MK Pulse magazine September 2022 by PulseGroupMedia

Est. 2009 FREE DOORDELIVEREDCOPIESTODOOR 32,000 SHOULD I SELL, OR LET MY SECOND PROPERTY? THE HUB, BROOKLYN HOUSE, 7 RILLATON WALK, MK9 CONTACT2FZTHE FASTEST GROWING ESTATE AGENT IN MILTON KEYNES FOR ADVICE ON HOW TO MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY TODAY. 210x180+5mmspine_10_LET.indd 1 09/08/2022 11:54 Issue 155 | September 2022 What’s going on in your local areaCounty-wide news, views and stories The magazine at the heart of Milton Keynes and Bucks LOCAL NEWS | FASHION | FOOD & DRINK | HOME & GARDEN | MOTORING | COMPLIMENTARY

We were really pleased to hear about some young people who channelled their creative energies into a school project during lockdown who have now become The Stencil Pencils. The popular song-writing trio of Johnson, Kale and Indiana, who are aged 14, 12, and seven have even come to the attention of Ed Sheeran and Prince Charles – what’s next?

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.

From the 20 36 Kerry EditorLewis-Stevenson

This year’s Pride Festival on 10 September will build on the success of last year’s colourful, inclusive, and family-friendly event to create something special for the city. The event at Campbell Park will be a celebration of everything the LGBTQ+ community has to offer and everyone will be welcome to join in the Last,fun.but definitely not least, take a look at our ‘What’s on’ pages to find out about all the exciting and enticing events and performances you can look forward to this month. There’s DJ Scissors at the Craufurd Arms, heritage open days or the Penguin Café at The Stables. And don’t forget Cycle for Cynthia on the 25th, whether you’re taking a gentler five or 10 mile route or are ready for a more ambitious 25 or 50 mile ride.

2 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes Published by MK Pulse Limited MK Pulse cannot take responsibility for the content of the advertisements, editorial or the services provided by the advertisers. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. All artwork is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use in MK Pulse. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. ©MK Pulse

CONTENTSSeptember2022

Enjoy yourselves. Kerry The deadline for advertising in the next edition of Pulse Magazine is MONDAY 8TH FEBRUARY FINISHED READING? PASS PULSE MAGAZINE TO A FRIEND OR PLACE IT IN THE RECYCLING. Read previous editions online: www.pulsemagazine.co.uk 01908 17mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk465488StilebrookRoad,Olney,BucksMK46 5EA Connect with us on socials: /pulsemagazines @pulsemagazines mkpulsemagazine 4 NEWS 12 LEGAL 20 INTERVIEW 26 STENCIL PENCILS 32 BUSINESS 36 PULSE PICS 38 MK PRIDE 42 FASHION 44 FOOD & DRINK 50 HOME & GARDEN 56 INTERIORS 62 MUSIC 64 WHAT’S ON 69 THEATRE 70 MOTORING 71 PUZZLES 72 YOUR STARS The edition Pulse is MONDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 44

L ocally produced beer and ice cream are just some of the extra pleasures added to the menu at the MK Gallery Café along with Milk & Beans, the first speciality coffee roaster in Milton Keynes. This month is the perfect time to try their tasty treats. Have you ever thought about learning to play the piano? According to Milton Keynes Pianos more people are now learning a musical instrument. Their modern approach to restoration is giving new life to tuneful treasures that might be 100 years old. Their bolder colours are ideal for homes, businesses and public spaces so look out for some of their work.

Visit your local today.ShowroomKeynesMilton Established in 1978, Win-Dor is the leading home improvement specialist for Buckinghamshire and WeNorthamptonshire.offeranextensive range of stylish windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries; all of which are available in a wide choice of colours, and are backed by our 10 year guarantee. We are local company that prides ourselves on going the extra mile for our customers and providing a truly brilliant service. With a combined floor space of over 15,000 square feet, our indoor showroom is filled with a comprehensive range of beautiful windows, doors and conservatories, all available for you to browse at your leisure. Available in both uPVC and aluminium, we can manufacture and supply windows in any style to suit your home. Whether you are looking for double or triple glazed, sliding or bi-folds, composite doors, our range of doors are customiseable.fully We offer a wide range of contemporary and classic home.designsconservatorytosuitany An orangery from us will not just add value to your home but will also give you a space that exudes contemporarystylish,living. Windows Doors Conservatories Orangeries 01908 233 433 | info@windor.co.uk | 20 Dunsby Road, Milton Keynes, MK6 4AD | www.windor.co.uk

All profits from the café go back into supporting MK Gallery’s exhibitions, learning and community programme, he adds. the community’: MK Gallery further supports local producers gallery is rooted in the community and we are keen to support our existing links and build more across all of the organisation’

“We have a lot in common,” says Richard. “We source locally, are community focused… and love ice Microbrewerycream.”Blackened Sun Brewing Company’s owner Gary Morse is a keen supporter of MK Gallery and its place in the community. “We have enjoyed hosting beer tasting sessions for the café team,” he says. There was a healthy debate about which of our beers would be suited to their audience.”

areas

“Working with local suppliers is important to us,” says Andrew Papworth, MK Gallery’s head of events and catering. “The gallery is rooted in the community and we are keen to support our existing links and build more across all areas of the organisation.”

Café

“We are all becoming more invested in what we buy - where it was made, who made itbeing part of ethical trade.”

‘Rooted in

4 M ilk & Beans, the first speciality coffee roaster in Milton Keynes, is joined by The Willen Ice Cream Company, Blackened Sun Brewing Company, a micro craft brewery in Stacey Bushes, and Bucks Brothers, three brothers born and raised in Buckinghamshire distilling some special gins.Products from all four are now on the menu at the café.

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

As the renaissance of gin continues in the UK, the gallery is keen to offer a local brand.

Bucks Brothers Gin set up during lockdown and distils gin at its base in Little Horwood with flavours inspired by local heritage. Its pomegranate and sloe gin liqueur is already on sale in the café.

Carlo Scarito, owner of Milk & Beans, held a training session with café staff to explain the provenance of the Mió Brazilian beans.”It is important to me that customers know about the beans they are buying,” he says.

Richard Gordon, owner of the Willen ice Cream Company, is a regular at farmers’markets around the area. The MK Gallery Café has chosen to sell five of its flavours: House of Luke, Foxdenton Dark Lantern Rum & Raisin, Strawberry, Simply Dairy; and Passionfruit Sorbet.

Regulars at MK Gallery Café enjoy a menu that features treats produced locally. Now the venue has added four more local businesses to its list of suppliers. Improve your home energy efficiency Ideal EnergyCombiMaxVogueC32BoilerRatings From £2250* + VAT with an Ideal Vogue Max Combi Boiler installed by and enjoy all of these benefits: 01908 465644 or email: gastaps@icloud.com • 12 year warranty • 93% efficiency • Magnetic filter • Scale reducer • System flush included ACCREDITEDINSTALLERS *Subject to site survey and availability  24 hour call-out  Gas Safe registered  City & Guilds qualified  30+ years experience  Ideal accredited installer Why choose us? • Inhibitor test included • Ideal Halo ThermostatBoiler Plus compliant • Reduce carbon emissions Book your site survey call With the rising cost of energy bills now is time to increase your heating system efficiency! Plumbing and Heating Experts availableFinance ‘The

5For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 Book now with our registered hearing aid audiologist with over 15 years of experience in hearing care For advice or to book an appointment visit: hearinghealthhub.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 001 6768 BLOCKED EARS OR LOSING YOUR HEARING? BEST AUDIOLOGY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE FOR 2021 & 2022 It can be hard to tell if you’re losing your hearing. Other people may notice before you do: • Struggling to hear other people clearly especially in noisy environments • Asking people to repeat themselves • Watching TV with the volume higher than other people need? • Difficulty hearing on the phone? • Finding it hard to keep up with a conversation? • Feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening? 20% off discreet hearing aids Free 7 day hearing aid trial Rechargeable hearing aids Bluetooth technology • Same day appointments • Home visits • Safe and pain free procedure • Discreet hearing solutions • Hearing protection • Video otoscopy • Tinnitus advice and treatment REMOVALEARMICROSUCTIONWAXHUBBlockedears?Thenvisitour:

>> Find out more about volunteering at scouts.org.uk

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

LOCAL NEWS September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes6

he was speaking at an event for more than 820 Beaver Scouts aged between six and eight. More than 3,500 youngsters across Buckinghamshire want to join the Scouts every year and now the movement is seeking adult volunteers so it can accommodate all those looking to“Alljoin.of the sections give children and young people the opportunity to try something new,” said Cllr Marlow. “Whether it’s going on the climbing wall, inside a zorb or learning some circus stills, the children will have lots of fun and adventure “Scouts also provide children with so many opportunities to make friends, to socialise with others and is very rewarding for them. They will learn skills that will help them as they get older and become young people and adults.”Atotal 54 Scouts aged 14 to 17 will be going to South Korea in 2023 to participate in the World Scout Jamboree with 40,000 others of the same age from nearly every country in the world. “This is why Scouts is so unique in providing so many opportunities for children, young people and adult volunteers,” said Cllr Marlow. “I think that scouting teaches children and young people independence skills and resilience. It also encourages them to use their imagination as well as making friendships that will be outside theirJamesschools.”Palin, lead volunteer for Buckinghamshire Scouts, said the movement was calling for volunteers to work with young Scouts aged between four and teenage.“Weare also looking for people who can volunteer in the background by looking after equipment, handling money or managing volunteers,” he added. “We offer an awardwinning training programme that people can do at their own pace and this can lead to a formal qualification.”

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.

February 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes14 BEFORE AFTER Call Jason: 07980 320162 email: jason@fxfinishing.co.uk www.fxfinishing.co.uk WESPRAY:ALSO Save thousands by having your kitchen professionally refinished to a factory Standard. Your colour choice, minimal disruption and minimal waste with a quick turnaround! Email for a quote or visit our website for details; We can colour match to all major paint brands! Fitted furniture & Joinery Composite doors *booking now for spring 2022 PVCu windows *booking now for spring 2022 Why replace when you can refinish? SAVINGMONEYforSuitablesolidwoodandMDFwrappeddoors FX-SPRAY MK also treats doors, windows and furniture. For more information or a free quote, email jason@fxfinishing.co.uk or visit www.fxfinishing.co.uk Jason Thompson, FX-SPRAY MK Cllr Amanda Marlow (pictured right): ‘Scouting teaches children and young people independence skills and resilience’

Opportunities to make new friends, to learn new skills and to socialise… three fantastic reasons for young people to consider joining the Scouts, according to Milton Keynes Mayor Cllr Amanda Marlow.

M any of us have thought about repainting our kitchen cupboards as a way of refreshing them without replacing, especially now we have had more time at home lately. But concerns over the finish achievable and how well the paint would last usually puts us off making a mess of things.

Mayor hails the benefits of joining the Scouts

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The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of a all fully fitted in less than a day just it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: watchwords the that use for all and the fact that all loft are fitted by time served so customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that 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. 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. the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and work hard to make that happen for every installation carry out!’ 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 too can make use of loft!

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.

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

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HIRE ONE OF OUR SUPERB VW CAMPERVANS & START PLANNING

Hire company VW Camper Holiday, based at Ecton, near Northampton, offers the ideal solution to those people looking for a break this coming autumn. There is still availability for the company’s campervans which boast an impressive spec’ to meet the comfort needs of up to four people.

HOLIDAY hire@vw camper holiday.com I vw camper holiday.com

There’s something about the freedom of hiring a campervan and heading off for a break with no pressure on being at a certain place at a certain time. Hire costs are no more than what it would cost to stay in a hotel but without the versatility. Plus well behaved dogs are welcome travel guests.

“I thought there was a better way to hire vans so decided to take the plunge and invested in campervans which would meet my requirements. It was important to make the hire process simple and to ensure clients can easily communicate regarding their camper booking.”

Rental starts from £595 for a full week in low season - weekend and mid-week hire also available. What’s stopping you?

And what better way to get away from it all than in a hi-spec VW campervan that can transform a few days away into a memorable adventure?

Summer holidays will soon be a distant memory, but it is not too early to plan the next escape.

Our fully equipped 2022 VW Campervans are fitted with a high spec leisure batteries, solar panels, fridge, running water, sink, gas hob, 240v hook-up for campsites, night heating, roll out awning and hot water shower!

The campers are fitted with 2 x swivelling captain seats, 2 rear seats (with isofix) and sleeps 4 with double rib bed and panoramic pop-top roof bed, storage cupboards, 4G Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Phone connection & Bluetooth. Visit our website for full details and availablity or make an appointment to have a look around one of our Campers in Ecton, Northamptonshire.

“I found hiring a van a tedious process. Getting in touch with hire companies and then finding out there is no availability,” said Chris.

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The super modern 7 speed automatic campers were professionally built in 2022 and boast a wealth of features from a fridge, gas cooking, night heater and even hot shower. Two swivel captain-style seats mean the driving experience is comfortable and living area spacious. This fresh approach means there is growing demand for the vans. Extras like bike racks are options and even trips to mainland Europe are possible. Many clients are looking to invest in their own campervan and see it as an opportunity to ‘try before they buy’. YOUR I Tel 01604 411759

9For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 Why replace when you can reface? Quality Kitchen Facelifts Guaranteed fitting before Christmas www.dreamdoors.co.uk Call Mark or Riana For a Free Estimate: 01234 852151 mk@dreamdoors.co.uk Dream Doors Kempston, 73 High Street, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7BT Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks and taps Made to measure custom built doors and units Installed by local skilled tradesman Est. 1999 • • • MILTON KEYNES DECORATIVE LIGHTING OUTLET SHOP VISIT US: for unique samples, end of range & slight seconds Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 16:00 Franklite Ltd., Snowdon Drive, Winterhill, Milton Keynes, MK6 1AP 01908 443 FOLLOW090US: for product features and our latest special offers Franklite-outlet_MKPulse-Jan2022.indd 1 11/02/2022 12:14

September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes10 Thinking support?relationshipof We offer a range of services From romance to roommates, from colleagues to co-parents our highlyskilled therapists can give you the support you need in a way that suits you. At Relate Milton Keynes our services include: • Relationship Counselling for individuals or partners • Family Counselling • Young People’s Counselling (from 11 years of age) • Sex Therapy • Couple Therapy for Depression • Family Mediation Find out more and get started: E appointment@relatemk.org T 01908 310010 relatemk.orgMakingthedecision to transform your relationships and wellbeing can feel like a big step but it’s also a really positive one. So, whenever you’re ready, we can Relate. Relate Advert Full Page.indd 1 03/08/2022 09:57

For a quote call us on 01908 321Landlords456welcome or visit www.pure-group.co.ukFAST,LOCALCALLOUTEMERGENCYRESPONSEOURSERVICES ✓ Boiler Repair and Servicing Upgrades to Existing Boilers ✓ Central Heating Fault Diagnostic & Repair Central Heating Power Flushing Hot Water/Un-Vented Cylinders Radiator Repair & Maintenance Boiler Breakdowns & Pumps Thermostats & Programmers ✓ Tanks/Pressure Vessels Gas Safe Registered Engineers 522739 Covering Milton Keynes, Bedford & Northampton Your trusted local New InstallationBoilerExperts

Not acting soon enough after someone’s death can mean that the opportunity to remedy any defective Will clause is Practically,lost.outstanding Will issues can mean that a deceased’s beneficiaries can be faced with a significant inheritance tax bill whilst at the same time being kept from their gifts for an uncertain period of time.

September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes12

W e have witnessed property price inflation over the past several years, however, the inheritance tax thresholds have not followed suit and therefore liability to inheritance tax has become an increasing threat to family wealth. An individual’s Nil Rate Band remains at £325,000, that is, inheritance tax up to that value in an estate is taxed at Nil %. A taxable estate in excess of that is liable to inheritance tax at 40%. This can be onerous upon the estate’s beneficiaries; inheritance is payable before access to the deceased’s estate can be obtained. It is therefore important to use all the inheritance tax reliefs available. Often, the deceased’s property is the main asset within an estate. The Residence Nil Rate Band can only attract against one property. Even if the deceased had not recently lived in the property, provided it remains part of their estate at the time of death, the Residence Nil Rate Band can be used.

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

SinghSurinderpal and the wills, trusts and probate team provide effective and MK1Milton4Artemisestateestatesdealingguidanceproactivewhenwithandplanning.House,BramleyRoadKeynes1PT

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If you are worried about your future estate being at risk to inheritance tax it is always best to take periodic advice to ensure that your Will is up-to-date with the latest legislation and decided case law.

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

Complications have arisen where a deceased leaves their share in a property on trust for the benefit of another, usually in the form of a right of occupation, for a period of time or, for the lifetime of the occupier, before it is ultimately inherited by a descendant.

Residence Nil Rate Bands and Unmarried

Couples...

Trust arrangements are often employed in Wills to negate the surviving property owner falling liable to care fees on the deceased’s owner’s portion of a property.

does not

LEGAL

Depending on the wording of the deceased’s Will or, whether they were married to the individual being left the right of occupation, can determine whether the additional £175,000 is available or not.

The Residence Nil Rate Band is available if the deceased owned a residential property at the time of their death in which they previously resided and, by virtue of their Will, or the rules intestacy, that property is being inherited by children, grandchildren or subsequent generation. The Residence Nil Rate Band can supplement an estate’s Nil Rate Band to the tune of £175,000, making for a combined individual total of £500,000 before an estate becomes taxable, in simple terms.

The above information for general guidance and constitute Heald contactlegalinformation.takenarticleofanydisclaimsSolicitorsandexcludesliabilityinrespectthecontentsofthisorforactionbasedonthisIfyouneedadvice,pleaseasolicitor.

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13For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 o Visit our showroom and see some of the latest bathroom ranges. Our experienced advisors are on-hand to discuss your requirements and give advice. Email info@bath-works.co.uk to make an appointment. Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm Tel: 01908 225535 42 Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes MK13 9HB www.bath-works.co.uk

PIANOS

Once restored these pianos will go on to give many years of playing enjoyment.”

Agrowing number of people looking to learn an instrument or simply escape life’s everyday challenges are taking time out to play the piano. The basic design of the piano has not changed much since its invention around 300 years ago. There are many pianos still being played and enjoyed today that were built more than a century ago, But forget traditional brown furniture now companies like Milton Keynes Pianos are leading the way in giving pianos a fresh new look through their bespoke refurbishment service. Neutrals and greys may still be popular but there is growing demand for brighter, bolder colours putting pianos centre stage in homes, businesses and public spaces.

