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Issue 74 | January 2022

County-wide news, views and stories

The magazine at the heart of Northamptonshire

What’s going on in your local area

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CONTENTS

From the

Editor

January 2022

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

here are some really inspirational people in our community. Take six-year-old Joseph Dooley, for example, whose sponsored litter pick around his home village of West Haddon has raised more than £1,800 for the Gossett ward at Northampton General Hospital and the Northamptonshire charity, Earth’s Lonely Angels. What a star! Another star in the making is Annabel, or Abbz Thomas, who has been motorcycle racing since she was just nine years old. She’s spent half her life involved with the sport and has been minibike champion twice. Now she’s looking towards MotoGP - there’s no stopping her. Someone who’s been shining bright for a long time is Di Ward who has been a long-standing supporter of the Northamptonshire Health Charity. She’s helped to raise over £20,000 to benefit patients at Northampton General Hospital. After her husband sadly passed away, Di decided to use the donations made at his funeral to help buy extra syringe pumps for the Daventry and South Northants District Nursing team. Do you know anything about the role played by the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit? I must confess I knew very little. Now there’s a campaign for a permanent monument to the service it provided, thanks to the reminiscences of local man, George Pritchard. His story as an airman in WW2 is simply remarkable. Why not change to plant-based food this month? Last year more than half a million people pledged to try a vegan diet, and it’s time for Veganuary again. You could discover a whole new way of eating. On our doorstep is the Christian wholefood co-operative Daily Bread. They offer a wide range of choice for vegans but also for particular dietary requirements including gluten free. And if you fancy popping over the border it’s the Bletchley Vegan Market on 8th January where you can explore a huge variety of vegan street food, artisan bakers, and craft brewers, as well as ethical jewellers, zero-waste champions and environmental charities. I’m sure there will be plenty more to look forward to in 2022!

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 WEDNESDAY MONDAY 8TH 12TH FEBRUARY JANUARY Published by NN Pulse 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 8

NEWS

INTERVIEW

LEGAL

LOCAL HISTORY

RELATIONSHIPS

FASHION

VEGANUARY

FOOD & DRINK

ANIMALS IN NEED

HOME & GARDEN

INTERIORS

MUSIC

THEATRE

WHAT’S ON

MOTORING

PUZZLES

YOUR STARS

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

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust! These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in. The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our watchwords

are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been

referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles. At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9552 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

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NEWS

oseph was poorly when he was born and the care and guidance the Gossett ward and midwifery team gave him and his family was the reason he wanted to help them. He collected 11 bags of litter over two days, raising a total of £1,860. Now Joseph is one of three inspirational recipients of the Male Role Model Awards presented by West Northamptonshire Council. His parents said: “It was all his idea, and he did amazingly. He is an inspiration to other children and to adults and we are sure this is just the beginning of his kind and caring nature and he will continue to do great things.” The awards, now in their third year, celebrate individuals who go above and beyond in their daily lives to help others and make a real difference in their communities. Such was the calibre of nominations that the judges awarded the special recognition award to Joseph and community stalwart Toby Birch, who was one of the founders of Community Spaces Northampton in 2011. The initiative works to safeguard community centres around the borough for community use. Toby remains its chair and of Rectory Farm Residents Association. He is also a trustee of Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire. Mental health advocate Nick Wilson received the Inspirational Man award, one of five outstanding nominees on the shortlist according to the judges.

Six-year-old Joseph Dooley setting an example to us all The youngster has raised more than £1,800 from a sponsored litter pick in the area around his home village of West Haddon, with the money going to the Gossett ward at Northampton General Hospital and the Northamptonshire charity Earth’s Lonely Angels.

Joseph Dooley (above) collected 11 bags of rubbish over two days. Nick Wilson (left) received the Inspirational Man award for his work in mental health.

After 14 years of service in the Army with deployments around the globe, Nick was left with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a debilitating spinal disorder resulting in seven pro-lapse discs and a constant battle with chronic pain.

Through his daily fight with both physical and mental disabilities, Nick openly shares his journey for the benefit of others, seeking to inform, inspire and empower others to better manage their own mental wellbeing. He founded a men’s support group, Talk Mental Health, during the pandemic which has already helped over 150 people. “This award means so very much to me,” Nick said. “We have all been through some horrendously tough times over the past 20 months and this award is dedicated to all those courageous warriors who have faced up to and accepted their own realities and overcame their challenges to begin thriving in life once again, as opposed to merely existing and surviving in it.” Nick was nominated alongside Peter Smith, head of Newbottle & Charlton primary School, Knife Crime Victim Support founder Quinton Green, Steve Bishop a member of the Northants Litter Wombles, and Lee Lewis, co-founder of The Lewis Foundation.

Your Care Your Home Your Choice

LOOKING FOR CARE OR LOOKING TO CARE? NNCA can help you. Providing home care across Northamptonshire, our carers are dedicated to keeping people safe in their own homes. Helping complete those tasks that have become difficult to manage. Whether you need some support or want to help support people in our community then NNCA is for you.

Speak to one of our team on 01604 621030 Unit 7 Ross Road, Weedon Road Industrial Estate, Northampton, NN5 5AX Email us: info@nnca.co.uk | Find out more at: www.nnca.co.uk

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

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

have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems. When talking to Trevor & Wendy Skidmore the owners of Cloudy2Clear Northampton & Oxford it became clear that these values have been held for over 15 years. Since buying the local franchise in 2006 they have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community whilst introducing their 2 sons Lloyd & Ross & daughter-in-law Lori into the family business along with Dan, Mark & Jo as demand for their service has grown.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Trevor commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”. For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.com

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History comes to life at MK Museum, with fascinating stories, memorable events, exhibits we encourage you to touch and loads to see for every age and interest! > Browse our Street of Shops > Explore toys from another age in our Story of Childhood exhibit > Call your friends in the Connected Earth Gallery > Experience a WW2 air raid in our Anderson Shelter > Join a lesson in our Victorian Schoolroom > Challenge the family to a game in the Farmhouse > Meet the famous concrete cows > ‘Ride’ the world’s largest steam tramcar in our Hall of Transport and much, much more! Opening hours 10.30am-4.30pm, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday from January 5, 2022, Wednesday - Sunday from February 16, 2022

Visit: McConnell Drive, Wolverton, MK12 5EL – PARKING IS FREE Discover more: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk Be social with us! @mkmuseum @miltonkeynesmuseum For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

INTERVIEW

‘I’ve never really been scared of anything’ Northamptonshire teenager Annabel Thomas can often be found serving customers at her family-run farm shop in Burton Latimer. But when she’s not doing that? She puts the pedal to the metal as a rising star in the British Superbike Championship. Annabel talked to Pulse’s Sammy Jones about the lure of the race track...

nnabel, or Abbz as she is known to friends and family, first took the saddle as a nine-year-old, wrapped in old leathers and someone else’s helmet. It was no big deal; she had no interest in the sport and up to that point had only attended her dad’s races to get out of school. But things went better than expected... “When you first get on you don’t expect to be any good, but I was quite decent...from there it started and has never stopped,” she said. And that’s certainly true – Abbz has spent half her life involved with the sport. “We’re in deep now!” she laughs. Her father Steffan spent more than two decades running and working in motorcycle racing, so bikes have always been a big part of family life: “My dad used to build superbike 10

engines on our coffee table,” she recalls, “We are very much a biker family.” That’s true for the most part, but her sister Lilly didn’t take to the bike business: “She has absolutely no interest, she had a go when she was younger and used to do a lot of pit biking, and I would go in front to show her the way she was way more interested in looking at the flowers on the way round!” But perhaps that is just as well. Having one daughter take the starting position on her Kawasaki 400 in the British Superbike Championship (BSB) is probably enough for the Thomas household. It’s not without risk, after all. “When I was young I never really hurt myself though,” she says, “Obviously, every time I crash my parent’s hearts go in their mouths. The first proper injury I ever had was when I

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

INTERVIEW

Annabel in action: “Some peope just think you are hopping on a bike and twisting a throttle, but it is a lot more than that!”

broke my feet, but once they know I’m ok, it’s not too bad. “I come up and I’m like, ‘When am I better so I can race again?’ and they say, ‘You’re crazy!’ “I’ve never really been scared of anything. The fear settles down a bit when you are on the bike, and I’m not scared of getting back on and doing it again.” The two-time British Minibike Champion now focuses on racing in the BSB as part of the Sym Cirrus Kawasaki team, but she was taken out of the running for a while following a particularly traumatic accident at Thruxton Race Circuit in 2019; a 140mph head-on collision. “I’ve had my fair share of experiences of the dangerous side,” she says, sounding all too cool about the resulting wounds. “I suffered a lot of facial injuries - there is a big scar down the middle of my face, and I broke my cheekbone, my eye socket, behind my eye and my nose, and it ripped my lip off my face which they put back.” We’re struggling to comprehend how that must have felt. “The drugs helped!” Abbz admits, “I was knocked out and don’t remember the first two days. I had a really, really bad concussion and was zombied for a little bit. “The surgeons and doctors were absolutely amazing. I’ve still got a ruptured tear duct, so the water that goes into your eye when you blink just stays in my tear duct and I have to squirt it out – it’s a bit weird. It’s a nice party trick!” And she has been left temporarily unable to breathe through her nose: “After the second surgery I was impatient and took the nose stents out, so the scar tissue overgrew and then collapsed, so I need another operation...” The Covid backlog means that she is still waiting for the procedures to turn these issues around, but the girl who talks with such detached coolness when she tells me that her lip was ripped off, is a little more freaked when it comes to getting the damage repaired: “I do get a bit wary and me and my mum cry together – I’m a bit iffy with needles and injections...” And we can’t fail to mention that Abbz really is a girl in a man’s world. But there’s no issue here. “I don’t make myself different from the boys, and I’ve become best friends with a lot of the people I race against. They don’t treat me any differently. I would say I’m just as competitive and just as good, and they respect me.

“Whether I’m racing against a boy or a girl, I don’t see a difference, I just want to beat them.” One of her damaged helmets, “has a tyre mark straight over it,” she tells me, “There are no cracks in the helmet though – it shows how good they are!” Another helmet sits proudly in the office of Wilson Browne Solicitors (WBS) in Kettering. The firm has been a huge support as a sponsor: “Abbz is an inspiration to us all,” said Wayne Jenkins, business development and marketing director with WBS, “She has continued to pursue her dream despite setbacks, and her sheer grit and determination to succeed is admirable: to say she is focused would be an understatement! “Competing at the top level in a sport traditionally seen as a male dominated

one is a fantastic example of the fact that opportunities should be open to all and based on merit and merit alone. “During these extremely challenging times there was never any question of Wilson Browne Solicitors not sticking by her, and to not give her our continued support would have been unthinkable. “We believe in supporting the people and communities in which we operate and Abbz is a prime example of that fact, but just as importantly, it is incredibly rewarding to see

her doing so well and going from strength to strength,” Wayne added. Abbz has several sponsors, but is actively seeking more as she continues her bid to be a podium regular. “Everyone in racing can use all the help they can get, it’s definitely not the cheapest sport about,” she admits. Why is the sport left on the sidelines when it comes to major support? “You’ve got to be into bikes and love them and not everyone’s into that. Unless you ride bikes and have been around them, you don’t understand how much goes into it,” she said. “Some people just think you are hopping on a bike and twisting a throttle, but it is a lot more than that!” When she isn’t at the race track, she spends her time at the family farm shop, Thomas & Daughters in Burton Latimer, or tipping an ear to favourite music artists like D-Block Europe, and she keeps up her stamina with regular trips to the gym. She’s also very in touch with her feminine sides once the leathers are ditched: “I am very, very girly outside of racing – I do my make-up, I get in my dresses and go to parties. If you saw me in the street, the last thing you would expect me to do is ride a motorbike!” Sport has always been a passion, and at school she played basketball and was on the netball team. “I’ve always been very, very competitive in everything I’ve ever done,” and that streak even extends to playing board games at home. “My Dad is very competitive as well – it’s like WWIII when we play a game in this house!” Looking ahead, what’s the furthest you can go? “I suppose it would be to get into MotoGP, but for Brits to get into that is just another story. I want to make this into a career, to have it as my job and be doing something that I love.” And she is already eyeing up her next machine. “I’m on a 400 Kawasaki, but I want to push on to a 600 Kawasaki next – a bigger and faster bike.”

