NN Pulse January 2025

HFrom the

Editor

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

ello, almost-2025! We’re writing this two weeks before Christmas, surrounded by mince pies, half-wrapped presents, and just a hint of panic about finding a decent turkey. By the time this lands in your hands, the festive chaos will be behind you, the leftover cheese will be dwindling, and you’ll probably be trying to remember what day it is. Let’s shake off the haze and kick-start 2025 with some inspiration, shall we?

First up, we’re talking men’s health. Prostate cancer affects one in eight men—a staggering figure—but early testing could save lives. Sir Chris Hoy’s brave announcement has shone a light on this critical issue, encouraging men to get checked. Locally, the Northampton Prostate Cancer Support Group (NPCSG) is doing fantastic work. Their November event saw 300 men tested, with nine requiring follow-ups—proof of how vital these tests are. Their next PSA session isn’t until later in the year, but Chairman Richard Truby has a simple plea: “Go and get the test through your GP.” His personal journey highlights just how lifesaving early detection can be.

On a brighter note, let us introduce Kevin Rogers, Northampton’s beloved Singing Solicitor. By mixing his love for music with a drive to support great causes, Kevin has brought joy to many while raising funds for those in need. His story is one of creativity, community, and compassion—and it’ll leave you feeling seriously inspired.

Winter might have a frosty grip on us, but your skin doesn’t have to suffer. Our winter survival guide is packed with tips to keep your complexion glowing, no matter how icy it gets. And if you’re itching to start fresh, our gardening resolutions will inspire you to turn your outdoor space into a peaceful haven.

Finally, don’t miss our round-up of January events across Northamptonshire, from cosy music nights to exciting days out. Here’s to health, creativity, and making 2025 your best year yet. Cheers!

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Celebrating a year of dedication: matron marks milestone at Cynthia Spencer

The matron of Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Laura Marlton, has marked her first year in the role by paying tribute to her team’s unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding care to patients and their families.

Promoted to matron in 2023, Laura previously served as ward sister at the hospice. Over the past year, she has led a passionate and skilled clinical team dedicated to supporting patients with palliative needs, ensuring every individual receives compassionate, personalised care.

Reflecting on her time in the role, Laura said: “The dedication of our hospice staff is extraordinary. Patients and families tell us they feel truly heard and understood here. We give them the time and space to express their emotions – whether that’s talking freely, screaming, or simply sitting in silence.

“All of our staff are here because they love what they do. Their passion shines through every single day. This is a special place, filled with special people.”

With a deep-rooted family connection to palliative care – her mother worked in a hospice – Laura has been committed to this field for as long as she can remember. After honing her skills in acute medicine, she joined Cynthia Spencer Hospice as a staff nurse in 2011.

“From the very start, I was drawn to the passion and dedication of nurses in palliative care,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to make a difference at such a critical time. You don’t get a second chance at dying, so it’s vital to ensure patients feel supported, involved, and listened to.”

Over the years, Laura progressed to ward sister, using her role to mentor her colleagues and enhance the hospice experience for patients and their families. As matron, she continues to lead with the same commitment, ensuring the highest standards of care are upheld.

“For me, what I take away from this job has changed with each role I’ve held, but the sense of purpose remains constant,” she said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else – this is where I belong.”

Laura’s connection with families often extends beyond their time at the hospice, with many returning to remember loved ones or even volunteering to support the hospice’s work.

“One of my earliest patients passed away on Christmas Day,” she recalled. “For years after, his family would visit on that day to bring chocolates and light a candle. It’s not about the gifts – it’s about the connection. These moments of remembrance mean so much to us.”

This year, Cynthia Spencer Hospice launched its Make A Difference, Your Way campaign, encouraging the community to support the hospice in ways that resonate with them – from volunteering and fundraising to donating or spreading the word.

The funds raised by supporters play a crucial role in sustaining a wide range of hospice services, including inpatient care, wellbeing programmes, Hospice@ Home, lymphoedema treatment and specialist palliative nursing services.

“A terminal diagnosis doesn’t mean life comes to an end immediately,” Laura explained. “Our focus is on helping people live as long as they can, as well as they can. We adapt to their needs and support them and their loved ones through this journey.

“People might think a hospice is a sad place, but it’s filled with moments of joy and celebration as we help people live their lives to the fullest.”

Scan the code to discover how you can support Cynthia Spencer Hospice and make a difference in your own way.

Laura Marlton, matron

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

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

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

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

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Northamptonshire business leader wins inaugural MP HERoes award

Jessica Pilkington, founder and director of Northampton-based PR and marketing agency Pilkington Communications, has been honoured with the prestigious MP HERoes Award at Westminster. This marks the first time a business leader from Northamptonshire has received the accolade, which celebrates female entrepreneurship and contributions to the charity sector.

Nominated by Mike Reader, MP for Northampton South, Jessica was recognised for her efforts in making professional marketing services accessible to charities and social enterprises across the county. As an MP HERo, she will now participate in activities at Parliament, advocating for female entrepreneurship nationwide.

Jessica said: “This is a tremendous honour, particularly as it’s the first time someone from Northamptonshire has been recognised. It’s about building a talent pool of local role models who inspire others to succeed. I’m proud to be part of this initiative.”

Mike Reader MP praised Jessica, saying: “Jessica and her team show how local businesses can positively impact our community. Their work amplifies the efforts of charities and social enterprises, creating lasting change.”

The MP HERoes programme, now in its third year, is run by Savvitas in partnership with NatWest. It pairs MPs with successful female business owners in their constituencies to encourage and support women entrepreneurs across the UK.

Founded in 2013, Pilkington Communications focuses on supporting charities, social enterprises and non-profits. Its clients include Groundwork Northamptonshire, Deafconnect, and Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust. The agency also donates to the Northamptonshire Community Foundation through its Corporate Giving Network.

Jessica is also a trustee of Northampton Community Spaces and co-founded Harry’s Fund, which provides bursaries for neurodiverse students, in memory of her late son.

For more about MP HERoes, visit: www.mpheroes.com.

Jessica Pilkington, was honoured with the prestigious MP HERoes award at Westminster

When it comes to health, ignorance is never bliss

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and yet many still struggle to admit to any niggling health concerns, or go for testing.

It takes something like the announcement made by Sir Chris Hoy, himself dealing with incurable Stage 4 prostate cancer, to shift the balance and encourage men to get tested for the disease that takes more than 10,000 lives a year in this country.

A simple blood test can provide reassurance, or, if necessary, ensure that treatment is swift.

Northampton Prostate Cancer Support Group (NPCSG) held its most recent PSA testing event in November, welcoming 300 men aged 40 and over through the doors for testing.

As a result, nine men received results that warranted further investigation.

NPCSG will hold another session towards the end of 2025, but the message is simple; if you have concerns, get checked with your doctor right away.

“If you are worried, go and get the test

through your GP,” urged Richard Truby, who is chairman of the support group.

And Richard knows just how important testing is - he was diagnosed with the disease nine years ago, and is monitored regularly for changes.

“There is a whole list of possible symptoms to look out for, but it’s also worth remembering that prostate cancer sometimes presents no symptoms,” he said.

Diagnosis is traumatic, as he remembers well: “When I was told I had it, I found the support group to be a great help. You feel so alone and much of the disease is with the mind – you instantly go to worse case scenarios and feel that you are all alone to process things.

“Doctors and nurses are great, but to speak with fellow men who are going through the same treatments, procedures and who are dealing with the same feelings is a revelation. It helps enormously.

“I get on with life in a normal fashion, although as chairman of the group I can never leave it behind completely – but that is my choice, and I find it very rewarding.

“I am not letting it affect me one way or the other. You can’t forget that you have it, but it need not define you,”

Richard said.

> For more information visit tacklegroups.org.uk/site-20

Participants at the last PSA testing event –with Richard (back row, in cap)

The test involves taking a small sample of blood from your arm

David’s story...

When David visited his GP to find the cause of a persistent cough, he did so at the insistence of his wife.

“My GP was very thorough and one of the things he did was a PSA test, which came back ok, but he then did a physical, a digital rectal examination, and that suggested further investigation,” David said.

A urology visit was followed by a biopsy, and then an MRI scan was carried out.

“These days those are done in reverse –doing the less invasive procedure first.”

David’s MRI scan confirmed the news that he did have prostate cancer.

“There was no family history. I’m one of these cases where it just seems to happen,” he said.

The news was devastating.

“It didn’t feel good, I can tell you, because you hear the word cancer and think, ‘this time next year I will probably be dead’. It’s that sort of feeling,” he says reflecting on that day 12 years ago.

He had a few more tests before treatment options were discussed, and at that stage David passed on radiotherapy in favour of surgery.

“The surgery is to remove the prostate and if it is contained within the gland, and they remove it successfully, it may well be that you are cured of the disease.”

The operation went well, and yet David’s PSA level was continuing to rise.

“It was rising from a very low level but it was doubling every three months. In a further blow, news was given that David’s cancer had escaped and spread to the bones.

“You are partially expecting it, because whether you are an optimist or a pessimist the reality is this could well be the situation,” he admits, “But to say you are feeling deflated again, would probably understate it.”

Sharing the health update with his children who were in their 20s at the time, was a difficulty.

“That was rather hard and I tried to tell them rather casually, but they took it rather more seriously. They were quite upset by it.”

David’s cancer journey then involved radiotherapy the following year, and a course of chemotherapy a couple of years after that, described by medics as ‘a mopping up exercise.’

David’s story makes for tough reading, but also for positive reading – he has been living with the disease for 12 years, receiving hormone therapy to keep things in check.

“It is designed to deprive the cancer of the things it needs to thrive – it needs testosterone, but the hormone therapy takes that away, and on that basis it is designed to stop the cancer getting worse.”

Some men will receive a course of hormones for a year or two, but David will continue on that treatment, in the form of a stomach implant, for life.

“It does keep you feeling fairly well. They say it will make you feel tired, and it does. The therapy turns me into a bit of an old woman – most of my friends say they don’t notice the difference!” he laughed. “Hot flushes are one of the main symptoms, which isn’t a problem in the scheme of things.”

While dealing with the disease himself, he was also part responsible for setting up the Prostate Cancer support group in his area. The invitation to launch a support group came from the hospital itself, and it has now been helping those diagnosed for the past decade.

“Men are reluctant to talk, but if there is no-one to talk to it becomes impossible,” David says, explaining the importance of the group.

“It ensures that if people want advice, information and support that there is a local group they can turn to.

“You have the national charities like PCUK, Tackle and Macmillan and they are fantastic, but the best they can probably do is have a conversation with someone over the phone. That’s wonderful, but it’s not the same as being in the same room with someone and just talking, which is what we do every month or so.

