NN Pulse Magazine August 2023

Editor

From the Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

Most of us can’t remember a time without the NHS. It’s been providing outstanding care and treatment for 75 years. To mark the occasion, you can help raise £75,000 to support staff wellbeing at our local hospitals and the Foundation Trust. The Northamptonshire Health Charity will appreciate your fundraising support. To inspire you, there’s a brand new half marathon course around the town you can run alone or in a relay with your friends.

Another very good local cause is Animals in Need (AIN). As charities work harder than ever to raise money, AIN’s Annie Marriott swam with white tip reef sharks in the Bahamas to encourage donations. It worked – she’s raised £5,000. The annual five-a-side football fundraiser has also done great work, raising more than £2,000 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

We know Northamptonshire is a great place for a holiday or a day out with destinations like Silverstone and Wicksteed Park. There’s also The Derngate, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and our lovely market towns. It’s no wonder our local councils want to share it all as one of Britain’s Best Surprises.

The Northamptonshire Heritage Forum Awards have just recognised many of our outstanding locations. Look out for them during the Heritage Open Days in September. Next month we can also look forward to the Northants Open Studios showcasing the work of 220 artists in 116 venues, from pottery to paintings. The best part is that it’s all completely free.

In the meantime, you can still enjoy summer wellness walks in Abington Park. Every Sunday and on Bank Holiday Monday there are Bands in the Park performances. And, after 14 years, the balloon festival makes a welcome return to the Racecourse between 18th and 20th August.

There’s so much to do and so little time. Enjoy yourselves!

Kerry

FINISHED

August 2023

NN Pulse is distributed door to door to 22,000 homes and businesses in: Ashton, Blisworth, Brafield-on-the-Green, Bugbrooke, Chapel Brampton, Church Brampton, Collingtree Park, Collingtree Village, Denton, East Hunsbury, Gayton, Grange Park, Great Houghton, Greens Norton, Hackleton, Hardingstone, Horton, Little Houghton, Lower Harlestone, Milton Malsor, Moulton, Nether Heyford, Pattishall, Piddington, Preston Deanery, Quinton, Roade, Shutlanger, St Georges Fields, Stoke Bruerne, Upper Harlestone, West Hunsbury, Wootton, Wootton Fields,

across Northamptonshire.

Steep yourself in county’s top tourist treasures

Northamptonshire’s tourism treasures take centre stage in a new campaign showcasing the county as a brilliant place for great value days out.

The campaign is highlighting 30 destinations – including Silverstone, Wicksteed Park, Shambala, Greenbelt and a host of hidden gems – that are welcoming visitors for a day out at under £10 this summer.

Funded by West and North Northamptonshire Councils, the initiative is being delivered by the Northamptonshire Britain’s Best Surprise team.

“Northamptonshire’s people and places offer an incredible variety of great value days out and experiences to visitors,” says chair Rachel Mallows. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to help sustain and grow local tourism and hospitality businesses and are grateful to the North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire Unitary Authorities for funding this campaign.”

West Northamptonshire Council is pushing the delights of its unique market towns Brackley, Daventry and Towcester as well as the county town itself.

“Northamptonshire is rich in natural beauty,

culture and history with vibrant destinations that people can enjoy visiting time and time again throughout the year,” says Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth. “Northamptonshire is a place that genuinely has something for everyone.”

Adds Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council’s deputy leader and executive member for sport, leisure, culture and tourism: “We know that keeping the kids entertained over the summer holidays can be expensive, especially at the moment, which is why I am pleased we are supporting this campaign.”

She cites the delights awaiting at Stanwick Lakes, Rockingham Castle, Chester House Estate, Wicksteed Park, the many country parks and cafes and Rushden Lakes where visitors can spend some time on the water with Canoe2.

The initiative shines a spotlight on great value days out and experiences including:

Silverstone Museum: Heritage, stories and science of the home of British motor racing. Child ticket £10 this summer. Book in advance with code NBSK10. https://bit.ly/NBSK10

Adrenaline Alley: Europe’s biggest action sports venue. Late session only £10 for gold members. https://bit.ly/AAdates23

Stanwick Lake: 50-acre countryside attraction with open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore. All day parking plus two hot drinks for £10. Pop into the visitor centre and quote ‘Surprise’ for this offer.

Northampton Comedy Festival

Comedy Crate Edinburgh Previews, various Northampton venues throughout July. Tickets prices from under £10. https://bit.ly/ccrate23

‘Northamptonshire is rich in natural beauty, culture and history with vibrant destinations that people can enjoy visiting time and time again throughout the year’ Scan

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here for you

Northampton Town Council delivers and supports a full, vibrant and varied calendar of events throughout the year, alongside exciting projects within the community. We are privileged to be part of some fantastic, long-established events and responsible for Civic customs in our town, as well as introducing great new initiatives.

Over the course of 2023, the council has already hosted several community events, including the St George’s Day and Eid festivals in April, a Coronation Festival in May and Armed Forces Day in June. Councillor Stephen Hibbert was also welcomed as the 783rd Mayor of Northampton in May with the support of his Mayoress Liz Cox. Their chosen charity is Spencer Contact, who provide second-hand furniture and household goods to those in need around the town.

Readers may notice the beautiful floral displays in and around the town – the council organises Northampton in Bloom each summer, which sees colourful hanging baskets and planters placed in the town centre and town council wards. As part of this project, the council is championing green initiatives established by local resident groups and looking into how the displays can be made more environmentally friendly with

sustainable plants and peat-free compost. Summer ‘Wellness Walks’ at Abington Park, in collaboration with local poet James McInerny, also form part of the bloom project. More details can be found on the council’s website.

The much-anticipated Northampton Balloon Festival takes place on the Racecourse between 18th – 20th August. This popular event is one of the largest balloon festivals in the UK and returns to the Racecourse following a 14-year absence from the park.

The council is a proud sponsor of the event, and will host the community marquee, alongside an array of balloons, live arena entertainment, circus workshop, food and drink, funfair, fireworks, plus much more.

The council’s Bands in the Park performances continue every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday between 2 and 5pm at Abington Park’s iconic bandstand and this month will feature: Bedford Town Band on 6th August, Fynnius Fogg Band on 13th August, Towcester Studio Band on 20th August, 60s Club Band on 27th August and the Abington Wind Band on 28th August.

Bands in the Park takes place every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, 2-5pm in Abington Park

Northampton Balloon Festival returns to the Racecourse between 18th – 20th August

Northampton in Bloom sees colourful hanging baskets and planters placed in the town centre

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Family Service, Saving You Money.

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

When talking to Trevor & Wendy Skidmore the owners of Cloudy2Clear Northampton & Oxford it became clear that these values have been held for over 16 years. Since buying the local franchise in 2006 they have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community whilst introducing their 2 sons Lloyd & Ross & daughterin-law Lori into the family business along with Dan, Tom & Jo as demand for their service has grown.

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

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

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

When you go private with Three Shires Hospital, you’ll have fast and easy access to a wide range of specialities, a consultant of your choice, and a treatment package tailored to your individual needs.

Specialities include: Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Cancer Treatment, Gynaecology, Urology, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Cardiology, Cosmetic Surgery &

The nurses were so lovely to me when I was worried about my dressings and said that they’d be there any time I needed any support. Everyone I came in contact with on the day was superb, from the man who took me down to the theatre, to the ladies who provided my lunch.

I have no children; do I really need a Will?

While the decision to write a Will is crucial for everyone, it holds particular significance for those individuals without children. In this article Wilson Browne solicitors considers the importance of estate planning and how a Will can ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, even in the absence of direct descendants.

Not having children or immediate family members to leave your assets to might lead you to believe that writing a Will is unnecessary. However, in reality, this situation can leave your estate vulnerable to disputes and strained relationships within the family if you fail to leave a clear Will.

If you die without a Will, your Estate is distributed in accordance with the Rules of Intestacy, which determines who the beneficiaries should be and how much each beneficiary should receive. This is in accordance with the blood line and a specific order of who will benefit.

Your Estate should pass to those whom you wish to benefit but this can only be done by a Will. The Rules of Intestacy may allow assets to pass to distant family members if they fall under the order over those that you may have wished to benefit. The Rules operate on the principle that those who are most closely related to you should receive priority, regardless of whether you have a relationship or not.

We have seen how distributing an estate in accordance with the Rules of Intestacy can result in a number of negative consequences. The distribution of assets from an estate can be a very sensitive

issue and has the potential to cause ill feeling within families at what is already an extremely difficult time. Those who have cared for you during your lifetime may not be included at all and those who you may have never met may receive a large proportion of your Estate.

This problem is exacerbated where there is no Will as it is impossible to know whether the bequests made are what the deceased would have wished. People who have received no bequest or a smaller one than they felt they deserved may harbour a sense of injustice.

If you make a Will you are taking back control as your Will stipulates how you want your estate to be divided. Your Will can include not just family, but friends or carers or charities. A Will provides you and your loved ones with the reassurance that your estate will be distributed exactly in accordance with your wishes which may reduce the risk of family discord.

Solicitors at Wilson Browne have a wealth of experience in all issues relating to Wills and Intestacy. We recognise that these can be sensitive issues and so combine our expert help and guidance with the highest levels of tact, kindness and understanding to secure the future of your loved ones.

If you would like advice on making a Will or to book an appointment, contact one of our Will experts on 0800 088 6004 – we’re all the help you need!

Wills and Probate?

www.bmtclaw.co.uk

29 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5DQ

t 01604 622101

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Kettering, NN15 6FD

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Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors –

BELLS KIA NORTHAMPTON

Bedford Road, Northampton NN1 5NT

Tel: 01604 621363 or visit www.bellskia.co.uk

BELLS KIA BEDFORD

Riverfield Drive, Bedford MK41 0SF

Tel: 01234 360666 or visit www.bellskia.co.uk

Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km) for the models shown: Sportage GT-Line S HEV 2WD, Combined 48.7 (5.8), CO2 emissions 132g/km. Combined not applicable for: Kia EV6 GT-Line S AWD, CO2 emissions 0 g/km and electric combined range of up to 300 miles, to a city range of 391 miles. Niro EV 4, CO2 emissions 0 g/km and electric combined range of up to 285 miles, to a city range of 375 miles. These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The EV6 and Niro EV are battery electric vehicles requiring mains electricity for charging. Range based on test conditions and may vary. Charge time quoted based on 350kW DC Rapid Charger. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are tested using WLTP. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Models shown: Kia EV6 ‘GT-Line S’ 77.4kWh 321bhp AWD Heat Pump 1-speed Auto at £57,820 including premium White Pearl paint at £675. Kia EV6 range available from £45,245. £500 towards your Personal Contract Purchase Deposit on EV6. Niro EV ‘4’ 64.8kWh 201bhp Heat Pump 1-speed Auto at £43,940 including White Pearl paint with Grey C Pillar at £745. Kia Niro

Learn the secrets to creating your own art masterpiece

It’s time to bring out the artist hiding within you at Seasons Art Class in Northampton and Towcester.

During each 14 week course, students will develop new skills in pencil drawing, oil painting, watercolours and acrylics. The Seasons Art Class courses are designed to be fun for absolute beginners and aspiring artists looking to improve their work.