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

Martin Porter from Milton Keynes Pianos said: “It is nice to see such an interest in taking up the piano or coming back to playing after a few years absence. A piano is a beautiful piece of furniture for the home, as well as an instrument, which is why we try and save as many of the older, better built pianos as we can. “Many of the antique pianos made by quality English and German makers are fine instruments.

The John Broadwood piano in pride of place at The Bee House in Oxford

Milton Keynes Pianos is hitting the right notes for local pianists and music lovers with its modern approach to piano restoration, Pulse went along to their workshop to take a closer look.

Breathing new colour into pianos

Milton Keynes Pianos offers a wide range of pianos, from new models to pre-owned instruments which are fully serviced including leading brands like Yamaha and Kawai. These pianos undergo a full service before finding new homes with pianists including beginners starting out on their playing journey. Martin, who has more than 30 years’ experience, is able to advise on the instrument suited to specific needs. The service includes delivery, tuning and warranty. Rental and payment plans areMiltonavailable.Keynes Pianos is situated in the beautiful, relaxing rural environment of Cooksoe Farm, Chicheley. Find Milton Keynes Pianos on social media including Facebook, Instagram and Etsy or visit the showroom north of Newport Pagnell. There is free parking, an onsite workshop and showroom, incorporating a practice room that is available to hire. A call or email is always advisable before setting off, to ensure one of the team will be Call:available. 0333 259 0945 or 07752 332325 Email: miltonkeynespianos@gmail.com

in tune A passion for bringing old pianos to life -

“Our pianos go all over the country, into private homes, as well as recently to recording studios in London. Another commission was for a bright yellow John Broadwood upright as a centre piece for a bee-themed café in Oxford. I must admit, we weren’t sure initially when we started it, but it turned out very nicely. “It’s nice to be able to breathe new life into these old instruments.”

Get Martin Porter

But while the notes may still sound the same the looks are now a far cry from the traditional, with commissioningcustomers the family business for oneoff pianos. This includes glass panels and LED lights to show off the instrument’s internal workings. Martin said: “This really makes sense, as there is an enormous amount of work that goes into restoring an action and then it never gets“Weseen.refinish by hand or use a spray coat, depending on the finish requirement, and work with top brands such as Craig & Rose.

15For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 Call us on: 01908 07748or618591595356 Established in 2000 Bespokewww.bathroomsbyharpers.co.ukQualityBathroomsPleasecallforafreesurvey offerWea full supply &supplyinstallationserviceoronly. 7 Park TyringhamFarmMK169ES

Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km) for the model shown: Combined not applicable, CO2 emissions 0 g/km and electric combined range of up to 285 miles, to a city range of 375 miles. These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The Niro EV is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. The figures shown here are for limited comparison purposes; electric range and CO2 are tested using WLTP. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Model shown: Niro EV ‘4’ 64.8 kWh lithium-ion 201bhp 1-speed auto at £42,490 including the Steel Pack and premium White Peal paint at £745. Kia Niro EV range available from £36,245 Specification is subject to change without notice. Offer available on purchase of a new Kia Niro EV in the United Kingdom between 01.07.2022 – 30.09.2022. Retail Sales only. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Kia reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. Finance T&Cs apply. Subject to status. 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Kia Finance RH2 9AQ. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty. For full terms and exclusions visit kia.com/uk/owners Bells Kia trading as Bells Motor Group Limited are a credit broker (not a lender) for the purposes of this financial promotion and can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

Take the lead. Drive electric. The all-new fully electric Kia Niro EV. 6.9% APR Representative Order by 30th September 2022 BELLS KIA NORTHAMPTON Bedford Road, Northampton NN1 5NT Tel: 01604 621363 or visit www.bellskia.co.uk BELLS KIA BEDFORD Riverfield Drive, Bedford MK41 0SF Tel: 01234 360666 or visit www.bellskia.co.uk

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An old saying comes to mind, 'you can't pour from an empty cup' The importance of self care when you're caring for relatives should not be underestimated Your loved ones might rely on you daily to get them up, dressed and preparing proper meals Maybe they need you there for company, to play a game of cards or do the crossword in the paper; but we're only human and everyone needs time to recharge We're very good at just getting on with it, making it happen, taking the burden of responsibility and it doesn't have to be that way There are always options and it's important we consider those options Whether it's a short period of respite care to allow you to recharge your batteries or a longer term plan for live in care that you're after, our team at Home Instead Milton Keynes can talk you through all of the Coptionsallustoday on 01908 774333 and talk to us about how we could help with live in care Alternatively email sarah.marquiss@homeinstead.co.uk 2022 Home Instead, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Each Home Instead franchise office is independently owned and operated.

Have you ever considered care in your or your loved one's own home as an option? Would you love to have some time away but don't know who would provide that same care to your family member if you took time out?

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

yourself aGive break

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The welcoming retirement community adjoins open fields yet is close to amenities such as shops, restaurants, a leisure complex with a pool and excellent transport links. With spacious studios, 1-bed, and 2-bed apartments, kitchenettes, en-suite shower and flat-screen TV, it’s a safe and secure community with round-the-clock management and call system.

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17For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 ADVERTISING FEATURE

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From daily trips into town to nature walks, pub meals or visits to the theatre, your Hawthorns’ activity calendar will keep you updated with events to plan your week. different , painting with Watercolour Acrylics and Discover how to paint faces, figures, friends, family and stunning landscapes. Learn artists’ needed to create beautiful pieces of original Step step-by-step get Arty enjoy a favourite day of the week hour sessions, morning or afternoon, if have never picked up a brush before, will guide you through to make it easy and completing the course will have 12 pieces of maintain a high standard of are kept small, call now for more details and a friendly

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A free daily programme of activities and events to keep the mind and body active and support you to stay healthy is provided with Well-being Co-ordinators on hand to arrange a wide variety of stimulating and engaging social events, alongside cultural and sporting pursuits. Weekly exercise classes include Yoga, Pilates and Tai-chi, a complimentary minibus for scheduled shopping trips and excursions and ample free car parking for your car and guests. From daily trips into town to nature walks, pub meals or visits to the theatre, your Hawthorns’ activity calendar will keep you updated with events to plan yourTheweek.Hawthorns in Northampton also provides plenty of open days, allowing other like-minded retirees to discover the warm and friendly community by taking a private guided tour of the facilities. The return of monthly events that bring live entertainment to the communities' doorsteps and guarantee the most showstopping acts in town has received a very warm reception from residents and members of the local community, and you’re invited to join them. Don’t miss out on the next event at the Hawthorns. Search facebook. com/TheHawthornsNorthampton to find out more.

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The Factory Shop is home to both the latest designs and discontinued ranges in quality seconds, glass, and accessories. Discounts start from 30% off RRP on new and current lines, with up to 60% off RRP on discontinued and clearance patterns. Also, on site is: gift & card shop, the Denby garden stall, ginger butchers farm shop, Bourne’s kitchen is open daily serving hot dishes Leaves from Bill’s Coach and Minibus Hire at 8.30am and leaves Denby Pottery Village at 3.30pm.

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

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 19 Image: Larry Achiampong, Wayfinder, 2022. Courtesy of the artist and Copperfield, London. Until 15 January 2023 Larry Achiampong Book at mkgallery.org MK 900GalleryMidsummer Blvd Milton Keynes MK9 3QA “Larry Achiampong tackles notions of empire and belonging – with a gamers pizzaz.” – THE GUARDIAN ResidentsMK £1 entryTuesdayevery Registered Company Choice of door styles and colours available Improve your home with Custom Glaze • WINDOWS & DOORS • ORANGERIES • CONSERVATORIES • ROOFLINE & CLADDING • SINGLE-STOREY EXTENSIONS Call 01908 650140 or visit www.customglaze.co.uk for an online estimate Visit our showroom to see a range of our home extensions, garden rooms, window and door options. Or visit our website to arrange a quote and enjoy first class service and our best price first time, every time – no gimmicks, no hassle. A+ Energy Rated Windows fitted as standard Nowinour 41stYear of improving yourhome 41s 41 Showroom at Unit 8, Denbigh Hall Industrial Estate, Milton Keynes, MK3 7QT SHOWROOM OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Please check website for opening hours Save £££’son withenergyyourbillsnewA+EnergyRatedWindows

If you want to get an insight into the mind of a killer, Professor David Wilson is a fountain of knowledge having worked with many of them. He visited Waterstones in Milton Keynes to talk about his current book, and while there the criminologist spoke with Pulse’s Sammy Jones about a most fascinating career... can’t do Strictly on Saturday and on Monday be at a crime scene’

INTERVIEW ‘I

The Scottish born Professor Emeritus of Criminology has unparalleled knowledge in his field of expertise. His career has seen him work as a Prison Governor for a significant spell, and he spent time at prisons including Grendon, Wormwood Scrubs and here in Milton Keynes, at Woodhill, where he helped to design and run two units for the 12 most violent prisoners in theThatcountry.work saw him in contact with nearly every recent serial killer. for the most disruptive prisoners in the country.”

“Woodhill was a fabulous experience,” he says, “I had just finished working at Grendon which is the only prison in the whole of Europe which operates as a psycho dynamic therapeutic community, which means all of the prisoners are in therapy.

Eventually, he had put pen to paper for Signs of Murder

We used psychology and criminologythinking of how to design the unit, how to train the staff, how to manage the prisoners.

A Plot to Kill explores the background to the murder of Peter Farquhar, a lecturer at Buckingham University. As the book jacket says so succinctly, it is ‘ the true story of deception, betrayal and murder that shocked a quiet English town.’

And just how do you make a difference in those pressurised environments?

“One of the things you can do to reduce the amount of violence is to manipulate the temperature. You can give a sense of space so you don’t feel overcrowded, and polluted. We banned smoking in common areas.

“The woman came up and squeezed my nipple so hard I screamed, but everybody in the queue laughed, and I said ‘What if I had done that to you?’ “It was a sexual assault and I thought, ‘I am going to try to talk about this.’

One of those crimes, the one he has written a book about most recently, made national news when the shocking truth was uncovered.

You are probably expecting some terrifying ordeal at the hand of a high-profile criminal during a visit behind bars, but you would be wrong – it was a sexual assault in plain sight of people at a literary event.

Did you not think it was a little ‘too close to home’ to write about? “Totally,” he says without hesitation, relaying a story about a previous book that his sisters had spent years badgering him to write, about a murder in the town where he grew up.

There is no fidgeting or waning of interest when he speaks; they all want to know about the people David has encountered - they want to pick the brains of the man who has picked the brains of those responsible for often abhorrent crimes.

“It was because of the experiences I had there that I was asked to work on the units

David, who now lives close to Milton Keynes, is talking with me prior to hosting a talk in the bookstore. A little later he will deliver a particularly engaging event for ticket holders.

rofessor David Wilson has worked with more serial killers and high profile offenders than most, but it wasn’t until researching the man ‘off the telly’ and author of many true crime books that I learned he has been the victim of crime himself.

21For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022

Most violence occurs in andthatenvironmentsarehot,pollutedovercrowded.”

David wrote about the incident which is where I happened upon it.

“The irony about that article was that it had one comment online and it was, ‘Well he is quite good looking, isn’t he?’ “I thought, ‘what was the point of raising this as anWhileissue?”there is no excuse for that sort of behaviour, with a high profile comes more attention – and David is certainly a well-known figure in a fairly unique position.

“We did lots of things that at the time were regarded as extraordinarily innovative.”

“It took me less than two months research to work out that the man convicted of the murder hadn’t done the murder, so the whole book was

“Every day they talk about their childhood, their upbringing, their peers, their parents and why they offended, and that’s how I learned about violence – through violent men talking about how and when they used violence.

Professor David Wilson

“What I found really interesting about that article is that it really was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” David says, as we chat in the cafe of Waterstones bookstore in Central Milton Keynes.

“We used psychology and criminologythinking of how to design the unit, how to train the staff, how to manage the prisoners. Most violence occurs in environments that are hot, polluted and overcrowded.

INTERVIEW

“But everybody - the woman in Waitrose, my dentist, people in the butchers were asking, ‘Are you gonna write about the murder of Peter Farquhar? ‘ I went to the trial and thought, ‘Oh my god, this is real psychopathy on show...’ David doesn’t mention many murderers or high-profile prisoners by name during our chat (‘...because in my experience they rather like it, because most of them are narcissistic’), although notorious serial killer Dennis Nilsen is one exception, and he maintained correspondence with David until his death inIt’s2018.one thing interviewing a temperamental old theatre-star or a vacuous musician (we’ve done both in our time), but that’s a world apart from facing up to a murderer. How does that“Youwork?tryto be empathetic,” David says, “You try to walk in their shoes. You use the skills of friendship, except you’re not trying to make a friend, so you try to get them to open up. And then you have a problem, which is can you trust“Havethem?they actually been telling you the truth? Which is one of the debates I’ve always had about Nilsen.”

David’s current research interests, listed on his website, include ‘the phenomenon of British serial murder, family annihilation, hitmen and lethal violence within organised crime, to all aspects of prison history and penal reform.’ He has seen more of the evil that men (and women) do than most of us, but can still be shocked by the levels of depravity one person can inflict on another.

“Those are absolutely fair observations to make. There has to be a balance, doesn’t there?” he says, but it’s a statement, not a question. “I still advise on live cases, and I still provide training for homicide detectives, and there has to be a balance whereby I can’t do Strictly on Saturday and on Monday be at a crime scene. How would the family of the victim feel?

“I use a phrase, ‘we should lock up the people we are scared of, rather than the people we are mad at.’

“So often prison is dealing with the failures of schools, the care system, the mental health outreach, drug addiction. Prison is being asked to look after people who have never been looked after in the past and by the time they get there it’s too late.

I just feel what we do in this country is lock up too many people we are simply angry with. I really do believe we should be investing much more in childhood interventions.”

Naturally, David wants the public to be protected and where necessary he knows people need to be behind bars, but he thinks we put away too many.

And there are some prisoners who look at the chance to chat to David as good for their status.

“I just feel what we do in this country is lock up too many people we are simply angry with. I really do believe we should be investing much more in childhood interventions.

And yet, David has no problem getting a good night’s sleep. How does he decompress?“Ialwayssay you’ve got to compartmentalise,” he says with a lesson for the insomniacs among us, “I have been married for over 30 years, I love people, I love my wife, I love my children,” he smiles, “I am a huge Northampton Saints man and a season ticket holder at Franklins Gardens... “The key thing is love,” David promises, “...there is always light that illuminates the gloom.”

Professor David Wilson pictured with Sammy Jones at the Waterstones book signing

“I have had to face some of those issues in terms of where I am in my career, and I have to be very conscious about what I’ll do, or not do.

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

“Emelia and I were going to do Celebrity Hunted together,” he reveals, “It was for Stand Up For Cancer and we felt it was something legitimate that I could do with her, but as it happened I was filming for BBC Scotland and she had another run of Silent Witness and the dates didn’t work out. But I do choose what I do very carefully.”

“Rather than investing in the back end, which is a prison in our culture, let’s invest in the front end - which would be childhood support.”

“People were very affected by it,” heTheadmitted.tensions that rose by writing about a murder 50 years ago made him hesitant to cover one that happened as recently as 2015 on his doorstep.

“There was a lot of overkill during Covid, a lot of domestic violence and women being murdered using more violence than necessary to kill the person, and there was a lot of beheading and other kinds of dreadful things...” And in today’s society, technology puts the goriest of things in easy reach – beheadings are a mere click away online: “I swear when I start the first year lectures, I ask the students, ‘How many of you have seen a beheading video?’ I have a first year of about 350 and all of them have. It’s the commodification of extreme violence and that’s a really worrying phenomenon.”

INTERVIEW about, ‘if he didn’t do it, who did?’ “That book ends by me knocking on that man’s door and saying ‘You did the murder.’ He wasn’t very pleased...” When it was released, the page- turner brought things to the surface that had been buried for half a century.

David is the chair of Grendon Friends Trust, a charity supporting that aforementioned therapy programme at HMP Grendon. It’s groundbreaking and important work being undertaken there, and he is passionate about it; “It is the only prison that can demonstrate a treatment effect; if you go to Grendon for at least two years you are statistically less likely to offend once you’ve been released.”

“A lot of the people I interview would score highly clinically in relation to being psychopaths and they’ve got a streak of narcissism - they want me to interview them, because I’m the ‘topDavid’sbloke’.”work as a presenter and commentator means he is regularly on the small screen and in 2021 he teamed up with Emilia Fox for the Channel 4 series, In the Footsteps of Killers A second series will air this year. Murderers, their crimes, and their victims interest many of us, and when we turn on the TV we do so out of interest and curiosity. There is obviously an element of entertainment too. But not for the families of the victims. Not that David needs a reminder.

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate the activities of tax planning, estate planning or IHT planning. OCM Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do). FCA Registration No: 418826. OCM Asset Management is a trading name of OCM Wealth Management. ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk The Power of 3 runs through the core of OCM as we have three professional disciplines brought together allowing us to deliver such a powerful client focused proposition. As an Independent Chartered Financial Planning Firm, a Discretionary Asset Manager and Tax planning specialist, we utilise the power of 3, to ensure we deliver a seamless and first class, cost and time efficient service to clients. This is because at OCM we truly believe Our Clients Matter. CHARTERED Financial Planners TAXATION & Accounting DISCRETIONARY Asset Managers THE POWER of Three

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September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes24 Please call 01908 101070 or email hampstead.gate@childbase.com Hampstead Gate Day Nursery and Preschool, 1 Eelbrook Avenue, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes, MK13 8RDFORwww.childbasepartnership.comCHILDRENAGED6WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOUregistrationstakingNow Fun is an essential ingredient at Hampstead Gate Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them. A t Northampton High School, we believe in a complete education that’s made for girls and young women.

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Sammy Jones got the gist from The Stencil Pencils over waffles and shakes!

The Stencil Pencils - We are family: Kale, Indiana and Johnson stick together TSP pose for a photo with Jo Whiley at Camp Bestival

eeting in a waffle bar in the heart of the newly crowned city is a novelty – band interviews usually involve nursing a pint somewhere, but that wouldn’t work here: Johnson, Kale and Indiana are aged 14, 12 and seven respectively. Pub chat will have to wait. That aforementioned school project – to write a song or a poem – unleashed a collective talent, and The Stencil Pencils are most certainly rolling with it.

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

We are allone big family!

“Me and Johnson always loved music,” Kale remembers, “When we were much younger we snuck into the kitchen and started playing on the pots and pans like they were drums!” When they posted their first song to YouTube, the warm response they received made them decide to try and sharpen those pencils into a taut musical proposition.