> Any firms who would like more information about sponsoring Annabel should contact steffan-fouranjelsracing@hotmail.co.uk

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

CHARITY

Donations fund new syringe drivers for Northants District Nursing team

i Ward is one of Northamptonshire Health Charity’s long-standing supporters and has helped to raise over £20,000 for a range of projects and appeals benefitting patients at Northampton General Hospital. We were very touched when following the passing of her husband Tim, Di had the idea for donations received at Tim’s funeral to be donated to Northamptonshire Health Charity to fund some additional syringe pump drivers for the to Daventry and South Northants District Nursing team. The community nurses in the district team, part of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) provide high-quality care for people in their own homes, which Tim was able to benefit from. While receiving care at home, Tim was treated with a portable syringe driver which is what led Di to thank the team for the wonderful care he received with donations made in his memory. Di presented the new syringe drivers to Emma Abbott and Alison Ingham

This will enable our district nurses to provide quality care to their patients and our communities, ensuring their symptoms are managed while maintaining their comfort. After speaking to the District Nurses, Di identified that they would use any donations received to fund some additional devices so that the district nurses have more of them available to benefit the many patients they see in the community. With thanks to the kindness of Tim and Di’s family and friends £4,695 was donated, enabling the charity to fund the purchase of four brand-new syringe drivers along with the lockable boxes and the protective cases for each. The long-term plan set out by NHS England 2019 seeks to provide more localised community care which will support the evolving needs of a growing and aging population. Effective community care can 12

reduce the reliance on emergency and acute care while improving the patient experience and health outcomes (NHS England 2019). The care some patients receive at the end of their lives for symptom management requires the use of syringe pumps for several reasons. It is a simpler and more comfortable way to receive medication for people who would otherwise need repeated injections. The syringe pump (sometimes referred to as a syringe driver) is a small portable battery-operated device that pushes a syringe to give medication slowly over 24 hours to help manage symptoms. The syringe driver is an essential piece of equipment required to safely manage a patient’s symptoms at home enabling patients to be looked after in their preferred place of care. Laura Clifford, Community Matron at NHFT, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Di for her amazing fundraising efforts and to Northamptonshire Health Charity for the donation of syringe drivers. This will enable our district nurses to provide quality care

to their patients and our communities, ensuring their symptoms are managed while maintaining their comfort.” There are many ways people can thank our local NHS teams for the care they provide. Donations in memory of a loved one like this recent donation in memory of Tim Ward help to enhance the care and services that teams can deliver. If you would like to make a donation as a thank you to a ward, department or service across NHFT, Northampton General Hospital or Kettering General Hospital, please contact the charity team on 01604 626927 or email greenheart@nhcf.co.uk

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

NEWS

Local company wins national Best Fabricator of The Year award

Local family run business Emplas have been named Best Fabricator at this year’s prestigious G21 Glazing Awards.

eld at the Hilton Park Lane, London the Glazing Awards are a celebration of achievement and innovation in the window and door industry. In a very challenging year for the industry, Emplas claimed the highly contested Best Fabricator Award, fighting off stiff competition from many of the industry’s top manufacturers, to bring the title home to Northamptonshire for the second time in six-years. Collecting the award, Managing Director, Ryan Johnson, paid tribute to the team, its customers and supply partners. He said: “The last two years haven’t always been easy. We’ve faced some big challenges, but we’ve adapted, overcome problems and been agile in our approach, changing the way we have run our businesses, so that ultimately, we are stronger and better placed for the future. “This award is testimony to the hard work of the whole Emplas and T&K teams. We are incredibly lucky in that we employ some the industry’s most knowledgeable, passionate and committed people.” Although not immune from the severe disruption and demand that continues to hit the window, door and conservatory industry, Emplas has continued to invest in its offering. This year they launched a brand new aluminium range, which it’s retail business, T&K Home Improvements is already installing in local homes in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.

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To win this award, Emplas had to be one step ahead of the competition. They significantly invested their IT systems, bringing new transparency to their offering, with real-time visibility of capacity, new lead generation tools and customer CRM. “We didn’t really stop. We’ve just kept going through what have been some very big challenges”, continued Ryan. “We are delighted to have picked up an award, but seeing so many colleagues from the industry, catching up in person, and letting our hair down with was great to do after all this time” “We’re not out of the woods yet, there are more challenges ahead as an industry, however, we’ve demonstrated that we’re incredibly resilient. Customers are having to be a lot more patient now, as the supply chain has been badly affected this year and it looks set to continue” However, with almost 43 years of experience, and another award to their name, Emplas and T&K are well placed to weather the storm. >> T&K Home Improvements and Emplas have been providing quality Windows, Doors, Conservatories and Extensions since 1979 in the Northamptonshire and surrounding areas, to find out more visit www.tkhi.co.uk

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For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

LIVING

Are you ready to rethink retirement? Covid-19 has caused people to re-think what’s important to them, including how they spend their later years. Meet the communities where over 65s are making the most of the freedom retirement brings and possibly living the best years of their lives.

he pandemic has encouraged us all to re-evaluate our lives and what matters most to us, and interestingly we have seen a large uptick in enquiries to live in one of our villages,” says James Cobb, Director at Inspired Villages, the award-winning retirement villages' operator partnered with Legal & General and NatWest Group Pension Fund. The retirement communities Inspired runs offers stylish homes and apartments discreetly designed to accommodate older owners, with leisure and wellbeing facilities right on their doorstep, as well as optional home support services. With a particular focus on delivering an enviable lifestyle for over 65s that supports a holistic wellbeing. Cobb believes the uptick in enquiries is partly because people have realised they want to live somewhere right for the retirement they dream about. “The size of their house and the burden that it has become is often a catalyst to ‘right size’ – finding something more suitable,” explains Cobb. “And with all the services and facilities available in a retirement village in reality it often feels like an ‘upgrade’.” Inspired Villages currently operates six retirement villages across the UK spanning from Devon up to Cheshire, with a few more

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'Stylish homes and apartments discreetly designed to accommodate older owners'

due to open in 2022 including Elderswell near Turvey in Bedfordshire. For many residents and their children one of the benefits of a retirement village is the peace of mind you get from knowing the village team is there to provide security and support if needed. From housekeeping and property maintenance to local transport and checking in on your home while you ‘lock up and leave’ for an extended break, there is a team member more than happy to help.

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This secure environment gives residents the freedom to relax, have fun and take up new hobbies. There are numerous activities and events organised by the Wellbeing Navigators in the villages to help residents make the most of their free time. It is also a great way of keeping healthy as you age. Veronica, a resident at Inspired’s Exeter village Millbrook, says: “I feel fitter here now than I’ve ever done.” She swims in the pool at Millbrook every day and goes to the gym three times a week. Experiences like this chime with research done by Aston University that shows living in a retirement village leads to a 46% decrease in planned GP visits, a 31% decrease in planned hospital admissions and a drop in hospital stay durations from 8-14 days to 1-2 days. Community, security, wellbeing, fun, and freedom. It’s not hard to see why enquiries from people wanting to live in an Inspired village are rocketing up. As many residents like Tricia say, it’s the “best move we’ve ever made”. >> To find out more about living in an Inspired village visit www.inspiredvillages.co.uk

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January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

Can I give up or amend a legacy after someone has died? Sue Owens Senior Partner

NORTHAMPTON 29 Billing Road Northampton NN1 5DQ 01604 622101 KETTERING 15 Station Road Kettering NN15 7HH 01536 523434 bmtclaw.co.uk

hile the specific terms of any will are up to the individual who makes it, after they have died there may be circumstances where those left behind wish to pass their legacy onto someone else. “Beneficiaries are not obligated to accept their inheritance, whether under a will or under the terms of intestacy,” says Sue Owens, Head of the Wills and Probate team at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. “There may be a number of reasons why beneficiaries wish to give up their interest in an estate, ranging from purely financial to the more personal.” Often a will may have been made several years prior to a person’s death and family circumstances have changed. This could mean that their estate passes in a way which is no longer the most appropriate for the needs of their family, or in a way which is no longer tax efficient. For example, when children are young, it is likely to be sensible to leave an inheritance by way of a trust. However, if you are the adult child of someone who has done so, the cost implications and administrative duties of dealing with a trust may no longer be worthwhile. Alternatively, the deceased person may have left their estate to their children equally, but now one is more financially independent than the other and content to forgo their own share to benefit their sibling. Many wills are drafted to be as tax efficient as possible based on circumstances at the time of drafting, and it may be the case that changing circumstances and new tax rules mean that the will terms no longer achieve the desired effect. Where there is no will In the case of an estate where there is no will, intestacy rules will prevail and this may not provide for those left behind in the fairest way possible. Changing the way an estate is to be distributed can allow you to ensure that someone who would otherwise miss out will be provided for. For example, intestacy does not provide for unmarried couples, no matter how long term or serious the relationship. Varying an intestate estate of someone in this situation can allow for the deceased’s partner to inherit rather than, say, the deceased’s sibling. Again, saving tax may be a consideration. Intestacy rules are designed to ensure that close family members are provided for and they have little concern for tax planning. As such, varying those provisions might be advantageous when it comes to how much tax an estate will be liable to pay. Disclaiming a legacy If you simply do not wish to receive a gift due to you from an estate, without being concerned about who else should, you may disclaim your inheritance. You may disclaim your gift in full as long as you have not accepted any part of it. If you are due to receive several gifts from the same estate, you can disclaim any one or more of them without necessarily giving up your right to the others. If you disclaim any one individual gift you give up your right

LEGAL

to that gift in its entirety. The estate will then be distributed as though you have died before the testator and the will or intestacy rules will determine who should receive your gift instead. You have no control over its destination. For this reason, disclaiming is not as common as the alternative, which is to enter a deed of variation. A deed of variation A variation of an estate is in the hands of the person seeking to vary the will and a beneficiary, so has a much greater level of control than disclaiming. If you do not wish to receive your entire entitlement under a will, or under intestacy, you can vary your entitlement without giving it up altogether. If you vary the share of an estate which is due to you, you can decide who should receive the inheritance in your place. It could be that you feel another beneficiary (or even someone who is not already entitled to a share of the estate at all) is more deserving or more in need so that you wish that person to receive your share. Alternatively, it may be that it is more tax efficient overall if the inheritance is redirected to a specific person. Due to the extra control a variation offers, it is often the preferred choice for a beneficiary who has chosen not to receive some or all of their inheritance. How to vary an estate If you choose to alter your entitlement, either by way of disclaimer or variation, you will need to do so within two years of the date of death for it to retrospectively effect inheritance and capital gains tax. A disclaimer may be made verbally, but it is best to record the decision in writing. A variation must take place in writing. It is important to note that some trusts and other more complex provisions may not be variable in the same way as a straightforward gift will be. It is always best to seek legal advice upon your own individual circumstances. How can we help? If you do not wish to benefit from an inheritance, there is no obligation on you to accept it. Giving up an inheritance does have consequences for you and for the estate, and you should seek advice before disclaiming or varying your interest so that you are content it is the right decision, and you go about it in the best way. Our solicitors can advise you on disclaiming or varying an interest in an estate, as well as on the probate process in general, to help you make sure that you are making the best decision and that your choices are clear and legally binding. For further information, please contact Sue Owens on 01604 622101 or email her at susan.owens@bmtclaw. co.uk – BMTC Law have offices in Northampton and Kettering – face to face or online meetings available. Home visits by appointment.

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

MPS OUT & ABOUT

A fitting tribute to the unit that changed the war Pilot Veteran George Pritchard with Andrew Lewer MP

The Photographic Reconnaissance Unit played a significant but little-known role for Britain in the Second World War. Now Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, is campaigning for a permanent monument to its service. He has been inspired by the story of his constituent 98-year-old George Pritchard, a wartime PRU pilot who went on to set up the business that created the world’s first heart pacemaker and built jet engine blades for Rolls Royce.

he destruction by the Luftwaffe of a local Kent factory making ammunition boxes is where my story begins. The mass killing of a 16-year-old factory worker’s colleagues, initiated an abrupt change in the life and fortunes of my constituent George Pritchard that would have significant repercussions far beyond the war. Teenager George immediately joined the RAF and a year later was being trained to be a pilot and going on to fly de Havilland Mosquitos for the little-known Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU). The PRU was crucial in providing vital same-day intelligence which underpinned major operations such as D-Day and the Dambusters raid: Over the course of the war, they amassed over 26 million images. He flew frequently deep into enemy territory on clandestine missions, armed only with speed, courage and a good dollop of luck. These were perilous missions. The PRU had the secondlowest survival rate of any allied aerial unit during the conflict, with 452 casualties, including 145 lost with no known grave. The cost of those young lives was great, and George was one of only two airmen from his squadron who survived the war. He recounted to me an occasion when a Focke-Wulf 190 sneaked up behind to shoot him down. He put the nose down 5 degrees and put the throttle ‘through the gate’ outpacing the state-of-the-art German fighter. The outstanding performance of the ‘Wooden Wonder’ with its two supercharged Rolls-Royce 61 engines saved his life that day.