The tutors provide step-by-step guidance and tuition in the basic techniques, adapting to the needs of individual students and showing them how to develop their artistic talent.

At the end of the course, each student will have created at least 12 pieces of their very own original art. “By the end of our course you will be able to draw and paint things you did not dream possible, from picturesque village scenes to sketches of your family, friends and even pets,” says Jemma from Seasons Art Class.

The classes are three hours long and Seasons supplies all the art materials you need. Choose either a morning or afternoon class – each is specifically designed for beginners and improvers.

“We have a fantastic exhibition at the end where you can invite your friends and family

to come and see your work. The exhibition is an excellent celebration of the hard work students have put in over the previous 13 weeks and it is great to get everyone together to view the amazing art work.”

>> For more information about Seasons’ next class, call 01604 375833 or email Jemma@northantsartclass.co.uk

Learn to Paint and Draw People And Places

Explore 4 media: Drawing, Painting with Watercolour, Acrylics, and Pastels. Discover how to paint faces, figures, beautiful landscapes, animals, birds, still life and much more! Learn artists’ secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of original art.

The tutors provide step-by-step guidance and tuition in the basic techniques, adapting to the needs of individual students and showing them how to develop their artistic talent

Help raise £75,000 for local hospitals to celebrate 75 years of the NHS

Be part of something memorable, as Northamptonshire Health Charity marks the 75th birthday of the NHS this year by aiming to raise £75,000 to support staff wellbeing at Northampton General Hospital (NGH), Kettering General Hospital (KGH) and across Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT).

Treating over a million people in England every day, the NHS touches all our lives. Many of us feel pride and immense gratitude towards local NHS services that have continued to care for us over the decades – from birth to end of life, poorly or injured – the NHS is there for us 24/7 when we need it most, no matter what.

Supporting the NHS to go above and beyond

The NHS provides core and life-saving services, but funding only stretches so far – it can’t provide the extras or enhancements that can make a significant difference. The charity exists to help the NHS keep up with developments in equipment, machinery, training, and to continually update and improve facilities.

How funds will be used

Christina Kelly, who works at the charity said: “We aim to transform some of the oldest staff areas that are in urgent need of TLC. It’s amazing what a difference a lick of paint, new furniture and creature comforts can do to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of staff. By transforming these areas, they can take much needed respite in appealing and relaxing spaces to hydrate, eat and unwind.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to NHS staff and volunteers who work tirelessly every day caring for us, our families and friends under some incredibly challenging conditions. Many of us have our own reasons for wanting to say thank you, so join us in acknowledging this magnificent milestone by making a donation.” Make a donation online at justgiving.com/nhcfgreenheart or contact the charity team by calling 01604 626927 or email greenheart@nhcf.co.uk

Three is a magic number: Enter The Amazing Northampton Run relay! Unfortunately, the charity’s Superhero Fun Run and Family Day in September has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. However, you can still jump into your running shoes this summer and take on a half marathon or relay challenge to raise funds to support your local NHS.

There is a brand-new course encompassing a loop around the town. Starting at the historic Guildhall, following the river past Northampton’s three main sporting grounds; Sixfields stadium, Franklin’s Gardens, and the County Cricket Ground, through two beautiful parks, passing

Afterthrough the modern University campus and returning to the Guildhall.

If the 13.1-mile half marathon is too much, then break up the distance by entering the 3-stage relay with friends for a very manageable 4 to 4.6 miles instead. Raise £160 or more between you and you’ll run for free.

Recent projects supported by the charity and making a difference to patients and staff include refurbishing the family room at the Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre (NHFT), a dedicated space for staff wellbeing (NGH) and a rehabilitation garden space for patients receiving Intensive Care (KGH).

It isn’t too late to get started with your training, especially for the relay. The charity will support you with your fundraising every step of the way as well as be there on race day to cheer you on alongside KB Sports Therapy offering a FREE post-race mini massage for their registered runners! Register now on the charity’s website northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/ events/the-amazing-northampton-run/

‘I would be rubbish at a sponsored silence!’

With charities having to work harder than ever to bring in the cash, they are resorting to more extreme ways of raising it. Swimming with sharks? It's not for everyone, but AIN's Annie Marriott loved it, as she told Pulse's Sammy Jones...

The vast majority of us will have given to charity at some point; popped a few pennies or pounds in the collection box rattled under our noses, or donated online in memory of a loved one's preferred cause.

But with the cost of living crisis, people's disposable income has disappeared. We've written about it before; charities who rely on the generosity of the public to keep going are struggling.

People don't have spare cash to put about. Animals in Need knows that only too well: “Funds are coming in at an all time low and the animals are coming in at an all time high,” Annie Marriott says with a sigh, “We need all the help we can get. We could not carry on saving animals in need without everyone’s help. It's becoming increasingly difficult and as more people hand over their animals to us, the problems exacerbate.

“This week we have had five abandoned rabbits in, a stray turtle, a snake and a parrot. That's not to mention dozens of wildlife casualties, some very poorly cats and way too many unwanted dogs.”

But Annie and the team, and some incredibly keen supporters, will do whatever they can to bring in the bucks. And we mean anything!

Annie suffers with thalassophobia, or we should say she used to. So how else to get over her intense phobia of deep water than by doing a sponsored swim with sharks. And nope, she wasn't in a cage!

“I was so scared of water that I couldn't even go into the sea without screaming – I freaked out when a piece of seaweed touched me one day, and I knew I had to get to grips with the phobia.

“Swimming with sharks was an amazing way to do it. It was so much better to be deep in the water swimming with the sharks – they are such beautiful creatures.

“We had to dive down and kneel on the ocean floor keeping our arms close to our bodies and then they would swim by us. It was an incredible experience, and so peaceful – I was more scared of losing my regulator down there than I was about anything else. In the ocean I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the turtles, huge lobsters, stingrays, sharks and so many tropical fish.”

That trip to Stuart's Cove in the Bahamas to swim with the White Tip Reef Sharks (who average five to seven feet in length) raised a fin-tastic five thousand pounds for the charity in Little Irchester.

Better still, the diving school taught Annie to dive and took her out for free because it was a charity venture.

It's just one of many bonkers and barmy challenges she has undertaken.

“I've lost count of the amount of things I've done, to be honest,” she says, “I've shaved my head twice, completed three skydives, done a mountain climb, fire walked, glass walked, been on sponsored walks and a colour run,” she pauses for breath, “Oh, and I did the South Coast challenge in Brighton which was awful,” she cringes, “That was the worst challenge ever!”

But no sooner has Annie completed one hairraising (or hair shaving) challenge than she is looking to the next.

“There's nothing that I wouldn't try,” says the fearless lady, “I'd love to do the Inca Trail in Peru and a bungee jump, but I would want to do a proper big one and I think the best one in the world is in New Zealand!” Now we're cringing!

“I am always open to people's suggestions, but I would be rubbish at a sponsored silence because I never stop talking!”

Some-fin different - Annie swimming with sharks

AIN staff and volunteers took part in the recent Color Obstacle Rush at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes - Annie is pictured on the right

'Volunteers like Sam are part of the fabric'

“This is Sam, who works in our kennels every week. She’s always in by 7.30am and the role is not at all glamorous – it involves feeding and mucking out 67 dogs.

Volunteers like Sam are part of the fabric of Animals in Need,” Annie said, “She wasn't a fan of abseiling though, and has never forgiven me for talking her into abseiling down the National Lift Tower in Northampton,” she laughed, “I loved it, you get such a fab view of the rugby ground at Franklin's Gardens as you are descending!”

Caring Sam is another dedicated AIN supporter who takes her 'work' home with her – she has adopted two of the pups who wound up at the rescue centre.

'Life is about challenging yourself sometimes...'

“I became aware of Animals in Need through my work as a Police Officer within Northants - they regularly attend incidents on the roads involving wildlife and are often a first port of call,” said Mel Carter, “I decided to raise money for them initially in 2017 when I did a skydive, raising £638.

“In 2019 I spoke with a colleague in our force control room and we decided to abseil down the Lift Tower in Northampton. Being scared of heights, this was a mission but we did it and I managed to raise £855 for the rescue centre from that.

“Annie, Roy and all the team work incredibly hard 24/7 to rescue, release and rehome the animals - the world needs more people like them. Annie has taken in both a Husky dog and a terrapin that I've seized from inhumane conditions whilst at work without hesitationshe's amazing.

“Life is about challenging yourself sometimes, and facing my fears to raise money for AIN is a tiny price to pay if it helps them to keep doing the work they relentlessly do,” Mel added, “We've also been fortunate enough to rehome four guinea pigs, a cat and a dog from themyou get what you give!

“I'd encourage everyone to consider fundraising, it's hugely rewarding and makes such a difference to rescue centres like Animals In Need which rely on donations. Keep up the amazing work Annie, Roy and team!”

How you can help...

Would you like to support Animals in Need by doing something to help swell the coffers?

Annie has compiled a list of possibilities to get you started – some more sweat inducing than others!

Sign up for a marathon

Put your trainers on and go out on a 10K run

Throw yourself from a plane –do a skydive

Go abseiling

Feel the heat with a fire walk

Perhaps you work somewhere you could hold an open day

Host a dog show

Clear the clutter and raise money with a car boot sale

Don't miss the open day

Animals in Need will be hosting an open day on Sunday, September 10 – a chance for you to pop along and meet the staff, volunteers and some of the animals currently being cared for there.

The event will run between midday and 4pm and you can try your luck at the raffle and tombola, enjoy refreshments, crafts and bric-a-brac. Entry is £2 – a small amount, but if enough of us donate it can make a big difference to the furry and feathered residents!

> For more details visit animals-in-need.org

Mel Carter taking to the skies to raise funds for Animals In Need

Karen and Mel from Northants Policeabseiling the Lift Tower

Sam - stepping out of her comfort zone to abseil

‘What a County, and what a Forum!’

Ha millennium old, the carefully restored Threshing Barn at Chester House was the perfect venue for the annual Awards presented by the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum. The sparkling fairy lights illuminated both the ancient roof timbers and the guests, who included members of the Forum, and Charles, Lord Spencer, the Patron. Other guests included Charlotte Brudenell deputising for the Lord Lieutenant, and the Leaders and Chairs of West and North Northamptonshire Councils. Rachel

Mallows MBE DL represented the Northamptonshire Surprise website, and the whole event was expertly compered by John Griff DL.

Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Executive for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism welcomed everyone to the Chester House Estate, and Charlotte Brudenell DL spoke of the importance

of protecting, preserving and promoting our unique Northamptonshire Heritage. After the winners were announced, (listed right) Lord Spencer expressed his pride in those who work to support Northamptonshire’s heritage. He recognised the passion and the commitment shown by communities of like-minded people working together in a county ‘heaving with history’. He described the event as an uplifting celebration of heritage made accessible, rich with stories of past communities. He especially complimented the work of the volunteers who make so much more possible. He ended by offering his congratulations to Wicksteed Park who won ‘Heritage Organisation of the Year 2023’ for their positivity and commitment to the community during difficult conditions in recent years. He ended with the comment, ‘What a County… and what a Forum!’

