From
We have so much talent to celebrate. For example, local student, Melissa Bratton, has real design flair. She recently created a competition winning 125th anniversary logo for Bell of Northampton, inspired by their original. Well done!
This July and August you can make the most of sunshine and summer holidays. Browse through our ‘Hello Summer’ feature to find venues, charity events, museums, music, theatre and outdoor activities to entertain you.
Chester House at Little Irchester has everything from ABBA to Adventures in Neverland. There’s jazz at Kelmarsh Hall and a fantastic Fete at Denton. Until 1 September you can visit the exhibitions of The BFG in Pictures and Around the World in 80 Pictures at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. Let your musical hair down with Summertime Live at Delapré Abbey or enjoy all the events at Lamport Hall.
The colourful Milton Keynes International Festival offers 10 days of exceptional events and performances. You also have a chance to win a family ticket for up to four people, including one adult, to see Place des Agnes, one of the highlights of this year’s Festival. Looking ahead to September you can explore many of West Northamptonshire’s historic and cultural sites during the annual Heritage Open Days. Visits to stately homes, historic buildings, museums, and archaeological sites are free. Many of them are only rarely open to the public. You can even travel in style with a free hopon, hop-off service provided by Northampton Transport Heritage. In the meantime, you can visit the newly refurbished Visitor Centre and the museum at 78 Derngate from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Finally, registrations for the second Northamptonshire Health Charity’s fun run are now open. The 2023 Superhero Fun Run and Family Day will help raise money for local NHS hospitals and community services. Don’t miss it!
July 2023
Read previous editions online: www.pulsemagazine.co.uk
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across Northamptonshire.
These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a lightall fully fitted in less than a day from just £444! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our watchwords
are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.
Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been
referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9552 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
Student Melissa Bratton designed the logo in a competition organised by Bell of Northampton in partnership with the town’s university. Her winning design, chosen by Bell from 18 entries, was inspired by the original Bell logo which she enriched with the gold centrepiece to make it fitting for a celebration.
“To know that it will also play an important part of Bell’s celebrations this year is very exciting to me as a designer,” said Melissa, who is studying interior architecture at the University of Northampton.
“It has been wonderful to be involved in this project and to see it through from our initial discussions right through to the completed design.”
Her design will be used by Bell of Northampton throughout its anniversary year. Melissa also received a £250 Amazon voucher as a prize.
Bell of Northampton has planned a series of celebration events this year, including charity challenges, school competitions and a special customer event in the store later in the year. A range of themed cakes and bakes from the Victorian era through to the present day are being served at the in-store café Love Lunch @ Bell.
“Our anniversary is a huge event, not just for Bell of Northampton itself but the whole community which continues to support us to this day,” says managing director Lee Ferris. “Partnering with the university has been a great way to get more people involved in our anniversary and we hope everyone will join us as our celebrations continue throughout the year.”
Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to replace their complete window frames, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced and/or upgraded in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glazing unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.
When talking to Trevor & Wendy Skidmore the owners of Cloudy2Clear Northampton & Oxford it became clear that these values have been held for over 16 years. Since buying the local franchise in 2006 they have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community whilst introducing their 2 sons Lloyd & Ross & daughterin-law Lori into the family business along with Dan, Tom & Jo as demand for their service has grown.
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the
unit has failed. Trevor commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.
You love your home and you feel safe there. Needing additional care and support shouldn’t change that.
With our well-trusted care service, you can remain at home surrounded by loved ones and pets and still enjoy your home, garden and community.
With such a personal service, you will want to engage with people you can trust, who are highly trained, who listen, understand and show compassion. Our team deliver all of this and more.
Historic and cultural sites across West Northamptonshire are preparing to welcome visitors as part of the annual Heritage Open Days event in September.
Stately homes, buildings of historic interest, museums, places of worship and archaeological sites are registering to participate in the celebration of Northamptonshire’s history between September 8 and 17, part of England’s largest annual festival of history and culture.
The festival offers the public free entry to places which might normally be closed, or have an entrance fee. Many venues taking part will be connected by Northampton Transport Heritage buses, offering a free hop-on hopoff service.
West Northamptonshire Council is an official promoter of the
event. Its deputy leader Cllr Adam Brown, cabinet member for housing, culture and leisure, said: “West Northamptonshire has a wealth of historic and cultural sites and Heritage Open Days are a brilliant opportunity to showcase them to visitors from all over the country, helping to promote tourism and boost local the local economy.
“With increased numbers of people expected in town centres during the week-long festival, businesses in the Brackley, Daventry, Towcester and Northampton areas also have a great opportunity to promote themselves and show visitors what they have to offer.”
The council’s economy team will be on hand to help, he added. A list of participating venues and events is available on WNC’s website: westnorthants.gov.uk.
“I strongly encourage any historic and cultural attractions to sign up and get involved,” said Cllr Brown.
Significant as the only building outside Scotland to be designed by renowned artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 78 Derngate in Northampton has unveiled its new look and expanded visitor centre.
The £0.95 million refurbishment of Northampton’s iconic and historic 78 Derngate is complete.
The heritage house and its expanded visitor centre are now welcoming guests who are enjoying the rejuvenated secluded garden and new-look shop.
78 Derngate, designed as a house but now a museum, is the only building located outside Scotland designed by artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. West Northamptonshire Council provided funding of £400,000 through the Town Funds and a further £200,000 in match funding for the refurbishment work, which also attracted support from individuals and organisations.
The 12-month project was completed in May and includes an extension to the main buildings and enhanced gardens, allowing larger groups to visit and an enriched visitor experience.
Cllr Dan Lister, cabinet member for
economic development, town centre regeneration and growth at WNC, said: “This is an internationally significant venue. 78 Derngate attracts visitors from all over the world to see the outstanding design work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of our country’s most famous influences on early 20th-century style. The house, remodelled by Mackintosh, is unique and it is fantastic to see the empathetic redevelopment works come to life to enhance the museum and enable the 78 Derngate Trust to build its income to become more sustainable for the future.”
The work on 78 Derngate is the first project completed with a share of the £25 million secured by the council from the government’s Town Fund to regenerate Northampton town centre. Work is also under way on rejuvenating Market Square and restoring the former old Black Lion pub.
Liz Jansson, house manager at 78 Derngate
Trust, said: “We are delighted that this muchanticipated and exciting project has now been fully realised. We extend huge gratitude to WNC for their significant input - particularly the regeneration team - in enabling it all to come to fruition and can wholeheartedly assure the public that this will help to preserve the site for generations to come.”
The Hawthorns Northampton offers stylish and spacious studio, 1-bed and 2-bed apartments, all with kitchenettes, en-suite shower rooms and a flat-screen TV – a safe and secure community with round-theclock management and call system.
The welcoming retirement community adjoins open fields yet is close to amenities such as shops, restaurants, a leisure complex with a pool and excellent transport links. There are three high-quality meals daily, plus outstanding facilities, including a free all-day coffee lounge, cinema room, therapy suite, hair salon, library, games room, and indoor short mat bowling.
Meet the General Manager
Experienced General Manager, Sarah-Lou Haskins, speaks of the Hawthorns, “I am honoured to be here with our residents in what is their home. Throughout my career, I have loved meeting new people and learning about different cultures and ways of life. It is a privilege to see residents embrace new things, learn a new skill or craft and enjoy each other’s company at the Hawthorns.”
Sarah-Lou, born and raised in Bath, Somerset, trained as a dancer and worked with choreography teams for some great British holiday parks before finding her sea legs and boarding the cruise ships of P&O, where she travelled worldwide. Following this, her career led her to the hotel and hospitality industry.
“Hospitality is my passion which reflects the Hawthorns’ customer promise,” says Sarah-Lou. “Our recent hospitality assured accreditation renewal reinforces our commitment and notes the exceptionally wide,
thoughtful and fun range of activities available and that the culinary team offers a wide choice of freshly prepared and well-presented food.”
A free daily programme of activities and events to keep the mind and body active and support you to stay healthy is provided with Wellbeing Co-ordinators on hand to arrange a wide variety of stimulating and engaging social events alongside cultural and sporting pursuits. Weekly exercise classes include Yoga, Pilates, and Tai-chi, with a complimentary minibus for scheduled shopping trips and excursions such as pub meals or visits to the theatre.
Recent events at the Hawthorns include a cheese and wine evening, an arts and crafts fayre with a range of stalls and creative workshops and a fun-packed fundraising day for a local charity, the Hope Centre. Residents were also delighted to welcome the Northamptonshire School of Dance for a night at the ballet.
I am not a celebrity. I am not a millionaire. I do not drive a luxury sports car. I am just your regular 27 year old, who also happens to be a Family Law Solicitor. And, despite my modest assets, I will absolutely be seeking a Pre-Nuptial Agreement when the time arrives.
‘Why?’
Marriage, to me, is something different to most lay people as a result of my experience in Family Law. Marriage is not just the ring, the dress and the venue. Marriage is a legally binding contract, the full terms of which I worry some don’t fully understand until it is too late.
‘What’s mine is yours’ isn’t just a lovely sentiment but the starting point of the division of assets in the event of later separation and divorce. What you bring
into the marriage, and acquire during the marriage, has a real possibility of being shared between you both, were you to separate.
An inheritance from a loved one? At risk. Your business? At risk. A lottery win? At risk. It doesn’t matter if your partner has an affair, or the separation is ‘all their fault’. The starting position remains an equal division.
Some think signing a pre-nuptial agreement is ‘unromantic’. I argue the opposite. To agree to marry without the conjoining of all finances, prioritises what I believe everyone really does marry for - Love.
A pre-nuptial agreement specifies what will happen to assets in the event of later divorce. While not legally binding in England and Wales, there is a strong
possibility the Court will adhere to the terms if certain criteria are satisfied.
My Pre-Nuptial Agreement will be my insurance policy. Hopefully never needed, but there for that worst case scenario. Ultimately, it protects my hard work and the financial decisions I make.