“As well as organising regular PSA Test events, the group is an opportunity to share, listen to and just be with people that are in the same situation. People who understand.”

At 74-years-old, David enjoys an active life that probably rivals people half his age: “One of the professors at the cancer centre has the view that you should ‘get out there and enjoy your life,’ and that’s my view, really.”

But had his wife not ‘dragged’ him to the GP for that first visit, it could all have been so very different.

“Then I would be in the Chris Hoy situation,” he reflected, parting with some easy advice for those debating whether or not to make that appointment to see their GP.

“Just do it,” is his simple encouragement.

The Facts...

What is the prostate gland?

It is usually the shape and size of a walnut and is situated just below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra and its main function is to make some of the semen that carries sperm.

The PSA test. What is it?

It’s a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and also by prostate cancer cells. It’s normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood, and the amount rises slightly as you get older and your prostate gets bigger. A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostatebut not necessarily cancer.

The figures:

• Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer affecting the UK male population

• One in eight men will be diagnosed with it

• Annually, more than 40,000 men in the UK are diagnosed

• Around 10,500 men die of it.

• Black men have a three times higher risk of getting prostate cancer.

Your frequently asked questions about Wills... answered

With New Year plans in progress, we spoke to Wilson Browne Solicitors about getting your affairs in order with a Will.

Do I really need a Will?

This is the most common question we get asked, especially from married couples as it is often assumed that everything will simply pass to the surviving spouse. However, if you do not have a Will in place, under the rules in England and Wales, you are deemed as passing intestate meaning it is then left to the intestacy rules to determine who benefits from your estate. Another aspect to note is that un-married partners and co-habitees are not recognised under the intestacy rules and so your partner would not benefit from anything in your estate. If you want control over who inherits from your estate and peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected after your death, then you need to have a Will in place.

Do I need a Solicitor to write a Will?

The simple answer is no. You do not need a Solicitor to write a Will and can write one yourself. Whilst these are legal, they can lead to future problems. For example, if the wording can be considered ambiguous it could be contested or if it is not signed correctly it will not be deemed valid. By using a Solicitor to write your Will such problems will be addressed and dealt with at the point of drafting the Will rather than when it’s too late to rectify.

What should I include in my Will?

Your Will should deal with how you wish everything you own to be distributed on your death. This is from the small things

such as jewellery, personal belongings and car to the bigger assets such as your property, savings, investments, policies and much more. Within your Will you can state who you wish your beneficiaries to be and the percentage or amount you wish for them to inherit. This can include anyone of your choice from your spouse, children, friends, charities to name a few.

If you now feel it is time to write your Will then contact any member of our experienced Wills & Probate team at Wilson Browne Solicitors who will be more than happy to help. Call us on 0800 088 6004 for advice and to start the process today.. We look forward to meeting you and getting that box on your ‘things-to-do list’ ticked off.

Any circumstances relating to family law are very stressful and in our experience it helps to obtain legal advice as early as possible. Our Partner-led team are experienced in all aspects of family law and understand the issues you face and offer practical and straightforward legal advice. We are here to help you with: • Child Arrangement Orders • Adoption • Divorce & Relationship Breakdown • Finance

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Many of us use music as a tool for relaxation and escapism, and Northampton man Kevin Rogers is no exception, but he has turned up the volume and made a name for himself as the selfstyled Singing Solicitor. He told Sammy Jones how music is intrinsically linked to his health and wellbeing - and how he uses it to help worthy causes.

The chair of regional law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors (WB) launched his fourth charity single in the autumn. Music has always mattered for Kevin, who played in bands throughout his school and college years, ‘never with great success but always with great enthusiasm,’ he remembers.

“I also sang in choirs for the school and sang with the county choir on occasions. My voice was so deep when I was 14 to 16 that I had to sing with the staff choir at school and I remember mum getting me a dinner jacket from a charity shop for about £3.50 to wear that was several sizes too big. I felt like an Italian tenor!”

Music was a shared passion with his late mother who had spurred her son on in more recent years to pick up the musical baton again.

“It was the singing on the landing after a night out in my late teens when I would come home that she really loved, or practising in the house. I think those moments meant a lot to her, never mind seeing me perform in front of a few hundred people.”

Meet the Singing Solicitor using music for good

Today, music also serves as a way to manage his own mental health, and it was no accident that the most recent release, a cover of the Kings of Leon track Use Somebody, was part of a World Mental Health Day showcase.

“I have had operations on both of my knees and I need to keep them moving just to avoid pain. I have a cross trainer at home that I try, on a good week, to use for just over 30 minutes a morning, five days a week. That has had a major impact on me,” he said, sharing the connection between physical and mental health.

“I am no athlete but I used to be quite a bit heavier - in 2019 I saw a photograph of myself promoting some awards or other for work where I did not recognise myself. That was the year I lost three stones.” he said, explaining his catalyst for change.

“I am a firm believer in doing what you want at the weekend, but eating sensibly and moving a bit, really makes a difference for the other days in a week. That, coupled with the clear and open communication I have always enjoyed with, and support from, my wife Rachel, and the support from key individuals and partners at Wilson Browne, and in my circle of friends, is really important.

“When you stop talking, stop moving, and start eating, or whatever your poison is, it is a quick slippery slope, so I always come back to that sort of combination.

“I tell myself that a routine that involves ‘me time’ – including exercise and music – as well as family time, and time for work is essential.

It’s a balancing act, and you really need to strike that balance: “If you let one take over and neglect the others, cracks appear. You can shift the balance when needed, but don’t be away from any one thing for too long.”

“You have to remember that you are in charge of your diary, you are in charge of what you do and don’t do or eat or don’t eat, and make excuses for.”

And who better for Kevin to learn from, than his father: “My dad is in his 90’s and has always been active and continues to be. He is a huge inspiration for me in that sense.”

How do you balance the need to keep physically and mentally healthy with the day job? How stressful is your role with two others on the Board of WB?

“We are tasked with delivering the strategic vision of the wider partnership and we have grown significantly over the last 10 years or so. It has been a very challenging time, as well as a thrilling one. Some individual issues can be really worrying. If you have something impact the business, that in turn might impact other people’s jobs - there is no one else to make that decision but us three on the Board. Overall though we do not exist in a state of heightened stress. We learned long ago to tackle problems head on; to buy in outside support if we need, to share the load internally if we have to, but simply to not put issues off.”

A simple lesson, but one that many people don’t heed, right?

“The longer you put something off, the longer it has to fester. I know that each of us three loves what we do - there are days of course when that is less true than others, but on the whole we would not do it, and the firm would not be achieving at the rate at which it is, if we did not absolutely love it.”

As the Singing Solicitor, Kevin gets to let his inner performer out, while using the platform he has to support worthy causes.

Previously, his annual single releases (tracks by Billy Bragg, Adele and Snow Patrol) had benefited the Lewis Foundation, a charity he continues to support, while the Kings of Leon delivery has raised in excess of eight thousand pounds for Northamptonshire Mind.

As the new year comes into view, is there a fifth hit single ready for the Kevin treatment?

“Now, there is a thought,” he ponders, “I have massive imposter syndrome about the whole thing, to be honest. I am not trying to be the next Shane Ward or whoever,” but in the era of faceless keyboard warriors, Kevin has had to face less than kind comments: “I find it difficult to read those, especially when the activity is linked to a charity,” he admits, “But I have long since realised, as a litigator, that I cannot control what people say, I can only control how I respond - and that is what the “block” button is for!

“I simply do not need that negativity in my life, even if I am only trying to make myself feel mentally better, never mind raise funds or awareness for a charity.

“I don’t know, I feel that for the most part people have probably had enough!”

But he’s not closing the door completely for future releases, or to live performance, having only taken the stage a couple of times in recent years at charity events.

“I would like to perform live more, but then I am not actually all that sure that anyone would turn up if it was not linked to a charitable cause. Perhaps I should find out...” he teased.

The easiest way to help me raise some money is to ask your streaming service to play Use Somebody by Kevin Rogers and have a listen...”

If people want to support your charity work, how is it best to do it?

“The easiest way to help me raise some money is to ask your streaming service to play Use Somebody by Kevin Rogers and have a listen, look for my other songs, and leave them on repeat even if the volume is down,” he smiled, “Or visit the justgiving page.”

> To support Kevin’s fundraising, visit justgiving.com/page/ singingsolicitormind60

Northamptonshire Mind are the current recipients of his charity work

You can scan the QR code to go to Kevin’s Just Giving page

The Singing Solictor - using music to support others

How is future earning potential considered in a financial settlement?

When you are going through a divorce, or dissolution of your civil partnership, a key concern will be to ensure that you will have financial security once it has all been decided. What each of you is likely to earn in the future will be a factor that is looked at for this purpose. This may be a particular area of focus for you, if one of you gave up your career to raise the family and supported the other to progress and flourish in theirs.

‘You may also wonder how a wish to retire early, or perhaps work less, might affect the way in which future earnings are considered,’ says Connor Williams in the family team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. ‘It is therefore a good idea to understand how this factor is taken into account, and what you may need to think about before starting the process.’

Is ‘earning potential’ a matrimonial asset?

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In short, no. The family courts have ruled that someone’s future earning capacity cannot be treated as a matrimonial asset to be divvied up as part of a financial settlement, in the same way that a private pension might be. The principal reason for this is that it would conflict with the law’s goal of trying to achieve a ‘clean break’ (breaking all financial ties) for a divorcing couple. If the court were to allow one of you to claim a share in the other’s future earnings, that would essentially keep you both connected and unable to gain closure. It would also impact upon the paying person’s ability to plan and secure their financial future.

If you gave up your job to raise the family, which in turn allowed your ex-partner to excel in their career and increase their earnings, you might be under the assumption that you would be entitled to a share of that future success. This is not the case.

In situations where you both earn modestly, there would be an undeniable disadvantage to the paying party if their future earnings had to be shared.

Even if you are both high earners and could absorb the financial loss of sharing future earnings, the court’s objective is to free you from each other financially whenever that is possible, and so it is wise to bear the court’s approach in mind from the outset.

How do the courts consider future earning capacity?

‘You may also wonder how a wish to retire early, or perhaps work less, might affect the way in which future earnings are considered’

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

When the court applies the law to calculating the financial settlement arising from your divorce or dissolution of your civil partnership, it has to consider all of the circumstances. One of the factors it looks at, along with things like your age and health, is each of your future earnings potential.

If it is one of the main elements of the settlement negotiations, the court may want to break it down into elements and explore each person’s situation regarding:

• current work and earnings;

• qualifications and skills;

• experience and employment history; and

• projections of future earning capacity based on available evidence.