Many of the winners are taking part in Heritage Open Days during September, so do look out for them.

Winners of the Northamptonshire Heritage Awards 2023

Heritage Organisation of the Year 2023

Wicksteed Park

Judges Choice Special Award Winner

Northants Open Studios

Best Event: Winner

Northampton Museums and Art Gallery

‘Transport Day 2022’

Best Event: Highly Commended

Desborough Heritage Centre

‘The public unveiling of a Memorial to the crew killed in Wellington Bomber HF670 in Desborough 5th September 1944’.

Best Exhibition: Winner

Canons Ashby - National Trust

‘A Christmas Quest’

Best Exhibition: Highly Commended

Daventry Museum

Borough Hill and its History

Best Project by a Group or Society: Winner

The Friends of St. Mary’s, Higham Ferrers

Gateway to the 600-year history of the Bede House

Best Special Long-Term Project: Winner

Northamptonshire Battlefields Society

Battle of Northampton 1460 Interpretation Panels

Best Volunteer Project: Winner

Delapré Abbey

‘The Cluniac Nunnery of St Mary de la Pré exhibition’

Winner Community Wellbeing Award: Winner

Wicksteed Park

‘Crafternoon’

Hindsight Award for Best Published Book: Winner

Michael Brown, the Historic Gardener

Medieval Plants and Their Uses

Hindsight Award for best published Book: Highly Commended

Ann Redshaw

‘Rockingham: The Village under the Castle - A social history of a closed Northamptonshire village’

Hindsight Award for Best Published Other Materials: Winner

Higham Ferrers Tourism

Film: ‘Chichele College Celebrates 600 Years’

Winners of the Northamptonshire Heritage Awards 2023 at Chester House Estate

Lord Spencer expressed his pride in those who work to support Northamptonshire’s heritage

Wicksteed Park who won ‘Heritage Organisation of the Year 2023’ for their positivity and commitment to the community during difficult conditions in recent years.

NORTHAMPTON

29 Billing Road Northampton NN1 5DQ 01604 622101

KETTERING

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

Avoiding common problems with beneficiaries

Whether the beneficiary of an estate is entitled to inherit a small personal item, a share or even most of the assets of the person who died, it can be a stressful time while they wait for probate to come through. Delays at the probate office are outside your control, but if you are an executor there are steps that you can take to avoid some common problems which can arise when dealing with beneficiaries.

Susan Owens, head of the wills and probate team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston explains, ‘No matter how large or small a beneficiary’s entitlement, problems can sometimes occur if assets are lost, if a will is unclear or has been poorly drafted. In such cases, it is a good idea to instruct a solicitor from the outset, as they can help to correctly interpret the will and can act as an intermediary between you and the beneficiaries.’

Susan Owens looks at some of the common problems and how to avoid them.

Be clear about your legal duties

The first thing to do is to read the will carefully to make sure that you fully understand the terms. If there is no will, then you should familiarise yourself with the intestacy rules and seek legal advice if at all unsure.

Communications

Executors have a duty to administer the estate in accordance with the interests of the beneficiaries. It is good practice to keep beneficiaries informed of progress. You should communicate with the beneficiaries as early as possible in the process.

Avoid a conflict of interest

Interpreting the will

Problems can arise if a will was poorly drafted or homemade, especially if the terms of the will are unclear and it’s difficult to decipher exactly who gets what from the estate.

Alternatively, a will that was well drafted could be based on misunderstood instructions. Perhaps, the testator made promises to family members during their lifetime which have not been honoured in the will.

Either way, you may end up dealing with a potential beneficiary who is disgruntled, and you will need to tread very carefully to avoid things escalating into a legal dispute.

Exclusions

It could be that certain family members or friends were deliberately left out of the will, or perhaps there is no will and certain people are upset because intestacy laws do not provide for them.

Calculations and distribution

Towards the end of the estate administration process, beneficiaries should be provided with estate accounts. Keeping beneficiaries informed throughout goes a long way to help prevent disagreements.

How we can help

The role of executor is a serious one that attracts strict requirements. Professional legal advice will help you to ensure that you are aware of the legalities. Our solicitors can help you to be sure you have completed all steps required and to navigate any disputes.

Contentious probate is increasingly common and is tricky to deal with. If you receive any indication that someone may make a claim against the estate, you should contact us immediately.

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

Appointing someone who is a beneficiary of a will as the executor is common and does not in itself give rise to a conflict of interest. However, any actions you take and decisions you make in respect of the estate as executor must be in the interests of the estate and all beneficiaries.

You should listen to any concerns that beneficiaries or potential claimants may have but avoid taking sides or making any statements about your views on their claim. If a case is brought forward, your words could be used against you or another beneficiary.

For further information, please contact Susan Owens on 01604 622101 or email susan.owens@bmtclaw. co.uk. Borneo Martell Turner Coulston has offices in Northampton and Kettering.

Martell Turner

has offices in both Northampton and Kettering.

Borneo

Coulston

Image is provided by Ingram Images Ltd

Susan Owens Senior Partner and Head of the Private Wills and Private Client team

IBS sufferers can have their cake and eat it at the Afternoon Tea event with Dr Nicholas Peat and Vanessa Peat of Uniquely Created U (UCU) along with Colette Kirk UCU’s specialist Gut Health Dietician.

IBS affects approximately 1 in 20 of us in the UK, that is 3.2 million people and the team at UCU are passionate about gut health and are inviting IBS sufferers to afternoon tea at their offices based in Blisworth on 10th August.

Dr Nicholas Peat says “one of the biggest challenges with managing IBS is diet and can be very stressful for people when they want to eat out and avoid a flare up. As part of National Afternoon Tea week we are hosting an event with you in mind, allowing you to enjoy some delicious food and learn more about managing gut health from experts who understand”.

Guests can enjoy delicious gluten free and vegan delights as part of the selection of afternoon tea, whilst also having the chance to listen to an array of guest speakers from the industry who will be sharing their knowledge and personal experiences of suffering with IBS and gut health issues.

If you would like more details on this event or buy tickets, please call 01604 320346 or email enquiries@ucunutrition.com

A special Afternoon Tea uniquely created for IBS sufferers

Thursday 10th August 12-4pm

The day:

 A selection of delicious delights - gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options

 Special guest speakers to help support your IBS journey

 Pilates demonstrations

 Free raffle

 Free gift and IBS resources

To book your seat or find out more please call 01604 320346 email enquiries@ucunutrition.com or scan the QR code

Orthopaedics Service

Three Shires Hospital has a vast amount of specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons who are highly specialised and provide treatment, diagnosis,and management of a wide range of trauma, orthopaedic, and musculoskeletal conditions.

The range of specialities and treatments we provide include, but are not limited to:

 Foot & Ankle

 Hand & Wrist

 Hip

 Knee  Shoulder & Elbow

The benefits of coming to Three Shires Hospital?

 Fast access to treatment

 Personalised treatment plans tailored to you

 Finance options available to help you split the cost of your procedure

How quickly can I be seen at the Three Shires?

If you’re experiencing pain and reduced movement in your joints, you can simply book an appointment with us online. You can usually get an appointment within 48 hours. If you’ve been referred to us by your GP or medical health provider, we will be in contact with you to arrange an initial consultation.

What is Orthopaedic Surgery?

Orthopaedic surgery is a specialised area of medicine that helps treat conditions affecting your bones, joints, and their surrounding soft

tissue (your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves). Your bones, joints and their associated structures are known as your musculoskeletal system.

Are there any other alternatives to Surgery?

Your consultant will investigate your symptoms and advise you on the best treatment, and offer treatments such as physiotherapy and steroid injections. But if these have not helped alleviate your symptoms, your consultant will suggest surgery is the best option moving forward.

To book an appointment with one of our specialist orthopaedic consultants, call 01604 273987

‘IBS sufferers can have their cake and eat it’

Silverstone Soccer success for hospice

Fleet firm Silverstone Leasing’s annual five-a-side football fundraiser has hit the back of the net in raising more than £2,000 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton.

Businesses from across Northamptonshire rallied their troops for the event at Daventry Football Club, with eight teams vying for the winner’s trophy eventually lifted by Euro Building and Maintenance Contractors for the third year running. Stonhills Estate Agency were runners-up. The Silverstone Soccer event has collected more than £8,400 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice since its inception in 2020. The charity drive is the brainchild of Silverstone Leasing’s sales manager Ryan Bishop who is thrilled by the support from the Northamptonshire business community. He said: “We are over the moon to have raised such an incredible amount of money. The families who need the services of the hospice are going through unimaginable pain and heartache and Cynthia Spencer do such valuable work in supporting them when they need it most.

Stay

“Silverstone Soccer is fantastic for those who like a kickabout, as well as those who want a fun and lively way to network. We enjoy hosting the event as much as the participants enjoy playing.”

The event has raised enough over its past events to fund 16 days of care at the hospice.

The hospice’s corporate partnerships fundraiser Nina Gandy said: “ Our partnership with Silverstone Leasing is one we deeply value. Silverstone Soccer has established itself as a key fixture in the corporate events calendar benefiting Cynthia Spencer Hospice. Ryan and the team at Silverstone Leasing put on a remarkable event each year, consistently exploring ways to enhance support and fundraising efforts.”

For more information on Silverstone Leasing visit www.silverstoneleasing.com. To find out more about Cynthia Spencer Hospice, see www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk.

Get

Silverstone Leasing’s Ryan Bishop (right) presents the winner’s trophy to Ollie Emery from Euro Building and Maintenance Contractors

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

Into the Blur

Things are hotting up nicely, now 2023’s finally got the memo re: sunshine for summer, inviting us all to dress for the occasion. And, whether you’re skipping off on a sandy holiday or suffering through unexpected British heatwaves, there’s a trend to keep your wardrobe cool: blurry ombré, and summer’s blast from the past – tried and tested tie dye.

This season’s catwalks were awash with it — Altuzarra (inspired by desert myths, “world travellers and trekkers”) sending models out in waves of zig-zaggy tie dyes in ocean blues, oranges and lime, rippled with raspberry and lemon; Prada putting subtle smudge prints on silk dresses (think red or brown, inked with deep plum blotches) or defining collars and hems with dip-dye; and Roksanda showing pieces in abstract, solarised prints, taking inspiration from Swedish artist Pipilotti Rist. Meanwhile in Milan, sunset shades in ombré walked the catwalks at Ferragamo and Etro.

To wear it, choose from mesh tops and long tulle dresses, lightweight maxi skirts or wide leg trousers in sweet, zingy hues. The colour-shy among you should swap for subtle watercolour palettes. Simply pair with white to look the epitome of summer style. Prefer to down-play your prints? Stick with standout accessories instead. Avoiding

Oliver Bonas £125

Zara £19.99 (Sale)

Zara £99.99

< New Look £32.99

^ H&M £12.99

^ Next £16

Zara £7.99 > (sale)

< George @ Asda £16

H&M £9.99

Smooth out the creases!

Tackle fine lines, moisturise the skin and then apply a splash of colour. It’s time for this month’s best beauty choices...

