NN Pulse magazine December 23 by PulseGroupMedia

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Issue 97 | December 2023

The magazine at the heart of Northamptonshire

County-wide news, views and stories

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What’s going on in your local area

CONTENTS

From the

Editor

December 2023

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

here are so many exciting seasonal events to look forward to this month. Take Mowerman Magic at Chester House Estate, for example. The festive tractor run takes place on 17th December. What a wonderful way to rev up our Christmas spirits and support local charities.

And of course, pantomime season is well underway – oh yes it is! Check our ultimate guide to your local pantos. Billy Conley and his daughter Lucy are spreading the Cinderella magic at Milton Keynes Theatre. There are alternative versions too at the Old Savoy and The Cube in Corby. Snow White at the Royal & Derngate will be strictly fabulous with Ore Oduba or there’s a different production at Stantonbury Theatre. You can choose other favourites like Jack and the Beanstalk and Sleeping Beauty or something different like Hansel and Gretel or the Stick Man. Why not go to them all? Sheds are well-known as great places for a little ‘me’ time. That’s why the one provided by Northamptonshire Health Charity at Berrywood Hospital has been so popular with patients. By making a donation via the charity’s website you can help with projects like this and all their other great work. Most of us probably haven’t put up our decorations yet, so it seems a shame to think about taking them down after Christmas. However, you can have your tree recycled and help Cynthia Spencer Hospice raise funds to carry on their amazing work. They’ll be collecting from Saturday 6th to Tuesday 9th January. Just go to their website for details. Finally, you can help Animals in Need this month. The team will appreciate your help with animal gift boxes, a donation via bank transfer or animal sponsorship as a gift for a friend or relation – it’s the perfect present. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas.

Kerry Read previous editions online: www.pulsemagazine.co.uk 01604 935300 nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk 17 Stilebrook Road, Olney, Bucks MK46 5EA Connect with us on socials: /pulsemagazines @pulsemagazines nnpulsemagazine FINISHED READING? PASS PULSE MAGAZINE TO A FRIEND OR PLACE IT IN THE RECYCLING.

The deadline for advertising in the next edition of Pulse Magazine is THURSDAY MONDAY 8TH 7THFEBRUARY DECEMBER Published by Lunar Publishing Limited NN Pulse cannot take responsibility for the content of the advertisements, editorial or the services provided by the advertisers. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. All artwork is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use in MK Pulse. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. © NN Pulse

10 6

NEWS

PANTOS

LEGAL

MIKE READER

CHARITY

HISTORY

WILL YOUNG

FASHION

FOOD AND DRINK

ANIMALS IN NEED

WREATHS

DIGGING DEEP

MUSIC

WHAT’S ON

MOTORING

PUZZLES

YOUR STARS

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December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

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LOCAL NEWS

Mowerman returns: festive magic confirmed by Chester House Estate Mowerman magic is returning to Chester House Estate this Christmas with up to 70 tractors setting off from the estate in December in aid of charity.

hester House Estate is set to host its festive tractor run on Sunday, 17th December, following last year’s successful event. Between 10am and 2pm, decorated tractors will gather at the estate, revving up Christmas spirits before setting off to nearby towns and villages. They’ll also deliver food parcels to the Irthlingborough Food Bank. The tractors are expected to return around 7.30pm. This year, the event supports the Special Care Baby Unit at Kettering General Hospital Scores of tractors travel en masse to Chester and the Frank Bruno Foundation. Former House Estate and it is a professional boxer Frank Bruno, MBE, spectacular sight founder of the charity aiding young people travel en masse to our estate is a with mental health issues, will be present, truly spectacular sight. It’s hard to meeting visitors and signing his memoir. describe the magic of this event, you Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire really have to see it for yourself.” Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Last year 36 tractors took part, but Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and this year there will be up to 70. Tourism said: “Seeing scores of tractors

Stewart Garrett-Harvey, owner of Mowerman Garden Machinery, a Wellingborough based business which is organising this event in partnership with Chester House Estate, said: “We are really proud of this event and want to raise as much as possible for charity. That’s why we are appealing to local organisations to sponsor a tractor. For £500 they can have their logo put on to the side of one of our many tractors. Great publicity, great fun and a superb way to spread Christmas cheer this year.” Parking is free all day and there will be plenty of Christmas activities for the whole family to enjoy, as well as festive food and drink to tuck into. Claudius Way is the estate’s main visitor car park and is accessed through the Prologis Park Wellingborough. Visitors are advised to use the NN8 2DH postcode to find this entrance. Visitors are advised to access the site via this main car park. The Lime Avenue A45 entrance will strictly be for blue badge holders only.

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For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

LOCAL NEWS

“A night of generosity” at The Lewis Foundation Gala Ball

Thousands has been raised for adult cancer patients thanks to “mind-blowing kindness” at a Northamptonshire charity’s Gala Ball.

he occasion at Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa near Daventry saw business and community supporters of the charity join Mayor of Northampton Cllr Stephen Hibbert and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire Morcea Walker to enjoy a three-course dinner, silent auction, luxury raffle and a performance by Northampton singer-songwriter Billy Lockett. Speeches by surviving cancer patients and their families highlighted the impact of the charity, which provides free gifts and support packs containing items such as overnight essentials, toiletries, letter writing kits and miniature radios with batteries and headphones to adult cancer patients in 17 hospitals across the Midlands. The Lewis Foundation was founded in 2016 by Lorraine and Lee Lewis who had visited Lee’s mother regularly in hospital over four

years as she underwent cancer treatment. “To have raised over £11,600 from our first ever Gala Ball in one night is just staggering,” said Lorraine, the charity’s chief executive. “We had no benchmark but it is safe to say it was a huge hit – a truly wonderful occasion of celebration and partying and we cannot wait to make it an annual event.” The money raised will fund more than 3,000 gift packs. “It was a very special evening, made even more special by the stories shared by survivors and their families during the dinner,” said Jevgenij Lyzko, chief executive of Northamptonbased oil wholesaler Mannol UK – the ball’s headline sponsor. “I had a close friend who received one of their gift packs but it still hit home what a powerful and positive difference the charity makes to those going through a tough battle with cancer. It is important that

Mannol UK plays an important role in the local community.” The Lewis Foundation gala ball was also supported by the University of Northampton.

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December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

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PANTOS

You shall go to the ball!

It’s the most magical time of the year, and pantomime is a huge part of that family entertainment, with lost slippers, ‘wooden actors’ (read the feature!), talking mirrors, lost children and all sorts of bonkers stories waiting to be told. Sammy Jones once again picked up the magical wand and sprinkled some fairy dust to bring you the ultimate guide to pantos in the area. Oh, yes she did! Panto: Cinderella Starring: Brian Conley is swapping Albert Square for the new city – and his daughter Lucy will join the cast this time Where: Milton Keynes Theatre When: Saturday, December 9 2023 – Sunday, January 14 2024 What to expect: Another top class production from the team behind Crossroads. They say: “This Cinderella is a bit different, so I think you are going to want to see it. Even though you might have seen Cinderella before, this is a nice, different story,” promises Lucy. Who’s it for? Absolutely everyone, without exception. And another thing: Ben Stock and Neal Wright return to star as Tess and Claudia, and they are the best Ugly Sisters – they’ve got a gong from The Pantomime Awards to prove it! Book: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

The cast of Cinderella, this year’s panto at MK Theatre

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Derngate

Panto: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Starring: Strictly winner Ore Oduba and Corrie’s Wendi Peters head the cast Where: Northampton Derngate When: Friday, December 8 – Sunday, December 31, 2023 What to expect: With lavish sets, hilarious jokes and fun for all the family… Hi-ho, Hi-ho it’s off to panto you go! They say: My favourite thing about doing panto is being able to get dressed up, be a bit silly and have a lot of fun!” says Ore. Wendi Peters – playing the Wicked Queen – added: “If I haven’t made somebody cry, I’m not doing my job properly” Who’s it for: It’s perfect fun for all the family, of course. And another thing: This is the third year that top dame Bob Golding will be bringing his panto magic to Northampton. Book: royalandderngate.co.uk

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

PANTOS

Panto: Hansel & Gretel Starring: Actors from the award winning Box Tale Soup will take you on this adventure Where: The Stables, Wavendon When: Monday, December 18 – Saturday, December 23, 2023 What to expect: A fun filled festive adventure where you’ll meet lots of woodland friends and watch some magical baking… there might even be bubbles! Your help is needed to protect the glowing pebbles from a cheeky magpie and get Hansel & Gretel safely home for Christmas. Original songs, spellbinding puppetry and a set full of wondrous surprises all combine to make the perfect family Christmas show. They say: “Hansel & Gretel is one of our favourites because it’s such a fun show to perform. It’s a heartwarming story about friendship and kindness, but then it’s also really silly and very Christmassy!” Who’s it for? It’s the perfect introduction to live theatre for children aged 3+, and even better, the adults will enjoy it too. And another thing: “The puppets’ heads were made out of frozen pizza boxes! Our favourite flavours are pepperoni and mushroom and we had to eat a lot of them to make this show!” say those bringing it to the stage. Book: stables.org

Hansel & Gretel at The Stables

Panto: Cinderella Starring: Outnumbered’s Tyger Drew-Honey and BBC Radio Northampton’s Daisie Belle Where: The Old Savoy, Northampton When: Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 24, 2023 What to expect: The Old Savoy - Home of The Deco Theatre brings you their very own production of the classic tale of ‘Cinderella’ in this year’s traditional family friendly pantomime. Expect lots of smiles, laughs and of course a bit of cheek from the two wicked sisters. They say: “I love the craft of panto, things can go a bit wrong and you are allowed to look silly - It’s all part of a traditional panto,” says Tyger, “Casting in panto is totally different than any other form of acting role - it’s highly comical, chaotic and over the top with lots of audience interactivity - that’s what I am really looking forward to.” Who’s it for? “The beautiful tale of Cinders will touch the heart of any audience member! With storytelling, dancing, silly songs, audience participation and the odd ‘hidden’ joke thrown in, we aim to cater for all ages.” And another thing: The previous handsome Prince from Cinderella has hung up his suit and is re-appearing in a dress and heels this year as a Wicked Sister! Book: theoldsavoy.co.uk Cinderella - The Old Savoy Stick Man won’t be a wooden delivery at The Royal. It’ll be tree-mendous!

Panto: Stick Man Starring: Freckle Productions have selected a trio of top actors for this adaptation of work by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Where: The Royal, Northampton When: Thursday, December 7 – Sunday, December 31, 2023 What to expect: Touching and funny, this delightful adaptation of the popular children’s picture book is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. They say: “I just love its energy and the music, I love the way that they get just the right level of audience participation – it keeps everyone involved,” says Julia Donaldson. Who’s it for? All ages are welcome to take their seats for this family favourite. And another thing: Julia and Axel’s best-selling book has been translated into 23 languages – and celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Book: royalandderngate.co.uk For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

PANTOS

Panto: Jack and the Beanstalk Starring: The Dreams ‘n’ Wishes team will bring this to the stage Where: The Venue, Milton Keynes When: Friday, December 22, 2023 - Sunday, January 7, 2024 What to expect: New faces and old favourites are here in their trademark family panto, brimming over with old jokes, fresh music and more laughs than you can shake your beans at! They say: “He’s the Princess Rescuer, Giant defeater and mighty beanstalk climber upper - or Jack for short...” Who’s it for? It’s for fun loving families and the young at heart of all ages, from three to 93. (Over 93s are also permitted, but they must have a note from their grandparents!). And another thing: They can’t really be doing Bohemian Rhapsody as their Act 1 finale, can they? Really? Book: thevenuemk.com

Dreams ‘n’ Wishes present Jack and the Beanstalk

Panto: Sleeping Beauty Starring: The team behind CATS Where: The Core, Corby When: Thursday, January 4 – Sunday, January 7, 2024 What to expect: Prepare for a fun-filled ride through a traditional story like never before, with delightful surprises at every turn... They say: ”With an impressive 60-year history of enchanting pantomimes in Corby, you’d regret missing out on this magical tradition!’ state the creatives responsible. Who’s it for: It’s for the whole family – young, old, and everyone in between. It’s the perfect post-Christmas treat to come together and enjoy an unforgettable experience! And another thing: The team is proud to present a relaxed performance with a twist. It’s a bit cosier, with fewer of the loud and bright elements of a typical show, plus, they’ve got a brilliant British Sign Language interpreter to make sure everyone feels welcome. Book: corby-cats.co.uk

The cast of Cinderella at The Core

Panto: Cinderella Starring: A cast hand-picked by the folks at Little Wolf Entertainment Where: The Core, Corby When: Saturday, December 16 – Sunday, December 31, 2023 What to expect: A full scale pantomime, complete with all the fun, mayhem and magic that you want for a real Christmas treat. Cinderella is the greatest pantomime of all time, and loads of lovable characters, breathtaking magical sequences and bucket loads of laughs are promised. They say: “I can’t wait to meet the people of Corby, and introduce you to my best friend Cinderella,” says Buttons, “I suppose we have to meet her horrid Ugly Sisters too, but at least we have our friends the Fairy Godmother and Mozzarella the Mouse to help us out on this magical adventure - see you there!” Who’s it for? Little Wolf pantomimes are aimed at everyone from three to 103 - there is lots of silly stuff for the kids, but also genuinely funny jokes for everyone to enjoy! And another thing: The team can’t wait to show you how Cinderella gets to the ball: “The transformation scene is breathtaking as a bronze Pegasus rises to circle slowly amid the stars.” they promise. Book: thecorecorby.com 12

RARE Pantomimes perform Snow White at Stantonbury Theatre

Panto: Snow White Starring: RARE Pantomimes are back in play with this delivery Where: Stantonbury Theatre, Milton Keynes When: Monday, December 18 – Sunday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 27 - Saturday, December 30 What to expect: A magical, fun filled, traditional family pantomime with audience participation, magic moments guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. They say: “Last year’s panto was packed full of hilarious jokes and brilliant songs. I’m returning from last year so they must be doing something right!” says Sam Peterson, who plays Muddles, “My mum told me it was really really good last year and that I was her favourite…need I say more!? Come and see us in Snow White this December, we can’t wait to see you.” Who’s it for? The whole family And another thing: “We have 11 quick changes in our pantomime this year,” said an insider, “Will you spot them?” Book: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

LEGAL

No Time Like the ‘Present’:

Children Arrangements During Christmas In cases of separated parents, timely discussions about Christmas arrangements are crucial. A leading Family Judge urges using court as a last resort, criticising parents who expect courts to ‘micromanage’ these plans. With a thoughtful approach, Jess Leech of Wilson Browne Solicitors guides parents through the delicate process of creating a harmonious festive period for their children.

n situations where parents are separated, every year some parents take advice too late regarding issues about Christmas arrangements. A leading Family Judge provided clear advice that only as a last resort should parties bring any disputes about arrangements for the children over Christmas to Court and was also critical of parents who brought the matter before court expecting it to ‘micromanage’ arrangements. The sooner, the better. The festive period always comes quicker than expected so start the discussions as soon as possible. This is so that you can identify whether an agreement is likely to be reached between you both or whether you may need third-party intervention from a mediator or solicitor.

