NN Pulse Magazine June 24

AFrom the

Editor

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

cross the county we’ll be marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on 6th June. Parties and picnics are planned along with the lighting of many beacons. Northamptonshire’s soldiers played their part, following up the landings in Normandy as part of Operation Overlord. It will be a proud but sad time for many local families.

Our extraordinary food is another source of local pride. Milly Fyfe, our own farming entrepreneur, has a new radio show called ‘Tastes of the Shire’. It celebrates all our producers, makers and food fans.

We can also show our own appreciation of all this excellent fare in the new Northamptonshire Week of Food & Drink from 1st to 9th June. You can get out and about all around the county to enjoy local produce, pop ups, collaborations, tours and tastings. If you’re heading along to Delapré Park for A Perfect Day festival of music on 16th June, you’ll enjoy Sammy Jones’ interview with Kettering’s latest rising star, Mae Stephens. The past 18 months have seen her sharing the stage with P!nk, appearing a Glastonbury, collaborating with Meghan Trainor and becoming a TikTok sensation.

History enthusiasts will enjoy reading about Laura Malpas’ visit to a local English Civil War re-enactment group. Lord Robartes’ Regiment of Foote in Northamptonshire was part of the Sealed Knot and the group recreates some of their endeavours. It’s all very entertaining, exciting, and often educational too. You might be tempted to join.

Are you ready for our very own funny festival? Some UK stand-up legends are coming to Northampton to warm-up for the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. You can enjoy 10 weeks of hilarity across the town until 27th July. Performances include Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Saints Coffee, Cheyne Walk Club and VandB.

There’s just so much to do!

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Communities across West Northants set to celebrate D-Day on 80th anniversary

Beacons will be lit. Villagers and townsfolk will gather for parties and picnics. They are part of a Northamptonshirewide celebration as part of the national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

June June 6, 1944 saw the successful Allied invasion of the beaches of Normandy in northern France. Codenamed Operation Neptune, the landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history and played a crucial role in liberating Western Europe from Nazi occupation in the Second World War. Northamptonshire’s soldiers played a significant role in the Second World War, with the Yeomanry serving in the two tank regiments the 1st and 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry Regiments. They landed in France shortly after D-Day and fought in the Normandy campaign Operation Overlord.

80 years on, the official D-Day Flag of Peace will fly from West Northamptonshire Council’s offices in Daventry and Towcester and a short flag-raising public ceremony will be held outside Sessions House in Northampton at 9am on June 6. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery will create a commemorative exhibition in libraries at Brackley, Daventry, Towcester and Weston Favell, featuring Northamptonshire stories, objects and memories of D-Day and its immediate aftermath.

And the project wants to connect with Northamptonshire people and their family stories of D-Day. If you or anyone you know has a D-Day story or memorabilia, contact Northampton Museum & Art Gallery or visit northamptonmuseums.com.

“We are inviting residents from across West Northamptonshire to join in the celebrations and pay tribute to those who bravely fought for our freedom and lost their lives as a result,” said the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, culture and leisure Cllr Adam Brown.

To find out more about planning a D-Day 80 event, the King’s Pageantmaster Bruno Peek has produced a downloadable guide which covers beacon lightings, church bell ringing and the Lamp Light of Peace. Find it at d-day80beacons.co.uk

Communities considering a larger D-Day celebration may need to apply for a temporary road closure and those planning larger parties should also check issues such as licensing, safety and traffic management. Find out more at westnorthants.gov.uk.

The council has also set up a dedicated D-Day events page on its website.

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New radio show digs into the local food scene

Northamptonshire Farming Entrepreneur Milly Fyfe to head up a new radio show called ‘Tastes of the Shire; exploring Northampton’s food and farming scene from field to fork’.

Featuring a variety of interviews with grassroots farmers, producers, makers and foodies from across Northampton and the surrounding countryside, the show will focus on what is made, produced, sold and available to enjoy around the local area.

Milly said: “I have a real passion for sharing amazing stories interviewing inspiring people who grow, rear and process the food and drink we can enjoy, found right on our doorstep. I hope to take you all on a culinary journey exploring the people behind the farm gate, shop counter, restaurant kitchen and factory wall to discover what makes Northamptonshire taste great.’

The show launch coincides with Northamptonshire Food and Drink

Week, which is a campaign to bring people together to celebrate the food and drink scene across the county.

Available on 106.9FM, NLive Radio is Northampton’s local radio station and hosts a variety of different music, business and specialist shows including Open4business, 90s, R&B, rock and the Golden Hour. Station Manager Martin Steers said: “We are very excited to welcome a new food and farming show to our station, packed full of engaging conversations with local businesses, producers and food brands. Milly has really grasped the opportunity and we hope that many people tune in to learn more.”

The Tastes of the Shire radio show with Milly Fyfe will air on the 1st Saturday of each month, 3-5pm on NLive Radio, the station that loves Northampton.

Milly Fyfe’s radio show kicks off on Saturday 1st June

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‘All I want to do is help people...’

Her debut single has been viewed millions of times on TikTok, Meghan Trainor called on her talent for a collaboration, and she has stage-shared with P!nk. Not bad for a girl who was the target of cruel bullies and told she would never amount to anything. As she prepares to play for the home crowd with a summer festival billing, Pulse’s Sammy Jones checks in with Kettering’s sizzling hot pop success, Mae Stephens.

The past 18 months have been a blur of bonkers experiences for Mae who left her role in a local supermarket at the start of last year, and before the summer was out, was stage sharing with P!nk.

Oh, and let’s not forget a Glastonbury appearance, that single collaboration with Meghan Trainor and the track that started it all, If We Ever Broke Up

It was the second most popular song on TikTok globally in 2023 with millions of views. And counting.

“Even now, I’m wondering where in the universe they decided to give me this opportunity,” she says, although it feels a little bit like a question, “I will always be so thankful to be able to pursue something I’d dreamed about since I was a little girl. I feel very lucky...”

On paper, Mae has it all going on, but the colourful, confident girl who strutted her very unique style on the red carpet at this year’s Brit Awards has had more than her fair share of difficult times to deal with.

If school was a jigsaw, she was the bit that didn’t fit, and her learning days were miserable.

“I had a crappy time, kids can be horrible and being the weird kid meant immediate social outcast. I didn’t really have many friends and was floating between friendship groups,” she says.

“If you weren’t wearing the same thing as every other girl, or you didn’t have that River Island bag, or that specific lipgloss you weren’t even remotely relevant,” she recalled, “I had my shoes filled with water, my hair cut, my bag nicked, stuff nicked out of my bag, toilet doors kicked down on me... it was a difficult time.

“I was brought up in a family that believed in proper values; in kindness, respect and sharing. To other kids being nice was a sign of weakness.

“You had to be mean to get anywhere and so I found myself in this situation of not

being able to hold a friend group because I was too weird, or too loud, or too extravagant to fit in. I never really had a solid group of friends until I went to college.”

There are specific memories that stand out against the backdrop of daily difficulties. Being at school on her birthday is one of them.

“I spent the whole day being berated and belittled. I went home, cried and then wrote a good couple of songs and it made me feel immediately better. It was therapy.

“Every time I came home from school my mum would say, ‘You’ve got a year left, you’ve got six months left, you’ve got three months left...’

“The only reason I had to keep going was my mum giving me that countdown and my brother speaking to me after school.

“It was a difficult time, but I never let it beat me down.”

During our chat, Mae’s parents, both exsoldiers, and brother are mentioned more than once. Family means the world to her, and their belief and support kept her solid and focused.

“My mum got diagnosed with MS a couple of years ago, and she has always been an incredibly strong role model in my life. No matter what she is going through, especially with a massive autoimmune disease, she is still enjoying her life. I took a massive leaf out of her book to understand that stuff in my life is going to go wrong, and there will always be people that don’t like what I’m doing, but as long as I enjoy it and I am helping people, then I am doing something right.”

As a youngster, music became her passion and her friend, even though it took a while for her to realise as much.

“Music would become this after school therapy,” she says with hindsight, “I didn’t really notice it become a hobby, but I was playing four or five hours a day, seven days a week for about four years; “I was playing after school, in the mornings and whenever I got a spare moment to sit down and give myself some self therapy with this piano, it kept me going in my childhood.”

Diagnosed with ADHD (her recent single about living with the condition is catchier than the common cold, but decidedly more pleasant) she had struggled to find that thing that would ignite her: “I’d done martial arts clubs, arts things, I did loads of different outside hobbies.

“Then I played this song to my dad that I’d written on guitar about a mother wolf and her cubs and my dad turned around to me and said, ‘I think we’ve finally found what you’re good at.’

“Those words solidified in my brain and altered my brain chemistry,” she remembers, “It gave me that drive to succeed and from that point on my parents were the most incredible... They are the most incredible people, they took on everything.

“I could have said ‘I want to be a doctor’ or ‘I want to be someone academic.’ I said, ‘I want to be a musician’ which felt like chasing an impossible dream, but my parents both went, ‘Yeah, OK. If that’s what you want, let’s do it.’

“I am so thankful to have two people like that in my life. They made it possible, and I would not be here without them.”

Writing and playing was her outlet, her safe space and expressive place, and the more she practiced, the more Mae shone.

It was one of those gigs when I walked off and went, ‘That’s why I do it’.

And while she might be young, don’t confuse her current standing with overnight success – she’s been writing her own songs for nearly a decade and was a fixture on the pub circuit in her area.

It’s hard work fused with talent that has got her where she is.

As we mentioned earlier, it’s not so long ago that she was still working a job in her local ASDA – she inked a record deal on January 25, 2023 and then worked out her notice. By the summer she was performing on the Main Stage at Hyde Park.

“That was insane,” she says, with a little laugh, “I’d not been on a stage that big so it was very nerve-wracking but the crowd were amazing. It was one of those gigs when I walked off and went, ‘That’s why I do it.’ Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds also received her.

“To spend the first year of my career carting around the UK doing all these events was the best season of my life.

“I was told for many years that I was never going to amount to anything and I got told by a teacher or two that I wasn’t going to pass my GCSEs and wasn’t going to get a good job, because I wasn’t going to University. At college they said there wasn’t much hope.”

So says the girl who Meghan Trainor got in touch with because she wanted to work with her.

“She commented on a TikTok I had posted,” Mae says, still buzzing at the recollection, “It was so quick. The next thing I know I’m texting her and then I’m on a call with her.

