an oddity that the gear selector is over on the passenger side of the armrest… the whole thing is a left-hand drive setup that’s not been switched for the seldom few right-hand markets. Come on BMW.

Hopping in the driving seat, you’re rather perched, like sitting on a dining chair. It’s not a bad thing and was perfectly comfortable; it’s just not the norm compared to crossovers, with the extra height in the Active Tourer giving you the ability to sit properly instead of legs forward and high.

Although the underpinnings of the Active Tourer are the same as when it was launched in 2014, the model has been refreshed this year and includes a totally new interior, taking inspiration from the iX SUV.

A buttonless interior means everything is controlled by the

In terms of performance, this three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine is turbocharged and feels car reviews and motorsport carwitter.com

There’s also plenty of room wherever you sit in the Active Tourer; even the largest of adults will be comfy on longer journeys. Storage is plentiful too, with the front door bins easily accommodating large 1-litre bottles.

At the back, boot space measures 415 litres on this 220i, but space will vary depending on the engine choice as the hybrid tech is squeezed in under the boot floor.

As a family wagon, the 2 Series Active Tourer is a strong contender, with more interior space than a comparable crossover and a low, lip-free boot to lug all of life’s paraphernalia. In addition, it’s well priced with a wide range of engines and optional extras.

You might want to opt for a plug-in hybrid over the regular petrol to up those MPGs; we only saw 30mpg around town, which was a way off the claimed WLTP of 44.8 to 47.9.

ADAM TUDOR-LANE reviews the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

The interior of the 2 Series Active Tourer is not without its down-sides

The 2 Series front grille - you decide!

View from the Far Kerb

If all I had to worry about was the hair on my head, then life would be much easier. I have hair and it is less grey than many of my age. Therefore one might be of the opinion that there is no need to be concerned.

Many of my family have gone very grey in their late twenties/ early thirties; except my brother and me. In fact, I decided that if my head was still devoid of grey when I reached my current age, I would ‘touch it up’ with streaks of grey about my ears etc.

Haircuts reveal a hint of grey throughout these days, so I have no worry on that score.

However, the hair topic still bothers me, but why? Could it be my beagle? How could it not be my beagle?

Owners will tell you that beagles shed hair and lots of it. Not only do they leave it and fluff all over the place, they have coats that feature long spears seemingly determined to embed themselves into various materials. Sofas, car upholstery, clothing, and soft furnishing –they all seem to attract those long hairs. Using a vacuum cleaner is a waste of effort. Beagle hairs seem as to be threaded through the weave of whatever material has suffered their presence. The only solution is to vacuum thoroughly before brushing it out vigorously and then painstakingly picking out the remaining hairs with tweezers.

Not a quick or easy job. It is simpler to ban my beagle from getting up on furniture or riding in the passenger compartment of the car.

Having no carpeting is a boon. Wooden floors mean no carpet to capture and trap beagle hairs for perpetuity. Unfortunately it means that ‘toy beagles collect in corners of the room. Walking across living areas results in little tufts drifting about due to drafts caused by the sweep of one’s feet.

I can take him to the local park and brush him with my

bare hand while he is lying down.

On a windless day a beagle-sized pile of hair will form behind him. The scary thing is that the hair just never stops coming off him and yet he never looks any different.

That is when his hair loss is normal. At seemingly random times in the year he has a tendency to moult. When that takes place, tufts of hair appear on his back and can be plucked from him. The ‘fur babies’ that litter the floor end up having more body and need stronger puffs of air to make them move across the floor. They certainly don’t drift.

There is an upside. Whenever I get the vacuum cleaner out to remove evidence of his existence about the place, he will come running. If there is anything that rivals his ears being scratched or chicken treats, it is being vacuumed. He adores it, but really I wish it would suck hair from him before it becomes part of the floor or whatever he touches. O’HARA

Flavour of the Times - As ever, October brings the astrological beginning of autumn. In nature, Virgo has been the period of harvesting what has grown in the time since the spring, so that the storehouses are full and we are ready for the winter. The new moon in Libra at the autumn equinox (23rd September, actually) is the point at which the hours of darkness start to become longer than those of daylight and nature begins the process of decay back into the soil ready for rebirth next year. This is a valuable time and adjustments should be planned now. Don’t expect massive creativity to be bursting out during these months: save your energy, think about the resources you will need next year.