The story of George after the war is just as remarkable. Thinking there was not a lot of hope starting career as a civilian pilot, he setup a small electrical engineering company. He went on to produce Britain’s first heart pacemaker, control stations for nuclear power plants, design switching relays for Concorde and jet engine blades that are still in service with Rolls Royce to this day. The reason I got to know George was through my Parliamentary Colleague Andrew Bowie, the MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine. I was delighted to follow his lead in campaigning for a fitting national monument for those airmen of PRU. I attended and spoke at a recent parliamentary debate on the issue. There are only four living airmen from the PRU. I am proud to say that my Northampton South constituent George, now entering his 99th year, is one of them. This is why I am campaigning with George for a national memorial, to set in stone the names of those brave airmen who, to paraphrase John Maxwell Edmonds, gave their today for our tomorrow in a unit that helped change the course of the war. >> To find out more about the campaign you can visit www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-memorial

CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01604 978080 | Email: andrew.lewer.mp@parliament.uk | www.andrewlewer.com CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 42 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DE 16

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

Education

Start your journey with Ousedale Sixth Form

usedale Sixth Form has a long tradition of success, consistently achieving excellent results at GCE Advanced Level in all subjects and vocational routes. They have excellent study facilities and all classrooms are fitted with the latest technology. With over 400 pupils in their Sixth Form, Ousedale are proud to offer an ambitious, broad curriculum. Here is what one of their pupils has to say: I am studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths as well as undertaking an EPQ. The dedication of the excellent teachers at Ousedale Sixth Form (especially throughout the pandemic) has made me feel calm and relaxed as I progress to my final exams. I feel involved in my lessons and am confident that I have access to all the resources required for my subjects. I came to Ousedale Sixth Form for the excellent

teaching but I discovered the best thing about it is the positive community spirit of the students and staff. Whilst writing my personal statement and preparing my university application, I was supported and helped by several members of staff and even fellow students. I would recommend studying here because if you aspire to excellence, you will find people here to help you get there.” Ivo - Ousedale School.

Ivo - Ousedale School pupil

Ousedale’s new Sixth Form Prospectus 2022/24 which includes details about their facilities, opportunities available and the courses they will be offering, is now available to view on their website. They will also be launching their new Sixth Form introduction video on Thursday 6th January. >> Visit their website for full details www.ousedale.org.uk

Ousedale Sixth Form

Students are: Well prepared to leave Sixth Form and pursue their goals… Sixth Form students feel that staff support them well. Students appreciate the varied sessions on personal development… Committed teachers use their excellent subject knowledge to ensure that all pupils, and particularly pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. OFSTED (January 2020)

Students achieve well at Ousedale Sixth Form: • • • •

Top performing school in Milton Keynes at A Level/vocational courses Typically, a third of students gain a place at Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge Dedicated careers department with established relationships with a range of organisations Dedicated UCAS and ‘widening opportunities’ team

At Ousedale School:

• We consider all applications • We personalise and tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of our students • We believe that Further Education opportunities should be accessible and available to as many young people as possible • Provision includes a wide range of A Level and vocational courses. We also provide extensive opportunities for personal development

Sixth Form students at Ousedale benefit from: • Bursary funding available, including travel

• Specialist staff in a range of A Level and vocational courses • High level of pastoral support and a dynamic Student Leadership Team • A purpose built Sixth Form Centre and excellent IT • Excellent progression rates to Higher Education/Apprenticeships and study facilities • Opportunities to participate and compete in sport and • Wide-ranging enrichment activities including DofE, national competitions, music, ‘InvestIN’ courses and debating perform in the Arts

Sixth Form Open Evening

Thursday 6th January 2022, 5.30pm-8.30pm at our Newport Pagnell Campus

Presentations will be held at: 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm Presentations will be followed by a tour of the Sixth Form

To book on one of our three presentations, visit our website to register for the event:

www.ousedale.org.uk

Tickets are limited to ensure social distancing, book early to avoid disappointment! Newport Pagnell Campus - The Grove, Olney Campus - Aspreys, Newport Pagnell MK16 0BJ Tel: 01908 210203 Olney MK46 5LF Tel: 01234 717480 www.ousedale.org.uk Headteacher: Mr Andy Burton SSAT EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES AWARDS 2019 AW

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

LOCAL HISTORY

t sounds like a fairy tale, but this is a true story of how a Northamptonshire girl met and fell in love with a king hunting in the forest, married him in secret, and became the Queen of England, and grandmother to our most infamous monarch, Henry VIII. So who was this Northamptonshire girl, and how did she attract the attention of the king? Although Elizabeth’s father was a relatively humble knight, her mother was anything but. Jacquetta of Luxembourg was the daughter of European aristocracy, and claimed descendance from both Charlemagne the Great, and Mélusine, a mermaidlike shape-shifting water spirit with magical powers. Jacquetta first marriage in 1433 was to Prince John of Lancaster, son of Henry IV. It was short-lived as John died whilst they were in Rouen, France. The wealthy widow was obliged to seek permission from King Henry VI before remarriage, but unbeknown to the King, Jacquetta had fallen in love with her late husband’s chamberlain, a Northamptonshire gentleman named Sir Richard Woodville. Henry VI threw them together when he asked Sir Richard Woodville to escort the widow back to England. They married in secret on the way home and were only forgiven after paying a hefty fine

The marriage of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville from Ancienne Chronique d’Angleterre Jean de Wavrin

Elizabeth ~ England’s Northamptonshire Queen Richard and Jacquetta were in a powerful position. Jacquetta outranked all ladies at court except for the Queen, and Richard was created Baron Rivers, perhaps a tribute to his wife’s ancestor Mélusine. At the start of the Wars of the Roses, they were firm supporters of the House of Lancaster, and made their home at Richard’s manor in Grafton, Northamptonshire. 18

Their first child was born around 1437 in Grafton. Elizabeth Woodville grew up to be exceptionally beautiful, with all the most fashionable features in medieval society, tall, slender, with long fair hair, a pale complexion and a high forehead. Additionally, her eyes were considered beautiful, being heavy lidded, ‘like a dragon’. She was happily married at fifteen to Sir John Grey of Groby in

Leicestershire and gave him two sons. Sadly, her husband was killed fighting for the Lancastrians during the Wars of the Roses. She was left a widow, her lands seized by the Yorkists, and with no alternative but to return home to her parents at Grafton. The political tide was turning, and after the decisive Battle of Towton in 1461

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

LOCAL HISTORY

it became clear that the Yorkists had won, and that Edward IV would be crowned king. As former Lancastrian supporters, the Woodville family now changed their allegiance to support the new Yorkist regime. Possibly the first time Elizabeth met the new king was in 1461 when he visited Stony Stratford and pardoned her father for his support of the Lancastrians. Elizabeth was desperate to regain her late husband’s lands to support herself and her sons and arranged a ‘chance encounter’ with the King whilst he was out hunting in Whittlewood forest, near Silverstone. Edward had a notorious eye for the ladies and fell hard for the beautiful young widow, so much so that on 1st May 1464 they married in secret at Grafton, probably at the Hermitage rather than the church. The only witnesses were Jacquetta, two of the King’s men and the priest and altar boy. The couple consummated their marriage, then the King rode back to his household. He returned for a longer stay at Grafton, where Edward and Elizabeth only met each other when the household was asleep.

Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville

The years that followed were difficult. Warwick turned against the King and defeated the Royal forces at the Battle of Edgcote, near Banbury. Elizabeth’s father and brother were subsequently beheaded at Northampton, and the King was taken prisoner for a short time. Warwick continued plotting Edward’s death and came close to succeeding. At one point a heavily pregnant Elizabeth had to flee from the Tower of London towards safe sanctuary in Westminster Abbey, where she gave birth to Edward V. King Edward eventually triumphed over Warwick and the Lancastrian faction, and a period of happiness followed for the Royal family. But Edward had enjoyed a self-indulgent lifestyle, and this may have contributed to his early death aged only 41 ending this period of tranquillity.

Mélusine by Julius Hübner

This discreet visiting continued until September when the news could be hidden no longer as Edward’s advisors were pressing him to marry a European bride. The shock caused by the King marrying a commoner for love was enormous, and Edward relished it. He had Elizabeth crowned Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey with pomp and circumstance, and favoured her family with money, land and titles. This caused massive resentment especially in the Earl of Warwick and the entire Neville family.

Elizabeth had produced eight living children including two Royal princes, so she began preparations for the coronation of her eldest, Edward. His father had appointed Uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester to be Protector to the young Edward until he reached maturity. Richard captured both the Royal Princes and placed them in the Tower of London for ‘safekeeping’, and probably had them quietly disposed of. He then declared the marriage between Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV invalid and proclaimed himself King Richard III. Elizabeth and her daughters were treated well, Richard showing interest in marrying the eldest Princess Elizabeth. But when the news of the death of the

Princes in the Tower leaked, the country once again was in turmoil. Richard headed north, halting at Grafton Manor. He crushed the rebellion for a short time, but supporters of Henry Tudor, the Lancastrian heir gathered, including Elizabeth Woodville’s last remaining brother Earl Rivers. The challenge for the throne culminated at Bosworth in 1485, when Richard was killed, and Henry Tudor was proclaimed King by right of conquest. Princess Elizabeth of York now married the new King Henry VII instead of Uncle Richard, and England finally saw peace. Elizabeth Woodville had her honour restored, and lived quietly, eventually entering a convent at Bermondsey before her death aged 55. She was buried as she requested, quietly and without fuss, next to her beloved Edward. She never knew that her eldest daughter was to give birth to England’s most notorious King, Henry VIII and to become grandmother to England’s greatest Queen, Elizabeth I. Although she was a Northamptonshire commoner by birth, she brought a touch of Mélusine magic, and vigour to the English monarchy and is an ancestor of our own Elizabeth II as her 15th Great-Grandmother. They even share the same name. Written by Laura Malpas

> For more information about Grafton and its Royal connections, please visit www.grafton-regis.com

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

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RELATIONSHIPS

No fault divorce is coming No fault divorce is due to come into effect in England and Wales on 6 April 2022. From this date couples will be able to get divorced without one person needing to blame the other. This change will also apply to civil partnership dissolution.

he Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will be the biggest reform of divorce law in 50 years and means you’ll no longer have to make allegations about your partner’s conduct to obtain a divorce. Currently one spouse must allege adultery or unreasonable behaviour to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or wait at least two years. Under the new law, irretrievable breakdown will remain the sole basis for divorce but the need to give a reason will be removed. Couples can make a joint application where they both agree the relationship has broken down or, alternatively, one person can apply. There will be a minimum of 20 weeks between issuing a divorce petition and reaching the first stage of the divorce to give the couple a period of reflection and the possibility of reconciliation.

This long-awaited reform to the law will enable couples and their lawyers to focus on positive uncoupling rather than allocating blame, especially when a parting of ways is a mutual decision and there are children involved. Children undoubtedly cope better with a separation when their parents are not in conflict and can see a joined-up approach to their parenting. This continues into adulthood and their life events such as graduations, family events – perhaps even their own weddings. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, the average duration of a marriage at the time of divorce is 12.3 years for opposite-sex couples. This is a long time to share your life with someone and often having a good relationship with your ex and with wider family and friends is high priority, but this can be ruined by the legal process or the wrong approach by a lawyer. A good divorce lawyer will listen to what is important to you and work with your spouse and their lawyer, as well as other professionals you may need to support you along the way.

Under the new law, irretrievable breakdown will remain the sole basis for divorce but the need to give a reason will be removed.

Caroline Watson, national head of family law at Shoosmiths

Caroline White-Robinson, head of Shoosmiths’ organisational and personal development team

A good divorce will also require personal reflection and allow you to prioritise your wellbeing. Understanding how you are feeling will encourage you to consider the impact on your ex or children and the emotion involved in decision making.

Our coaching service

There is a lot to think about before you even issue a divorce petition, so we recommend you get advice early.

Our coaching service is delivered by Caroline White-Robinson, head of Shoosmiths’ organisational and personal development team for the last fifteen years. Aside from impeccable professional qualifications and membership of the British Psychological Society, Caroline also has direct personal experience of the aftermath of relationship breakdown and so truly understands what couples may be going through.

There are different tax rules depending on whether you are married, separated, or divorced. Tax advantages may only apply in the current tax year and therefore it is important to take tax advice before 5 April.

Caroline has since re-married and so also understands the stress of blended families and how the range of emotions, whichever side of the fence you sit on, can encompass hurt, guilt, anger, sadness, disappointment, and frustration.

Should you wait for no-fault divorce to start?

What next? • For an initial, free consultation and to find out about our fixed fee divorce, or to find out more about Shoosmiths’ relationship coaching service, please contact us: 03700 868686 or by email yourfamilymatters@shoosmiths.co.uk • Read our free information about tax on divorce and separation here: www.shoosmiths.co.uk/tax-on-separation • A useful source of support to help parents journey through separation, divorce and beyond is Resolution’s Parenting Through Separation Guide. You can download a copy from their website: www.resolution.org.uk/parenting-through-separation

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

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FASHION

Resolve to update your wardrobe for 2022

very Boxing Day onwards into January we get enticed by ‘The sales’ temptiong us both on line and in the high street to buy more and more clothes most of which we rarely or never wear. Often purchased because we ‘forgot’ we had half the clothes we own. How about a new approach? Only buying what we need for our lifestyle and for the occasions that require us to look more ‘put together’ that show others we mean business! Lockdown has changed the face of dressing for business considerably. However, it does not mean we can get away with worn, tired shirts, jackets that look like they have seen better days and trousers, whether they are casual or smart, whose waistband is heading towards your hip line rather than just below your waist due to the excesses of Christmas or lockdown. Finding quality combined with the correct fit and cut on any garments bought ‘off the peg’ or the internet is virtually impossible. Lots of Far Eastern countries are making a killing on the unwitting who find it impossible to return garments which might be advertised as your size, but are more likely to fit your ten-year-old son rather than you.