“It was the biggest shock of my life, you don’t think you are going to be sat on a FaceTime call with Meghan Trainor, let alone doing a song with her!

“It was one of the best things to come out of last year. She is an incredible artist and made my year.”

I don’t want to leave my home just yet, I love it. A lot.

While clearly holding her parents up as heroes, this rising Queen of pop looked to Queen frontman Freddie Mercury for further inspiration.

“I just fell in love with Queen through my teenage years and Freddie became a massive idol, not only for his voice, but also his attitude as a person.

“All he wanted to do was help people and he did not care what people thought of him; he was unapologetically him, and that is what I am trying to instil in me.

“I have only just got into a period of time where I feel confident wearing what I want to wear and being the artist I want to be.

“Freddie Mercury is such a timeless role model for those kids to say, ‘You shouldn’t listen to what other people say, you need to be yourself and be unapologetically you’ – as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, be you.”

Mae’s music is upbeat and fun, but doesn’t shy away from serious subjects – and her words are resonating with others.

“I had a lady message me not long after If We Ever Broke Up had come out to say she had gone through quite a rough break-up and the song had given her a reason to feel empowered, and basically hold her crown up.

“I said to her, ‘this is the secret message behind the song.’ Yes, the song has got those jokey aspects – but the hidden reason behind it was a way to tell people that you shouldn’t walk out of a relationship feeling deflated, or that you’ve lost pieces of yourself.

“You need to walk out feeling strong and that you are going to move forward and feel happy again. That’s all I ever wanted people to feel with the song – enjoy the jokey side of it, but understand that it’s a song of empowerment.”

If the music ever goes quiet, there’s a therapist in the making right here, I venture.

“I would love to. I’ve always said to my friends, ‘If you ever need to talk about something, even if I’m uneducated in that situation, I will help as much as I can.

“All I want to do is help people,” she says, resolutely, “I’m not money driven, and I didn’t have much when I was a kid, so I’ve never been money orientated.

“I’m here to show all those kids that don’t feel like they fit anywhere, or feel like they can’t sit in a friend group, or are being cyber bullied... I want to show them that I came from being a weird kid, and came from the bottom. No matter where you come from or what background you are from, you can shine – you can get there, and you can achieve what you want to achieve.”

With so much on in Mae’s world, questions are being asked about her making the move to the big smoke, but she is in no rush to swap us for London.

“So many people have said to me ‘Are you going to move away? Are you going to move to London?’ but I want to hold off as long as possible.

“I’ve grown up here, and it’s my small town and it’s home for me. I don’t want to leave my home just yet, I love it. A lot.”

And she wants to delve deeper into the music scene that she inhabits: “In the midst of the chaos I’ve not had a moment to sit down and get into the scene properly, but this year is my year to show Northampton that I am a great supporter of their scene and that I want to be a part of it.”

Fans can expect to learn more about Mae too, who will be revealing more of herself through her new material.

“Over the past year I have been able to introduce my story to people, but this year I need to show the fans a little bit more of who I actually am, so I think there will be some ballad releases.

“I have shown I can do funk, but I’ve written ballads since I was 12 and I’ve got all these songs sitting in my catalogue. Why not release them and allow people to learn a bit more about me and what I stand for and where I came from?

“I’ve struggled to do that before, but I think I’m now ready to show the world.”

Oh, and there is a message for those bullies who made school difficult.

“Thank you for not believing in me,” she says, quietly, but firmly, “...because you gave me the determination to succeed.”

> Mae Stephens plays A Perfect Day Festival in Northampton on Sunday, June 16.

The bill also includes James Arthur, Billy Lockett, Andy Crofts, Charlotte Carpenter and Balter.

To book tickets visit aperfectdayfestival.com

In demand - Mae has supported P!nk and worked with Meghan Trainor

Family mediation: a free choice and often a good one

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For the time being, the Government has ruled out compulsory mediation in family cases. As a result those wanting to apply to the Courts to sort out finances within their divorce proceedings, or seeking to set out arrangements for their children in an Order, will still have to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is subject to certain exemptions, primarily around domestic abuse.

Is this a good thing?

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However, mediation – whether in person or remotely – needs to be a safe space in which each person’s views and proposals can be heard and respected. A decision to choose mediation over other resolution options provides a positive environment to work towards an agreed settlement or arrangement.

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Lord Robartes Regiment of Foote

This month Laura Malpas visits a local English Civil War re-enactment group who are creating living history

Many of us love to learn about history, but there are those who like to live and breathe it too. In Northamptonshire I visited an enthusiastic group of re-enactors, part of the Sealed Knot – Lord Robartes Regiment of Foote. They are offering opportunities for us to see and experience the past as they recreate past events this summer. It will be entertaining, exciting, and often educational. Who knows, you might feel inspired to join in. I for one am quite tempted!

The largest re-enactment society in Europe, The Sealed Knot commemorates the past by re-enacting actual battles, skirmishes and sieges which happened nearly four hundred years ago during the English Civil Wars. These conflicts often involved militia pulled from local communities, along with artisans and tradespeople to support the troops. It was a bitter and divisive time which tore families and society apart, changed the purpose of the monarchy and how the country was run forever. The past teaches us many lessons about our current lives, and the momentous

changes in society during the mid-17th century still impact us today.

But rather than pull communities apart, re-enactors today have the quite the opposite effect. Their events bring local communities together by providing an engaging opportunity to learn about what happened in the past, both in terms of the conflicts themselves but also about 17th century life. Re-enactors set up a camp where they live and sleep during their displays, and they mostly try to be authentic to the time. During these events, the encampments act as ‘Living

Pikemen and Musketeers of Lord Robarts Regiment

History’ demonstrations as folk go about their daily routines of living, cooking, and carrying out the trades, arts and crafts needed to support their regiment.

The Sealed Knot is made up of three armies, the Royalist Army, the Army of Parliament, and the Army of Ireland and Scotland. Each Army contains different groupings led by a Lord General. Lord Robartes Regiment belongs to one of the four brigades which make up the Army of Parliament.

I spoke to two members about their experiences both of living in the 17th Century and supporting the Regiment. Zena who acts as Drummer and the civilian and welfare representative, and Helen, who acts as a civilian and the Lieutenant Colonel Company Commander.

My first question was why? What do they get from the experience of stepping back into the past? They offered many reasons. For Zena it offered a new way of embracing life, and for Helen, because the whole family can take part, it offered companionship and community. She also appreciated the sense of being in a third place, not quite the present, not quite the past, but somewhere else.

Both Zena and Helen felt that spending time outside in the fresh air away from the routine of daily life and the small screens that dominate our lives is refreshing. Priorities are simpler, staying warm and dry, eating simple food, and enjoying as much or as little company as you want. It is a relaxing escape from a busy life.

And anybody can be whoever they want to be. There are no restrictions other than your own capacity, gender is immaterial, and you decide how you want to take part. Roles include soldiers and camp followers, artisans, traders, and families, all part of the baggage train.

It’s a great family activity to watch or take part in, children are welcome with their adults. From 10 years old they can join as apprentices and learn practical life skills and crafts such as how to use an axe safely and light a fire. Apprentices are taught to handle replica weapons safely, and I was amused to learn that they are currently fundraising to buy a small cannon. Working as part of a properly safeguarded team with others builds confidence as they learn social skills

including how to interact with the public. Once they are 16, they are allowed on the field as a recruit if they wish to enter the fray.

Helen introduced me to the many ways to join in as an adult member.

You might wish to become a Pikeman, carrying a 16-foot ash pole tipped with iron or steel. Great if you’re strong, and happy to charge at the ‘enemy’ and join in with the ‘push of pike’ not unlike a rugby scrum.

If you like firearms you may be interested in the role of Musketeer. There is a real thrill to join a block of musketeers firing together, and the watching crowd appreciates the drama too.

Lord Robartes encampment at Lyveden

Living History, cooking for the troops

After the firing the musketeers also can engage in hand to hand fighting by ‘clubbing’ with the musket.

If you and your horse wish to take part, you will be a welcome addition to the spectacle once you are both acclimatised to flapping flags, bangs and drums.

If you want to be a real part of the action but not necessarily fight, then you might enjoy the role of Drummer. Historically they were an important part of every

regiment as they stirred up the spirits of the troops, and fear into the heart of the enemy. Drums were an important method of communication in the chaos of battle, and it was considered unlucky to kill a drummer – which is an advantage!

Pioneers are a vital part of the team. Formerly they acted as engineers, breaching and building defences, but today this is a non-combatant role in the heart of the action. Pioneers acting as water carriers are valued, as carrying weapons and fighting is physically demanding work requiring proper hydration. An additional role is to keep an eye on everyone on the field keeping up morale and ensuring everyone is safe.

The Living History element is a fabulous opportunity to share skills and to engage with the public. Anything appropriate to the era goes, and currently there are a huge variety of artisans who might appear as part of Lord Robartes encampment. A potter, a bodger working with wood, a pole lather, a blacksmith, all kinds of textile artists, candlemaker and leather worker are just a few. Cooking over fire is universally fascinating to watch and smell.

It is clear from our conversation that the social side of Lord Robartes Regiment is essential, lively, and fun. Great friendships have developed, and social gatherings are an important feature of membership, with campfires, beer tents, and even banquets on occasion.

So where can you see this family spectacle for yourself?

On June 15th, Lorde Robartes Regiment will be joining in the fun at the Earls Barton Carnival with a Regimental march, demonstrations and a living history display.

August 3rd and 4th sees an encampment at Lyveden with a Regimental display and living history in a more authentic and tranquil setting.

Reassuringly, priority is given to the safety of all. Full training and testing are required for all activities, especially for those using weapons. Advice on building the right costume is offered, as authenticity is important. “Fancy dress it is not!”, as Zena told me.

If you would like to see a big Sealed Knot event just outside Northamptonshire, there will be a re-enactment of the 1644 Battle of Cropredy Bridge, to mark its 380th anniversary on August 25th and 26th. Hundreds of re-enactors from all over the country, including Lord Robartes Regiment will take to the battlefield to commemorate and interpret the story. It should be magnificent, and I can’t wait!

For more information, please visit www.lordrobartes.com and www.thesealedknot.org.uk

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

Marching at Lyveden

Living History, a potter at work

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Calling all local businesses! Get involved today and make a difference...

We are the only charity dedicated to fundraising for Northampton General Hospital, Kettering General Hospital, and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. We raise money to make a difference for patients, their families, and the dedicated staff who care for them.