So, what each of you is likely to earn after a divorce may be just as important, if not more so, as what you might be earning now. The court’s aim is to get an accurate picture of the earnings that will be coming in, to try and ensure as best it can that each of your reasonable income needs will be met.

What about spousal maintenance?

Whilst future earning potential, in and of itself, is not a matrimonial asset, it is relevant when thinking about whether one of you will require some ongoing financial assistance from the other by way of spousal maintenance. In that scenario, each of your incomes and earning capacities will be taken into account to decide the level of maintenance required, which has to be fair when all things are considered.

How can we help?

Whether a divorce or dissolution of your civil partnership is on the cards, or you need guidance on how future earnings will be considered in your existing case, we can provide specialist advice to help you to understand your position and your options.

For further information, please contact Connor Williams in the family law team on: 01604 622101 or email connor.williams@bmtclw.co.uk

Connor Williams Litigation Executive

Back from the brink

Northamptonshire’s royal residence Apethorpe Palace

Words by Laura Malpas

It’s currently a private home but was once considered the most glorious royal residence in Northamptonshire. Enjoyed by the Tudor and Stuart monarchs it was particularly loved by James I who extended and enriched the building. After a long decline, the restoration of the exquisite Apethorpe Palace is nearing completion. It will be open for prebooked tours from March 2025, and I can’t wait to visit!

The manorial estate of Apethorpe, noted in the Domesday Book of 1086, and close to the royal forest of Rockingham was acquired by Sir Guy Wolston in the 1480s. A friend of King Edward IV, Sheriff and MP for Northampton and constable of Fotheringhay Castle, Sir Guy began to build a grand house at Apethorpe to take advantage of the great location.

The beautiful house so close to excellent hunting grounds, proved irresistible to

Henry VIII, who bought it in 1543. After his death four years later, Henry left Apethorpe to his daughter Princess Elizabeth in his will. However, her brother the young King Edward VI exchanged the estate for other property with Sir Water Mildmay. Mildmay was an accomplished royal servant and shrewd advisor on financial and legal matters to all the Tudor monarchs. He acted as Queen Elizabeth’s household treasurer and Chancellor of the

Apethorpe Palace from the air.

Photo credit: English Heritage

Exchequer and was famously the highest paid Elizabethan civil servant. Walter made Apethorpe his home and was the first to significantly upgrade the house to impress and delight the Queen with handsome state apartments. She rewarded him with several visitations during her royal progresses throughout Northamptonshire that no doubt cost him a fortune. As one of her advisors, Walter took his part in the death of Mary, Queen of Scots, calling for her execution and attending the actual event at nearby Fotheringhay.

After Walter’s death in 1589, the house passed to his eldest son Sir Anthony. He was well received by the old Queen Elizabeth who knighted him, and eventually became a popular courtier of James I who fell in love with Apethorpe and the nearby Rockingham Forest. Sir Anthony spared nothing in entertaining the King ‘The tables were newly covered with costly banquets wherein everything that was most delitious for taste proved more delicate by the Arte that made it seem beauteous to the eye’.

King James made himself at home, and regularly commissioned and enjoyed rowdy masquerades and entertainment provided by the best writers and artists in England there. And it was at Apethorpe in 1614 that King James met the handsome young George Villiers who controversially became his favourite and created him Duke of Buckingham. Sir Anthony had a single child, a

daughter Mary. She married Francis Fane 1st Earl of Westmorland, and together they inherited Apethorpe. In gratitude they created a magnificent marble monument of Sir Anthony and his wife Grace in the local church.

The couple also inherited the favour of the King who continued to visit regularly. Mary and Francis extended Apethorpe by creating grand state apartments with special bedchambers to accommodate the King and his favourite Duke, discreetly linked together by closets. Other rooms included the great chamber with its magnificent plasterwork ceiling, withdrawing chamber, and impressive long gallery. The King was delighted and offered a royal grant of timber towards the building works. The gift was described as intended for ‘the more commodious entertainment of his Majesty and his

company at his repair into those parts for his princely recreation there’. Ever the discreet courtiers, Mary and Francis always withdrew whenever the King stayed, leaving him to enjoy Apethorpe in private.

For nearly three hundred years the Fane Family continued to own and enjoy Apethorpe. However the family owned many other magnificent houses, and the costs of time and money to maintain them all were demanding, especially considering their international business interests. The family suffered financial difficulties at the end of the 19th century and decided to sell Apethorpe. In 1904 the estate was purchased by Henry Brassey, whose family had made their wealth on the railways. Henry was a busy man, a Conservative politician, elected to Northamptonshire North in 1910, and later to Peterborough. He fought in the First World War for the Northamptonshire Yeomanry, and afterwards acted as High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant for the County, and in 1938 was created Baron Brassey of Apethorpe. In his early years of ownership he invested heavily in restoring the house and the family lived there. But during the 1930s the house was used less, and the family eventually withdrew to the manor.

The house was requisitioned in 1939 for the duration of the war, and in 1949 the Brassey family sold the house and much of the estate.

Left: King James I & VI by John De Critz c 1605; Middle: Sir Anthony Mildmay c 1590 by Nicholas Hilliard; right: George Villiers Duke of Buckingham by Peter Paul Rubens c 1625

Sir Walter Mildmay aged 51 by Anon

Apethorpe then entered the most uncertain stage of its history. What had once been a palace suffered the indignity of becoming an approved school under the Roman Catholic church, a place designed to discipline and train wayward young men. In 1982 the school closed as approved schools ceased to exist.

But a more tragic fate was in store for this once great estate. In 1982, the house with its 30 bedrooms, 60 acres of parkland, 13 cottages and stable block, was sold to Wanis Mohammed Burweila, a Libyan businessman, for £750,00. His stated intention was to create a university, but two years later, in the aftermath of the Libyan Embassy siege he is believed to have left Britain. Refusing to respond to correspondence he abandoned the estate, and never returned. It was left empty and uncared for, with holes in the roof, riddled with wet and dry rot, and subsequent water damage to the structure.

When English Heritage began the Buildings at Risk Register in 1998, Apethorpe’s significance was recognised. After a public enquiry, East Northamptonshire Council began legal action against Mr Burweila, who promptly sold the estate to a property developer. However, the Secretary of

State confirmed a compulsory purchase order, and in 2004 English Heritage was given the task of protecting the unique Jacobean features and making the house watertight for the future. The plan was for a single family to live in it, rather than to convert it to a hotel or visitor attraction. Apethorpe’s historic status led to significant multidisciplinary research and attention, with architects, historians, conservation experts all fascinated to work on the project.

The eventual purchasers have done a magnificent job in continuing the restoration work begun by English Heritage. Baron von Pfetten acquired the freehold in 2014 and has invested a fortune in bringing Apethorpe Palace back to the luxurious residence it was intended to be. They have installed modern plumbing, electricity, and heating. This was much needed, as when they arrived there was only a single functioning electric socket.

Thanks to their efforts, Apethorpe is no longer on the ‘At Risk’ register.

It continues to be a massive project. However, it is possible to visit in 2025. There have been several recent articles in Country Life magazine, and the photographs look magnificent. Baron von Pfetten still works closely with English Heritage, and their website shows several opportunities to visit either as a group or as individuals.

Why not keep checking to see if a date that works for you comes available. I am sure that this is going to be a must see for Northamptonshire history lovers!

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ apethorpe-palace/

The Northamptonshire Heritage Forum has something for everyone interested in learning more about our county’s history. If you would like more information, or are interested in joining the Forum and supporting its work, please visit www.northamptonshireheritageforum.co.uk

Apethorpe Palace facade during restoration. Photo credit: English Heritage

Elaborate plaster ceiling probably by Edward Stanyon. Photo credit: English Heritage

The Long Gallery. Photo credit: English Heritage

Tomb of Sir Anthony and Lady Grace Mildmay St Leonard's church, Apethorpe

Here’s to a beautiful new year!

Start the new year by shifting the focus from others – it’s time to prioritise yourselves. This month you are No.1 – here’s some inspiration to chill you out, hydrate, and give you great talons and tootsies!

De-Stress with a Dashamula Body Treatment Oil, which is made to a centuries-old formula utilising aloe vera, frankincense, tangerine and virgin coconut. Between them, these ingredients will hydrate, rejuvenate and stimulate collagen production.

Great for scalp and body alike. Heat up and massage slowly – or better still, get someone else to do that part while you chill with the still!

Get it: spaceceylon.co.uk

RRP: £26

If your head is humming after a frantic December, you’ve now got the dull, dreary and depressingly long January to manoeuvre through. There’s got to be some way to find a little peace... There is; in a tidy Soothing Balm!

All natural, cooling and relaxing, this little pot of plenty is great for tackling feelings of stress, thanks to a clever combination of nature’s finest – lavender, lemon grass, lemon and licorice. Massage into temples, take a deep breath... and relax.

Get it: spaceceylon.co.uk

RRP: £13

Don’t forget the tootsies! They work hard for us, but all too often their care is an afterthought – it’s time to put feet first, and Lush Pink Peppermint Foot Cream way to do it.

Put your feet up, massage in a generous dollop, and let the soothing arnica infusion and tagetes oil get to the sole of things. A vegan blend to get you back on your feet in no time!

Get it: lush.com/uk £22

Minimalist’s Retinol 0.2%

Liposomal Cream is an enemy of wrinkles and out to target those lines we all hate. Retinol and a number of other powerful antioxidants have been harnessed to deliver a well-rounded solution that will visibly reduce fine lines, loss of elasticity and dull skin. And a little goes a long way – simply apply a pea sized amount to the face and neck.

Get it: global.beminimalist.co/en-gb

RRP: £19.99

Our skin is always at the mercy of the weather, and this time of year it can really suffer with harsh winds, cold snaps and central heating resulting in that terribly tight and dry feeling. Gentlecare to the rescue with a trio of new products to nourish and hydrate; a Face Cream, Body Lotion and Hand Cream. Much like the packaging, this smart range is about simple and effective care, delivering ‘advanced healthcare solutions to everyday skincare.’

Your skin will drink it up – from face and nose to fingers and toes!

Get it: uk.gentle-care.com

RRP: £29.99 (Face Cream), £19.99 (Body Lotion), £14.99 (Hand Cream)

The days of chewed nails and chipped polish are a thing of the past, and having the perfect finish is essential, but what if you’re a novice when it comes to doing your own nails? Worry not, preen, polishing and perfecting is easy with Mylee’s Mini Kit, which will give you that fabulous finish and deliver up to three weeks wear.

This entry level kit has all you need to prep and apply; an LED lamp, base coat, top coat, three Gel Polish colours, buffing block, cuticle sticks, brush and wipes. You want guaranteed great handiwork? Mylee will ensure you nail it!