A skin-nourishing, dewy textured, 3-in-1 layer of glow is what you get when you take hold of a shade from the RMS beauty Liplights Cream Lip Gloss range. This multitasker works as a treatment balm, a sophisticated gloss, and a subtle, stingless volumiser. Being lippy is positively encouraged with this selection of stunning shades.

RRP: spacenk.com

Get it: £29

Hawaiian Tropic have launched a trio of new body mists with a unique cooling twist, making them just perfect for rising temperatures.

Stay Tropi-Cool with your preferred choice from Coco Magic (Discover luscious green apple and ylang-ylang topped with creamy coconut and vanilla), Tropical Haze (with the nourishing powers of milky coconut, and awaken your senses with lemon and juicy pear) and Paradise Dreams (with juicy watermelon and coconut, and luscious dragon fruit mixed with lemon). Or pick up all three.

RRP: superdrug.com

Get it: £12

Erborian CC Body will give the body a naturallooking, even colour, working to leave the skin softer and visibly smoother – and it comes in a range of shades, so there will be one just for you.

Formulated with encapsulated pigments that melt on contact with the skin, this moisturiser works to unify the skin’s tone and even out texture. For an instant skin tint with no sticky feeling, this delivers – and it’s suitable for all skin tones and types.

RRP: spacenk.com

Get it: £44

SBC’s Rose Moisturising Gel is a petal-powered fresh treat for the face and body. Ideal for soothing sensitive, irritated and menopausal skin prone to redness, the lightweight formula delivers cooling hydration and hydrates with ease, leaving behind a delicate fragrance.

The SBC range also includes body milk, a lotion to ease the skin and calm the mind – the notes of rose, violet and iris will uplift the senses. And relax...

Both products are vegan friendly.

RRP: sbcskincare.co.uk

Get it: £30 (Moisturising Gel), £26 (Body Milk)

The skin on our necks is much thinner and has less oil-producing sebaceous glands, so wrinkling and lines are always a problem. But now there’s a beauty tool to tackle those vulnerable areas – some of which are caused by spending too long looking at mobile devices. Yep, ‘tech neck’ really is a thing!

STYLPRO Fabulous Firm uses heat, massage and coloured light technology to fight wrinkles, age spots, acne and uneven skin tone, working towards a firmer neck and face while you chill at home. We’ll stick our neck out and say this sounds like a winner.

RRP: stylpro.co.uk

Get it: £29.99

DIGGING DEEP

How does your garden grow?

The school holidays are here but the vegetable plots are still productive. The first trial harvest of new potatoes from a container was interesting – there were only a few tubers, but they were “beautifully formed”!

Runner beans and peas were picked and tasted, a few corn cobs were ripe, and garlic was surprisingly good. As was the abundance of salad leaves - the red coloured ones aroused the most interest.

Sowing the seed for the next generation

With the summer holidays upon us, there is plenty of opportunity to ‘grow’ youngsters’ interests in gardens – and while it’s healthy to get the kids away from their tablets and iPhones every now and then, there are some bonuses to be had from the internet.

The web is full of fun things to do with little creatives that will nurture their love of flora, so you don’t need to spend hours trying to remember those episodes of Blue Peter you watched years ago for inspiration!

There are numerous simple projects you can help them with, and they are a great way to understand about plants, flowers and food.

Herb gardens offer variety, have a fab fragrance and kids can grow them and follow them into recipes and onto the plate. Make them fun by coming up with colourful, interesting ways to label the individual plants; perhaps by decorating lollipop sticks, or using toys, to name each herb.

Before popping those empty tin cans into the recycling, they could enjoy a second lease of life as miniature flower planters. Use a safe metal paint to transform the cans and with a little help from adults they can be attached to fences. In bloom, they will really elevate your outdoor space, and the pollinators will come and visit more often too. Remember to drill a draining hole in the bottom of each can and beware of any sharp edges.

Bigger planters will offer more choice, of course; take children to choose their

own blooms from the array of affordable ranges that can be picked up at your local garden centre.

Seed collecting is another fun way to learn –kids will love finding them, and can then collect them up to use next year.

Even if you don’t have a garden of your own, you can still experience the beauty of nature on your doorstep – go and explore one of the local parks and the different wild flowers and trees growing there. Books or phone apps can help you identify flowers and leaves with ease.

I can still remember collecting Sweet Gum leaves for show and tell at school as a wee nipper!

The trees shed their beautiful star shaped leaves, and the colours were stunning shades of red and burgundy. Remember collecting conkers or picking up acorns or pine cones?

It’s easy fun, but connects little people to nature.

When you’ve done the tree hunt, how about a bug hunt? An understanding of the insects living in our green spaces adds to the wonder of the outdoors, and making a bug hotel (we shared how to do that back in April’s edition) is a fab way to invite six-legged guests into your outdoor spaces.

Children will love the process of being little garden helpers, will learn an appreciation of all that exists beyond the screens, and lots of fresh air means they’ll sleep well too!

Some of the herbaceous perennials at the back of the border have put on their show and their flower stems have gone to seed. It is time to cut them down to their base, tidy and weed round them, work in some compost as a mulch and place young plants (raised in the cold frames or bought from a local nursery) in the gaps.

Hardy geraniums are always good to add to the border.

The box hedge at the back of the border is too tall and needs to be drastically trimmed, as do the topiary box balls, to regain their compact shapes.

I am continuing to deadhead the climbing and bush roses to promote late flowering and to clip back and rearrange the formation of a new framework for rambling roses to carry next year’s blooms.

May we enjoy a colourful autumn.

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

DESIGNED

Splash out on your beautiful new bathroom

Ripples Towcester brings top-quality fittings and products from across Europe to its Northamptonshire showroom in time for its inaugural Summer Sale.

It’s under way… fantastic discounts on beautiful bathrooms in the first Summer Sale at Ripples Towcester. Ripples works with renowned bathroom suppliers across Europe to deliver a huge collection of exceptional quality. It also offers unique collections and materials that deliver something different, including copper baths, special finish brassware and bespoke solid wood furniture. With styles to suit all tastes, Ripples showrooms act as the perfect showcase to spark a customer’s imagination.

Now the showroom, which opened last December, is offering serious savings across its bathroom collection, from baths, showers and enclosures to WCs, basins and brassware in almost every style, colour and design imaginable.

And once you have browsed the product selection at Ripples, set in Towcester’s High Steet, an expert in-house designer will be on hand to guide you through your bathroom project, creating a unique design specifically tailored to your needs.

Ripples Towcester is open at 2 Roman Corner, Northampton Rd, Towcester NN12 6LD For more information about the Summer Sale, visit ripplesbathrooms.com or call 01327 368233.

STATEMENT Lighting

Looking to weave a little bit of drama and character into your home decor?

Statement lighting fixtures such as striking oversized chandeliers, sculptural pendant lamps, and colourful neon lights are an easy way to transform a seemingly onedimensional room into one which exudes charm and elegance - whether you prefer timeless designs or more eclectic modern fixtures, there is a statement piece to compliment every type of space.

We’ve curated this selection to shine a light on some of our favourite products and give you a little inspiration to brighten up your day-to-day.

FEATURED BRANDS...

If you would like to see your brand or business featured in Pulse, in print or online get in touch: nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Eichholtz Duvall chandelier - £890 sweetpeaandwillow.com

Aquanura fountain chandelier - £1640 sweetpeaandwillow.com

Nitya 8 light pendant mottled copper - £624 darlighting.co.uk

QUU group maxi L grey€1390 quudesign.com

QUU tablelamp natural - €349 quudesign.com

Small sirius star lantern - £1050 besselink.com

Mushroom lamp black - €242 nedgis.com

Octopus sideways nautical lamp shade - £65 fabfunky.com

Pear shaped lamp£550 besselink.com

Upgrade all your windows and doors with the latest smart secure technology from T&K

T&K Home Improvements are excited to share the launch of their smart lock window and door technology, which they are offering a free upgrade if you have all your window and doors changed.

Smart sensor windows are making their way into our homes and offices. These intelligent and automated windows offer a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and enhanced security features, revolutionising the way we interact with our living and working spaces.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, smart devices have become an integral part of our lives, enhancing convenience, efficiency, and security.

Let’s check out just a few of the incredible benefits that smart sensor windows and doors have…

1. Enhanced Security

The system allows you to monitor all windows and doors in your home that has smart sensor security. This means:

• Telling you when any doors or windows have been left open or unlocked before you’ve even left your home

• Telling you if someone has tried to tamper with any of your windows or doors.

• The app will let you know when someone is home, which means if you have kids walking home from school, then you’ll know when they’re home safe.

The smart lock app can link to your smart devices such as Alexa and Sonos

T&K Home Improvements offer a beautiful range of window and door styles to suit all home types

The smart sensor system comes with its own easy to use app that you simply download onto your smartphone.

3. Smart device syncing

The smart sensor app also links to smart devices such as Alexa and Sonos. This means you can sync with your devices to turn on lights and sound an alarm if someone is trying to break into your property.

Once activated with the Kubu app and Kubu home hub, the door and now new window lock, gives end users access to real time updates on the status of their windows and doors, forming a smart home security system now recognised by some leading insurers.

Adrian Timbers, T&K sales and marketing Manager said: “We’re thrilled to share our new smart sensor system. It’s something that we’ve been looking to share for a while now and we know it’s something that our customers are going to love.

“Feeling secure in your own home is something that is incredibly important to all of us. Smart sensor windows represent a significant advancement in both home security and convenience. “The smart sensors don’t change the appearance of the aesthetics on any doors or windows.

For this month only, T&K are offering smart sensor security for FREE when you upgrade your windows and doors. Plus £2000 money back guarantee. Call 01933 677444

This means that your home will still look elegant but just with added security.”

The system is also accredited under the IASME IoT Cyber Scheme. This certifies that Kubu and the new Emplas window lock, meets cyber security standards for data security as an internet connected device, in line with ETSI EN 303 645 and the Secured by Design Secure Connected Device accreditation scheme.

“Kubu’s £2,000 money back guarantee means that all customers will feel at ease knowing that they are supported if their windows and doors are damaged or get broken into. Smart sensor windows and doors are transforming the way we interact with our living and working spaces by offering enhances security, convenience, energy efficiency, and integration.

As the technology evolves, these windows will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, providing us with even more personalisation and intelligent features. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home or optimise your office environment, smart sensor windows present an exciting opportunity.

About T&K Home Improvements

Multi award-winning T&K Home Improvements have always been leading the way when it comes to innovative designs. With everything from windows, doors, roof systems and conservatories, T&K have the expertise to help with every step of the process.

With over 44 years of industry experience, T&K Home Improvements have grown to become one of the most reputable independent manufacturers in Northamptonshire.

If you’d like to take a closer look at their products, then head on down to their showroom in Wellingborough to view t heir wide range of products. Visit www.tkhi.co.uk to find out more.

We’re thrilled to share our new smart sensor system. It’s something that we’ve been looking to share for a while now and we know it’s something that our customers are going to love.”

Adrian Timbers

T&K Sales and Marketing Manager

2. Easy to use app

The app allows you to remotely monitor your windows and doors remotely

But that’s not all...