Through the generous support of local businesses like yours, we can make a tangible difference in healthcare across our community. By funding equipment, backing groundbreaking research, and enhancing facilities and staff areas, we aim to bring comfort and relief to those in hospitals across our community.

By supporting Northamptonshire Health Charity, you are actively helping patients and staff across Northamptonshire, whether that is by donating money, time, or resource. It is easy to get caught up in the day-today business of an organisation but taking time to give something back to a charity can give you a new perspective on work and life.

Ways you can get involved

There are numerous ways for local businesses to get involved:

Official Charity Partnership: Forge a lasting relationship with us as an official charity partner, aligning your brand with our cause and supporting tailored initiatives.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Showcase your commitment to social responsibility by exploring sponsorship opportunities for our fundraising events and promote your business at the same time.

Charity of the Year: Nominate us as your Charity of the Year and hold fundraising events like bake sales, raffles and team building events with your staff/colleagues.

Payroll Giving: Enable easy employee giving through payroll deductions.

Fundraising: Host events and campaigns to raise vital funds for healthcare projects.

Volunteering: Engage your team in volunteer activities, from event support to community outreach.

Match Funding: Double employee contributions through match funding.

Get involved today and make a

Every donation will go toward improving patient care and NHS staff wellbeing, above and beyond that which is funded by the NHS. For more information or to speak to a member of our friendly team, contact us on the details below: Call: 01604 626927

Email: greenheart@nhcf.co.uk www.nhcf.co.uk

Local Businesses!

We're the sole charity raising funds for Northampton General Hospital, Kettering General Hospital, and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

With support from local businesses like yours, we improve patient care and support dedicated staff through equipment funding, research, and facility enhancements. Your support directly impacts patients and staff in Northamptonshire.

Pro Bono Services: Support us with your expertise and services.

difference.

Events during June at Lamport Hall and Gardens

Summer has arrived at Lamport and we can’t wait to welcome you! The gardens are a riot of colour and look spectacular, the 50th Anniversary Exhibition in the Hall is proving popular with visitors and we have a wonderful programme of events for all.

We are delighted to be opening our gardens on Saturday 8th June from 10am-4pm for the National Garden Scheme Open Day. The café will also be open so enjoy this rare opportunity to visit the gardens on a weekend date.

Our popular Study Days also make a welcome return on Tuesday 18th June. We will welcome local historian and author Neil Lyon to talk about Lamport and the wider county during WWII. Dr Laura Engel is a professor based at a university in Pittsburgh, USA, and she will be exploring the culture of celebrity including Sir Gyles Isham’s Hollywood acting career. Dr Megan Leyland, a Senior Historian at English Heritage, will look at the 19th century architectural changes made to the Hall. Finally, Dr Jane Eade from the National Trust will look at the career and paintings of 17th century artist Joan Carlile. Tickets include lunch and refreshments.

On Friday 28th June we welcome Sardinian harpist Laura Crobu to perform the

The recital includes works by Michail Glinka, Parish Alvars and Alphonse Hasselman.

The Realm of Enchantment will continue to host their themed stay and play sessions for children aged 2-11 throughout the school holidays. Check the website for dates and themes. A must for all little ones who enjoy being outside in nature.

The Hall and Gardens are also open every Wednesday and Thursday alongside the café and gift shop.

> To find out more about events at Lamport Hall or to book tickets visit: lamporthall.co.uk

harp at Lamport.

Study Day talks will include the culture of celebrity, including the acting career of Sir Gyles Isham and also the career and paintings of Joan Carlile

It’s time for a fresh start

The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner election has sent a clear message to the Conservatives. It’s time for change, and it’s time for a general election.

On Friday 3rd May, Labour’s Danielle Stone was announced as the new Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire. Her win was a stunning upset, overturning a Conservative majority of around 50,000 votes. This result was a clear indication that the people in our county are ready for change.

The Conservative Party had grown complacent, believing that they could coast to victory without engaging with the electorate. They avoided public scrutiny by skipping hustings and neglected to canvass voters directly. They assumed that, despite the lack of trust in politicians and the weak leadership at the top, people would simply vote Tory out of habit.

Labour, on the other hand, ran a campaign that was deeply rooted in the concerns and aspirations of the people. Danielle Stone and her team spent countless hours listening to the feedback of groups and individuals, learning from policy experts and other police commissioners across the country. The result was a positive, ambitious campaign that resonated with voters because they had helped shape it.

After 14 long years of decline under the Conservatives, many people have grown weary of the chaos, division, and broken promises. They have watched as their families and communities have suffered the consequences of poor leadership and misguided policies. Now, they are ready to turn the page and usher in a new era of national renewal with Labour.

The message from the Northamptonshire elections is clear: we want change, and we want it now.

It is time for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to listen to the people and call a general election. It is time to give everyone the opportunity to have their say in shaping the future of our nation.

When you cast your vote in the upcoming general election, consider the need for honesty, decency, and a genuine commitment to public service from our elected officials. Consider the importance of choosing a government that will put the needs of the people first and work tirelessly to build a better future for all.

The choice is yours, but the message is clear: it’s time for change, and it’s time for a fresh start.

Succession and tax planning for high-net-worth families

‘Whether you have built up a portfolio of assets through business activities, savings and investments, or you have inherited a significant wealth, it is important to plan efficiently in order to minimise tax implications,’ says Susan Owens, Senior Partner at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston.

To make sure your family are adequately provided for throughout your lifetime and after your death, you should also consider succession planning carefully. It is important to think about how your wealth will pass and any adverse tax effects this will have on your loved ones.

When should you consider your estate to be high net worth?

NORTHAMPTON

29 Billing Road Northampton NN1 5DQ 01604 622101

KETTERING

18 Brooklands Court Kettering Venture Park Kettering NN15 6FD 01536 523434 bmtclaw.co.uk

‘High net worth’ or ‘HNW’ is a term which tends to differ from industry to industry and across different organisations. There is no legal definition.

HMRC’s high net worth department considers estates that are worth £20 million or more.

Meanwhile, professional advisors tend to consider estates that are worth £2 million or more to be high net worth because they usually require more complex tax planning. This is because the HMRC residence nil rate band begins to taper at this level, and estates worth £2.5 million or more do not benefit from the residence nil rate band at all.

Essential planning

Preparing for your future with a will and powers of attorney is important for everyone, but for a high-net-worth family it is even more essential.

You should also ensure that your power of attorney allows for investment in the type of assets that are most beneficial to you and your loved ones, with appropriate levels of risk, and you should ensure that your will adequately plans around the potential loss of the residence nil rate band. Each member of a high-net-worth family should review their will regularly to ensure that they continue to make the most of everchanging laws and tax rules.

Other planning to consider for a high-net-worth family

Lifetime trusts can be one of the most useful tools for tax saving purposes and to protect assets for descendants. Certain types of investments will attract additional reliefs which can significantly reduce inheritance tax, for example business premises, agricultural property, or woodland.

expertise. A high-net-worth estate might include business interests, tax schemes, and overseas interests, for example. Your lawyer will, therefore, need to collaborate with other professional experts who specialise in such areas to ensure you receive comprehensive advice.

Part of the strategic approach for your estate may involve working with members of other departments within our firm. For example, our family team can provide cohabitation and prenuptial agreements for children in high-net-worth families to protect the family legacy.

How can we help?

Our solicitors will provide bespoke advice for your needs and help you to consider the best approach for you and your family.

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Please

A power of attorney is especially important to ensure that you can continue to enjoy a lifestyle to which you have become accustomed. You should also consider the need for planning, within a power of attorney and your will, for the continued running of a business, including factors such as how mental incapacity or death could affect shareholders and majority voting.

You may also wish to make generous gifts to loved ones while you are alive and well, to reduce the overall value of your estate. It is important to seek legal advice before making lifetime gifts, as some gifts may not achieve the tax planning results you desire.

The holistic nature of planning for a high-net-worth estate

Succession and tax planning for a high-net-worth estate is complex and varied, and planning of this nature requires an array of skills and

For further information, please contact Susan Owens in the wills and probate team on: 01604 622101 or email: susan.owens@bmtclaw.co.uk

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston has offices in both Northampton and Kettering.

Susan Owens Partner

To win in today’s market law firms need to focus on customer service

In a world where clients are better informed and seeking value for money more than ever before, it’s service that counts. There’s tonnes of research telling us that legal firms tend to deliver the expertise customers need, but they don’t offer the customer service they want. That’s why, Northampton-based SP Law takes a service-first approach.

We caught up with Mark Normansell, Legal Director at SP Law, which has recently merged with EMW Law LLP, to find out why service always wins.

Service has always been important for law firms, right?

Yes, it’s always been important – in fact, it’s what we’ve built our business on. There are loads of firms out there who can help you buy a house, remortgage or transfer equity, but they won’t all do it with a personal touch. What we mean by that is working really hard to understand our clients’ needs, helping them solve their problem, keeping them informed and doing it all in a language they can understand. Not everyone’s a legal expert (that’s why they need us), it’s our job to walk them through the process, key decision points and do it all smoothly and efficiently.

How do you know if you’re doing a good job?

Clients come back to us. It’s that simple. We work with several well-respected local estate agents and have a large client base across the local area, and we stay in touch. My team and I are always on the end of a phone and

will do everything we can to answer a query or work through the process as quickly as possible with minimum fuss. Our clients tell us regularly how important that is to them and our arsenal of positive reviews and recommendations centres on our service.

How do you build a team that can deliver expertise and the right level of service?

We have some of the best experts in the business on our team – I’m really proud to work alongside them. They not only know their stuff but they’re brilliant at supporting customers too. Focusing on service is a key part of how we develop as professionals. I joined as a Paralegal in 2006 and throughout my journey to becoming a Licenced Conveyancer and now head of residential conveyancing at SP Law, customer service skills have always been valued as much as technical expertise. We grow it from the bottom up, throughout our workforce.

Can you tell us a bit more about your team?

I’d be delighted to. My team is a well-oiled machine that keeps everything moving, the engine behind our results and happy clients. Right now, I’m proud to head up an experienced conveyancing team comprising Helen Williams, Karen Lacey and Jeanette Findlay. Together, we help clients with anything from buying and selling property, remortgaging, transfers of equity, unregistered property and preparing auction packs.

What else does SP Law do?

