NN Pulse magazine June 23

Laura Malpas visits one of Northamptonshire’s loveliest estates

Editor

From the Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

There’s always a corner that doesn’t receive the care and attention it deserves, whether it’s at home or in the wider community. St Katherine’s Gardens was one of those places, but it’s now had a makeover. Thanks to some lottery funding and the efforts of local volunteers and businesses it features sustainable planting and a new floral wellbeing mural. It’s just one of the ways the Coronation’s Big Help Out has made a difference locally.

The communal areas of Wheatfield Unit at Berrywood Hospital are also being transformed with eye-catching artwork. Creative occupational therapy projects have been turned into decorative wall panels thanks to funding from the Northamptonshire Health Charity. This is recovery through doing in action.

Talking of special spaces, Lamport Hall will open as part of the National Gardens Open Scheme on Saturday 10 June. At this time of year, it offers a fantastic display of colour, scents and a home for wildlife too. It will certainly be worth a visit and you’ll be helping to raise funds for charities including Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support and Parkinson’s UK.

If you would like to enjoy another peaceful summer outing this month, Laura Malpas recommends Cottesbrooke, one of Northamptonshire’s loveliest estates. It’s only open to the public for a few days a week in the summer and is well worth a visit. Treat yourself!

While long hours and hard work might not be the most attractive job description, that’s what gets Annie Marriott and her husband Roy out of bed in the morning. Animals in Need founders have kennels to check, treatments to arrange, and rescues to organise. Theirs is a full-on life that makes a huge difference although they don’t ask for any recognition. So, we’d just like to say ‘thank you’ to them and all their helpers.

Kerry

Read previous editions online: www.pulsemagazine.co.uk

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June 2023

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across

Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

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

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

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

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

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

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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!’

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Volunteers from Northampton Town Council, the Royal British Legion, the University of Northampton, Northampton College and town businesses joined forces to spruce up the area and clear litter as part of The Big Help Out – a national day of volunteering organised by The Together Coalition to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.

Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District secured £10,000 of Lottery funding to help pay for the work, carried out by partners including groundworks firm Danaher and Walsh, landscapers idverde, builders merchants Travis Perkins, Zone Developments and Stepnells – the developers behind the ongoing Market Square works.

Each donated their time and expertise free of charge.

“This has been a real community effort, with multiple partners coming together to produce something truly special for the town,” says the BID’s operations manager Mark Mullen. “It is unrecognisable from just a few weeks ago.

“It is bright, cheerful and you can see the smiles on people’s faces as they walk through. It is a lovely place to be.”

St Katherine’s Gardens is a green space on which once stood the 19th-century church of St Katherine. It provides a walkway between the bus station and Horsemarket, and is

Neglected town centre beauty spot is given new lease of life

Once a forgotten green space in Northampton town centre, a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour has gone. Now St Katherine’s Gardens stands transformed thanks to a lottery-funded volunteer project staged as part of The Big Help Out to mark the King’s Coronation weekend.

and gates have been freshly painted. Sections are dedicated to Northampton Town Council’s Bloom campaign and the Climate Change Forum.

bordered by businesses on College Street, St Katherine’s Street and King Street.

Areas were set aside for ‘No Mow May’ to encourage wildlife back. Benches and bins have been repurposed and upcycled following their removal from the Market Square. Railings

Cllr Andrew Stevens, chair of Northampton Town Council’s environmental services committee, says: “This work really has given St Katherine’s Gardens a new lease of life and I would like to thank all those who gave their time to support this wonderful transformation.” The theme for the space is influenced by His Majesty’s passion for sustainability, biodiversity and the natural world. Volunteers have planted sustainable, perennial planters and a wild flower and grass bed, established flower beds have been pruned to encourage the growth of existing wild flowers and a floral wellbeing mural, designed by Sarah Hodgkins and painted by college and university students, has been installed.

Get the expert care you need, without the wait!

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

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*Chrysalis Finance working in partnership with Circle Health Group. Loans are subject to status, terms and conditions apply. Loans are arranged by Chrysalis Finance Limited of PO Box 404, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 0EA. Both Circle Health Group and Chrysalis Finance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to carry out the regulated activity of credit broking.