Get it: mylee.co.uk

RRP: £65 (worth £93.49)

Winter skin survival guide: Stay glowy, not frostbitten

Ah, winter. The season of cosy jumpers, hot chocolates, and (let’s be honest) skin that feels like it’s gone ten rounds with a sandstorm. The icy winds and central heating don’t do us any favours, but don’t panic – you can totally outsmart the season with a few clever tricks. Let’s get your skin glowing, even when it’s snowing. –

Hydrate Inside and Out

We know – drinking water in winter feels like a chore. But your skin needs hydration to stay soft and plump. If plain water is too boring, try herbal teas or warm lemon water (it’s hydrating and makes you feel fancy). Pair it with a rich, buttery moisturiser full of goodies like hyaluronic acid and slap it on while your skin’s still damp. Trust us – it makes a huge difference.

Layer Like a Pro

Your skincare routine should be just like your winter wardrobe: all about layers. Start with a gentle cleanser, add a hydrating serum, and top it off with a rich moisturiser. And don’t even think about skipping SPF – those sneaky UV rays don’t take a holiday.

Go Easy on the Exfoliation

Winter skin loves a bit of exfoliation, but don’t overdo it. Go for something gentle, like a lactic acid exfoliant, and stick to once or twice a week. Too much scrubbing will leave your skin angrier than you when someone finishes the last mince pie.

Add Some Moisture to the Air

Central heating sucks the life out of your skin. A humidifier is a game-changer, but even a bowl of water near the radiator can help. Think of it as a little oasis in your home.

Show Your Lips and Hands Some Love

Cold winds and constant handwashing can leave your lips and hands feeling like sandpaper. Keep a nourishing lip balm and a rich hand cream handy, and pop on some gloves before heading out. Bonus: your hands will feel like they’re living their best spa life.

Be Kind in the Shower

We get it – steaming hot showers feel like heaven on a cold day. But they’re also drying your skin faster than you can say “where’s the lotion?” Stick to lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free body wash instead.

Feed Your Face

Healthy skin starts in the kitchen. Load up on omega-3s (hello, salmon and walnuts) and vitamin-rich foods like citrus fruits and leafy greens. Your skin will look like it just got back from a spa retreat.

We know – drinking water in winter feels like a chore. But your skin needs hydration to stay soft and plump. If plain water is too boring, try herbal teas or warm lemon water.”

Glow Your Way Through Winter

There you have it – your cheat sheet for keeping your skin soft, happy, and hydrated all winter long. So, grab a cup of tea (hydration counts if it’s herbal!) and start showing your skin some love. Spring will be here before you know it, and you’ll be glowing every step of the way.

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

New Year, New Ideas

While we want every New Year to feel like a clean slate, fashion’s thoughts of yesteryear tend to linger...

We’re still midway through Autumn/Winter, after all, which wants us in warm woolies, trusty tartans, and a lick of festive gold - great news for those still celebrating the turn of 2025.

Already thinking seasons ahead? Pick up new pieces where last season left off, because there’s a continuation of plaid (seen on Bottega Veneta’s catwalk, and of course in perpetuity at Burberry); and according to Versace, Phillip Lim and Dries Van Noten, all things cargo (patch pockets, combat pants, khaki, olive and sandy tones) are coming back in Spring/Summer. Next season will also see last year’s tank tops return as a hero piece – saving grace for all of us hoping to make new outfit ideas from the old clothes we’ve got at home.

If you’re sale shopping, look out for last year’s lace and anything with a sheer layer of tulle - cloaked dresses, tops, skirts and even blazers are on their way for Summer, following model footsteps at Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana. Meanwhile, Stella McCartney, Balenciaga and Alaïa plucked their ideas for style from the sky, reimagining bomber jackets, gowns and skirts in the form of fluffy clouds. Yes, Bubble skirts will be back, along with puffed up tops and voluminous minidresses.

But best yet is another chance to challenge yourself to shopping secondhand: Loewe, Erdem and JW Anderson declaring the return of panniers and skirt hoops. See their Victorian-inspired reinventions for reference, then get yourself down to your local charity shop. Find a floral dress bolstered at the hips, or shaped with an outrageous caged underskirt, and you’ll be big steps ahead, with some of fashion’s most froward thinkers.

Lace & Beads @ John

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Berry & banana smoothie bowls

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS

2 small bananas, roughly chopped 100g frozen mixed berries

2 medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped

4 mint leaves

Half a 500g pot natural organic yogurt

About 80g fresh blueberries and blackberries

Small handful spelt flakes

METHOD

1. Put the bananas, frozen berries, dates, mint and yogurt in a small high-speed blender. Whizz until completely smooth (you may need to stop it and scrape down the sides halfway through).

2. Divide the smoothie between 2 bowls and top with the fresh berries and spelt flakes. Serve immediately.

COOK’S TIP

You can top the smoothie bowls with other fruits – try sliced mango and kiwi fruit instead of berries for a tropical twist. The spelt flakes add crunch, but toasted pumpkin seeds or flaked almonds work well, too.

DIGGING DEEP

How does your garden grow?

2025 – time to make your garden come alive!

The new year is a time for resetting (or perhaps that should read repotting?!) and thinking of new challenges to take on.

Might 2025 be the year that you get to grips with your outdoor space?

If you enviously view your neighbours’ flourishing garden while yours has broken slabs, weathered play equipment and weeds aplenty, make this the time to get to the root of the problem!

Gardening is a wonderfully fulfilling pastime, but easy it most definitely isn’t –especially to start with.

Forget any ideas of turning your neglected patch into a Capability Brown success overnight, and instead, take a steady, measured approach, which will win this particular race.

Here are some tips to help...

Before reaching for the spade, reach for the pen – what do you want your garden to look like? What do you want it to provide and how do you want it to work for you?

Formulate a plan - Visit gardens and nurseries for ideas. Factors to consider include the size of your space and how much sunlight (or not) the garden receives. Is it open to all the elements?

Aspect is important.

Budget well, but don’t cut corners. Doing things the right way the first time will save stress and cash later on.

In the last 100 years, 97% of our wildflower meadows have been lost. It’s a shocking, devastating statistic. If space allows, plan to leave a small area of your new garden wild – the bugs will love you for it, and you’ll be contributing a little positivity. Imagine if every gardener did the same. What a difference that would make. And if you have it, get rid of that fake grass!

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Not everything will work, no matter how much

preparation you put in. Every gardener will tell you there is an element of trial and error with planting. If something just isn’t working out, don’t be afraid to try something different. It’s ok.

If you want blooming flower beds or tasty looking vegetable patches and you’ve never gardened before, choose wisely Opt for easy varieties that will give you early confidence.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and champion veg growers don’t earn their crowns overnight!

If you want to encourage butterflies to your tranquil garden space, learn about the flowers they favour. What colour do you want to bring in? And what about texture and contrast?

Plant pals closely, Like-minded plants will thrive together. Putting two species alongside that require very different conditions to grow, will lead to certain failure. Tool up! Don’t ‘make do’ with old equipment that isn’t fit for purpose. Having the right apparatus to hand will make the tasks ahead all the more easy. Preparation is key.

Join a gardening group. Gardeners love sharing advice, tips and tricks (and seeds and cuttings!) so join your local collective. If there isn’t one, start your own. It’s a great way to give - and get - support and opens up a new sociable avenue, too.

If this is the year that you want to turn your bland patch into a beautiful space for all to admire, you’ll have plenty to be getting on with, but don’t be daunted – the rewards will outweigh all the stresses.

Remember, though, aching muscles come as standard; a long soak in a hot bath at the end of a long session in the garden is a must-do.

And trust us, it’s all the better when accompanied by a gin and tonic!

Cheer up! The shortest days are behind us. Consider recycling the Christmas tree. If it has roots, keep it in a pot, plant it in a suitable place in the garden or dispatch it to the council system.

Clear out the greenhouse and shed guttering and downpipes, to the water butt. Clean, sharpen and repair tools – a good inside job in inclement weather.

Look out for Fieldfares and Redwings arriving from Northern Scandinavia and feasting on crab apple trees.

Choose a cold, dry day to turn over and mix the compost heap or bin, adding torn up cardboard and/or fallen leaves. Adding a compost activator will speed up decomposition.

If your fruit trees stand in a grassy area, make a circle of at least 30cm (12”) radius from the trunk, (more for a larger specimen) and remove the turf, stacking it to decompose into loam. Cover the circle with cardboard, then cover with compost or leaf mould.

Keep off the lawn when it is frosted, but spike (preferably with a stainless steel fork) any areas that are ‘puddly’ due to frequent footfall.

If you potted up any strawberries late in the season, now is a good time to bring them into the greenhouse to flower and fruit earlier.

Check overwintering pelargoniums, begonias, cinerarias and any other half hardy bedding plants and remove mouldy or dead /dying leaves or stems.

With spring in mind I am covering some of our raised beds with cut-open compost bags, black side up, to raise the temperature in the soil by a degree or two.

When term time is under way and the weather is suitable, we can sow the seeds of early carrots and transplant plug-grown lettuces and broad beans under cover of cloches.

To own a max(imum) and min(imum) thermometer is an interesting and very valuable aid to success, both in the greenhouse and in finding a sheltered place in the garden. I hope that, like me, you found one in your Christmas stocking.

A Happy New Year to all horticulturalists.

Ralph Westmoreland

Denton & District Gardening Club member

Denton & District Gardening Club is a small, friendly club which meets on a Monday evening every month. New members and visitors are always welcome.

For more information please contact Margaret at m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk or 01604 890875

Gardening Resolutions: fresh pair of green thumbs Kickstart 2024 with a

It’s a brand-new year – hello, 2024 –and what better way to embrace fresh beginnings than by getting your hands dirty (in the best possible way)? Whether you’re the kind of gardener who’s been chatting with your roses for years or you’re just learning the difference between a trowel and a spade, this is your sign to make your garden the ultimate sanctuary – for you and the planet.

This year, it’s all about sustainable gardening. Think of it as a little TLC for your outdoor space and the environment. Small changes can make a big difference, whether it’s swapping out your old tools for ecofriendly ones, planting a buffet for the bees, or simply being more mindful about water usage. The goal? A garden that’s bursting with beauty and buzzing with life.

Ready to dig in? (Pun very much intended.) Here are a few simple, inspiring ways to nurture your green space – and yourself –this year. Let’s get growing!

Compost Like a Pro

Turn kitchen scraps and garden clippings into black gold (aka compost). Whether you invest in a bin or start a simple heap, composting is an easy way to cut waste and supercharge your soil with nutrients. Your plants – and the planet – will thank you.