In the two years that have followed since they wrote Quarantine/Covid19, the trio have received correspondence from Ed Sheeran and Prince Charles (“He sent me a letter saying he likes our music a lot and wishes us the best,” Kale says), and been invited to perform at the palace – yep, that palace. “That’s actually quite cool,” says Johnson, “Who else is invited to play at the palace?” Music hasn’t happened by accident here; the family has always had a love for sounds –and the kids would improvise when necessary.

The Stencil Pencils proudly call themselves ‘the world’s youngest Asperger’s band,’ but only Kale has the condition, which is a form of“Thatautism.was another reason we decided to start the band,” Johnson explained, “... to give Kale a voice. I think it’s also to inspire other children, not only other children with disabilities, but every child to have a voice. People put Kale down and say, ‘He won’t be able to do something as good as someone else, because he has autism,’ which is not the case. “We need to show people what other children can do, and that even if you have a disability you are the same as anyone else.” As for Kale? He takes the condition in his“Manystride.people say I just have a disability, but I call it my ability, because I get to see the world in a different way. I see things very differently from others and sometimes I won’t recognise things as much... “We were at the park the other day and there was a bench and it said that someone had passed away and I thought it meant that someone had passed on the bench, because I see messages like that on benches all the time... “I never realised that people put it there as a memorial!”

What started as a school project during lockdown has since turned three youngsters from Milton Keynes into superstars in the making.

INTERVIEW

“It doesn’t really matter if you are non-binary, if you are straight, if you are gay, we don’t really mind...” says Johnson. “We accept you,” Kale says, “Like racism, people are going around calling others really horrible words, and saying ‘you should stay over there, you shouldn’t be in my country.’

INTERVIEW

Big brother Johnson is the voice of reason. “Usually people bully because they have been bullied, or they are not coping with something at home, or there is something wrong. “I know they are being mean and horrible, but it is good to try and speak to them, because something is going wrong in their lives and they are taking it out on you.”

“We don’t judge people about their eye colour or what colour they have on their nails,” Kale adds, ‘So why are we fighting about the skin colour we have?” he asks, “We should all love each other the same.”

Remember when children were meant to be ‘seen and not heard’?

“Our singing teacher Natalie tells us that nerves and anxiety is just excitement, so usually we are excited, and we handle it very well,” Johnson says with an air of confidence. Indiana is the baby of the band and largely the quietest during our chat. While the rest of us talk, she works diligently to clear her waffle desert, but make no mistake, she is one sassy little lady. As a dedicated follower of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, she brings the pop persuasion to the mix, while Johnson favours hip hop and grime. ‘Old soul’ Kale is more likely to be found spinning Boy George, Sam Cooke or Michael Jackson. And they do quite literally spin the tunes too – The Stencil Pencils now have their own radio show on MKFM. They use the platform to spread their environmental messages, and if they really are the shape of things to come, we might be able to move forward with hope after“Whenall. Greta Thunberg speaks about global warming we fully agree with her, and she says it in such a powerful way. If we don’t stop it, future generations aren’t going to be living how our generation lives and how older generations lived.”

27For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022

The Stencil Pencils on stage

Kale isn’t keen to blend in anyway –occasionally, he’ll put on a little bit of make-up, or paint his nails. Alice Cooper, T-Rex, Bowie and many others got busy with the beauty products over the decades. It’s not that unusual. But it has still made him a target for“Ibullies.identify as a boy, but sometimes I wear make-up or face jewellery,” he says, shrugging his shoulders and displaying a rare blase attitude, “I like doing it – it makes me feel a bit different to other people. I have been bullied a lot,” he admits, “It’s alright, they don’t know anything about me.”

Perhaps it’s jealousy that results in the negativity – after all, The Stencil Pencils are now a name to reckon with locally. They have gone from performing in care homes to switching on the CMK Christmas lights, have found a friend in MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman and this summer have been rubbing shoulders with Rag’n’Bone Man and DJ Jo Whiley while sharing festival stages. They made such an impression at Camp Bestival that esteemed promoter Rob da Bank contacted them to tell them how great he thought they were! “We were just doing it as a bit of fun,” starts Kale, before Johnson finishes his line, “Now it’s almost become a full time job!”

Pic: Lee Scriven

“Thefamily.Stencil Pencils stand for diversity and inclusion. Our end goal is to make sure we have done our best to make everyone feel loved,” Johnson says.

Pete Winkelman with TSP

“We don’t believe in that - we are all one big

The disappearance of those days is giving way to a new breed of bold, passionate and smart young people. Tackle them on race, religion or sexual orientation and they prove just how together they are.

Indiana has now finished that waffle and the rising superstar, who also does a star turn as cheerleading flyer, has something to say about MK. For the most part, it’s positive, but not“Whatalways.Idon’t like is that people keep building a lot of houses and it means there’s not a lot of land for the animals!”

Do you get those pre-show jitters?

September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes28 COVID-19 - SAFEGUARDING CUSTOMERS & COLLEAGUES Walk in showers and baths Waterproof wall panelling Slip resistant safety ﬂooring Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets Bathing a problem? – we can help installations.co.uk www.ahminstallations.co.uk Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details. 02382 543308Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote 03/11/2020 08:04 FREE* Georgia toilet & basin with • Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails & shower seats • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms • Discounts for over 60s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel • Disabled Facilities Grants • Charity work and grants Call for our friendly advice, free survey and quote www.info@ahminstallations.co.ukahminstallations.co.ukTermsandconditionsapply,visitourwebsiteformore details. 01908 850377 • Wet Walkroomsinshowers and baths Waterproof wall panelling Slip resistant safety ooring Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets Automatic bidet loos • Established family business 01823 729564 Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote Bathing a problem? – we can help • Disabled Facilities Grants Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms Discounts for over 60s, SSAFA and EX Service personnel *Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more www.info@information.ahminstallations.co.ukahminstallations.co.uk FREE Georgia toilet & basin with everyorderbathroom Showroom open 7 days, Blackdown Garden Centre, Hockholler West Buckland TA21 9HY 01823 661910 | 9.19/10 COVID-19 - SAFEGUARDING CUSTOMERS & COLLEAGUES Now taking orders for pre-Christmas ttings Wellington 145 x 215 Sept.indd 1 19/09/2020 13:29 Dial a Carpet today on 01908 849868 or click to dial-a-carpet.co.uk Take the first steps towards beautiful new floor coverings for your home Carpet • Laminate • LVT • Vinyl All at amazing value! • For all Rewiring, Power, Lighting, Plumbing & Heating Requirements • Bathroom Re- ts • PAT Testing • No call-out Charge* For a Fast, Reliable & Friendly Service Call us on 01908 630 537 or 07795 972 959 Most debit/credit cards accepted*Excludesemergency call-outs QUALITY WATCH AND CLOCK REPAIRS & SERVICING Any Make, Model or Year Traditional watchmaker 60 years experience; Rolex & Omega trained. (I’m now 80 and still at it!) Estimates given All work guaranteed for 1 year You will not be disappointed Dial and case restoration undertaken too. Telephone John: 07432 www.goodtiming.uk007007 BEFORE AFTER Telephone John: 07432 007007

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eople have different views about the right time to take legal advice when considering a separation.

Some will come to see a solicitor before they have even told their partner of their decision. Others will wait until they simply cannot see a way forwards without the benefit of legal advice.

1. Children If you have children with your partner, then the most important consideration should be making arrangements for them, including, where appropriate, agreeing the level of time which your children will spend with each parent.

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

This is often the most difficult topic for separating parties to discuss – what will happen to the family home. You may wish to consider the following: Who will reside in the family home? The importance of any children of the family remaining in the family home Payment of the mortgage and other outgoings on a short-term and long-term basis Once you are separated, it is fair to say that living under the same roof could be difficult. Equally, moving out may prejudice your position in the long term. By speaking to a solicitor early on, you can ensure that you make fully informed decisions about the family home and its occupation, as well as understanding what your options are if sharing the property does become intolerable.

Most importantly, taking advice at an early stage will ensure that you are making decisions which safeguards your interests and protect the welfare of your children. It will enable you to have discussions with your partner or enter into mediation with confidence, knowing where you stand legally and what your options are. Seeking help does not have to be a signal of war, but rather a sensible step to ensure stability for your future.

The biggest concern for any parent on separation will be the impact that separation will have on their relationship with their child. Taking advice early will ensure you know what your rights are as a parent, what steps you can take to ensure a good coparenting relationship moving forwards and what resources are available to help you and your children process the separation.

If you would like advice and support regarding your separation, please get in touch with Tina or another member of our family team.

- Divorce and Family Law Neves Solicitors LLP Aurora House Deltic www.nevesllp.co.uk01908MK13MiltonRooksleyAvenueKeynes8LW304560 RELATIONSHIPS

3. Finances On separation, you will need to consider your financial situation and how joint finances will be managed moving forwards. For married couples, consideration will need to be given to income (including bonuses), property and other capital assets such as share structures, business interests and occasionally management of family businesses and finally the sharing of pensions. There are, of course, tax benefits to dealing with asset transfers within the tax year of separation and so early advice and early agreement with your partner can help you to take advantage of those benefits. A solicitor can help you to work out the most sensible way of managing your finances post separation.

Separation – at what point should you take legal advice?

The straightforward answer is – as soon as possible.

Tina Shah Associate

2. The family home

John Graham, owner of the Oven Wizards business said “From the first time we met Harvey and his wife Amie, we knew he would make a great success of running an Oven Wizards Franchise, particularly because of his great passion for friendly customer service.”

arvey has lived and worked in the local area all his life, so, as he knows the area really well, he believes there will be a strong demand for his services.

John went on to explain “There is a growing demand from people who want to have their ovens professionally cleaned because it is probably the hardest and most hated job in most households.”

Harvey said “I was looking for a business that would be something I would enjoy doing and would provide a great service to local people. I came across the idea of an oven cleaning business and started to research the market. I soon realised that becoming an Oven Wizard offered me a great opportunity, particularly with the support of a successful franchise brand.”

Oven Wizards have provided Harvey with comprehensive training which will enable him to professionally clean all sorts of makes and models of ovens. As well as Milton Keynes, and Newport Pagnell, Harvey also covers Olney, Stony Stratford, Bletchley, Woburn and surrounding areas.

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 31

To find out prices and availability call Harvey on 01908 911635 or 07450 088303.

Local man cleans up in MK Harvey Rainbow launched his oven cleaning business as part of the Oven Wizards franchise and is now offering his services across Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell and surrounding areas. As well as Milton Keynes, and Newport Pagnell, Harvey also covers Olney, Stony Stratford, Bletchley, Woburn and surrounding areas

ROLLERS | ROMANS | VER TICALS | VENETIANS | CUR TAINS | SHUTTERS | W OODEN BLINDS Call me for a free in-home appointment: Peter Grinnell 07823440096 *Based on the same spec, size & levels of service. • I provide expert advice on the best window solutions • Flexible appointment times • Blinds & curtains tailor-made here in the UK • Ask me about discountsmulti-blind • I won’t be beaten on price* • Electric blinds available YOUR LOCAL BLINDS, CURTAINS & SPECIALISTSHUTTERS ✓Friendly in-home service ✓ Options for every budget ✓ Price includes measuring & fitting Milton Keynes “My local advisor helped me find a blind to fit my budget. The service was second to none”. Laura Jackson, customer Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or Aga professionally cleaned Contact Harvey Rainbow on Tel: 01908 911635 Mob: 07450 088303 Email: harveyrainbow@ovenwizards.comwww.ovenwizards.com

HITPOINT 2: Fix the main problems with usability, bounce rate and your core vitals

32 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes BUSINESS Darren Isaac is the owner of TFA, MK12MiltonWolvertonThe56andbrand,multi-award-winningamarketingcreativeagency.TheTriangleCarriageWorksParkRdKeynes5FJ 01908www.t-f-a.co.uk263650

• Run Google’s Mobile-Friendly Testing Tool to see if your website is responsive for mobile devices. This tests to see if pages adjust for smaller screen sizes and content layouts adapt in a way that is suitable for mobile users. If you fail this test it is also a disaster for mobile search traffic and a massive contributor to Bounce Rate.

HITPOINT 4: Get more visitor traffic going there, organic and paid if you can afford it When your website is rocking and rolling in every way it can be, you need people to find it and go there. You can do this three ways: 1) Direct – tell them about it, 2) Organic – They find you via searching online or links from other pages and content outside of your site e.g. social media and 3) Paid – You create ads or content and sponsor it so it appears in front of people who might like to buy from you. My best advice to anyone here is to first speak to a company like TFA about ‘SEO’ or ‘Search Engine Optimisation’ as it is worth its weight in gold for driving traffic.

After all, who doesn’t like a clear and defined set of actions that can be readily applied and will make a noticeable difference, right?

• Run Google’s Pagespeed Insights tool and look at Core Web Vitals in Google Search Console. These will tell you how fast (or slow) your website is for users on desktop and mobile and any major technical problems that exist. Amber scores are ‘okay’ but you really want to aim for green scores. If they’re in the red, you have technical problems with the build of your site that are making it take far too long to load and become interactive to the user. This is the equivalent of subsidence and is an absolute death-knell for websites if left unfixed, especially where users are on mobile devices – you likely won’t even appear in search results.

• Is the CONTENT outdated or does it lack clout? If yes, you need to write new content and consider new images of your business. (Photography and video is much cheaper than it used to be and a hugely valuable •investment).IstheTECHNICAL build of the site failing? If there are security issues, it takes a long time to load, it doesn’t look very good on mobile devices or things are simply broken then you need to look at a much bigger upgrade. Unfortunately, this usually means a brand new site and not a sticking plaster (bad idea). Google will punish you severely in search results for any one of those issues; you may not even rank at all, they’re that important now.

HITPOINT 3: Reconsider your current content and set up a content plan This is much simpler than the previous two points. Re-read all content on your website and decide whether it creates the right impression or adds anything. Focus on a tabloid newspaper approach to content structure: Strong, relevant headlines, summary introductions, content that is punchy, to the point and isn’t too laborious to read. Once you have got the main content to where it needs to be, think of what is missing that people may search for to find you. My top tips for things that add the most value: FAQ (Frequently Asked industry Question) pages, sector and service specific case studies, blog articles around common things people experience or solutions they look for to solve particular problems.

1) how long they stay on the site – you have seconds to keep them before they leave or ‘bounce’, 2) whether they decide you are a business they want to engage with and 3) whether they actually do anything to contact you or buy something from your site. Each of those points flows in order, each is a point to lose that potential customer. If you haven’t already, do the following: You’ll notice these are all Google tools for the reason they are free and because Google’s expectations matter for 95% of search traffic:

HITPOINT 5: Drive engagement conversions any way you can Finally, and somewhat obviously I would say, there is no point to anything above if someone interested in your business then struggles to contact you or buy from you. At the very minimum, you want a good contact page with multiple means to contact you and NOT just a painful form. These days it is common to offer quick links to phone (tap the number), email, Whatsapp, Messenger and live chat boxes. If you are going to offer live chat, however, make sure it is either manned or you have it set up to serve as a quick enquiry form when you are offline. That concludes the first of my Hitlist series. If you take the time out to investigate and remedy the above elements then it will make a BIG, noticeable difference to your business and what your website brings to the table.

The Hitlist: Getting Bigger and Better Business from Your Website

As a guide, if you have a business with 10 products used in 10 different ways by 10 different customer types, you need 100 pages of content about each permutation.

OVERVIEW A few years ago, TFA redefined its brand positioning (how we portray where we sit in the market) and with that, totally changed our website. We went from being a somewhat small-minded, boutique-like design agency to a marketing consultancy with a focus on building brands. By shifting our stance, simplifying the design to feel ‘bigger’ and add confidence, we created a strong perception of being a much bigger organisation with bigger capabilities. This inevitably led to us winning bigger clients, bigger deals and becoming what we wanted to be – we are now nearing a team of 30-strong. The overriding point here is, you have to portray an image of where you want to be, not where you are now (even worse, where you were five years ago). The following Hitlist will give you my top, actionable tasks for making your website pull in more visitor traffic and convert more of it into bigger and better enquiries.

You can send hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of visitors to a site but, if it falls down on the user experience, they will come to nothing. The elements in Hitpoint 1 will address the overall look and feel of the site but the experience a user receives has a major impact on several things:

After a few months’ hiatus (a baby came along!) I am back with my monthly Pulse business feature. This month, I introduce a new set of articles called ‘The Hitlist’. This will be a series of short lists: The very best things you can do to improve different parts of your business.

HITPOINT 1: Polish up the first impressions of your brand and website experience. Before we look at anything else, there is little point sending anyone to a bad website. It is not only useless, it is destructive for your brand perception and business. How old is your website? If it has been five years or more since any major changes you should review it and see if the overall style, tone and message truly reflect the business you are now or aim to become in the next five years. Remember, it’s about pitching the business you expect to be in the future and not what you are or you were. I cannot begin to tell you how, in my line of work, I see literally hundreds of websites that fall drastically short of this, look old, tired, dated, amateurish or flat out don’t even work properly on current browsers and devices. If this is your website, you need to consider the scale of change required and properly invest in it:

This month, the focus is your website, which is the most central communication piece in your business. One way or another, all roads lead through or to your website so it has to be as good as it can be, no compromises.

• Does the DESIGN look tired and dated? If yes, it needs a design refresh to the front-end as a minimum. At the same time, you really must consider your company branding. If your logo is showing its age, update it. Evolution is often better than revolution but please make sure you do change and keep up with the times in some capacity.

• Set up Google Analytics and find out how much traffic you’re getting and what the Bounce Rate percentage is. If it’s over 50% you likely have a serious problem with the first impressions of the site. Bounce Rate means a visitor left the site from the same page they arrived and didn’t look at anything else. If they came in via the contact page, which you can find out on Analytics, then that is not really a concern as they were probably searching for your contact details.

Every one is a route to your business via search e.g. Google.