There is no one-size-fits-all for every family, and ultimately it is a personal choice on what is best for the children in the circumstances of each case. You must be prepared to be flexible as inevitably you will both have things that you will want to achieve.

they know the plan so think outside the box. You could create a visual calendar for the children to refer to, setting out where they will be during the festive period.

The children are the priority.

The idea of spending any time over the Christmas period without the children is not an easy one to consider for any parent, but be honest with yourself as to whether the proposal you are making is fair to the other parent.

Christmas is likely to look different to what it did last year, and it is therefore important that the children feel involved in the plans as soon as possible so that they can come to terms with what Christmas will look like this year.

Consider the other parent.

Put everything in writing.

If an agreement really cannot be reached, court proceedings may be required - as of now, there is no guarantee any application will be considered before Christmas.

Older children are likely to have more of an opinion on where they would like to spend their time, and whilst that is not necessarily determinative, it should certainly be a factor that you consider.

Once you have agreed what will happen, put the agreement in writing in either an email or letter. This will ensure that you have covered all areas and prevent any future misunderstandings.

Complete the groundwork.

Communication is key: the sooner the children have the time to digest the plans, the more comfortable they will feel when the time arrives. Irrespective of your own personal feelings it’s important that a positive approach is made for the children.

Christmas will be here before we all know it so plan now – we’re here to help so give us a call.

Identify what’s important. Is it spending time with the children on Christmas Eve, or rather Christmas Day? Do you or the children have plans with the wider family that should be taken into consideration? Is travelling going to be an issue?

Children feel safe and secure when

Jess Leech

If you’re navigating the complexities of arranging Christmas schedules as separated parents, don’t wait until it’s too late. Take control and start the conversation now. For personalised guidance and support in finding the best solution for your family contact our Family Law Team on 0800 088 6004 For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

MIKE READER ADVERTISING FEATURE

Making Northampton’s Streets Safe

he next Labour government faces a real challenge – restoring safety for our community and rebuilding trust in the police. I am dedicated to returning our town to the safe, secure, and welcoming environment we all remember, where everyone feels protected and heard.

Communities thrive, and local economies prosper, when crime is low. That is why Making Britain’s Streets Safe is one of the five Labour Party missions that will give Britain its future back. Our mission is clear: we will halve serious violent crime and restore the highest levels of confidence in our policing and criminal justice system within a decade. Fixing 13 Years of Failure Gone are the days when you’d regularly see the police patrolling our neighbourhood. Gone are the days when you knew, if you rang 999, the police would be immediately with you. Gone are the days when you felt sure that if you reported a crime, you’d see the criminals caught and justice served. Under the current government, we’ve seen a distressing rise in serious crimes, especially among our youth, and a sharp decline in public confidence in our police and justice system. That’s not been helped by continued scandals surrounding the current Conservative Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

Labour commits to putting an extra 13,000 police officers on our streets

Rising crime rates, particularly in violence against women and girls, antisocial behaviour, and knife crime, have cast a shadow over our town. These are not just statistics; they represent real people, our neighbours, whose lives and livelihoods are affected. The next Labour government has to take radical action. We can’t let things get any worse.

Addressing crime in Northampton requires more than just policing. It demands a holistic approach involving education, community services, mental health support, and proactive measures to prevent crime before it occurs. That’s why I’m committed to working with all public and private sector partners to develop a comprehensive strategy that encompasses all aspects of societal well-being. That will ensure I am able to deliver on our mission; to make Northampton’s streets safe.

A Responsive and Reformed Police Service Our approach to reinvigorating Northampton’s safety focuses on tangible actions: increasing police visibility, addressing the root causes of crime, particularly among young people, and ensuring our police force is equipped to deal with modern challenges. We will not only increase the number of police officers but also ensure they are integrated within our communities, understanding and addressing local needs. Victims at the Heart of Justice A vital aspect of restoring trust is placing victims at the centre of our criminal justice system. I commit to ensuring specialist support for victims is increased, particularly in cases of rape and domestic abuse. They will receive the justice they deserve. We’ll introduce more robust measures to tackle online crimes, particularly those targeting the vulnerable. 14

An All-Encompassing Strategy

As your Labour Party candidate in the next general election, my commitment to making Northampton a safer place is unwavering. But this journey requires your support. Together, we can bring about the change our town desperately needs. It’s time to restore the sense of security and confidence we once took pride in.

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For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

CHARITY

Shed project at hospital helping patients with mental health conditions

‘M

an-cave’ or ‘She-shed’ – call them what you like – but thanks to funding from Northamptonshire Health Charity, a multi-functional ‘shed’, introduced at a Northampton hospital, has proved a huge success in helping patients with wellbeing and recovery. Berrywood Hospital, run by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), introduced the wooden ‘workshed’ in its therapy garden in summer 2022 and since then it has been used by patients with mental health conditions as a space for reflection, socialising, and activities. The shed space is also helping patients to build useful skills in preparation for returning home. These skills include bike maintenance, furniture restoration, DIY and gardening, all of which are beneficial for wellbeing, executive functioning and skill development. Patients have helped make seating, planters and raised flower beds, bird tables, artwork and sculptures, as well as other features to promote tranquillity and reflection. Rob Powell, Charity Communications and Marketing, said: “We have been thrilled to hear so many amazing stories about the positive impact the workshed, that we funded at Berrywood, is having for patients. It is wonderful to see how having access to this

Jenni Jenkins, Specialist Occupational Therapist at Berrywood Hospital, said: “This project has been a springboard through which we have been able to support individuals to access further education, work and leisure groups in the community. Above all else, the shed is valued as an area off the ward that provides peace and a space where coping strategies can be practised to improve wellbeing. It provides opportunities for reflection as individuals look towards their future outside of the hospital. As a team, we are incredibly grateful to Northamptonshire Health Charity for providing this therapeutic workplace and look forward to future developments in this area.”

space, the resources it provides, and the skills people can develop, has helped massively with their recovery. To ignite a new or dormant passion that goes on to increasing confidence and provide a real sense of achievement is brilliant. All this is thanks to our generous supporters donating to Northamptonshire Health Charity so that we can make a difference by supporting projects like this.”

> To find out more about how donations can make a difference to our local NHS hospitals and community services, and to make a donation, visit the charity’s website: northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk

Christmas Gifts for Patients Donate a gift for a patient in hospital on Christmas Day Visit our website to purchase a gift from our Amazon Wishlist or make a monetary donation and we will purchase a gift for you. www.northamptonshire healthcharity.co.uk greenheart@nhcf.co.uk We can only accept new items in their original packaging. Unwrapped gifts only please.

Get Involved 01604 626927 01536 491569

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LOCAL HISTORY

‘Tis the season to be jolly’ Celebrating Christmas in Medieval Northamptonshire

t’s the coldest and darkest time of year. Nothing much is growing, the days are short and the bright days of summer are long gone. The temptation is to stay cocooned at home, keeping warm and conserving our energies. If we didn’t have a midwinter celebration already, we would have to invent one to bring light, cheerful company and plenty of good food. And that is exactly what our ancestors did, thousands of years ago. 18

Roman feasting

Words by Laura Malpas There is plenty of prehistoric archaeological evidence to show that the midwinter was considered an important time for meeting together and feasting, especially during the winter solstice, usually around December 21st. Stonehenge for example has stones aligned so that the sun rises between them on the shortest day of the year. Nearby

massive collections of bones butchered in winter, suggesting great communal feasts including pork and beef. Before the Romans came to Northamptonshire it is highly probable that the local tribes also met at this time of year, to share food and hospitality and creating social bonds. The old gods were propitiated to bring success, fertility, and good fortunes in the coming year and to ensure continuity.

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LOCAL HISTORY

Bawdy Saturnalia celebrations

The Romans who settled in our region enjoyed their winter celebrations too. The week-long festival of Saturnalia began around 17th December and continued on 25th December with another festival to celebrate the rebirth of the sun. These jolly celebrations included gift giving, feasting and drunkenness. Bawdy behaviour was permitted, and encouraged often including role reversals between slaves, servants and their masters turning the usual ways upside down. We know that houses were decorated with evergreens, their leaves promising the return of growth in the new season, and fires, lighted candles and lamps were an important element of the decorations.

25th December, it became accepted to allow the ‘rebadging’ of Saturnalia and the Festival of the Sun, so the fun could still continue but in a Christian context. Perhaps the first true Christmas celebrations held in Northamptonshire were in places like Lactodorum (Towcester) or at the Roman villas of Borough Hill, Daventry, and Piddington, or even Bannaventa, near Norton.

The popular festival of Saturnalia continued after the Roman Emperor Constantine was converted to Christianity around 312 AD. Keen to see the new religion being accepted by all, many local pagan traditions and festivals were absorbed into the Christian church. Despite no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the birthdate of Jesus was

Christianity persisted after the departure of the Romans alongside pagan AngloSaxon practices. In 596 AD Pope Gregory sent a mission from Italy led by Saint Augustine to convert the Saxons. The first specific mention of Christmas in England was in 597 AD, when Augustine baptised 10,000 Saxons in Kent on Christmas day. Later the Pope wrote to Augustine instructing him to assimilate local mid-winter customs into Christmas celebrations. The pagan winter festivals evolved into the Twelve Days of Christmas, celebrated well after the winter solstice to avoid confusion. In Northamptonshire the Anglo-Saxons would have celebrated Christmas in places such as Brixworth, home to one of the finest and oldest churches in Britain, built around the mid 7th century, and also in the slightly later Saxon Church at Earls Barton. The Vikings brought their own winter solstice festival of Yule to the county, their similar celebratory feasting customs fitted in well, but perhaps there was more mead. As the Vikings settled, many

Saxon feasting (left), Augustine of Canterbury (middle) and Medieval celebrations (right)

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

LOCAL HISTORY

converted to Christianity, so Christmas was celebrated throughout England and much of the Viking homelands. The tradition of wassailing, sharing alcohol and good wishes, derives from the Old Norse greeting ‘ves heill’ wishing good health and fecundity to friends and neighbours, and apple orchards too! The twelve days of Christmas became an important part of both the religious and social calendar. Social standing was measured by the lavishness and jollity of the hospitality shown to all, especially servants and workers. Christmas day itself was chosen as a good day to be married, or for a King to be crowned. Entertainment included plays, singing and dancing, and many silly games. The days filled with plentiful food, light, warmth, and good company must have been a wonderful break from the routine of hard work on cold, dark, short days.

Earls Barton church with its Saxon Tower

Today, many of our favourite Christmas pastimes and traditions stem from medieval times, forming an exciting blend of Christian and Pagan practices.

Decorating our homes with holly, ivy and mistletoe links us back to the pagan midwinter and solstice festivals. The Church banned the practice in several European countries but the British retain the tradition to this day. Mistletoe, the Feasting was essential. magical plant of Winter could be the Druids was the a hungry time for most controversial, both people and and even today animals as food is associated with stocks grew low. kissing. Traditionally Many farmed animals holly was considered were fattened when Holly, ivy and mistletoe a male plant, thought feed was plentiful, then to bring good luck, and slaughtered before their protection against witches. feed ran out. This enabled And wearing berried holly was the feasting required to sustain the thought to make men irresistible to community before the lean days of women. Ivy was considered feminine, spring arrived. Pork, mutton and beef and therefore in competition with holly. along with fat geese and poultry were The first greenery to enter the home highlights, but the star of the show was determined whether the husband or wife the wild boar, especially the boar’s head. would be dominant in the home over Originally this was a Viking tradition, the coming year. Many carols were sung remaining so popular that wild boar was about the two fighting for dominance hunted to extinction in Britain. over the other, and we still sing the carol ‘The Holly and The Ivy’ today.

our wonderful historic houses, many of which recreate Christmas past? Boxing Day sees the traditional Brackley Morris dancing to live music at The Blackbird Pub in Croughton, Brackley Marketplace and at the Stratton Arms in Turweston. It’s an instant connection to our past traditions of celebration. Many churches hold festive community events as well as Christmas services, and communal carol singing is a joyful thing. Our old Saxon churches at Brixworth and Earls Barton have family friendly events and all are welcome to join in. At home, why not embrace your inner pagan and fill your house with greenery, not just the tree. Gentlemen don’t forget to pop some red berried holly in your hat, and ladies, sneak the ivy into the house first. Enjoy feasting on your favourite treats with your loved ones. Switch off the telly and tablets and play games together. Light some candles and tell ghost stories. Put on some music to dance and sing along. And remember that you are having a truly historic celebration. Traditions last because they are still relevant to us today. And I send you all good wishes for the happiest of season of all.