Go Plastic-Free

Say goodbye to single-use plastic pots and hello to eco-friendly options like terracotta or biodegradable containers. Repurpose old household items as planters or opt for seed trays made from recycled materials. Sustainable and stylish!

Grow for the Table

Is there anything more satisfying than eating what you’ve grown? Start with easy options like herbs, salad leaves, or strawberries –they thrive in containers and don’t require a ton of upkeep. Plus, planning an edible garden now means delicious homegrown meals later.

Support Pollinators

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are the unsung heroes of any garden. Plant nectar-rich blooms like lavender, foxgloves, and cosmos, and leave a wild corner for shelter and food. It’s a win-win for wildlife and your flowers.

Harvest Rainwater

Make rainy days work for you by installing water butts to collect and store rainwater. It’s a smart, sustainable way to keep your garden hydrated when the weather turns dry.

Plant for the Planet

Think native! Trees and plants like hawthorn and hazel aren’t just pretty – they capture carbon, improve air quality, and support local biodiversity. Plus, they’ll add structure and a touch of timeless charm to your garden.

Try No-Dig Gardening

Give your back a break and your soil a boost with no-dig gardening. This low-maintenance method protects the ecosystem beneath your beds, improves soil health, and reduces weeds. Simply add a thick layer of compost and let nature take over.

With these tips, your garden can thrive while giving the environment a helping hand. So, grab your gloves and let the green journey begin!

Make your own compost with kitchen waste and garden clippings

Easy ways to garden greener: Simple tips for 2024

Ready to give your garden a sustainable glow-up? It doesn’t take much to make a big impact. With these fuss-free tips, you’ll be caring for your plants, the planet, and even a few feathered friends in no time. Let’s dig in!

Reuse Tea Bags

That morning cuppa? Don’t toss the tea bag – bury it in your soil instead! Tea bags are natural fertilisers, packed with nutrients your plants will love. Bonus: they help keep the soil moist.

Feed the Birds

Leftover kitchen scraps like grated cheese or chopped apples are perfect treats for garden birds. Keep feeders stocked with seeds too, and watch as your feathered visitors flock to your garden.

Water Wisely

Mulch, Don’t Burn

Instead of burning prunings (which isn’t great for the air), shred them and use the pieces as mulch. It keeps weeds at bay, locks in soil moisture, and gives your garden a polished look.

Repurpose Old Items

Give tired household bits a second life – those rusty tins, wicker baskets, or even outgrown wellies? Add drainage holes, a splash of soil, and voilà: instant, quirky planters.

With these easy swaps, you’ll be one step closer to a greener, kinder garden – and planet. Now, grab your gloves and get started!

Don’t pour away leftover water from washing veggies or boiling pasta. Let it cool, then give your plants a hydration boost. They’ll thank you for it! Did you know?

Green Shopping Guide

Give your gardening kit an eco-makeover with these planet-friendly brands:

Elho: Stylish pots made from recycled materials, perfect for indoor and outdoor use. www.elho.com

Haws Watering Cans: Long-lasting metal cans that are as beautiful as they are practical. www.haws.co.uk

Gardening Naturally: Reusable bamboo seed trays crafted from sustainable bamboo fibres, rice starch, and organic resin – an eco-friendly choice for starting your seeds this year. www.gardening-naturally.com

Magic

Turning your food scraps into compost can slash your household waste by up to 30%. That’s a whole lot less ending up in landfill – and a whole lot more nutrient-rich goodness for your garden.

Wildlife World: Buy pollinatorfriendly products like bee hotels and butterfly feeders. www.wildlifeworld.co.uk

Trees: The Ultimate Climate Heroes

One mature tree can soak up an impressive 22kg of carbon dioxide every year. That’s nature’s way of giving climate change the cold shoulder – and giving us cleaner air to breathe.

No-Dig Gardening Wonders

Skip the spade! No-dig gardening can boost earthworm populations by up to 25%. More worms mean healthier, happier soil (and less back-breaking work for you).

Cool, right? Gardening isn’t just a hobby – it’s a superpower for the planet.

Plant native trees like Hawthorn to help the planet and wildlife

www.heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

www.katiefischer.de www.lights4fun.co.uk

Rustic Revival

Rustic elements enable us to blend the charm of the countryside with contemporary styling. There’s an emphasis on natural materials, earthy tones, and an artisanal, handcrafted feel and this creates spaces that are warm, inviting, and grounded. You need only combine a small amount of wood, stone, metal or fabric with a modern, glossy finish and the result is a more relaxed, welcoming and down to earth aesthetic that makes your home interior appear more wholesome.

Reclaimed or bare wood is central to rustic design, celebrated for its texture, grain, and imperfections. Bare wood can be used to make a coffee table, mirror or stool or can frame a fireplace in the form of a surround or mantel.

Natural stone is good for accents like coasters, serving platters, or decorative objects and stone paperweights and bookends can work well in a home office. If you love the look and feel of stone, use it as a striking and practical flooring option in your entrance hall, bathroom or kitchen, or as a hearth in front of the fireplace.

Metal is easy to use due to the plethora of finishes available. Matt, shiny, hammered, aged or brushed, steel, copper, brass,

Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com

www.kayuhome.co.uk

silver or black. Antiqued and weathered finishes are particularly useful for adding depth and contrast to your scheme.

Such materials and design elements draw inspiration from natural landscapes, which can have a calming effect and bring the outdoors inside. Raw materials are easily paired with neutral tones such as beige, brown, and cream. With their connection to the countryside, plants and fruits, accents of forest green, deep burgundy and mustard yellow are other colours that commonly evoke a cosy, nature-inspired feeling.

www.giselagraham.co.uk

Accessorising is made easy with places like Etsy to source from. By choosing handmade pottery, handwoven baskets, and hand-stitched textiles you can effortlessly contribute a sense of authenticity to your design. The imperfections in handmade items are seen as a testament to craftsmanship and emphasise eco-conscious materials and practices, like using upcycled wood or fair-trade textiles, and often accessories can be chosen to perform two purposes. Wooden trays can be both serving and display pieces, mason jars will store goods in the kitchen but also add interest to work surfaces and keep them looking well organised and tidy.

Rustic décor evokes a sense of simpler times, appealing to those seeking comfort in their living spaces. And it’s easy to incorporate these ideas into other design styles such as ‘industrial’, ‘country’ or ‘farmhouse’, making them adaptable to your specific preferences. In more eclectic interiors that bring together styles from around the world, globally sourced elements from your travels such as Moroccan rugs, Guatemalan baskets or Spanish dishes can add a bit of colour and character to personalise your home.

As consumers increasingly value sustainable and ethical choices, the rustic trend aligns with these priorities through its focus on natural and repurposed materials; but be mindful not to overdo the look. Balancing such pieces with cleaner, more modern options is the key to maintaining harmony. Most would hope to avoid a look that’s too cluttered or old fashioned. When executed with care, these rustic elements become more than a design choice—they are a lifestyle statement that celebrates simplicity, nature, and authenticity.

Raise a toast: Discover the vibrant work of Henri Miller

How do you illustrate a celebration? If you were asked to picture a moment of joy, what would you envisage?

For many of us, a bottle of Champagne is the image we would choose - which is perhaps why the work of Henri Miller seems to shout revelry. Whether it’s the subject of his pieces - bottles from the finest collections, the colours - vibrant and often in-your-face, or even the texture - glossy and proud, they seem to capture the essence of joy. The moments in which we celebrate.

A mixed media artist born in France who then studied in Germany, Henri Miller takes his inspiration from popular culture and travel. While in Berlin in the 1990s Miller was drawn to the city’s nightlife and immersed himself in the underground art scene; here he created shows inspired by music, politics and photography. Having worked and travelled in cities across Europe, Miller absorbed a wide range of influences. As his exploration moved further afield, including three months staying in the vineyards of Épernay, we can see where he got the inspiration for his most recent collection. In this collection, he celebrates some of the world’s most notable Champagne brands. Miller’s style is celebrated and recognisable - bold and dynamic, his pieces burst with vivid hues and intentional details in which you’ll keep finding new and exciting elements. Each work is a synergy of colour and movement, inviting viewers to lose themselves in this world of emotion and energy. Combining vivid colour and extraordinary techniques, he turns objects we all recognise into works of art. Starting with digital illustration, Miller adds handdrawn and hand-coloured elements, following with varied materials and textures to create stunning effects.

Miller’s style is celebrated and recognisable - bold and dynamic, his pieces burst with vivid hues and intentional details

Henri Miller has recently seen particular interest thanks to his wonderful commissioning service. A number of our customers have worked with Miller to create meaningful, celebratory artworks. Exclusive champagne to celebrate a wedding or the favourite gin to say thank you, what would your bottle be?

Natalie Trembecki Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk

Film Reviews

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 4/5

Journeying back to Middle-earth is always a risk, but The War of the Rohirrim justifies its existence with breathtaking animation and compelling storytelling.

Directed by Kenji Kamiyama and produced by Peter Jackson, the film is set 183 years before the events of the original trilogy, exploring the rise and fall of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan.

Brian Cox voices Helm with a weathered authority, embodying the tragic hero who must defend his people from invaders. His performance anchors the film, especially in quieter, reflective moments, where the weight of leadership and loss is palpable. Surrounding him is a strong supporting cast: Gaia Wise impresses as Hera, Helm’s fiery daughter, whose defiance and bravery offer a refreshing contrast to the male-dominated epic. Miranda Otto reprises her role as Éowyn, narrating the tale, adding a nostalgic link to Peter Jackson’s live-action films.

Visually, the film is a triumph. The animation captures Rohan’s rolling plains, fortresses, and brutal battles with stunning detail. Action sequences, particularly the siege of Edoras and the eventual stand at Helm’s Deep, are thunderous and emotionally charged. The stylistic blend of anime with Tolkien’s world is unexpected but effective, breathing fresh life into familiar lore.

However, the film’s reliance on heavy exposition slightly hinders its pacing. It occasionally feels like an extended history lesson rather than a fully immersive narrative. Still, the themes of sacrifice and resilience resonate deeply, balancing the grand battles with a poignant emotional core.