The theme for the space is influenced by His Majesty’s passion for sustainability, biodiversity and the natural world.

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Family Service, Saving You Money.

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

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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”.

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I can support couples who want to take a more amicable approach to their separation, without the conflict and associated costs. I offer trusted and transparent legal guidance to help you achieve a mutually agreeable settlement.

Sally Robinson, Partner, Head of Family, Central England

M: 07967 763 604 | E: sarobinson@hcrlaw.com

Our team of expert family lawyers will carry out a full assessment to ensure that couples meet the criteria applicable to this type of service.

If you think this might be the right path for you and your partner, get in touch with me. www.hcrlaw.com

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HCR Hewitsons is a trading name of Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited. Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 520892).

New ‘one couple, one lawyer’ approach to divorce and separation

HCR Hewitsons’ Family Law team is paving the way for more amicable divorces. Their new ‘Unified in Separation (US)’ legal service will allow divorce to be managed by a single lawyer, rather than having one lawyer for each party.

James Grigg, Partner and Head of Family Law said:

“We understand the emotional pressures and complexities of divorce. That’s why we’re delighted to launch this ground-breaking service to help couples to achieve their shared objectives, without the conflict and costs of going to court.

“Couples using ‘US’ will receive advice on a joint beneficial basis to reach an agreement on one or all aspects of their separation. It is only suitable where there is no imbalance of power and where both parties are in the right frame of mind. Our team of expert family lawyers will

carry out a full assessment to ensure interests are aligned.”

Sally Robinson, Partner and Head of Family Law at HCR Hewitsons’ Central England

Office added: “Since the introduction of no-fault divorce, we’re increasingly seeing a shift in the Central England region of couples wanting

Could you make a difference to children and young people?

Are you looking for an opportunity to give back to your local community?

to take a more amicable approach to their separation. Of course, this service is very much case-specific and couples must meet the criteria in order for us to act for both parties.”

The Top 60 law firm’s new tailored service will track the ‘one couple, one lawyer’ framework established by family lawyer group, Resolution – a community of family law professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues constructively.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has more than 800 staff and partners based at offices in Central England, Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Hereford, London, Thames Valley, Worcester and the Wye Valley, providing a complete spectrum of legal services to both business and private clients regionally and nationwide.

>> For more details, visit www.hcrlaw.com

Sally Robinson, Partner and Head of Family Law at HCR Hewitsons’ Central England Office and James Grigg, Partner and Head of Family Law

A warm welcome awaits...

Avery Healthcare’s brand-new care home of unrivalled comfort and luxury, Squires Mews, in Northampton, features 59 light, airy, spacious bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms. Each is furnished to the highest standard and provides residents with maximum comfort, as well as interactive nurse call systems, so residents can rest assured they will always have the support they need. Residents are actively encouraged to personalise their bedrooms with small items of furniture and keepsakes, truly making it a home from home.

Elegant and high-quality décor and furnishings create an exemplary interior throughout, with a mix of contemporary, functional building designs and modern, exciting aesthetics.

The design seamlessly integrates other amenities, including a salon, therapy suite, cinema room, shared lounges and private dining room, which can be used for special occasions with friends and family. Avery strives to create an atmosphere where residents feel safe, cared for and happy. With a nurturing atmosphere of care and companionship, daily activities and outings are all part of a supportive lifestyle that helps residents enjoy life to the full.

Life in the Garden

Outside the home, residents can relax and enjoy the outdoors in the garden. With well-stocked beds, the garden is ideal for green-fingered residents who can enjoy tending the plants and growing produce for the kitchen. The garden can equally be appreciated by those who want to relax and take in the sights and fragrances or take afternoon tea on the patio.

Meet the Squires Mews Team General Manager, Rebekah Perrin, describes her vision of Squires Mews as becoming an outstanding care home, “We are so proud to be part of the Northampton community. Recently, we invited community members and relatives for a Cutlery-free Dining Experience, which was supported by our Regional Head of Culinary and Hospitality. The event was a great success, and visitors commented on how valuable they found the experience”.