If you enjoy a glimpse into Christmases past, why not enjoy a great family day out and explore some of

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

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Any circumstances relating to family law are very stressful and in our experience it helps to obtain legal advice as early as possible. Our family team understand the issues you face and offer practical and straightforward legal advice.

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LOCAL NEWS

Brighter future for Danes Camp Leisure Centre

A Northampton fitness and leisure centre that has been serving the local community for over three and half decades has a brighter future following the completion of essential works.

anes Camp Leisure Centre is part of Trilogy Active who also operate Cripps Recreation Centre, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum, The Mounts Baths and the Forum Cinema as well as Berzerk Soft Play Centre. The popular family swimming pool at the centre reopened at the end of September after a short closure where work was carried out on new LED lighting in the pool area and changing village as well as new air handling units being installed. “Our members at the heart of everything we do.” said John Fletcher, Managing Director of Trilogy Active. “That is why we are delighted to reopen our pool after a short closure and add extra Saturday morning swimming

lessons. It will mean not only will our carbon footprint be smaller, but the facilities for our customers will be the best they have ever been.” The completed work, funded by West Northamptonshire Council also included new LED lighting in the sports hall.

“Our pool and our gym are more popular than ever and as we enter the autumn I am genuinely pleased at the real difference these now completed works will make.” John Fletcher continued. “We also have a whole range of activities for families

and children meaning we can continue to deliver what we do to all ages across the Northampton community.” Danes Camp will be home to new 50+ activities which include a new Walking Football session and the 50+ day which takes place every Tuesday at 11am.

Activities for families include the very popular Sunday roller-skating and the After School Buzz Clubzz Fun Fitness Activities also include Danes Camp Youth Club, held every Tuesday during term time and which is FREE due to funding from East Hunsbury Parish Council for those young people living in the parish. To see the full timetable of activities at Danes Camp Leisure Centre scan the code.

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LOCAL NEWS

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For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

BLUEBIRD CARE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Merry Christmas from Bluebird Care

or many people questions about care don’t arise until, suddenly, there is a need. Many people assume the only options are living self-sufficiently or residential care. However, Bluebird Care has a solution which allows their customers to live full, interesting lives and still stay within the comfort of their own home. You may just need a little help with daily chores, or you may have more complex needs that require specialist care. Bluebird Care will build an individualised care package to ensure that you’ll receive care and support exactly as you need it. Having successfully operated in Milton Keynes and Towcester for many years, father and daughter team, David Howard and Catherine Slater have recently expanded their business to include Northampton and Daventry. Alongside their new Deputy Manager, Kelly, Supervisor, Lorraine, and their small, dedicated team of care staff, they are excited to bring their quality home care service to customers in the West Northamptonshire area and already have a growing customer base in Northampton and the surrounding villages. Christmas is a time when families come together and unsurprisingly, is often a time when relatives become aware that their loved ones may be struggling to cope alone. The New Year often brings a surge in enquiries for home care services. Bluebird Care can offer help and advice to anyone finding themselves worried about a family member and can provide a no-obligation care assessment to discuss your needs and suggest solutions.

Bluebird Care are committed to go beyond simply providing a carer – they will work with you to help you live the life you want and deserve. If you, or a relative of yours is looking for care then please contact Kelly or any of the Northampton team, on 01604 312182.

The team from Bluebird Care are excited to bring their quality home care service to customers in West Northamptonshire

Home is where the heart is... ...Let’s keep it there. Care at home provides continuity, a familiar routine, and in your most familiar environment, your own home. At Bluebird Care we build our care packages around you and your individual needs which means that you and your family can rest assured you’ll receive care and support exactly as you need it. Starting from as little as a 30-minute visit a day, through to full live-in care and everything in between.

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LEGAL

Can I get a divorce in England or Wales?

Diana Rose from Borneo Martell Turner Coulston expertly examines the nuances of international divorces in England and Wales. This article details the legal criteria and strategic considerations necessary for such proceedings, highlighting their popularity among high-profile cases.

NORTHAMPTON 29 Billing Road Northampton NN1 5DQ 01604 622101 KETTERING 18 Brooklands Court Kettering Venture Park Kettering NN15 6FD 01536 523434 bmtclaw.co.uk

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.

‘To be allowed to divorce in England or Wales, you must meet certain criteria and the courts must have what is known as ‘jurisdiction’ to act. This simply means that the courts have the power to determine your divorce,’ says Diana Rose, a Partner in the family team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. ‘If you meet the legal requirements then you can proceed to apply for a divorce in England or Wales, even if you do not presently reside here or did not marry here.’ What are the legal requirements? There are a number of criteria that you must meet to be permitted a divorce in England and Wales, namely: 1. You have been married for at least one year. If you try to divorce before one year of marriage, the courts will refuse your application. 2. Your marriage has broken down irretrievably. This means that you are satisfied there are no prospects of a reconciliation. You may wish to attempt couples counselling before coming to this decision. Most people will be required to have at least attempted mediation before they are allowed to obtain their divorce. 3. Your marriage is legally recognised in England and Wales. It does not matter where in the world you married, provided your marriage is recognised as legitimate in England and Wales. This can sometimes be a complex question and if you are in doubt, it is crucial that you obtain expert legal advice, as the implications can be wide reaching. Generally

Image is provided by Ingram Images Ltd

Diana Rose Partner and Head of Family

ou may have read in the news of many wealthy international divorces occurring in England, such as the divorce of the Dubai ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, believed to be one of the largest in the history of UK divorces. The popularity of England and Wales for international divorce is due to the many benefits it can afford in comparison to other countries. Judges tend to have greater discretion in England and Wales.

speaking, to be recognised the marriage must have been legal in the country in which it took place, both spouses must have had capacity to enter the marriage, and any previous marriages must have been terminated properly prior to the marriage. This can impact some religious ceremonies that occur, typically within the UK. For example, if you are Muslim and get married under Sharia Law within the UK, it will not be legally recognised in England and Wales. It is worth noting that if your marriage certificate is not in English, a certified translation will be needed for the courts. 4. Jurisdiction is established. There are five ways in which this can be proven, namely: • both spouses are habitually resident in England or Wales; • your spouse is habitually resident in England or Wales; • both spouses are domiciled in England or Wales; • you are habitually resident in England or Wales and have lived here for at least a year; or • you are domiciled and habitually resident in England or Wales and have lived here for at least six months. What if my spouse wishes to apply for divorce in another country? For couples with an international

lifestyle, you may be entitled to issue divorce proceedings in more than one country. If your spouse beats you to it and applies for a divorce first in another country, then you will lose your opportunity to issue in England or Wales. This could be costly for you, so it is important not to delay. How can we help? One of our family law experts will be able to advise you on the options available to you and what type of court orders you could seek. We can weigh up the routes available to you, considering not only the financial impact but also the court orders available in relation to where any children of the family will live, and how orders could be enforced in other countries.

If you are contemplating divorce, or just want some preliminary advice on your options and if you are entitled to issue proceedings in England or Wales, please contact Diana Rose in the family law team on 01604 622101 or email diana.rose@bmtclaw.co.uk Borneo Martell Turner Coulston has offices in both Northampton and Kettering.

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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The power of connections can offer parents the time and space to share experiences, give and receive emotional support, facilitate personal growth and can improve physical and mental wellbeing. Nurturing these growing friendships can profoundly enrich the parenting experience and contribute to the happiness and success of families. At Northampton High School, we recognise the importance of parents connecting. Why not join us for our weekly community dance lessons for children aged 0-5 years old, one of our themed Forest School sessions or our craft activity sessions held at Dobbies Garden Centre in Hardingstone, Northampton?

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Christmas Tree Recycling 6th - 9th January 2024 Recycle your Christmas Tree for charity. No mess, no queuing at the tip, just register, leave your tree on your drive and we’ll collect. Collection dates: Saturday 6th January 2024 – Tuesday 9th January 2024 Our collections are available in: NN1, NN2, NN3, NN4, NN5, NN6, NN7, NN11, NN12, NN13

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INTERVIEW

‘I believe in the passion of the British public’ Celebrated singer Will Young is also an Olivier Award nominated actor, and a passionate advocate for animal rights, and his latest ‘role’ is one of his most important. It’s not enough for him to simply put his name to a campaign – the committed activist has launched a petition demanding an end to any form of testing on animals in the UK, most specifically our four legged friends. He spoke to Pulse’s Sammy Jones about his very special cause...

“I

think dogs, and our pets in general are our confidantes,” Will starts, “They provide unadulterated love. They are just great for so many reasons; they get us out of the house, and they bring a lot of joy into my life...” Will speaks from experience – he currently has three dogs at home, and is pooch pa to border terrier Esme, and pitbull mixes Iris and Domino, who Will rescued from a kill shelter in Los Angeles during the pandemic. “They were about an hour away from being put down...” As a ‘nation of dog lovers’ we are ruled by our paw-fect companions, and yet, in 2022, more than 4000 dogs were experimented on in Great Britain, enduring psychological trauma and pain and suffering. “It used to be, ‘Well, we’re allowed a certain amount of cruelty if it’s getting results, but it’s just not getting results,” Will said, “It is just a system that has been forgotten about and it takes someone like myself to point it out and go, ‘Hang on, this system is archaic.’ “Understandably it has been forgotten about because there is a lot of stuff to concentrate on in running this country, but I think it is time to update.” An All-Party Parliamentary Group has acknowledged that 92% of drugs fail in human trials despite being tested on animals, which should be all the evidence needed to call time on this unnecessary practice. “I spend a lot of time talking about the science because you can’t debate it – the non-animal testing methods are so much better, even Pfizer and AstraZeneca stood up in a conference in Toronto three months ago and said ‘we don’t even want to be testing on dogs’. “They said, ‘We don’t want to, we have to and we don’t get any results from it’ – that’s two big pharmaceutical companies,” Will emphasises.

Dogs ‘bring a lot of joy into my life’ Pic: Michael Wharley

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

INTERVIEW

Will has created what he calls a ‘coalition’ of likeminded people who are working for positive change. “I have been speaking to very smart people,” he tells me, listing people including Chris Packham and Deborah Meaden. “I talk to Animal Aid, I talk to top scientists who do non-animal testing methods, I talk to the brand Lush, this is across the board. “These aren’t people who are disruptors, these are people who are very bright and want the best for animals, and actually want the best for humanity.” He cites a law change in Europe as a prime example of change for good – testing for cosmetics is now a thing of the past there. “It’s a good example of a roadmap of law change making companies change their policies and now they are all done on non-animal methods; no one has died, the industry hasn’t crashed, so there is a roadmap for how you can ban testing on dogs.” So why are we not moving with the times? Why is it still acceptable to inflict such horror on these poor animals? “I think it’s undeniable that we’ve had a government where a lot of them have got drunk on the attention and taken their focus away from the citizens of this country and more into navel gazing at themselves, so you are never going to get results for humanity or indeed animals.

An All-Party Parliamentary Group has acknowledged that 92% of drugs fail in human trials despite being tested on animals...”

“I actually find it very energising. I enjoy how politics works,” Will admits, indeed he studied politics before finding fame, “I enjoy the bustle of it, it’s a little bit of a card game, but I like that. “I think that’s fun – I like seeing positive change.” When Will discovered MBR acres in Cambridgeshire, he handcuffed himself to the gates of the puppy breeding facility, supporting many other activists in the drive to have the unit shut down. His involvement raised the profile of the campaign, and led to him spearheading this petition. Instead of trying to shock people into action by using uncomfortable lab images, Will prefers to use the power of the word for change: “From a campaigning point of view often imagery turns people off, so I try to focus on the amazing science that there is now which is way more efficient, obviously less cruel and also a massively burgeoning industry - growing at 700% a year. It is an industry that the UK could be really getting involved with more, so I am really hoping that will happen. “The imagery I’ve seen is from a legal puppy breeding facility, and I know the conditions that they’re in - not just the awful conditions, which no-one seemed to want to do anything about, but also the dogs being bled out and that is pretty awful to see. It is quite telling that there aren’t many images you can find anywhere of dogs being tested on, because scientists know that’s not popular...” Let’s look at a best-case scenario – how soon could some of these tests be relegated to the past? “Probably two years once a government gets into power” he thinks, “and if I’m honest the best case scenario is that it’s a Labour Government who have a much better record on animal rights.

Will Young - standing up for the voiceless Pic: Michael Wharley

“And we need a good home secretary, not a monster, or unhinged pantomime baddie that we have at the moment,” he says, talking of Suella Braverman who is still Home Secretary when we talk, although, as it would transpire, not for too much longer after our chat. They say ‘a week is a long time in politics’ for a reason. It should be a no brainer for people to click and sign this petition, shouldn’t it? “Well, that’s what I think, and this isn’t a shaming thing, I just think if you are a dog owner or a pet owner, it’s a given,” Will says, “One has to ask why it doesn’t happen; people have busy lives, people have only a certain amount of bandwidth for things, but I think this is a really positive thing. I believe in the passion and the care of the British public.”