Dean’s experience over 35 years in menswear gives you the confidence to know you are in the expert hands. He understands the requirements of a man’s wardrobe and has a shop where you can spend an sorting all your requirements under one roof. From suits to shirts, jackets to trousers… he can even make you a great fitting pair of jeans. All the accessories you could possibly need too. Belts, socks, shoes, ties and handkerchiefs - he has it all covered. This is where it is essential to be measured by an expert, see examples of the finished items and actually spend time planning your next wardrobe purchases with care and attention. Feeling the fabrics, choosing beautiful linings and all the touches that ensure you will stand out from the crowd, whether in the next important business meeting on line or face to face.

Weddings are another important occasion. and many grooms are coming to us as it is becoming impossible to buy a suit anywhere. That also includes the rest of the wedding party who want to look their very best. Now evening and gala events are coming back on stream, the right type of evening wear is even more tricky to find. Whether it is velvet, tartan or silk, we have a variety of looks and styles to suit every discerning man’s taste and style. Start 2022 as you mean to go on with thoughtful purchases that add value to your wardrobe rather than just buying clothes because they were in the sale, as those purchases inevitably end up in the charity bag sooner rather than later. Give Dean a call or you and find out what he can do for you 01604 589907.

NO SALE but we are offering a free made to measure shirt* with every suit or jacket and trouser purchased until January 31 *Not in conjunction with any other offer

Scan to book your appointment

Visit us online at www.saintcrispin.co.uk or call 01604 589907 For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

FASHION

Nothing New

All items River Island

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

appy 2022! May this year be your best. But for style… what’s new?

Well – besides the urgency to re-evaluate our approach to loving fashion and buying clothes, and the need to think sustainably – not a lot. Because according to SS22 catwalks, this year will see a continuation of Y2K trends and things we’ve certainly seen (or worn) before.

We’re talking baggy jeans, outlandish accessories (cowboy hats, imagine) and the return (eep) of low-rise everything. There were cargo-style jeans at Balenciaga, bootcuts at Richard Quinn, and a nod to trouser skirts (?) at Molly Goddard, who put wide leg jeans under dresses. And midriffs? They were spied all over the catwalks - from Missoni to Emilia Wickstead, Prabal Gurung and more. If that doesn’t alter your New Year resolutions around diet and exercise, know that mini skirts are also waiting around the corner, for when the weather warms back up. Try a deep dive into the back of your existing wardrobe (or your mum’s?) for goods that may have survived the late 90s to 2008: Those cowl necks, cargo pockets, keyhole cutouts, and wide buckle belts which are surely destined to re-enter fashion’s radar. Else, see the flares in New Look, Millenniumready accessories at Zara, and 00s details on the clothes at River Island.

Zara £29.99

New Look £19.99

Luckily, the Y2K trend coincides with New Year/lifestyle vows to buy less, love items longer, recycle, repair and re-wear clothes in order to save them from landfill. Most of the above items being available, probably, to buy ‘new’ from your local charity shop.

Zara £29.99 Zara £27.99

Zara £9.99

Zara £179 Zara £25.99

Zara £129

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

New Look £34.99

HEALTH & FITNESS

Northampton Writer adds voice to thousands calling for end to stigma of Women’s Health A writer from Northampton has added her voice to thousands of women calling for doctors to open their ears to concerns about gynaecological conditions.

bi Leach, 27, says women can feel dismissed by medics if they raise concerns, calling on her own experience of trying to get help for mood swings and irregular periods as a challenging experience. Abi chose to speak out following the publication of new research by BMI Healthcare, part of Circle Health Group, and in partnership with the national charity Wellbeing of Women, which showed a worsening impact on mental health linked with long delays in identifying key gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis and

polycystic ovarian syndrome. “It took many years for me to actually get to see the right doctor and get heard”, she said, describing how her periods did not return even after she stopped taking the pill. At the age of 16, Abi was prescribed the pill to help stabilise the condition but instead of improving her condition, this only worsened her sense of powerlessness and isolation. “It took three years of me having no periods for there to be further tests done,” she said. “This was after five years of being on the pill non-stop, being swapped around from

pill to pill as more research was coming out.” Four years ago, she was diagnosed by ‘an incredible gynaecologist’ as having polycystic ovarian syndrome – a painful condition whereby ovaries are unable to release an egg; this can cause fertility problems. She also has suspected endometriosis, which causes internal blood pooling, and is on a waiting list for diagnosis. “There is a huge stigma surrounding women’s health,” said Abi. “Growing up, it felt as if we couldn’t talk about it because it was ‘gross’ and ‘messy’. I’ve always felt like I’ve just had to get on with it.”

Abi Leach: “It took many years for me to actually get to see the right doctor and get heard.”

Abi’s story is highlighted as part of large-scale research into women’s experience of gynaecological health conditions, carried out by Circle Health Group and published in November 2021.

To learn more about the research published by Circle Health Group and the Gynaecology services available at BMI Three Shires Hospital, visit: https://www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/hospitals/bmi-three-shires-hospital/gynaecology

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n 2021, more than half a million people signed up to Veganuary pledging to try a vegan diet. It’s a movement that has grown hugely in recent years, as people move away from animal products and towards better health by making the change to plant-based food. And with firms working to meet demand by introducing new products, ditching the meat and dairy has never been easier. As Veganuary 2022 approaches, Pulse’s resident vegan Sammy Jones checked the numbers and spoke with a couple of the businesses in Milton Keynes helping to ensure that meat-free doesn’t mean bland and boring... Veganuary launched in the UK in 2014 and is focused on changing consumer behaviours and attitudes, while providing all the information and practical support required to make the transition to veganism as easy and as enjoyable as possible through the month. More than 580,000 people from 209 countries took part in Veganuary 2021 by signing-up to give plant-based food a try. Knowing that around 10 times as many people usually take part in Veganuary than officially sign-up through the website, means more than five million people gave vegan eating a go! New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and television presenter and conservationist Chris Packham are among those supporting the initiative.

Chris said: “Trashing the planet does none of us any good, as the coronavirus pandemic shows all too clearly. But we can emerge from this stronger and wiser, with a renewed commitment to protecting the environment, its inhabitants and our own futures. Being vegan is a great way to support the natural world and to

40% of Veganuary participants plan to stay vegan 75% of those not staying vegan are reducing meat by 50% or more Reasons for taking part in 2021: 46% Animals, 22% Health, 21% Environment Plant-based dairy grew from £300m in 2017 to £608m in 2021, while plantbased meat alternatives grew from £308m in 2017 to £616m in 2021

Chris Packham and New York City Mayor Eric Adams (inset) are backing Veganuary

live sustainably.” Last year, thousands of businesses took part in Veganuary, while more than 825 new plant-based products and menus were launched including Pret’s Meatless Meatball Hot Wrap, M&S’ No Salt Beef Pretzel Roll, Subway’s Tastes Like Chicken Sub and Domino’s Chick-Ain’t pizza. Want to give it a go for 2022? Sign up by visiting veganuary.com/try-vegan

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

VEGANUARY

‘I feel it is the right lifestyle for me’

eganism has grown in popularity over the past decade and people are choosing the vegan lifestyle for a range of reasons. “Mine being health,” says Sophie, a member of the Daily Bread Co-operative in Northampton. She opted to become vegan six years ago. “I had been a vegetarian near enough all my life but I decided overnight that I would become vegan from the next day. Initially it was for my health but I learned that the benefits also include reducing my carbon footprint and helping to save animals so I feel it is the right lifestyle for me.” More than 125,000 in the UK signed up to the Veganuary campaign last year and such is the growth in demand for vegan food that it is now impossible for retail outlets and food delivery services to ignore.

Alternatives to meat are more expensive but plantbased wholefoods such as beans, nuts and grains The Daily Bread Co-operative aims to offer a are both affordable range of products for Vegans and (inset) Sophie and nourishing. A wide variety of vegan Year award at this year’s Weetabix food is now available. Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards. “We are spoilt for choice and it is never “I have worked for this bustling been a more appropriate time to tackle wholefood shop for over four years,” says your taste buds with new, exciting foods,” says Sophie. “We source our suppliers and Daily Bread member John Clarke. stock carefully and sell plenty of items that The Christian wholefood are usually hard to find elsewhere. co-operative, founded in 1980, “I would encourage readers and friends is committed to providing not and family to sign up to Veganuary in only a wide range of choice for 2022,” Sophie added, “Even if you just vegans but also for particular added more plant-based wholefood dietary requirements sources into your diet, you are doing including gluten free. The yourself, the animals and the planet shop is in Bedford Road, close some good.” to Northampton town centre and customers can order www.dailybread.co.uk online too. Facebook: Daily Bread sponsored the facebook.com DailyBreadNorthampton Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

VEGANUARY

Great for the planet and purse

e’ve written about the benefits of vegan eating, but there are other ways to help the planet too – and another fast growing market is the trend for refill shops. We should all be recycling; it’s easier than ever to do it, but the sheer volume that fills our bins and bags every week is still scary. Refill shops, where you bring your own containers, are the way forward. There is zero waste and zero packaging going off to landfill. Olney now has its own refill store, The Green Way 2 Shop. The family-run business opened in August, but while the shop may be new, their passion is nothing new. “My Dad Danny also has a Solar Panel business, The Greenway Solar, so I grew up being very aware of renewable energy and why it is necessary,” said Caitlyn Hirst, who is joined by her dad, mum Helen and sister Emily in the venture. Caitlyn came up with the idea for the store nearly a year ago, while studying at Oakgrove Sixth Form. “Plastic pollution is a very key issue that our planet faces and I wanted to help combat that in some way. Having a zero waste shop means people can buy foods and liquids with no plastic whilst also buying the quantities they need which reduces food waste. It’s my

belief that the shop will not only allow me to do tenth, nearly all of our customers always my bit, but will help other people to do theirs grab some chocolate!” Caitlyn said. as well.” “We have refillable liquids, and our Neroli And inviting people to switch from Laundry Liquid and Ginger Washing throwaway plastic to Tupperware Up Liquid is very popular. We and reusables has been easy. also have unique hazelnut “People come in wanting spread and peanut to make a change, and butter machines they love the idea of which customers bringing their own are fascinated by. containers and pots, They are a healthier so it hasn’t been alternative to branded hard at all,” Caitlyn nut butters.” told Pulse. The store also Aside from being carries stocks of environmentally sound, gluten free products, a trip to The Green Way coffee, jams, preserves 2 Shop is also a way to and much more, and it It’s easy to stock up at The Green Way 2 Shop save money too, isn’t it? has proven a big success. “Absolutely!” Caitlyn “The response has promises, “What shocks people been phenomenal,” Caitlyn most is the prices of our herbs and spices. acknowledges, “Olney has been incredibly On average a pot comes in at between 10 and supportive and residents are eager to 20 pence, whereas in a shop you sometimes make their individual changes. It’s already pay at least £1.50.” an eco conscious town, so we knew it was Perhaps unsurprisingly, chocolate is a big a perfect place for our shop. Its reputation winner here too. is now spreading to wider villages outside “Our most popular items are the chocolate of Olney, which is amazing!” covered nuts, fruits and honeycomb. Whether it’s someone’s first time in the shop or their Visit thegreenway2shop.co.uk

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For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

FOOD & DRINK

Grilled miso mushroom and grain salad INGREDIENTS

METHOD

2 tbsp Benecol Buttery Taste spread

1. Preheat the grill to high. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp spread with ½ tbsp miso paste, 1 tsp honey and the garlic. Arrange the mushrooms on a foil-lined tray and brush all over with the mixture; season and set aside. Mix the remaining 1 tbsp miso paste, 1 tsp honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar and 1 tsp water to make a dressing; set aside.

11⁄2 tbsp white miso paste 2 tsp clear honey 2 cloves garlic, crushed 4 large portabella mushrooms, cleaned and any thicker stalks trimmed 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 small leek, finely sliced 250g pouch ready-cooked spelt, quinoa, red rice and wild rice 1 tsp sesame seeds 1 carrot, peeled and julienned or coarsely grated

2. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp spread in a saucepan and gently fry the leek with a pinch of salt for 5-6 minutes until soft. Add the grain mix and cook for 1 minute. Tip into a bowl and set aside. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a few moments till golden, then tip into a bowl and set aside. 3. Meanwhile, grill the mushrooms for 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Toss the grains with the carrot, radishes and avocado and divide between plates. Top with the mushrooms (spooning over any juices), then spoon over the dressing and scatter with sesame seeds to serve.