The team provide a warm welcome to all, and residents’ loved ones are encouraged to become active participants in the home’s life. One relative comments, “We have joined Dad for meals on a couple of occasions – the food is delicious. I would recommend Squires Mews to anyone looking for a care home.”

Ophthalmology Service in Northampton

Three Shires Hospital offers a comprehensive Ophthalmology service to treat a range of common ophthalmic problems for patients in Northampton and further afield.

We’ll be able to assess and evaluate the damage to your eyes from conditions such as:

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Cornea-related conditions such as Keratoconus

• Retinal issues such as Diabetic Retinopathy

• Watery eyes

• Skin cancer on the eyelid

How quickly can I be seen at Three Shires Hospital?

If you’re experiencing eye pain or you have general concerns regarding your eyes or vision, you can book an appointment online with one of our specialist ophthalmologists, and you can usually get an appointment within 48 hours.

What can I expect from my initial consultation?

Following your first consultation, your consultant will discuss your

symptoms and reasons for visiting, along with any questions you might have before determining the appropriate next steps. You may need diagnostic investigations to help your consultant understand what treatment options are best for you.

What are the benefits of seeing an Ophthalmologist?

An Ophthalmologist is known as an eye doctor or eye surgeon, who is well-versed to treat and diagnose conditions related to your eyes and visual system.

To book an appointment with one of our specialist Ophthalmologists, call 01604 273987 or scan the QR code and book an appointment online.

>>

A Parent’s Advice On Adulthood Buying A House, Getting Married, and Having Children.

Lawyers are people too –they have the same worries and concerns as other people and want the best for their families and loved ones. Jules Burditt (Wilson Browne Solicitors – Wills & Trusts) shares the advice she gave to her own daughter. “As a parent of a daughter who has recently bought a house, had a baby and is soon to be married, I have provided her with lots of advice about the reasons and necessity of making a Will as these are three of the biggest milestones that she will fulfil during her lifetime”.

Buying a house:

A Will allows you to control and provide certainty about what will happen to your assets, including property when you die, so it’s important to make a Will when buying a home. Depending on how you have bought your property, whether it be 50:50 or in unequal shares such as 60:40, for example, it might be advisable to enter into a Declaration of Trust so that on your death, your estate would receive the correct percentage of the sale of the property.

Having children:

It’s important if you are the parent of young children to protect their future – making a Will lets you appoint a legal guardian of your choice to look after them until they reach the age of 18. If you leave your estate (or a share of it) to young children, you should consider

at what age they inherit their share: until 18, they are deemed to lack capacity and are not entitled to receive or accept the gift or share of an estate until they do reach that age. Maybe 18 is too young (in your view), so you can set a higher age. Don’t worry about your children not being able to access the money before they are 18, as your appointed Trustees can access the income and capital for the child’s schooling and other needs if required.

Getting married:

If you are getting married and want to organise your affairs in anticipation of your wedding, Wills can be made in contemplation of marriage. Section 18 of the Wills Act 1837 allows this perfectly acceptable method of drafting to be valid, and the marriage will not revoke the Wills. There is a misconception that Divorce revokes a Will – it doesn’t (but divorce does mean your spouse cannot inherit under your Will). However, it is a marriage that automatically revokes a Will. By drafting your Will in contemplation of marriage, it will prevent this from happening.

If you are going through a major life change, it is important to update your Will, or indeed make a Will.

Contact one of our Will experts on 0800 088 6004 – we’re all the help you need!

Celebrated at a unique ceremony at the Silverstone Wing, the Autocar Awards celebrate the best of the automotive world, as well as recognising individual excellence throughout the industry.

Kia’s diverse range of vehicles have had a confident start to 2023, with the all-new Niro and Sportage continuing to cement themselves as class leaders. Both models regularly contribute to making Kia the most popular brand in the C-SUV segment – and are now among the UK’s top 10 bestselling models overall. Kia’s range of EVs also continues to impress, with the EV6, Niro EV and Soul EV all receiving regular praise from critics and customers alike. It’s not only Kia’s award-winning products which hailed the win, it’s also the brand’s customer experience quality including first class ratings and the selection of convenience services and apps.

Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar, commented: “It seems like a very long time since any of us have thought of Kia as ‘that funny budget car brand from Korea’. What a transformation Kia has been through. Very few brands of Kia’s size can boast product lines half as up-to-date. Both the totemic

EV6 and Sorento family SUV were launched in 2021, and still feel box-fresh. The sheer confidence exuded by the design of the Niro and Sportage was what really impressed, and made it so obvious that this year’s Best Manufacturer award could go nowhere else.”

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, said: “The past year has been fantastic for Kia.

Record sales in excess of 100,000 in 2022 meant we entered the year with full confidence in our model line-up, with each vehicle appealing to different customers. Everybody at Kia and throughout our nationwide dealer network is fully committed to ensuring we maintain this impressive trajectory, and I am thankful for the hard work and dedication shown by the entire

Kia team. I would like to thank the Autocar judges for recognising this commitment by naming us their ‘Best Manufacturer’ for 2023. The next 12 months will be equally as exciting for Kia as we welcome EV9, and continue our journey to becoming a leader in electrification.”

With plans to introduce a lineup of 15 fully-electric vehicles by 2027, Kia shows no signs of slowing down, and aims to further strengthen its position as a leading brand in the global EV market. The EV9, arriving in the UK later this year, is developed on the company’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and will usher in a new era of sophisticated, hightechnology, sustainable mobility for Kia.

>> For further information or to speak to our team please visit Bells Kia www.bellskia.co.uk

Fuel

Open gardens start summer at Lamport

Lamport Hall will be opening on Saturday 10th June as part of the National Gardens Open Scheme. The gardens are a riot of colour and scents at this time of year and are enjoyed by a myriad of wildlife. They will be open 10am-4pm with the café also open offering artisan coffee and delicious cakes. Entry is £10 for adults and free for under 16s with all proceeds going to charities including Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support and Parkinson’s UK.

Have you ever foraged for delicious wild foods before?

Would you like to learn what is in season that can be foraged safely with a little care, to supplement your diet? Come along to Lamport this year to be guided around the beautiful estate by Lizzy and Steve of Tellus Mater who will take you on a wander to seek hedgerow and woodland edibles that are full of surprising flavours! There will be a two hour taster session at 10:30am on Thursday 15th June or a full day foraging experience on Saturday 1st July

Pre-booking is essential.

The programme of Lamport Lunchtime Recitals continues on Wednesday 21st June. Jem Lowther – pianist, organist and Director of Music at the Parish Church, Northampton – will play piano solos and introduce a guest singer, Lufuno Ndou. Doors open at 12:30pm, with tea and biscuits, for a 1pm start. Recital tickets include entry to the gardens after the concert.

The gardens are open every Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-4pm with guided tours of the Hall at 11am and 1pm. Additionally, on the first Wednesday of the month, the Hall will be open on a freeflow basis from 11am-3pm with a complimentary garden tour for all ticket holders at 11:30am. Check the website www.lamporthall.co.uk for more details.

National Gardens Scheme

Open Wed-Thurs 10am-4pm April 5th -

Open Day

Saturday 10th June 10am-4pm

Foraging Taster & Experience

2 hour taster on Thurs 15th June, 10.30am or full day experience on Sat 1st July

on Hall and Garden opening and events during 2023

www.lamporthall.co.uk

Wills and Probate?

www.bmtclaw.co.uk

t 01604 622101

f 01604 230829 18 Brooklands Court

Kettering Venture Park

Kettering, NN15 6FD

t 01536 523434

f 01536 310138

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors –

Diamond win is a real gem for lucky shoppers at revamped jeweller

Delivering a memorable experience to its customers is the aim of the newly relaunched Michael Jones Jeweller in Northampton town centre.

The shop in Grosvenor Shopping Northampton is welcoming customers after a seven-figure refit. The result is a new experienceled luxury retail space with a VIP consultation room.