With roots in Northampton, where its founders Sundip Patel and Hassan Shah

grew up, SP Law has proudly grown from a small practice based on Stimpson Avenue serving the local community, to a full-service law firm that’s part of the EMW family. Since the merger with EMW in January of this year, we can now offer UK and international clients a broad range of support from offices in Northampton, Milton Keynes, London, Gatwick and Brighton. My team focus on conveyancing but we can also support clients with commercial property, tenancies, employment law, settlement agreements, divorces, wills, probate, lasting powers of attorney and immigration; whilst the wider EMW family can offer many other services too.

What should someone do if they have a legal question or issue?

Get in touch. We’ll do our best to help. We aren’t shy of talking about our own experiences with legal matters and we talk in a very straightforward way – hopefully you’ll feel like you’ve got a trusted partner for whatever legal support you need.

Scan the code to find out more about the SP Law conveyancing team.

Left to right: Karen Lacey, Helen Williams, Jeanette Findlay and Mark Normansell

Top comics head to town for Northampton Comedy Festival

More than 40 comedians have been booked to appear at multiple venues across the town centre as part of a two-month-long series of gigs, including top names such as Gary Delaney, Angela Barnes and Jack Skipper.

The festival, which takes place over 10 weeks until Saturday, 27 July, has been organised by locally based promoters The Comedy Crate with support from Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District.

Venues hosting performances include Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Saints Coffee, Cheyne Walk Club and V&B.

Mark Mullen, operations manager of Northampton Town Centre BID, said: “We are always looking for ways to give people more reasons to visit our town centre and the Northampton Comedy Festival does just that. We launched the event last year and its success meant that we wanted to bring it back once again this summer.

“This is an opportunity to see big names in intimate venues as they prepare their material for shows on the nation’s biggest stage. We’re looking forward to seeing Northampton come together to have a laugh in some of the town centre’s brilliant venues, from coffee shops and museums to pubs and clubs.”

The focal point of the festival will be a ‘weekender’ on 20-21 July, when 25 acts will appear across three stages.

There will also be a family-friendly ‘WiFi Wars’ event held at Charles Bradlaugh aimed at young gamers, while adults can also play along as well.

Mike Chase from The Comedy Crate said: “We are delighted to once again partner up with Northampton Town Centre BID to bring hilarious acts to our town that are warming up either for Edinburgh or for their tour shows.

“All of the shows are at bargain prices, giving you the chance to watch TV acts, circuit headliners and stars of the future without travelling hundreds of miles and paying fortunes for accommodation. Please get behind your local independent comedy club and make this a festival to remember.”

The stand-up dates kick-off a period of entertainment being dubbed ‘The Festival of Festivals’ – with other events including Northampton Music Festival, a food and drink week, Northampton Carnival and the annual celebrations for Diwali –the Hindu festival of light.

Some of the most respected names in UK stand-up will be coming to Northampton for a dedicated comedy festival this summer, with many acts using it as a warm-up on route to the Edinburgh Fringe. Stay up to date with the best places to go and the most epic events across Northamptonshire.

For tickets and more information, visit www.thecomedycrate.com or scan the code

Paul Sinha, aka ‘The Sinnerman’ widely known from ITV’s The Chase previously performed at The Charles Bradlaugh

Get a real taste of Northamptonshire

It is time to raise a glass to the people, places and producers who will be taking part in the new Northamptonshire Week of Food & Drink. The showcase, which runs from 1st to 9th June, will give a taste of just what is happening across the county’s growing food and drink scene.

The first ever Food & Drink Week will shine a spotlight on local produce, pop ups, collaborations, tours, tastings and more, at locations all around Northamptonshire.

The week is just one of the initiatives being co-ordinated by Northamptonshire Surprise, a destination partnership, run by and with business leaders. The mission is to champion Northamptonshire as an exceptional visitor destination and to showcase what a great place it is to live and work.

The May meeting was hosted by Kettering Park Hotel and Spa and the next in June is at Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa.

Andrew Hollett, General Manager of Kettering Park Hotel & Spa, said: “It is important that we work together and find ways to benefit from this collaboration. The Food & Drink Week shows what can be done when working with local suppliers.”

The Delapré Food Festival takes place on the 8th and 9th June

The Northamptonshire Week of Food & Drink is a perfect opportunity to discover local food and drink producers

Another speaker at the event was Tom Warner, of Warner’s Distillery, which is based in Harrington, near Kettering. The producer of gin and other spirits will be one of the exhibitors at Delapré Abbey’s Food Festival which runs 8th and 9th June.

“Diversification is key,” said Tom, who said the company’s products are now sold in 34 countries including New Zealand and USA.

The Food & Drink Week is being coordinated by Made in Northamptonshire. Its director Rachel Mallows, said: “It’s our first year so we expected to start small, but we’ve got a fantastic line up already. There’s something for everybody, so please do join us in celebrating our very own county Food & Drink Week.”

Proud sponsors of the initiative are Wilson Browne Solicitors. Partner Kevin Rogers said: “Whether pubs, restaurants, food or drink products - we are excited to help put the county’s home grown firmly on the food and drink map of England.”

> For full details about those taking part, where you can go and what you can do over the week click to: www.northamptonshiresurprise.com/ june-food-and-drink/ or scan the QR code below

Tasters...

There is a wide range of events across Northamptonshire from student take overs, coffee and baking demonstrations to product tastings at hotels, gin discounts, and special menus at the County Cricket Ground and at pubs and restaurants all around the county.

Other events include a local produce market and showcase at Whitco on June 1st, to The Best of Northamptonshire Long Table Banquet on June 7th. The new Food and Drink Festival at Delapré Abbey is on June 8th-9th.

Award-winning Chef James Peck (pictured right), owner at Ember and No.13 bar in Wellingborough, and the Four Pears in Little Houghton, is heading up the kitchen for the Best of Northamptonshire Long Table Banquet at the Tollemache Arms in Harrington on June 7th.

James said: “The Northants food scene is getting really exciting. This new week is a great way to celebrate our amazing chef and hospitality skills, and the brilliant produce we all have on our doorstep. Let’s get behind it!”

Wicksteed Park and Tresham College will join together to provide a contemporary take on soldiers’ ration packs from 5pm to 6pm on 6th June.

The initiative is part of D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in the Wicksteed Park Pavilion Terrace suite, which run from 5pm to 9pm.

The free charity event, supporting Help For Heroes, also includes lighting one of the many commemorative beacons across the country, at 7pm, and live music from Miss Rosie Vintage.

Wicksteed Park head of operations Jordan St Germain said: “We are delighted to be taking part in Food and Drink Week, which is a great way to showcase the amazing food that is

The event at the park is also a chance to sample the work of the next generation of culinary stars whilst paying our respects to those who took part in the D-Day landings.”

The Apothocoffee Shop at Jeyes of Earls Barton is tempting customers with a special menu from 1st to 9th June. The Balsamic Blueberry Menu honours the British blueberry and each savoury and sweet dish has been created using a delish relish that Steve from Friars Farm made from fruit harvested by Mee Blueberries

Jeyes are also hosting a session on June 6th from 10am to noon with Warktonbased baker Valeria Mizuno-Turne, from the Incredible Baking Company Valeria, who specialises in gluten free and vegan cooking, will be sharing her knowledge at workshops. The £5 ticket includes a link to Valeria’s ebook. Other workshops include the Inspired Coffee Shop in Higham Ferrers on 3rd June and Kate Bloc in Sheep Street, Kettering on 4th June.

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

WHITE HOT

We’ve had our first sight of sun, so let’s dress like it’s here to stay — in outfits for the Summer we want, not the Summers we’ve had.

Whether you go for a cruise along high street rails or take a plunge into your wardrobe at home, seek inspiration from the looks that sizzled on Spring/ Summer catwalks, which seem to have taken theirs from the coast. Think bright whites with sky blue, and a cocktail of gold and silver accents; a mirage of sandy beaches, golden sunshine, clear Summer skies, and collecting silver-lined shells along the shore of your dreamiest holiday.

There were white and blue tailored looks at Proenza Schouler, Alberta Ferretti, Emporio Armani and Givenchy, plus clean cut, pool-ready, casual combos at Chanel and Gucci. At Jason Wu, Prada and Simone Rocha, dresses blew down the runway like clouds of taffeta — with playfully-draped powder blue worn over white slips. At Phillip Lim, white was worn head-to-toe.

To look hot right now? Try roomy, wide-legged suitwear accessorised with souvenir shop earrings, belts and pendant necklaces. Or choose something with a spray of silver detailing, a la models at Alexander McQueen. If you must buy new, head into H&M for their swathe-y ivory two-piece — with its tie-up blazer paying homage to Prabal Gurung’s wrap-waist trousers. Else at Zara, there’s a white and denim maxi dress to slip about in.

Hotter still? Hints of Summer’s cowgirl trend — so wrangle in western details with hats, boots (Mark Fast showed some brilliant white ones, but River Island’s are better), waistcoats and more baby blue denim. A sure way to straddle easy-breezy, white-hot, attention-stealing style, while riding the rodeo that is British Summer Weather.

*Prices correct at time of print

Main image all items H&M

From glosses for lovely lips to marvellous mists and lotions, and lash-tastic products, here are this month’s beauty choices...

Peace Hand & Body Lotion is a fabulously fruity aide to moisturise, with herbs and essential oils promoting harmony with every sweep over the hand.

Made with a vegetarian formula, this lotion is packed with lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, coconut, avocado, honey and sweet almond milk. Free from parabens, paraffin and alcohol, the product supports community fair trade and sustainable harvesting too.

Get it: spaceylon.co.uk

RRP: £15

Getting lippy isn’t always a bad thing – and House of Colour has a wonderfully glossy selection of shades that don’t just look lovely, they also moisturise as they go. There are 20 to choose from, with opaque, sheer colours and glitter toppers, all mineral based, with Vitamin E to nourish, and they are vanilla flavoured. If you want smoother, plump, soft lips with the wow factor, head to House of Colour. You can use on top of your most favoured lip product, but they are more than enough on their own. Our favourites? Plum and Berry. How about you?

Get it: houseofcolour.co.uk

RRP: £22.86

Troubles don’t seem nearly as bad after a good night in sleepy land, and the Wellness Trio Sleep Intense will help you escape from the land of sheep counting for perfect pillow time. Three steps to a fresher you start with a relaxing Body Cleanser for use in the bath or shower as part of your pre-bedtime routine. Then let the Dream Essence Mist fall lightly on your body and your bed linen.