Now I ask you this: If a Family Lawyer would have a Pre-Nuptial Agreement, why aren’t you considering one? For more information, contact our Family Law team on 0800 088 6004
www.bmtclaw.co.uk
29 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5DQ
t 01604 622101
f 01604 230829
18 Brooklands Court
Kettering Venture Park
Kettering, NN15 6FD
t 01536 523434
f 01536 310138
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sofa
THE CHESTER HOUSE ESTATE
JUNE 24TH & 25TH ROMAN FEST THE ROMANS ARE BACK FOR A WEEKEND LONG CELEBRATION OF THE HERITAGE
JUNE 28TH A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM OUTDOOR THEATRE
JULY 8TH 21ST CENTURY ABBA LIVE OPEN-AIR CONCERT
JULY 21ST 21ST CENTURY QUEEN LIVE OPEN-AIR CONCERT
JULY 22ND SPIDER TRAINING LEARN HOW TO BE JUST LIKE SPIDERMAN
JULY 24TH, 25TH,26TH.
AUGUST 9TH, 10TH, 11TH, 29TH, 30TH, 31ST & SEPTEMBER 1ST
JULY 29TH & 30TH KIDS SUMMER FESTIVAL
AUGUST 13TH WIZARD OF OZ OUTDOOR THEATRE
FOREST SCHOOL HANDS ON LEARNING IN NATURE. EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF THE NENE VALLEY.
ADVENTURE INTO NEVERLAND
AUGUST 1ST AUGUST 2ND, 5TH & 8TH GREATEST SHOWMAN WORKSHOP LEARN THE SKILLS OF P.T BARNUM FROM THE SMASH HIT FILM
AUGUST 3RD THE SECRET GARDEN OUTDOOR THEATRE
AUGUST 4TH AIR AMBULANCE OPEN DAY VIEW A REAL AIR AMBULANCE WITH ACTIVITIES FOR ALL THE FAMILY
AUGUST 15TH & 22ND ZUMBA FOR KIDS ENERGETIC DANCING FOR KIDS TO THEIR FAVOURITE TUNES
AUGUST 17TH IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST OUTDOOR THEATRE
AUGUST 18TH SCIENCE WORKSHOP UNIQUE LEARNING FOR KIDS TO GET INVOLVED IN SCIENCE
AUGUST 26TH SENSE AND SENSIBILITY OUTDOOR THEATRE
PRE-BOOK TICKETS ONLINE VISIT: WWW.CHESTERHOUSEESTATE.ORG
Scan the QR code for 10% off in the Farmhouse Café on your next visit
It’s time to
the
and get outside this summer, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the locality, as our 12-page summer guide proves...
The sun is shining, school is nearly out and our thoughts turn to fun things.
To make organising easy for you, Pulse has assembled a wealth of things to do this July and August, with many free and affordable options available across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire.
Whether you want to get involved in lively activities, take the kids to a familyfriendly rave or absorb the culture in a museum or gallery, we’ve got you covered in the pages of Hello Summer.
Kelmarsh Hall & Gardens in Northampton will be jazzing things up in the musical sense on July 6, when the Ducie Jazz Band performs.
Visitors will be able to take a leisurely stroll in the gardens, enjoying the summer borders and striking colours of the walled garden, before making their way to the west terrace lawns for the live music.
Remember your picnic, blankets and chairs, and relax. The event will run from 5.30pm to 9.00pm; For tickets visit kelmarsh.com/whatson
Chester House in Little Irchester has a summer of the sensational planned, with a varied programme sure to sate the entertainment appetites of the majority. On July 8, 21st Century ABBA Live will deliver smash hit after another; from Waterloo and Mamma Mia to Super Trouper, but there are other outside events to indulge in too - 21st Century Queen (July 21) will offer a royally ace set, and Spider Training (July 22) will weave a web of wonder around little folks.
Suitable for ages 4+ Spiderman and Spidergirl will offer an hour-long workshop teaching little folks the moves of a real superhero. There are five sessions running across the day.
A Kids Summer Festival (July 29 & 30) will boast inflatables, interactive live stage shows, tractor rides around the estate, a circus workshop, crafts, sandcastle building and a chance to discover the Archaeological Resource Centre.
Youngsters can Adventure into Neverland! (August 1) with games, music and dancing, enjoy The Greatest Showman Workshop (August 2, 5 & 8), enjoy a performance of The Secret Garden (August 3) by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, and if you are in the vicinity, do support the Air Ambulance Open Day (August 4).
There are lots more shows and events (including Zumba for Kids!) upcoming. Visit the website for more details at chesterhouseestate.org
Denton Village Hall will be bustling on Sunday, August 7 when it hosts a Summer Fete for the community.
Enjoy a chippy lunch, play outdoor games and enjoy the bouncy castles which will be set up for the day, and lots of stalls will tempt you.
The event is in support of the charity Deafconnect and will run between 10am and 2pm.
How do you fancy teaming up with your kids for some fun, while simultaneously doing your bit for Harry’s Rainbow?
The Milton Keynes based charity, which supports children, young people and young adults who have been bereaved of a parent or sibling, is hosting its annual Colour Run and Fun Day to swell coffers on Saturday, July 8.
Taking place at the large Recreation Ground on Woburn Avenue in Wolverton, children and adults can choose to run, walk, hop, skip or jump their way through the course – with the choice of a half mile or mile long route.
If you don’t fancy the colour aspect, a noncolour option will be in play too, so don’t worry.
Course aside, the event will boast games, rides, stalls and refreshments – fun for all the family.
Entry is £6 and everyone who completes the course will go home with a medal.
This year is the 13th time that the popular event has been held, and with numbers of participants increasing every year, advance bookings are strongly advised.
> To book tickets visit harrysrainbow.co.uk/events
MK’s biggest night time event is back on July 14, when the Willen Hospice Midnight Moo returns.
Every year the Milton Keynes hospice needs to raise £5.9 million to provide specialist, compassionate care to local people and the Moo is the charity’s biggest fundraiser.
‘Light up the night and walk our five or 10-mile route across Milton Keynes, with fun surprises along the way,” the charity invites.
Enter on your own, with pals or as part of a team – it’ll be moo-vellous fun whatever you decide!
Participants will arrive at Midsummer Place in CMK no later than 9.30pm ready to step to it at 10pm.
Taking part costs £20 which includes a Midnight Moo t-shirt, a ‘Moo pack’ with route map and in-memory bib, and of course when you step over the finish line you’ll get a finisher’s medal.
> To sign up visit willen-hospice.org.uk
Tbiennial IF: Milton Keynes International Festival returns this July, with 10 days of colourful, unusual and exceptional events and performances. Free events include The Place Between, which will explore the connection we have to our Earth, to each other, and our contribution to the cycle of life.
Artist Rebecca Louise Law creates immersive installations with natural materials, with preserved flowers frequently featured in her work. This installation – which can be viewed in Middleton Hall in centre:mk – also has soundscapes by Jason Singh
Mechanical sandwriter Blom will draw on the streets, transforming bland pavements with picture outlines – from a flowery carpet to a flock of little hearts.
Small buckets filled with coloured sand will be placed close by, ready for you to add your own touch to the art work.
Get involved: July 21 – City Square, July 22 –Midsummer Place, July 23 – outside Door 18, centre:mk.
The fairground will reveal itself at Festival Central in Campbell Park (July 21-July 23)
courtesy of Belgian theatre company De Machienerie present Carnivale, an interactive ‘fairground village’ with installations, curiosities, mechanical animals all fashioned from recycled materials – and you will operate it!
Disabled-led company Daryl & Co and Mimbre will present performances of Look Mum, No Hands! at the Milton Keynes Rose (July 29 12.30pm & 4pm and July 30 at 11am & 3pm).
The coming-of-age story about two friends testing their own boundaries is visually stunning with acrobatic shapes and unexpected choreography guaranteed to keep you gripped.
Belgian company Captain Bloomer will take you to a world of pastoral bliss when they take up residence at Fred Roche Gardens (July 21 & 22, 11am- 7pm), and July 23 at 10.30am – 5.30pm).
Pasture With Cows features real bovines and references the new city’s famous concrete moo-vers. The beautiful beasts will graze within an outsized gilt picture frame, inspired by Old Master paintings of livestock. The Stables Spiegeltent in campbell park will be bustling with good things over the course of the Festival, with plenty of the action tailored towards little folks; Comedy Club 4 Kids (July 29 at 2pm) will deliver some of the
best stand-ups and sketch acts from the circuit who will play for an audience age six and up and their families. The only thing missing will be the rude bits, but the humour will be firmly intact!
Organisers say ‘the show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy.’
On July 30, the Spiegeltent will welcome the family rave sensation Big Fish Little Fish who are tasking DJ Raks with the job of delivering an old skool drum and bass and jungle set before the assembled.
Suitable for ages two and above, youngsters who need to break from the dancing can get involved in the free craft activity and homemade play dough table while they store up some more energy. If they are in the zone though, they can throw some shapes on the family-only multi-sensory dance floor which will be bursting with bubbles, balloons, snow foam and smoke rings. Fun for all and a sizzling soundtrack to boot.
Other IF goodies to get involved with include the Barely Methodical Troupe with Bromance, a five-star circus about camaraderie and affection (July 21-23), Ireland’s improvising musical comedian Abandoman (July 21) and the world-premiere of Forever?
which is a partnership between The Stables and Olney’s Cowper & Newton Museum. The new work responds to the 250th anniversary of the famous hymn, Amazing Grace (July 22).
An Evening Without Kate Bush will be performed by Sarah-Louise Young (July 23) and Paul Young returns with Los Pacaminos (July 24) delivering the sounds of the Southwest.
More music comes from Karine Polwart & Dave Milligan (July 26), Turin Brakes (July 27) and Toyah Willcox & Robert Fripp (July 28) and the end of the festival party will be in safe hands (July 30) with the Monster Ceilidh Band taking care of business.
> Ten days, but with enough produce to fill a month! For the complete Festival listings visit ifmiltonkeynes.org
lace des Anges will be one of the highlight performances of this year’s Festival - a beautiful, astonishing and breathtaking spectacle to enchant audiences of all ages.