“I think it’s interesting that someone like Zac Goldsmith left the party, and one of the primary reasons was because of the Tories lack of movement on animal rights as well as the environment. I think that’s quite telling. “But I think it’s looking positive that there are companies like AstraZeneca who are saying ‘We have to legally do this,’ they don’t want to be torturing these poor beagles.” Knowing what the dogs are going through out of the sight of Will with his dog Domino, © Will Young public view would weigh heavily on some people. Will concentrates on the positives. “That’s probably because of the type of person > Search for Ban the use of dogs for testing and I am,” he thinks, “I like to see the positive and research purposes in the UK petition, the momentum, I also think it’s quite a privilege click to https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/645885 to be able to be in a position to give animals or or scan the QR code humans voices that don’t necessarily have a voice, or feel like they have a voice.

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

Guilded Glad Rags

FASHION Monsoon £350

Primark £7.50

e it ‘the Beyonce effect’, the catwalks, or a deep-seated need to compete with Christmas tree baubles – shiny (silver especially) is the trend for Autumn/Winter 2023.

From the looks Queen Bey wore throughout her recent Renaissance tour, in celebration of her disco-themed album, to the designs at Valentino and Rodarte – icy cold, silvery looks should make your wardrobe wishlist right now. Along with jewel tones and all shades of precious metals, for hitting the office party dance floor, or wolfing down sprouts on Christmas Day. There were metallic pleats on Giambattista Valli’s catwalk, silver and gold fringing at Paco Rabanne, diamante bras at Gucci, and cut-out, layered sequins at Simone Rocha. For similar shimmery stuff, head

Zara £49.99

into H&M, Zara or Monsoon, where even pearly queens would feel underdressed. Else take inspiration from Dries Van Noten’s AW23 collection, and seek out gold-sprayed wardrobe staples like blazers and wooly knits. Just don’t forget: festive fits are done best in a combo of sequins, silk and unapologetic frippery, so go pile on your fave accessories with the gladdest rags hiding at the back of your wardrobe. Now is their time to shine.

George @ Asda £30

Rita Ora X @ Primark £40

H&M £74.99

RABANNE X @ H&M £149.99

H&M £9.99 >> << H&M £89.99

*Prices correct at time of print

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine

Monsoon £70 ^ M&S £29.50

River Island £40 >>

Monsoon £300

HOME & GARDEN

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Splashing success: Ripples Towcester marks a year of luxury bathroom bliss

istinguished bathroom retailer, Ripples Towcester has recently commemorated their first birthday marking a prosperous 12 months of trading. Offering luxury bathroom products in addition to an in-house design service, Ripples Towcester has quickly become a well-regarded and successful fixture within the town. The showroom features a vast array of quality products from some of the top luxury bathroom brands in Europe. From hand-painted boat baths and stylish concrete basins to brushed gold brassware and marble tiles, the showroom features products and design solutions to surprise and delight. Once customers have browsed the product selection, an in-house designer is on hand to expertly guide them through their bathroom project, creating a unique design specifically tailored to their needs. Ripples works with renowned bathroom suppliers across Europe to offer clients a collection which is vast and of exceptional quality. Its product range includes baths, showers and enclosures, WCs, basins, and brassware in almost every style, colour and design imaginable.

It also offers unique collections and materials that provide something a little bit 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 the imaginations of clients before the design team gets to work creating bespoke bathroom solutions for them. Dane Chapman, one of the directors and owner of Ripples Towcester said, “After an incredibly successful first year, my business partner Scott and I are thrilled to be celebrating our first birthday. We have been blown away by the town’s support and patronage, and we have enjoyed working on a wide variety of innovative bathroom projects. “Our 1st year has been incredibly rewarding and we look forward to many more years creating beautiful bespoke bathrooms for our community.” Visit Ripples Towcester at 2 Roman Corner, Northampton Road, Towcester, NN12 6LD, call 01327 368233 or scan the QR code to visit: www.ripplesbathrooms.com.

Ripples’ showroom features a vast array of quality products from some of the top luxury bathroom brands in Europe

Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees Helping you make memories and keep traditions

Pick your own tree from the field and we'll cut it down for you. A fun, festive, traditional experience

Open dates 2023

Saturdays & Sundays 25th & 26th Nov, 2nd & 3rd Dec, 9th & 10th Dec, 16th & 17th Dec Plus three Friday openings 1st, 8th & 22nd Dec No need to pre-book, just come along 9am - 4pm each day Norway Spruce & Nordmann Fir Trees Available All trees are outside in the fields so bring your wellies and enjoy a walk around. Really Awesome Coffee Co or Good Times Cafe in the farmyard for refreshments. Ample free parking. Our own range of The Fruity Farmer homemade gins, liqueurs and oils for sale. Payment by debit/credit card or cash acceptable.

Chris & Jenny Letts

Tel: 07770 614364 / 01908 551903 Stoke Lodge Farm, Purse Lane, Stoke Goldington MK16 8LW

www.stokegoldingtonchristmastrees.co.uk Follow us on Facebook & Instagram For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

BEAUTY

Special gifts for the special season that your nearest and dearest will love...

Make their Christmas rosy – gift them Dr. Hauschka’s Complete Rose Body Care Concept, which brings together three empowering body essentials to ‘harmonise, strengthen and protect’ all skin conditions and uplift their beauty routine. And the delicate summer fragrance will warm you up. RRP: £30 (worth £39.50) Get it: drhauschka.co.uk

Sisley’s signature coveted scent Eau de Soir is back in limited edition packaging for Christmas 2023, and this year French painter Ymane Chabi-Gara’s work figures on Isabelle d’Ornano’s fragrance bottle, with her ‘one day painting 2’ bringing even more elegance to the spritz hit. Fans of the premium beauty name will be thrilled to know that Sisley’s first Advent Calendar also launched this year – a generous collection of products have been gathered for the collection, including Phyto-Lip Twist N°1 Nude, Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge Eyes and Lips Contour Cream. The calendar itself is decorated with collages and embroidery, with each pattern representing a story or symbol linked to the French brand. RRP: £205 (fragrance) £595 (calendar) Get it: Sisley counter at H:Beauty in centre:mk or online at sisley-paris.com/en-GB

Lush always has a cracker of a Christmas selection to suit all pockets and it’s business as usual for the cruelty free house this year. It has many stocking fillers to suit small pockets, including our favourite Strawberry Santa foaming shower wash, and Snowy bath bomb which melts like his namesake. Both of the limited edition items will work for any vegans in your life. Or have yourselves a berry little Christmas with a fruity duo which brings together a Berry Berry Christmas shower gel and Once Upon A Time body lotion. The perfect gift for Secret Santa! Treat a special someone, or buy big for the whole family with Lush’s gift that has the WOW-factor, and they’ve named it accordingly. If they’ve been very, very good this year, this is the gift to give; a giant reusable hat box gilled with 32 exclusive products including Candy Cane, Cinnamon Roll and Reindeer bubble bars, Snow Dragon, Groovy Fairy and Lump of Coal bath bombs and Yog Nog and Snow Fairy shower gels. The gift that guarantees a happy Christmas for Lush fans everywhere. RRP: £4.50 (Snowy) £6 (Santa wash) £16 (Berry Christmas) £195 (Wow) Get it: Lush stores in centre:mk Milton Keynes and Grosvenor Centre, Northampton or online at lush.com 32

We might not get a white Christmas, but it will almost certainly be a chilly one. If only you could rustle up a little glow on Christmas morning. You can if you buy them fragrances from the mistress of the marvellous, style icon Jennifer Lopez. Miami Glow ‘captures the essence of Miami’s lively atmosphere,’ the musky floral masterpiece Glow exudes aromatic excellence, and Enduring Glow embodies sophistication and allure. Let it Glow, let it Glow, let it Glow! RRP: £49.99 (Miami Glow) £42 (Glow) £43 (Enduring Glow) Get it: Superdrug and The Perfume Shop branches in centre:mk and Grosvenor Centre, Northampton

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

Handmade Products for Your Home, Unique & Forever To Keep

Anything from hairdryer holders to single wall-hung bathroom cabinets - custom sizes avaliable.

Chiselwick.Etsy.com Handmade Furniture Lighting Mirrors

Your local home renovation experts n Free quotations n Extensions n Full house renovations n Refurbishments n Insurance reinstatements

Experience, service, quality – we deliver!

Office: 01604 871196 Mobile: 07931 605647 email: Lee@storkrenovate.co.uk www.storkrenovate.co.uk For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

MUSIC

Songs to get you rocking around the Christmas tree Music and merriment go hand in hand at Christmas, and when it comes to the former, you could download the usual parade of pop familiars to soundtrack your holiday season. But do that and you’ll be missing out on all the fun of charity shop finds, and some fun, kitsch and forgotten tracks. Pulse’s self-confessed vinyl junkie Sammy Jones went rummaging through the racks...

hristmas seems to arrive earlier every year, but it is still mind boggling to think that Mariah Carey’s ‘love it or loathe it’ festive number All I Want For Christmas Is You was downloaded a whopping 300,000 times on September 1. It’s still officially summer! As Noddy Holder never said, ‘It’s not Christmaaaaas yet!’ But as we look towards the imminent arrival of advent, festive tunes will be blaring for a while yet. Whether you want pan pipes or want to celebrate with Paul McCartney, charity shops are where you’ll find the most eclectic mix, from the obvious to the downright bizarre. Did you know the Disney brand took some of its biggest stars into the studio to put their own spin on snow-capped favourites? Dewey, Huey, Louie and Daisy Duck handled vocal duties on The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Goofy 34

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

MUSIC The best selling Ch Crosby’s 1940 ristmas single is Bing s re but more than th lease White Christmas, at single of all time, , it is the best selling ha 50 million copies ving shifted more than . The song has be en famously numbe covered by many artists, rin Michael Buble, g Frank Sinatra and and if those sale s factored in too, the number sold are is believed to be in the regi on Despite its garg of 100 million copies. antuan success, the track, written by Irving Be top spot in the UK rlin, has never hit the charts.

Night and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day. Pianist Mrs Mills enjoyed success e festive charts s have topped th Your Hand le at Be e Th in the 1960 and 1970s, during which I Want To Hold four times, with (1964) and Day Tripper/ time she released quite a collection of ne (1963), I Feel Fi t (1965). They returned albums – and of course Crimbo tunes Ou It k or W n Ca e W 67. , Goodbye in 19 llo were among them. Glad Tidings – Mrs He th again wi being the band of le tit e th ld Mills’ Christmas Party was a 1977 The Beatles he mber one e most Xmas nu delivery, with Little Donkey, The Little who achieved th when LadBaby took the 22, singles until 20 Boy That Santa Claus Forgot and I Saw th year. fif a r fo top spot Mommy Kissing Santa Claus ready to in 1952, and sing-along with. chart launched The UK singles as number tm the first Chris Fans of the hard and heavy have d ha o tin ar M Al My Heart. been catered for too; The compilation one, with Here In We Wish You A Metal Christmas delivered delights like Little Drummer Boy, Deck The Halls and erm, Grandma Got Run Over by A Reindeer. Putting the noise into the songs for the nativity time was down to big players from bands including ZZ Top, Anthrax, Kiss, Black Christmas Al Sabbath, Motorhead, Kings X, phabet by Dic kie Valentine M erry Xmas Ev (1955) Queensryche and Foo Fighters. erybody by S lade (1973) Lonely This C Alice Cooper and Ronnie hristmas by M ud (1974) James Dio also played their part Do They Kno w It’s Christm as ? by Band Aid in this metal feast. Merry Chr (1

The festive cha with Christma rt toppers s in the title...

took on White Christmas and Mickey Mouse and The Gang were responsible for Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Chas ‘n’ Dave’s Christmas Jamboree Bag from 1981 steers away from songs about snowmen and wise men, and instead rolls out proper singalong favourites like Run Rabbit Run, Any Old Iron and the George Formby classic, When I’m Cleaning Windows. If you can find a copy of that, the cartoon cover manages to weave all the song titles into the setting. Just like them, it’s a joy. In 2019, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector, which first released in 1963 with artists including The Ronettes, was declared the best Christmas album of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. Comedian and variety singer Max Bygraves was also a performer who enjoyed chart success during the 1950s with novelty numbers, and it was hardly a surprise to find that Max jumped on the Christmas tunes sleigh too, with the album Singalongamaxmas including everything from While Shepherds Watch Their Flock By

984) istmas Everyo ne by Shakin’ Do They Kno Stevens (198 w It’s Christm 4) as? By Band Do They Kno Aid II (1989) w It’s Christm as? Band Aid 20 (2004)

ristmas? Is They Know It’s Ch in the UK, Do e gl sin ity ar The ch ber One Christmas Num the best-selling s. le sa on illi 3.8m with more than in 1984, there have been two ed Originally releas ings and all three versions rd co re nt ue subseq also deliver a UK charts. They have topped the each era. ot of music from perfect snapsh tting their name to the release pu In 1984, artists Ballet, George Michael, Boy u da an Sp d include Quo. llins and Status George, Phil Co n Donovan, Kylie Minogue, Jaso In 1989, Bros, Sonia featured. thy Dennis and Cliff Richard, Ka med chart-botherers The lco Band Aid 20 we bes, Supergrass, Coldplay, ba Darkness, Suga is. av Tr d an g un Will Yo

s r Christma ven popula ffold), ro p e v a h Sca cks Novelty tra h Lily The Pink (The e West) it th w s in e n s a a m le re ilk Fastest M Quite Like Ernie (The ill, There’s No-one l Choir), H by Benny t Winifreds Schoo and Can We (S y a b b m r Blo , Grand ith erm, M r. w y b b lo B ilde Mr ob the Bu Fix It? by B ow The X V talent sh ber, but T f o rs e n ecem , win For a while the top spot every D ck and pop k ro o in to r s e to Fac nam n– e biggest ole positio some of th ent Christmas in p eran, Rage sp he have also e Spice Girls, Ed S Jackson, l th including Machine, Michae nes and Jo e th m o t T s , in Aga ueen ouston, Q Whitney H . ard Cliff Rich

Many of these second hand releases can be picked up for a few pounds (and sometimes even pence), so why not have some fun? Buy a few and set up a music quiz for your family and friends during the festive period. Let’s be honest, there are only so many film repeats you can watch before boredom sets in – and ‘Guess the singer’ makes a nice change from Monopoly and Pictionary, right?