Complete the evening care session by applying the Dream Balm on your temples. Gently massage in. Snooze away the difficulties of the day.

Get it: spaceylon.co.uk

RRP: £15

Velour Plant Fibre Lashes (vegan and cruelty free) are crafted with hemp-derived plant fibres making for an eco-friendly addition. The short, round shape is designed to enhance the natural lash volume that moulds perfectly with all eye shapes – and this ‘everyday lash’ can be reused up to 20 times.

So you look good and your finances feel good, too!

Get it: sephora.co.uk

RRP: £22

If you want to build longerlooking lashes, reach for the Babe Lash Essential Serum. Its ultra-nourishing formula includes biotin and amino acids which boost the lash line and lash retention. Apply in the evening on clean, dry skin. A little goes all the way – one dip of the wand is enough to do both eyes.

Get it: beautybay.com

RRP: £45

Stress. No-one is exempt, and its damaging effects on our health can really take a toll.

If alarm bells are starting to ring for you, listen and act – and the Spa Ceylon brand has plenty of products to calm and still the mind. Its De-Stress Harmonising Essence Mist is a good place to start, and is packed with Ayurveda wonder herbs – Aloe Vera, Frankincense, Tangerine and Bergamot.

Get it: spaceylon.co.uk

RRP: £22

Dermaroller is the original microneedling skin care solution, but its cuttingedge science doesn’t start and stop with the needling – it also offers supporting products, and its XcellarisPro Cell Repair serum is a night-time essential to promote skin regeneration. Contains retinol to stimulate skin growth and boost new collagen production. You sleep while it works to reduce wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. Nice job.

Get it: dermaroller-uk.com

RRP: £85

M O M E N T S T H A T M A T T E R

Enjoy a worry-free and active retirement at the Hawthorns, where community living is at our heart.

The Hawthorns’ Well-being Co-ordinators provide a daily programme of stimulating and engaging activities, social events, trips out, exercise classes and interest clubs to keep your mind and body active and support you in staying healthy.

Studio, 1-bed or 2-bed apartments available for single occupancy or couples.

Nourishing Amy and Gina Burgess celebrate the start of the European Picota cherry season with this delicious vegan recipe that showcases the naturally stalkless fruit.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cherry Chia Jam:

200g pitted Picota Cherries (approx. 250g whole cherries)

2 tbsp maple syrup

2 tbsp white chia seeds

For the cookie dough cups:

50g oat flour

60g ground almonds

30g vegan vanilla protein powder

3 tbsp melted coconut oil

3 tbsp runny, smooth almond butter

2 tbsp maple syrup

Pinch of salt

40g dark chocolate chips

For the Frangipane:

2 tbsp (30g) runny, smooth almond butter

1½ tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp melted coconut oil

30g ground almonds

For Serving:

6 tsp whipped coconut cream or thick coconut yoghurt

6 Picota Cherries, whole 1 tbsp flaked almonds, crushed

Time: 20 minutes plus 1-2 hours chilling Makes: 8

METHOD

1. Start by making the jam: add the pitted cherries to a saucepan along with the maple syrup and bring to a boil. Allow to summer and bubble over a high heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing the cherries with the spoon, until juicy and sticky. Stir in the chia seeds, remove from the heat and allow to cool down. Once cool, blend up to a smoother jam. Store in the fridge for 1 week in a sealed jar, until needed.

2. Line 8 muffin holes in a tray with paper cases.

3. For the cookie dough: stir together the oat flour, ground almonds, protein powder, coconut oil, almond butter, syrup and salt to a sticky mix. Now fold in the chocolate chips and divide into 8 equal pieces (about 40g each). Press each one into a muffin case and make a cup shape. I like to press a shot glass (or similar) into the centre of each cookie dough ball to do this. Chill in the fridge while you make the fillings.

4. For the frangipane: stir together the ingredients until sticky. Remove the cups from the fridge and spoon in some of the frangipane and top with some of the cherry jam (you will have extras). Allow to rest in the fridge for1 bour, until they have firmed up.

5. To serve: remove from the fridge and pipe on some coconut yoghurt and top with a Picota Cherry and some flaked almonds.

6. Eat straight away or keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 1 week or in the freezer for 1 month. Allow to defrost before eating.

Paul Robinson as Elvis visits us once again for a special evening on June 10th at

Pianist Lincoln Noel joins us on July 8th at 7pm

Book early – tables will sell fast

Book your reservations by calling 01234 717000 and join us for two memorable evenings

DIGGING DEEP

How does your garden grow?

JThe early bird catches the leatherjacket!

Awell-kept lawn is the motivation for many any hour spent eliminating weeds and walking that mower up and down.

So it can be devastating to watch your green space developing patches of yellowish brown before dying. It makes for a nasty sight, and if you lift the devastated turf you will find the cause of the issue; leatherjackets living – and munching – in the surface layers of the soil.

Wormlike in appearance, they are easy to distinguish; with greyish brown bodies which can be up to 30mm in length.

Leatherjackets are the larvae of craneflies. Most get their kicks from algae and organic matter, but some feed on living plants, and those are the ones that could cause you problems.

Veggie plots can also suffer, and larvae numbers can be swelled after a damp autumn.

The problem with leatherjackets is often one that accompanies new build properties.

If you believe your garden has a problem with the larvae, covering the lawn overnight with plastic sheeting will encourage the leatherjackets to rise to the surface. Remove the sheeting in the morning and the birds will have an easy feast, but of course, while being helpful, birds can sometimes make for even more destruction.

Running around with pesticides and nasties isn’t an option. You can remove by hand which will be laborious, but if done regularly will help to control numbers, but introducing nematodes is the smart option.

Why? Because these grey wrigglies are fussy eaters with a penchant for fresh, new turf, and young lawns have particularly sweet, tender roots.

They like their greens – or rather, they like our greens!

So, you know what they are, but how do you eliminate them?

That’s the trickier part. The local feathered population will stick their beaks in, quite literally!

Birds love munching on the jackets, and if your garden is suddenly a haven for crows, magpies and starlings nibbling around the lawn, that’s a good indication you may have an issue.

Nematodes will devastate leatherjackets but won’t harm pets, children, birds or other wildlife.

What is a nematode? In short, they are microscopic worms that enter the grubs, infecting them with a bacterial disease that causes their demise.

The nematodes are invisible to the naked eye, and purchased in powder form which needs to be mixed with water to activate.

When a leatherjacket has been destroyed, the nematodes multiply and head back out to search for more victims. It’s like a real life horror story playing out beneath the soil!

Once an infestation has been dealt with (which will take time), you need to turn all attention to supporting your grass in its recovery – feeding the roots and keeping the grass cut short is perfect. Unfortunately, if it pulls up easily at the roots, you will need to reseed.

To give your grass the best chance of recovery, always act quickly – because infestations are no larvae-ing matter.

une might be the hottest month, and watering the plants will be a priority. Feeding productive plants is most important. Read the instructions carefully, pour the concentrate into the watering can then add water from the butt or tap. Stir the mix when the can is full. Water the compost slowly, until it is damp, rather than watering quickly and letting the water run out of the pot into the base.

Damping down the floor of the greenhouse is a must, and good ventilation must be practised as well.

The tomato plants are doing well in the growing bag, supported by canes, as are those in large pots and in a raised bed. Side shoots have been removed where necessary and all have been fed with a high-potash liquid fertiliser.

Potatoes in large pots are all growing vigorously and have been gradually filled up with soil.

The celery plants, growing in modules, will be planted out. We will try to grow them properly in a trench, 20 cm (8”) deep and 30cm (12”) apart in two rows, gradually earthing them up to blanch the stems.

The larger sweetcorn seedlings may also be planted now, not in rows but squares or blocks to enable the wind to pollinate them whatever the direction (of the wind).

It will soon be the longest day. Let us make the most of it!

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

Potatoes can be grown in pots, planted near the bottom and then gradually filled up with soil or compost as they grow

Leatherjackets are the larvae of craneflies

Get ready for a naughty twist at Cinderella’s Royal Ball!

The Adult Pantomime is back for its 6th year with an invitation to the Prince’s Ball for all you BIGGER boys and girls.

The prince is known for holding the biggest balls in all the land and is hoping that all the gorgeous women in the Kingdom will come to see what he has to offer. Could Cinderella with the help from her best friend Buttons see if the prince’s golden dildo will be the perfect fit?

But her two ugly stepsisters – the S!*@S – Ivana Dickin and Ineeda Dickin want the Prince to themselves, and will do ANYTHING to stop Cinderella living happily ever after!

Starring The Adult Pantomime favourites, the #cracking Liam Mellor as Buttons, the filthy and fabulous Jimmy Burton-Iles and the devilishly wicked Robert Squire as the two ugly stepsisters. Plus returning to The Adult Pantomime after a year off, Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road’s Ben-Ryan Davies returns as the dashing Prince Charming. Be prepared to laugh your adult socks

and

which will have you

the isles and lots of audience participation –whether you want it or not. Get ready for a night at the theatre you will never forget… Oh no you won’t!

Don’t let time run out on you and GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!

Due to selling out EVERY year, advance booking is strongly advised.

Suitable for 16 years plus.

Social Media Handles

Facebook: @ theadultpantomime

Twitter: @theadultpanto

Instagram: @ theadultpantomime

off with this hilarious take on Cinderella. With a fun

filthy laugh a minute script. Anthems

dancing in

Bluey ’s Big Play for little kids,

and big blue entertainment for big kids!

Murder mysteries, more giggle bringers and a pantomime to turn you red with its rude stuff. Here’s June’s juicy bits in theatre-land...

An Evening with Harry Redknapp (June 2) will keep your attention with engaging stories from his fruitful career in footie and TV - and there are plenty of tales to tell! Settle in for a great night.

Renowned British designer and judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down, Keith Brymer Jones will be throwing down stories in place of clay with his visit to the Derngate (June 3) when he shares stories of life in front of – and behind – the potter’s wheel.

There will be an on-stage demo at his wheel too, and he’ll be sharing his advice and tips for those budding creators among you.

Bluey’s Big Play (June 6-9) will enchant little minds. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag, during 50 minutes of fun.

‘It’s October 12, 1984 – the Brighton bombing. Maggie Thatcher emerges from the rubble, dusty but defiant and somehow in the living room of eight-year-old Damian Barr in Newarthill,’ and so begins the surreal but so-real rollercoaster, Scottish classic, Maggie & Me (June 6-8, Royal).