As night falls across the city, angels begin to appear, high up in the sky. They move through the air, magically suspended above the crowd below. The angels start to glide down into the audience, releasing white feathers which float across the sky. Each angel has their own unique character and style and as their aerial antics become more boisterous, the clouds of feathers thicken, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
This is only the third time that Place des Anges has been performed in the UK - the two previous performances took place at London’s Cultural Olympiad in 2012 and for Hull’s UK Capital of Culture programme in 2016.
Performances take place in Secklow Gate D3 Car Park (near The Point) in central Milton Keynes on Friday 28 & Saturday 29 July, starting at 9.45pm.
To win a family ticket (up to 4 people, one of whom must be a responsible adult), answer the following question >>
In what year did the performance of Place des Anges take place at the Cultural Olympiad in London?
Indulge in our summer afternoon tea menu with delicious sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries on our al fresco dining area. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Rose Prosecco in June, July and August.
Served daily from 12pm to 5pm
Traditional Vintage £32.95
To book call 01536 416666
Closing date: Friday July, 21
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SCAN FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A PARTY!
With school out, finding ways to keep the little ‘uns entertained for six whole weeks can feel a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, Milton Keynes Museum is on hand to make things easy for you, and fun for them!
On July 15, the Museum will mark its 50 year anniversary with a special celebration party, and then between July 24 and September 1 the Wolverton based history hub will be offering additional activities to take attention.
All the usual attractions will be open as usual of course; start your visit with a look inside the Victorian farmhouse, play on music machines from the era, make hot buttered toast in the parlour, see what the role of a servant entailed and look back on more than a century of toys.
Then stroll through the Street of Shops with its many original facades from stores that once served residents of Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell and Wolverton.
While there, pop into the Old Ridgemont Post Office for a quarter of your favourite sweets, and then learn more about how our ancestors used to farm the land.
The Museum has more than 150 phones and communication systems, from the earliest examples to novelty phones and those early ‘brick’ mobiles, so get ready to dial away!
The old Wolverton to Stony Stratford tram is one of the many vehicles waiting for you to explore in the Hall of transport, where you’ll also find a historic fire engine, a Sinclair C5, and many other interesting examples.
Outside, the Museum’s five acres of grounds means plenty of space for kids to use up excess energy – and there’s a play area, plenty of picnic spaces and you’ll meet some famous residents; the original Concrete Cows moo-ved in a few years ago.
The Museum also has a shop and tasty snacks are available at the Granary Tea Room.
Pay once and your ticket is valid for unlimited returns for 12 months!
> For more event details and prices visit miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Pay a visit to Art Gallery 1 at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery between now and September 1 to view the exhibition, The BFG in Pictures
Since The BFG was first published more than four decades ago it has remained in print, with the tale of orphan Sophie and her giant friend enchanting children and selling more than 50 million copies!
This is the first exhibition of work by Quentin Blake for Dahl’s enduring story, and shows iconic prints from the classic page-turner.
Over at The Temporary Exhibition Gallery, Brick wonders: Around the world in LEGO® bricks uses the Danish delights to recreate some amazing sights from around the world; starting with the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Artist Warren Elsmore has curated the visual feast.
Starting on July 15, the two month show Around the World in 80 Pictures will be in situ at Art Gallery 2 Visit the space and take a journey around the world in this exhibition, which includes works from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Take in Parisian street scenes, Swiss mountains, Jamaican harbours and so much more.
Abington Park Museum is offering you the chance to enjoy a seaside holiday at home with an art collection bringing windswept coasts and buckets and spades to you. All the enjoyment, but without the sand in your shoes!
> For more details visit northamptonmuseums.com
The ‘biggest party of the summer’ is promised by organisers of a one-day festival set to sizzle in the grounds of beautiful Delapré Abbey on July 8.
Summertime Live – which launched in 2022 with a series of successful events countrywide – has assembled a brilliant line-up of live music and DJs, with performances from Artful Dodger, Rickie & Melvin, Baby D, Sonique and Wideboys ready to roll before a headline set from the Classic Ibiza orchestra
“We cannot wait for the crowd to experience this year’s offering of amazing dance music acts,” said organiser Jonathan Ware, “The reaction we’ve seen so far has been unprecedented...” Tickets are on sale at £37.50 with a limited number remaining.
> To book and for more information visit summertimelive.co.uk/northampton
Now that we’re into the glorious summer months, the green spaces at Lamport Hall & Gardens are a riot of colour and the sound of birdsong is in the air. To make the most of the hazy afternoons and long evenings, the stunning Northamptonshire space is providing some wonderful entertainment.
On Saturday, July 15 Chapterhouse Theatre will deliver their adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s best-loved romantic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest in the spectacular surroundings of the walled garden. The delightful Cecily, roguish Algernon and the formidable Lady Bracknell are unforgettably larger than life characters who will keep you wildly entertained! Picnic with friends and family and enjoy Wilde’s hilarious tale of double lives and mistaken identities presented in full period costume.
A day later (Sunday, July 16), The Tame Valley Stompers Allstars will go live with traditional New Orleans Jazz from the ‘20s and ‘30s in the Walled Garden. On Saturday, August 5, Lamport welcomes pianist Sophia Rahman and violinist Andres Kaljuste, from Finland, for an evening of Scandinavian music, with pieces by Sibelius, Greig, Stenhammar, Eller and Pärt in the beautiful High Room.
Lamport has just launched the Northamptonshire produce picnic hamper which can be pre-ordered for the aforementioned events at £25 per person. The hamper includes sourdough bread, butter, cheese, charcuterie, pork pie, sweet pastry, cake, chutney and a soft drink, presented in a beautiful ribbontied gift box.
On the August Bank Holiday weekend the venue will host an Antiques and Collectors Fair with more than 80 stalls to browse.
The Hall and Gardens are open throughout the summer on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 4pm, with the café and gift shop open until 3pm. For more information and bookings visit lamporthall.co.uk
Saturday
Sunday 16th July
Jazz in the Gardens with The Tame Valley Stompers - Walled Garden Jazz
Saturday 5th August
Scandinavian Music with a Baltic Twist with Sophia Rahman and Andres KaljusteHigh Room Concert
Sunday 27th & Monday 28th August Antiques and Collectors Fair with Staghead Events
Pigs Might Fly is a new farmyard musical about the joy of unlikely friendships –and the tour comes to a close at Milton Keynes Theatre on July 16.
Based on the book Mudpuddle Farm by Michael Morpurgo (the man responsible for the splendid War Horse), the star of the piece is Pintsize, the most daring piglet on the farm.
Pintsize is great pals with Diana the sheep and the duo love playing together...until a fence is built between them denying them their fun.
Keen to reunite with his pal, Pintsize is determined to fly over it. But can his ingenuity and determination defy the laws of physics?
Catchy songs, imagination and slapstick humour make this 50 minute show a total treat for youngsters aged three to 11 years.
Hoses will be at the ready on July 29 for another adventure with Fireman Sam!
When his friends go away, Norman Price decides to make his own adventure in Pontypandy – by becoming the star of a visiting circus, but with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, adventure is replaced by danger.
Can Fireman Sam save the circus?
There are two chances to find out, with performances at 1.30pm and 4pm.
> To book tickets click to atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Acelebration of the natural world will take place in the ancient woodland of Howe Park Wood in Milton Keynes on July 1 and is sure to get little minds all fired up to help our wildlife.
Love Nature Day is an all-ages event giving you the opportunity to meet volunteers who are passionate about moths, swifts and bats.
The free session – running between 11am and 4pm – will have opportunities to go bug hunting and pond dipping, and Parks Trust rangers will offer guided walks.
The woodland boasts more than 200 plant species and is home to 30 different species of butterfly.
On July 4, Howe Park Wood will host a Discover Nature Day tailored to those aged 11 to 13 years old.
The five hour session (from 10am, £22.50) will include wildlife identification, biology, bushcraft and more. Participants get to learn new skills, be inspired by the natural world and meet new pals at the same time.
Parents and guardians won’t be required to stay, but children will need to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather, and with a packed lunch – dig out that weatherproof mac and remember the cheese and pickle sandwiches!
Howe Park is proving quite the centre for summer activities; every Tuesday, Wednesday
Stanwick Lakes in Wellingborough has plenty of great things to take your attention through the long summer days.
Nature engagement activities will run every Tuesday and every other Thursday, with youngsters invited to have a go at pond dipping and den building, and you can go on a mystery walk with one of the on-site rangers. Other attractions include a new play tower and a summer trail, and work is continuing on Stanwick’s National Lottery Funded Heritage projects too, with the opportunity to discover the new roundhouse at the Iron Age settlement, watch the Bronze Age boat taking shape at the heritage hub and explore the new pathway around the Bronze Age Round Barrow
Over in the Heritage Barn, the Northants Guild of Spinners - Weavers and Dyers - will be showcasing their work around ancient ancient textiles every Wednesday. There might even be some outdoor natural dyeing taking place with plants from the Heritage Garden. Heritage Trail leaflets can be collected from the Visitor Centre which will lead you on a wonderful tour of the history of the site of Stanwick Lakes.
> For more information and prices visit stanwicklakes.org.uk
and Thursday between July 25 and August 13 the on-site education centre will be open with nests, skulls and feathers found at local Parks Trust sites on display.
Nature-themed challenges and self-guided trails will occupy little minds too. It’s free to attend – just drop in at a time to suit between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
Over at Broughton Brook Magna Park, storyteller Red Phoenix will be back with a selection of summer tales suitable for all ages (July 29, pre-booking essential. One ticket costs £5 and covers a family of four).
Enjoy the local park while being regaled with tales linked to the season and the area. A series of free Parkland Play dates have also been arranged, which will deliver fun and games with a variety of sporting activities, rideon cars, games and a baby and toddler area.
The sessions will visit Ashland Lakes (July 31), Waterhall Park (August 1), Whitehouse Park (August 2), Oakgrove (August 3) and Stony Stratford Millfield (August 4).
Each Parkland Play event runs from 1pm to 3pm and children must be accompanied by an adult – so you can have some fun too!