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

FOOD & DRINK

Pot-roast spiced beef with red cabbage

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 21/2 - 3 hours Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes - 3 hours 15 minutes The fragrant blend of African-style spices in the Berbere mix is perfectly matched with the robust beef joint. Serve with buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all the lovely juices.

INGREDIENTS Knob of essential Waitrose Unsalted Dairy Butter 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red cabbage, shredded 75g raisins 150ml balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp light muscovado sugar 1kg essential Waitrose British Beef Toprump or Topside joint 2 tsp Bart Berbere Blend

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C, gas mark 3. Heat the butter in a flameproof casserole and cook the onion for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the red cabbage, raisins, vinegar and sugar. 2. Rub the beef joint all over with the spice blend and sit on top of the red cabbage. Cover with the lid and roast for 2½-3 hours until the beef is very tender. 3. Leave to rest for 5 minutes, then slice the beef and serve with the braised cabbage and some mashed potatoes.

COOK’S TIP A spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side makes a lovely accompaniment to this roast beef.

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

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

RESTAURANT & BAR

Dine with us this Christmas Choose from delicious stone baked pizzas, mouth-watering burgers, classic pasta dishes or choose from the grill. Vegan and Gluten-free dishes available.

Order your take away direct from our website:

www.olneyskitchen.uk/olney

36a Market Place, Olney, MK46 4AJ 01234 717000 info@olneyskitchen.uk

FEATURE

Santa Paws is coming to town! Cost of living crisis or not, it seems that when it comes to Christmas, we love to spoil our pets, writes Sammy Jones.

n 2022, three in five pet owners went shopping for Fido and Fluffy, and retailers will have been barking with delight – with more than £870 million pounds spent on our much loved companions. It's understandable; they are constantly by our side, provide unwavering love and they make us feel good, don't they? Buying my animals Christmas presents has always been a thing – Joseph and Minnie even have their own Christmas stockings which are filled with tasty treats and toys that will invariably be discarded under the sofa within the first 10 minutes, only to be rediscovered at Easter! This year, I will make the same trip to the pet shop to buy the fur babies something, but this time we'll be redistributing some of that money we usually spend – so that it can benefit the animals who would otherwise go without. Animals in Need are constantly on the hunt for spare pennies and pounds, and that's because the charity receives no official 38

funding, instead relying on the generosity of supporters - and with 100s of mouths needing fed, money is soon eaten up. But Christmas is a special time at AIN too – Santa Paws pays his visit every Christmas Eve and the staff and small army of volunteers will be on site early on Christmas Day distributing the goodies. But there's lots of hard work to be done too, it's not all baubles and crackers! While you are cosying up in your festive pyjamas with the family on Christmas morning, volunteers still have pens to clean out, breakfasts to serve and animals needing reassurance. “In many regards, Christmas Day is the same as any other here at Pine Farm,” says Annie Marriott, who shares management of the rescue centre with her husband, AIN founder Roy. “We have some seriously dedicated volunteers who give up some of their family time on Christmas Day and throughout the whole holiday period to help us.

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

FEATURE Their generosity of time is huge – it means everything to us. We simply couldn't exist without them,” she said, giving a nod over to the site. With Christmas edging ever closer, the charity has launched its annual festive appeal, and it's super easy to get involved and help give a bunny a brilliant day or make a doggies' tail wag! “Once again we are inviting everyone to give a gift for one of our many animals by filling a shoebox with relevant items,” Annie said, “You choose the animal that you would like to give the gift for, and what you pop in is down to you. For example, you might make a box for a cat, and want to include cat toys, some treats and a blanket, or perhaps you want to make a box for a dog, with some chews, a new collar and a cuddly teddy.

“It's our wish that every last animal in our care gets a Christmas gift, so we are also looking for gifts for our birds, reptiles and small rodents.” Gifts don't need to be expensive, and if you want to involve the kids you can let them choose an item a week for the box as part of your shopping trip. “We are acutely aware that people are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet, and we appreciate every pack of chews and every squeaky reindeer we receive!” Annie said with a smile, “If you can't afford to fill a shoebox, please just send one item. I can tell you from experience that a dog ripping open their first ever Christmas gift after a life when they've never before been shown love, or a cat that has never learned how to play taking tentative steps to swipe their new toy is a sight to make you melt.

"These little beings just want to be loved, and watching them as they learn how to just be and feel secure is wonderful – it's always amplified during the Christmas period.” Annie and Roy won't have their vegan festive roast 'with all the trimmings,' until all the animals have been fed, watered, walked (where applicable), given their gifts and had some affection – a sprout won't pass their lips until teatime. “It can be a little bit taxing waiting for dinner as I do love my Christmas roast,” Annie laughs, “But this is Animals in Need and the animals come first. When we finally sit down to eat, we know that all the animals around us have full bellies, are warm and have been shown they are loved. That's worth all the sprouts in the world to me!” Annie smiled.

They just want to be loved - but at AIN, those rescues waiting for new homes get a visit from Santa too

How you can spread some festive cheer for AIN The creative one Make up one of those shoe boxes with gifts for an animal of your choice. Can't decide whether to buy for a dog, cat or snake? Feel free to contribute more than one – they will all be gratefully received. Don't have a shoebox? Any box – or bag – will do.

donation or a regular standing order – the choice is yours. And there is no amount too small – every pound really does count. > If you would like to donate, the account details are: ‘Animals in Need Northamptonshire’ Sort Code: 08-90-73 Account No: 50304604

The banking one

The sponsorship one

Time is precious and maybe you like the idea of contributing a Christmas box but you haven't even hit the shops for your own brood yet. Make a donation from your bank to theirs and AIN will turn it into presents. Choose a one-off

Can't decide what to get that 'awkward to buy for' friend or family member? Sponsor an AIN resident animal in their name - choose from Lola Pig, Shelley Cat, George the Pony, Rocky Sheep and many others.

> Animals in Need is always looking for hardworking, passionate volunteers and reliable foster homes, and of course if you are looking to increase your family in number, always adopt, never shop – AIN's kennels, cattery and pens are full of beautiful animals desperate to love and be loved. For more information on how you can make a difference, this Christmas and beyond, visit animals-in-need.org or call 01933 278080. Visit the FB page: @ AnimalsInNeedMaxicare

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

HOME & GARDEN

Burgundy Berry Everlasting Wreath Kit £150 everbloomlondon.co.uk

Mercury Glass Bauble Wreath £120 ellajames.co.uk

Indoor Outdoor Oversized Pre-lit Wreath - 100cm £299 atkinandthyme.co.uk

Eucalyptus Christmas Wreath With Bells £85 marquisanddawe.co.uk

Nkuku Talini Wreath £35

‘Different kind’ Bread & Roses Wreath £65

nkuku.com

thedifferentkind.com

Prelit Christmas Wreath £TBA

Wreaths are a timeless way to add some decoration to your home over the festive period. Wreaths used to provide a traditional look for homes, but recently there have been a rise in quirky and unique wreaths. We have collected a few of the best traditional to quirky wreaths just in time for Christmas.

lights4fun.co.uk

FEATURED BRANDS... If you would like to see your brand or business featured in Pulse, in print or online get in touch: mkpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk 40

Robin, Holly and Ivy Stained Glass Christmas Wreath £85 thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk

Snowberry Eucalyptus Everlasting Wreath £150

everbloomlondon.co.uk

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

Christmas Star Wreath With Mistletoe £29.99 ivylinegb.co.uk

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Tax planning specialist, we utilise the power of 3, to ensure we deliver a seamless and first class,

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The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate the activities of tax planning, estate planning or IHT planning. OCM Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do). FCA Registration No: 418826. OCM Asset Management is a trading name of OCM Wealth For the latestManagement. local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023 41

HOME & GARDEN

DIGGING DEEP The parasitic plant

we pucker up to!

t might have fallen out of favour briefly when the pandemic restricted contact, including smooching, but that was just a blip in our long-lasting love affair with mistletoe. Historically, mistletoe has been considered a protection against evil, and an aid to health and fertility. While we no longer subscribe to those notions, the green sprigs and its sticky white berries are still a common festive sight; sprigs are held aloft in the hope of a cheeky peck, and the distinctive plant still features widely in Christmas decorations. Mistletoe is semi-parasitic, meaning it grows on host trees, the most common including apple and poplar. Its large globular shapes make it easily recognisable in the tops of trees. Mistletoe won’t kill the tree it lives on, but it will absorb water and nutrients, which can leave the host weakened. If you intend working them into your own Once you have your berries, choose a branch festive features, or hang some above a from the tree which is at least 10 cm thick and doorway, it is important to remember that open to receiving lots of light – it should be every part of the plant is poisonous to us, and high up. to our canine and feline friends, so do keep Ideally, you’ll find a small crevice in the bark, yours away from little folks, pooches and cats. but failing that you can make a small slice Birds are partial to the berries though, and in the bark, lift it and insert the seeds; when cleaning their beaks – or through plant several rather than one or their waste – they unknowingly two at each spot – they won’t spread the seeds, allowing them all germinate and so more to latch onto a new host and seeds means more chance begin the slow process of success. of germination. Once they are in place, It’s not as easy as replace the bark – sowing a bulb in autumn remember to keep the ready for blooms by Mistletoe plants are male and incision as small as spring, either – it can female, and only the female possible to prevent the sometimes take several plants produce the berries. tree becoming infected. years to mature, but Sowing several seeds in various If you choose to wrap don’t let that stop you places will increase your chances the branch in a little from having a go! of producing plants of both. hessian, it will prevent You’ll need to choose a the beaks of hungry birds tree of some age – around enjoying a snack on your seed 15 years is great. It needs to while it gets settled in. be well established to take the Then you’ll need patience, because aforementioned loss of nutrients. a berry or nine takes time, but when those Don’t use mistletoe which has literally been hanging around during the festive period; it will spherical shapes appear in the tree tops, you’ll have been harvested before maturity. Now isn’t be thrilled - as will the local wildlife and birds, which will feast on it and help with the next the right time to sow either – ideally, berries germination, or should that be generation? should be harvested in March or April.

Did you know?

How does your garden grow?

ecember’s weather is often the worst of the year but there is much to do in the garden. We have broad beans growing in pots in the cold frame and two rows in the raised bed. A few of the sweet pea seedlings need pricking out at 10cm and kept in good light. The children have sown two rows of pak choi and rocket for succession and have looked at ‘spring 24’ catalogues, to choose and order seeds for next year. In the orchard we will prune the long shoots of the apple and pear trees, back to the second or third buds, to encourage fruit bud development. The cordons and espaliers will be pruned as well. Prune clematis ‘jackmanii’ and viticella either down to 12” (30cm) or leave a framework of stem up to 36” (90cm). Also, prune wisteria tidily back to its trellis, to two to three buds from the main branch framework. Dogwoods and cornus should be pruned hard, down to 12” (30cm) to promote the growth of brightly coloured new shoots, which are so cheery in early spring. It is not too late to plant any remaining tulip bulbs in containers or in the ground. Any forced hyacinths should be brought into the light and put into a warmer place when the flower buds emerge. Temperatures in the greenhouse should be checked and the heater set to keep a minimum of 4°C if possible. The birds’ water and feed areas should be topped up during the cold, short days. 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.

It’s not too late to plant out tulip bulbs in containers or in the ground

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

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For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

HOME & GARDEN

Save Big on Energy Bills with T&K Home Improvements Established 1979

s winter approaches and the cost of living continues to rise, finding ways to stay warm without breaking the bank is a top priority. At T&K Home Improvements, they not only understand the importance of keeping your home cosy but also how to make it energy efficient.

Here are their tips to save on energy bills this winter… Efficient Heating Habits: Over half of energy bills go towards heating and hot water. Consider changes such as only heating occupied rooms, lowering your thermostat, and investing in quality draught proofing. T&K Home Improvements can enhance your home's insulation with services like double glazing, reducing energy consumption and saving you money. 44

Smart Kitchen Practices: Simple changes in the kitchen can make a big impact. Things like boiling only the water you need, and regularly defrosting your fridge freezer will increase energy efficiency. T&K's focus on insulation also extends to energy-efficient windows, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature in your kitchen. Appliance Efficiency: Condenser tumble dryers and American-style fridge freezers are costly to run. T&K advises changing how you use these appliances for positive differences in energy payments. Additionally, washing clothes at a lower temperature can cut costs significantly. Insulation Matters: Improve your home's insulation to have the most significant impact on your energy bills. T&K’s services will stop heat from escaping through gaps around doors and windows, providing cost savings and a cosier home.