AKaleidoscope of Colour

Desperate to feel a bit happier after the last few years of the pandemic and the current energy crisis, I’m finding myself increasingly drawn to bolder and brighter interiors. It seems that after the safe neutral schemes of the pre and post pandemic age, colour is finally being re-injected into the spaces all around us and this is what’s filling me with hope and optimism.

Designs involving lots of colour provide us with an opportunity to create rich and layered interiors not restricted to one particular era or style. It’s a carefree and playful way to design without too many boundaries. Whilst some will be comfortable experimenting with new colours, others will need to take a more cautious approach. If this is you, then focus on colours that appeal to you. Going from bland to bold without any consideration of what works well together or which colours you actually like, could spell disaster if you’re nervous about using them in the first place.

What are you using the room for? Is it a transitional space purely for passing through, or is it a room where you’ll spend a lot of time? Is it a room you will want to relax in (like a bedroom), or is it one where you’ll need to be productive,

such as an office? Light blue, pale pink and soft yellow tones are all calming colours; they’re especially impactful in rooms flooded with natural light. Try Moonstone No.63 from Designers Guild, Peony Pink from Sanderson or Golden Square No.131 from Mylands. For a more transitional space or in a room where you want your brain to be kept stimulated, choose vibrant colours in contrasting tones and mix patterns and prints together.

If you have a favourite artist, then use their works as inspiration for your choice. There were entire movements in art history based on specific colour palettes. Anders Zorn was a 20th Century, Swedish painter, adored worldwide and famous for his limited four colour palette of white, black, ochre and vermillion1. Vincent Van Gogh was known for his love of complementary colours, particularly yellow and blue. He felt they represented the two colours most seen together in nature – the blue of the sky and the yellow of the sun – and using them in his paintings reminded him of his childhood2

If you like a colour but need inspiration as to what will co-ordinate, then search online for a colour wheel. The colour wheel was invented by Isaac Newton in 16663 and shows the relationship between different colours. The warm colours are on one side, from red through to yellow. The cold colours are on the opposite side, from green through to blue and purple. Most online colour wheels also come with guidance as to which positions on the wheel work together.

Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262

There are numerous schools of thought on how to balance colour in a room, but the tried and tested method is that 60% of the space should be in the dominant colour, 30% in the

secondary colour and the last 10% should be left for the accent colour. Whilst this might seem straight forward to understand, it is not always that simple when it comes to applying this to your own room, but it can serve as a useful reminder when shopping for accessories!

If wallpaper is your preference and you’ve fallen for a particularly impactful design, then don’t necessarily think the rest of the room has to be paired back. It helps to create balance if other items in the room also have the same gravitas. Have confidence in your choices to ensure the whole room looks well considered and purposeful. Take JJ Martin for example, white walls certainly don’t suit her. As the founder of colourful, contemporary fashion brand, LaDoubleJ, JJ’s business is all about colour! Her whole house is filled with exotic tones of paint and perfectly positioned wallpapers and accessories. JJ says there isn’t a wall in her house painted white, she believes that colours have energy frequencies and that by being surrounded by colour you cannot help but feel more positive.

But colourful room ideas aren't just about the walls; you can transform neutral rooms into a quirky design resembling an artist’s residence in no time at all with the addition of some colourful accessories. Whilst not in keeping with JJ Martin’s approach, it’s this style that I favour more. I love filling my home with interesting rugs, colourful curtain poles and handles, patterned vases, and table lamp bases in strong vibrant colours as this enables me to collect souvenirs from my travels and then absorb them into my scheme without any hesitation. I like a piece to be able to tell a story and so neutral walls provide the perfect quiet backdrop to my loud and sometimes outrageous fixtures and fittings. To me, white walls bring some relief to an interior. They can be a place for the eye to pause in between looking at everything else!

With this thought in mind, you might like to have a brightly patterned headboard in a bedroom. The fantastic thing about an impactful headboard is that it gives a striking impression when you walk into the room but the minute you choose to go to sleep, it’s behind you.

Colourful sanitaryware is also rising in popularity. An avocado suite is no longer committed to 1980s history. Have a look at The Water Monopoly for contemporary examples of colourful taps, showers, baths and sinks, they are beautiful. As bathrooms are secondary spaces, they provide the perfect place to be a little more daring!

Whatever style or age of house you have, try and embrace a bit of colour. In a rented house, focus on the items you can take with you when you leave – cushions, rugs, headboards and curtains. In a house you own, where you intend to stay a while, start with small pops of colour first and increase the drama gradually. All homes need character and decorating with colour can be a thoroughly rewarding way to achieve this.

1 www.naturalpigments.com

2 www.uxplanet.org

3 www.canva.com

A tribute to Royal Ascot with Sherree Valentine Daines

Having recently celebrated 35 years as an artist, the plaudits for Sherree Valentine Daines’ work keep coming. The Daily Express have named her “the face of modern British impressionism” and “artist to the stars” because of her portrait work. Many celebrities and members of the British Royal Family, including Sir John Major, Joanna Lumley, Sir Michael Parkinson and Jonny Wilkinson have sat for her.

Sherree’s beautiful paintings have been exhibited at such renowned venues as the Tate Gallery, the Barbican and more; while her work is also in the Lords Museum and many other private collections worldwide. While being lauded as the critic's choice Sherree is also the people's choice, having won numerous highprofile awards, she was officially voted the UK's leading Modern Impressionist.

2019 saw Sherree Valentine Daines appointed Artist in Residence to Cunard's Three Queens - the ocean liners Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, a partnership which continues to bring her delight. Her audience extends far further than all these prestigious showings, however, with an increasing number of television appearances including 'To the Manor Bowen' and 'This Morning'. She was also featured on 'How the Rich Get Hitched', painting a stunning commission of a society bride.

Sherree’s Elegant World

At this time of year, we’re enjoying an excuse to enjoy Sherree’s elegant world – particularly focusing on traditional British traditions such as Royal Ascot.

With beautiful crafting, the vision she portrays is idyllic, stylish and seemingly carefree. Her paintings combine exquisite observation with a softness achieved through her impressionist brushstrokes, creating stunning portraits which capture a moment in time. Her works evoke deep connections, drawing you into the joyful high society

gathering of the Royal Ascot, or the innocence of a childhood among peaceful meadows and bright rock pools. These works present a timelessness which appeals to many, a golden glow of remembered summers which could be real or imagined.

Her pieces invite us in, to enjoy personal, intimate moments alongside the spectacle, with bright, eye-catching prints or warm, incisive sculptures.

As one of the standout pieces in her most recent collection, 'Afternoon Tea at Ascot', captures the tradition and elegance of the event. With her impressionist art style, Daines conveys the peaceful atmosphere of enjoying tea and conversation amid the excitement of the races in a charming snapshot of this quintessentially British event. The vivid colours, atmospheric shadow and pronounced textures help us feel the grass at our feet, the warmth on our skin and hear the laughter and excitement of the scene.

If you’re heading to the races this summer we hope you have a wonderful time!

Celine Lee Gallery Correspondent

Film Reviews

by Jordan Adcock

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 4/5

Much was written last year about Tom Cruise coming to cinema’s rescue with Top Gun: Maverick, proving that belated sequels to classic films don’t have to be depressing letdowns (see Indiana Jones for the latest example of just that). This summer, Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt and not only is the Mission: Impossible series still going strong after nearly three decades, it’s a thrilling palate cleanser after a mostly mediocre summer at the movies. This time, Ethan and his team fight off multiple factions for the key to the Entity, a mysterious AI which could sabotage the world’s intelligence networks. On the way they encounter professional thief Grace (Hayley Atwell, who’s a well-judged addition to the series’ main cast) and Gabriel (played with casual intimidation by Esai Morales), a dangerous agent from Ethan’s pre-IMF past.

DEAD RECKONING PART ONE

It’s a long film, but besides arguably slowing the pacing of its final, audacious set piece on a train, you’ll barely notice as the intrigue and action tear across the world. And it’s action with real locations, choreography and stuntwork on show; more feels at stake and it’s frankly much more fun to watch than something consumed by CGI or deliberately cluttered filmmaking. I won’t give away Cruise’s signature stunt for this instalment, but you have to respect his commitment to keep pushing to create spectacles worth watching. There’s also no question he fully inhabits Ethan Hunt, and his chemistry with Atwell, playing both feisty and vulnerable, is very strong. Don’t worry about the “part one” aspect, eitherthis one’s a fully satisfying experience and you’ll itch to accept part two of this mission, coming next year.

ELEMENTAL

Star Rating: 2.5/5

Elemental could, at first glance, pass for a classic Pixar film. It’s got a pristinely computer-animated world, populated by sentient versions of the four elements, where love sparks between a young fire woman, Ember, and water man, Wade. But where films like the Toy Story series and Monsters, Inc. (as just two examples) effortlessly blended ingenious worldbuilding with heartfelt, universal storytelling, Elemental isn’t so, well, elementary. Its obvious references to real-world immigration and prejudice make the film feel curiously smaller and more topical, and the plot fails to fully exploit its worldbuilding potential. It’s content to be essentially a romantic comedy in animated clothing. It’s much better than Pixar’s terrible spin-off film Lightyear but the formidable filmmaking reputation the studio had feels increasingly lost. ✪

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY ASTEROID CITY

Star Rating: 2.5/5

You can rely on director Wes Anderson to be visually distinctive. With previous films like The Grand Budapest Hotel and Isle of Dogs, each shot is so deliberately composed yet with enough charm and essence that they don’t appear artificial. Asteroid City might be even more ambitious than those films as a meandering tale of a tiny desert town in 1950s America, even featuring a framing device where the story is both a play we watch and see developed behind the scenes. But this all comes at the expense of the genuine character and pathos which existed previously. There’s lots of dry dialogue, sprawling between an all-star cast (including Scarlett Johansson) diluted by its own abundance, culminating in a limp ending message to try and justify its own indulgence. ✪

THE FLASH

Star Rating: 1.5/5

Even if actor Ezra Miller’s recent litany of misdemeanours doesn’t leave a sour taste as they play Barry Allen/The Flash, this film (rightly) believes that their extremely awkward screen persona can’t carry a film alone. So we instead get lots of superhero cameos to fill the bloated screentime. Nothing better represents the attempted DC Comics cinematic universe’s abject failure, which started with 2013’s Man of Steel, than this film bringing back Michael Keaton’s Batman from 30 years ago in a convoluted time travel plot. What tiny sparks of story are here (Barry trying to save his mother from murder and his father from being framed across time) exist amid lots of truly uncanny CGI and the overwhelming feeling of remaining scraps being hurled onscreen to desperately create some audience interest. ✪

Star Rating: 1/5

It’s been 34 years since The Last Crusade capped the original Indiana Jones trilogy but his days as cinema’s most exciting adventurer feel even further away with this thoroughly miserable experience. Indiana Jones is now just a sad old man, living alone, divorcing Marian, his son’s dead in Vietnam and he’s about to retire. Doesn’t sound like much fun? At least his insufferable, self-interested goddaughter played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge will help him rediscover his mojo while also taking his place! Plus there’s incompetent Nazis who want to time travel. Harrison Ford, now aged eighty one, does his best with the wretched material but every action piece is tired, overlong and often outright laughable. It’s like the film was made to embarrass Ford and the character; it definitely doesn’t belong in a museum. ✪

You can follow Jordan on Twitter (@JordanReview) and read his blog at www.reviewsreflections.wordpress.com

Many happy returns to Derngate

Northampton’s Derngate is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023. Pulse’s Sammy Jones takes a little peek back at some of the milestones to date as the venue looks towards the future...