“Retail in the 21st century has to be an experience if it is to compete with online sellers,” says Michael Jones Jeweller’s managing director Stuart O’Grady. “We want our customers to sit down in a lounge area with a glass of champagne while choosing their wedding rings. We want them to select a luxury watch in a room that is suitable for such an occasion. That is something you simply cannot replicate on the

internet.”

The store lived up to its billing as a ‘hidden gem’ after one lucky couple landed a £2,300 diamond encased in a specially commissioned ice sculpture to mark the relaunch.

Branch manager Thomas Sinclair says: “When we first embarked on this project, we wanted to create something truly special, underlining our commitment to Northampton town centre and giving our customers an unforgettable retail experience.”

The redesigned store was

officially opened by Anne Jones, the wife of the original founder.

The independent jeweller, which is run as a co-operative, has had a presence in the town for more than 100 years and has extended into the former Burton’s unit in the shopping centre - a store it previously occupied back in the 1970s.

The new store features a number of concessions, with dedicated areas for major watch brands including Longines, Bremont and Tissot.

Jewellery suppliers such as Brown and Newirth, FOPE, Clogau and Ti Sento have fully branded counters alongside existing brands including Gucci, Baume and Mercier, and Raymond Weil. Mark Mullen, operations manager of Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District, anticipates the store will help to draw more shoppers into the town centre. “It is good to see such a prominent retailer reaffirming their faith in Northampton’s retail offer and investing in their premises,” he says.

Inside the newly relaunched Michael Jones Jeweller in Northampton town centre

Patients’ artwork brightens hospital thanks to charity

Eye-catching artwork, to reinvigorate the communal areas of a Northampton hospital, has gone on display as part of a creative project with inpatients. The striking creations have been introduced at the Wheatfield Unit, at Berrywood Hospital, through inpatient occupational therapy sessions which support people whose health, environment or social circumstances make it difficult to take part in the activities that matter to them.

Generous funding from Northamptonshire Health Charity enabled the patients’ artwork to be ‘supersized’ as decorative wall panels, at the unit, to improve the feel of the ward, contributing to both patient and staff wellbeing.

As part of the collaborative project, patients were invited to take part in photography and photo editing sessions, last summer and autumn, to produce a display of more than 30 individual photos. Patients and ward staff were then able to vote for their favourites.

Three final images were selected for enlargement: ‘Fist Bump’, ‘Blue Door’ and ‘Meadow’.

A fourth panel was created through ‘Digital Art School’ which offers online occupational

therapy workshops led by renowned artists to explore different media. The selected panel, ‘Watercolour Studies’ was created by a patient during a workshop led by painter Stephanie Nebbia.

The charity funding enabled Wheatfield to commission Care Display – specialists in installing robust, safe image panels in secure environments – to mount the images ready to go up on the wall.

Wheatfield, run by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), is an adult in-patient unit for men, aged between 18 and 65, who have been detained under the Mental Health Act. Patients on Wheatfield will often have a history of offending and of behaviour considered too high risk to be cared for in open units.

Vicky Swift, senior occupational therapist at the Wheatfield Unit, said: “We’re delighted; it’s been a great process, from the early sessions creating the images themselves, through to the open vote to decide on the ones we wanted to display, and now finally to such a fantastic result. Occupational therapy is all about recovery through doing, and creative pursuits can provide a perfect therapeutic platform for exactly that.

Sessions like art, photography and photo editing provide fantastic opportunities for focused, mindful engagement – which is great in the moment but can also have a longer-term positive impact on things like motivation and self-esteem, especially if your work is displayed for all to enjoy. It’s honestly hard to overstate just what a difference this project has made to our ward environment.”

One of the patients involved in the project said: “Two of mine were chosen; I like the fact that people appreciate what I’ve done. It definitely brightens up the place.”

Another participant said: “I did some watercolour paintings in the art sessions; I was really happy when they said they wanted to get them enlarged and put on the wall. I think they look really good.”

Alison McCulloch, head of fundraising at Northamptonshire Health Charity, said: “It is fantastic to not only see what a huge difference charitable donations can make to a hospital environment by funding initiatives like this but also the massive boost to a patient’s morale and overall wellbeing at having the opportunity to be involved with something so creative and that ultimately benefits so many others.”