Review Energy Bills for Small Savings: While energy prices may not be at their lowest, small savings can still be achieved. Consider switching to paperless billing, managing your account online, and paying by direct debit for cost-effective solutions. Energy-Saving Apps: Leverage energy-saving apps that provide detailed information about your energy usage. You can also embrace smart thermostats that allow remote heating control via your mobile device. As the colder months approach, T&K Home Improvements is here to ensure your home is not only warm and comfortable but also energy efficient. Visit www.tkhi.co.uk to explore their services and start saving on energy bills today.

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

E X C E P T I O N A L B AT H R O O M S DESIGNED AROUND YOU.

C R E AT I N G B E A U T I F U L B AT H R O O M S S I N C E 1 9 8 8 | r i p p l e s b a t h r o o m s . c o m R I PPL E S TO W C E S T ER , 2 R O M A N CO R N ER , N O R T H A M P TO N R OA D, TO W C E S T ER , N N12 6 L D | 013 2 7 3 6 8 2 3 3 S H O W R O O M S N AT I O N W I D E

sparkle.lighting

INTERIORS

www.lights4fun.co.uk

Switching on

Christmas I

t’s well known that lighting has a direct effect on our mood. Whether it’s the sun’s bright rays or the dim glow of an alarm clock, when light waves are emitted, your body acknowledges and responds to them. The effects can be both positive and negative; disruptive light can be harmful but light that facilitates a task or softens the mood of a room can be profoundly beneficial.

www.atkinandthyme.co.uk

thus lowering the risk of fire, though it is still very important to remember to turn all your Christmas lights off before going to sleep. LED lights have transformers that can get warm, so make sure the transformer is positioned so that the air can circulate around it.

At Christmas, we use lighting to add atmosphere and interest, drawing attention to the features within our homes and gardens that are important to us, as well as highlighting floral arrangements, decorations, and novelty goods. With so much choice available, there are no longer any boundaries. Battery and solar powered lighting remove the restrictions of needing to be near a plug socket. Waterproof lights allow you to decorate your garden, house, or roof (bird baths look very sweet all lit up). Tiny led lights enable us to get creative, putting lights inside empty bottles, candle votives, along table runners or wrapped around wreaths. In fact, it seems we love Christmas lighting so much that one in ten of us reportedly leave our Christmas lights up 365 days a year! Whilst this might seem abhorrent to some, back in 2016, Wyevale Garden Centre released a statistic suggesting that up to 25% of us prefer

Christmas lights come in many colours, and we are no longer restricted to traditional red or white. Blue lights can look lovely on both indoor and outdoor trees, creating a winter wonderland aesthetic suited to all styles of home. Don’t be afraid to experiment, we will each have architectural features, trees, and plants that are different from our neighbour. Be original, and maybe try a new site for your lights each year.

www.annabeljames.co.uk

to buy new lights each year than go to the trouble of untangling last year’s lights.1 Perhaps in the current economic climate and with sustainability in mind, leaving them up all year is preferable to repeatedly buying new? Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com 46

When selecting the right lights for your display, LED versions provide the best value for money. They use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and are longer lasting. They are also safer because the bulbs do not emit heat,

Deciduous trees are especially attractive when wrapped in lights. If you have a couple of sets then try to wrap the whole trunk rather than the traditional method of draping the lights over branches. Commit to one ‘wrapping pattern’ circling around the tree, working from bottom to top or top to bottom or diagonally. Don’t change what you are doing halfway through, the result can be messy and will make it harder to take the lights down once the festive season is over. On an evergreen tree, illuminate from the top down, zigzagging the lights through the centre of the tree, getting wider with the tree's shape as you near the lowest of the foliage. Make sure you are using lights that are specifically designed for outdoor use and be especially careful if using a ladder. A fall (even

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

THE ARTS

from one of the lowest steps) could have serious consequences. Make sure the ladder is sturdy and on level ground and enlist a friend to help stabilise the ladder if you can. On your indoor Christmas tree, keep your lights in straight lines or evenly scattered. Turning the lights on part way through can help you ensure that the placement is progressing as you intended. If you are using last year’s lights, then check them first for any burned-out bulbs. Damaged bulbs will drain the power from the entire light string and cause the other bulbs to grow more dim over time. In addition to your trees, you might like to light other key features around your home. Think about your drive, your porch, your entrance hallway, staircase or fireplaces. Pick your focal point and then light it appropriately, paying close attention to the size and placement of the bulbs. Some arrangements will be more suited to being back lit, whilst other decorations will command centre stage. If you are a Christmas lights novice, then start small. Try a handful of arrangements and see how they work for you, then try more next year. Christmas lights can be beautiful and entertaining but too many can be overkill and expensive! Previously, I would have said you can never have enough lighting, but it’s essential not to overload your circuits. Not only will you be paying a fortune for electricity, but you also risk tripping your fuse box and increasing the risk of fire. If your other lights dim when you turn on your Christmas lights, you know that you’ve probably gone a step too far! To enhance what you do have, position lights in front of mirrors, site them on shiny, reflective surfaces, or put them in front of windows where they can be seen from outside but also reflect light off the glass for maximum impact. The Christmas lights were switched on over London’s Oxford Street on Thursday 2nd November this year. Households will have their own opinions as to what is acceptable in terms of their own switch on date. Some people feel they should wait until after Remembrance Day on 11th November, others are adamant that nothing should be turned on until the beginning of Advent. Whether you leave your lights up all year round, or only switch them on in December, what is certain is that Christmas would have a very different feel without them. Even if you don’t cover your own house with lights, there’s something lovely to be said for walking around your local area and admiring others. Who knows, you might even be inspired to have a go yourself next year! www.housebeautiful.com

www.paperstarlights.com

Step into a surreal world, and meet

Gary Walton at the Rose Gallery

he work of art is to take us somewhere new and a master of this is the artist Gary Walton. Creating work full of character, imagination and joy, he is an exceptional artist and we’re excited to announce that on 2nd December you can meet Gary here at the Rose Gallery. If you’re a fan of Walton’s work, this is an event not to be missed. Not only can you speak to the man himself but we’ll be showing a new original piece ‘The Snowman and the Moon’. An incredibly popular and prolific artist, Walton brings to life a fantasy world of his own. His pieces clearly reflect our world - particularly the coastline he loves - but equally celebrate his own unique ideas and perspectives. Depicting towns and buildings, boats and hot air balloons, his paintings have a style which takes us back into a past which hasn’t happened yet. Gary describes his style as "very whimsical, romantic and happy; quirky, two-dimensional with a slight intriguing air of fantasy combined with a twist of reality within." ‘The Snowman and the Moon’ reflects this style beautifully, presenting a traditional slate-roofed house in the snow, home to a cheerful snowman, all precariously balanced on a crisp crescent moon hanging in a stunning star-filled sky. Finding His Style Born in Worcester in 1962, Gary showed his creativity while at school before entering

the world of work as a graphic designer. He continued to paint, deepening his skills and developing the style we see today. He has been inspired by the works of surrealists including Salvador Dali, a connection we can see in his strange but comfortable world - sharing with us recognisable elements which are so different from our own. Our visitors' love for these pieces isn’t only because of Walton’s imagination, his technical skill and artistic abilities really do bring places to life; with his use of light and colour making water move, dusk settle, and boats bustle. It’s possible to create whole stories of the lives going on behind doors and travels about to be taken as you find yourself lost in any one of Gary Walton’s scenes. We are thrilled that Gary will be joining us in the Rose Gallery, you’ll be able to see the original piece ‘The Snowman and the Moon’ for the first time, as well as limited edition prints of the piece available for Christmas.

Natalie Trembecki Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

MUSIC

‘Music? It’s a vocation’ says scene builder Alex T he year was 1978; The Sex Pistols broke up, Fleetwood Mac were riding high on Rumours and new acts Kate Bush and The Police issued their debut albums. And in Northampton, punk mob Isaws played their first gig. It was the start of a career in music that Alex Novak remains dedicated to 45 years on, and to celebrate the major milestone Alex is having a party. Not with jelly and ice cream, but with a gig, naturally. The date on December 9 is being held at The Black Prince, and will feature music from some of Alex’s various bands; his dark wave duo Venus Fly Trap will perform, and there will be live airings of material by electronic/industrial music early birds, Attrition. Alaric Neville is also set to show out, with more to be announced. “We’ll also be doing some numbers with guests covering the bands Religious Overdose and Tempest,” Alex promises. It takes a real passion to stick around for so long, and Alex certainly has that enthusiasm. “I guess it’s a vocation or a calling,” he thinks, “You have to be interested in

I guess it’s a vocation or a calling. You have to be interested in music and really like it. I view music as an extension of art, just another form.”

music and really like it. I view music as an extension of art, just another form. I was at art school when I got involved in my first band, Isaws. Between bands and designing, I ended up running a record shop because it can be difficult to rely on one thing financially. I have done different things to keep doing what I like to do.” The industry has undergone substantial change during the past two decades; how music is recorded and consumed is significantly different. “...In the sense that you can get everything,” he agrees, “...but I’m a strong believer in physical formats, and artists should control that alongside sorting their own merchandise.. I still enjoy putting together physical releases and seeing the final result.” The Black Prince date will be a blast, and a chance to raise a glass for one of the fiercest supporters of the ‘fampton scene: “The town has always had a strong and diverse scene, and it’s pretty good at the moment,” he assures. And Alex will be right there at the forefront moving forward – selling the records, spinning the discs, promoting the artists, sharing his knowledge and, if you ask nicely, he might even put some more of his own music out there to tempt your ears. 2024 is shaping up nicely already – with further promotion of the NN music book, more DJ sets in the diary, and following on from the success of his Q&A with John Robb in support of the punk exhibition at the town’s museum, there are further talks in the offing, “...and whatever else comes my way,” he smiles, dedicated as ever. The Black Prince bash will run from 7.30pm – 11pm. Post show, DJs will spin in the front bar through to 1am.

Alex’s pick of the musical pops... 1

Playing across Europe with the band, especially going to Eastern Europe when the wall came down in the early nineties.

the shop has allowed me to make a living which has helped 2 Running fund my other projects - and I’ll have been doing that for 25 years in 2024. a promoter I have put on many, many bands over the years, including 3 Asat notable venues including The Roadmender and The Soundhaus. 48

Alex Novak - 45 years and counting

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

MUSIC

Road rage and tropical vibes from Yur Mum

n Christmas Eve eve, Yur Mum will headline The Lab for The Furious Thirty promo. The powerhouse duo is made in the UK, but was born in Brazil and together they spill a vibrant fusion of rock, punk and noise with tropical vibes. They call it ‘road rage’ rock. Trust us, no-one at this show will have to endure novelty or naff Crimbo tunes. Yur Mum have already secured their spot

on the billing for Rebellion Festival 2024, and have previously supported New Model Army, UK Subs and our pals Nick Oliveri and his band, Mondo Generator. Speaking of old mates, Babar Luck will be up in support with his East End Trinity – coming to Northampton for the first time. Brummie collective DC Spectres will be jumping in the van to join Northampton’s The Mispelt on the bill, and of course Julie’s Dead will play for you at the show they’ve curated.

“It’s the party we’ll all need heading into the festive season,” they say, and they ain’t wrong! Tickets are on sale now at £10, or pay more on the door from 7pm. > Visit wegottickets.com/ furiousthirty

SBD’s mouthy

night out

Emotional times for Ten Years Too Late

tribute to the ‘00’s Emo’ brigades will be playing ‘back-to-back emo bangers, including all of the favourites from My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, Funeral for a Friend and so many more!’ If that sounds like your cuppa, you need to make tracks to The Black Prince (Dec 2) when Ten Years Too Late will be ruling the stage. Support will come from Wishing Wolf and Iffy Byro. > If you are feeling Pretty Vacant, you need to top up your levels of punk, new wave, rock and alternative, and luckily enough for you, the promo is back at The Black Prince the same night. Spiral Scratch DJs will deliver the noises, from 8pm til late.

hristmas will come early for those hankering for a musical beast that effortlessly dances between pop, rock, punk, grunge and indie, because SBD promoter Phil Moore has booked Leicester’s Mouth Culture to play for you on December 8. The trio also offers ‘honesty and vulnerability in confessional lyricism, soaring guitars, and a stomping rhythm section, carving fresh and exciting art with a nostalgic twist.’ In 2023, they’ve clocked up the mileage playing with a passion, and before Santa sets off on his annual mission they’ll have joined While She Sleeps in the live capacity. A nice way to round off a year that has seen them multiply their fan base and issue a couple of banging singles. Before Jack, Mason and Todd cut loose on the stage at The Black Prince, town folks Utopia Development Corporation, One Way Ticket and Moon Haze will get lively for you. > Tickets are £8.50 plus booking fee. Visit sbdpromotions.com for yours.

Mouth Culture December 8

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

MUSIC

Look after yourself with a little Therapy? F or a truly ska-mendous time, you need to check in at Northampton Roadmender with stalwart players Bad Manners (Dec 2), who are well into their fourth decade and still pulling the punters en masse. The Buster Bloodvessel fronted mob did call time on the band back in 1987, but they were back in play three years later to sate the public’s appetite and they’ve been at it ever since. The band blew up the charts in the early ‘80s with much-loved tracks including Lip Up Fatty, Special Brew and Ne Ne Na Na Na Na Nu Nu, which will all get an airing. They have spent the summer colouring up the festival circuit and this Roadmender show is part of their annual Crimbo tour. The man with the most famous tongue (after Gene Simmons) and his two-tone chums, will be joined at the show by punk familiar Max Splodge. A day later (Dec 3) and Northern Irish noisebringers Therapy? make their Roadmender return – their first time at the venue for more than eight years. It seems incredible to think they’ve been bothering ears for more than 30 years, or, as they put it, ‘helping the afflicted since 1990.’ This spring the band added to their pile of plenty when they released the album, Hard Cold Fire. It’s their 16th long-player and proof there’s plenty of life in this musical beast yet. It might have taken shape during the pan**mic, but they definitely didn’t want to add to the pile of lockdown releases out there. “...because people have been through enough,” thinks vocalist and guitarist Andy Cairns, “When we began to rehearse the songs, we realised there was an empathetic quality to them. We wanted to make something that was a bit more relatable, and less standoffish and claustrophobic – which we have a history of, and it stands in places – but we wanted to make something more approachable and open.”