> For more event details, or to pre-book where applicable visit theparkstrust.com
Divorce can often stir up feelings of mistrust between former spouses, especially when it comes to considering the financial division of assets. Sadly, it is all too common that one spouse will try and dissipate matrimonial assets, in the hope of minimising the amount of money that they have to provide to their former spouse.
‘However, divorce lawyers and judges are well versed in the wide range of devious tactics that people try to employ to hide their wealth,’ says Diana Rose, a Partner in the family team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. ‘The Family Court is aware that this happens, and there are steps that can be taken to protect your entitlements.
What is dissipation in the contest of a divorce?
Dissipation of assets in divorce means that one spouse has sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of property that should be taken into account when considering the division of matrimonial assets to arrive at a fair financial settlement.
Some of the common ways in which a spouse may try to dissipate assets include:
• transferring assets at an undervalue or for no value;
• gifting assets to friends or family;
• moving assets abroad or trying to hide assets in other ways such as investing in crypto currency;
• mismanaging their finances, such as gambling or getting into debt;
• extravagant spending such as luxury holidays and purchases; and
• large or unexplained cash withdrawals.
What can be done to stop dissipation?
Our family law team will be able to advise you on the best steps to take for your circumstances. This may mean applying to the court for an urgent freezing order.
A freezing order is a type of injunction made by the court which will prevent the unauthorised dissipation of the assets it relates to. This order is typically applied for on an ex-parte basis, meaning that your spouse is not notified of the application until after the order has been made. An initial order is usually only made for a brief period of time, with a further court date being set to allow them to respond to the order.
If your concern relates to the transfer of land, then an alternative option may be to obtain a caution at the Land Registry. Once the caution is registered, the land cannot be transferred without prior notification to you.
Taking proportionate steps
It is important to appreciate that not all assets that are transferred or sold will amount to a dissipation where legal action is warranted.
For example, if your spouse is selling land or property at a market value, then although that particular asset may no longer be available, a monetary sum will instead be available. In these circumstances it may be more appropriate to seek that the balance monies from the sale are held pending resolution of
the divorce. Preserving the actual asset will most likely not be needed. What if assets have already been transferred?
The court has the power to make adjustments in any order to reflect that one spouse may have been disadvantaged by the actions in dissipating assets of the other spouse. Typically, the court will put the spouse who has been wronged into the position they would have been, had it not been for the dissipation.
If you are worried about your spouse dissipating matrimonial assets, or have noticed unusual financial behaviour, it is vitally important that you obtain urgent advice from one of our family law experts please contact Diana Rose in the family law team on 01604 622101 or email diana.rose@ bmtclaw.co.uk
Registration has recently opened for Northamptonshire Health Charity’s second annual fun run to raise money for local NHS hospitals and community services. The charity team invites you to join them for the 2023 Superhero Fun Run and Family Day to help celebrate 75 years of the NHS.
Northamptonshire Health Charity supports Northampton General Hospital, Kettering General Hospital and all of the community hospitals and mental health services across
the county under Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. They do this by providing funding for equipment and projects that enhance patient care and experience, and support NHS staff wellbeing. All proceeds from the event will help make a big difference to patients and staff.
Charity Fundraiser, Michelle Leighton, who is coordinating the day, said: “Celebrate the great work of our NHS Heroes by joining us for our Superhero Fun Run and Family Day. This fun event is open to all ages and abilities and whether you choose to run, jog or walk the distance, you will all be Superheroes to us.”
The 5K race and fun day is taking place at Moulton College on Sunday 3 September from 10 am until 2 pm; car parking is free. There will be prizes for the best-dressed Superheroes, whether you are Superman, Wonder Woman or dressed as one of our NHS Heroes. However, fancy dress is not compulsory so if it isn’t your thing, you can still get involved.
All finishers will receive a medal and a bottle of water at the finish line. Plus, there will be food, refreshments and lots of fun family activities, plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Entry Price
Adult: £10
Child (Aged 5 – 15): £8
Family Ticket (2 x Adult and 2 x Child): £31 Under 5’s: Free
For health and safety reasons and to ensure there are enough medals for all at the finish, ALL children must be pre-registered for the event, including under 5’s. Children under 16 will also need to be accompanied by an adult.
Michelle added: “If you are inspired to take part, but have never run a 5km before, we recommend you use the NHS Couch to 5K App, which is a supportive 9-week fitness plan for beginners. If running isn’t your thing, we are also hosting a family fun day with food, refreshments and lots of fun activities, so please do come along and have a great day out!”
Sign up for the event on the charity’s website northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/ events/super-hero-fun-run-and-family-day or, if you require further information, please contact the charity by calling 01604 626927 or email greenheart@nhcf.co.uk
Northamptonshire is home to one of the most extraordinary small buildings in the country. To modern eyes it seems a mysterious folly covered in arcane symbols, hinting at a fevered mind full of strange obsession. The triangular prism shape of the building looks oddly wrong as we see sharp angles instead of a square cornered building. Who designed this is well known, this article explains why they did so.
Sir Thomas Tresham was born into the Roman Catholic elite in 1543, as heir to large estates and wealth from his grandfather. This was a decade after Henry VIII’s break with the Papacy in Rome sparking the Reformation resulting in the the creation of the Anglican church under Queen Elizabeth I. This changed religion in England forever, leading to difficulties and eventually persecution for all English Roman Catholics. Thomas grew up initially paying socially acceptable lip service to Protestantism, but in his thirties his Catholic fervour was reignited, and he developed a profound belief which influenced his whole existence, and that of his descendants.
Despite his devotion, for many years well-educated Thomas was widely regarded as both clever and influential at the highest levels of Elizabethan society and was openly and fervently loyal to the Queen. He was on good terms with Secretary of State William Cecil, and Lord Chancellor Sir Christopher Hatton, and served as High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, being knighted by Elizabeth in 1575, during her Royal Progress. Thomas loved to entertain large groups of his friends and acquaintances, and his Roman Catholic convictions were hardly a secret. Thomas regularly argued for freedom of conscience, and was a well-known ‘recusant’, refusing to attend Church of England services which were then mandatory. This resulted in
financial penalties increasing in severity, restrictions on meeting together with his friends, and even from returning to Northamptonshire. As he refused to comply with the requirement to attend church, Thomas was fined close to two million pounds in 2023 terms and was imprisoned for long periods of time.
During one twelve-year period of detention Thomas spent his time designing a small but complex structure that would be a bold statement of his beliefs, ambiguous to a casual observer, and hidden in plain sight as accommodation for his Warrener who managed his rabbit breeding business. This would eventually become Rushton Triangular Lodge
Elizabethans took pleasure in creating ‘devices’. These were elaborate and ingenious plays on words, symbols and images with hidden meaning, often the more obscure the better. It proved the observer’s intelligence if they were able to read the device and follow the meaning. These devices might be an object, a poetic phrase, a number, or a visual image often accompanied by a motto, this type were known as an ‘emblem’.
Whilst in prison, Thomas had much time on his hands to think, contemplating the meaning of his faith, and his own and his family’s status in society. One might imagine the long days and dark nights of his detention being filled with the construction of clever mottos, numerological puns and symbolic imagery. The most important of these related to his own family name ‘Tresham’ or ‘Tres’ which he considered to hold a direct reference to the Holy Trinity, symbolising the Christian belief that God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit is a single entity, the three in one.
Thomas seems to have left prison with a plan to create an architectural device on a grand scale.
On his release in 1593, he commissioned his builders to execute his vision in the grounds of his estate at Rushton Hall, under the guise of providing deluxe accommodation for the rabbit business. Rabbits were sold for food but more importantly for their skins. Thomas did indeed make good income, records showing that the grey furred sold for £3 per hundred, the black for £5, but the most profitable were the black and white, which sold for £10 per hundred.
The design of the building could have been used as a Warrener’s Lodge, the cool, partially subterranean ground floor used to store the rabbits before they went to market, the middle floor used as accommodation for the warrener, leaving the lighter and airier top floor, the only one with a fireplace, for use by Thomas himself. However there is little evidence that the Warrener lived there for very long, if at all, as other accommodation is noted in the archives. And when one looks at the Lodge today, it seems too special a building to use it to accommodate dead rabbits, almost a profanity.
So what do you see in front of you? Set in what used to be the grounds of Rushton
Hall, surrounded by mature trees, stands a highly decorated tower with uncannily sharp triangular corners constructed in banded local limestone and ironstone. Each of the three sides reveals three storeys with their own different three windows featuring triangles and trefoils, topped by three gables. On each of the three gables you will see a central sundial, with carved emblems on the other two, understood to be religious symbols. If you measured the length of each side, you would learn that each was thirty-three feet long. On each of the three sides you will see Latin Bible phrases. Few of the contemporary people could read, and even fewer read Latin, so to most observers this would have been a mystery as it is to most of us today. You will notice numbers, all divisible by three, some of what they represent is understood, but some is not. To fully understand the design scheme, take a guidebook, or even better a guide with you. Nothing is there without meaning, and refers either to the Bible, the Trinity, and Thomas’s own life.
And then you climb the nine steps and enter the first floor, illuminated by triangular beams of sunlight. This floor is unexpectedly hexagonal, with three separate small triangular rooms. Downstairs is even simpler. It’s cool and dim as it is sunk into the ground, ideal for storing dead rabbits. A spiral staircase leads to the lighter and airier top floor. It is a lovely space with window seats inviting you to sit and pull out a book to read, or to think, or to talk quietly. I am sure that that is how Thomas used this
space. Elizabethans loved their ‘banquet houses’, standalone structures used for discreet entertainment and dining, and it is possible that he used this space for that function too.
Thomas went on to develop his ideas of architecture as an expression of his religious beliefs at his other manor house at Lyveden. His ‘new bield’ was again apart from the main house and with the walk towards it symbolising a spiritual journey, the building in the shape of a cross, representing the story of the Passion of Jesus. Sadly, this spectacular vision was never realised, as Thomas died in 1605, and work stopped immediately as money had all but run out. Even more tragically, Thomas’s eldest son Francis inherited, and foolishly became entangled with the Gunpowder Plot. He lost his life in the Tower of London.