The venue was designed by RHWL architects, who were also responsible for delivering other leading arts and culture hubs including the Crucible in Sheffield, the Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells Theatres in London, and the Aylesbury Waterside.

Northampton’s Derngate opened its doors to theatre hungry residents in 1983, with the American singer and actor Jack Jones the first name in lights, on April 4.

The Northampton Borough Council initiative was launched as a multi-use venue from the get-go, and its significant space can accommodate a maximum audience of 1,500 for classical concerts.

The Derngate was built at the rear of The Royal Theatre, occupying the space formerly held by the town’s bus station, and while coaches still pull up regularly, these days they are tour buses.

The Derngate is perfectly placed on the circuit and the programme is always packed and variable; Want a ballet? Done. Fancy some rock n roll? You’ve got it. Are you partial to a modern play, or something Shakespearean? It’s there.

As the new millennium approached, the Derngate became a combined organisation with its older neighbouring venue, and the Royal & Derngate union was born.

The Royal had been designed by esteemed Victorian theatre architect Charles J. Phipps and opened its doors on May 5, 1884 with a performance of Twelfth Night

Aesthetically, it’s the perfect pairing of the old with the new, and The Royal – with its 450 capacity – caters for a smaller audience, allowing the union to bring the best of established, and rising acts to the spotlight for keen supporters.

While this is a peek into the history of the Derngate, we can’t not mention that Errol Flynn delivered some of his earliest performances on the Royal stage, and in 1933 he spent several months in the ranks of the Northampton Repertory based at the venue.

Audiences flocked to the Royal & Derngate until 2005, when the curtains came down for an 18 month redevelopment to be completed, at a cost of £14.5 million.

The extensive improvement and refurbishment saw the orange décor of the Derngate – which I still remember – being replaced, new more comfortable seating being introduced, and air conditioning installed.

When it reopened in late 2006, Royal & Derngate stepped up to the mark and became the leading venue for entertainment in the county. Annually some 300,000 people take their seats to indulge in one of the many performances at those venues, and the smaller Underground venue, which can take a capacity of 90.

Royal & Derngate doesn’t just host touring productions though; it produces its own. The 2022/23 programme of Made in Northampton began last summer with Mog The Forgetful Cat, and also saw R&D partner with Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong to bring Henry V to the fore.

As the venue celebrates its special milestone, it has launched the Derngate 40 campaign with the hope of raising £100,000 from the theatre loving public; some of the money will go to sprucing up the seats once again.

Since that earlier refurbishment we mentioned, more than six million visitors have attended shows at the venue. That’s a lot of bottoms on seats, and a lot of wear and tear! A portion of money will also be spent providing pathways for burgeoning young creatives to develop their passion, and the continuation of works to ensure the theatre is an accessible venue for everyone.

“The Derngate, over the last 40 years, really has hosted the biggest and best of touring theatre from across the globe,” Chief Executive Jo Gordon told me, “Many of the biggest acts from these four decades have joined us here in Northampton, not least, the brilliant Tina Turner, who we all have been remembering so fondly with her recent passing.

“We are thrilled to be inviting audiences to help us celebrate this milestone year... for many, it was the first theatre they ever attended - perhaps for a pantomime, for music or for dance. The team have curated a brilliant season - not only are we taking one of our biggest Made in Northampton productions to date, onto the Derngate stage in September with Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None but we’re welcoming back so many companies to Derngate from its rich history - including Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, both of whom performed here in Derngate’s very first year!

“The other really special thing about Derngate is that it has seen so many local people perform on its stage.. it is home to many thousands of young people and adults every year, showcasing all the brilliant talent our region can rightly be so proud of.”

Here’s to the next 40 years! royalandderngate.co.uk

Like ‘a dark rave at an evil funfair’

‘Gomez’s not-so-secret weapon is Ben Ottewell,’ declared music bible Rolling Stone of the singersongwriter and guitarist with the band, and on Friday, August 4 that weapon will be unleashed at The Black Prince in Northampton.

With Gomez he has won a Mercury Prize, but Ben’s been pretty active during the band’s downtime too. He put his first solo release out back in 2011, and Shapes & Shadows has since been followed by Rattlebag and

A Man Apart

The date with the Prince will feature expected tracks, new material and a few Gomez favourites too.

‘Ben proffers hope and promise, accompanied by sublime acoustic and slide guitars,’ says the press info. We like that.

Supporting on the night, Liam Vincent & The Odd Foxes will see you right.

Pavilion, the indie-rock mob who have one foot in North London and the other, rather fittingly, in ShoeTown will make their first headline appearance at the venue on Saturday, August 5.

Baby Lung and Beings will be on the bill too. And then, on Saturday, August 18 Pretty Addicted will show up.

You know those oh-so-dreary and dull shoegazing sorts? These ain’t like that. And, while she hails from the same town as Def Leppard, there are no similarities there either.

Pretty Addicted deliver hard-hitting electro goth dance industrial sleaze. Or, to put it another way, it’s dance punk madness from the upside-down mind of Clown Spice Vicious Precious

The Facebook page describes it as ‘a dark rave at an evil funfair,’ which sounds way better than a ride on the carousel!

This date – part of the Summer Goths Tour – is a chance for the lady to share the current single, No Memories, No Dreams in the live space, too.

“It’s the most intense, emotional song I’ve ever written and I wrote it in the worst period of my life,” she said, writing on her official FB page, “I drank an entire bottle of Jack, I cried all day, I sat in my studio and I poured my absolute heart and soul for this song. I felt every moment of it and it still hurts to listen

back to but it’s also an incredibly beautiful thing how pain can be turned into something magical, and I think this one is magical.”

If you want to get warmed up before the show, go listen on Spotify or download on Bandcamp.

We’re loving the attitude, and the look here. And the work ethic is spot on too. Drownd will open up this show.

> Grab tickets for all events via sbdpromotions.com

Ben Ottewell

Pavilion

Pretty Addicted

‘I delivered bar for bar, track for track’

FFSYTHO?! sizzled on the stage at the biggest music event of the year, and, fresh back from the gig of a lifetime that was Glastonbury, she told Pulse’s Sammy Jones all about it...

“Glastonbury was absolutely everything I could have hoped for and more,” says FFSYTHO?! reflecting on making her stage debut at Worthy Farm a few days before, “It still doesn’t feel real that little me from Northampton, the girl who started at her window doing freestyles, has made it all the way to Glastonbury. Pinch me!”

She was wowed by the musical spectacle from the off: “As soon as we arrived I was completely overwhelmed with the size of the place and the weather was absolutely banging which I didn’t expect, as typically Glastonbury is known for piddling down day and night. We didn’t see one drop of rain - it was the best!”

While being a Glasto tourist is all well and good, FFSYTHO?! was there having won over the judges of the national competition, Emerging Talent.

Thousands of music makers had tried their luck for the chance to perform at the famous farm, but our grime gal did the business.

“I was super excited to get on that stage and smash it, and I did exactly that,” she promised, “I was nervous when I first arrived because the stage was massive and I’m so tiny, standing tall at 4’11. Just before my set it was pretty empty on the field but by the time my first tune started playing people started running over. People actually came out to see me specifically, I was honestly on cloud nine.

“Even though I had zero hours of sleep as I got flipping mortal the night before, I still delivered bar for bar, track for track! When I got off the stage I was shaking - I couldn’t believe I just did that – I couldn’t believe I achieved my lifelong dream of going to Glasto, let alone performing on a Glastonbury stage.

“It was so surreal and still feels surreal. I keep looking back at video footage and pictures...my head on the massive screen behind me whilst performing. A dream! Completely life changing. People believed in me a few years ago that I would perform there, and I just laughed it off,” she told Pulse Music.

“Then when I found out I got through to the Emerging Talent competition it was already mind blowing. I didn’t think they would even consider my style of music. Boy was I wrong!

“I smashed my audition out the park and got invited to Glastonbury. I literally cried my eyes out when I heard the news. It was incredibly emotional to think how far I’ve come.

“Glasto was just last week and in a few hours I’ll be flying out to Germany to perform at another festival. I’m absolutely living the dream,” she added.

> Follow FFSYTHO?! on twitter @FFSYTHO and on Insta: ffsytho_

FFSYTHO?! on stage at Glastonbury

Multitude - the festival that’s beyond a bargain!

The inaugural Multitude Festival was an absolute blast at The Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes last year, and you’ll get the chance to indulge in the feast of fabulousness again on Saturday, August 5 when the second event in the series goes live.

Twenty-three bands will play across three stages and all for just £13. It’s beyond a bargain – and the chance to check in with some of the best rising talents from across the country, including from here in Northampton. We talked to a few of those local risers on the bill...

In Brief with Potwash

Who is Potwash for?

People who like Mac DeMarco but can’t afford a ticket to his gigs.

What can people expect from your set on the day?

Me panicking to remember lyrics while the band kill it as always.

One track that we need to be stage front for?

Get into the Car

Who else are you looking forward to catching on the day?

Super excited to see Cowboyy and the homies, Bloody/Bath and Sunny Gym.

How is summer shaping up for the band?

Summer is looking like a fun one! A lot of cool gigs lined up with cool artists.

Spill the beans on any upcoming releases?

I have one more song I plan to release before Multitude that will be a part of a debut EP later this summer.

> Get acquainted: @thistle.thistle.thistle

Meet Beaucats

next music video and setting the scene for our upcoming projects.” Harry added.

Beaucats are promising an ‘electric, eclectic and chaotic physical personification of noise,’ and as the band moves into a new era, they will treat the assembled to some spanking new tracks too.

“Beaucats are for people who are looking to escape into a different reality, a world of our creation, a place where we and the listener can explore new stories and concepts together and fashion a place where we forge memories that last for a lifetime,” said drummer Harry Hales.

“One of the main staples of Beaucats is interacting with our fans and the crowd – we love putting on a show!”

The band will be spending the summer months on stages showcasing their material, and they’ll be just as busy off the stage: “We’re going back into the Beaucats laboratory, widdling away into the night, working on our

“We have some great material in the pipeline, and are so excited to get it out. The world that we have been creating behind the scenes is an apt reflection of the current state we are living in, an age of discontent and disconnect and we can’t wait to bring this gruelling mirror up to the face of the world.”

First things first though, and that Multitude date, which will be a chance to not only promote themselves, but to catch up with musical pals.

“There are some incredible bands on the line-up this year, and we are thrilled to be a part of it; our friends in Potwash are one to keep an eye on, and Sunny Gym – incredible Northampton acts. We’re also excited to see Car Boot Sale do their thing on the Congregation stage.”