‘Buckle up for a surreal yet so-real rollercoaster ride through Damian’s painful past rediscovering who he really is. From the furnaces of the Ravenscraig Steelworks to the sanctuary of Carfin Grotto, there’s pain and joy, coming of age and coming out. And Saint Dolly Parton.’

Sister Act (June 10-15, Derngate) is a bonafide classic to warm the soul and raise the spirits, and Mark Simmons (June 12, Royal) brings the funnies with his show, Quip Off The Mark

It’s a little more involved than one-liner giggles though, with a theme running throughout; Mark’s parents have sold the house he grew up in and he had to collect a box of stuff from the loft. What was in the box? He’ll reveal all in this show structured in a new way.

(June 28-29, Royal), which draws on the best capers of country house detective stories, with a twist.

The inept Inspector Cluedo, his endlessly patient and long-suffering sergeant, Officer Joan, and a colourful and rather odd collection of residents and guests navigate their way through mayhem, mishaps and murder.

So – Whodunnit? The Bluff Colonel? The Heiress? The Butler? Will Inspector Cluedo ever solve the case of the disappearing Duchess? Is he even in the right house?

Adult themes, including comedy violence and sexual references, will feature.

More funny business comes from Aurie Styla (June 15, Royal), who will talk about our wild world, and his journey to make sense of it...

If ever a title might be regretted by a comedian, it could be James Acaster’s latest – Hecklers Welcome

James (June 20-22, Derngate) is also inviting you to support Northampton’s mental health charity, Lowdown, if you are able. It provides free and confidential support services for those aged 11-25 years old in our area. There’s no punchline here, just a desire to make a positive difference.

Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice are Together (June 25, Derngate) with more fun, more dance, more songs and even more entertainment.

It will be a scream with plenty of fancy footwork thrown in.

The Actors Company will deliver the brand new whodunnit Another Bloody Murder

A hop and a skip across town to The Old Savoy will deliver the adult panto, Cinderella And The Two Ugly S!*@s (June 7), with an invitation to the Prince’s Ball for bigger boys and girls only!

The Prince is known for holding the biggest balls in all the land and is hoping that all the gorgeous women in the Kingdom will come to see what he has to offer, but it’s not a glass slipper the royal household is looking to find the owner of. It’s something you’d find in one of those adult stores!

Mark Simmons

Bluey’s Big Play

Aurie Styla

Anton and Giovanni

James Acaster

Pic: Mark Senior

Fun friction at the Black Prince

Kickstarting the month of June the SBD way is down to Scottish live wires High Fade, and this six-legged noise making machine do a swell line in sharp funk and disco delight, that has seen some impressive ears tipped their way – Jack Black, Rage Against the Machine’s Brad Wilk, Cypress Hill and the man with the voice, one -time Deep Purple frontman Glenn Hughes have all been put under their spell.

The Edinburgh based boys (Harry, Oliver and Calvin) pull from a steep pile of musical produce, spanning Barry White to Kiss, so they’ve scope for lots of experimentation which they put to great use.

A dance floor is never a dull floor when these boys are on stage, with high tempo jazz and funk coming as standard, and they invite you

to show your moves when they visit The Lab on June 1.

“High Fade doesn’t work unless there’s a crowd, a dance floor and people that want to get down,” they say. Don’t disappoint them. At the tail end of last year, High Fade returned home after sprinkling their magic on a decent sized tour of the US, so they are decidedly well-oiled and ready to impress.

SBD switches back to the familiarity of The Black Prince for the rest of the month, and delivers Brighton’s City Dog (June 14) to kick up a musical stink.

These punk players have already tucked away sweet support slots with Buzzcocks and Wytches and twist together grunge and punk with odd scales and aggressively catchy choruses.

Known at home for ‘turning a mosh pit into an absolute frenzy,’ now they get to do the same for us.

Support will come from Latent Dream and Lame

Once the glasses have been cleared and that post-gig ‘sweat-meets-stale-beer’ aroma has settled down, the doors will open the next day (June 15) for a celebration of Quentin Tarantino.

From the gangsters and dance-offs from Pulp Fiction to the sexy dancing vampires from Dusk till Dawn, and from the fallen bride revenge saga that is Kill Bill to the psychedelic ‘60s of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, this is a show ready to roll out a unique cocktail of singing, dancing and theatrical performance using the effortlessly stylised themes from Tarantino’s films.

Pulp Friction gives you a gun-shooting, samurai sword-swinging, five dollar shakedrinking, royale with cheese of a night. The press images look promising, don’t you think?

Even when the band finishes the Friction won’t stop, with DJ Alex Novak at the desk spinning a fresh soundtrack to keep you in the hip-shaking mood. Get along early enough and you can listen to his tunes pre-show too.

A stripped-back date from Alberta Cross (June 21) will bring the shutters down on SBD for the month. The Petter Ericson Stakee founded band came together in London, enjoyed time across the pond in New York and now reside in Frome, Somerset.

They get about in a musical sense too, with dreamy support slots with titans including Mumford & Sons, Neil Young, Johnny Marr, Ringo Starr, Them Crooked Vultures, and Rag N’ Bone Man.

In March, the band released the single Watch Me Fall Down, recorded with artist and producer Ed Harcourt. The track is an introspective exploration of a father’s relationship with his children.

“I’d say its a fever dream about the dichotomy between the idealistic perspective that one’s offspring have of their patriarch, yet really there’s a giant invisible tiger pulling all the stitches out of his mangled puppet body,” Petter elaborates. Plump produce all the way.

> Go grab your tickets through sbdpromotions.com

SBD bring Pulp Friction (top left) and High Fade (above) to ‘fampton this month

Alberta Cross – June 21

City Dog are at The Black Prince on June 14

Easing tensions with Rival Sons

LA dwellers and double Grammy nominated rock mob Rival Sons visit The Roadmender on June 10.

Never ones to idly twiddle thumbs, they issued two elpees in 2023, namely Darkfighter and Lightbringer

“The first album pulls you into a deep place,” says guitarist Scott Holiday, “It illustrates our frailties and our struggles. When you get to Lightbringer, it’s a release from the tension...it’s like nothing we’ve ever done.

“There’s still a fight in the music. We’re still trying to break out of the box.

“We made something important to us.” A sell out is guaranteed.

London calling to the Northampton town

Original 70s punk players London will also appear at The Black Prince on June 28.

Originally managed by Simon Napier-Bell (who also oversaw the careers of The Yardbirds, Wham, Marc Bolan and Boney M...seriously) they cut loose a couple of singles, an EP and recorded an album in 1977, with frontman (and key songwriter) Riff Regan joined in play by Steve Voice on bass, Dave Wight on guitar and Jon Moss occupying the drum stool.

That same year they went out as support to The Stranglers, quickly elevating themselves to headliners in their own right. But their dalliance with success was a brief one – the band played its last gig on December 8 at the much-missed London Marquee.

Moss went on to join The Damned, sitting behind Dave Vanian, before swapping stools and hitting the hard things behind Boy George in Culture Club.

It’s funny how things turn out – quite literally for Riff, who then began working under his real name of Miles

The Wedding Present play the ‘mender on June 14.

> For tickets visit theroadmender.com

She’s Sony gone and smashed a new campaign!

It’s difficult keeping up with the activity of powerhouse FFSYTHO just now – last month we brought you all up to date on her activities, but the grime gal has since headed out on tour with Tdot

If you’ve got an early copy of this Pulse edition, hurry and you might see her on local soil at The Black Prince (May 28) before she takes her sounds to Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry and Derby.

Oh, and she’s fronting a new promo campaign for Sony’s new headphones and Bluetooth speaker. She’s smashing it.

Tredinnick as a comedy writer, delivering scripts for Frankie Howerd and TV hit, Birds of a Feather

The album they recorded saw the light of day the year after their demise. Fast forward through the decades and their first studio album in 34 years, Reboot, was issued in 2012.

The concept album, Hell For Leather Mob, was cut loose in 2020.

Joining the capital players will be fellow punk originators, Glaswegian boys

The Zips, and Marabar Caves

> Hey-ho, let’s go: skiddle.com/e/37179728

glam Glunk with Bisto

Spitting Feathers will get busy with ‘in ya face cheese, disco, glam and punk’ over at the Charles Bradlaugh on Friday, June 7, to throw you headfirst into the weekend. It’s ‘Glunk with added Bisto’ they say. We don’t know what that means, but we like it.

The Mix Tape DJs will also be seeing you on the night, with Alex Novak back in play with ‘eclectic sounds for unique moves’ from 8pm. Entry is free.

Rival Sons – June 10

FFSYTHO

It’s such a perfect day

(and they’d like to spend it with you)

APerfect Day Festival comes to Delapré Park on Sunday, June 16, with James Arthur in the top spot. James first took attentions on the ninth series of The X-Factor. Wowing the judges and the British public, he was the season winner and has since accrued a haul of hits – Impossible, Sun Comes Up, Naked, Rewrite The Stars and the seminal single, Say You Won’t Let Go, among ‘em.

Earlier this year he released his fifth album, Bitter Sweet Love, which debuted in the top spot.

This concert is perfect by name and perfect by nature with Arthur being joined by a veritable feast of fantastic music makers from the region ready to deliver at the event.

Billy Lockett

In a nutshell: “I write emotional, sad, piano ballads about a lot of my life; addiction, heartbreak and moving forward,” says Billy, who is fresh back at home following a European tour, and toasting the success of his current track with Kettering’s Brit Award nominated Goddard.

What to expect: “I think it’s great that this show is happening. I just want to make sure that people have as much fun as possible

All you need to do is grab a ticket, gather your friends and family, and remember to take along the picnic blanket.

> Book tickets at aperfectdayfestival.com

Pulse music checked in with the talents on our doorstep to see what’s on the menu on the day...

Mae Stephens

In a nutshell: “I’m colourful and funky and I want to be an advocate for the outcasts, the misfits and the weird kids.”

What to expect: “I want my show to be fun and for people to enjoy it and have a boogie. They can expect a bit of fun and some terrible dancing from me,” Mae promised, “I’m about as flexible as a house brick!”

really... I guess it is going to be a day of singer-songwriters and I love the fact that they’ve kept it local as well.”

Don’t go to the bar when: “Don’t go when I play I Could Use A Friend,” he says, “That’s the song of the moment.”