100g radishes, finely sliced 1 small avocado, chopped Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 2

COOK’S TIP Any grain would work well in this salad. Try wild rice or quinoa instead of the grain mix if you prefer. Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose. Recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

FOOD & DRINK

On your marks… Pancake parlour reveals its recipe for success It is home to the oldest – and the best – Pancake Race in the world. So it seems only right that Olney should be home to the best coffee business and café in Milton Keynes. This year’s race is due to take place, as usual, on Shrove Tuesday (March 1). And Olney Pancake Parlour will be ‘flipping’ ready.

isters Gillian and Jennifer Donaldson, who manage the Olney Pancake Parlour, are pictured with kitchen manager Faye Hynes as they received the award for the Best Coffee Business/Café at the glittering Milton Keynes Food & Drink Awards 2021 in November which acclaimed the cream of the local food, drink and hospitality sector. They put their success down to three factors: Great service. Great food. Great teamwork. Gillian’s and Jennifer’s dad Barry, who with wife Sandra supports the girls behind the scenes, is delighted that the award is the result of a ‘secret shopper’ judging process. “It verifies the focus that we are giving to the service and the food,” he says. “It is a proper award and really worth shouting about.” Olney Pancake Parlour lies within a grade II listed building in Market Place. It dates back to 1651 and has been home to a bakery, florist, Chinese restaurant and the café Beans until the Donaldsons took over the building in 2016. The Olney Pancake Parlour has been a long-standing dream of the family. They have lived in Olney since 1995 and are

Sisters Jennifer (left) and Gillian Donaldson receive their MK Food & Drink Award for Best Coffee Business/Café. Also pictured is kitchen manager Faye Hynes (right).

well aware of the important link between the town and pancakes. There was a gap, they say, for a pancake destination and a stunning mural of the 1948 Pancake Race is a centrepiece of the café, highlighting its importance to the town. The family converted the building into separate areas: the parlour itself, furnished with booths, and a snug area popular with grandparents, parents and children alike. “Parents bring their kids in and kids bring their parents in,” says Barry. “Everyone loves a pancake.” Business was doing well until the pandemic struck. “We’d made a profit and we hoped we had sussed it,” he says. “We were looking onwards and upwards but now we have had to adapt to a changing world.” When the café reopened in between lockdowns, its opening hours reduced from 8am-5pm to 10am-3pm every day. “We cut our hours, we reduced our menu because we had to in order to focus on the

quality and we introduced table service. But that proved to be a winner because it means that we are receiving gratuities from customers, which means our service is what they want. It has changed the business.” Tastes have changed too during the six years since the Olney Pancake Parlour opened. “Gluten free has become more relevant since we opened and more people are choosing a vegan lifestyle so we have more of those options and dishes on the menu,” says Barry. “It is Veganuary this month and we think our menu will satisfy all requirements.” As the post-pandemic recovery continues, Barry, his daughters and staff have a clear plan to keep Olney townsfolk and visitors fed and watered. “These are changing times but we will move with those times, listen to our customers, continue to deliver great food and service and embrace the town,” he says.

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www.dogwalkernorthampton.co.uk For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

FOOD & DRINK

Pulse food writer Emma Norris enjoys a taste of sunny Spain at Casa De Tapas in Towcester.

recently discovered a real Latin-inspired gem – Casa De Tapas is a family-run restaurant located in the heart of Towcester. They serve authentic tapas in a historic, listed building along Watling Street in the centre of town. José – the tapas chef – originates from Seville, Spain and has previously owned successful restaurants in both the Canary and Balearic Islands and he, along with Company Director Katrina and chef Csabar, creates authentic and creative tapas dishes that taste (and look!) incredibly appetising. According to their website, the team at Casa De Tapas pride themselves on their collaborative efforts and consistently high standards when it comes to both the food and hospitality their guests receive, which is something I can absolutely vouch for. As a domestically-run restaurant, those behind Casa de Tapas recognise the importance of homegrown, independent and family businesses, hence why they source as many ingredients as they can from local suppliers, in addition to their authentic Spanish ingredients obtained from overseas. My visit to Casa de Tapas was mid-week and at lunchtime, which meant I was able to take full advantage of their £10 Tapas Lunch Board deal (available Monday to Friday, from noon until 5pm.) The restaurant also boasts other offers, such as 3 for 2 Tuesdays (where all menu items – food and drink alike – are 3 for the price of 2 all day) and Paella Wednesdays (where you can

House of Spain buy your choice of paella for two people, plus a bottle of wine of jug of sangria for £25.) With the Tapas Lunch deal, you’re able to pick 3 dishes from a vast array of choices. We were hungry (what’s new!) and opted to choose 3 boards at £30 in total, as it was far too difficult to narrow it down to just 6 dishes! While we were choosing our dishes, one of the staff members overheard our conversation about sangria and, as my guest wasn’t a fan of red wine, offered to adapt their menu and make a jug of white sangria (£15) which was absolutely delicious and a complete overhaul from my traditional view of the red wine punch. While we waited, we opted to start with the Bread Board at a very respectable £3.95 and, my gosh, we weren’t disappointed. The fresh, warm bread (from Whittlebury bakery) was served with lashings of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and was deliciously charred, perfect for dipping. Now on to the main event! After a long process of decision-making, the tapas dishes 32

we ordered arrived and all absolutely delivered. Our favourites were definitely the Spider Crab and Saffron Croquetas (rich and delicious spheres of joy!) the Chiperones (crispy baby calamari lightly floured and fried,) the Pork Belly braised in cider (succulent bite-sized chunks, sourced locally from the butchers in Greens Norton,) the Pimientos de Padron (fried and crusted with sea salt), and the Berejena Frita (my top dish – beer-battered aubergine chips drizzled in honey.) This isn’t however to say our other choices – Mini Chorizo Seco, Iberico Jamon Croquetas, Albondigas and Patatas Bravas – weren’t incredibly delicious too! Although stuffed, we completed our decadent lunchtime blowout with traditional Churros Con Chocolate at £5.95 – fried churros, sugar-coated and served with an authentic Spanish chocolate dipping sauce. Be sure to pop in and visit Casa de Tapas if you fancy a taste of the Mediterranean – but just a little closer to home.

The Tapas selection enjoyed by Emma (main image), the bread board (above) and Churros Con Chocolate (inset, left)

Casa De Tapas www.casadetapas.co Tel: 01327 352051 > If you would like your restaurant reviewed get in touch nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmaroseeats

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

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Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors – simplifying the complex For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

FEATURE

Beautiful Oliver is now ready for his fur-ever home

Black puddy-tats are loveable too

Just purr-fect; Amber the Devon Rex

Turning sad ‘tails’ into happy stories T

Irresponsible owners are fuelling a year on year increase in unwanted cats and kittens. Animals in Need is one of the brilliant rescue centres taking the strain, as Pulse's Sammy Jones found out.

hey might be much more independent than their canine opposites, but puddy-tats still need the love of a good owner, and a full belly. Should the mood take them, they might fancy a lap to curl up on, too. Sadly, at Animals in Need, the cattery is always occupied by those felines who have used up a few of their nine lives, or who have simply been dealt a bad hand. Sally Smith is the charity’s ‘cat lady’, and has been looking after the waifs and strays who find their way to the Little Irchester centre for the past 15 years. “They settle in much quicker than dogs as long as they are fed, warm and fussed – on their terms, obviously!” Sally said, “They manage to adapt to their temporary home with us relatively easily.” There are many reasons why Tiddles ends up at the rehoming centre; everything

from allergies, to owners who are unable to afford the expense of veterinary bills. Heartbreakingly, some are simply left behind when families move away. “Just thinking that people can be so callous as to move away and leave a member of their family behind is particularly upsetting,” Sally said. “We also get people who hand over cats that have terminal illnesses which they fail to mention, and by the time we do find out what’s wrong, it’s too late to do anything. We are there to help, we just need to be given the opportunity to do so.” But there are heartwarming ‘tails’ to share too – like the story of Oliver the feral feline who had cancerous tips on his ears. He had been a street cat for 10 years before Sally trapped him and turned his life around. “...being able to successfully treat him, and then to see him turn into the loveliest, cuddliest boy,” is one of Sally’s favourite

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

FEATURE stories, “You can actually see the love and expressions. You just need to know how to gratitude in his eyes.” read them. On average, Animals in Need takes in “Senior kitties are wonderful – and they between 250 and 300 cats every year. And are so appreciative of a warm lap and being it’s a problem that is getting worse. pampered in their twilight years. They can still “It is so frustrating that no amount of be playful in short bursts and usually have information or advice seems to be raising better manners than the youngsters!” awareness of the situation,” Sally said, “There Having so many mouths to feed means are so many cats in rescue, and ideally that the charity gets through a lot of tins of they would all find homes before any more cat food, bags of cat litter and toys to provide kittens are bred. a little light relief to these Rescue centres also lonely puddy’s. vaccinate, neuter and Even if you are unable to microchip cats, which offer Fluffy a home, you can saves the adopter still help the charity in its from the initial vet bill, amazing work – by donating and helps to keep blankets and toys, and dry numbers of unwanted and wet food. AIN also runs a litters down.” sponsorship scheme for just Black cats and £30 per year. those in their senior Sally goes the extra mile years tend to spend and takes her ‘work’ home; much longer looking she currently shares her for their fur-ever abode with seven cats, all homes than a from AIN. The majority have Little Lucky was found in a box next to a stream mischievous little various disabilities too. bundle of fluff, or an “Can you tell I like cats?” usually coloured one she asks with a laugh, will do. Us humans are a fickle lot, aren’t we? “Luckily, my other half likes them too, “I don’t understand the problem with black bless him!” cats at all,” Sally says, “People still associate It’s not always easy dealing with the them with bad luck, and we are also told that unwanted and their tales of woe, but Sally black cats lack any kind of expression on their wouldn’t change it for the world. faces! They are all gorgeous and no matter “I feel honoured to be part of such an what colour they are, all cats have many facial amazing organisation, saving lives and improving situations for both the animals and the people who need our help,” she added, “All the hard work and tears are insignificant in comparison to the success stories.”

What to consider before you take in a puddy-tat: > I t’s a lifetime commitment, so moggie needs to be factored into your long term plans >P et insurance can be pricey, but is necessary. Vet bills can easily run into thousands of pounds – money that few of us have to hand >N eutering is the responsible thing to do – and more than that, it’s essential >W hen you rehome any animal, you are responsible for their happiness. There is no room for failure > ‘ Adopt, don’t shop’ is more than just a cute slogan. It’s the real deal.

> To find out more about AIN's work, or if you would live to enquire about rehoming one of their cats, please visit: www.animals-in-need.org

Joe's purr-fect ending Pulse knows only too well the difference you can make by adopting, and with patience and love you can transform lives – and in turn, they’ll enrich yours. Joe was born in a garden shed in Milton Keynes in late autumn. Two litters of kittens were found crammed into the freezing space, and all struggling from the lack of food and warmth. The mother needed veterinary care, and so Joe and his brothers and sisters were split and sent to foster care whilst tiny.

Then and meow: Joseph as a tiny rescue kitten and (inset) all grown up

Joseph was the smallest of them all, a real runt of the litter. He had fleas, worms, a dodgy bottom (!) and

a serious eye infection. He wasn’t in great shape, but by the time Pulse’s Sammy Jones visited a foster home to pick a new member of her family, Joe was taking his first steps on a long road to recovery. “We loved his inquisitiveness and made him ours,” Sammy said, “It took some time, a lot of veterinary visits, even more eye drops and cuddles galore, but this timid little bundle turned into a healthy, strong little boy. His character and quirks have stolen our hearts, and 10 years on, he and his big ‘sister’ Minnie definitely think that our sole purpose is to cater for their every command. And we’re only too happy to oblige! “We rescued them both, but it’s not a one-way street. Animals do so much for us too, don’t they?”

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

HOME & GARDEN

DIGGING DEEP Gardening with Pulse Thoughts will soon turn to freshening up the home after a December of festivities, and the garden needs your attention too – putting in the work now helps set you up for a blooming good year ahead, and besides, the crisp fresh air will do wonders for the senses!

he new year is a time for fresh starts, and preparing for the months to come, and that means ensuring you have the tools to hand. Are yours rusty and worn? Go treat yourselves to replacements. If you have tired netting, or fences that have fallen during the harsh winds that have battered the outdoors in recent months, now is the perfect time to repair or replace. Check to see if your climbers are still safe and sturdy, and boost their support as necessary, and also confirm compost levels and identify the seeds you want to sow – preparation is key.