LIBRA

September 24 – October 23

Balance and justice are key words for Libra, a sense of what is the right thing to do. You find this easy enough where other people are concerned but much more tricky for yourself. Like the scales which is your symbol, you tend to have too many options in your head at any one time and can’t always make you mind up. But, hey, how important is some of this stuff anyway?

SCORPIO

October 24 – November 22

It’s not quite the time for your famous ferocious emotional intensity – next month. Instead, a more balanced view can be achieved, with no real sense of urgency this month. Balanced consideration of the options may be something to think about but keep it light and rational, especially around 12th when you may be surprised and a bit knocked off balance.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 – December 22

Early in the month you may feel challenged when emotions and actions get a bit confused with each other. It will be too easy to react badly to something so make sure you avoid sending any of those emails to people late at night in anger! Your confidence will be stronger mid-month but again, you allow emotions to cloud your judgement at your peril.

CAPRICORN

December 23 – January 20

Pluto resumes forward movement in your sign early in October which will enable you to feel a little more future oriented. However, I think this is more about tying up loose ends rather than any new initiatives. It’s also the autumn so energies are subsiding and its not a time to stick your head over the parapet.

AQUARIUS

January 21 – February 19

Quite a good month for detached and balanced observation of events now. It’s a time for thinking but not necessarily actions. On the other hand, try to resist talking people to death about your amazing ideas. Take it easy, think things through and just store up a few basic thoughts in the back of your mind about how you would like things to go later on.

PISCES

February 20 – March 20

Going with the flow will have to continue this month as Neptune and Jupiter are still stopping any real progress and may be pushing you back upstream rather than down. This energy still has some way to go but the intensity may be cranked up around 25th of the month when the Scorpio new moon stirs some passions.

ARIES

March 21 – April 20

Things you want to do may feel as if they are slipping through your fingers as October ends. This is down to Jupiter backing into Pisces out of your sign for a while. But don’t lose your grip. Opportunities always return and this just isn’t the moment to push forward too strongly. Ease back on the accelerator, observe the speed limit and look out for speed cameras!

TAURUS

April 21 – May 21

Follow the advice of William Morris: ‘don’t have anything in your house that is not either beautiful or useful and preferably both’. Both Taurus and Libra are both about elegance, beauty and values but perhaps that is always in the eye of the beholder and may be an illusion on some level. Take it easy until you can see what the truth really is.

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.

Your stars SOLUTIONS

GEMINI

May 22 – June 21

Keep an eye on 15th of October. It looks like a particularly nice day for you Geminians. You may meet someone beautiful, as Venus and the Sun are together in Libra (although I guess you might buy a beautiful piece of art instead!). It’s an airy, light energy and so thinking about things and communicating your ideas is very much favoured.

CANCER

June 22 – July 23

Pluto has been a long challenge to you and your need to change some vital aspect of your life. It turns direct this month which may ease the pressure – perhaps a house sale actually goes through after hassles and disappointments? It’s a bit tricky again around 20th when stresses and tensions mount. On the other hand, you are probably out of the danger zone now.

LEO

July 24 – August 23

Thrashing around wondering why people aren’t giving you the recognition you think you deserve? Maybe you are now Prime Minister and things aren’t going the way you planned and you are looking for someone to blame?

My advice is: buy a mirror and take a long, cold look in it and consider how you may have contributed to this situation.

VIRGO

August 24 – September 23

Now that you have put things into boxes, files, store rooms and generally organised the product of your year, you can turn your thoughts to what you have learnt. We never manage to achieve as much as we hoped but life moves on regardless and it is time to give yourself some satisfaction with what has happened. Small steps are as valuable as giant ones now.

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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HOWARD PARKER THE ASTRO-GUIDE