Investigate further: Instagram @billylockett Facebook: billylockettmusic

Don’t go to the bar when: “I released a song recently called Make Me Your Missus and it’s about my love for my partner, but it’s got this amazing section when the band all come together and we do this half time breakdown of the song, which is by far my most favourite point in the show. Don’t go to the bar then!”

Investigate further: TikTok & Insta: @maestephens_ YouTube: MaeStephensOfficial

> Read our exclusive interview with Mae on pages 10-12

James Arthur – heading the line-up

Andy Crofts

In a nutshell: “I’m probably known for my work with Paul Weller and my band The Moons who have had four studio albums. In all honesty, I am still developing my sound though. As the songwriter of The Moons I guess my music will always have some of that sound but I’m venturing into a solo world now and it’s still early days. It’s so fresh that I’m having to put a band together for the show. I have a bunch of songs that I need to get recorded and then release a solo record. So it’s all up in the air I guess.”

What to expect: “I plan on playing some new material I’ve never done live before mixed in with some numbers by The Moons. I don’t have a very long set so it’s all about finding the right balance with it all. I feel I need to push myself to put some new solo tracks in otherwise I rely too heavily on my Moons material. This show could be an eye opener for me on all levels.”

Don’t go to the bar when: “I’d say don’t go to the bar when I start and go when I’ve finished, ha ha. Despite being a support act, this could potentially be my biggest performance in Northampton with my own music and naturally I’d like everyone to see. I played the same location when I was in Paul Weller’s band and it was magical.”

Investigate further:

Instagram: @andyjcrofts

X: @andyjcrofts

Facebook: @lunarcrofts

Official website: andycrofts.com

Charlotte Carpenter

In a nutshell: “My music is like sharing a selection box of biscuits and a cuppa with your best mate, whilst you’re having a deep and meaningful about the human existence,” said Charlotte, who released her debut album A Modern Rage in October 2023. She has plans to issue a live EP this autumn to celebrate the one year release of the album.

“There are songs which will fill you with warmth and melt you and songs with a bit of crunch and more of a fight.”

Balter

In a nutshell: “We make indie tunes to be enjoyed in the sun,” says lead singer and guitarist Tom, “A mixture of indie, jazz, and pop.”

The quartet are fresh out of the studio in Liverpool working on some new tunes which will be blessing ears at some point this year.

What to expect: “Big guitar energy and a Midlands charm.”

Don’t go to the bar when: “When we play Dolores. This sci-fi inspired epic takes you somewhere else.”

Investigate further: I’m everywhere you’d expect but Instagram is more my vibe. My handle is @ccarpentermusic where you’ll be able to see me share endless stories of my two cats.

What to expect: “A jam packed set full of our greatest hits, good vibes guaranteed.”

Don’t go to the bar when: “Don’t go to the bar at all! Grab a drink before our set and be ready to dance as soon as we get on stage.”

Investigate further: Instagram @balterband Facebook @balterrrband

#WhatsOnPulse

Vivienne Westwood: A Personal Collection

Until June 9

If you haven’t already, you’ve still got a few days to check this out, showcasing a small part of an extensive personal collection featuring Vivienne’s outfits from her careerdefining collections.

Grand Dame of fashion: northamptonmuseums.com

Clive Anderson’s My Seven Wonders

Thursday, June 6, 8pm

Clive visits the new city as he tours to deliver the live version of his hit podcast.

Jive Talkin’: stables.org

Bluey’s Big Play

Thursday, June 6 – Sunday, June 9, various times

When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! A chance to see one of TVs biggest stars for little people. Play time: royalandderngate.co.uk

D-Day with speaker Richard Gibbons Thursday, June 6, 10.30am-midday

Richard will deliver a fascinating insight into the build-up to D-Day, the plans for the invasion, landings, the campaign in the Bocage, and the aftermath.

History brought to life: northamptonmuseums.com

Bingo Loco Friday, June 7, 6pm

A night of bingo madness with hilarious hosts, DJs delivering the best of 90s and 00s music, confetti showers, dance offs, lip synch battles and prizes aplenty. Two little ducks: theroadmender.com

Handmade & Vintage event Saturday, June 8 & Sunday, June 9, shopping centre hours

Shop more than 100 stalls of antique, handmade, unique gifts at Middleton Hall in centre:mk What will you find?: mkhandmadeandvintage.co.uk

Hallelujah - Sister Act is back! See it from June 10

Victorian Weekend

Saturday, June 8 & Sunday, June 9, 10.30am-4.30pm

Meet HM Queen Victoria, explore the toys of old, interact with the Ragged Victorians, take part in school lessons and washing days, baking and entertainment and so much more from the era. A fun packed weekend of history. Step back in time: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Green Living Fair

Sunday, June 9

An inspiring day dedicated to ecoconsciousness and environmental actions. From composters to weavers, gardeners to ethical craft stalls, explore a variety of eco-friendly products and services that promote sustainability. Green for all: stanwicklakes.org.uk

Sister Act

Monday, June 10 – Saturday, June 15

Corrie’s Wendi Peters returns to the Derngate in this musical centered on disco diva Deloris, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.... Heavenly revival: royalandderngate.co.uk

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Monday, June 10 – Saturday, June 15 West End sensation, Milton Keynes raised star Ivano Turco is in the lead role of this critically acclaimed musical. You Don’t Even Know It: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Denton & District Garden Club

Monday, June 10, 7pm

Helen Picton of Old Court Nurseries will talk about ‘Daisy Days’. She will bring plants for sale and there will be a raffle and home-made refreshments. The talk is free to members, and £3 for visitors. All are welcome. The AGM will preceded the talk, which will begin at 7.30pm

Blooming great: Call 01604 890875 or email m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk

Johnny Hates Jazz

Friday, June 14, 8pm

The band responsible for 80s hits including Shattered Dreams are out on their first ever headline tour!

Turn Back The Clock: stables.org

Win a nice night out watching Nik

Festival season is approaching, and Nik Kershaw is gearing up for the summer sessions with a brace of warm-ups including a date at Northampton Roadmender - and we’ve got a pair of tickets up for grabs to the show. The man responsible for smash hits including Wouldn’t It Be Good, The Riddle and Dancing Girls will appear at the venue on Friday, July 12, although there is the promise of ‘a distinct lack of dance moves, lasers, pyrotechnics, jazz hands or anything remotely to do with show business.’

Simply, that’s because there is no need for any - Nik’s music does the talking and he is still accompanied by a top band and sounding as great as ever.

To be in with a chance of winning the tickets to see Nik live, just complete this title: I Won’t Let The Sun.....

Email your answer to nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk along with your name, address and a contact telephone number. In the subject box: Kershaw comp

Little Houghton Open Gardens

Saturday, June 15th and Sunday, June 16, 12 noon til 5pm

Beautiful and extremely varied gardens will be open around the village, including Little Houghton House formal gardens and parkland. Art/ Crafts in the village hall. Plant stalls. Cream teas in the church from 2pm.

Free parking in The Paddock. Satnav NN7 1AB. Follow the signs in the village. Adults £6. Accompanied under 16s free. Tickets/ programmes available at car park and centre of the village.

Further Information

saraharrowsmith@grangefarm.co 01604 890271

Kickin’ It Country

Saturday, June 15, 8pm

A rip roaring Nash bash of country anthems – with free cowboy hats! Parton would be proud: theroadmender.com

A Perfect Day Festival

Sunday, June 16

James Arthur headlines Delapre Park with a sterling cast of Northamptonshire talents; Mae Stephens, Billy Lockett, Andy Crofts, Charlotte Carpenter and Balter. It will be perfect: aperfectdayfestival.com

Verity Bromham Band

Sunday, June 16, 8pm

Between them, they have more than a century of recording and touring years, and now John Verity and Del Bromham are joining forces to deliver a broad selection of their favourite rock classics. Tune in: Stables.org

Celebrate Father’s Day at Stanwick Lakes

Sunday, June 16

Whether you want to take a walk around the lakes, enjoy a trip to the theatre or munch a lunch on site, Stanwick Lakes is ready and waiting.

Treat your dad: stanwicklakes.org.uk

Twenty years and counting – see G4 on June 21 at The Old Savoy

Tea & Talks – Philip Manfield

Tuesday, June 18, 2pm-3pm

Dr Izabela Robinson will discuss the life of Philip Manfield and his contribution to shoemaking in Northampton, focusing on his work and legacy.

Sole trader: stanwicklakes.org.uk

Bonnie & Clyde

Tuesday, June 18 – Saturday, June 22

Two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere become the biggest folk heroes in all of America. Doesn’t end well though. Hold up: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

The Last Naval Hero with Roy Smart Thursday, June 20, 10.30am-midday

Learn about the story of David, 1st Earl Beatty, who rose from humble Royal Naval Cadet to First Sea Lord, and his controversial part in the greatest battle in maritime history. His life in the Shires, marital strife, immense riches, and scandal!

Talk it out: northamptonmuseums.com

Glenn Moore & Pierre Novellie

Thursday, June 20, 7.30pm

Two funny fellas combine for one night of humour as they deliver an Edinburgh Fringe preview at The Royal Theatre. You avin’ a laugh?: royalanddergate.co.uk

The Little Jazz Mass Bob Chilcott

Benedicite Andrew Carter

Nene Sinfonia

The Choir of All Saints CEVA Primary School, Northampton Directed by Thomas Moore

Saturday, 22nd June at 6.30pm

St Matthew’s Church, Northampton, NN1 4RY

Tickets: Adults: £16.50, Under 16s £6. Available via our website (no booking fee) or on the door www.northamptonphilharmonicchoir.co.uk

Sophie Duker & Susan Riddell

Friday, June 21, 7.30pm

Last night it was the fellas, and this time it’s the girls turning frowns upside down when they present their Edinburgh Fringe previews, again at The Royal Theatre.

Have you heard the one about...: royalandderngate.co.uk

G4 - 20th Anniversary

Friday, June 21, 7.30pm

The UK’s No.1 vocal harmony group and original X-Factor stars celebrate a double decade in the limelight with a spectacular anniversary show.

Kings of Popera: theoldsavoy.co.uk

La Voix

Saturday, June 22, 8pm

Britain’s funniest redhead swings into town with her most ambitious show to date. Time for glam: stables.org

Long Buckby Fete

Sunday, June 23, midday - 4pm

Classic cars, free bus rides, local traders, stalls, children’s Inflatables, music, food and drink. Northampton branch of Guide Dogs will be bringing some of their star canines along for you to meet, too.