While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Jackson’s trilogy, The War of the Rohirrim is a worthy addition to Middle-earth’s cinematic legacy. This story of Rohan’s origins will delight fans and newcomers alike. ✪

MUFASA: THE LION KING

Star Rating: 4/5

Barry Jenkins directs Mufasa: The Lion King, an emotional and visually dazzling prequel tracing the humble beginnings of Pride Rock’s most famous ruler. Aaron Pierre voices young Mufasa with heartfelt intensity, capturing his journey from an orphaned cub to a leader. The photorealistic animation is nothing short of spectacular, with every blade of grass and ripple of water rendered in stunning detail. The film delves into themes of destiny, family, and overcoming adversity, imbuing the familiar setting with fresh emotional weight. While the story occasionally veers into formulaic territory, Jenkins ensures it never loses its charm or poignancy. A touching addition to the Lion King saga, it roars with grandeur and heart, making it a visual feast for fans. ✪

THE ORDER

Star Rating: 3/5

Justin Kurzel’s The Order tackles the grim rise of a white supremacist group in 1980s America, but it never quite fulfils its chilling promise. Jude Law stars as FBI agent Terry Husk, a man seemingly held together by black coffee and sheer rage. While chasing Nicholas Hoult’s Bob Mathews, a leader whose charm is as disarming as his ideologies are repulsive, Law delivers a weary, smouldering performance. Hoult is magnetic, capturing Mathews’ charisma and menace with unnerving precision. The film’s brooding cinematography suits its grim subject, though the script falls into predictability, with pacing slower than a rainy Monday. Still, The Order provides a sobering, if slightly shallow, look at the roots of domestic terrorism. It’s gripping, but not groundbreaking. ✪

BETTER MAN

Star Rating: 2.5/5

Better Man, an experimental Robbie Williams biopic, takes bold risks by casting the pop star as a CGI monkey. Through performance capture, Jonno Davies portrays Williams, with the film charting his rise, fame, and struggles. The avantgarde choice highlights the absurdity and surreal highs of celebrity culture, but it’s not for everyone. Director Michael Gracey infuses the narrative with visual flair, creating dreamlike musical sequences that dazzle. However, the film struggles with tonal shifts, alternating between whimsical fantasy and sombre introspection. While Robbie’s fans will appreciate its ambition, those unfamiliar with his story may find it alienating. Better Man is uneven but fascinating, offering a unique take on fame and identity—more curious experiment than triumphant hit. ✪

KRAVEN THE HUNTER

Star Rating: 2/5

J.C. Chandor’s Kraven the Hunter claws into Sony’s Spider-Man universe, presenting a gritty, animalistic origin story for the iconic villain. Aaron Taylor-Johnson excels as Sergei Kravinoff, delivering a layered performance balancing ruthless ambition with tragic vulnerability. The film’s action sequences are brutal and kinetic, showcasing Kraven’s primal hunting prowess. However, the pacing falters, and tonal inconsistencies—vacillating between grounded drama and comic absurdity— undermine its impact. Supporting characters feel underdeveloped, reducing the narrative’s stakes. While Taylor-Johnson’s performance is a highlight, and the cinematography impresses, uneven storytelling holds it back. Kraven the Hunter is an intriguing, occasionally thrilling entry into the genre but struggles to stand apart from its superhero peers. ✪

2025 starts with a bang at The Black Prince

After a couple of weeks off to enjoy a few seasonal liquors and some peace and quiet (possibly), SBD promotions honcho Phil Moore gets back in the saddle towards the end of January, and he’s running at the new year hard – with nine dates in as many days, writes Sammy Jones.

Things start with Sex Pistols Ltd (Jan 25 ) bringing all of the bad language, rude gestures and attitude that the originals favoured. We hope.

Songs? There are a few of those too; God Save The Queen, Pretty Vacant, Anarchy in the UK, Holidays in the Sun, Bodies... you know the drill.

This is the first date on Northampton soil for these Cambs/Beds based imitators, with support coming from locals, Marabar Caves

The last week of January is Independent Venue Week (IVW) and SBD aren’t messing around; delivering eight shows as part of the offering, starting with multi-instrumentalist, symphonic progressive rock quartet The Emerald Dawn

Their combined creativity is haunting, beautifully melodic and highly atmospheric, or as one writer declared after watching them live, ‘Often gorgeous and sometimes transcendent...potent pastoral-tinged prog flows from the stage.’

Pulse faves Pearl Handled Revolver are blues enticers with an edge and a frontman

with the voice you want to hear. Their ‘four EPs, two Live albums and four studio albums chart a journey from the limits of primal blues, via unlikely liaisons between cult film scores and bare bones Stoner Rock, to blackened psychedelic soul music,’ is how they see their product.

The Bug Club then picks up the IVW mantle (Jan 27). Some bands spend ages pulling themselves together, pausing at every junction and generally making being idle a sport.

The Bug Club are the antithesis. They’ve given fans 10 singles, three albums, two EPs, three things nobody knew how to describe, and an album under a different band’s name, all since 2021.

Incredibly, they’ve also played more than 200 in gigs a year, too.

Last year’s debut LP for the Sub Pop label, On The Intricate Inner Workings Of The System, has a little bit of what you fancy –if what you fancy includes ‘B-52’s call-andresponse fun mixed with AC/DC power chord grunt’ and ‘duel vocal p*ss-taking, surreal takes on everyday topics that go full circle and become profound.’

Scott Lavene (Jan 28), a storyteller who can capture all the madness, joy and frustration of life while singing about worms writhing in the ground, is next up.

In his formative years, Lavene was told to ‘’Get a grade – you can’t do music,’ and in

response to those words from his stepdad, he headed off to France. With a guitar. He lived in a tent and travelled around before the Essex raised chap came back over here, making Canterbury, and then London, his home.

At one point, he started a band that he says sounded like ‘Chas n’ Dave meets Queens of the Stone Age.’ We’d have loved that.

He has since experienced some highs and major periods of difficulties in his life, but has emerged, rebuilt and here we are.

Pretty Vacant – Sex Pistols Ltd Tickling ears – The Clause

A big breath of rock n roll –Heavy Lungs visit on Jan 30

Prolific mob The Bug Club –see them on Jan 27

“I’ve had people tell me my gigs made them laugh, and then moments later they wanted to cry,” Scott said, “In the end, people want to feel things, don’t they?”

Brummie boys The Clause have probably tickled your ears at some point, even if you don’t know it; their music has been aired on Radio 1, 6, X and XS as well as Soccer AM, they’ve hit the road as support to James, The Lottery Winners. DMA’s and plenty more, and they are festival regulars.

Now you can give them your undivided attention when they do the IVW thing at The Black Prince (Jan 29).

Bringing together the swagger of the 60s, the rolling groove of the 80s and the riotous verve and attitude of the 90s, you get huge hooks with gritty verses, indie sensibilities and rhythm and blues groove and melodies. Quite the meal of sound, that.

And there’s another feast of a slightly different sounding fury to follow (Jan 30) with Heavy Lungs who have already found favour with Iggy Pop, and stage shared with the mighty Idles.

They say, ‘Heavy Lungs is a rock ‘n’ roll sandwich you didn’t know you needed,’ and if you fancy a taste before the show, check in with the debut album, All Gas No Brakes Avalanche Party (Jan 31) might have the best press spiel of the month: ‘Feral garage-punk from the wild North Yorkshire Moors, hopped up on adrenalin and amphetamines. Every note played through white knuckles, every word spat through gritted teeth.

The beats blast like cannons while the guitars stampede like spooked stallions surging ever onward, snorting, snarling and tearing apart everything in their path. ’You want to go and see them now, right?

The band will release its second album, Der Traum Uber Alles on February 7.

That’s your lot for January, and what a lot it is, but we’ll just tease you a little more with the final two IVW dates for 2025, which stretch into February.

Pavilion (Feb 1) are back on The Black Prince stage for the first time in ages, and Caoilfhionn Rose (Feb 2) will round-off the season with her music, which is rooted in a knowledge of folk,

And the best of 2024 were...

SBD honcho Phil Moore put on 49 shows in Northampton in 2024.

We sat him down and forced him to reveal his Top 5 shows of the year...

1. TVAM at The Black Prince

The Wigan trio make trippy electronica to lose your mind to. One of the most underrated bands in the whole of the UK.

2. Steve Mason at The Black Prince

The former Beta Band man has the grooves and melodies to rival anyone.

3. The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown at The Black Prince.

Even at 81 years of age the man oozes cool, and the multiple outfit changes were the icing on the cake!

4. High Fade at The Lab

The Scottish funk-rock trio are carving a big name for themselves by simply being the finest time you can have with your clothes on.

5. Raging Speedhorn at The Black Prince

The Corby thrash metal legends really are the greatest thing of the last 25 years. They did not disappoint; an hour of pure rage.

jazz and all the twentieth century’s classic tunesmiths.

More about her in the next issue.

Music matters, and there’s plenty here to be bothered about. Did you get crinkly bits of paper with the King’s head on for Christmas? If you did, spend some of them on tickets for some of these dates. Help keep music live and give yourself the feel good factor.

> Tickets for all shows can be booked via sbdpromotions.com

The Emerald Dawn – highly atmospheric times await

Crazy times – Promoter Phil Moore with Arthur Brown

Feeling musically empty? There’s a PiL for that!

It’s taken a while, but John Lydon’s Public Image Ltd (PiL) will be back on the Roadmender stage this summer.

Nine years since the band last played the venue to a sell-out crowd and they will be doing it all over again on July 31, as part of their This Is Not The Last Tour, tour. Lydon formed the post-punk originators after fronting the Sex Pistols, guiding the band from their debut album in ‘78, through to ‘92 when they began what would be a long hiatus.

Breaking the silence in 2009, they have since issued a trio of prime releases, This

is PiL in 2012, the essential What The World Needs Now..., in 2015, and 2023s End of World

Speaking with me before that last ‘fampton show, John said: I really love playing these small venues, I really do, and I love bringing people back into that live performance thing without which there would be no future in music.

“Up close and personal – it’s a church without the religious bit.

“You need to see eyeball to eyeball, and I don’t write these lyrics mindlessly, they are all about real things and if I can see that

the experience is being understood and shared by the people in the audience, that is my achievement...”

And PiL fans are a loyal breed.

“Intensely loyal,” he agreed. “ They know I won’t let them down. I am a man of my word and that’s that. I have a set of values...”

> PiL play the Roadmender on Thursday, July 31.

Tickets are on sale at theroadmender.com

Lookin’ good at the ‘Mender

This month at the Roadmender, From The Jam will play, celebrating the 45th anniversary of their fourth studio album, Setting Sons. This is no tribute event, mind you – From The Jam, as the name suggests, features Bruce Foxton, one-time bassist and songwriter with the stellar music makers.

Taking the spot once occupied by Weller is Russell Hastings, who has been a part of From The Jam since inception and has

also worked with Weller and other aces including the much-missed Wilko Johnson and Steve Cropper.

Setting Sons was the first of the band’s releases to enter the charts stateside and hit the Top 5 over here.This is one night when the public will definitely get what it wants, and then some.