Today the Lodge is operated by English Heritage. You will be met by a very knowledgeable guide offering an excellent introduction to the place. They may lend you information to help you interpret the symbolism, and then you’re free to wander and wonder at this vivid realisation of one man’s enduring passion. I found it a moving and poignant visit.
For more information, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ rushton-triangular-lodge
The Northamptonshire Heritage Forum has something for everyone interested in learning more about our county’s history. If you would like more information, or are interested in joining the Forum and supporting its work, please visit www.northamptonshireheritageforum.co.uk
Danish skincare brand Nuori has just introduced The One, a face cream with eight hero ingredients which will tackle dehydration, dullness, uneven skin tones, fine lines and wrinkles – Nuori says it’s a ‘powerhouse formula’ and it uses none of the 26 fragrance allergens in skincare, which means that even the most sensitive skin can enjoy the benefits of Nuori. It’s alcohol free, too. Is this The One for you? Very possibly.
RRP: £55
Get it: nuori.co.uk
Sisley Paris are skin experts, but they know that anti-ageing treatments aren’t just for faces and bodies – it should apply to hair too, and their Hair Rituel shampoo, treatment and beauty formulas bring together essential oils, minerals, vitamins and proteins.
New to the range comes the Color Beautifying Hair Care Mask with a nourishing, protecting complex that makes colour last twice as long after 10 applications, and works on both the hair fibre and the scalp.
RRP: £81
Get it: Harrods Beauty at centre:mk or online at sisley-paris.com
‘No Makeup Makeup’ is all about ‘your skin but better’ and Pearl Beauty has the perfect range of minimal, multi-purpose everyday makeup items to enhance your skin and give maximum impact with minimum show.
The brand’s products are user friendly, mistake proof and made with clean ingredients. The shades are subtle, versatile and ideal for everyday use. We love the Multi Purpose Lip & , and is a beautifully calm
A salon strength, light-weight formula that not only removes brassy tones, but immediately smooths and detangles hair, leaving it feeling silky soft, frizzfree and shiny; Jerome Russell Bblonde Intense Silver Conditioning Water penetrates the hair deeply to repair damage without weighing it down.
Enriched with Hydrolysed Wheat Protein for intense conditioning performance, it can be used on all hair types including bleached, grey or pre-lightened hair.
RRP: £9.99
Get it: Superdrug stores in centre:mk Milton Keynes and Grosvenor Centre, Northampton
Clarins Double Serum is a beauty icon for men and women, and now it comes in a choice of two textures, with the introduction of a new lightweight version.
Double Serum brings together ‘high-performance plant ingredients and technological innovation’ which tackles five vital functions, but the newbie is quickly absorbed, delivers a ‘bareskin’ finish and leaves no oily residue.
Whether you prefer the original, or switch to the lightweight, it’ll work just as hard to restore healthier, younger looking skin; fine lines are smoothed, pores reduced and the skin appears more radiant. Pass the bottle this way!
RRP: £85 (50ml)
Get it: Clarins counters or clarins.co.uk
Here’s our pick of the new to the shelves beauty treatments available at your local counter or online. It’s summertime and you’ll be looking fine with these goodies...£22
for 6 servings
For the honeycomb:
50g caster sugar
2 tbsp golden syrup
3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
For the honey ice cream:
240ml very cold double cream
120g condensed milk
110g honey
Make your honeycomb by creating a caramel on the stove using the sugar and golden syrup. Wait until the maple syrup colour stage and then stir in the bicarbonate to create the ‘bubble’ effect. Pour in a lined tin with parchment paper and leave to set completely. This can be stored in an air-tight container after you use it for your ice cream.
For the ice cream:
Place the cream in a cold bowl and whisk to soft peaks. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk to medium to stiff peaks. Add the honeycomb pieces and fold. Pour in a container and top with a few more honeycomb pieces before freesing for about four hours. If freezing overnight leave out of the freezer for 15 minutes before eating.
Our recipes come from NN Pulse food writer, Sofia Gallo, an acclaimed local chef, food writer and teacher at Milton Keynes Cookery School. She has recently won the ICG Cooking Competition and was a contestant on BBC’s Masterchef.
Follow Sofia:
Instagram: @in_cucinacon_sofia FB: incucinaconsofia www.lamiacucina.co.uk
We always talk about the blooms living in our garden, but significantly fewer of us will be lucky enough to have hedgehogs living in our outside spaces, but they are definitely a friend to gardeners – they eliminate beetles, caterpillars and invertebrates, and have a charm of all of their own.
Sadly, today the odds are stacked against our prickly pals.
Busy roads, disappearing habitat and global warming have all played a part in depleting their numbers.
These days, the nearest many of us get to seeing a hog in the wild is when we spot another casualty on the roadside.
“Despite a recent report finding UK hedgehog populations to be stabilising after years of decline, they are still on the Mammals Society Red List as vulnerable to extinction,” says Kim Tondryk from Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue, “...but if we can encourage them into our safe garden spaces, we may be able to help them thrive again.”
Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue was founded by Rachel and Dom Matthews in 2021. Both have Animal Science Degrees and are responsible for the bulk of triage care and medications administered, but a mini army of volunteers helps the charity with its work too. It doesn’t only take a village to raise a child, but to nurture hogs back to health too, it seems!
“We currently have 10 hedgehogs in our primary shed. We’ve got two ready to be released in our old shed, a mum and three babies in our outdoor hutch, and several in foster care.”
Attracting these beautiful animals into your garden needn’t be hard work.
“Hedgehogs may wander up to two miles a night and need to be able to move easily between gardens. You can install a ‘Hedgehog Highway’ to encourage them to visit. It’s as easy as creating a gap or a hole in your fence or hedges large enough for a hedgehog to crawl through - about the size of a CD.”
These creatures don’t like immaculate gardens, and if you’ve swapped grass seed for fake turf, forget it – no creature will thank
The successional sowing of seeds in short rows has paid off. Salad crop after another has been grown and nibbled by the children to their great delight and has contributed to school lunches on occasions.
Rhubarb has been a prolific cropper, and courgettes are best picked at 12cms (4” – 5”) by snapping their stalks. This discourages fungal infections.
The leaves of spring-planted garlic are turning yellow, so the bulbs have been lifted with the hand fork and left to dry in the sun.
The best time for watering is debatable but in the morning is generally deemed to be the best, before evaporation occurs, boosted weekly by using a high-potash liquid feed.
you for that. Bugs can’t live in it, and it contributes to the rising numbers of starving hogs taken in by rescue centres.
Messy areas are a necessity for our wildlife; piles of logs, leaves and wild growing spaces will encourage them. If you have a pond, ensure there is an easy escape –rocks, steps or a log will do the job. Want to provide them with an easy meal? Stick to kitten biscuits and a bowl of fresh water.
“Hedgehogs don’t have the best eyesight either, so make sure any netting you are using is raised, so they can’t get tangled in it,” Kim advises.
Many casualties arrive at the rescue centre with mange, parasites or ringworm, while others present with a higher burden of ticks and fleas due to underlying conditions. Predator attacks aren’t uncommon either, with badgers, foxes, rats, crows and magpies regular culprits.
Sometimes they arrive as a result of our failings.
“Please check for sleeping hedgehogs before strimming or mowing areas of longer grass, especially near hedgerows!” urges Kim, “We always get a few who have either ingested poison, commonly slug pellets or rat bait. These are very sad and difficult cases, and there often isn’t much we can do except take them to one of the vets we partner with to end their suffering.”
These charming little creatures need our help, and at Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue they have a safe space if needed. But what is it that makes them so special?
“The European hedgehog is the UK’s only spiny mammal,” Kim says, “They also happen to be some of the sweetest, cutest creatures to care for.”
We fill the bird bath with water at the same time.
The first of our early potatoes, raised in large tubs and earthed up with old leaf-mould and sieved soil are to be lifted.
Behind the summerhouse is an untidy area, now established as a Conservation Area. We have a hedgehog house, and, as baby hedgehogs may be appearing this month, we are offering meat-based dog food for them. We are leaving the patch of nettles for the caterpillars of butterflies and other insects. July, the season of early harvesting and tasting - good luck!
Ralph Westmoreland, Denton & District Gardening Club member
> Denton & District Gardening Club is a small, friendly club which meets on a Monday evening every month. New members and visitors are always welcome. For more information please contact Margaret at m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk or 01604 890875
Multi-award-winning T&K Home Improvements are leading the way with innovative roof styles that will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not only do they look great, but they also significantly reduce energy costs from older roofs.
T&K’s Insulate+ Replacement Roof System is made from quality materials that are designed to last for years without needing repairs or replacement. Plus, they come with a 10-year warranty!
Now that the hotter weather is upon us, having a conservatory that is kept cool is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a cool conservatory ensures a
comfortable and enjoyable space for relaxation and recreation. This can be achieved by adding thermally efficient transparent vents to your roof. They create more light and circulation of air, meaning homeowners can utilise their conservatory all year round, even during the hot summer months.
Homeowners can now enjoy the beauty of a conservatory without compromising on durability and energy efficiency. This stylish alternative is tailor made to fit the existing framework so that homeowners can transform their conservatories into an extension for their home. With this new system, customers can enjoy natural light and warmth while still being able to control temperature and keep energy costs low.
With over 44 years of industry experience, T&K have the expertise to help with every step of the process. They work closely in collaboration to ensure that your home improvements are the perfect fit.
If you’d like to take a closer look at their products, then head on down to their showroom in Wellingborough to view their wide range of products. Visit www.tkhi.co.uk to find out more.
Increased security and noise reduction are also other great benefits from transforming your conservatory roof. The roof system comes in a range of colours and styles to complement your home’s exterior design— adding an extra level of aesthetic appeal to your property.
A recent change in building regulations allowed the reliable and trusted brand to launch the new Insulate+ Replacement Roof System earlier this year. The team are passionate and excited about this and have already helped a significant number of customers improve their home.