Remember to keep feeding the birds visiting your garden over the winter

Top Tip... Letting the eyes enjoy a heavily flowering English garden during summertime is a joy for the soul, but to ensure that petal power is plenty when the sun shines, you need to get to work now. January is the ideal time to plant seeds for sweet peas, begonias, petunias, geraniums and dahlias. A cosy windowsill with a balanced temperature is a good spot to use. Reach for the seed trays and use new compost. Checking them often will prevent any problems from taking hold. If you want a different sort of heat, now is also a time to plant chilli seeds – they will be ready for harvesting from July. 36

We mentioned last month that if snow should arrive, you need to deal with the aftermath; that means clearing heavy bursts from greenhouses, and from conifers and hedges. Excessive amounts of the white stuff can damage and snap branches. If we are lucky, we’ll escape a snowstorm and this advice won’t need to be heeded! Perhaps you have grand plans for your outdoor spaces in 2022 – a redesign, adding a water feature, or establishing a new flower or vegetable patch. Start thinking about how you want it to work, and what you need to achieve the results. If you have wisteria, rose bushes, or overgrown honeysuckle, now is the time to prune them, and pay attention to the constant problem of weeds. It pays to keep on top of chores. A reinvigorated attitude means new energy in the garden and if you surrender the time now, you will reap the rewards all year long. Do continue your support of our wildlife. Leave some areas of your outdoor space uncut until warmer weather comes in, and supply food for our feathered friends who currently have twice the woes to contend with – less readily available food, and a real chill factor.

How does your garden grow? “Now it’s time to put the decorations away and recycle any green material such as greenery on wreaths, in flower arrangements, and of course the Christmas tree if you had a real one,” writes Gill Routhorn from Denton & District Gardening Club, “All decorations should be taken down by 12th night, 6th January. If you own a shredder, that’s great. Your local authority will probably offer a green waste collection service and possibly a special Christmas tree collection. “So what to do in the garden? I adore home grown vegetables and this month is a key month for planning and ordering your vegetable seeds and seed potatoes. “Obtain some catalogues and sit in the warm with them, or go online. Early ordering of seed potatoes is especially important so you have time to get them shooting ‘chitting’. “Decide what vegetables you want to grow and then, this is the difficult bit, select your varieties. “Visit local shops to see what is available or order online. If you don’t have, or don’t want, a dedicated plot for your vegetables, think about planting attractive varieties in your flower borders and shrubberies. “I particularly favour Swiss Chard Bright Lights (pictured). Runner Beans can be grown using wigwams of canes. Red, pink and white flowered varieties are available. There is even a red flowered broad bean! Happy browsing and don’t forget to prune apples and pears this month.” 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.

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

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The Pantone Colour of the Year 2022 is here and, for the first time in the history of the Pantone Colour of the Year, they have created an entirely new colour: Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri. The combination of violet red undertones and blues represents the transformation of the physical and digital world. This transformation has emerged following lockdowns and isolations which has meant the digital world has taken a new place in our lives. This shift is seen in many areas including in digital art, the NFT phenomenon (Google it!) and the rise of the metaverse. We are breaking new frontiers and with them come new possibilities and transformations. Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri is described by Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, as conveying a 'Spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions'. We have combined a range of products to represent this beautiful colour. We think it's going to be a hit!

Purple agapanthus stem £7.50

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Small cushion vase amethyst £27

Purple iris floral art print £15

dartington.co.uk

florarozita.com

Dogrobe purple dog drying robe £21.95 dogrobes.co.uk

Old lilac purple storm lamp £25

Flower bottle anemone amethyst £49 dartington.co.uk

scaramanga.co.uk

Catana retro round table £99

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

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Jacobsen style egg chair - purple cashmere £679

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For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

INTERIORS

www.redefiningwoodburners.com

www.acrstoves.com

Woodburning Wins W

ith energy providers collapsing, spiralling wholesale prices forcing an increase in the energy price cap, and a greater awareness of the effects of energy consumption on climate change, now seems as good a time as any to reconsider the way in which we are heating our homes. When compared to standard heating systems there are definitely good savings to be had from installing a wood burning, solid fuel stove. They can be 13% to 77% cheaper to run than conventional systems according to data from This Is Money and the Stove Industry Alliance. However, with the cost of a stove ranging anywhere from £500 to £5000, added to the cost of professional installation (essential for safety), it’s worth carrying out your own review as to the savings you might hope to achieve. The cost of the stove itself will be determined primarily by style and wattage but added features will also make a difference. A large stove with a big window or a slimline stove with an integrated log store will be more costly, as will a doublesided stove or one that can be swivelled to fit into a corner. You’ll need to decide which features are worth paying for and which are not.

Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com 40

Installation costs will be influenced by your house. You will have to pay more if your chimney requires relining or is particularly tall and needs external scaffolding. If you don’t already have a vent in your room then you’ll need to budget for that, as well as the subsequent making good. A vent is required to meet building regulations so unless you already have one, this isn’t a cost you can avoid. The type of fuel you choose to burn will also have a significant impact on cost, as well as heat output and performance. You may be restricted by the type of fuel you can get access to, what space you have to store it and whether or not you live in a smoke control zone. Information gathered by The Sun newspaper estimates that stove owners consume around 1 – 1.25 tonnes of wood per annum depending upon the type of

wood that you choose to burn, the wattage and efficiency of your stove model, the number of hours you choose to run it, and the effectiveness of insulation within your home. There are four different types of fuel available – seasoned logs, those that are freshly cut, wood pellets and briquettes (comprised of crushed paper or wood). Freshly cut logs are by far the cheapest to purchase but they will have a high moisture content, between 50% and 60%. Burning moist logs will cause a buildup of tar in the chimney and increase harmful air pollution, so is to be avoided. Instead, stockpile wood in a covered area outside your home and allow to dry for one to two years before burning. This will, without doubt, be the most cost-effective way to supply your stove with fuel in the years ahead.

www.redefiningwoodburners.com

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

THE ARTS

The annual cost of maintaining a wood burning stove will be limited to a once or twice-yearly chimney sweep. This keeps your stove in good working order and ensures it doesn’t produce potentially harmful pollutants or become a fire risk. Around a million households across the United Kingdom choose to warm their homes using a log burner but it’s important to point out that a log burner won’t heat your entire home, only the room it’s located in and potentially, the adjacent rooms surrounding it, so you’ll still have to have the heating on in other rooms. Checkatrade suggests the average cost to install a log burner is around £2,000 and that’s on top of the stove itself. Installation can involve a new fireplace and hearth, and costs could be even higher if you don’t already have a chimney. If the environment and reducing emissions is an important factor in your decision-making, then a new certification scheme launched in August 2020 is available to guide you. www.clearskiesmark.org helps you identify the most eco-friendly log burners

www.wallsandfloors.co.uk

by confirming that they meet or exceed the forthcoming Ecodesign Regulations. Clear Skies state that the certification reflects the appliance’s independent test results for efficiency and four different types of emissions and gives the consumer confidence that they are choosing a low emission and low carbon heating solution for their home. The Energy Saving Trust - a social enterprise organisation - has previously claimed that installing a wood-burning stove reduces a household’s reliance on other forms of heating by 10 per cent. This figure rises to 20% for larger appliances. And although the initial cost of purchase and installation of a wood burning stove means that you won’t save money in the short term, over a longer period it will save you money by reducing your fuel costs, so much so that the initial cost of the stove can be recuperated. Wood burning stoves are a low-carbon alternative to heating your home using fossil fuels. Whilst not completely environmentally clean, they do offer an acceptable interim solution for those needing to save money on their bills whilst wishing to be more environmentally conscientious.

Character animals in watercolours

espite Bev Davies possessing formal art training, it wasn’t until 2020 and the twist of fate that happened to be the Covid-19 pandemic which encouraged her to start creating her own art prints. Almost two years on and her charming animal portraits, composed of watercolours, pen and ink, are now collected in homes around the UK, bringing the joys of the wilderness indoors. Her limited edition prints are full of life and character, incorporating natural colourings to depict hares, frogs and a whole host of other animal friends. Despite the pandemic’s challenges and hardships, this one element of it happens to have been a stroke of luck for Bev! Having been advised to shield in February 2020 due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the commencement of an immunosuppressive biological treatment for ulcerative colitis, Bev found herself stuck at home with plenty of free time ahead of her. She had her roots in the art world, with experience studying at Wrexham Art College and a BA in 3D glass design, and up until this point, she had been running a glass studio business with her husband, a fellow glass artist. This career had brought her much enjoyment and success, but she had always had a desire to pursue painting, putting it off as a result of a lack of confidence and opportunity. However, with the wake of the pandemic and an indefinite future of shielding lying ahead, Bev decided

now was the perfect time to make the leap and take a chance on her passion. She initially began by producing a series solely for her own entertainment, in which she conveyed her feelings of loneliness and isolation through an alter-ego – which just so happened to be a goldfish! Harnessing a style that embraces dynamism and fluidity, she continued to produce portraits of animals from her Shropshire home; a subject matter that perhaps initially appealed as a way for her to vicariously experience their ability to roam freely, while she was unable to. Upon discussing her choice of medium, she notes, “I love the transparency of watercolour, and the use of a pen allows me to express extra movement and feeling.” Now, having gained great popularity in the contemporary art scene, Bev’s independent art career is really taking off, and her range of limited edition prints are beloved by many on the walls of their homes. She describes her style as still-emerging and evolving, which makes the release of new artwork from Bev an even more exciting experience!

Gemma Davey Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

MUSIC

Music fans luck out with National Lottery tour

f you ‘know’ music, you’ll know just how important our grassroots venues are, and you’ll understand the devastation caused by the pandemic, with stages empty, bars quiet and doors locked. Following the success of The National Lottery’s Revive Tour last summer, which contributed £1M to help the industry get back up and running after the craziness of Covid, a second wave of dates were announced countrywide at the start of December. The Black Prince bagged two of the new year shows - and very tasty they are, too. The Wytches will deliver 10 gigs as part of the tour for the Music Venue Trust, stopping off at the Northampton venue on night two of the schedule, on January 6. And the band is buzzing at the prospect. “It’s an amazing thing to be a part of because these small venues are very close to our hearts,” bassist Dan Rumsey said, “They helped us become a band and find ourselves when we were first starting out. Without them there would be no bands. That’s why the campaign is so important, it allows musicians to go out and do what they love, and in turn keeps the grassroots venues open and running as they should be!” Since coming together a little over a decade ago, The Wytches have issued three albums, and a whole host of ep’s. In the lead up to the tour the band has made its return to the

Catch Calva Louise at The Black Prince on January 25

The Wytches play The Black Prince on January 6

studio, working on the follow-up to Three Mile Ditch, which was declared a release that ‘weaves seamlessly between gut-wobbling monster riffs, swampy rock, slick surf and finely tuned song craft.’

And there is a big audience waiting for more of that good stuff. On January 25, Strange Bones and Calva Louise will co-headline the haunt as part of the same venture. Last August, Blackpool’s Strange Bones delivered their debut elpee, England Screams, described as ‘a mutant creation spawned from a year of experimentation and pushing personal boundaries.’ The band of brothers (vocalist/guitarist Bobby, bassist Will and guitarist Jack) were joined in noise making by drummer Nathan Sanderson. Bobby took care of writing, production, mixing and engineering duties which ensured ownership of the material, and no doubt kept the costs down too! A win-win. The idea behind the album came from “trying to understand the relationship between order and chaos, the two factions that fly different flags but create balance when they meet in battle,” Bobby said, “I’m not afraid of taking things to extremes, which aligns with the highs and lows of not just songwriting, but life in general.” There is nothing lightweight here; instead listeners can gorge themselves on a mix of punked-up angst and venom with distorted guitars and heavy sub-bass. That potency only increases in the sweaty urgency of a gig haunt, of course. “Strange Bones has never been driving in

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

MUSIC

A Whole Lotta Love from The Roadmender

Strange Bones also play The Black Prince on January 25

Pic: Derek Bremner

one lane, the whole f**king highway is open,” Bobby admits. Eclectic trio Calva Louise will co-headline the show, and are sure to pull from their current album, Euphoric, which has been deemed their most multifaceted work so far. The release was influenced by graphic novels and sci-fi movies: “Euphoric tells a story about the duality of the human being and the different perceptions of reality,” vocalist Jess Allanic shared, “The lyrics detail episodes of a dreamer’s experiences as an inner conversation with his other self, his counterpart, to experience freedom and have an encounter with the unknown.” You know those nights out where you are left feeling a little bit cheated by the lack of urgency and substance? This gig won’t be one of those. Try for show availability by clicking to ticketweb.co.uk > Buying a ticket? You could take a friend to the shows for free so long as they can show that they are a National Lottery player. Simply show a physical lottery ticket, or show one on the app, at the door. Free tickets must be ‘purchased’ at the same time as the original General Admission ticket. Even if you don’t win the lottery, you will have won a little bit of sound relief, and the value of music? That’s priceless, right? Also at The Black Prince, Northampton’s Big Loss will top the bill on January 15. It’s been a few years since the band members came together following introductions via various collaborations. Back then, they took their cues from ‘90s Midwestern emo and ‘60s girl groups,’ and got busy with a demo and EP release in the first few months.