Your Marketing plan in a day! Join our “One-Day Marketing Plan” workshop on October 26th at Kettering Park Hotel. At the end of the day you’ll: • Have a highly effective marketing plan you can put into action Becomeimmediatelyproficientat updating your marketing plan as your business grows • Benefit from the intense focus on your marketing during the day (no distractions from the office) • Be clear on what will help your business grow, and what won’t We’ll focus on the 9 main elements of your marketing strategy, including: • Your purpose – the reason your business exists and the problems you solve • Your people – your ideal client(s) • Your plan – creating a plan for the year ahead Is 2023 is going to be a year of growth for your business? Book your seat at the “One-Day Marketing Plan” workshop and you’ll have the clearest path to achieving your goal. Because we’ll be working with each business individually, there are only 20 places available. The workshop costs just £250 plus VAT for the day, and includes: • An intensive day of planning with individual attention from our coaches • A comprehensive Workbook that can be used as your business develops • The 1-Page Marketing Plan Template A light lunch • Networking opportunities The workshop is hosted jointly by HR Solutions and The Qoob 26Group.thOctoberBOOKHERE!KetteringParkHotel Call us today 03303 801 651

34 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes Your local, award winning, family ﬁrm of accountants AccountancyCloud Audit R&D Tax & ConsultancyBusiness Bring your ﬁnances into real-time with our Cloud Accountancy Packages. As Xero Award Winners, we have the experience to implement and train your team on Xero. We provide a range of Audit and Assurance services, with our experienced team guiding you through the process. We are proud to be regulated by the ACCA and follow their high technical and ethical standards. Eligible for R&D Tax Credits? We can help identify your eligible projects and ensure all qualifying expenditure is captured within your claim, to save you the tax you deserve. Our specialist team provide a range of services and advice including EIS/SEIS, Embedded Capital Allowances, Land Remediation Relief, SDLT, HMRC Settlements/Enquiries, Share Schemes and Mergers and advaloremgroup.ukAcquisitions. enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk 01908 219100 Scan me

Valuation methods: Cashflow Forecasting EBITDA multiple (with TurnoverAssetnormalisations)basismultiple

35For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 Preparing your business for sale

Where to start?

(e) (t)(w)enquiries@advaloremgroup.ukadvaloremgroup.uk01908219100

Business sale process?

Considerations

Are you planning or thinking of staying within the business for a period of time, or do you want to be walking off into the sunset? It’s worth considering that certain buyers and types of sale will expect an earn-out period where you will continue to work within the business or as a consultant for an agreed period.

Final tips What are your plans after your sale?

Before you enter into the sales process, work out what you need from the sale. Without this figure, it will make negotiations extremely tough for you. It will also give you a benchmark against the current value of your business, to identify whether any changes need to be made in advance of entering the sales process.

Planning should start at least 3 years before entering the sales process.

Passing on your business to family Employeememberssuccession planning

A good firm of accountants will provide experience in a number of areas throughout all stages of the sales process; from the valuation of your business, presenting key information in due diligence, tax planning and help to ensure you get the best deal possible. They may also be able to introduce you to good brokers and sometimes even perspective buyers.

ou’ve worked hard for years, decades or maybe even generations, at building your business, caring for your employees and valuing your customers loyalty. The day-to-day operations are running smoothly, and you’ve put time and thought into your long-term strategy, but have you thought about your succession plans? In other words, do you have an exit strategy?

Earn-OutExchangeDueHeadsNegotiationsNDAs)ofTermsDiligence&CompletePeriod

What exit options do I have available?

• Management Buy-Out • Employee Ownership Trust Business sale Turning the key, shutting the door and walking away Tax implications on these options can vary dramatically.

Start this now, so... You can see where you are today, compared to your exit goal number You have a record of your KPIs over a period of time You can take action to maximise your value at the time of your sale How instrumental are you to your business? Whether you’re looking for a full exit as soon as possible or planning to stay in the business for an earn-out period, your buyer will be looking to identify how crucial you are to the day-to-day operations and the number of strong relationships you hold with your customers.

It is inevitable that one day you will need (and want) to step away from the business you’ve built, but many business owners do not put the same time and effort into planning for their exit as they do for day-today operations and growth strategy. Maybe this is because it’s easier to prioritise shortterm projects, hard to imagine not being a part of the business’ future, or simply thinking that exiting a business is easy.

Build your team of experts When it comes to planning for what is likely to be the biggest deal of your career, it makes sense to pick your team of experts carefully. A good advisor will pay for themselves in the experience and advice they bring to the party. Particular attention should be paid to selecting your legal and accountancy team, as throughout the process there will be many legal documents which will need preparing, interpreting and reviewing, as well as advising on courses of action where applicable.

Pre-Sale planning Finding and Choosing a Buyer (under

It is important to have an accurate and upto-date picture of your business’ financial information. Think about how you currently monitor your financial performance and if perspective buyers will be able to understand and interpret your current reporting methods. It is good practice to whittle your financial performance metrics down into a handful of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which are recorded and analysed monthly. Getting away from spreadsheet management is also a wise move, so the data is populated digitally with a clear audit trail.

Getting your finances in order

Do you have a strong/weak management team?

If you have read this and it has got you thinking about your exit plans, we at Ad Valorem would be pleased to discuss them with you to explore your options and start the planning process early.

Are your contractsAredocumented?processesyouinanylong-termoragreements?

There are different methods for calculating the value of a business, which can be dependent on the type of business or sector you are in. For example, in the IFA and accountancy sectors, the valuation is based on a multiple of their fee income/ turnover, but profitability will still play a part in determining the multiple.

Preparing your business for sale will put strain on you and your business during the sales process. Investing time before the process begins will help you during the process, maximise your exit price and give your staff and customers the thought they deserve when you’re negotiating and securing their future. Don’t underestimate the amount of time planning takes. It is time intensive.

“The energy that a home crowd brings to a team in that stadium is phenomenal,” Nicki said, “A brilliant performance from both teams, but the Lionesses brought it home. Total class.”

On Sunday, July 31 football finally came home in style –and it was the girls that did it!

By far the biggest and most colourful tribute to Leah was spray painted in her hometown.

Not content to watch the action on the small screen, England fan Nicki Atkinson and her daughter Sophie celebrated at Wembley with 87,000 others!

| MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes PULSE PICS Pic: UEFA

England’s Lionesses united the nation in pride when they delivered that spectacular win and became European champions for the first time, writes Sammy Jones. A fter an early lead, that German equaliser made everyone fidgety at the thought of penalties. And then England scored again and a nation joined the team in celebrations.

Newport Pagnell’s Leah Williamson was Captain and led the team to victory. The inspirational Arsenal player is now set to become the first person to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Milton Keynes.

In a special Pulse Pics, we look back at a momentous day that changed the world of football, and we celebrate the local girl who lifted the trophy...

If you got the snacks out to nibble while you watched the big match, perhaps you chose Doritos, with Leah gracing the front of promotional packs!

The response to the two wall coverings has been immense, and rightly so – the stunning work pays tribute to a stunning talent!

FB.Emma

37For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 PULSE PICS Pic: UEFA Pic: UEFA

UEFAPic: Ian Downing swapped Newport Pagnell to be at Wembley Stadium with his brother-in-law and niece: “We bought the tickets over a year ago simply hoping to give her a day out at Wembley, so England getting there was a massive bonus,” Ian said, “It was a great noisy family atmosphere.”

Local artist Kevin Ball drew this fantastic picture to honour our local champion, having been inspired by the mural. You can see more of his work by searching Kevin Ball’s Artwork on Street poured a glass of something nice at home in Milton Keynes, painted on the flags and waited. She was rewarded. “What a match! It was such a privilege to watch those girls achieve their dream,” she told Pulse.

“If a person is coming out with their gender or sexuality, if they have allies that are saying, ‘We are here for you, let us know what you need us to do,’ that makes such a difference.”

“We are calling it a festival because we want people to come and spend time together and just hang out. It’s also about informal education where people can just be around each other,” said festival director Helen Pritchard. “That’s the environment where the best kind of learning happens and where we all realise that we have different identities but ultimately we are all human beings trying to get on with our lives and be loved and keep going.” So-called ‘allies’ are people who don’t identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, but want to show their support for those who do – perhaps they attend in solidarity with a friend or a family member, or maybe just to show more general“...andsupport.thisisa

The fact is that although things might seem to be more open and accepting, there is still much more work to be done. The statistics about the numbers of the transgender community likely to try to take their own lives, or self-harm make for sobering reading. A little bit of acceptance goes a long way – and we all have a responsibility to make a change for good.

MK PRIDE

Glitz, glamour and togetherness as MK Pride returns

really lovely place to come and learn about the community,” Helen promised. Lots of people coming out with their sexuality or identity choose to make Pride their first event. So how important are those allies at MK Pride? “Incredibly important,” Helen says in a second, “It is so important for people to have those who support them around them, to care and love them. It makes a direct impact on the outcomes of mental health, homelessness, and it’s really important for future aspirations too.

ast year’s Pride Festival was one of the most colourful, inclusive, family-friendly events ever held in Milton Keynes, but it might just pale into comparison with what organisers have whipped up for the new city this year, writes Sammy Jones. Pride returns to Campbell Park on Saturday, September 10 and will be a celebration of all things LGBTQ+ The event is open to the LGBTQ+ community and all allies – because it’s a silly misconception that these events are for members of the community only.

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

Sarah Jones, the first transgender Anglican priest in the UK will be in conversation in the Community tent Swimmer Michael Gunning will share his journey of being LGBTQ+ and involved in sport Showtime Circus will be in charge of the Kids Tent with lots of free fun for all the scenes have pulled together a fabulous programme this year.

“We just felt incredibly sad,” she recalls of the attack, “We had such a positive day and it was such a shame for that to happen, but what we’ve said is that we won’t allow hate to win – we are trying to arrange to have two arches this year to say that.

More information can be found at miltonkeynespridefestival.com

MK PRIDE

“We’re a city now, and we deserve our own Pride!”

Divina De Campo will bring the curtain down on the Drag and Cabaret Stage

Little folks will be able to get involved with craft work, circus skills and will possibly be able to perform on stage too.

It’ll be fun, fun, fun and hopefully hosted in the sun, but as we’ve explained there is a serious element to Pride, and anyone needing help or advice will be able to access local services providing that support.

The stages will be buzzing with performers and artists.

“It’s about delivering a calm response, but one that says, ‘look, this is not cool, and not“Prideok.’ is a fun day but it is also a reminder that as a society, we still have much work to do to safeguard and support our LGBTQ+ community within the UK...” And as this year’s event nears, Helen promises bigger and better is on the way in 2022.

“Around 25% of those young people homeless in London are that way because of their LGBTQ+ status. Their families have disowned them and they haven’t been able to stay where they were,” Helen explains. “Milton Keynes mimics that figure,” she“Wesaid.hope that during the event we can learn about each other and challenge some stereotypes and prejudices about the LGBTQ+ community, our young people are still disproportionately represented in mental health care, homelessness and being bullied in schools or in the community. “Some adults are still unable to come out regarding their gender identity or sexuality as they will be at risk of harm,” Helen said. In 2021, more than 14,000 people made tracks to the park to enjoy the event, and building on that impressive success, those working behind

Last year, visitors to the gated event made their entrance through a brilliantly colourful, flower arch, but two less than two days after Pride had passed, the rainbow arch was burned. Those responsible had broken into the site to cause upset. Instead, it had the opposite effect – and united people with a wealth of positive publicity. Organisers were upset, but definitely not beaten.

The Rainbow tent returns too, with a full programme of LGBTQ+ bands and artists to get you up and dancing. If you’ve got the spends, the Rainbow market has lots of what you fancy, with clothing, art, collectibles and much more. The on-site bar will be well stocked, and there will be plenty of food choices on offer too. It can be a bustling affair, but if you feel like taking a little chill time, a trip to the Sensory Calming tent will sort you out.

A Drag and Cabaret tent will showcase the very best in their respective fields, and a Community tent will be open for discussion around faith and sport, before evolving into the Comedy tent in the evening.

“We have got a wider offer for everybody,” she told Pulse, “We work hard to produce a nice energy and make sure it is such a positive day for everybody. A bit of something for everyone to enjoy and take part in; there is education and community with our speakers, but then we’ve also got all the glitz and the glamour too.

Here is a brief taster: Stooshe will close the Rainbow Stage

39For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022

Pride will be open to families and even furbabies from midday to 6pm, after which time all under 18s and pets are asked to leave the event before the more adult-based content takes over.

“That was recorded as a hate crime,” Helen said, “There is hate crime and transphobia that happens in Milton Keynes more than people realise, simply because the community is so hidden - they don’t come out, because they don’t feel safe.

The event will run from midday to 10.30pm.

For the first time, kids will have their own space at the festival: “We had so many families come last year that we managed to get a sponsor for the kid’s stage, and we will have free entertainment and activities for them in their own tent.”

Entry to Milton Keynes Pride Festival is free.

Cocoa butter, almond oil and organic bananas work hard for you, and the vanilla fragrance is just RRP:right.

RRP: mylee.co.uk Get it: £7.99 (each), £34 (Gel Polish Collection) If you have dry or damaged hair you’ll need something tough to treat it, and Bondi Boost’s Rapid Repair range is a game changer.

It can also help calm skin dealing with acne and rosacea.

Antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and clever too!

For The Skin Body Lotion sounds good enough to eat, but don’t do that! Instead, smother yourself in goodness whenever you get the urge. Easily absorbed, it’ll leave you feeling nice and nourished.

The Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba helps repair problem skin – it’s naturally rich in vitamins A, D & E and is perfect for heading off dryness, redness and irritation.

£18 Get it: lush.com/uk

If you are feeling brittle and frazzled, our selection of products this month is driven by goodies to quench and calm...

RRP: £13.99 Get it: thejojobacompany.co.uk

RRP: £45 Get it: arbonne.com When it comes to colours, Mylee’s Gel Polish has nailed it! The range is a colourful splash with a shade for all. Apply and let the lamp do the rest. And forget being just pretty in pink, you’ll be shimmery in pink too, if you opt for Modern Romance. The Gel Polish Collection brings together four calm shades, including a baby pink and a beige nude.

Calm September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door

BBRR offers a transformative shampoo, conditioner and serum to improve softness and shine, repair split ends and make hair appear visibly thicker. For the ultimate in hair aid, Bondi Boost presents its Rapid Repair Mask – free from silicones, parabens, sulphates and artificial colours. Use regularly for well behaved locks!

With the consistency of freshly whipped cream and ‘fruity hidden depths,’ Lush’s Sympathy

andCooling

Pollution and stress can leave its mark on our faces, but

And Jojoba isn’t an oil. Honestly! The plant stores liquid wax in its seeds, which our skin recognises as our own, helping the skin to help itself.

across Milton Keynes

RRP: Shampoo (£22.50), Conditioner (£22.50), Serum (£27.99) Mask (£29.95) Get it: bondiboost.co.uk

BEAUTY

The weather this summer has left our green spaces tinder-dry – and it hasn’t been any kinder to us!

Arbonne’s HydrateMe Crushed Jelly Serum is the ideal way to care for your skin after a day in the sun. The jelly relaxes into a thin layer, dealing with dehydration issues and leading to a healthier appearance. The Edulis Cellular Water is joined by Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel to get the job done. HydrateMe is a little pot of plenty!

RRP:treat. £62 Get it: lush.com/uk to door

Top up on your zest for life with this top to toe

Are you a citrus shower lover?! Shower In Lush is a wonderfully indulgent box of goodies for those who like to wash up under the Treatsprinkle!yourself or treat another to scrub-a-dub delight with items including Lime Bounty body butter, Orange shower scrub, Happy Hippy shower gel and Montalbano shampoo bar.

Stand out from the crowd with a bespoke made to measure suit, made for you. All occasions catered for: Business | Weddings | Events 10 years at St Crispin Retail Village Tel: 01604 589907 instagram.com/saintcrispin_bespoke | enquiries@saintcrispin.co.uk | saintcrispin.co.uk 22 Kents Road | Northampton | NN5 4DR An extra set of trousers with every two piece suit ordered Extend the lifetime of your bespoke suit *Offer available until the end of September 2022

FASHION All Items F&F @

Iknow you don’t want to hear it, and after the heatwaves we’ve had, who would believe itbut winter is coming. Time to ready your wardrobe - or rather, remix it, using designers’ new ideas for outfits to rewear the clothes you’ve long forgotten…

TU£70@

42 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine

River

£79IslandRiver>> F&F £22.50Tesco@>> £45.99Zara Zara£169 TU @Sainsbury’s£14>> £39IslandRiver>> <<IslandRiver£199 River£60Island By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

First, sift out that old bomber jacket, because they’ve returned to fashion with a bang. They came embellished at Prada and Loewe, while Raf Simmons and Isobel Marant opted for vintage takes we’ve definitely seen, (probably still have) and loved before. Out for the eve? Juxtapose its streetwear vibe with something demure: slinky dresses, a bit of sparkle, and over the knee boots - like the models at Versace and Givenchy. Going into the office? Pull yours on over smart trousers, a la the looks at Loewe Heading to a field? See how David Koma styled bomber jackets with football kits, while Christian Dior made them work with Next,wellies.notethat maxi skirts and maxi gowns are trailing back to trendy’s horizon. Floor length is the new cool, as though answering our collective prayers about the miniskirts that dominated SS22’s catwalks... Just see the long denim creations Marc Jacobs and Acne Studios, embellished takes Chanel and Louis Vuitton and swathing skirts at Saint Laurent. Look to chunky winter boots and the aforementioned bomber jacket to breathe new life into yours, with a durable, “ready-for-whatever” attitude. Those ankle sweeping skirts are about to have a very long moment. But finally, before you forget (or regret) those summer purchases, know that cutouts and seethrough fabrics are still on fashion’s mind. From completely sheer, hooded, floor length gowns at Maximillian, to the sequinned, semi-sheer and cutout dresses at Bottega Veneta - getting your skin out is still very much ‘in’. Just wear and rewear your cut-out dresses with knee high boots and long coats; your sheer slips over something knitted. The key of course is looking cool but keeping warm while you do it. The other (surprising) summer keepsake? The humble vest. Prada put theirs with fancy skirts and heels, Bottega Veneta with denim jeans, while Chloe sent models out in tank tops and leather trousers. However you wear yours, autumnwinter’s the time to let your old gems shine. Think: New season, glittered with purchases from the past. Island Sainsbury’s £30

SeasonNew JacketBomberTesco£39

43 Escape the hustle and bustle with a visit to historic Olney Make your next escape to EnjoyOlney Relax Shop Olney

Slow down for a while and enjoy a drink in one of the enjoy tempting snack afternoon in one of the coffee time as browse around the offering vintage, antiques unique for an evening out and enjoy a drink and a delicious meal in one of the many and varied everything from to modern

restaurants,

town's

tea

pubs, or

English cuisine. FREE PARKING A SHORT WALK FROM THE HIGH STREET Pick up a handy town guide when you visitavailable in most of the localandeateriesshops! Slow down and take in the historic market town of Olney... Coffee with friends or a meal somewhere different... Find that perfect Christmas gift in one of the independent shops... Plan a visit soon, you’ll be pleased you came!

you

shops,

gifts. Escape

Italian

fashion,

shops. Take your

tea and

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

Orange and Soy Duck with celeriac METHODpurée

FOOD & DRINK

300g12111INGREDIENTSorange,juicetbspreducedsaltsoysaucetspclearhoneyGressinghamDuckBreaststbspoliveoilfrozenCooks’Ingredients Diced Celeriac 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped 100ml whole milk 200g Savoy cabbage, shredded WASTE NOT Keeping diced celeriac in the freezer means you only use as much as you need. Add a handful to your favourite soup, stew or gratin, or roast with herbs and garlic for serving with a Sunday joint. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Serves: 2 44 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Mix the orange juice, soy sauce and honey in a bowl to make a dressing. Score the skin on the duck breasts and season all over. Heat a frying pan over a mediumhigh heat and, without adding any oil, cook the duck, skin-side down, for 5 minutes until golden. Turn over and sear the flesh for 1 minute.