Yappety yap: guidedogs.org.uk

Zog & the Flying Doctors

Tuesday, June 25, Wednesday, June 26 & Thursday, June 27, various times

Another roar-some adventure, based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best selling sequel to Zog. Up, up and away: stables.org

Another Bloody Murder

Friday, June 28 & Saturday, June 29

A brand new whodunnit drawing on the best capers of country house detective stories, with a twist, blending mystery traditions with downright farce. It’s got the lot too – adult themes, comedy violence, partial nudity and sexual references!

Dead funny: royalandderngate.co.uk

The Billing Fayre

Saturday, June 29, 1 - 5pm

Pop along for live music, stalls, bouncy castle, ice cream van, a bar and various refreshments at the family event, which will also see Northampton branch of Guide Dogs visiting with some of their clever canines. Entry is free. Fun for all: NN3 9EF

Cirque: The Greatest Show

Saturday, June 29 – Sunday, June 30

Everyone’s favourite West End and Broadway hits combine with breathtaking, amazing performances, incredible contortionists, and thrilling feats of agility and flair.

A variety spectacular: royalandderngate.co.uk

TALK OF THE TOWN

JUNE

Northampton Carnival ‘A festival for all cultures’

12-7.30pm

Saturday 8th June

The Racecourse

Northampton Carnival features a colourful parade of floats and troupes, bringing together different communities and cultures for a day of celebration. The large parade follows a route from the Racecourse, along the Kettering Road into the town centre, and back along the Wellingborough Road to the Racecourse. The event continues through until the early evening, with a variety of cultural food, arts and crafts, clothing and charity stalls, plus live stage entertainment and a funfair. For more information, visit www.northamptoncarnival.co.uk

Armed Forces Day

10am – 2pm

Saturday 29th June

All Saints’ Church Piazza, Northampton

Join us to mark Armed Forces Day in Northampton Town Centre, with armed forces and charity stalls, plus military vehicles on display. Vintage vocal trio The Starlight Sisters and military bands will also perform on the day, along with speeches from military representatives, veterans and the Mayor of Northampton. Please note there is no parade this year due to the regeneration works in Abington Street.

Bands in the Park

Every Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday 2–5pm

Abington Park

Bandstand

Our Bands in the Park season continues at Abington Park’s iconic bandstand. Meet up with family and friends and enjoy an afternoon of free, live music in the relaxing surroundings of the park:

2nd June – The Starlight Sisters 9th June – Abington Wind Band

16th June - NMAPT, Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust

23rd June – Corby Silver Band 30th June – Towcester Studio Band.

For more details on

NTC’s events and projects visit: northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/events

Or get in touch with the team: events@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk

All events and projects listed are delivered, supported or sponsored by Northampton Town Council

www.business-times.co.uk

View from the Far Kerb HS4...

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats. Good Luck!

Ihad had a great idea while down the pub the other night, and on sober reflection, I feel it warrants serious consideration: especially as it could make me very rich.

HS2 is still ongoing. As the arguments for and against it continue to rage, I note that it doesn’t serve Northampton or Milton Keynes. I am sure some commuters eager to save a dozen minutes to their destinations will be happy to spend an extra hour or more commuting to the nearest station. However, given the unpredictability of such a commute on local roads, perhaps a train into London will facilitate better access to HS2 and be less time consuming?

Back to the pub. A question had come to me after the first pint or three. How does HS2 benefit our area (and more specifically, Northampton and Milton Keynes)? It was then that the great idea (or errant pool ball) struck me. Super-quick travel between the two places would benefit everyone. That argument, originally made in favour of HS2, must be equally valid for a NorthamptonMilton Keynes link. Businesses and people would share in the generated wealth. Everyone could buy bigger cars.

Naturally, a suitable name had to be given to the enterprise. As I downed my fourth (or was it fifth?) pint of Old Irksome, I had realised there was, or had been, an HS3. The following day, while recovering from a mysterious headache, checking revealed that the term, ‘HS3’ has been attached to a variety of links and formats covering an area up north. However, no one had used, HS4

A straight route is shorter and faster. At the Milton Keynes end it makes sense to terminate near Milton Keynes Central. That would

entail the demolition of a few dozen houses in Bradwell, Bancroft, Blue Bridge and a bit of New Bradwell near Wolverton. In Northampton, in keeping with the idea of linking to the existing railway station, the proposal only requires a small part of the town centre to be demolished, but Delapré Abbey would have to go. On the plus side, the University of Northampton campus would hardly be touched.

Of course, so that we all eventually get to buy bigger cars and enjoy greater business success in the area, the project would need to be properly funded and lead by the correct person. That leader would have to focus solely on our area so as to realise the goal and maximise

HS2 is still ongoing. As the arguments for and against it continue to rage, I note that it doesn’t serve Northampton or Milton Keynes.

all the benefits it will surely bring.

We need someone who will ignore all the objections from the NIMBYs living in the path of the line. I can do that. I also know a couple of chaps with shovels. A bloke living down the road from me has a lump hammer, which looks like a miniature sledgehammer. Therefore, I think we are good to go!

All we need do next is agree my remuneration. Somewhere in the region of £400 million seems reasonable. I’ll supply my Caymans account number when I get the nod…

Phil O’Hara

QUICK CROSSWORD

Cattle meat (4)

Appease (7)

Ghostly (5)

Cacophony (3) 12. Channel island (6)

Rapid (5)

Existed (4)

Clues Across

Wood preservative (8)

Farmhouse (6)

Pitch (3)

Scrounge (5)

Model (7)

Diminutive (4)

Betrothal (8)

Down

Manage (4)

Uplift (5)

Drenches (5)

Craft technique (3-3)

Item of jewellery (7)

Momentary (8)

Incense holder (6)

Loose carpet (3)

Large jug (4)

Quick route (5,3)

Bellow (4)

Make happy (7)

Second of two (6)

Hostelry (3)

Departure (6)

Texan battle site (5)

Yawns (5)

Hades (4)

Your stars

Flavour of the Times - There’s quite a feel-good factor as this month opens. There’s lots of communication going on – a bit too much, actually – at least in the first fortnight, and friendly feelings are definitely there. Saturn, however, is the party pooper in the mix, which means that you can’t really just throw all caution to the winds and abandon your responsibilities. Don’t overindulge at parties because you need to show some subtlety towards others at this time, and the influence of Neptune, particularly mid-month, could cause insensitivities if you are not careful. Beware of foot-in-mouth tendencies with unwise comments because some people may be more vulnerable than you thought! The month ends on a more caring note as the sun moves into Cancer from the 20th.

GEMINI

May 22 – June 21

The air almost feels electric this month. So many planets are in your sign that you are buzzing. If your social calendar is not full to bursting, I’d be very surprised. However (why is there always a ‘however’ lurking?), this year the caution would be that quality communication is better than quantity, so make it count when in conversations that matter.

CANCER

June 22 – July 23

The full moon occurs in your chart just as the Sun goes into your sign, so that has some built-in challenges. This is all about the polarity between duty and responsibilities (such as your work life) on the one hand and connectedness on the other, to your family and home. Emotions need to be expressed, but do this in a considerate and caring way.

LEO

July 24 – August 23

You may like being the center of attention, but with several planets in Gemini this month, sharing and communicating with others is emphasized. It is perfectly possible to be a leader within the team, but you may have to do a bit more listening than you might otherwise do and bite your tongue at times. Chances are, though, you will learn something important!

VIRGO

August 24 – September 23

The first half of June will be sociable with lots being said with all those planets in communicative Gemini. This might feel rather overwhelming, and your capacity for analysis may lead you to (quite rightly in some cases) distrust and ignore a lot of it. Luckily, the sun changes signs into Cancer on the 19th, followed by the full moon, which will restore some balance.

Your Own astrological Forecast for 2024

LIBRA

September 24 – October 23

It’s a generally agreeable month, and relationships should go fairly smoothly as long as you accept that it’s not a time for intensity and passion. Sure, there are some roadblocks along the way, and you may experience some limitations to what you thought you could achieve with a particular person you may have pinned your hopes on. It depends on what you want from them, I guess.

SCORPIO

October 24 – November 22

You don’t really like trivialities, and this is a time when there is an awful lot of sociable chitchat, but you will probably conclude that most of it is just talk with no real substance. People will seem very ungrounded to you as you try to wrestle with the big issues of life and look for deep, meaningful conversations and genuine connections.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 – December 22

It’s all a bit parochial this month, isn’t it? Everyone seems like a local gossip when you want to be jetting off to faraway lands. On the other hand, your local contacts and social groups are important, so try not to appear too offhand with them. Make time to be with your nearest and dearest later in the month when the sun goes into Cancer.

CAPRICORN

December 23 – January 20

The full moon will be in your sign around June 22nd, which will challenge you to be a bit more emotionally connected than you sometimes are. You may feel you need to let go of being so ‘solution-focused’ and spare time to look after anyone who may be feeling a bit vulnerable. It’s a relief to be beyond all that manic socialising that characterised the beginning of the month.

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.

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

AQUARIUS

January 21 – February 19

Life is much more sociable now with a lot of talk, which generally agrees with you. Whether you make as much headway through all this chat is another matter, though. Pluto is going backwards now, which suggests that any successes may be some way off. It may be time to take stock and not expect much progress when it comes to making long-term plans until the autumn.

PISCES

February 20 – March 20

Saturn is still in your sign and will be for a good while yet, but early June will leave you very confused about how you stand with things like love (or maybe money). The boundaries may feel very unclear, and any amount of talking may lead nowhere. But the full moon enables you to get more in touch with what is actually bothering you, so that might help.

ARIES

March 21 – April 20

Bashing your head against a brick wall is always nice - when you stop, as the old joke goes! Mars goes into Taurus about 10 days into the month, which hopefully will stop any potentially selfdestructive tendencies you may have in their tracks. Sure, it still hurts, but you can probably get most of it out of your system by talking about it to someone.

TAURUS

April 21 – May 21

Just as you thought progress was being made and that people were dealing with problems in a systematic, practical way, someone opened a bottle of wine and everyone stopped for an extended chat. Like that’s going to get things done! (It works for the French, though!) Luckily, the full moon should get people back to work, and you can stop feeling like you need to be a slave driver!

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 take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the year.

My 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. Please 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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