The Roadmender eases into the new year with a late January gig by tribute types Letz Zep, who will play on January 28. If you are getting a feeling of déjà vu, that’ll be because we told you about this a few months ago – and then due to the fluid Covid situation, the gig was postponed. Fingers-crossed for this rescheduled date, then. The real Led Zep are impressed by those paying tribute: “I walked in, I saw me,” said Robert Plant. The band also performed in the presence of Jimmy Page who then met the guys and told them, “That was ambitious, but you pulled it off, You have captured the spirit of Led Zeppelin concerts. You really are very, very good.” Want to book? Click to theroadmender.com

Mange manage latin vibes on new release

Northampton’s own Big Loss (left) appear at The Black Prince on January 15 along with Katie Malco (above)

Their most recent offering, Three Knots, was issued in October and let loose stories of loss, hypochondria and general anxiety about the world at large...’ BLOOD-VISIONS will bring their punk produce to the floor in support, and fellow ‘fampton girl Katie Malco will open the show armed with her telecaster and a voice of plenty, as heard on her debut album, Failures. Despite not being a radical departure from the original, her version of the Kate Bush classic Cloudbusting is a real beauty in its own right. Push the January blues away; tickets are a total bargain at just £4 in advance through skiddle.

Mange Le Funk Productions have issued a new track by The African Sunset Project, and label guy Suff Sakoor has delivered his own take on the track, Father. “I’ve gone for a Detroit Techno style vibe with some 808 and 909 drums in homage to the pioneers like Derrick May, and I have taken this emotive track into a deep ‘State of Mind’ journey,” Suff said. “This beautiful, melancholic and emotive work represents the connection and love between a father and son, or daughter.” Father has been the subject of several remixes in total; Delivering good things for fans of the deep and jazzy side, and the bumpy yet smooth garage jazz. And those partial to deep afro latin vibes will have no complaints either. The track has a particular poignancy for Suff, with The African Sunset Project dedicating his remix to the memory of his father, Mohammed Dil Sakoor. If you want to investigate further, click to FB @mlfproductions

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

THEATRE

Pic: Matt Crockett

Waitress ‘service’ at The Derngate The month of January can feel particularly sombre; grey days, long dark nights and the postChristmas lull do little to raise spirits. And just WHEN will payday arrive?! Break the drear with a little theatrical cheer. Sammy Jones has the round-up.

here are more chances to catch The Gruffalo at The Royal, as the magical, musical adaptation continues until January 2. Former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton brings the energy with Burn the Floor (Jan 5) a fiery, energetic and eclectic delivery that promises an abundance of infectious, rebellious energy and passion, with dances including the Tango, Waltz and Rhumba waiting to cut loose. “Burn The Floor is the show that ignited a spark in me and changed me forever as a performer,” Kevin says. The Night Sky Show (Jan 8) will use special effects to help you understand the heavens above and beyond as science fiction and science fact come together for a journey around the constellations, stars, planets and more. Adrian West will lead you across the cosmos from our celestial backyard, giving you a Saturday night to remember – and this isn’t a heavy lesson in science. It is entertaining and easily absorbed. Will you be taking a slice, or rather a ticket, to see the musical comedy Waitress (Jan 10-15)? 44

Jenna is a waitress and expert pie-maker, but what she really wants is a little happiness. Then a hot new doctor arrives in town and things get complicated. Thanks to the support of her work pals Dawn and Becky, Jenna overcomes challenges and discovers that laughter, love and friendship is the perfect recipe for happiness. Busted bassist and co-frontman, and hubby to Emma, Matt Willis stars as Dr Pomatter. Pop-star credentials, massive music and pie. What a winning combination. The Core at Corby presents soul satisfaction with the American Four Tops Show (Jan 14) featuring the ace vocal abilities of William Hicks, a big man with a voice to match. Fans of The Temptations, Drifters, Platters, Stylistics and the like will be in musical heaven. Over at The Deco, one-time Britain’s Got Talent finalist Siobhan Phillips will be Live and Unhinged (Jan 15). Expect observational daft ditties from the lady described as ‘the love child of Peter Kay and Victoria Wood.’ Back at the Derngate, how about something with rock star credentials? Queen Extravaganza Sukh Ojla brings her comedy show Life Sukh to The Deco

Catch Waitress (above left) and Rambert Dance Company performing Aisha And Abhaya (above right) at the Royal and Derngate this January. Then prepare for adventures with Jason Fox (inset below) at the end of the month

(Jan 16) is the official tribute to Mr. Mercury and co. and comes with more than a nod from the real deal; Brian May and Roger Taylor hand-picked and produced this rolling cast of musicians. If you want a job done properly, it pays to get the right people in – not least when you’ve got a legacy like those guys do. “It’s our own official tribute band,” says Roger. The wonderful Rambert Dance Company deliver Aisha And Abhaya (Jan 18/19) which combines film, animation, music and live performance, and then the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) performs the music of Amy Winehouse (Jan 21), reimagining hits and revisiting the early works that she sang with NYJO at the turn of the millennium, while still in her teens. Whether big band jazz fan or Amy obsessive, this performance will wow you – not least with Winston Rollins as the event MD. His list of credits is phenomenal, spanning Tom Jones to the Spice Girls and Chaka Khan to Jamiroquai. And he worked with Amy on her debut album, Frank. The Deco delivers Sukh Ojla with her comedy show Life Sukh (Jan 21). From dealing with mental illness to moving back in with her parents, this hour long performance will explore identity and living a double life in a ‘searingly honest look at what happens when life doesn’t go to plan.’ If it’s a truly thrilling time you are after, SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jason Fox will share details of his daring exploits with the show Life At The Limit (Jan 30) at The Derngate, before the big and beautiful hit musical Hairspray arrives for a six-day stay from January 31. > Make your choices and click to book: The Core: thecorecorby.com Royal and Derngate: royalandderngate.co.uk The Deco: thedeco.co.uk

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

WHATS ON

#WhatsOnPulse Parks & Run: Loughton Valley Park Sunday, January 2 Join The Parks Trust for a 3, 5, or 9km run, beginning at 10am. Meet at Bradwell Abbey Car Park, Alston Drive. Participants will sign in upon arrival. Jog on: theparkstrust.com Kevin Clifton – Burn The Floor Wednesday, January 5 Join the Strictly star turned stage ace as he delivers the intensity of the Tango, sweeps you away with the romance of the Waltz and brings the sensual side with the Rhumba. Not a feel-good show, but rather a feel-fantastic one coming to Northampton’s Derngate. Fancy footwork: royalandderngate.co.uk Poizon and Motley Crude Friday, January 7 Revisit the hazy days of hair metal and The Sunset Strip with this lively tribute to Motley Crue and Poison. If you’ve still got your Christmas tinsel, it’ll be welcome at MK11 for this date! Wildside: mkl11kilnfarm.com Bletchley Vegan Market Saturday, January 8 A huge variety of vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewelers, zero-waste champions and environmental charities come together for this Vegan Market Co. event which will run in Queensway between 10.30am and 4pm. Very, very tasty: Click to FB and search Bletchley Vegan Market Denton & District Gardening Club Monday, January 10, 2022 Speaker Michael Brown will talk about ‘Poison in the garden.’ The meeting is being held at Denton Village Hall (NN7 1DT). Entry is free for members, £3 otherwise. There will be a raffle and home-made refreshments. Visitors are welcome at this small, friendly club. Grow new interests: Call 01604 890875 or email m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk

Kevin Clifton is set to Burn The Floor at Northampton’s Derngate

Walk & Talk: Understanding Campbell Park Tuesday, January 11 An opportunity to explore MK’s central park and learn more about how The Parks Trust manages this grade II listed landscape. The event will focus on the park’s design features and different habitats, and the walk and talk runs between 1pm and 3pm. Jog on: theparkstrust.com Collateral Friday, January 14 The Brit-rock sextet comes to The Craufurd Arms ahead of a European tour alongside Skid Row. Fists in the air: thecraufurdarms.com The Snow Queen Friday, January 14 Ballet Theatre UK re-tell Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale ballet at The Deco. Tip-toe to get tickets: thedeco.co.uk

Charity Karaoke Night Saturday, January 15 Towcester Mill Brewery hosts its first Karaoke Night in aid of the Mayor’s Charity, the Renew 169 Wellbeing Cafe. Attend with your pals or rock up alone – you’ll be made welcome at the fun event in support of a great cause. In tune or not: towcestermillbrewery.co.uk Big Loss Saturday, January 15 Northampton’s Big Loss hold their Three Knots EP launch at The Black Prince. Listen in: Click to FB and blackprincenn A Country Night in Nashville Saturday, January 22 Enjoy the energy and atmosphere of a buzzing Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville from your seat at Milton Keynes Theatre, with songs including Ring of Fire, Crazy, Follow Your Arrow, 9-5 and The Gambler. Dominic Halpin & The Hurricanes will be taking care of the music. Nashville nice stuff: ATGTICKETS.COM/miltonkeynes

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

Burns Night Supper Sunday, January 23 Enjoy words, music, poetry and toasts at The Marquee Suite, Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford, from 7pm. Pre-booking is essential. ‘Sláinte Mhath!’ stonywords.org.uk Live Comedy Thursday, January 27 Join sell-out veterans of Edinburgh Fringe The Noise Next Door as they bring the funnies to Towcester Mill Brewery. Mark Nelson will open the event with his mix of dark humour, cutting observations and clever one-liners. Your event compere is resident MC Pete Teckman. With material that will definitely be of an adult nature it’s over 18s only for this show. Reasons to smile: towcestermillbrewery.co.uk

Future Sounds of Drum & Bass Friday, January 28 A heap of local talents will be showing out at Unit Nine in Old Wolverton. Those on the bill include B-Don, Hazey & Milnebass, Jem, Vessel and Balaclava. It’s a big line-up with hours to suit; running from 9.30pm to 4am Check in: unitninemk.com Stony Words: Mr Simpson’s Little Consort Saturday, January 29 Especially for youngsters, the musicians present a Pirates Children’s Concert at at St Mary and St Giles Parish Hall in Stony Stratford, from 11am. Sounds great: stonywords.org.uk

Stony Words: Kate Kennedy Friday, January 28 Join Kate as she presents ‘Dweller in the Shadows - A Life of Ivor Gurney’ at at St Mary and St Giles Parish Hall in Stony Stratford, at 7pm. Out of the shadows: stonywords.org.uk

Stony Words: Nicola Wilson Saturday, January 29 Nicola presents ‘Miss Nobody – the Writing Journey of Ethel Carnie Holdsworth, an ex-mill girl’, at at St Mary and St Giles Parish Hall in Stony Stratford, at 1pm. Wordy business: stonywords.org.uk

Letz Zep Friday, January 28 Head to the Roadmender and get your rock on with a tribute to the masters, Led Zeppelin. How good are they? A few words from Robert Plant tell you all you need to know; “I walked in, I saw me.” High praise indeed. Whole Lotta Love: theroadmender.com

Ronan Keating Saturday, January 29 Four-times Platinum selling singer and songwriter Ronan Keating visits Northampton Derngate as part of his tour in support of the current Twenty Twenty album. Jump on the rollercoaster: royalandderngate.co.uk

Ronan Keating plays Northampton Derngate this month

Enjoy international and national theatre and dance performances from the best seat in the house at MK Gallery’s Sky Room independent cinema. Event Cinema ROH Live: Tosca Wednesday 19 January | 7pm Into the romantic world of an idealistic painter Cavaradossi and his sensuous lover Tosca comes the malevolence of Baron Scarpis, Chief of Police, with fatal results. Jonathan Kent’s taut and intense production with Paul Brown’s historically charged designs wonderfully evokes the dangerous atmosphere of Rome in 1800, where love and evil come – thrillingly – face to face. Bolshoi Ballet: Jewels Sunday 23 January | 3pm Emeralds for the elegance and sophistication of Paris, rubies for the speed and modernity of New York, and diamonds for an imperial St. Petersburg. Three sparkling scenes accompanied by the music of three essential composers, feature the styles of the three dance schools that have contributed to making George Balanchine a legend of modern ballet. NT Live: Leopoldstadt Saturday 29 January | 7pm At the beginning of the 20th century, Leopoldstadt was the old, crowded Jewish quarter of Vienna, Austria. But Hermann Merz, a factory owner and baptised Jew now married to Catholic Gretl, has moved up in the world. Regarded as ‘Britain’s greatest living playwright’ (Times), Tom Stoppard’s critically acclaimed new play Leopoldstadt is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance. Exhibitions Laura Knight: A Panoramic View Until Sunday 20 February 2022 Major retrospective celebrating one of the most popular English artists of the twentieth century. Free entry for Milton Keynes residents every Tuesday. Free guided tours every Tuesday & Saturday at 2pm with exhibition ticket. Sanctuary: The Unlikely Home of British Rave Until Sunday 23 January 2022 Exhibition curated by journalist, writer and former Dazed editor, Emma Hope Allwood telling the story of the infamous all-night club that operated in Central Milton Keynes from 1991-2004. For full cinema listings at MK Gallery, and to book tickets, please visit www.mkgallery.org or call on 01908 676 900.