Transfer, skin-side up, to a baking tray. Drain the fat from the pan, then add the orange dressing. Bubble for 1 minute, then spoon the dressing over the duck. Roast for 15 minutes, until the duck is fully cooked with no pink meat and its juices run clear. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat ½ tbsp oil in a medium saucepan. Add the celeriac and garlic along with a pinch of salt. Sweat for 5 minutes, then add the milk and simmer gently for 10 minutes or until the celeriac is soft. Season and use a blender to purée, loosening with 2-3 tbsp just-boiled water if needed; set aside until ready to serve.

3. Wipe out the frying pan and return to the heat with the remaining ½ tbsp oil. Add the cabbage, 2 tbsp water and another pinch of salt. Cook over a medium heat, tossing regularly, for 5-6 minutes, until tender. Slice the duck then serve with the celeriac purée, cabbage, and the orange and soy juices from the duck spooned over.

45For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 FOOD & DRINK

Probably the most well-known independent coffee shop among Milton Keynes’ locals, Out of Office has a very simple ethos: serve exceptionally tasty coffee and freshly baked goods and ensure that every customer leaves slightly happier than when they arrive.

A tiny establishment in my home town of Newport Pagnell opened up earlier this year and has become one of my favourite go-to locations for a coffee on-the-go. Run (aptly!) by the Farthing Brothers Jack and Joel, Farthing Brothers Coffee House serves up quality coffee locally roasted by Wooden Hill roastery –an eco-conscious, plastic-free coffee company based in Bedfordshire which roasts a unique blend of Costa Rican, Honduran and Brazilian Fairtrade coffee beans.

Situated just outside of Milton Keynes in Buckingham, Cornwall Place Kitchen is an eco-conscious coffee shop-cum-fine dining establishment in the lovely Cornwall Place mews off the high street. Head Chef George Spires and Restaurant Manager Sarah King are the masterminds behind this innovative dining venture. What started as a side project became a full-time undertaking during lockdown – George is the brains behind the kitchen while Sarah heads up all things front-of-house. The dog-friendly coffee shop downstairs serves a selection of local drinks, homemade cakes and street-food-style hearty breakfast and lunch dishes. On a weekend you can even find some fairly renowned lunch specials, such as their doorstop Toasted Sandwiches (their mushroom, cheese and chutney is without doubt one of the best I’ve ever eaten!) and mountains of flavoursome French Toast. Another supplier Of Wooden Hill Coffee, CPK offers an extensive drinks menu with both your staple options alongside some unique takes on coffee, such as: White Chocolate Mochas, Biscoff, Butterfly Pea and Charcoal Lattes and even Puppacinos for your four-legged furry friends. In the evenings, Cornwall Place Kitchen hold occasional steak nights (with meat supplied from Smith and Clay Butchers just around the corner) and private events. They also host monthly ‘pop-up’ evenings; chef’s table taster menus which celebrate seasonal, quality, handpicked and local ingredients are the focal point, while pairing wines highlight English producers, brewers and distillers. In fact, CPK supports local wherever possible, recognising the importance, as a small business, of supporting other small businesses. Their mission? Cooking good food in a welcoming environment with a lot of love –which they certainly manage.

I am already on to my third! Although Farthing Brothers does have a very small outdoor seating area next to the street, it’s often very busy outside; the shop itself operates very much like a window kiosk so be prepared to take away!

> If you would like your restaurant reviewed get in touch mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmaroseeats

Out of Office was founded in 2017 in Milton Keynes from a passion of well-brewed coffee by Steven, Murat and Bennet. The three were lucky enough to have travelled the world, seeking quality coffee shops along the way and vowed to bring speciality coffee to the communities outside of London.

Locations: Wembley, Witan Studios, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Olney Instagram:Farthing@outofofficecoffeeBrothers

Out of Office coffee Cornwall Place Kitchen Doorstep Toastie Out of Office

Out of Office work with award-winning coffee brand Colonna – who not only produce worldrenowned beans but also put in scientific research in order to create accessible and exceptional coffee, roasted to perfection. Out of Office, I would say, are some of the biggest supporters of local produce suppliers, selling freshly-baked goods from small independents such as: SAY doughnuts, Oh My Cakery, Hackney Gelato, among others. In their Witan Gate branch, they also serve some sensational brunch offerings, such as: fluffy pancakes topped with Biscoff sauce and Biscoff crumbs; the ‘Erin’ – a velvety espresso with dark Madagascan chocolate served in a jug for you to smother over your ice cream of choice; a selection of sandwiches and bagels including my personal favourite, ‘The New Yorker’ - pastrami, gherkin, mustard and cheese; and their legendary banana bread - banana and chocolate bread, served toasted with their homemade Colonna espresso butter. My favourite coffee order anywhere is always an oat mocha and it is no different at Out of Office. They use no syrups or powders in their chocolate-based drinks, instead working with quality chocolate purveyors Cocoa Runners to melt down solid chocolate into a ganache, before blending it expertly with steamed milk to create a silky smooth and deliciously indulgent coffee with a bitter edge.

The first shop launched in Stony Stratford and, since then, Out of Office have branched out and opened in five more locations – all maintaining the signature ‘owl face’ branding, but varying the internal décor to fit with the local communities in which the coffee houses stand.

Location: Newport Pagnell

Farthing Brothers also serve up homemade sweet bakes and savoury treats courtesy of Tracey Hollywell – I can definitely vouch for the deliciousness of the warm sausage rolls. In addition to this, they serve up a vast selection of iced teas, flavoured hot chocolate (including a nut-free peanut butter flavour!) and an excellent Monday-Wednesday Deal – a coffee and a cake for £5. Their loyalty card scheme is fantastic and well-worth getting if you know you’re going to be stopping by every now and again; in fact

Location: Cornwall Place, Buckingham Instagram: @cornwallplacekitchen

Wake up and smell the coffee

Out of Office offer mouthwatering pancakes for brunch

Instagram: Cornwall@farthingbrotherscoffeehousePlaceKitchen

As I type this (inside the Witan Studios branch of OOO!) I agree completely with their sentiments – as the coffee shop is now considered to be a ‘third space’ away from both the home and the office, it really does serve to be an anchor for the community, bringing together both those who wish to work and those who wish to play.

f you love a classic Espresso Martini, but fancy creating something new, the Cacao Awakening is one to try. Using the traditional martini recipe as a base, this is a twisted classic which creates a deliciously easy-drinking cocktail. I’ve used Copalli Rum (@copallirumuk) Cacao-infused white rum in place of the vodka and coffee liqueur, and added a bit of my Homemade Chocolate Coffee Syrup for some sweetness. Copalli are an incredibly environmentally conscious company and have a wonderful estate in Belize where everything is grown, harvested and processed. Their rums are all delicious and you can really taste all the individual flavour notes.

46 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes FOOD & DRINK

thicker syrup). Remove from the heat and whisk in a pinch of salt. Allow to cool completely before using. Shake all of the ingredients with ice and serve in a martini glass. Top with chocolate-coated coffee beans and enjoy.

BusinessBuckinghamshire’sNewspaper is FREE every month Call to advertise or submit editorial 01908 465488 MONTHLY BUSINESS NEWS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTY news@businesmk.co.uk | www.businessmk.co.uk DeliveredbyRoyalMail availableAlsoonline Signup here: www.bit.ly/BMKSIGNUP Or scan the QR code...

Cacao Rum 30ml @solocoffeeuk Coffee Concentrate 10ml Chocolate Coffee Syrup (Homemade) To make the Chocolate Coffee Syrup: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brewed coffee, a cinnamon stick and ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Heat and boil for 3 minutes (or simmer for longer if you require a

My cocktail cupboard staple Solo (@solocoffeeuk) Coffee Concentrate features here – it is, without a doubt, the best coffee for this cocktail, and hundreds of popular bars agree so, if you haven’t already started using it for your espresso martinis, you’re really missing out. The result? A coffee cocktail with flavours to rival the original.

Cocktail of the month: Cacao Awakening

Follow Lewis on Instagram: @sundaycocktailclub 50mlRecipe@copallirumuk

“There is no better way to learn an instrument than to be inspired by those who are enthusiastically spreading music in concert form,” he says. The Milton Keynes Music Academy offers music lessons to students of all ages and levels. The school’s curriculum currently includes one-to-one piano, electric and acoustic guitar, drums, singing and violin lessons, all taught by carefully selected professionals.Anychildwho shows an affinity for music or any instrument is welcome to contact the The founder of Milton Keynes Music Academy explains the power of music to enable the young to develop their hidden talent.

“If you’ve been told you are tone deaf or uncoordinated, I’m here to inform you that everyone can improve their musical skills,” says Gabriele, himself an internationally acclaimed concert pianist.

“As a professional performer, composer and music professor, I’ve witnessed thousands of students transform their lives in ways they never imagined possible. We make it our mission to help Milton Keynes students explore and develop their talents, wherever their curiosity and interests lead them.”

I’ve witnessed thousands of students transform their lives in ways they never imagined Music has the power to transform lives, a catalyst for talent, success and positive values. The ability to play an instrument or sing beautifully offers a lifetime of benefits, says Gabriele Baldocci, founder of the Milton Keynes Music Academy. Music lessons also foster personal, social, and academic development and the Milton Keynes Music Academy is the result of substantial investment in the creation of an elite faculty to provide an uplifting environment designed to foster creativity, confidence and joy.

Any child who shows an affinity for music or any instrument is welcome to contact the school to schedule a consultation lesson.” school to schedule a consultation lesson. Whether the student chooses to study an instrument to explore a performing career or simply in order to enjoy music as part of a holistic education, the school will imbue all pupils with a sense of musicianship and music interpretation that they can use throughout life. As well as being a concert pianist, Gabriele is a professor at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and at The Purcell School. He is head of keyboard at Haileybury School in Hertfordshire and founded the London PianoStudyingCentre.music is all about sharing it, he says. To instil the love for performance, the Milton Keynes Music Academy regularly hosts free recitals with a grand piano in first class professional recital venues and currently collaborates with the Mercure Hotel and with the Chrysalis Theatre. To celebrate the achievements of the students, the Academy offers a professional photo shoot on the day of the recitals, followed by a certificate-giving ceremony.

Photography

The Milton Keynes Music Academy offers a FREE Trial lesson to all students that have an interest in learning an instrument. Find out more at miltonkeynesmusicacademy.com or call 07724 833 201 Pic: Boom!

47For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022

Gabriele founded the Milton Keynes Music Academy during the pandemic in 2020. Since its inception, the school’s primary objective has been to create a vibrant musical community and Gabriele’s ongoing goal is to give all the students the opportunity to learn from active performers and qualified musicians.

MUSIC

48 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes 01604 553639 | hawthornsretirement.co.uk Call today to request a free information pack The Hawthorns Northampton | Weedon Road | Upton | Northampton | Northamptonshire | NN5 4WR RIGHT-SIZERETIREMENTYOUR Live safe and well in a unique studio, 1-bed or 2-bed apartment at the Hawthorns, a warm and friendly all-inclusive rental retirement community for the over 70s. One simple monthly fee includes home-cooked, quality dining, housekeeping, property upkeep, and utility bills with no worry of property purchases or exit fees.

49For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 Organic textures and natural materials are as popular as ever, creating a refreshing, grounded space with a bit of retro flare. With us still spending more time indoors than ever before, we’re all seeking to strengthen our connection with nature. Elements of stone, wood, wicker and rattan effortlessly breathe new life into any interior space, so we’ve pulled together a collection of our favourites to get you inspired. HOME & GARDEN Large Cream-striped Jute Rug pigletinbed.com£329 wayfair.co.uk£47.99ornamentshaped For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk FEATURED BRANDS... If you would like to see your brand or business featured in Pulse, in print or online get in nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uktouch: aunaturel charlested.co.ukpotmarloweCharlesTedstone£54.95 Dahlia oval jute rug 120x170cm £169 cultfurniture.co.uk Evelyn rattan and glass coffee table £TBA btfy.co.uk Savanna Large Pendant sweetpeaandwillow.com£270 wayfair.co.uk£87.99basketRattanRattan tissue box rebeccaudall.com£26 Candle Holder ‘Ring’ Sculpture - Sand £69 fiveanddime-interiors.com Sanvi - rattan globe table lightsandlamps.com£TBA Woven round placemats red set of 4 £57 iamfy.co.uk

Top Tip ...

50 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes HOME & GARDEN DIGGING DEEP Getting a bit fruity

Sunflowers are one of the biggest and brightest of the summer blossoms, and this year they have taken on more meaning; as the national flower of Ukraine they have been embraced as a symbol of support for the embattled country. The flowers signify peace in Ukraine and many people have shown solidarity by growing the terrific flowers here. If yours are still looking radiant, enjoy them while they continue, but when they bow out, leave the seed heads in situ – visiting birds will feed on them and be thankful.

When leaves begin dropping from trees, you really don’t want them to land in your pond where they will rot and add to the sludge. In turn, aquatic life will be harmed when the leaves decay, which also affects the colour and quality of the water. A leaf-free pond in a happy pond. Planting grass around the periphery is a smart move, as it will act as a great dust catcher.Butas the seasons slowly change, there are many other jobs to turn you into a busy bee in your outside space; water butts need to be cleaned, and pay attention to your grassed areas; if you have sparse patches, reach for the seed and replenish. Autumn winds can play havoc with your delicate plants and young or fragile trees.

Don’t wait until problems arrive; act now in anticipation of high winds by ensuring tree ties and plant supports are doing their job. Preparation is key if you want a pop of spring colour in your flower beds – bare-root wallflowers will survive the winter frost, so plant now and you’ll be glad you made the effort when they bloom next year. Crocus, daffodil and bluebells bulbs can all be planted now too. If you grow to eat, there is plenty to do in your vegetable patches including sowing greens. Broad beans, peas and onions and shallots can all be put in now. And what of fruits? The best plums we’ve ever tasted were the ones harvested from a very old – and very reliable – tree belonging to a neighbour. When he would climb up the

A dam Frost from Gardeners’ World says, ‘save seeds from your plants and save money.’

I have grown varieties resistant to blight disease (there is no sign of that as I write) and ones from seeds saved myself. The big one on the the photo (below), I saved seed from last year. It’s called Giant Bolivian Pink (and has a lovely, mild taste) and the smaller dark one is Black Krim from a Guernsey garden. If you find a tomato that you really like, cut it in half, scoop seeds out with a small spoon and spread them onto kitchen paper to dry. When the seeds are dry, leave them on the paper, write the name on it if you know the variety, and put it away till next year. When the time is right to plant them, cut the paper into bits with some seed on and plant that in a pot

flowers,seeds,Youthethemseparateno-germinatetothereisneedtofrompaper.cansaveanyvegetable,seedfroma favourite shrub. Not all seeds are suitable, but it is always worth a try as it saves money, packaging, and energy and gives great excitement when you see those little green shoots popping their heads out of the Happypot.gardening, Carol Smith > Bletchley Garden Club (BGC) meet each month. New members welcome. For details visit bletchleygardenclub.org ladder to reach those at height, he would throw the odd one onto our lawn for us to grab and devour. Later, we would receive a bag full of yummy yellow fruits. Delicious, organic, packed with vitamins and so versatile; they can be used in jams, chutneys, sauces, poached or taken straight from the fruit bowl. As we often did. If you have fruit trees, ensure you pick the produce before winds force the fruits to the ground where they will bruise and be at the mercy of insects and frost! If you have too many, store them, or distribute them – fresh fruits will be welcomed by neighbours and friends. If you are lucky enough to have a big harvest, you might like to consider donating to a food bank. Whatever you do, please make sure they are used, not wasted. If you were looking forward to putting your feet up this month, you had better thinkYouragain.garden needs you! Plum trees are a delicious and nutritious addition to a garden

L ast month we explored how a pond can improve your garden by encouraging many species of wildlife, but autumn officially starts in September and if you already have one of the water features this is the time to take extra care of it.

How does your garden grow?

I’d like to talk about saving your tomato seed. Tomato comes from the Aztec word Xitomatl and this year

51For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022

52 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes IF IT OUTSIDEIS IT.CANPRO-MAXCLEAN FREE OBLIGATIONNOQUOTATION PRO-MAX ClearingGutter Conservatory, fascias and soffit cleaning. Domestic & commercial. Maintaining your biggest investment! cleaningDriveway 01908 596092 07809 330030 Specialists in driveway and patio cleaning. No mess, no chemicals. www.pro-maxgroup.co.ukinfo@pro-maxgroup.co.uk andDomesticcommercial Based in Stony Stratford, we pride ourselves on excellent work, at very competitive prices. No job is too big, or too small, and we offer everything from full garden design, to general garden maintenance. Whether you would like a free quote for your home or a commercial property, please give us a call. Services include: Hard and soft landscaping Grass cutting and strimming All aspects of tree surgery Hedge GeneralLeafShrubPruningtrimmingandweedkillingandtreeplantingandlitterremovaltidying Full garden makeovers Artificial grass Fencing and gates Water LawnsandSleeperfeaturesworkbrickwork(turfingand seeding) Patios and decking 01908 615 503 or 07968 848379 www.acelandscapesmk.co.uk For domestic or commercial services call &LandscapesTreeCare GARDEN DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

53For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 TRANSFORM & BRIGHTEN YOUR OUTSIDE SPACE Commercial & Domestic Grounds Maintenance • hedge trimming • turfing & artificial grass • decking & patios • block paving • fencing • regular grassmaintenancecommercialandcutting MK Ltd Call us on: 01908 613153 or 07590 337572 Get in touch now for your FREE no obligation quote and make your dream garden a reality! We offer a full, extensive range of hard and soft landscaping services including: Specialists in natural stone paving Email: jim@urbanrootsmk.com www.urbanrootsmk.co.uk Call or email today for your FREE sample or instant quote. 01908 464285 info@oltco.co.uk www.oltco.co.uk RESIN DRIVEWAYSTHEUK’SLEADING SUSTAINABLE RESIN DRIVEWAY COMPANY KEYG20YEARSUARANTEEBENEFITS oltcoNATURAL RANGECrantock 20 Year Guarantee, Range of Colour Blends, Non-Slip Surface, Low Maintenance, No Puddles, No Loose Chippings, Extremely Hard Wearing Oltco_HalfPgAdvert.indd 1 22/02/2022 15:13

Adrian Timbers, sales and marketing manager, said: “We all want to do our bit for the planet but sometimes it can be difficult to see how we can make a difference. A starting point would be to look at how we can better insulate our homes by taking advantage of the latest advances in glass technology.