“Even the obscure album tracks like Little Boy Soldiers and Thick As Thieves are as popular when we play them live as the hit singles,” Russell said.

Ruts DC will support at the January 17 date.

Britain’s biggest rap group will also spend an evening at the ‘Mender this month – and we mean biggest group in the literal sense; nine of Newport’s (Wales, not Pagnell!) finest make up Goldie Lookin’ Chain

The band, responsible for nonetoo- savoury moments like Your Mother’s Got A Penis and Guns

John Lydon – back with a musical PiL

Enlightening times from Freya

Northampton’s scene is burning bright just now, and Freya Rose is the one running with the indie-pop flame.

Rushden-based, but making our town her working base, Freya released her current single, Enlighten Me, in November, which was another step closer to bringing her musical dreams to fruition. It’s a really good catchy player, too.

She was attuned to sound from a young age: “I grew up surrounded by an amalgamation of artists that really influenced my music throughout time, my parents pumped a lot of 80s music into my ears,” Freya, who cites influences as Dodie, Phoebe Bridgers and The 1975 (“but I also take a lot of influence from artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Fugees and Radiohead”), told Pulse

She had a ready-made audience at home too: “I’ve always

been a musical person, often putting on performances in my living room for my family, although they didn’t enjoy them as much then as they do now,” she said.

Making the connection with her first guitar at the age of 15 was a game changer, and she fell in love with the art of writing her own material, but it was later when she decided to up the volume on her passion.

“I didn’t really start to pursue music until 2018 when I went to university and found the music society. They really encouraged me to come out of my shell and perform in front of others. Through this I found my sound and my confidence, and eventually put together the band that I have today.

“Now I perform indie/folk/pop with my band, writing all my own songs and working closely with my producer Chris Butler to really shape the songs to become what they are.”

As 2025 begins, Freya is back in the studio environment working on the next musical chapter and, “making everything sound as lovely as possible,” she promises, “I’m really proud of this project and can’t wait to release it to the world, it feels a lot more mature than my previous releases and I’m finding myself experimenting with sounds much more.”

We’ll keep you up to speed with gigs and releases as they arise, but you can check in with her directly on Insta: @freyarose.mp3 and hit up other socials using the same handle.

Don’t Kill People Rappers Do, have released a ridiculous number of albums, somewhere around 20 at a quick count, so there will be plenty of comedy rap moments from which to compile a set list for their date on January 31.

Join Maggot, Eggsy, Dwain Xain Zedong, Mike Balls, Adrian Fandango, 2hats, The Wibbler, Mystikal and Grayham The Bear for a night of broad smiles and silly tunes.

> Tickets at theroadmender.com

My chain’s bigger than your chain –the Goldie Lookin’ crew

Freya Rose – making everything sound lovely

Pics: Charlotte Lloyd, @bobbistudio on Insta

#WhatsOnPulse

Vintage Stony

Wednesday, January 1

Head to the historic town of Stony Stratford and enjoy the New Year’s Day Vintage Car and Motorcycle gathering, raising funds for Willen Hospice while giving you some va-vavroom to kickstart your new year.

Showing out: vintagestony.co.uk

Northampton Art Society’s 107th exhibition

Now – until February 23

(Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm, Sun, Midday-5pm)

Featuring work by professional and celebrated local artists, this year’s exhibition will also include pieces by non-society members which bring an exciting edge to an already popular show, and adds to the rich variety of styles and media from the cream of Northamptonshire artists.

Making a splash:

Visit the Museum & Art Gallery on Guildhall Road. Free entry.

Vanessa Bell:

A World of Form and Colour

Until February 23

This exhibition of the late artist’s work is her largest-ever solo show and provides an in-depth overview that includes drawings, paintings, ceramics and furniture by the modernist painter.

Pionering: mkgallery.org

Singing for the Brain

Monday, January 6

Singing for the Brain® from Alzheimer’s Society uses singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity, at Heron’s Lodge Guide Centre in Loughton Lodge, morning and afternoon sessions available.

For more information: Contact 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@alzheimers.org.uk

Milton Jones: Ha!Milton

Friday, January 10

Hailed as the king of the one-liner, Milton is gearing up for his new city return that

Queen of the Night –

A Tribute to Whitney Houston

Tuesday, January 14

Celebrate the much-missed Queen of pop with the ultimate tribute to her remarkable musical repertoire – visiting Milton Keynes direct from the Royal Albert Hall. One Moment in Time: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

MK11 Jam Night & Open Mic

Tuesday, January 14

Listen in or – if you are feeling brave – join in with the house band, or get up and go live with your own band. Soloists, performers,

Dear Evan Hansen

Tuesday, January 14 –

Saturday, January 18

One of the biggest recent year stage players, Dear Evan Hansen has also won a host of awesome accolades – now it comes to play for you.

Waving Through A Window: royalandderngate.co.uk

L1nkn P4rk

Tuesday, January 14

Playing tribute to the late Chester Bennington with a high energy performance delivering the songs that span Linkin Park’s

Iford Manor Garden – One of the pieces featuring in the Northampton Art Society Exhibition

Jimmy Carr

Wednesday, January 15

Jokes attract people, but they can also repel. Some people are repelled by Jimmy’s dark brand of comedy. If you are one of them, sit this date out. The rest of you? Scramble for tickets.

Laughs Funny: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Our Man in Havana

Thursday, January 16 –Saturday, January 18

Jim Wormold, an under-employed vacuum cleaner salesman living in 1950s Cuba, is struggling to pay for his teenage daughter’s increasingly extravagant lifestyle. So when the British Secret Service asks him to become their Man in Havana he can’t afford to say no...

A roller coaster of a comedy: royalandderngate.co.uk

From the Jam

Friday, January 17

The tribute tours to celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Jam’s fourth studio album, Setting Sons. The Eton Rifles: theroadmender.com

Rob Newman –

Where The Wild Things Were

Friday, January 17

A new show about future cities, lost beavers, philistine Bingo callers, Dorothy Parker’s Multiverse Diaries and A Man Called Clive. No Planet B: stables.org

The Roy Orbison Experience

Saturday, January 18

A two hour show with Oliver Harris faithfully replicating the sounds of the Big O and his timeless classics.

Only the Lonely: theoldsavoy.co.uk

Changes - Bowie Night

Saturday, January 18, 8pm

A celebration of all things Bowie and related - from Lou Reed to Mott the Hoople and Iggy Pop, with additional soul, rock, new wave and electronica spun by DJ Alex Novak. Entry to the bash at The Lamplighter is free. Starman: 01604 631125

Sunday Sessions:

Shades of Shearing Quintet

Sunday, January 19, 11.30am

The band recreates the distinctive sound of the classic Shearing Quintet as well as highlighting the work of this influential and important British pianist who found fame when he settled in the US in the late 1940s. Lullaby of Birdland: stables.org

Singing for the Brain

Monday, January 20

Singing for the Brain® from Alzheimer’s Society uses singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating activity, at Heron’s Lodge Guide Centre in Loughton Lodge, morning and afternoon sessions available. For more information: Contact 01908 232612 or email miltonkeynes@alzheimers.org.uk

Sophie Duker: But Daddy I Love Her Wednesday, January 22

Join The Taskmaster champ as she deals with her (sugar) daddy issues in a hilarious new stand-up show at the Wavendon venue. Trademark naughtiness: stables.org

All things Bowie (and beypmd) will be celebrated at Changes – Bowie Night on January 18

Rob Newman goes Where The Wild Things Are – January 17

You don’t need to drive all night – just make tracks to The Old Savoy for the Roy Orbison tribute - see January 18

Brant Bjork Trio

Friday, January 24

A real pioneer of the desert rock scene brings his trio to the new city for the first time in two decades.

Let the Truth Be Known: thecraufurdarms.com

Sex Pistols Ltd & Marabar Caves

Saturday, January 25

Punk it up with the Pistol packing tribute to Johnny Rotten & Co, with support from Northampton’s own rock n rollers. Anarchy in the UK: sbdpromotions.com

Antiques and a Little Bit of Nonsense

Sunday, January 26

Three of the country’s favourite television personalities from the world of antiques come together to entertain you with tales from the saleroom, television and beyond – with Philip Serrell, Charlie Ross and Christina Trevanion. At auction this would fetch:

Megaslam Wrestling

Sunday, January 26

Grab your foam fingers, take your seats and get ready to witness the Megaslam spectacular at The Old Savoy. Ringside rousers: theoldsavoy.co.uk

The Bug Club

Monday, January 27

SBD Promotions brings Welsh indie rockers

The Bug Club back to Northampton, this time to celebrate Independent Venue Week. The Fixer: sbdpromotions.com

Taylormania:

Taylor Swift Eras Tribute Concert

Wednesday, January 29

Taylor tributes are popping up all over the place – and here’s another, this one with self-confessed Swiftie, Katy Ellis. I Knew You Were Trouble:

Macbeth

Thursday, January 30

Shakespeare’s brutal tragedy is given new life in this haunting, break-neck adaptation, retaining the intensity and intrigue of Macbeth in 80 high-octane minutes.

Fair is foul, and foul is fair: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

The Drifters

Thursday, January 30

The legendary group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and performed for the President of the United States – now the latest incarnation is coming to The Old Savoy to sing for you.

Under the Boardwalk: theoldsavoy.co.uk

Splendour

Friday January 31 (also Feb 1 & 2)

The Drama Llamas deliver a play full of threat and humour, from the pen of award-winning Welsh playwright, Abi Morgan – head to York House in Stony Stratford for your fill. Amateur theatre, top notch show: ticketsource.co.uk

Antiques and A Little Bit of Nonsense on January 26

The Drama Llamas present Splendour – from January 31

Dazzling Diamonds, funny folks and a West End phenomenon...

Fed up with pine needles in the carpet and the post Crimbo comedown?

You need a night at the theatre!

Escape the new year drear with some sun-drenched reggae cheer at the Derngate with Legend – the Music of Bob Marley (Jan 11). When it comes to a set list of solid sounds, Marley delivered, and so this celebration will do the same: Could You Be Loved, Is This Love, One Love, No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier, Stir It Up, Get Up Stand Up, Exodus, Waiting in Vain, Satisfy, My Soul, Iron Lion Zion

Over at The Royal on the same night, The Opera Boys return with four-part harmony driven musical medleys delivering music from modern day musicals including Wicked, Mamma Mia and Frozen, while also revisiting classics from Porter, Gershwin and Rodgers & Hammerstein.

You might say it’s the show with the lot. These pitch perfect boys have performed lead roles in the West End and on Broadway and have backed Robbie Williams, Tom Jones and Elton John. They represented Belgium at the Eurovision in 2015, too – taking the fourth spot, which is non too shabby. Their last date at the venue sold out, and this will do the same.