> Get acquainted: Search @beaucats.uk on FB and Insta

Catch Beaucats on the Altercation Stage at 3.30pm

Potwash are on the Myriad Stage at 6pm

Meet Bex

“Bex is for the misfits, outcasts and rage filled people, but it’s also for me!” says the lady behind the music, “It’s my truest form of self expression - from sound to style. Bex is my outlet for everything I am feeling and experiencing. It’s a safe community for fans to share their own experiences and emotions.”

And there’s a whole lot of attitude at play in her creative outpouring...

“My sound is a combination of punk, rock and metal. My lyrics are inspired by the Riot Grrrl movement, feminist rage. Every song is bass driven and has two bass parts rather than guitars. The vocals are soft and angelic then enter raspy screams.”

How will those venturing to see you at Multitude be rewarded?

“I am ready to tear the stage apart, playing half-unreleased tracks from my new EP and screaming my lungs off!” she told Pulse Music, promising that ‘sweat and style’ will both play their parts.

“There will be moshers and head bobbers. We are not there to mess around!”

Who else are you looking forward to catching on the day?

“I am super excited to see Hot Wax and my mate Tom Saint. I am also excited to discover new bands I haven’t seen before.”

Summer is set to be a busy one for Bex, with four more festivals to play, and the debut EP, Scum following in October.

“We are all guns ahead!” she promised.

> Get acquainted: Instagram & TikTok: @bex.b.e.x and on twitter @BEXBEXMUSIC

Meet Sunny Gym

Sunny Gym’s James had played in punk mobs for a long time, but wanted to bring something new to the table with a fresh musical collective: “I started a new project with my brothers,” he said, “Who is the band for? The idea was to play something our grandma could come and watch. So our grandma, I guess...it’s five people playing different songs and genres all at the same time.”

Summer is shaping up to be just swell for the guys, too: “It’s looking good,” James agrees, “We have our first major festival set at Truck Festival coming up, plus a few all dayers and bits and bobs. We’ll also be releasing a track from our upcoming E.P. along with announcing a small tour in support of that.”

When they aren’t on the stage at Multitude, they’ll be soaking in the sounds of others, including “The homies Potwash and Bloody/Bath,” James Promises.

> Get acquainted: Connect with @sunnygymtheband on Insta

Multitude

Myriad Stage

Opus Kink - 10pm – 10.45pm

DSM IV – 9pm-9.30pm

Cowboyy – 8pm-8.30pm

Naked Next Door – 7pm-7.30pm

Potwash – 6pm-6.30pm

Bloody/Bath – 5pm-5.30pm

Sunny Gym – 4pm-4.30pm

KC Blackwater – 3pm-3.30pm

Altercation Stage

Hot Wax - 9.30pm – 10.15pm

Big Special – 8.30am-9pm

Ciel – 7.30pm-8pm

Jack Valero – 6.30pm – 7pm

KI Strange - 5.30pm – 6pm

Yabba – 4.30pm – 5pm

Beaucats – 3.30pm-4pm

Yaang – 2.30pm – 3pm

Congregation Stage

Car Boot Sale - 8.15pm - 9pm

Jasmine Burns – 7.15pm – 7.45pm

Bex – 6.15pm – 6.45pm

Tom Saint – 5.15pm – 5.45pm

Ocular – 4.15pm – 4.45pm

Ebony Buckle – 3.15pm-3.45pm

Georgina Wilson – 2.15pm – 2.45pm

Sunny Gym are on the Myriad Stage at 4pm

Bex will be on the Congregation stage at 6.15pm

#WhatsOnPulse

Parkland Play: Waterhall Park

Tuesday, August 1, 1-3pm

Join the rangers and The Parks Trust team for fun in the park with sports activities, ride-on cars and a baby and toddler area. No need to book – entry is free.

Parklife: theparkstrust.com

The Damn Truth

Tuesday, August 1, 8pm

Montreal rock ‘n’ roll band return to the UK in support of their third studio album, Now or Nowhere, completed with Metallica’s producer Bob Rock. The time is now: stables.org

Guy Tortora Band

Tuesday, August 1

Blues with a touch of jazz, folk and roots from Guy and his band as they interpret the work of other writers and deliver some of his own material. His playing is flashy, but understated and the songs will make a real impact. Sounds like your bag? Bottleneck slide: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Blues Jam Night

Wednesday, August 2, doors 6.30pm

No house band in play here, instead the blues club regulars will take care of things. Amps and backline provided, just bring your sticks, guitars, basses and anything else. Plenty of space for improvisation before the 10pm ending. You lead: bletchleybluesclub.uk

H20

Thursday, August 3

New York hardcore heroes hop across the pond for a select few shows – and Milton Keynes is in their sights.

Use Your Voice: thecraufurdarms.com

Casket Feeder

Friday, August 4

Milton Keynes heavyweights prepare for their set at the Bloodstock Festival with a date on home soil, at The Craufurd Arms

Servants of Violence: thecraufurdarms.com

Antiques Centre Building 1, The Royal Ordnance Depot, Weedon Bec, NN7 4PS

KC Blackwater - on the bill for this year’s Multitude Festival at The Craufurd Arms - see August 5

No need to cook - get your fill of tasty stuff when Bite Street returns this August 11-13

Supakarma

Friday, August 4

A special album launch party for a release that was set to see the light of day two decades ago. This playback will be barside at The Craufurd Arms. Entry is free. Good things come to those who wait: thecraufurdarms.com

Around the World in 12 Trees

Friday, August 4, 10am

Great Linford Manor Park is home to a collection of exotic trees, and this is your opportunity to take part in a guided walk with The Parks Trust to learn more about their origins and the folklore surrounding them.

Tree-mendous: theparkstrust.com

Reggae Land Festival

Saturday, August 5 & Sunday, August 6

Join artists including National Bowl headliners

Beenie Man, Barrington Levy and Sean Paul at the celebration of all things reggae, with a reggae flea market, fairground, Carnival Float stage and dancers, merchandise, Caribbean Food village, Rum shacks, Gin bars and cocktails. It’s family-friendly too!

Temperature: reggaeland.co.uk

Multitude Festival

Saturday, August 5

Wolverton venue The Craufurd Arms presents its second annual one-day festival with more than 20 bands showing out across three stages, including KC Blackwater and Jack Valero. The best of the new breed in one place, for a fab price. It’ll be busy!

Talent spotting: thecraufurdarms.com

TALK OF THE TOWN AUGUST (and summer)

Northampton In Bloom

Rushden Classic Car Show

Sunday, August 6, 11am-4pm

Some 400 cars will be on display at Hall Park in Rushden, together with 40 local traders, lots of hot and cold food, a real ale bar and more.

Ignition: findmecarshows.uk

The Northampton Comic Con and Toy Fair

Sunday, August 6, 10am-6pm

Spend the day immersed in Comic Con culture with people dressed as their favourite characters.

Retro gaming, face painting, board and gaming areas and lots of exhibitors will also take attentions at this family friendly event at The Benham Sports Centre on the Kings Park Road.

May the force be with you: northamptoncomiccon.co.uk

Sex Pistols Expose

Friday, August 11, 7.30pm

Approved by the real Pistols, the band promises to deliver the same snarling persona as the real deal, together with witty stage banter and raw energy aplenty. Pretty Vacant: theroadmender.com

Bite Street

Friday, August 11 – Sunday, August 13 Northampton’s street food event cooks up the good stuff at Franklin’s Gardens. Feeling peckish? Not for much longer you won’t be! Please sir, can I have some more? FB @bitestreetnn

The Big Park Hangout

Saturday, August 12, midday - 5pm

Being hosted in Campbell Park, an opportunity for teenagers to discover what Milton Keynes can offer them; from arts, culture and sports facilities to health, wellbeing and safety services.

Teens only: theparkstrust.com

Portrait Drawing

Tuesday, August 15, 3pm or 7pm

A lightly guided session drawing from a live portrait model with associate artist and portrait specialist Paul Berryman, at Milton Keynes Gallery.

Pencil perfect: mkgallery.org

Have you spotted all the beautiful blooms around Northampton? The floral displays cover the town centre and our surrounding wards from June through to September.

Are you green fingered? Everyone can help make Northampton bloom, so if you would like to get involved with any existing projects, or be part of a new bloomassociated project, please contact: info@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk

Northampton

Balloon Festival

12pm – 10.30pm

Friday 18th –Sunday 20th August

This popular festival returns to the Racecourse, with hot air balloon displays and flights, night time balloon glows, live entertainment, food and drink stalls, giant funfair, fireworks, craft and community marquee and much more.

Wellness Walks

Until September –Abington Park

As part of Northampton In Bloom, we have introduced ‘Wellness Walks’ in collaboration with local poet James McInerny. Follow the trail of wellbeing poetry around picturesque Abington Park this summer! Download the map from our website and find out more.

Bands in the Park

Every Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday

2–5pm - Abington Park Bandstand

Our Bands in the Park season continues at the park’s iconic bandstand! Performances take place every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday between 2 and 5pm and this month will feature: Bedford Town Band on 6th August, Fynnius Fogg Band on 13th August, Towcester Studio Band on 20th August, 60s Club Band on 27th August and the Abington Wind Band on 28th August.

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

Brighton rock trio Ciel are on the bill along with a heap load of local talent at Multitude on August 5

Blues Situation

Tuesday, August 15

Authentic, raw rhythm & blues played with feel, energy and humour. Sharp lyrics, exciting guitar work and a gritty Chicago style harmonica. Real grooves: bletchleybluesclub.uk

SikTh

Thursday, August 17, 7.30pm

Watford’s British prog metallers make a welcome return to Milton Keynes. The date is a warm-up show for their Arctangent date. Peep Show: thecraufurdarms.com

Pretty Addicted

Friday, August 18

Dance punk madness from the upside down mind of Clown Spice Vicious Precious, visiting the town for her Summer Goths tour. Support comes from Drownd.

Hard-hitting electro goth dance industrial sleaze: sbdpromotions.com

Northampton Balloon Festival

Friday, August 18 – Sunday, August 20

Live entertainment, balloon glows, food and drink, fireworks, a giant fun fair and, of course, the stars of the show –the hot air balloons. Plenty of hot air: thenorthamptonballoonfestival.co.uk

Bob Harris OBE in conversation with Martyn Joseph

Saturday, August 19, 8pm

Enjoy an evening of talk, anecdotes and music at The Stables in Wavendon, a venue familiar to both of them.

Whispering: stables.org

Life Drawing

Tuesday, August 22, 3pm or 7pm

A lightly guided life drawing session drawing from a nude model with specialist Paul Berryman, at Milton Keynes Gallery Event Space. Creativity: mkgallery.org

Dawg ‘n’ Bonez

Tuesday, August 22

Inspired by the British blues of leaders like Peter Green and Clapton, Steve and Dusty came together to play the music they love. A heady mix of energetic stone-cold classic blues, originals and just a sprinkling of Latin rhythms will be laid before you.

Blues with a twist: bletchleybluesclub.uk

Teach Rex Live

Sunday, August 27, 10am or 12.30pm

Step back to the Jurassic period with life-like dinos performing the one hour show, which teaches children about the anatomy and life of one of the most mesmerizing creatures to have ever roamed the planet.