“It is now possible to have a living space that stays cool in the summer, warm in the winter and, at the same time, make significant reductions in energy bills. The pressure on the

HOME & GARDEN E st a blis h e d 1 9 7 9

The reality is that our energy bills are going to rise - we need to find ways to negate the rising costs. One way is improving the insulating quality of our glazing

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

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

price of materials and manufacturing means this a good time to buy rather than delaying the decision and then finding in the coming months that it will cost a lot more to make the changes.”T&Kguarantees the work for ten years with the fitting undertaken by the family-run company’s team of experienced fitters.

To find out more about high performance energy efficient glazing options and how much you can save visit our website: www.tkhi.co.uk Double glazing is another option. It was recently hailed as the ‘unsung hero’ in the fight against climate control by the World Economic Forum.

We all want to do our bit for the planet but sometimes it can be difficult to see how we can make a difference A starting point would be to look at how we can better insulate our homes by taking advantage of the latest advances in glass technology.

Learning to live in a changing world

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.

limate change is already having effect on our daily lives including our environment, business, health, and public services. The cost of living is soaring, and households are faced with the pressure of finding enough money to pay eye-watering energy bills, fuel for our cars and food for our tables. Each of us has a responsibility to make changes but sometimes it can be a challenge to see how an individual can really make a difference.Aftersome of the hottest summer days on record nobody needs reminding about the effect that global warming is having on our day-to-day lives. Day after day, headlines have been showing empty reservoirs, wildfires causing havoc across the countryside and, when we think enough is enough, there are flash floods destroying homes and lives. The war in the Ukraine, has been another factor with an increase in energy prices of more than 50 per cent. The Energy Price Cap which comes into force in October will see yet more price rises with another due in January putting average bills at more than £4,200 a year. While this increase in global demand for liquefied natural gas has added to the pressure the United Kingdom experienced lower winds than normal, meaning that wind turbines have been unable to generate as much power as they have done in previous years. In the meantime, in the United Kingdom 40 per cent of CO2 emissions are caused by individuals, mostly from energy used in the home. Many of us recognise the value of making changes to reduce our personal carbon footprint and to preserve the world’s precious assets. So, while we watch events unveil on the global stage and closer to home, there are ways we can each make a difference. Advances in technology have enabled specialists like T&K Home Improvements to bring new products to the market. This includes solar glass which has an invisible coating that is effective in blocking external heat from the sun while retaining the warmth when temperatures plummet. This hi-tech glass for windows, doors and other living spaces means households can stay cool when temperatures rise and stay warm when freezing winter starts to bite.

55For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely FREE of charge. CALL US TODAY ON: 01908 465 216 MOBILE: 07537 149 128 WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR: • EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING • 2 REMOTE CONTROLS • ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION • FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR • AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS garageﬁfor£895From*afullyttedelectricdoor. *O er valid for openings up to 2.4m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override. TREND DESIGN GURU CHOOSE THE SMARTER WAY TO RENOVATE WITH THE TOP THAT FITS ON TOP Installed directly over existing surfaces Fitted in as little as a day Made from up to 72% recycled materials 10 year warranty Heat, stain, scratch and moisture resistant Built-in Microban® anti-bacterial protection Built and fitted by local experts Made-to-measure replacement doors Tell ‘em Janet sent you. Update your kitchen or bathroom with a stunning new look, with our elegant range of worktops, splash-backs and replacement doors, without starting from scratch. GRANITE | QUARTZ | RECYCLED GLASS | TILES | REPLACEMENT DOORS trend-transformations.co.uk For a free consultation call or visit: MILTON KEYNES SHOWROOM: 01908 041 653 Unit 80, Tanners Drive, Blakelands, Milton Keynes, MK14 5BP WOBURNtrend-transformations.co.uk/miltonkeynesSANDSEMPORIUMDISPLAY: Newport Road, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, MK17 8UF Tel: 01908 464110 Mob: 07801 315140 Email: gjsmithroofing@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.gjsmithroofing.com Fascia & Soffit Specialists ✓ Approved Installer of Fascias & Soffits ✓ Freefoam Fascia products won’t rot, like timber or rust, like iron ✓ Highly competitive prices ✓ Freefoam Guarantee offers peace of mind for up to 50 years General Maintenance ✓ All Repair Work Undertaken ✓ Tiling ✓ Slating ✓ Gutters & Down Pipes ✓ Chimney Repairs ✓ Flat Roofing ✓ Rubber Roofing ✓ Built-Up Felt Roofing ✓ Velux Windows ✓ Skylights ✓ Sun Tunnels Roofing Experts ✓ Competent Roofer Registered ✓ Trust a Trader & EDS Approved ✓ Free Estimates ✓ Repairs & New Works Undertaken ✓ All New Work Guaranteed ✓ Insurance GuaranteeBackedAvailable ✓ Friendly Service ✓ 30 Year Colour Guarantee CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: EASEHECKOUR EV ONTRUS ATRADER CEHCESA ERRUOWEOREDARTATSURT Experts in all aspects of Roofing & MaintenanceGeneral Over 30 Years Experience in the Roofing Trade GJ Smith - A4 Magazine Portrait.indd 1 07/12/2018 15:30 BROCKHALLSERVICESLTD FREEPHONE: 0800 980 9903 Email: info@brockhallservices.uk ALL WORK IS GUARANTEED, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE General Building and Insurance Work Painting & Decorating Electrician BathroomsKitchensConversionsLoftFireRefurbishmentsExtensionsServices&NewBuildsWork&FloodDamage&Garage&

Rosie www.millsandkinsella.com01604InteriorKinsellaDesigner751262

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The colour palette of organic schemes focuses on neutrals, with white walls frequently combined with area rugs in earthy, woody tones. The result is a peaceful look, encouraging a sense of serenity and calmness. The open plan spaces that have become synonymous with organic design encourage a free flow of movement around the rooms giving the occupants a feeling of freedom, just like being outdoors in a wide, open space. The main stay of organic styling is the use of natural materials. These are rarely perfect, in fact it’s their natural characteristics that tend to give a scheme interest and originality. At a time when our on-screen lives tend to be lived so ‘perfectly’, to have a home that reflects the opposite can prove a very welcome relief.

www.loaf.com

www.iconiclights.co.uk

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

n an increasingly synthetic and manufactured world, there’s never been a better time to embrace organic design within our homes. Not only can it strengthen our connection with nature, but it provides the perfect antidote to the last couple of years that have been dominated by Zoom meetings and a heavy reliance on digital technology. Organic design trends tend to focus on natural forms and minimalist materials such as glass, steel, wood, jute, rattan and stone. They feature clean lines, neutral colours and a distinct lack of fussy embellishment. Organic style is not a new characteristic for interiors. Ray and Charles Eames famously worked with molded plywood to create designs that were smooth in shape and simple in design. More recently, Matthew Hilton (Habitat) and lighting designer Tom Raffield, have both become well known for their ergonomic, organic desk designs and lighting. As one of Britain's most highly respected furniture designers, Matthew Hilton creates elegant and Au Naturel functional pieces out of wood and Tom Raffield produces sustainable, steam-bent and wooden pendants, chandeliers, wall, floor and table lights. Other organic influences can be seen in Nordic, Hygge, Japandi and Alpine styles.

As well as original paintings and limited editions, Gary recently released a new collection of block mounted prints featuring the quirky harbour scenes, lighthouses and hot air balloons typical of his style. The artwork is beautifully presented - they are printed onto fine art canvas then bonded to board and varnished to replicate the look and feel of an original painting.

Designing with a natural brief in mind can be as wholesome for the designer as it is for the end client. It is highly rewarding to know that the scheme you’ve successfully created and incorporated into your client’s home can offer them a relaxing calming escape from the digital world, bridging the gap between the natural and the man made, whilst also being environmentally mindful and www.truffletablescapes.co.uksustainable.

Gary Walton, artist: See the world with a fresh perspective T

57For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 THE ARTS

Crucial Trading has a great selection of jute, coir, sisal and wool rugs that can be created in any size to suit and there are those that combine sisal and wool in chunky weave designs that are both beautifully tactile and aesthetically interesting.

At the Rose Gallery, we love to be able to share the joy of new pieces by popular artists and the work of Gary Walton definitely falls into that category. If you’d like to know more about these works we’d be happy to help – do get in touch, or pop into the gallery.

While Gary Walton’s work can be described as quirky, fantastical and surreal there is a comfort in the facets we recognise which combine to invite us into his world and explore.

he work of Gary Walton is full of character, imagination and joy. Describing his own style, Gary says it is: "Very whimsical, romantic and happy; quirky, two-dimensional with a slight intriguing air of fantasy combined with a twist of reality within." This fantasy world he creates draws us in, reflecting our own reality - particularly the coastline he loves - while offering an opportunity to consider unusual ideas and Bornperspectives.inWorcester in 1962, Gary enjoyed exploring his creativity while at school before entering the world of work as a graphic designer. He continued to paint, deepening his skills and developing his style further. He has been inspired by the works of surrealists including Salvador Dali, a connection we can see in his unique worldwith recognisable elements and yet often so different from our own.

If you’re concerned that a neutral palette or a look dominated by natural materials might be too uninteresting for you, then take time to seek out finishes and fittings that are more textural. Jute, recycled glass, wool, hand carved wood, rough-hewn timber, plants, linen fabrics, all offer a degree of texture that will add interest, depth and dimension to your scheme.

The success of your design scheme will be dependent upon how well balanced it is. In organic interiors, offset hard concrete, shiny steel and structural stone with large, soft sofas upholstered in boucle fabrics, side tables covered in faux shagreen, tactile throws crying out to be touched and deep pile carpets or rugs thick enough to sink your toes into.

In a small kitchen, there may be less opportunity to add softness using upholstery and rugs so consider softening accessories instead. Add cushions to dining chairs or drape a small blanket over the back of a bar stool. Incorporate a wooden butcher’s block on your island or have a separate worksurface such as a breakfast bar made of wood where the rest of the surfaces are granite. The light reflecting, shiny finishes of quartz, marble and polished metals will help glam up an organic scheme if it’s what you desire, whilst darker woods, heritage paint colours and heavy wools will bring warmth and cosiness to a scheme that’s at risk of becoming too stark and sterile. Very often designing to an organic brief will enable you to be sustainable too. Reclaimed materials add colour, interest and texture and by repurposing an old material you’ll be helping the environment by not buying new. Sourcing pieces that have a history can provide a talking point. Rather than shouting about the bold pattern or colour, instead you can describe where you found the piece, how you came to be able to repurpose it for its new use and the method in which it was restored.

Natalie Trembecki Gallery www.therosegallery.co.ukCorrespondent

In 2004 Gary earned a position as finalist in the DeMontfort New Artist competition which earned him a publishing contract. Through this relationship, new collectors came to appreciate his work and - having been able to commit to his work full-timeGary has been able to explore his interests and inspiration.

CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01908 252442

Pete Marland Leader of Milton Keynes Council

Moore and Leah Williamson, that is good company as the only two England football captains ever to lift a major international trophy.

We are immensely proud that Leah is from Milton Keynes, and I think it would be totally appropriate that the very first person to be given the Freedom of the New City of Milton Keynes is the first woman to lead a national side to international honours and is from MK. In July, I asked the Council to start the process of bestowing the honour on her. Leah has since accepted this honour and we can expect to see a formal ceremony take place soon.

Email: 1ADDRESS:Facebook:peter.marland@milton-keynes.gov.uk@mklabourc/oMiltonKeynesCouncil,CivicOffices,SaxonGateEast,MiltonKeynesMK93EJ

I hope the win will have a lasting impact on women’s sport and I am sure it has both inspired a new generation of women and girls to go out and take part in whatever their chosen sport is, as well as changing the attitude of many others to women’s sport in general. Our host city bid promised to increase the number of girls playing the game and double the number of trained women’s coaches in the city. The Lionesses’ win is just the beginning of unlocking so much potential, so if you have been inspired, today is the day you can also make a difference and be part of a winning Bobbylegacy.

The greatest achievement in English football since 1966 I is the most amazing achievement for England to become Champions of Europe. The Lionesses are an inspiration to everyone and have shown that through teamwork, ability and hard work, anything is possible. Like many others, I never thought I would be able to say that England have won a major football tournament in my Ilifetime.amsoproud that Milton Keynes hosted four matches and played our part in the greatest achievement in English football since 1966, including attracting a full house at Stadium:MK for the second semi-final. I’d like to thank all the teams and supporters that made those matches so special. Yet again, we as a city had the vision and confidence to back the tournament when many others did not.

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

MK Council

59For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 For further information about us, please visit www.g4s.com/careers or Text G4S to 60777 G4S @G4S G4SLinkedIn Become a Secure Care Officer at Oakhill Children’s Secure Training Centre, Milton Keynes. We are currently seeking Secure Care Officers to join our growing team. Whatever job you do now, you may have the skills required to start your career in a children’s custodial environment that’s both challenging and rewarding. Starting salary £27,527.34 per annum rising to £33,000.00 per annum after successfully passing a 6 month probation period. BE THAT PERSON WHO MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO YOUNG LIVES

Some of the organisations in attendance included YiS, Depaul, MK ACT, Carers MK and CAMHS. I spoke with all these organisations to learn about what support and information they can offer to young people across Milton Keynes. Great work Aseveryone!ever,if I can be of any help, please do get in touch with me on the contact details provided below. Tel: 01908 686830 Email: Suitewww.iainstewart.org.ukiain.stewart.mp@parliament.uk102,MiltonKeynesBusinessCentre, Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6GD Iain Stewart MP for Milton Keynes South

The team from Under One Roof which aims to support young people and their mental health

The Food Strategy Plan was discussed as a positive step for farmers and there is an opportunity to grow it. But there is a need for a joint up approach between government departments.

M&M Supplies based in Bletchley employs 40 people locally to help in their operation of distributing products and goods of manufacturers across the world

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

M&M Supplies

Challenges in farming and a visit to Under One Roof

‘Under One Roof’ Event I attended YiS’ Under One Roof event held at the Walnut Tree Pavilion. Aimed at young people (aged 11-18) the event offers access to everything they need ‘Under One Roof’ with attendees covering mental health, physical health, sexual health, homelessness and young carers.

Meeting with managing director, Frank Purcell, I learnt more about the business and what they do. M&M Supplies employs 40 people locally to help in their operation of distributing products and goods of manufacturers across the world. Some of the brands that they distribute include Kellogg’s, Mars, Proctor & Gamble, Nestle and Kraft Heinz.Iwas pleased to hear about the success that they have achieved by embracing the opportunities presented to them through Brexit. I also heard about the wonderful work that they have done, and continue to do, with MK Food Bank and the products that they provide to support the work the food bank does.

I hope hope you had a lovely summer and enjoyed the warm weather of August. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of the things that I have been up to during the Summer Recess.

The topic of innovation in the farming industry was also mentioned and the need for government confidence in it. In addition, government support and funding for farmers was also raised and the need to continue to help farmers.

A meeting with the National Farmers Union means I heard first hand about their issues and challenges and the need for government confidence

National Farmers Union Recently, I met with farmers from Milton Keynes South and representatives from the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Calverton. I heard firsthand from the farmers in attendance the issues and challenges that they are currently facing in their line of work.

Another visit this month was to M&M Supplies in Bletchley; recent recipients of the Queen’s Award for International Trade.

MPS OUT & ABOUT CONTACT DETAILS:

TEMPUS HOUSE 249 MIDSUMMER BOULEVARD CENTRAL MILTON KEYNES High Speciﬁcation Show Apartments opening 10th September Prime Location Within Central Milton Keynes Extensive Views over Milton Keynes Incentives Available on the Grand Opening Walking Distance to CMK Train Station Some With Balconies or Terrace’s Call For An Appointment

Scissors poised to chop out the tunes If you were there the first time around, you won’t fail to remember the fun times we had at Bar Central Back in the 1990s, ‘BC’ was a weekly pilgrimage made by Brit Pop disciples and rock heads, delivering a staple diet of smart sounds. The chips were cheap, the after effects of the tequila were often traumatic (!) and as for theBlurtunes?vsOasis, The Verve, the off-kilter pop of Pulp...and a bit of Sympathy for the Devil thrown in for good measure.

Other Craufurd highlights this month

“The venue is an integral part of our music scene and it’s great to have the opportunity to have these featured,” Matt said.

The Verve - ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ It sounds as amazing now as it did back then, and will forever raise the hair on the back of my neck. Who didn’t walk across that dance floor with their chest out emulating Ashcroft in the video? A great anthem for the early evening or drunken singalong at 2am.

Scissors’ return to the decks comes after the past two years of restricted living thanks to the“It’spandemic.beenahard time for these venues and I’m happy to get back involved and play some of the classics that shaped our youth and sculpted our“Fabulouslyfutures.

In a spin with Scissors

“It’s brilliant to see that although the centre of MK has lost its nights like that, if you’re bold enough to venture away from the main hub you can still find cool places playing alternative music and giving a platform for people to play the music they make or even just the music that made them.”

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

Check in with them on Wednesday, September 28. While on the subject of The Craufurd Arms, the exterior of the venue has now been spruced up and is looking mighty fine! Artist and musician Matt Downes is responsible for the stained glass inspired designs.

Ash – ‘Girl From Mars’ I’m not sure an indie night goes by without the demand to hear this. It’s always requested, and of course, happily played.

Bar Central was hidden away on the first floor of The Food Centre, which has since been razed in preparation for more new flats (they call it progress), but while the new city is sadly now bereft of music hot spots and is instead awash with apartments and hotels, we do have some smart venues operating from the outlying towns. One of those hubs, The Craufurd Arms, is hosting live music from The Indie Scene on September 17 together with a return to the decks by one of Bar Central’s original disc spinners, DJ Scissors He soundtracked those aforementioned fantastic times and he’ll be chopping out more tunes at this bash. E njoy a bit of a Dodgy night out (September 3) when Nigel Clark, frontman with the 1990s hit makers behind Good Enough and Staying Out For The Summer, steps out with his solo material. As frontman with metal titans Fear Factory, Burton C. Bell was on heavy rotation in the Pulse Music household in times past. He stepped away from FF back in 2020 and is now focusing on his longterm side project, Ascension of the Watchers Burton is joined by Welsh muso and producer Jayce Lewis and together they bring elements of industrial rock, goth and tribal dance beats to bolster their unique heavy metal credentials. See them live on Monday, September 5. A Much Betta ABBA show is a 60 minute spectacular featuring drag queen and original RuPaul Drag Race competitor Baga Chipz and Tanya Hyde

Pulp – ‘Disco 2000’ One of the stand out albums of the 90’s and although ‘Common People’ will always be the big single from this album, ‘Disco 2000’ will always be a big floor filler.