The Dazzling Diamonds will glisten at The Royal (Jan 12) with their brand new comedy variety drag show.

‘From jaw-dropping dance numbers to hilarious lip-sync performances and not forgetting the sensational live vocals, the cast are pulling out all the stops to make this show as unforgettable as the last!’ is the promise.

The stage smash Dear Evan Hansen (Jan 14-18) is being looked forward to by many, and with good reason – it’s the first time that the Broadway and West End phenomenon has taken to the road in the UK, and gongs? It’s won more than a few, including a Tony® Award for Best Musical, Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Score.

At The Royal (Jan 30), Ania Magliano: Forgive Me, Father will air following two critically acclaimed sell-out Edinburgh Fringe runs. What’s it all about? This:

‘You know when you’re trying to wee on a night out, and you’re interrupted by a random girl who insists on telling you all her secrets even though you’ve never met? Imagine that, but she has a microphone.’

At The Old Savoy, Drag Me To The 80s (Jan 24) is a diva driven blend of nostalgia, empowerment and a celebration of the extraordinary.

Join the Queens as they redefine the stage and reawaken the spirit of 80s pop with music by Kylie, Madonna, Erasure and plenty more.

‘Meet Evan: an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have. As events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him.’

Our Man in Havana (Jan 16-18) will deliver 90 minutes of colourful comedy, and is a great ticket for all ages seeking out a fun evening. The play has been adapted from Graham Greene’s satirical novel, the movie of which starred Alec Guinness and Noel Coward.

London’s Symphonic Rock Orchestra (Derngate, Jan 25) are classically trained aces who will take to the stage dressed as an army of rock warriors and deliver reimagined heavies from Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Rage Against the Machine, System of a Down and more. For those about to rock, these boundary breaking pioneers will salute you. Or do we salute them?!

Something completely different follows at The Royal (Jan 28 & 29) with Last Rites – a powerful journey of love, loss, and what it means to be a parent in an epic non-verbal solo show.

Megaslam Wrestling are back at the venue (Jan 26) and Team Megaslam will do battle in the ring with Team Nasty during the afternoon session. Who will triumph? Sit back and let them take the strain!

After a month of dark days, cold weather and poorly looking bank accounts, you’ll be needing something to perk you up, and The Anglia Comedy Allstars (Jan 31) are just the job.

It’s a cracking bill; Alan Davies, Angela Barnes, Glenn Moore and compere Matt Richardson will be bringing the funnies. It’s like a late Christmas present. Go grab tickets while you still can.

Last Rites – a powerful journey comes to The Royal

Dear Evan Hansen - enjoy the West End smash on your doorstep, from Jan 14

Ania Magliano

Finding the Funnies at The Old Savoy - Jan 31

View from the Far Kerb Hard-Boiled

Afriend was recommending a film to me. It was the 1991 film, V.I. Warshawski starring Kathleen Turner as the titular figure. He described her character as, hard-boiled I knew what he meant, but his recommendation and description hadn’t made me want to see it. Consequently, my mind went on a rampage and within milliseconds, it had traversed countless worlds of idiocy and ridiculousness.

First, I saw Kathleen Turner as Humpy Dumpty. That image was rapidly followed by another in which I saw the actress playing a man dressed as a woman when she played the part of Chandler Bing’s transgender father in Friends. Then the memory of Chandler’s mother being played by Morgan Fairchild came to mind. She was cast as a glamorous authoress. The person who wrote the novel, Deadlock, in which the character of V.I. Warshawski featured, and was the inspiration for the film in which Kathleen Turner starred, was Sara Paretsky, and I guess very few might want to describe her as glamorous. He had moved onto recommending another film, but I was now hungry and wanted a boiled egg; hard-boiled, naturally. Being hard-boiled, I would miss out on dipping bread soldiers into a delightfully runny yoke.

As he continued, I pictured the giant and colourful nutcracker soldier I had recently seen outside a store selling lots of Christmas decorations and associated fare. It then became one of the soldiers in the 1994 film, The Santa Clause, starring Tim Allen That then reminded me of a film

SUDOKU PUZZLE

I enjoyed called, Galaxy Quest, in which he played the fictional captain of a star ship in a TV show. I believe he was modelled on, and spoofed, William Shatner’s starship captain, James T. Kirk of Star Trek

My mind careered back to eggs. Should they be hard or soft-boiled? There is probably no right choice and it is down to personal taste. But, when seeing the words, hard-boiled, in my mind’s eye, what I read is, half-baked. Impassioned arguments over whether the only right way is hard or soft, may be worthwhile to some, but not me. It had me recall the argument between the Lilliputians and Blefuscudians in Jonathan Swift’s 1726, Gulliver’s Travels

Who has read the novel and remembers the cause of the war between the two nations? Yes, Swift wrote a story involving a war fought over which end to crack a boiled egg. When it comes to justifying a war, that has to be pretty half-baked. My mind went back to films. There was no cinema back in Swift’s day. No aeroplanes, either. Nor mobile phones. Actually, thinking about it; no phones at all, mobile or otherwise. I use a computer to write about stuff like films, with a mobile phone sitting on my desk as the occasional jet airliner roars overhead, yet I am thinking about what Jonathan Swift wrote Nearly 300 years on, Swift’s words have the ability to cause thought; like those of my friend, but not with the same content.

Phil O’Hara

QUICK CROSSWORD

Flavour of the Times - We’re entering uncharted territory in 2025, with Pluto leaving Capricorn for Aquarius last month. This marks the end of 16 years of structural upheaval and begins a 22-year era of radical change. Think of Brazil: from authoritarian rule (Capricorn) to movements favouring ‘the Many, not the Few’ (Aquarius). Revolutionary energy, like the French and American Revolutions of Pluto’s last Aquarius transit, will challenge the establishment. Expect upheaval, bold ideas, and collective action. In May, Saturn and Neptune enter Aries, bringing fresh starts, organisational focus, and freedom within collaboration. Pluto sets the stage; the year will reveal more as it unfolds.

CAPRICORN

December 23 – January 20

A storm of change is brewing—are you ready? Flexibility and fresh perspectives are your greatest tools now. Looking back won’t help; it’s all about moving forward. For business, innovation is energising and essential. Embrace new ways of thinking and doing, as they hold the key to progress. Change isn’t daunting—it’s an exciting path to success!

AQUARIUS

January 21 – February 19

It’s time to put your money where your mouth is! Pluto boosts your confidence to embrace your true self, but stay grounded—this energy doesn’t tolerate self-obsession. Remember, you’re part of something bigger than yourself. A larger movement awaits your contribution, and finding your place in it will excite and energise you. Boldness and balance are your keys now.

PISCES

February 20 – March 20

Things are finally coming together! With Venus entering your sign, its benevolent influence smooths your path, making progress feel less like an uphill climb. Corners can be turned now with ease and you might even see developments in love or finances. Embrace this positive momentum—it’s your time to enjoy harmony, connection and well-deserved rewards.

ARIES

March 21 – April 20

Be cautious on the 7th—words or actions can easily wound. Sensitivities are heightened, so focus on being impeccable in your relationships and follow the golden rule: “Do as you would be done by.” Similar care is needed around the 13th, when emotions run high again. Thoughtfulness and kindness now will strengthen bonds and help you avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Your Own astrological Forecast

You are bound to be affected personally by some, if not all, of the massive changes taking place this year. Not everyone will be equally affected on a personal level, but you will certainly feel it if you are an Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio, or Taurus.

TAURUS

April 21 – May 21

Emotions may wildly swing, leaving you caught between intellect and feelings. Trust your emotions—they offer wisdom that balances with logic. As a Taurus, you instinctively know the key to calm lies in grounding yourself. Engage in physical activities to centre your energy and restore harmony. Balance is within reach; trust your inner compass to guide you.

GEMINI

May 22 – June 21

Prepare to tweak plans this month—Jupiter in your sign might have you exaggerating a bit. Remember, things aren’t as good or bad as they seem. Keep a sense of proportion, especially around the 10th, when the Moon stirs emotions. And as Abraham Lincoln wisely said, “Nobody ever screwed up by listening!” Stay grounded and thoughtful for smoother days ahead.

CANCER

June 22 – July 23

Duty may trump pleasure as the Sun highlights responsibilities. With Mars in Leo, frustration could flare if things don’t go as planned—beware its ego-driven energy. Meanwhile, the Moon in Aquarius coolly suggests adapting to needed changes as the month unfolds. Stay flexible and balanced; adjustments now will pave the way for smoother progress ahead.

LEO

July 24 – August 23

Mars in your sign may tempt you into egotistical actions this month—resist! The Moon in Aquarius, supported by Pluto, calls for a calm, intelligent approach. By mid-month’s full moon, Mars retreats into Cancer, bringing an emotional backlash if you’ve ignored key details. Stay thoughtful and measured; balance ego with awareness to navigate these shifting energies smoothly.

An astrological reading of your birth chart can help you understand how these changes might affect you. To really understand what they mean for you during 2024, I would recommend that you consider booking a comprehensive personal astrological consultation with me. This is completely specific to you and your life. It will illuminate many things that you may not have considered up to now, and it will enable you to really

VIRGO

August 24 – September 23

This month brings harmonious vibes as Saturn and Venus align, offering a moment of calm. Your restless workaholic nature may resist slowing down, but productivity could dip regardless. Instead of fretting, embrace the chance to pause and recharge. Enjoy a break from your endless “to-do” list—you’ll return to it refreshed and ready for action soon enough!

LIBRA

September 24 – October 23

This month encourages you to embrace assertiveness and take charge, rather than letting life just happen. While you often prioritise others, now’s the time to focus on your own identity and start new projects. Avoid pushing too hard—balance is key. The new moon on the 29th brings fresh insights, guiding you toward exciting possibilities and a clearer path forward.

SCORPIO

October 24 – November 22

As January unfolds, Aquarian energy dominates, feeling overly intellectual for your deeply emotional nature. Yet, perhaps this shift is exactly what you need—your intensity hasn’t been yielding results lately, has it? The cold light of reason, though uncomfortable, offers clarity and perspective. Embrace this detour; it may guide you toward a more balanced and effective approach.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 – December 22

With Jupiter in Gemini pushing you to be more neighbourly, you may feel tempted to rush ahead. Aquarius reminds you to think carefully before taking action. Life offers more options than you realise, inspiration might come from unexpected places—perhaps your local community. Explore radical ideas nearby; they could hold the surprising answers you’ve been seeking.

take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the yearMy prices for chart readings remain the same as they have been for the past five years: starting at £67 for an hour on Zoom or Skype. Visit 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.

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