Roachford with producer Rob Cass

Get some Therapy? - Dec 3

Bassist Michael McKeegan: “We wanted this album to be one that felt good to play live, almost a release after this period of statis, but then also not dwelling on the whole situation – we’re moving forward, and we wanted that energy to be there.” The band recorded the release with Chris Sheldon, who has also delivered on releases for Feeder, Foo Fighters and Biffy Clyro, and has a long history working with the band. “We’ve got a similar mindset, a similar outlook in life, a similar sense of humour,” Michael said, “It works really well and it’s a very easy collaborative environment. There was no agenda to make the album, apart from ‘let’s make this absolutely brilliant.’ Recording took place a hop and a skip away from here, too – over at Marshall Amplification’s studios in Milton Keynes. Last month the band released its new AI generated video for the new single, Woe. Pop online and view that, and then go worship at the church of noise in the live. We saw them in Bedford at the tail end of last year, and they played with all the passion of a new band. They smile like they mean it, too. That’s the power of music for you. Support will come from Bokassa. Roachford brings his A Soul Christmas Evening to the venue (Dec 9). That 1980s hit Cuddly Toy remains one of the best chart-botherers of the decade, and still stands up today, as does that voice of his. Out on tour with Mike & The Mechanics earlier this year, he’s fresh out of the studio

where he’s been crafting with producer Rob Cass down at RAK and Abbey Road. “It was a wonderful session,” Rob divulged, “Roachford has a potential huge hit single on his hands.” If you reckon you look good on the dance floor, you get your chance to prove it when Antarctic Monkeys visit (Dec 15) with all those tracks made famous by Sheffield’s sons Turner, Helders, Cook and O’Malley. And there are lots of them. Brit DJ and mixtape master Jaguar Skills is back at the venue (Dec 22) but you’ll need to act fast in order to see ‘one of the world’s greatest turntablists dropping a mobile disco style wedding set.’ You might be used to his bass heavy ramblings, but that won’t be how things spin at this bash. Instead, Jag will travel back to the 80s and 90s to cut loose major wedding disco anthems; think Prince and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Talking Heads and Spice Girls, and New Order via the Pet Shop Boys. Sounds like a night to cut your shapes in style. ‘Get your neon on, get down on one knee and say ‘I do’ to Jag Skills,’ is the invitation. A day later (Dec 23) Trevor Nelson will be in control with his Soul Nation dishing up soul, r&b and club classics for the assembled. Early bird tickets were snapped up super quick for this one. Hurry for the final release batch. > To book for any of these dates, click to theroadmender.com

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

WHATS ON

#WhatsOnPulse Seven Ways to See Santa December 1 (and various dates until Christmas Eve) Whilton Locks Garden Village offers all sorts of ways to meet and spend time with Santa this December – you might meet him in his grotto or prefer to take afternoon tea with him. There’s even an event for pooches to meet the man in red! Santa Claus is coming to town: wlgv.co.uk

Hunsbury Hill Rd, Northampton NN4 9UG

Lighting of the Christmas Tree 3rd December, 6.30pm

Christmas Tree Festival 9th December, 2-4pm Choirs & Music (tbc)

Family Fun Afternoon 10th December, 3.30-5pm

Lessons & Carols Service 17th December, 6pm (inside)

Carols round the Christmas Tree 20th/21st December (tbc) With brass band, plus refreshments

Christingles 22nd December, 3.30-4.15pm Briar Hill Community Centre 24th December, 3.30-4.15pm St Benedict’s

St Benedict’s Traditional Services Midnight Mass 24th December, 11.30pm Christmas Day 25th December, 10am Any further info, please contact via admin@stbens.uk or vicar@stbens.uk

The Comedy Cow with Robert White Friday, December 1 Giggling is good for you, and the Comedy Cow deliver funnies by the truckload – Robert will be joined by Raymond and Mr Timkins for this session at The Venue in Walnut Tree. This bloke came up to me: thecomedycow. co.uk Jurassic Live Christmas Special Friday, December 1 - Saturday, December 2 Join the comedic rangers on stage alongside dinosaur favourites such as Trixie the Triceratops, Herbie the Stegosaurus, Nessie the Apatosaurus, Rocky the Velociraptor, Bash the Stigimoloch and Suzie, the world’s largest Tyrannosaurus Rex. Suitable for 3 years +. It’ll be roarsome: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Visit Santa at Whilton Locks Garden Centre - see December 1

Craft Fair Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3 Shop for unique, handmade gifts from a selection of makers and stallholders. Getting Christmas all wrapped up: delapreabbey.org Jo Caulfield: Here Comes Trouble! Friday, December 1 From yelling at strangers on trains (and many other places), to discussing ridiculous sexual fantasies and annoying her neighbours, Jo doesn’t mean to cause trouble; she just has the nerve to say out loud what everyone else is thinking! Funny lady: stables.org

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

WHATS ON

Ultimate Coldplay Friday, December 1 A full look-a-like, sound-alike band is promised at the Northampton venue, and naturally they will deliver all the hits you expect. Fix You: thepicturedrome.com Eddie & The Hot Rods Friday, December 1 Nearing their half century, The Hot Rods ushered in the UK punk rock scene and inspired a generation of teens to pick up instruments and play. And they are still punching hard today. Do Anything You Wanna Do: thecraufurdarms.com Therapy? Sunday, December 3 Making their return to the Roadmender after eight years, Therapy? will pull from their ferocious and full back catalogue spanning more than 30 years. As potent today as they’ve ever been. Teethgrinder: theroadmender.com Woburn Sands Band Sunday, December 3 Join the popular local players as they deliver a programme running the gamut from big band sounds to classical, jazz to pop and including arrangements of some of your best-loved and very seasonal melodies, all in one show. Brassed off: stables.org

The Picturedrome Comedy Club Thursday, December 7 Find the funnies with Jonny Awsum, Nick Page, Eddy Brimson and Lou Conran, and who doesn’t need a laugh at this fraught time of the year? Turning frowns upside down: thepicturedrome.com

Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust

Christmas Trains Join us and Santa for our Christmas train rides on December 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd & 24th. Children get a present from Santa on the train. Tickets: Adults £6.50, Children (aged 2 -14yrs) with a present £12, Children under 2yrs or without a gift £4.00. Tickets include a complimentary drink and mince pie. Please visit our website for more information. www.northantsironstonerailway.co.uk Booking details are available by emailing us at: info@northantsironstonerailway.co.uk Hunsbury Hill Road, Northampton, NN4 9UW

Join Larry Dean at The Blackpit Christmas Comedy night - December 16

Tenors Unlimited Thursday, December 7, 8pm The gents will sing a selection of your Christmas favourites, including O Holy Night, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Last Christmas and their Number 1 selling Christmas single, Who Is He? Harmonious: stables.org The Churchfitters Friday, December 8, 8.45pm A folk group like no other; with a double bass made out of scrap metal and heartwrenching vocals accompanied by a musical saw. Foot stomping fiddling: stables.org Nabil Abdulrashid: The Purple Pill Saturday, December 9, 7.30pm Join the star of Live at the Apollo for a show about trying to be a good person while staying a badman, at the Underground. Pill popping: royalandderngate.co.uk Roachford – A Soul Christmas Evening Saturday, December 9 The man behind that 80s hit Cuddly Toy lets his voice loose for a festive themed night of song. And what a voice he has! Family man: theroadmender.com

Antiques Centre

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

Join comedian Nabil Abulrashid at The Underground - see December 9

OPEN: Wed to Mon 10am-4pm, CLOSED: Tues Facebook: @vintiqueltd Instagram: vintique.limited T: 01327 341 980 E: info@vintique.co W: vintique.co

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

WHATS ON

TALK OF THE TOWN DECEMBER

President Obonjo is signed up for the Blackpit bash too - Dec 16

Denton & District Gardening Club Monday, December 11, 7.30pm Roz Chandler will deliver the talk, ‘Your Cutting Patch,’ free to members, £3 for visitors. A raffle and refreshments will also feature. Green, green grass: Denton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, Denton, NN7 1DT Steeleye Span Monday, December 11 Folk-rock pioneers who changed the face of the genre forever, and five decades on they are celebrating their past alongside their recent history. Drink Down The Moon: stables.org You Are The Sun Tuesday, December 12 – Wednesday, December 13 A first opera for babies and grown-ups that explores the magic of nature in a show where babies are free to be themselves and adults have a chance to relax, bond and play. The 35 minute event is for ages 0-2 years old. Sunshine music: royalandderngate.co.uk Mari Wilson Saturday, December 16 The High Priestess of Hairspray, Neasden’s very own Queen of Soul, Mari Wilson, presents a brand new Christmas cracker of a live show featuring her eight-piece band, The New Wilsations. Have a very ‘Mari’ Christmas: stables.org Blackpit Christmas Comedy Night Saturday, December 16 Larry Dean, Laura Smyth and President Obonjo come together for a night of the funnies located between Silverstone and Stowe. Three comedians walked into a bar: blackpitbrewery.co.uk The Albion Christmas Band Tuesday, December 19 A guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain with Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings MBE. A festive tradition: stables.org 54

Northampton Philharmonic Choir

A Christmas Tradition Music & Carols for Choir and Audience Musical Director - Thomas Moore Organist - Ivan Linford 20th December, 7pm St Michael’s & All Angels Perry Street, Northampton, NN1 4HL

Tickets: £13, under 16 £6 Family £32 Available online (no booking fee) or on the door www.northamptonphilharmonicchoir.co.uk The Pop Punk Revolution Tour Friday, December 22 A tribute to the Pop Disaster tour from 2002, with imitators delivering the music of Jimmy Eat World, Green Day and Blink 182. American Idiot: thepicturedrome.com Jaguar Skills – 80s & 90s Wedding Crashers Friday, December 22, 9pm The only disco in town where you get one of the world’s greatest turntablists dropping a mobile disco style wedding set! Get your neon on: theroadmender.com Bounce and Rhyme Wednesday, December 29, 10.30am-11am A session to introduce rhymes and songs to your child to encourage interaction and develop communication skills. For under ones and non-walkers only. Collect tickets from the front desk at 10am - first come, first served. Putting a spring in babies step: Northamptonshire Central Library

Carols & Crafts Saturday 16th December, 12 - 5pm, Northampton Town Centre (various locations) Enjoy carols and musical performances in the town centre – at the All Saints’ Church Piazza, in the Grosvenor Centre and on St Giles’ Square (outside V and B) - the perfect backdrop to your Christmas shopping! Kids and adults can join The Wild Tribe in their cosy festive courtyard at The Vulcan Works (Fetter Street entrance), for a variety of eco Christmas crafts and workshops. For more information, visit www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/ christmas2023 The 12 Days of Christmas Festive Family Trail Available throughout December Get ready for enchanted adventures in collaboration with The Wild Tribe! Follow the map to uncover the magical 12 Days of Christmas-themed clues, displayed at various locations around the town centre. For more information, visit www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/ the-12-days-of-christmas-trail Santa’s Grotto – provided by the Northampton Town Centre BID 10.30am - 4pm every Saturday and Sunday in December prior to Christmas Day, plus weekdays from 18th - 23rd December, Grosvenor Shopping Families will be able to meet Santa in his Grotto in the Grosvenor Shopping centre. This year’s Grotto can be found on the upper mall next to The Lewis Foundation Outlet Store. It is part funded by Northampton Town Council and built in partnership with students from Northampton College. Tickets cost £1 per family, with all proceeds going to charity. Pre-booking is required. For more information, visit www.discovernorthampton.co.uk/ events/santas-grotto/all/ 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

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

Film Reviews by Jordan Adcock

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

(From left) Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon (Apple TV+)

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 4/5

My recommendation is to watch Killers of the Flower Moon – with an empty bladder if you can. At three-and-a-half hours long, it’s almost too well observed. Based on the true story of Native Americans in Osage County getting swindled and murdered out of their land’s oil rights by Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his uncle William King Hale (Robert DeNiro), it’s too straightforward to justify such length. Many if not most scenes could be trimmed down, though it is undeniably refreshing these days to watch a film whose epic scope plays out at the human level. It’s also familiar territory for master director Martin Scorsese. He builds a darkening atmosphere of chilling brazenness as Ernest and Hale’s hands get bloodier, and with so many extended, quiet drama scenes, it works best when uninterrupted. Scorsese is determined to present an unbroken, unvarnished

history of them scheming their way to riches, whilst mourning the slowmotion strangling of an indigenous culture and people whose fatal flaw is trusting the wolves hiding in plain sight. The tragedy is compounded by the bold ending that dispels any crime genre indulgence the film could hold before delivering its final, grim facts. Atop a huge ensemble cast, Scorsese stalwarts DiCaprio and DeNiro are wickedly entertaining and revolting to watch, especially with DiCaprio employing his natural charms to enliven his weak-willed villain protagonist. Lily Gladstone as Mollie, whom Ernest is ordered to marry as part of Hale’s plotting, could have benefited from the script focusing more on the Native American characters, yet through her quietly vivid expressions she embodies the film’s heart nonetheless; stoic, traumatised and near-powerless as her family and community fall victim to her husband’s greed. ✪