DJs Scissors (left) with General Lee Ascension of the Watchers Matt Downes pictured alongside his creativity at The Craufurd Arms

talented local band The Indie Scene and I plan on taking you back to those fond memories of the Bar Central and Happy Wednesday era, and will play you some absolute gems from all your favourite bands of the 90’s, from Madchester to Britpop through to Indie and Rock,” Scissors said, “I look forward to seeing you all there.”

“The height of Britpop and the birth of the 90’s indie club nights in Milton Keynes seem forever ago now, but I was proud to play a big part in them and still enjoy being involved at some of the nights at The Craufurd Arms, MK11 and Unit 9, to name but a few,” Scissors told Pulse music.

Five tracks that will definitely air on the night...

Blur - ‘Girls & Boys’ The album Parklife was everywhere and this is the song that kicked off my love affair for Blur and everything Britpop!

Oasis - ‘Slide Away’ Probably the biggest debut of the Britpop era, I love the early part of the Bar Central nights when you can play some of the slower anthems. This has to be a must for all the 40+.

Michael Jackson

And on September 10, 1988 Michael Jackson performed. For more on Milton Keynes’ musical history visit FB @miltonkeyneswiredforsound

Now that the curtain has fallen on the antics of Ramsey Street after 37 years, one of its best known faces (nah, not her) is coming to MK11 to look back at his time spent as Neighbours’ most famous doctor, Karl Kennedy Alan Fletcher spent nearly three decades with the show and he’ll be sharing secrets and reliving the best bits at this event, and there will be the chance to pose your own questions too. It’s not rock n’ roll in the traditional sense, but it’ll still be a rock n’ roll event, don’t you think? And besides, Alan has more than dabbled in musicTicketshimself.forthe MK11 show on Friday, September 30, the last date of the tour, can be found by tapping to mk11kilnfarm.com Scottish duo Hue and Cry are also coming to MK11 this month. Brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane, responsible for 80s hits including Labour of Love and Looking For Linda, will be live at the Kiln Farm hub on September 15.

A Mod-ernthoroughlynight out Iggy Pop at The Bowl

The Autism awareness advocates say this new delivery ‘feels like something you’d dig out of a 90’s bargain bin, in all the best ways.’

Methods

The Doctor will see you now

t might be the first time Burton C. Bell has rolled through town with Ascension of the Watchers, but he did play here with Fear Factory – as part of the Ozzfest bill at the National Bowl way back in 1998. And keeping with the National Bowl, this September 5 & 6 marks the seventh anniversary since Foo Fighters last graced the new city, when they were joined by Iggy Pop and Royal Blood for the dates.

63For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 MUSIC

Just time enough to mention the summer of sounds at Campbell Park which saw many thousands of music fans entertained by artists including Craig David, Steps, Paloma Faith and the major festival, Reggae Land.

“On the first EP I wanted to be conscious of the sounds people like to hear – there was a lot of samples used that I didn’t have much to do with making,” Craig admitted, “With Methods of Escape we created all the parts ourselves and music from scratch, arranged them and then Mitchell added his lyrics to give them the finishing touch. It’s a bit different from what some listeners might be used to but it’s 100% Coda Rushing thisThistime!”new delivery ‘deals with the escapist mentality of someone growing up with undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder,’ which the boys share in common. Sound-wise, it pulls on piano, strings and industrial noise, so you can understand where the references to Mozart and The Beastie Boys comeWantfrom.totip your ears to Coda Rushing? Head over to the usual digital stores for your fill.

HAZE Photography captured this great image of the crowd engaged with Rag’n’Bone Man who was a real highlight. C oda Rushing, the musical union of Mitchell Taylor (a former Bard of Northampton and Stony Stratford) and Craig Hudson (the creative behind Billy Nomad) have followed up last year’s Pulse favourite Skills with the new EP Methods of Escape

Mad Mods and Englishmen will deliver another blistering set of classics this month when they play live at Unit Nine on September 2. The band’s repertoire will see them deliver tracks from The Who, The Kinks, The Stones, Spencer Davis, The Jam and a whole host of Ticketsothers.are£8 if you buy them now, a tenner on the night. Tap to unitninemk.com

MK Music Archive:

Shooting the Stars

#WhatsOnONPulse

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: 6th September 2022Nutritional Needs While Ageing 1st November 2022Pharmacotherapy While Ageing 22nd November 2022Move It and Breathe 13th December 2022 - Standing Tall

Monday, September 5 Former Fear Factory frontman Burton C. Bell comes to town with his goth rock musical partner Jayce Lewis. Get the week off to a loud and heavy start.

Kenneth Grahame’s touching, sweet and funny tale of bravery, friendship and derringdo for the family visits Stantonbury Theatre for an afternoon showing fit for ages three years and Dragonup.

delight: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

WHATS

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. can be booked via Eventbrite: For more information, please email or call 01908

sessions-tickets-321267970147talks-home-instead-milton-keynes-6-www.eventbrite.com/e/ageing-well-

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

A friendly and diverse social club for retired and semi-retired men and women from all walks of life, meeting at the Swan Revived Hotel for lunch and a talk, ‘Saving Lives at Sea’, by Paul Gibbons. Chat happy: Call 01908 605378 or email johnbrimley37@btinternet.com

Dr John Cooper Clarke & Special Guests: I Wanna Be Yours

Tuesday, September 6, 8pm

Tuesday,SpikedriversSeptember 6

Tuesday,Newportwww.homeinstead.co.uk/miltonkeynes774333PagnellandDistrictProbusClubSeptember6,12.15pm

Also Wednesdays, Shenley Brook End Jan Jones: 07877 153 259 email: info@rscdsmk.co.uk

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show

Saturday, September 3, 8pm Air guitars at the ready for this hard rockin’ show at The Stables which will deliver music from artists including Led Zeppelin, Queen, Deep Purple, Free and Hendrix, and that’s just for Forstarters.thoseabout to rock: stables.org

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

Scottish Country Dancing

The Comedy Cow Saturday, September 10, 8pm (last entry 7.45pm) Join Dane Baptiste, Matt Price, Craig Deeley and your MC Rich Wilson for a night of funny business. The Venue in Walnut Tree is the place to Punchline:be.thecomedycow.co.uk

Ascension of the Watchers

Heritage Open Days –Church of St Edmund King and Martyr Friday & Saturday, Sept 9 & 10, 9am-5pm and Sunday, Sept 11, midday - 5pm

miltonkeynessarah.freshwater@homeinstead.co.uk/

Saturday,Thenorthamptonmuseums.comReluctantDragonSeptember3,2.30pm

The original ‘people’s poet’ is back with his unique show. A chance to sit back in the company of the man who shot to fame in the 1970s and has been entertaining us, in unrivalled fashion, ever since. The Luckiest Guy Alive: stables.org

Translations: thecraufurdarms.com

An opportunity to explore the Museum with many previously unseen artefacts relating to the historic town. The Museum is in Chandos Hall, Silver Street, Newport Pagnell – there is no need to pre-book. Exploring the past: Russellheritageopendays.org.ukKane–TheEssex Variant Saturday, September 10 Russell comes to town with his new show, a gut-punch funny, searing award-winning take on the past two years. Pant-wetting observations are promised. Funny fella: royalandderngate.co.uk

Tickets

Monday, September 5th, 8pm Classes restart at Bradwell Village Hall. Like dancing ? Try Scottish Country Dancing. No need to bring a partner or special clothing. All welcome. Just be prepared to enjoy the experience.

And Tuesdays, Weston Favell, Northampton Eileen Brown: 01604 www.northamptonscottishdance.org.uk407205

Heritage Open Days: Newport Pagnell Historical Society Open Days and Town Trails Friday, September 9, Saturday, September 10, Sunday, September 11, Saturday, September 17 & Sunday, September 18, 11am-4pm daily

A chance to explore the 13C parish church, with early 17C memorials and many plaques to the Hardingtone and Delapre families, Learn more: heritageopendays.org.uk

UntilTechniqueFebruary 12, 2023 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery presents an exhibition exploring the processes artists go through and the techniques they employ. The show includes a wide cross-section of works from the Museum’s Fine Art Collection, including drawings, prints, sculpture and watercolours. Making a splash:

A combination of gutsy slide guitar, rock solid bass, infectious grooves and highly distinctive vocals create a sound that is very much their own. Travel from the Southern Juke Joints to the lazy front porches to the open spaces of dust bowls and railroad tracks disappearing in the distance. Music goes live from 7.30pm. Fine sounds: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Saturday, September 3, 7.45pm Take your seat at the Underground and let the funnies flow – with Stephen Bailey, Stephanie Laine and Sid Singh. Are you kidding me? Royalandderngate.co.uk

Heritageheritageopendays.org.ukOpenDays:‘Hats

Visit the home of Animals in Need, meet the staff and learn more about the charity. Stalls will include a tombola/lucky dip, cards and crafts, bric a brac and refreshments. Perfect for all the family and great vegan choices to eat. Barking great: animals-in-need.org

Friday 16 September, 8pm Bye Bye Baby is a jawdropping tribute to the musical phenomenon ‘Jersey Boys’ and the timeless, iconic music of ‘Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons’.

Galore’ Saturday, September 10 (10am-5pm) & Sunday, September 11 (midday-4pm) An exhibition of all things that can be worn on the head – from a helmet, to a hat from Harrods! The head gear will date from across the decades. At St John the Baptist Church in Hat’llHartwell.donicely:

Saturday, September 10, midday-5pm Discover astounding inventors and see where and how they lived and worked. Take a peek inside the factory laboratory and enjoy the have-a-go free activities for children and families. The event will be housed at Deanshanger Memorial Community Hall, Little London, Deanshanger. No booking required. Invention, industry, innovation:

The Thinking Drinkers Pub Quiz

The county’s best food and drink suppliers and producers will descend on Kettering Park Hotel for a mouth-watering day out as the annual event returns. From locally brewed beer to vegan, dairy free and gluten items, this festival really will cater for all. Entry is free. Very, very tasty:

Some Kinda Wonderful Thepresents…Wonder of Stevie Saturday September,248pm Celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder, mesmeric vocalist Noel McCalla and award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash and their world-class live band present a diverse back catalogue of classic hits.

Laurence Jones Sunday 18 September, 8pm Laurence Jones is firmly established as one of the UK’s hottest guitar players. He’s got a string of accolades and awards to his name winning “Young Artist Of The Year” in the British Blues Awards three years in a row. Laurence and his band have supported and toured with the likes of Sir Van Morrison, Sir Ringo Starr, Status Quo and many more.

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

Heritagenorthantsfoodfestival.co.ukOpenDays:Astonishing

A first-class event hosted by Milton Keynes Philatelic Society. Stamp and cover dealers, including for the first time Buckingham Covers, Folkestone and Ian Perry Stamps, plus regular Stamp Dealers including KandK Halls, and member dealers - so you never know what you will find to get stuck into. available, at The Methodist Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2HB Visit miltonkeynesphilatelicsociety.co.uk 521220

Refreshments

For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 65 Stamp

or call 01908

The man behind Trigger Happy TV is embarking on his first UK tour since 2011 where he will discuss his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travels spots; from North Korea to Chernobyl. The man who went to school with Osama Bin Laden has certainly been to some unusual places. He’s engaging and very smart. Expect an excellent night out at Stantonbury Theatre. A Powerpoint production: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

Heritage Open Days: Designed in Deanshanger –Astounding Inventors and Inventions

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps –Travel and Comedy in the Danger Zone

Sunday,Pineheritageopendays.org.ukTreeFarmOpenDaySeptember11,midday-4pm

Thursday 8 September, 8pm (18+) Fancy five free drinks? Two of the world’s leading alcohol experts return with a hilarious quiz show that gets the rounds in. In more ways than one. With a pen and question sheet in one hand and several world-class drinks in the other, join them on a uniquely absurd, fact-filled journey through time. Bye Bye Baby: A Celebration of Frankie Valli

Saturday, September 10, 7.30pm

PenguinTuesdayCafé20 September, 8pm Arthur Jeffes much-loved collective – Penguin Cafe – are back in 2022 performing their eclectic array of withArthur’sevocativegenre-defyingpiecesmixingbeautifulcompositionssomeiconicPCOclassics.

The people’s poet – Dr John Cooper Clarke is at The Stables Festive Road are taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days

Saturday,FairSeptember 10, 10am - 4pm

Inventions & Mechanical Marvels Sunday, September 11, 11am-4pm Pop to 28 Burners Lane in Kiln Farm and immerse yourself in the wondrous world of Festive Road. Learn how they fuse art with engineering to fabulous effect, creating unique giant moving puppets and creatures. Activities for children and adults will be running, so you’ll be able to create your own astonishing invention to take home. No booking necessary. Power to the puppets:

Sunday,GoodNorthamptonshireheritageopendays.org.ukFoodandDrinkFestivalSeptember11,11am-4pm

Denton & District Gardening Club Flower and Produce Show Sunday, September 11, 2.30pm4.30pm Free entry, raffle, homemade refreshments, plant stall and auction of surplus produce at Denton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, NN7 1DT In bloom: Info, schedules and entry forms m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk or call 01604 890875 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Monday, September 12 – Saturday, September 24 The new production of the Tim Rice and Lloyd Webber smash-hit comes to Milton Keynes Theatre for a two week stay with Alexandra Burke as the narrator. Any Dream Will Do: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Denton & District Gardening Club Monday, September 12, 7.30pm

Fabulous Duck Brothers

Milton Keynes Aviation Society Admiral Dr Chris Parry CBE

Presents: “The Falklands Remembered” September 13 2022 MKAS are proud to present a special evening commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Joining us to deliver their own unique perspectives of the air war are: Rear

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

PhD RN Commodore Neill Thomas CBE DSC RN retd Squadron Leader Bob Tuxford AFC RAF retd Venue: The Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation The Hunt House, Paulerspury, Towcester NN12 7NA Doors open 6.15pm, lecture commences at 7.00pm Places must be booked in advance£10.00 per head. Please register with Chris Bosworth on 07860 629494 or cj.bos@ntlworld.com More details on www.mkas.co.uk Left to right: Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry CBE, Wessex 3 observer –rescued 16 stranded SAS troops and disabled Santa Fe submarine, Commodore Neill Thomas CBE DSC – Commanding Officer 899 Naval Air Squadron HMS Hermes, Squadron Leader Bob Tuxford AFC –Victor K2 tanker pilot – first ‘Black Buck’ mission Catch The Ultimate Classic Rock Show at the Stables on September 3

Tuesday, September 13, 7.30pm A group of ace players pay tribute to Eric Clapton’s solo career; including 24 Nights, The Blues Era, Derek and the Dominoes and Cream. Support comes from Big Al WonderfulDuncan.(on Tuesday) Night: 10amWednesday,TheHeritagebletchleybluesclub.ukOpenDays:HeritageofOuzelValleySeptember14,–11.30am Book your free spot on a walking tour through areas used as grazing land, and find out more about the natural heritage and historical features, including the Scheduled Ancient Monuments and the abandoned medieval village at Woughton on the Green. Step back in time: theparkstrust.com

WHATS ON Cloudbusting: The music of Kate Bush Sunday, September 11 It’s been quite a few months for this group; following the resurgence of interest in Kate’s music after featuring on Stranger Things, Cloudbusting have been soaking up the interest, even appearing on This Morning with Holly and Phil. They are back on familiar soil this month though, with a show at The Stables in LoveWavendon.&Anger: stables.org

A talk, ‘A Blaze of Glory; by Timothy Walker at Denton Village Hall, members free, visitors pay £3. There will be a raffle, refreshments and plant sale. All welcome, whether novice or experienced gardener. Root of the issue: m.pateman@yahoo. co.uk or call 01604 890875

Event Cinema NT Live: Prima Facie (15) New autumn dates to be announced Jodie Comer makes her West End debut in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning play, Prima Facie which takes us to the heart of where emotion and experience collide with the rules of the game.

ROH Live: Mayerling Sunday 9 October | 2pm Dangerous desires, family secrets and political intrigues – a true story told through ballet.

Royal Opera House Live

Saturday 8 October | 7pm Emily Burns directs this spectacularly entertaining new version of Sheridan’s The Rivals. Featuring Caroline Quentin, Laurie Davidson, Natalie Simpson and Kelvin Fletcher.

An Amazing Invention

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

Septembermkgallery.org&October

It was a smash hit at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe, and now the new parody musical inspired by the iconic show comes to Northampton. The gang will take on naked Thursday’s, a power cut and a dinosaur convention.

Email:

The Underground invites you to a smile inducing night out – with Adam Bloom, Naomi Cooper and Robert White.Are you having a laugh? Royalandderngate.co.uk Heritage Open Days: Cowper & Newton Museum Sunday, September 18, 11am-4pm The historic house, gardens and gallery are open all day, including the new exhibition, Amazing Grace. Olney’s finest:

Tuesday 27 September | 2pm Set in 19th-century Japan, Puccini’s heart-rending opera tells the tale of Cio-Cio-San, a young geisha who falls in love with an American soldier – and pays the ultimate price.

Heritage Open Days: British Rail –

NT Live: Jack Absolute Flies Again (12A)

Wednesday, September 14, 7pm-9pm Respected railway historian and writer Christian Wolmar will be talking about his new book British Rail, and why it was wrong to break the company up. Prebooking is necessary for the event at Stony Stratford Library. On the right track: Call 01908 562025 to secure your space or email &Wednesday,Friendsicalinfo@stonywords.org.ukSeptember14Thursday,September15

An opportunity to find out more about the sport, which evolved from the old game of ‘battledore and shuttlecock’ way back in 1863. Volunteers will be on hand to show you around and answer any questions. No booking is required – just pop along to the venue on Bradwell Road at Loughton Lodge.

ROH Live: Aida Sunday 16 October | 2pm Love and duty collide, and nations clash in Verdi’s political drama, starring Elena Stikhina and conducted by Antonio Pappano.

67For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine |

ROH Live: Madama Butterfly

Thursday 8 September | 7pm Simon Godwin directs this irresistible comedy, broadcast live from the National Theatre stage.