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

MOTORING

'Simply a great car'

Honda Jazz FACTS AT A GLANCE ADAM TUDOR-LANE takes the fourth generation Honda Jazz out for a spin.

may be old before my time, but I do love a Honda Jazz. It gets a lot of stick, and yes, the majority of buyers are grey-haired with beige Velcro shoes, but they're one of, if not the most practical and frugal vehicles on our roads today. The latest iteration builds on the last generation, and I genuinely love it. Prices start at £19,000 and go up to £22,000. There's just one engine to choose from and the optional extras; well, they're bump strips, a grille insert and matching mirror caps in a choice of three colours. Everything has gone very Japanese; the front looks like a little happy face, with bright eyes and a chirpy excited look. It's keen to get out in the world.

Side on there's that familiar swoopy profile, and the rear has an incredibly large boot lid… which is sometimes difficult to not hit yourself with when you open it as the handle is so high. Probably the most impressive thing about the Jazz is just how frugal it is—powered by a new Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) 1.5-litre petrol engine coupled to two electric motors. This gives a combined power output of 108 BHP and 253 Nm of torque. To make life easier that electric power is coupled to the engine through a new e-CVT gearbox, which is a darn sight quieter than the CVT of old. There's no manual option to be had and to be honest, it makes driving a breeze, especially for the type of around town work many Jazz owners are likely to put it through. 0-62 mph isn't breathtaking at 9.4 seconds for the base model, rising to 9.9 for the off-roady inspired Crosstar model. Thanks to the extra electric punch though, the Jazz never feels that slow. Off the mark up until, say, 30, it's pretty nippy. In terms of MPG, I saw 79.9 over a 50-mile drive. Now that was in ‘ECON’ mode, over a mixture of fast A and B roads, with a short motorway section. It bodes well for chugging around town though. Ride is on the softer side, which isn't bad as it soaks up a lot of the rougher terrain we have to cope with on UK roads. It does mean there's some body roll in corners, but take an S bend at a

Top Speed: 108 MPH Performance: 0-62 in 9.4 secs Power: 108 BHP Economy: 63 MPG (Claimed) healthy pace and the Honda Jazz remains surefooted. Inside is as plucky and Japanese as the outside; it feels like it's taken some cues from the '90s with its sizeable central LCD for the dials, which is flanked by light-up bar charts. Think of an original Prius dashboard, but with more colour. A central infotainment screen measures 9 inches, the maps are Garmin powered, and the whole OS is similar to that found on the new Honda e, which is incredibly welcoming and slick to use. Everything feels good in terms of quality, all the touchpoints are great, and there's little in the way of cheap plastic to be found. Move to the rear, and the 'Magic Seats' are still in place. These fold flat with one pull, making the Jazz a cavernous tip trip lugger with ease. You can also store a decent amount of stuff under them when they're in their normal position. We all know the Jazz suffers from an image problem in the UK, but the little Honda is simply a great car; this fourth generation is the most likeable yet, the frugality was downright impressive without me even trying. Couple that with emissions as low as 102 g/km, the incredible practicality and happy go lucky design ethos, I can honestly say the Jazz is one of the top cars of the moment for me.

For more car news, reviews and motorsport action visit carwitter.com or follow us @car_witter 48

January 2022 | NN Pulse Magazine | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

VIEW FROM THE FAR KERB

HARD!

SUDOKU PUZZLE SUDOKU PUZZLE Fillininthe the grid every every column and every Fill grid so so thatthat every row,row, every column and every 3x3 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats. box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats. Good luck! Good

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

ACROSS

1. Captured 5. Legal rules 7. Address crowd 8. Nucleus 9. Actor, ... Connery 10. Articles 11. Lyrical 13. At any time 14. Knot in hair 18. Recalibrates 21. Agricultural holding

22. Cooking oil source 24. Coastal sand strip 25. Narrate 26. Ring (of bells) 27. Fencing blades 28. Stomped (on) 29. Brings to bear

DOWN

1. Aircraft flight deck 2. Country, ... Britain

PHIL O’HARA

he New Year has created mixed views. A new beginning. More of the same pain. Different pain. Ultimate victory. All with seemingly random numbers. Everyone will be welcoming the New Year 2222, meaning c a l e n d a r m a ke r s a n d practitioners of numerology will do bumper business. It will be really cool to write '2222' every time the date is required. I assume people will still be able to write two hundred years from now? Maybe dates won't be required when booking a flying taxi. No, I mean, when booking a transport beam transfer between continents. Double no. I meant to write, when booking a transport beam transfer between planets in our star system. Triple no! Obviously I should have written, when booking a transport beam transfer between Earth and the planet Zog… I freely accept that when it comes to making predictions regarding how society and technology will turn out two centuries from now, I am probably not up there with the likes of Nostradamus. However, I like to think my poetry is better than his efforts. Some of his quatrains didn't even rhyme. I obviously try harder. But just think of the joy attached to writing '2222' every time you record the date. Instead of using a pen or keyboard (onscreen or physical), we will probably talk into whatever is asking. People will talk to doors, walls, plastic boxes, tables, chairs and all manner of things. Unfortunately they

will tend towards not talking to fellow human beings at all. How will it be uttered? Two, two, two, two? Or twenty-two, twenty-two? Try, Two thousand, two hundred and twenty-two. Whatever reason you might have had for needing to input the date may well have ceased to exist by the time you have managed to say it. Without doubt it will save on resources. If the Earth and human society still exists, then it will be because people listened and the planet's resources have been carefully husbanded. The year 2222 is just the same number reused four times. Think of the savings to be made through recycling digits instead of having to generate fresh numbers. Numerologists will assign some momentousness to the number. They will probably produce scientific proof that it is a sign of the end of the world. The year 2012 wasn't as nice looking on paper as 2222, yet many people wrote books maintaining that the end of civilisation was to take place during 2012. As you are reading these words, I'm going to suppose that it never happened. Mind you, can you imagine the drive and excitement that will be generated by a sequence of twos? I doubt anyone will be writing cheques by 2222, so no adding 20,000 years by accidentally writing five twos. Thinking about it, I have this sneaking suspicion that calendars won't be that common by the time 2222 comes round. Does anyone under the age of forty own or use a printed calendar these days?

Making Music

Twenty Two Twenty Two...

3. Point of discussion 4. Food supplier 5. Diminishes 6. Feeblest 12. Sick 15. Non - professional 16. Wagered 17. Absconder 19. Ram’s mate 20. Resolves 22. Period 23. Crisp fruit

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU ANDSUDOKU QUICK CROSSWORD BE FOUNDARE ON PAGE 50 34 SOLUTIONS TO TO LAST MONTH’S AND QUICK CAN CROSSWORD ON PAGE

Practical tips for aspiring musicians by Olney’s Dan Evans

Managing nerves... Many musicians suffer from nervous anxiety and, whilst a little excitement can be helpful, too many nerves can mar a performance. Expectation can be one of the main causes of nerves. By all means strive for excellence but don’t expect your performance to be perfect, as that is obviously unachievable. Also, audiences are generally not unduly worried about mistakes and may not even notice them, so just laugh them off and generally be kind to yourself. It helps to know your material well and work within your ability. The late, great guitarist Isaac Guillory taught me: ‘no‑one’s going to know that you’ve got limitations until you’ve exceeded them’. So play material which is for you simple. This will help to take the pressure off and you’ll probably relax a little and so play well. Remind yourself what you love about the music you are playing and focus on that. Live for the moment and try not to look back or think ahead. Immerse yourself in the feeling, the emotion, the meaning of the music. Remember, you are performing to entertain, not to impress, so make a gift of your music and it will be well received.

For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022

Your stars

HOWARD PARKER

THE ASTRO-GUIDE

Flavour of the Times - Before we feel we can look forwards to the new year, we tend to look backwards to assess things that have occurred in the old year, so there is a ‘down-to-earth’ start before we can imagine what we would like 2022 to look like. Things will take a time to unfold, so it is worth considering the Celtic Festival on Imbolc. Occurring at the end of the month, it is the moment when nature starts to think about growth and new shoots. As the Aquarius new moon starts on 31st, it makes sense for us to follow nature. The sun stays in Capricorn, behind, until 20th, so the association of Aquarius with the new and original, doesn’t get going until the end of the month.

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

LIBRA September 24 – October 23

PISCES February 20 – March 20

CANCER June 22 – July 23

Everyone says they need to find their soulmate but have you thought through what that actually means? You might like to consider that this special person is someone who makes you feel very uncomfortable because you are learning lessons from them that are actually in your best interest, but it may not feel like it at the time. Your soul may know more than your brain does!

Beware of looking as if you are selfish and not caring enough for others this month. Don’t isolate yourself from people who care about you, even though you may have important goals and interests that do require your attention right now. The accent will change to humanitarian concerns at the end of the month, so be aware of the need to change direction then.

If you made resolutions regarding your love life, you may feel that little has changed – until the end of the month, that is. Then, Venus changes directions and throws some very interesting wild cards into the mix. These will cause you to really think hard about where you are going, particularly in your love and desires. Look at where you really screwed up in past relationships and why.

You might be prepared to say almost anything to anybody, however heart felt, but not everyone is comfortable with this level of openness and you may feel frustrated at the lack of connectedness you encounter with people who matter to you. Don’t just close off in self-defence though: try walking in the other person’s shoes and see it from their perspective.

This month could bring some real benefits to your closer relationships. Some change in a more romantic direction, due to the influence of Venus and Pluto. Whether this works for you will depend on your level of self-awareness and whether you have been doing the work on yourself and your deeper motivations. Other relationships will also benefit from this Venusian effect.

People often find that new relationships trigger bad memories of other failed relationships and these ghosts from the past may be trying to make a come-back this month. Don’t be tempted to revisit these. The past is the past but at the same time, make sure the lessons you have so painfully learnt help you to move on and bring you closer to what you know you need in your life.

ARIES March 21 – April 20

LEO July 24 – August 23

We know you are ambitious to get on in life, but do you look the part these days? Most people have been dressing down at work but you might consider doing the opposite at this time and create the kind of impression that really gets you noticed. More generally, it’s about looking after yourself and being aware of the possibility of burn out because of your high impact lifestyle.

The Leo personality likes to shine but at the same time, they can sink lower into victimhood than most other signs. It’s because they love the drama so they make more fuss in order to get noticed. Consider that not everyone wants the hear chapter and verse about what’s going on in your life right now. Just get on with what needs to be done, Leo. There’s work to be done this month!

7 4 8 2 6 5 9 1 3

3 6 2 1 8 9 5 4 7

6 9 1 5 7 3 2 8 4

2 5 7 8 9 4 6 3 1

4 8 3 6 1 2 7 5 9

1 2 4 9 5 6 3 7 8

8 3 9 7 2 1 4 6 5

5 7 6 3 4 8 1 9 2

PUZZLE

9 1 5 4 3 7 8 2 6

SOLUTIONS

To really understand what this means for you on a personal level during 2022, I would recommend that you consider booking a comprehensive personal astrological consultation that is completely specific to you and your life. This will illuminate many things that you may not have considered and it will enable you to really take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the year. T

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It’s a time to exercise some fiscal prudence this month because Venus’s backward motion could seriously put the brakes on your expansionist tendencies. But how dull is that? You are just itching to spend, particularly on yourself, but I would suggest you try putting some money away for a rainy day, if you can. You won’t of course, but I did tell you, didn’t I?

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.

N R S E

W E

SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 22

N U

You could be biting off more than you can chew this month if someone new appears in your love life. It’s going to be deep, which you like, but how dark it turns out to be will depend on how much you like swimming out of your depth. Take it easy and put a toe in the water before you dive is the sensible advice, but then, when was ‘sensible’ ever drop dead sexy?

N G

SCORPIO October 24 – November 22

E E

E M S R

Home is where the heart is, in front of a nice warm winter fire in the depths of winter. Hibernating is fine this month and allows you to gather your resources for the future. It will make you feel so much better when the days get longer and new growth stirs in the cold soil, ready for another year to start showing its head in a couple of months’ time.

A W S

U T

L T

Past love skeletons may have been coming out of the closet around this time so now is the time to really rid yourself of those and ask yourself what boundaries you really want to set for future relationships. If you are in a relationship, consider what is bugging you and how you can start to make the changes you need to make.

L E

We are always looking for local stories, news and events. If you want to get involved, please email your news and views to: nn@ pulsemagazine.co.uk

T T

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