THE ROYAL HOTEL

DANCE FIRST

DREAM SCENARIO Star Rating: 3/5

Star Rating: 1/5

While young backpackers bartending for a remote mining community already sounds a bit risky, this Australian thriller impresses with just how mean and tense it gets. That’s partly because of how coarse and threatening the barflies are to Hanna and Liv (Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick), even those who show off their ‘Nice Guy’ credentials. But it’s also because the girls are themselves well-realised characters, both likably naïve and plucky as they try to enjoy their new (thoroughly run-down) surroundings, making it very easy to root for them as the danger grows more dire. There’s several extended heart-in-mouth moments here as the girls do their best to escape situations when no one else will protect them, all leading to the shocking and, in some ways, depressing ending. ✪

The writer Samuel Beckett retreats into remembering his life, framed as a series of regrets, in this new biopic. It features little of his literary works but plenty of his personal strife - from growing up under his harsh mother to surviving occupied France, from his postwar career and extramarital affair to receiving the Nobel Prize. What could have been dry, sombre material is made more pointed and entertaining by both its structure and by cutting between older and younger Beckett, convincingly performed by Gabriel Byrne and Fionn O’Shea respectively. Shot mostly in black and white, you’ll wish the film focused more on Beckett’s relationship with Joyce (with memorably wily acting from Aidan Gillen), which features the most compelling interpersonal drama as he’s nearly roped into marrying Joyce’s daughter Lucia. ✪

Even if you love Nicolas Cage, seeing the actor in your dreams might be too much! He plays a neurotic college professor who tries capitalising on his newfound internet fame from somehow appearing in people’s dreams, before things turn sinister – sort of. The actual logic of Dream Scenario’s concept gets vaguer the longer it goes on. You could argue dreams themselves aren’t exactly logical, but when the film has themes like the asinine nature of celebrity and names current topics like cancel culture, it doesn’t pay those off with a cohesive or satisfying conclusion after promising so much early on, particularly with Cage delivering a whole emotional spectrum. He’s funny, sad, tragic, pathetic and terrifying – if only the film around him was more thought-provoking than just weird. ✪

Thank goodness this would-be horror flick lasts only two hours rather than five nights. A security guard at an abandoned Eighties pizzeria getting haunted by kooky animatronic animals sounds bizarre but decent fun, right? Except when this film adapts the hit video game series, it dispenses with the games’ pretty effective jump scares to instead inject dour human drama that’s both too simplistic to engage in its own terms and brutally dragged out. Worse, it only distracts from what everyone really wants to see. Even when Freddy and the other animatronics attack, those scenes are frankly too silly and half-hearted compared to the games’ own scares, nowhere near horrific enough to make drudge worth it. ✪

Star Rating: 4/5

Star Rating: 3.5/5

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S

You can follow Jordan on Twitter (@JordanReview) and read his blog at www.reviewsreflections.wordpress.com For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

MOTORING

Civic Hybrid impresses ADAM TUDOR-LANE reviews the Honda Civic Hybrid

y fondness for the Honda Civic, a longstanding champion in the family hatchback segment, continues with the latest iteration, which has been transformed into the ‘Civic Hybrid’. Despite sporting a 2.0-litre petrol engine, it promises to be MPG-friendly, but is it? In terms of looks, the Civic has seemingly now completed its ‘Americanisation’. It’s wider, lower, and far more masculine than any of its predecessors. Honda went down this route as they used to build different versions of the Civic for different markets, but not anymore. Prices start at £34,995, which is reasonable, especially for a hybrid. The range-topping ‘Advance’ model, at £39,795, offers an extra array of niceties, but the entry-level ‘Elegance’ is the more tempting option, given the high standard equipment across the range. The efficiency of the Civic Hybrid impresses, building on the legacy of the beloved 1.6 i-DTEC diesel. While the diesel variant from yesteryear boasted exceptional MPG, the petrol hybrid

holds its own, achieving a commendable 57 MPG over 250 miles. Which equates to a 10 MPG reduction over the 1.6 diesel. Honda deserves praise for bringing a hybrid so close to the efficiency levels of traditional diesel engines, but we’re not quite there yet. Performance-wise, the Civic excels at motorway cruising as well as navigating twisty back roads with its responsive engine, precise steering, and well-balanced chassis shining through. Clocking a 7.8-second sprint to 60 MPH, the 315 Nm of torque adds punch to make it feel nippier than it really is, while the CVT gearbox kept up with ease and acted more like a regular ‘automatic’ than any CVT I’ve ever driven. Inside the Civic you’ll find a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a built-in sat nav. All models also feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to further enhance connectivity. The ‘Advance’ model takes the driving experience up a notch with a fully digital dial display, while the lesser models make do with traditional analogue dials.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Top Speed: 111 MPH Performance: 0-60 in 7.8 seconds Power: 140 BHP Economy: 57 MPG

Though not groundbreaking, the interior design has a quality feel, complemented by physical climate control buttons – which are becoming scarce in a world of ‘everything in the touchscreen’. Rear passengers have ample legroom, and the spacious 404-litre boot adds to the Civic’s practical appeal. Honda’s Civic Hybrid proves to be a wellrounded addition to a rapidly shrinking mid-sized hatchback segment. Its comfortable ride and responsive handling make it ideal for both the daily commute and those longer motorway journeys, with the hybrid powertrain striking a balance, delivering impressive fuel economy without compromising performance. The 2023 Civic Hybrid is a wise choice for those who prioritise substance over flashy looks.

For more car news, reviews and motorsport action visit carwitter.com or follow us @car_witter 56

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

PUZZLES

View from the Far Kerb

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Over by Christmas?

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

7 2

1 2

had hoped to report a conclusion to the sale of O’Hara Towers. Almost, but not quite. We had a replacement buyer after the first was forced to withdraw. A bigger, cheaper, better alternative property came up after the first was lost due to that withdrawal. All looked good. We were happy and I was particularly relieved not to be forced into unpacking the boxes. The house price had reflected the desire for a quick sale. Our new buyer made an offer knowing we wanted to Complete during November 2023. That was the deal. Cheap house for a quick sale; completing ahead of Christmas. When a week passed between our buyer’s successful mortgage application and instructing a surveyor to undertake a Level 3 survey, alarm bells sounded. The most expensive survey option seemed to suggest the commitment of our buyer, but the earliest surveyor appointment available was a week further on, meaning a two-week delay! We spoke to our estate agent and they questioned the buyer and came back with, “The buyer intends to Complete no sooner than February 2024.” Reminder: their offer had been accepted on the basis of a November 2023 Naturally, the O’Hara household was livid. We asked the estate agent to communicate our displeasure and make it clear that we considered their intention to be unacceptable. Privately, we decided that we no longer had any confidence in the buyer. Their response was anticipated with curiosity rather than any belief that they would say or do anything that worked for us. Then the surveyor made contact and asked if it was possible to move the appointment forward five days. Did it indicate our buyer realised that they were risking a bargain?

1 A nice man came along and spent many hours poking and prodding bits of the house. He made notes. He pulled many faces. He made more notes. Eventually, he finished, we bade him farewell, then he mentioned that the house seemed fine and as to be expected of a twenty-two years old house. We reported to our estate agent. They came back the following day with the news that our buyer stated they would be instructing their solicitor to not issue any queries to ours until after the surveyor’s report was received. We received a clean bill of health the first time around, so we were even less impressed… Our buyer had incurred sundry legal fees, over £800 in surveyor fees, and our serious displeasure. A forty-eighthour deadline for communication between our respective legal representatives to commence was issued, meanwhile we explored a third buyer.

5 1

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

At times of war, the words, “Don’t worry, it will be over by Christmas!” were often uttered. House selling isn’t war, but sometimes it feels like it.

Clues Across

18. Unaffected by alcohol 21. Sloping typeface 22. Combine 23. The Wizard Of Oz star, Judy ...

5. Clothing

Clues Down 1. Bank credit user 2. Celestial 3. Annual period 4. Unopened flowers

14. Casino regular

6. Scuba descent

We found a cash-buyer who wished to Complete before the end of November 2023, and as our current outlined a further reluctance to engage with what we thought was an agreed timeline, we dropped them and agreed a sale with the cash buyer. At times of war, the words, “Don’t worry, it will be over by Christmas!” were often uttered. House selling isn’t war, but sometimes it feels like it.

1. Widely

Phil O’Hara

Solutions to Sudoku and Quick Crossword can be found on page 58

4. Tasteless (food) 7. Ocean-liner waiter 8. Garden tool 9. Group of 8 notes 12. Parenthesis marks 15. Restate (position) 17. Sitting down

10. Waned 11. Lingers 13. Joined (metal parts) 16. Package 18. Ore vein 19. Travel on horse 20. Piquancy

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | December 2023

Your stars

HOWARD PARKER

Flavour of the Times - It’s nice to be able to look at the chart for this month and feel that things will be a little less intense and claustrophobic in December. We are over that dark Scorpio period as the Sun and Mars move into out-going Sagittarius and we can stretch our wings a little. A few less surprises around the corner too so hopefully we can relax and allow ourselves to feel a little bit more optimistic all round. However (why is there always a ‘however’?!), Saturn is back in Pisces, which is difficult and we will have to see how this pans out as it gets going. Yes, the structures of society are still falling apart but maybe soon some rebuilding can start to take place.

THE ASTRO-GUIDE

SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 22

ARIES March 21 – April 20

LEO July 24 – August 23

CAPRICORN December 23 – January 20

TAURUS April 21 – May 21

VIRGO August 24 – September 23

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 19

GEMINI May 22 – June 21

You may have felt very out-of-sorts last month but December is going to feel much more to your liking. Sagittarius gives us a bit more fire and Mars in this sign adds some action to this. The only danger is that of too much shouting and too little listening, so don’t go overboard with berating everyone with your strongly held opinions that you probably held in all last month!

The 21st looks like a particularly good day in a more active month for you. The moon in your sign aligns with the Sun and Mars then, so go for it. Mind you, it’s probably Christmas shopping isn’t it? Still, you should have the energy to blast though any lethargy and fatigue. The new Moon in Sagittarius a week earlier is also a good energiser for you.

Love and money may arise to challenge you a bit this month as Venus opposes the unpredictable Uranus. Jupiter may encourage you to over-spend and over-extend yourself so it’s probably best to rein that in. The new moon is also expansionist and perhaps that is about being considerate toward others – the Christmas spirit, no less! Your foodbank probably needs you!

We are getting to the last gasp of Pluto in your sign now and it’s fair to say it’s pretty much worn out its welcome. The worst thing to do is resist the changes that are coming in the new year and stick to the tried and trusted methods because the wheels will soon be coming off treasured ideas and ways of living. You get a last chance to refocus next month, but this month is not a time for risk taking.

The energy you’ve been lacking will hopefully come back a bit this month. The Sun and Mars in Sagittarius gives us all a boost and the new moon in that sign on 13th may give you some ideas about where to go next. Expect some ‘interesting’ stuff around love and money to pop up a week later near the 21st. It’s not something you can’t deal with, but it will require some adjustments.

The new moon is in Sagittarius this month, which may pull you a bit out of your comfort zone. It is inviting you to think bigger and look wider and further afield than you usually do. Maybe you enjoy gossip just that bit too much and really should stop spreading it? Geminis have a quiet side to their gregarious characters too, so perhaps this is not the right time for being too much ‘out there’.

PISCES February 20 – March 20

CANCER June 22 – July 23

Stick with what you know and if necessary, cling to the wreckage all around you! Sagittarius might make you feel as if you want to make big changes but that’s probably not a good idea right now. Cultivating a gentle dissolving into the quiet dark months of winter is probably a good thing because that is when the batteries get a chance to recharge.

Last month’s Scorpionic influence may have been a bit unsettling but at least you could use the intensity to care deeply for people around you who are suffering. This month, though, people don’t need that quite so much and you may feel a little abandoned to your own emotions. It’s not that they don’t care it’s just the energy of the moment and it won’t last. Just enjoy the respite!

PUZZLE

SOLUTIONS

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. L

R O A

E W A

R D

R O C

E R

S O B

D E

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Sagittarius brings a sense of openness and optimism and this works for you Librans. You like looking at different options and then not committing, so this will probably make for a month where you can wallow in your indecisiveness, and it doesn’t matter too much! Just make sure you have people around you who are a bit more focused than you are!

SCORPIO October 24 – November 22

Uranus opposite Venus in your sign towards the end of the month might bring you something unexpected. Venus rules love and money so it could be either! It could be something that has been gestating for a while, but you may still be surprised by what actually pops up and you may have to work out how to deal with the energy of it.

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.

L T S

GET INVOLVED...

We are always looking for local stories, news and events. Send your stories to: nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

D R E

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G A

LIBRA September 24 – October 23

E B

G E

With Mercury about to go direct again at the new moon, your channels of communication are probably opening up. There’s some sense of freedom to be experienced here although you tend to get nervous about losing control, don’t you? It’s about using the Sagittarian spirit of freedom to create order in your life. And of course, there’s Christmas to organise…

N D

B O R

There may have been a bit of sexy spice in the air last month but it’s floating away from you now and there’s little to cling on to this time round. Enjoy the sense of freedom this gives you and maybe give your ego a break. Theres a lot to be said for escaping – even from yourself - for a little while and seeing the bigger picture out there. That’s the teaching of Sagittarius.

N D

December 2023 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

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