Central Perk: Heritageroyalandderngate.co.ukOpenDays:Milton Keynes Museum Open Day and Beer Festival Thursday, September 15Sunday, September 18 Discover Milton Keynes Museum during HODs as well a chance to sample a selection of ales and ciders – mouthwatering drinks at thirst-quenching prices. Held in the Museum courtyard and gardens in Wolverton, it is the perfect way to enjoy a late summer’s day. No need to book. Raise a glass: Heritageheritageopendays.org.ukOpenDays–78

Highlights

Sporting fun: heritageopendays.org.uk Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club Saturday, September 17, 7.45pm

September 2022 Enjoy live international and national theatre and dance performances from the best seat in the house at MK Gallery’s Sky Room independent cinema.

ExhibitionsVivianMaier: Anthology Until 25 September The first exhibition in the UK of and–MaierphotographeracclaimedVivian(1926–2009)celebratingthetalentremarkablestoryof a Chicago nanny who took hundreds of thousands of photographs of everyday life, carefully storing them during her life and posthumously becoming one of the greatest street photographers of the 20th Century.

Friday,Sinderellaheritageopendays.org.ukSeptember16,7.30pm

Saturday,NationalHeritageinfo@cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.ukOpenDays:BadmintonMuseumSeptember17,11am-4pm

An 8 week course taught by qualified RSCDS teachers. Bradwell Village Hall, MK13 9AG. Intro2scd@gmail.com www.rscdsmk.co.uk

Big Tuesday,Dez September 20 Stop right here if you fancy electric blues mixed with humour and melancholy, strongly tinged with funk, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. Energetic sounds: bletchleybluesclub.uk Inner Wheel Newport Pagnell Tuesday, September 20, 2pm A talk from the Old School House in Wolverton about the community building which is now operated by the not for profit benefit society, Future Wolverton. The talk will be followed by refreshments and an update on the club activities for the remainder of the year. Newcomers welcome from Newport Pagnell, Olney and surrounding villages. Spinning: innerwheelnewportpagnell@gmail.com or call 01908 217356

Make a Miniature Garden Saturday, September 17, 2pm For children and families aged six-10 years old. Build a miniature garden to take away using resources in the garden at Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney. Usual admission fees apply.

Scottishheritageopendays.org.ukCountryDancingIntroductioncourseMonday,September19th,6.45pmtill7.45pm

NT Live: Much Ado About Nothing (12A)

Derngate: The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House Friday, September 16, 1pm-4pm Businessman W J Bassett-Lowke commissioned Mackintosh to completely transform his marital home in Northampton, which is now open to visitors. Guided tours are offered to those who wish to learn even more about the owner and the designer. Who would live in a house like this? Pre-booking essential on 01604 603407 Heritage Open Days: Islamic Centre tour Friday, September 16, 3pm-4.30pm Join Mohammed Ageli, the architect of the MK Islamic Centre in Coffee Hall, for a tour of the centre he designed. A Q&A session will follow and refreshments will be served. No booking is necessary. Design ace:

The adult panto returns with the naughtiest tale of them all. Drag Rave stars Detox and Janet Jacke are signed up, and sparkly sets and costumes, and a filthy ‘laugh a minute’ script will blend with cheesy anthems, frolics, fun and audience Charmingparticipation.but rude: theoldsavoy.co.uk

A stitch in time: visualise.online

SundayCycle4Cynthiaroyalandderngate.co.uk25thSeptember, 9am Participants will leave Althorp House for five, 10, 25 or 50 mile routes. In the saddle: Registration at C4C2022www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/event/ or by calling 01604 973340

Dan Evans & Rebecca Hallworth

A semi-acoustic band playing old style blues. GWG are one of Bob Hokum’s bands and he is the man behind the Ealing Blues Festival. If you are looking for quality, you’ve come to the right place! Still got the blues: bletchleybluesclub.uk

68 September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes WHATS ON

Tuesday, September 27 –Saturday, October 1 Written at the end of the Second World War and set before the first, JB Priestley’s compelling and haunting thriller returns. Revelatory: Atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Tuesday,IngloriousSeptember 27

From the police beat to the Hollywood movie screen to a Five Nations Grand Slam and MasterChef final, Martin has had a varied life, and he will join with former players to reveal an incredible insight into the sport. Like rugby? You’ll love this! ‘Try’ for tickets: Jonroyalandderngate.co.ukCulshaw:LesDawson Flying High Friday, September 30 Jon will deliver a funny and affectionate celebration of the comedy legend who entertained the nation. ‘Les’ will summon a wealth of characters and incidents from his life and career. May include adult material and strong languageyou’ve been warned!

Tuesday, September 27

Plenty to tackle – Martin Bayfield’s Rugby Legends at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate Rebecca Hallworth and Dan Evans join together at The Old White Hart this month

An Inspector Calls

Thursday,Rememberingenglish-dulcimer.comLiveVarietySeptember22

Saturday, September 24 & Sunday, September 25, 10am-4pm daily

An exhibition created by textile artists Sandra Jenkins, Karin Kirk, Alyssa Robinson, Jane Stock and Val Taylor as part of Northants Open Studio.

Thursday,HaywardSeptember 22

The Art of Textiles

Abstract and realistic stitched tectile and mixed media art, accessories and cards to inspire and buy, at Welford Village Hall, NN6 6HU. Demonstrations will feature and entry is free.

The hard rock exponents are masters at what they do, and they are making their Milton Keynes return to do it for you again as part of their Until We Die tour. Support comes from A New Tomorrow. We Will Ride: thecraufurdarms.com

Tuesday, September 20, 8pm Join dulcimer player, guitarist and composer Dan and actress and classically trained singer Rebecca as they team up for an evening of moving folk songs, beautiful traditional airs and original compositions at Northampton Folk Club, The Old White Hart (NN4 8BS) £8 on the doors. Never a dul-cimer moment:

Another one about the mother-in-law: Scottstables.orgBennett – Great Scott Friday, September 30 He’s already written for artists including Chris Ramsey and Jason Manford, and now Northampton Underground welcomes the stand-up familiar who is on the up and up to show his own flair. Funny times: royalanaderngate.co.uk

Buckingham Canal Society Thursday, September 29 Help needed at nature reserve sites – a chance to get fit, improve the environment and make new friends. Get involved: Email Friday,Martininfo@buckinghamcanal.org.ukBayfield’sRugbyLegendsSeptember30,7.30pm

The frontman with the Moody Blues, responsible of course for classics including Nights in White Satin and Tuesday Afternoon, visits Northampton Derngate. Justin will deliver the music he loves, with a truly personal touch. Five decades of style:

Roll back the years and enjoy good old fashioned music and laughter, with faces you remember – TV comedian Duncan ‘Chase Me’ Norvelle will be joined by singer Phil Harrison and his band, singer Shelley James and Phil Hoyles, who will deliver his tribute to Tommy Cooper. Variety is the spice of life: thecorecorby.com

Justin

Great West Groove

There were great episodes of the perfectly executed achingly funny, clever sketches, and then the show, which had been sold to more than 80 countries, was done.

HE’S ON THE STAGE!!

“Trigger Happy TV was a bit like punk, suddenly we could buy a camera that allowed us to not rely on professional crews. We just filmed and filmed and filmed...until we had nothing but gold,” Dom said. BBC show World Shut Your Mouth followed, but when comedy burnt him out, he put pen to paper, or rather fingers to keys for the Sunday Times, made a travel show for Sky, and applied himself to his big passion, writing travel books. Dom has visited the killing fields of Cambodia, went to Chernobyl before it was fashionable, been on a coach tour of North Korea and roadtripped through Syria. Did we mention he went skiing inOnIran?histravels, Dom Joly reaches the parts that most of us don’t. His one-man show goes that bit further too – as you’ll find out if you take a ticket to see him at Stantonbury Campus (Saturday, September 10). You’ll get stories from his travels, holiday snaps and videos and maybe the odd school photo – he went to school with Osama Bin Laden, you know! The new Palladium production of the Rice/ Webber musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will enjoy a two week stay at MK Theatre (September 12-24) and you’ll get to hear that song. You know, that one. Jac Yarrow has already taken on (and won) in the West End, and he’s doing just as well in the role of Joseph as he tours these isles. A colourful delivery is easy in that special attire, but he’s got a lot more going on too. Jac will

Alexandra Burke and Jac Yarrow lead the cast in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

THEATRE

‘Joly’ good fun ahead at Stantonbury

The Stables: stables.org Stantonbury Theatre: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

MKTickets:Theatre: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

69For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 be joined by X-Factor winner turned stage favourite Alexandra Burke, who is on board as theWhennarrator.Joseph departs, An Inspector Calls. Stephen Daldry’s production of the JB Priestly thriller has bagged 19 major awards and more than five million people worldwide have sat down to a performance. A peaceful dinner party is shattered by investigations into the death of a young woman. Revelations will ask us all to examine our consciences. Anyone for dessert? Didn’t think so. Last up in our trawl through the best of this month’s goodies is an affectionate celebration of the inimitable Les Dawson at The Stables. Back when TV used to bring the nation together, it was the Forsythe’s, Grayson’s and Dawson’s that were leading the charge. This new play is being delivered by ace impressionist Jon Culshaw as Les, who will W illy Russell’s Blood Brothers is back on MK soil (August 30 –September 3). The captivating tale of twin boys who were separated at birth, and who grew up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences, will encourage the tears. Remember those hankies, folks! Blood Brothers has been informally christened the ‘standing ovation musical’ for a reason.The‘people’s poet’ Dr John Cooper Clarke (September 6) comes to Wavendon venue The Stables with his show, I Wanna Be Yours After shooting to prominence in the 1970s, he became one of the most prolific artists of the punk years. His wordy-way has spanned cultures, audiences, art forms and continents. Worth taking a ticket to listen to John digging into his 2018 collection, The Luckiest Guy Alive, with beautiful prose like Get Back On Drugs You Fat F*ck and I’ve Fallen In Love With My Wife. And there is a whole load more where that came from. The Thinking Drinkers Pub Quiz (September 8) is a chance to partake in a seriously funny quiz show with lots of ‘rounds’ and five free drinks for audience members. Raise your glass to an absurd, fact-filled journey through time. Over 18s only, for obvious reasons. At the start of the new millennium, we were introduced to Trigger Happy TV. It was a Friday night session for the soul sitting between Friends and Frasier, and it was funnier than those shows too. The man responsible, Dom Joly, had previously worked as a political reporter for ITV and a diplomat before finding the funny with his pal Sam Cadman.

Jon Culshaw plays Les Dawson at The Stables Dr John Cooper Clarke

Dom Joly visits Stantonbury Pic: Tristram Kenton

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Kerb 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

View from the Far

My prosperity had rocketed and there were now many dozens of Pounds in my bank account. In order to legitimise the money I had to send the sold things to the buyers. That is where the fun started.Boxes were needed. A certain online retailer tends to use a great many and so countless were available to be re-used. However, once I had packaged one of the things I had been holding onto, just in case, it became clear that it wasn’t just weight that determined posting cost. There were issues regarding size that needed to be considered so as to not blow all my new found riches on postage. The result was lots of remodelling with a sharp knife and scissors so as to reduce the package dimensions. Also, in order to ensure that those things I had been holding onto, just in case, would arrive intact to their new owners who probably wanted them, just in case; I required internal packaging and padding. As the aforementioned online retailer sends out a free tree with each of their packages in the form of crumpled brown paper, I reused it for my own parcels. Unfortunately, it added much weight. There was no choice. Everything I posted needed to be well packed so their new owners received them in a condition that made them worth holding onto, . The costs went up beyond what I had imagined. I had bought sticky tape and used an awful lot of it to wrap everything securely. Then there was the paper and printer ink for the address labels.

71For the latest local news visit www.mkpulse.co.uk | MK Pulse Magazine | September 2022 PUZZLES

After replacedfirstrefashioningpenknifewithstruggledhavingmywhiletheboxIhaditwith a small craft knife bought from that major online retailer. There were more costs behind getting rich than I had originally thought. If you are reading this, Mr Musk, can you leave it a while as I’m not exactly flush at

Just in Case

Clues Across 1. preservativeWood (8) 5. Cattle meat (4) 9. Appease (7) 10. Ghostly (5) 11. Cacophony (3) 12. Channel island (6) 15. Rapid (5) 17. Existed (4) 19. Bargain (6) 22. Source (6) 24. Region (4) SUDOKU PUZZLE 6 8 3 9 4 3 6 8 6 2 9 4 5 2 4 1 5 8 2 9 3 7 6 7 3 Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats. Good Luck! QUICK CROSSWORD Solutions to Sudoku and Quick Crossword can be found on page 72 26. Cook in oven (5) 27. Farmhouse (6) 30. Pitch (3) 32. Scrounge (5) 33. Model (7) 34. Diminutive (4) 35. Betrothal (8) Clues Down 1. Manage (4) 2. Uplift (5) 3. Drenches (5) 4. Craft technique (3-3) 6. Item of jewellery (7) 7. Momentary (8) 8. Incense holder (6) 13. Loose carpet (3) 14. Large jug (4) 16. Quick route (5,3) 18. Bellow (4) 20. Make happy (7) 21. Second of two (6) 23. Hostelry (3) 25. Departure (6) 28. Texan battle site (5) 29. Yawns (5) 31. Hades (4)

I need extra cash and am not alone. So I decided to have a clear out and sell those items that I have been holding onto, just in case Online selling seemed the way to realise vast amounts of wealth. Within a week, I figured on being the richest person in the area. Governments would want to borrow funds from me. Elon Musk would probably ask me to slip him a few Thingsbob.looked good. Stuff to sell that I had been holding onto, just in case, was identified. It was unexpectedly difficult. As a bloke, everything is potentially worth holding onto, just in case. It is the reason garagesRegardless,exist. I dug out things that occupied dark corners or lurked in drawers in my home then set about tackling the internet. It wasn’t as difficult as I had expected and before too long I was advertising much that various people wanted, just in case Once they found buyers the next step was for me to count up how rich I had become.

JanuaryAQUARIUS21–February

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.

Saturn is supposed to be favoured in Aquarius but it may not feel like it these days. You might feel burdened, exhausted, heavy and depressed by the weight of it all. It is not as if things are actually all that bad but you can’t shake off the heaviness and get that lighter feeling back that you used to have. Stick with it and plod onwards: no other option, really. Hopefully it will bear fruit in the end.

Maybe the wheels are falling off some parts of your life that you have been putting huge energy into? Maybe there has been some emotional or physical pain – either yours or someone close – that is really unsettling you. Either way, you should somehow find a way to slow down and gather your energies for what lies ahead.

Agriculturally, the quality of the harvest (Virgo rules the harvest) is determined by the type of summer we have had. In all sorts of symbolic ways, we reap what we have sown in the spring and summer. It’s the time for sifting the wheat from the chaff, getting organised, going back to work, starting the new term. Mars will accent this for a while early this month by probably increasing stress levels as you suddenly realise quite how much needs doing!

SomeMayGEMINI22–June21peoplewill want to pin you down and impose certain commitments this month, but you may come across as being evasive merely because there is so much of interest going on out there right now to put your energy into. Stay as flexible as you can but make sure you take your responsibilities seriously

HOWARD PARKER THE ASTRO-GUIDE Your stars PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

JulyLEO24– August 23 Time to reflect on the blessings you have in this life, I suggest. If you have had good fortune this summer, celebrate it with someone close to you and consider how you can help all those out there who may be struggling with life at the moment. Leos are at their best when they shine and others benefit when they do so.

TimeJuneCANCERtoo.22–July23tofocusinon what is most important to you as we head towards the autumn. You will be feeling more domestically inclined now, I expect, and there will be a lot to do. There could be some transformations at home now and there is probably some redecoration or building work to be done around your personal space.

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.

MaybeAprilTAURUS21–May21thereareopportunities now to heal old wounds and stop wars either within yourself or within your family (particularly over children?). But you need to really try to see beyond the immediate problems and just take small practical steps in the right direction. Helpful opportunities to let go of past issues come around 10th of the month so don’t forget to take them.

AugustVIRGO24–September

September 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes72

23 Virgo – the maker of lists! Yours is likely to be a long one too as your analytic mind intuitively knows what needs to be done and how to prioritise the most important tasks. Mars adds energy to this so you will either be in your element or getting stressed out as you start to recognise just how disorganised things have got during the summer.

LotsNovemberSAGITTARIUS23–December22ofactiontooclosetohome might actually be starting to make you feel claustrophobic – like you definitely need to get away from it all. The new moon is a challenge this month because it wants you to deal with the kinds of details you really can’t be bothered with. This might not be the best time to just turn your back on it all as some things just have to be faced.

SeptemberLIBRA24 – October 23 Some people may insist on making mountains out of molehills now as Jupiter is generally ‘bigging things up’ for you and, potentially making problems appear much worse than they are. I wouldn’t spend too much time on this and don’t let it divert you from what you think are the most important priorities for the approaching OctoberSCORPIOautumn.24–November 22 Think volcanoes coming out of the sea and how they change the very geography of the land where you are. That’s the symbolism as Uranus continues to come up at you from deep down underground. You might consider that the volcanic reactions are actually coming from deep inside YOU. They could be trying to show you what needs to fundamentally change in your life.

It’sDecemberCAPRICORN23–January20asifPlutohasbeeninyour sign forever and it’s still revisiting aspects of your life you thought you had sorted out, but some things still don’t sit right. Pluto is like a tsunami –very slow but unstoppable once it gets going, so you have little choice but to go with it. You may be concluding you are on some sort of unknown journey but you’re not sure where to.

FebruaryPISCES20–March

GET INVOLVED... We are always looking for local stories, news and events. If you want to feature or advertise, please email mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk For the latest local news www.mkpulse.co.ukvisit:

Flavour of the Times - As ever, September brings comeuppance!

The new moon wants to bring some order into your life and just for once, you might grudgingly feel that it is right. You’ve been floating around for too long now and you may have lost the plot completely. Mars is around to give you some energy now so just take a look at how things are going and see if you can pin-point what needs to MarchARIESchange.21–April

THE HUB, BROOKLYN HOUSE, 7 RILLATON WALK, MK9 ESTATE2FZAGENTS WILL ALWAYS TELL YOU THEY’RE THE BEST, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE WE ACTUALLY ARE! MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE ON YOUR PROPERTY JOURNEY AND CONTACT THOMAS CONNOLLY ESTATE AGENTS TO LET YOUR PROPERTY TODAY. KNOW YOUR PROPERTY’S WORTH LET AGREED 1st OUT OF 68 OFFICES 196 MILTON KEYNES STATISTICS 2021/2022 Published on rightmove.co.uk KNOW THOMAS CONNOLLY’S WORTH

MK Pulse magazine September 2022

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