Music fans with a penchant for the Northampton scene will want to know all about a new-to-theshelves release which shines a light on the punk and new wave scene, specifically between 1976-1980, writes Sammy Jones.
A To Z NN Punk New Wave 1976 To 1980 is a comprehensive release – with more than 200 pages to devour. It is the work of Pete Pulse, and was realised during the pandemic.
“To be honest, it kept me sane and helped me connect with the outside world,” Pete told me, “All the interviews were conducted by email, and most people were happy to contribute. So much information is online now and I didn’t want to regurgitate lots of facts, rather I wanted the participants to tell their stories in their own words.”
Pete was too young to enjoy the original punk movement, but rabid fandom mixed with a healthy intrigue helped to form the page-turner: “I felt it was an important time, both musically and socially, and because no one had written a book covering that era, I thought I’d plug the gap,” he said.
While it’s not the first book that has been written about the town and its musical output, “their coverage of punk was very sketchy and piecemeal,” Pete challenges, “I felt a more in-depth examination was required. Of course, everybody knows Bauhaus, and music obsessives will know bands such as the Isaws, and the Russians, but I felt it was important to shine a light on the lesser-known acts. Many bands featured in this book left little evidence behind to mark their existence, so I hope this book will record them for prosperity.
“I also think that Northampton doesn’t honour its musical offspring like it should. Thanks to Bauhaus, Northampton is recognised as the birthplace gothic rock, yet there’s nothing here to commemorate them. Coventry has the Two Tone village for The Specials, Liverpool has preserved all the important Beatles landmarks, so I think we could do something similar for Bauhaus.
“It feels strange that the UK’s premier goth festival is 200 miles to the north in Whitby, and not here in its ancestral home. It would be nice if the book could shine a light on our musical heritage.”
He makes a valid point, of course, and if this book helps to bring an official commemoration closer to fruition, it will be a job very well done. While the book looks to the past, it also aims to tickle the interest of those who missed out the first time around: “I was too young for punk, but I feel like I’ve live that era by osmosis through the stories I’ve been told,” says the author, “I hope the book will have a similar effect on its readers. I think the spirit of punk still echoes down the years and it would be cool if this book acted as a kind of template for young artists.”
Pete Pulse is positive about the future of the town’s music making and live circuit: “It is very healthy with a strong foundation. There’s a wide array of bands playing lots of different styles, and there’s plenty of places to play. The Black Prince in particular has been putting on some fine touring bands while giving support to local artists, so I think the future looks very rosy indeed...”
Pete Pulse isn’t promising that he won’t dig into the vaults again once he’s caught his breath from putting together this beast.
“The period between 1976-1980 was very unique, and the variant of punk that followed through the 1980’s was markedly different, so there probably won’t be another punk book. However, there might be a book on the Northampton alternative scene through the ‘80s, and a book on record label Glass who had a strong local connection is on the cards,” Pete teases, “They are pipe dreams at the moment, but watch this space!” Best save some more space on your bookshelf...
Over at The Black Prince, south-east grime-punkers Riskee & The Ridicule will top the bill (July 7) busting out material from their lauded 2019 album, Body Bag Your Scene
Clash Magazine loved what they heard, declaring the release ‘a sound that belongs entirely to them,’ while Kerrang! said it was ‘a bombshell of challenging themes.’ Gnarly.
The Kent clan have a new long-player ready to roll too; their fourth album Platinum Statue will be with us next month.
Warming the night up will be show openers Skumgutta and Utopia Development Corporation
From Southern California to Northampton is a bit of a trek, but Darnell Cole & The Vibe (July 15) are making the journey so you need to go give them a warm welcome.
Darnell is well-travelled having worked with the likes of Walter Trout, Iron Butterfly and Porcelain Hill.
Support will come from Ramblin’ Preachers who have a package of explosive riffs, soaring leads, gravel spitting vocals, catchy hooks and
monstrous tones to put your way. Best get along early doors.
Can you take yourselves back to the first time that you heard Rage Against the Machine?
Musically exciting times, they were, and SBD Promotions are treating you to the tribute thing (July 21) with The Machine Rages On who will take material from all four of their studio elpees.
Last up for July, emerging artists Charlotte Carpenter (a celebrated singer-songwriter and guitarist serving ambient alternative sounds), Soft Lad (aka Sophie Galpin, a multi-instrumentalist known for her heartfelt pop songs), and Kelli Blanchett (gaining prominence for her spacious and melodic anti-love songs) will play on July 28. These three risers from the Midlands are champions of the scene and combine queer, working class and disabled perspectives.
> Go get those tickets by clicking to sbdpromotions.com
It has been a very long time since we last caught Glenn Hughes at the Northampton Roadmender, but the drought will soon be at an end – the man that Stevie Wonder once declared was his favourite white singer returns to the venue on Friday, July 21.
In his career of plenty, Glenn has also found success with Trapeze, and in more recent times he has delivered four elpees as part of the supergroup Black Country Communion (alongside Joe Bonamassa, Dream Theatre’s Derek Sherinian and Jason Bonham), and fronted The Dead Daisies, but really, there is so much more for you to investigate at your leisure. This particular live outing will see him step back to his time in the ranks of rock behemoths Deep Purple, a band he joined in 1973.
Glenn’s voice, and bass lines, can be heard on the albums Burn, Stormbringer and Come Taste The Band, and the ‘Mender date will see him perform Burn in its entirety to mark the album’s 50th anniversary... how is that even possible?!
Material from Deep Purple MKIII and MKIV will also feature.
Glenn isn’t the only reason to get out of your pit, into the motor and over to the venue this month though. Here’s what else is happening, when:
> Soul spinner extraordinaire Trevor Nelson is always a hot ticket at the venue and he returns on July 1. Purchase early or risk disappointment.
> Johnny Marr will be live on July 20, but tickets to see the former Smiths man in the spotlight are all gone. You can head online in the hope of striking it lucky by joining the waiting list though. Good luck!
> The Wonderstuff pop through on July 28. The band will play two sets for disciples; the first will see the album Construction For The Modern Idiot played in its entirety, before Miles Hunt and his troupe return to deliver a set of hits and rarities from their 37 year catalogue. Plenty to choose from, then.
> To book tickets visit theroadmender.com
The last time Mondo Generator laid down their musical wares close by was over in Milton Keynes was way back in 2004, at the now defunct Pitz venue. Not long out of Queens of the Stone Age, and formerly a component of Californian aces Kyuss, Nick Oliveri’s blistering side-hustle was a chance for him to unleash the more raw, unkempt side of his musical soul in the band that he had founded back in 1997.
The personnel in that Mondo line-up have long since moved on, but the band is now as potent as it is perfect with the addition of guitarist Mike Pygmie, who can also be found in the ranks of John Garcia’s Band of Gold.
Drummer Mike Amster also assumes duties behind the kit with stoner aces Nebula – some
of you will have caught him playing in that guise at The Craufurd Arms last summer.
On July 26 the boys will shake things up in Corby, at The Raven Hotel. It’s a venue that Oliveri played last autumn on his Death Acoustic tour, which some of you will have been present for.
In 2020 Mondo Generator delivered the brilliantly angry and awesome elpee F*ck It, a release that Nick’s former musical collaborator, the late, great Mark Lanegan declared to be ‘a stone cold masterpiece.’
‘This is the rare record that perfectly mirrors the uniquely unparalleled mindset and worldview of its creator,’ Mark wrote, “It’s a record full of fire, black humor and diversity, every song a memorable mini-punk rock Picasso...this is a record that is destined to become a seminal and beloved classic, the all time favorite record of many of the lucky people, young and old, who are exposed to it.
Mondo Generator’s Corby date is being brought to you by the folks at Sour Promotions. Other upcoming shows include:
Mini Steel Fest – More than 30 bands across three stages – The Clubhouse Music Venue - July 1
Motown & Northern Soul Night –The Raven Hotel, Corby – July 29
Outdoor Cinema (Top Gun Maverick) –Steel Park, Corby – July 28
Outdoor Cinema (Dirty Dancing) –Steel Park, Corby - July 29
Wheatus – The Clubhouse, Corby, November 4
With his addictive and instantly memorable vocal parts and hooks, Nick Oliveri could write hit songs in his sleep, and there are hints of his ability to do that throughout this record. The fact is, that would be, as Nick himself would say, “Too easy.”’
This March the band entered the studio to begin work on the successor to that release, saying ‘We’ve got some songs that we’re really proud of and we can’t wait to share them with you.’ We imagine we’ll be getting a taster at the Raven show.
‘No barriers but lots of tequila’ is the promise. We’re down with that.
> Tickets are on sale now. Visit seetickets.com
> If you can’t wait for Corby, double your fun – the band will return to The Craufurd Arms on Monday, July 24. Tickets for that are on sale now through thecraufurdarms.com and seetickets.com
African Diaspora Festival
Saturday, July 1
Celebrate Africa’s heritage, culture and food at this sixth annual festival being held in Campbell Park with dance, music, speeches, food and a fashion show.
Heritage and culture: theparkstrust.com
Parks and Run
Sunday, July 2, 10am
Pull on your running shoes and explore the green spaces of Broughton Brook with a choice of two, five or 10km routes. Meet at the car park next to Broughton Fields School. On your marks: theparkstrust.com
Greatest Days
Monday, July 3 – Saturday, July 8
Enjoy the official Take That musical when it arrives for a six day stay at Milton Keynes Theatre in a story of love, loss and laughter –all tied together with TT smashes.
Never Forget: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Bluescaster
Tuesday, July 4
A subtle mix of Chicago Blues and an original take on soulful classics with a few originals added in. In tune: bletchleybluesclub.uk
Alan Fletcher –
The Doctor Will See You Now
Wednesday, July 5, 7.30pm
Join Alan, aka Karl Kennedy from Ramsey Street, as the actor explains what it’s like being a mainstay in one of the longestrunning soap operas in the world. A journey through unforgettable storylines, bloopers and secrets.