Roar-some: stables.org

Friends of Northampton Castle Play Day

Sunday, August 27

Visit Delapre Abbey to discover what life was like in the castle and medieval Northampton. Activities include building a Lego Castle, completing jigsaws, laptop adventures, medieval music and more. Entry to the event is included in general admission.

Step back in time: delapreabbey.org

Irchester Park Dog Show

Monday, August 28, 11am-3pm

A staple event in the fundraising calendar for Animals in Need, which has hosted the show for more than 15 years.

Waggy tails: FB @AnimalsInNeedMaxicare

Community Litter Pick:

Lodge Lake, Milton Keynes

Tuesday, August 29, 10am

A chance to clear rubbish from the scenic parkland around the lake – all equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gloves and litter picker if you have them. This group event will involve a safety briefing before you head off. Meet in the car park on Bradwell Road, off H4 Dansteed Way, Loughton.

Rubbish event: theparkstrust.com

Northampton Balloon Festival

Yappety-yap - don’t miss the Irchester Park Dog Show on August 28

Northants Open Studios 2023

Northants Open Studios

invite you to join us them in supporting this incredible event, showcasing the talent of over 220 artists across 116 venues throughout Northamptonshire.

This year, the festival is bigger than ever before, offering a diverse range of art, right on your doorstep! Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about creativity, this event is for you. Best of all, it’s completely free and easily accessible to all. As you explore the various venues, you’ll be amazed by the wide array of media on display.

From incredible pottery to captivating paintings, intricate glasswork to stunning textile creations, there’s something for every visitor. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Northants Open Studios. Discover the beauty of Northamptonshire through art, engage with artists, and get involved in the various workshops and demonstrations on offer.

Events at Lamport Hall

Launch Event

Saturday 2nd September, from 4pm, speeches start at 5pm

Opening Dates

3rd-30th September Every Wednesday –Sunday, 10am-4pm

Free entry and car parking

Closing Event & Awards Evening

Saturday 30th September, 3pm

Local artists feature strongly during the month

Jack Astbury

8 Hervey Close, Northampton NN3 2TD

Open: 16th, 23rd & 24th Sept

Woodwork

“I am a professional wood turner and maker of fine furniture, focusing on functional homeware and small freestanding furniture. I own a sawmill, so all my work is truly from tree to finished piece,” says Jack.

Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics

The Hayrack Gallery, Old Dairy Farm Craft Centre, Main Road, Upper Stowe NN7 4SH

Open: Open every day except Mondays, 10am – 4pm

Ceramics

Ceramic designer/maker preserving flowers into bespoke everlasting pieces.

Nieldre Laubscher

Bank Cottage, The Lane, Grafton Regis NN12 7HW

Open: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th & 30th Sept, 11am-4pm

Painting • Drawing

“I am seeking my own style experimenting with acrylic and oil paints. Currently I am exploring floral compositions with a reference to the old Dutch Baroque studies,” says Nieldre.

Amelia Bown at Stanwick Lakes

Drawing • Printmaking • Illustration

Amelia Bown is an illustrator and printmaker. Her work is a celebration and promotion of the natural world. Through her handmade prints and homeware she shares the beauty of wildlife and nature.

Sabari Sen

35 Belle Baulk, Towcester NN12 6YE

Open: 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th Sept, 10am-4pm

Painting • Ceramics

“I find clay a wonderfully diverse medium which gives a ceramist an endless possibility. Pottery for me is like painting in 3-dimension,” explains Sabari

A few of the larger venues are holding preview evenings:

Stanwick Lakes, Friday 1st Sept, 6-7pm

Yardley Arts Friday 8th Sept, 6-8pm

Sue Johnson Forest Framing & Gallery

Friday 8th Sept, 6-8pm

Fifteen at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery Friday 8th Sept, 6.30-8pm

Rooftop Arts Centre Friday 15th Sept, 6-8pm

Click to northantsopenstudios.co.uk find out more about which artists and makers are in your area

Jack Astbury

Charlotte Hupfield

Nieldre Laubscher

Amelia Bown

Sabari Sen

...across Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes,

North Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire

View from the Far Kerb

Packing

Can it be true? Is Pulse carrying a written piece on being armed? Have you, dear reader, been transported to a place where reading a gun magazine is, something everyone does? Discussion of the best holster to use when packing heat is not something one might expect when reading a British publication.

Relax in the knowledge that a time and space displacement portal hasn’t opened up beside you. Being sucked in and deposited somewhere far flung, where guns are akin to carrying keys or mobile phones about one one’s person, is more a nightmare than a flight of science fiction or fantasy.

Yes, there is pain, but not the sort associated with the definition of packing as found in some parts of the world. It might be better described as aching. Muscles that have been coasting along these last few years have been rudely awakened and they have expressed their displeasure.

QUICK CROSSWORD

having a free moment and vehicle availability. Regardless, I got stuck in and made sure to drink lots of fluids. Afterwards I had a shower and once more weighed myself. The discovery that I was now 5lbs lighter than when I started came as a bit of a shock; especially considering I had drunk 3 onepint tankards of water during my encounter with the contents of the garage.

A house move is taking place.

I’m currently packing the O’Hara household into boxes. Once safely and securely ensconced in cardboard cocoons it will all begin a journey. It has no need to worry for there will be no guns nor nasty creatures with pointy teeth. It will just be another house.

However, the collection of domestic paraphernalia is wrathful. As the days of packing continue, the pleasure of bedtime doesn’t come close to offsetting the shock of the morning when the wake-up alarm goes off.

Then there is the heat, and it is not the sort gun enthusiasts refer to when they talk of packing. Sticky and horrendous.

I weighed myself the morning of sorting the garage and taking stuff to the tip. The weather was sunny and extremely hot. I wouldn’t have chosen that particular day to do such work, but it was about

As a way to lose weight, house move packing is very effective, but I can’t recommend it. Nor do I reckon on the painful after effects being a positive thing. The last time I moved house the removal company engaged offered a packing service. I smiled at the time. The current removal company made the same offer and I again smiled. After only packing a small portion of the household, I’m no longer smiling. Sure, I’m getting lighter, but I now have pains and aches in places I never thought possible.

Many years in the past, had I been asked whether it is worthwhile paying professionals to pack for me ahead of a move, I’d have laughed. If asked before starting this time, I’d still have laughed, but only until the aches and weight loss…

PHIL O’HARA

Clues Across

1. Accounts for payment

7. Beautified

8. Lasso loop

As a way to lose weight, house move packing is very effective, but I can’t recommend it. Nor do I reckon on the painful after effects being a positive thing.

Your stars

Flavour of the Times - Personal revelations, hidden issues, taboos coming to light – some social and political, some personal. This is all par for the course right now as both Saturn and Pluto smash backwards into our routines, expectations, structures – you name it, the old is crumbling and the new is not yet visible! Take a deep breath, keep your head down below the parapet and hang on for a rough ride well into the autumn (mixed metaphor alert!). It’s hard to stay positive but being observant about yourself, trying not to beat yourself up too much and just following calming routines like yoga and meditation will all smooth the way until the corner starts to turn in a few months’ time.

LEO

July 24 – August 23

A full moon in your sign on 1st may not feel like the most auspicious of starts to the month and you should be careful your ego does not get the better of you. Mid-month, things brighten up with Venus entering the picture, possibly bringing in a little romance. The new moon in Leo is on 15th but you would do well to remain wary as unconscious energies may be at play even if they are hidden.

VIRGO

August 24 – September 23

With Mars now in your sign, you will be able to take some practical steps to achieve results, but these are probably best seen as background things you need to get in place as preparation for bigger achievements. Mercury moves in to assist with communications so you will probably experience some satisfaction with small things well done this month.

LIBRA

September 24 – October 23

Being all things to all people can sometimes be a bit like a mask to hide behind, disguising your confusion because perhaps you really do not know who the hell you are these days! Some self-protection seems like a good idea but avoid too much negativity. There may be some gems under your feet you should look out for and try not to miss out on.

SCORPIO

October 24 – November 22

Perhaps some of the recent pressures ease a little this month? You may have felt a bit awkward and a bit quiet at times while others were being more extravert, but there is some room in these difficult days to make some progress in your relationship with the outside world. Your career aims may progress so long as you are sure of your direction of travel. Don’t expect it to be plain sailing though!

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 – December 22

For the second month running, you may find it hard to find a sense of personal freedom in everything that is going on. All manner of responsibilities, jobs that must be dealt with urgently are all getting in the way of your desire to just drop everything and be yourself. Things flow in your direction a bit more favourably towards the end of the month but even then, you may not get more than a weekend break.

CAPRICORN

December 23 – January 20

Difficult ‘stuff’ may surface from your past mid-month as you experience issues arising from past conditioning by parents and others. This may lead you to consider whether some of the constraints that you feel weighed down by really come from you or maybe they are things from the past that you should try to shake off.

AQUARIUS

January 21 – February 19

It may not feel as if beneficial cosmic energies are in your grasp at the moment but that doesn’t mean you should bury your head in the sand! There are many times when we would do best to plod our way methodically through the difficulties because it is the act of doing that sort of difficult work that will find its ultimate reward in the end.

‘All is coming’, but it’s just not yet!

PISCES

February 20 – March 20

Even though you like to flow with the tides, living with contradictions and maybe even contradicting yourself all the time, the lack of identifiable structures and organisation surrounding you now may have you feeling all at sea this month. When you are thrown into the sea, the best thing is just to float until you spy land.

You are bound to be affected personally by some if not all of the massive changes that are taking place this year. An astrological reading of your chart can forewarn you about how these changes might affect you. To really understand what they mean for you on a personal level during 2023, I would recommend that you consider booking a comprehensive personal astrological consultation with me. This is completely specific to you and your life. This 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.

ARIES

March 21 – April 20

Sensitivities and perhaps ancient hurts are aroused as you search for the right way forward and your feelings should be taken seriously this month. This will present some challenges and discomfort, some of them possibly involving children early in the month, perhaps reaching a peak mid-month with a little respite coming at the end of it. Phew! You made it!!

TAURUS

April 21 – May 21

Jupiter is in your sign for a good while now, which heralds a search for some inner truths. You may be involved in teaching now and you will experience a strong desire for a more abundant lifestyle. The only real danger in this favourable influence is a tendency of overindulgence, but hey, some chocolate is good for you!

GEMINI

May 22 – June 21

Saturn going backwards in Pisces is quite a challenge for you and your world may be morphing in unusual ways that leave you uncertain of your ground in your community and with friends and family. Structures are shifting throughout society and in your world, generations may be passing away to be replaced by new relationships. Tread gently on the ground.

CANCER

June 22 – July 23

The water element flooded out July, didn’t it? This may have been true for you not just literally but emotionally, since Cancer rules the womb and is also a water sign. Deep feelings may have been expressed. August is more about traditional summer energies like the fire of the Sun in Leo and Mars in Virgo earth –scorched in too many places, I fear. You too?

Chart readings with me start at £67 and last for an hour on Zoom or Skype. Please go to www.astroguidance.co.uk for more details and to book a session. You can also text or WhatsApp me on 07866 727743 or email me at howpark@aol.com for more information.

If you are interested in discussing and learning more about astrology, why not pop into my Facebook group The Astrocafe | Facebook.

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