From Ramsey Street to Wellingborough: parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
Blues Jam Night
Wednesday, July 5, doors at 6.30pm
Just bring your sticks, guitars, basses and mics – backline provided and Blues Club regulars will get things started. It’s free for all, so pop along and play or support those who are.
We’re jammin’: bletchleybluesclub.uk
Friday, July 7, 4pm
A special open air performance in the grounds of Delapre Abbey. Street food will be served, and funfair amusements will take attention.
Red Red Wine: eventbrite.co.uk
Stokes & Summers: Careering
Friday, July 7, 8.45pm
A comedy about the quirks and perks of the modern workplace which may contain strong language and adult material – suitable for 12+.
Office oddballs: stables.org
O’Jay City
Saturday, July 8, 8pm
Enjoy a night of classic Motown and Soul hits from Motown, Detroit, Philly Soul and a sprinkling of Northern Soul all from the 60s, 70s and 80s, with this tribute to The O’Jays. Love Train: thepicturedrome.com
Harry’s Rainbow Colour Run and Fun Day
Saturday, July 8, midday-4pm
A fun run for children of all ages at the large Wolverton Recreation Ground, Woburn Avenue raising funds for the charity - £6 per child and adult. On your marks: Search Harry’s Rainbow on eventbrite.co.uk
Psychic Mind, Body & Soul & Well-Being Fayre
Saturday, July 8, 11.30am-4pm
Stalls, mediums, tarot, palmistry readers, healing, crystals and more, at Parklands Community Centre, Devon Way, Northampton
The Northampton Male Voice Choir
Sunday, July 9, 3pm-7pm
Enjoy a picnic in the grounds of Horton House Cricket Club, with music from the leading voice choir. A BBQ, bar and children’s area will also feature. All together: hortonhouse.co.uk or email hello@hortonhouse.co.uk
Tony Christie 80th Birthday Tour
Wednesday, July 12, 8pm
Celebrate the humble veteran from Yorkshire who became a legendary crooner with a special anniversary tour.
Still looking for Amarillo: stables.org
Disability Awareness Day
Friday, July 14
Visit the Milton Keynes Rose in Campbell Park for an inspiring, creative and fun-filled morning.
The full programme will be available online but will include art workshops, tours of the rose, speeches and talks. While there, why not enjoy a picnic in the park?
Community togetherness: theparkstrust.com
Cadillac Kings
Tuesday, July 18
Inspired by early rhythm & blues styles with a distinctly modern take lyric-wise, Cadillac Kings have earned a reputation for wowing audiences from night clubs to festivals, from theatres to dance halls, the length & breadth of the UK & Europe. Joyous house rockin’ R&B: bletchleybluesclub.uk
Saturday 15th July 2023
Come along anytime between 1.30pm & 5.00pm
-
The Importance of Being Earnest
Saturday, July 15, doors 4.30pm, show from 6pm Chapterhouse Theatre presents Oscar Wilde’s finest and best-loved romantic comedy in the magical surroundings of Lamport Hall. Girls never marry the men they flirt with: seetickets.com
Sausage and Cider Festival
Friday, July 21 to Saturday, July 22
Cold cider, hot sausage - Northampton Sausage and Cider Festival returns for 2023 at Franklin’s Gardens. Three Sessions.
Tickets £5: sausageandciderfestival.co.uk
The Smiths Ltd
Friday, July 21, 8pm
If you never got to experience the magic of The Smiths live, this is your opportunity to enjoy the next best thing, with the Manchester-based tribute bringers.
Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now: thepicturedrome.com
Paul Sinha & Jo Caulfield
Saturday, July 22
Join the Sinha man in his other ‘job’ delivering the funnies, with the smart and funny Jo Caulfield sharing this Edinburgh preview evening at the Park Inn, Northampton. This Chase ace walked into a bar: seetickets.com
Mondo Generator
Monday, July 24
Fronted by former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri, Mondo Generator will leave you wired for the week ahead. Simple Exploding Man: thecraufurdarms.com
Summer Holidays
at Milton Keynes Museum
Monday, July 24 –
Friday, September 1 (Wed-Sun)
Keep the kids entertained while school is out as MK Museum presents themed days throughout the holidays.
What’s on and when: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Suzi Ruffell: Snappy
Tuesday, July 25
Multi-award nominated comedian Suzi’s new show is all about settling down, becoming a mother and still worrying about everything. Part of this year’s
If: Milton Keynes International Festival. Funny times: stables.org
Mondo Generator
Wednesday, July 26
Having played acoustic at The Raven Hotel in Corby late last year, Nick Oliveri’s tour with Mondo Generator calls in at the same venue. So High, So Low: theravenhotel.com
Gratte Ciel: Place des Anges
Friday, July 28 & Saturday, July 29
An aerial show is happening at Secklow Gate D3 car park in CMK (next to The Point) as part of If: Milton Keynes International Festival. The Place of Angels: stables.org
Bite Street
Friday, July 28 – Sunday, July 30
Fill your belly at Northampton’s street food event, which offers fab eats, liquid treats and cool beats at Franklin’s Gardens.
Yummy: eventbrite.co.uk
Northampton Pride Festival
11am-6.30pm
Saturday 8th JulyWaterside Campus, University of Northampton
Northampton’s Pride Festival returns with the popular Pride Parade and a range of exciting performances and entertainment hosted by West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC)
LGBTQ and Allies Forum, the Northampton Pride Committee, sponsored by Travis Perkins plc and Northampton Town Council. The parade starts on Abington Street at 11am, making its way to Waterside Campus for around 11.50am. Come together to celebrate and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ communities!
Free screening of the film ‘Pride’
3.30pm Sunday 9th July
Him & Me
Friday, July 28, 8pm
Join Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke and 2021 champion Giovanni Pernice for a collaboration of dance, song and lighthearted fun.
Keep dancing: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Towcester Bite Club
Friday, July 28, 5pm
A collection of seven food traders will be serving up good stuff for you at Tove Valley Centre, and dessert will be included. A bar will be serving the wet stuff. All welcome, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Something to chew on: wegottickets.com
Brackley Round Table Beer Fest
Saturday, July 29, midday-8pm Bottoms up at Magdalen College School, with all profits used to support charities and families who need support. The festival sold out last year, so advance booking is advised. One more for the road: tickettailor.com
Race For Life Northampton Pretty Muddy
Saturday, July 29, 10.30am
Get stuck into a 5k muddy obstacle course. Scramble over the A-frame, crawl through the mid pit and have lots of fun as you go – and you’ll be raising funds for life-saving research. Everyone can get involved – there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids course too.
On your marks: raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
Race For Life
Sunday, July 30
Women, men and children can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k options at Abington Park in Northampton.
Get set: raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
The Old Savoy, Home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square
As part of the Northampton Pride Festival, there will be a free screening of the British historical comedy-drama film ‘Pride’, staring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton, at The Old Savoy Home of The Deco Theatre, on Sunday, 9th July at 3.30pm. Order your FREE tickets by contacting 01604 491005
Northampton In Bloom
Have you spotted all the beautiful blooms around Northampton?
The floral displays cover the town centre and our surrounding wards from June through to September. Are you green fingered!? Everyone can help make Northampton bloom so if you would like to get involved with any existing projects, or be part of a new bloom-associated project, please contact: info@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk
Wellness Walks
Until September –Abington Park
As part of Northampton In Bloom, we have introduced ‘Wellness Walks’ in collaboration with poet James McInerny. Follow the trail of wellbeing poetry around picturesque Abington Park this summer! Download the map from our website and find out more.
For more details on
NTC’s events and projects visit: northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/events
Or get in touch with the team: events@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk
All events and projects listed are delivered, supported or sponsored by Northampton Town Council
Gala performances, showcase events and tribute opportunities rule in theatre-land this month. Pulse’s Sammy Jones has your preview...
There’s an opportunity to check in on rising talents from the town (July 2) when Limelight Theatre School presents Groovy Baby at the Derngate. The young talents will lead you on a journey back to the ‘60s and cut loose the best songs from the decade that swung!
The UK premiere of composer James Burton’s The Lost Words will be realised at the venue (July 5) when choirs from across the primary and secondary schools of the David Ross Education Trust clear their throats and release their voices in the work which ‘celebrates the wonder of the natural world through a series of spell-poems.’
Local talent continues to shine with The Big Top Murders: A Musical Double Bill (July 7 & 8) at the Underground, courtesy of the Royal & Derngate Youth Theatre & Young Company Brace yourself for twists and turns and toetapping tunes as intriguing plots of love, deceit and shattered dreams unfold.
Classical music fans will be thrilled by the arrival of conductor Delyana Lazarova, who visits the Derngate (July 7) with the orchestra of the East Midlands, Sinfonia Viva to deliver Beethoven’s Symphony No.3, Eroica.
The piece revels in drama and flamboyance and ignited the spark for what would become the Romantic period.
The musical programme continues a day later, but the genre will be rather different; the UK Pink Floyd Experience will celebrate 50 years of the classic Floyd opus, The Dark Side of The Moon in a two hour celebration of the band, complete with a befitting light show.
There’s a double bill of NMPAT: Generations 2023 (July 9) with performances by County Junior Orchestra, County Junior Brass Ensemble, County Junior Strings, Jazz 3, NMPAT Singers and County Junior Wind Orchestra at midday, with a second concert – from 6pm – featuring County Training Wind Orchestra, Guitarlactica, County Training Brass Band, Jazz 2 and County Training Orchestra
Caitlin Moran (July 10) pops by to discuss her brand new book, What About Men?
‘Come and join the start of a new, urgent, but also often amusing conversation – and bring your husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, nephews, boyfriends and best friends with you,’ she urges, ‘Porn, violence, Star Wars, fatherhood, sex, banter, Andrew Tate, Jordan B Peterson’s lobsters, and what’s actually good about masculinity: we’ll discuss it all.’
If you fancy saying ‘hi’ Caitlin will be signing copies of the page-turner post-show.
The Royal & Derngate Actors Company will present a funny, high-energy, swashbuckling adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel The Three Musketeers (July 14 & 15, Royal).
Back at the Derngate, Open Stage Performing Arts Company presents Any Way We Want It! (July 15) in a show featuring their entire school of children and adults, and bursting with ballet, tap, modern, classical Greek and jazz dance, and much more. There will be fancy footwork, and plenty of it in this afternoon show.
And while we’re on the subject of toe-tapping, Dancing Schools UK – The Final will have more. The 10th annual presentation of this ballroom and latin dance event sees regional schools from Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire competing to be crowned champions and lift the glitter ball trophy.
Musical theatre meets circus in CIRQUE: The Greatest Show (July 18 & 19) in a brand new variety spectacular that will leave the whole family agape with its spellbinding style and kaleidoscopic colour, and huge numbers from your favourite shows.
The Royal & Derngate Community Choir present Windrush 75 (July 21 & 22, The Royal), part verbatim, part theatre and part musical this new show boasts original songs inspired by local people, reflecting the positive impact of Windrush, both here in Northamptonshire, and nationally.
Over at The Old Savoy, the Ultimate Acro Gala (July 2) will celebrate the talent and artistry of acrobatic dancers from across the country; from high-flying aerial routines to intricate balances and lifts, this performance promises to leave you amazed and inspired. And maybe a bit dizzy?
If tribute shows get you excited, you’ll want to set up temporary base at The Core in Corby this month, with tributes to Neil Diamond (A Beautiful Noise, July 13), Pink Floyd (The Floyd Effect, July 14), The Small Faces (All or Nothing Experience, July 15), 80s pop superstars (Club 80s, July 20) and Fleetwood Mac (Fleetwood Bac, July 21).
> Book tickets:
Derngate, Royal & Underground: royalandderngate.co.uk
The Old Savoy: theoldsavoy.co.uk
The Core: thecorecorby.com
SUDOKU
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats. Good Luck!
7 8 1 2 9
1 9 6 4
2 7 4 6
9 2 7 3
Some say that modern life can be summed up by the cheeseburger. It is sometimes quoted as being a food type that exemplifies the level to which our society has plummeted.
However, when you realise that it only came into existence between 1924 and 1934 (depending on whose version of history you want to believe), it does rather undermine the connection between it and the downward spiral of society since the 1960s.
Things get interesting when you dig into how the cheeseburger came about. Although most commentators agree that it came into existence in the US, there are varied claims over who invented it and precisely where in the US it originated. Digging deeper; if slapping cheese into an ordinary hamburger makes a cheeseburger, then looking into the origins of the humble hamburger has to be the next investigative step.
There is a lot more out there on the subject of the hamburger. In fact, there is so much on what are effectively the roots of the cheeseburger that I fear violence could break out over competing claims.
Most sources state that Germany is the place from where the hamburger originated. Many stories go into detail regarding how German immigrants took them to the New World sometime in the 19th century. Some even claim to know how it got its name. One version is that sailors working out of the port of Hamburg took the required ground or shredded beef back with them through their trade
with the Russian Baltic provinces during that same 19th century. A different tale refers to events from the 12th century when cattle were being domesticated in the region of Hamburg. It tells how a dish was developed whereby a patty of beef was sandwiched between two pieces of bread.
There is a lot more out there on the subject of the hamburger. In fact, there is so much on what are effectively the roots of the cheeseburger that I fear violence could break out over competing claims. Without doubt, Mr or Mrs Angry of Pulseland are readying their quills to dash off a missive about how wrong I am about the whole thing. More tech-savvy objectors to the various versions of its creation contained herewith will be firing up their computing devices and writing messages to be sent over the interweb in the form of speedy electronic mail.
But lo! Before putting either a writing implement to paper, or a finger to a keyboard, read this little gem! It is said that the Romans invented the hamburger over 1,500 years ago and they took it to Britain with them as part of their rule over what they called Britannia. From these shores it made its way back to Germany and on from there to the US, via the hinterland of Hamburg. If that little snippet has readers frothing at the mouth and baying for my blood, then the next few lines ought to have the lynch mobs out in force.
There is evidence that domesticated cattle provided beef for early bun-like creations made from flour first used over 8,000 years ago.
It is obviously better to stick to cheeseburgers over hamburgers because at least one can be fairly sure of their origins.
PHIL
5 7 9 6 5
3 1 3
2 6 7 9
1 6 5
Clues Across
1. Snagged (hosiery)
5. Fragrant flower
7. Pierce with knife
8. Comes forth
9. Bakes in oven
12. Encroach
15. Edgy
19. Delicate
21. Illegal
22. New Zealand bird
23. Affluent
24. Giving (prize)
Clues Down
1. Light-ray tools
2. Sums owing
3. Smells strongly
4. Imaginary reptile
5. Library user
6. Make certain
10. Help (criminal)
11. Ticking explosive, ... bomb
12. Climbing vine
13. Brass instrument
14. Atop
15. American wild cat
16. Beat soundly
17. Hat-weaving leaves
18. Tinting
19. 4th Greek letter
20. Annoyed
Flavour of the Times - Most astrologers are a bit transfixed by what Pluto, planet of seismic transformational changes, is going to show us as it slips backwards into Capricorn until the autumn, after which it turns round and starts to make its way back towards Aquarius again. ‘Consequences’, ‘chickens coming home to roost’, ‘unravelling’, might all be useful words here. I always said that Pluto in Capricorn was going to be authoritarian and dictatorial and so it has proved, particularly in the political sphere. We are all desperate for changes for the better but until Pluto gets its feet under the table in Aquarius again in the new year 2024, the revolutionary nature of Aquarius is firmly under wraps and we can only surmise how things might turn out. The last time it happened (1778–1798) brought with it sweeping changes in the social order and public rights, including the birth of the Industrial Revolution, the Enlightenment, the publishing of The Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstoncraft and of course, the French Revolution. Expect similar!
June 22 – July 23
The new moon in your sign in July doesn’t take place until 17th so opportunities for your own progress may be delayed. It could all feel as if you are going over old ground but that’s probably because things dear to you were never completely resolved to your satisfaction. Whether the retrograde Pluto in your opposite sign of Capricorn is a help or a hindrance I am sure you will discover.
July 24 – August 23
Venus and Mars continue together in your sign for a week at the beginning of this month, making you ‘seductive and seductable’. This could be bit of a lethal combination so either be careful what you wish for or just jump in at the deep end. As ever, there will be consequences of your actions, starting as both planets progress into the less than sexy sign of Virgo. Oh well…
August 24 – September 23
You will be tempted to say ‘I told you so’ when people you perceive as a bit crazy and undisciplined come unstuck. Try not to be too self-righteous about all this, though. Your bid to find order in chaos may not end all that successfully either in these times of change and confusion. Stick to areas of your life which you know work for you and you should be ok.
September 24 – October 23
It is not an easy new moon for you when it is in Cancer, as it is this month. Pluto lurching back into Capricorn is also an apple cart up-turner, so your desire for harmony may be hard to find. It is best to focus on personal practices like yoga and meditation rather than seek help or support from others at this time. Relationships are prone to difficulty so try to see things from the other side.
October 24 – November 22
The new moon in a water sign like Cancer is workable for you this month. It tends to favour family and close family relationships while Jupiter’s arrival in your opposite sign of Taurus makes steady progress seem achievable. However, Uranus’s capacity to throw the most unexpected events into the air should be respected and watched. Everything has a lesson we can learn from.
November 23 – December 22
Not much going on for you this month. The helpful planets in your opposing sign of Gemini probably assisted with holiday plans but things have moved on now and you may be feeling some unwanted restrictions in your life as a result. In fact, I would caution against making any more travel plans for a while. There are things that require your attention closer to home.
December 23 – January 20
Yes, it’s about Pluto again. Things may be coming back to haunt you, badly thought-out plans, sketchy ideas, dodgy skeletons may all come out of the cupboard while the planet of transformation in going backwards. You must believe that all this is for the best so that you can more forward on a better footing later in the year.
January 21 – February 19
You get a chance to review some of the weird and potentially wonderful changes that you have been shown this spring. If you have been a bit traditional in your lifestyle until now, all sorts of alternatives are appearing on your radar now, some of them a bit scary, perhaps, because they threaten to destabilise your comfort zone. Use this time to let things marinade for a while.
You are bound to be affected personally by some if not all of the massive changes that are taking place this year. An astrological reading of your chart can forewarn you about how these changes might affect you. To really understand what they mean for you on a personal level during 2023, I would recommend that you consider booking a comprehensive personal astrological consultation with me. This is completely specific to you and your life. This will illuminate many things that you may not have considered up to now and it will enable you to really take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the year.
February 20 – March 20
Saturn settling in your sign is a bit like knitting fog or herding cats – the more structure you try to bring to your life, the less it seems to work and you can easily feel bewildered as things you try to organise seem to fall apart. You should go with the flow when this happens and concentrate on what you can control - does your appearance or style need a makeover?
March 21 – April 20
For an action-oriented person, the appearance of Saturn in Pisces gives you an unusual opportunity to dig into a more intuitive side of your personality now. The Cancer new moon is about caring, so why not step outside your comfort zone and reinvent an aspect of your character that seldom gets an airing; you may be surprised by what you discover.
April 21 – May 21
Friends and family may feature more strongly this month. The new moon is in its element in Cancer which emphasizes caring and nurturing relationships, and you can do a lot to enhance these in small, but helpful ways. Jupiter also assists this but don’t get too carried away with excessively grandiose ideas. Small is still beautiful and enough is enough.
May 22 – June 21
There may be plenty of lively flirting early in the month if you go out socialising and none of it is going to get particularly serious but take time now, as the energy changes to slow down and take care of your inner needs. Self-care is very important and you may not be all that good at it. As they say in those pre-flight briefings: secure your life jacket before you try to help others!
Chart readings with me start at £67 and last for an hour on Zoom or Skype. Please go to www.astroguidance.co.uk for more details and to book a session. You can also text or WhatsApp me on 07866 727743 or email me at howpark@aol.com for more information.
If you are interested in discussing and learning more about astrology, why not pop into my Facebook group The Astrocafe | Facebook.
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