To find out more about Northamptonshire Health Charity, or to make a donation, visit northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk

A day in the life of an animal angel

You might like the idea of switching that desk job to run an animal sanctuary; all the cuddles and cuteness, and that slower pace, right? You couldn't be more wrong. It's long hours, hard work and as draining mentally as it is physically. But, as Annie Marriott lets us behind the scenes, she tells Pulse's Sammy Jones that she wouldn't have it any other way.

There is no real need for an alarm clock at the side of the bed; Annie Marriott and her husband Roy have an alternative 'clock' with a combined leg count of 32!

Their eight dogs usually start stirring early, and by the time Annie shrugs off the duvet to click halt on the phone alarm which is set for 5.30am, she is already mentally preparing herself for another day at her 'office' where anything might happen.

“If it wasn't for the dogs I could sleep through a crisis, but Roy sleeps lightly,” she says of AIN's founder, “We are both awake before the alarms have a chance. I love the early mornings during the summer, but in wintertime? I struggle to get up and would be happier hibernating!”

On a good day, there is time for a quick bowl of porridge with protein powder and chia seeds for this vegan warrior, but not this morning. There is simply too much to do.

Skipping breakfast is one thing, but woe betide anyone who tries to get between Annie and her coffee.

“Roy is a gem, he gets up with me and gets the kettle on – I am largely powered by coffee!” she laughs.

First things first, and her own pack of pooches need their bellies feeding and then they need to step outside to take care of business.

And while they do theirs, Roy is checking the overnight phone messages and emails for anything that might demand a speedy response. Meanwhile, Annie is taking care of other AIN business – unlocking the shelters and waking the animals there to greet the new

day. Living on site means it's an easy commute. There have been occasions when she opens the front gates to the centre to find a box or an old basket dumped there, with a terrified puppy or kitten inside. Or an elderly dog tied up. Alone, cold, scared and bewildered.

“It's truly awful when that happens,” Annie says, “They are the exceptions and that doesn't happen often, but every time it is devastating. When you walk up the drive to open up, you just never know,” she sighs, “We are here to help, and we're not scary people – I always say come and talk to us directly if you can no longer care for your pet. Please don't just throw him or her out like trash.”

Thankfully, the gates are clear today, and Annie makes her way back to the office to arrange the daily rotas.

“It's so important to ensure the staff and volunteers know what's what and who will be where during the day in order for things to run as smoothly as possible. Then I check on the rabbits and let the three continental giant rabbits out, while Roy helps organise everyone as they arrive at 8am.

“From there I can usually be found in the laundry area, which we call the dog wash, putting the first load of washing on. The washing

machines are then on constantly all day. We have so much to get through every day. We are currently caring for 60 dogs and 40 cats. That's a lot of bedding!

“Once that's on, I let the ponies out and then the hens. They have roofed outdoor areas, because the current bird flu restrictions mean that they can't just be let out freely.”

There's a bark-load of stuff to be sorted for the canines, with three blocks of kennels to be opened and the residents checked and fed.

“The isolation block is where all our new arrival dogs are held under assessment, and they stay there while they are undergoing vaccinations and neutering. We have a retirement block which is home to those dogs we are unable to re-home elsewhere, so they have a permanent safe space with us. And then the main block, where all those in need of new homes are housed,” Annie explained.

“We have several runs, so I go through the kennels checking that all of the animals are ok, and put the first lot of dogs out. Some dogs kennel share, so there are usually around 16 dogs to put out first.”

If you've ever been to the Animals in Need rescue centre in Little Irchester and you've felt the chill of a breeze as something passes, it's very probably Annie, who racks up enough steps to hit 10 miles a day when she isn't stuck behind the steering wheel picking up rescue animals, or assisting other rescue groups, which can take her across the country.

By the time the A509, which runs parallel to their premises, is bustling with people on their way to work, Annie has already done a day's work – and Holly and Phil aren't even on the TV screen yet!

A lucky lady - this badger is safe after being attacked Annie and Roy make a whistlestop visit to the wholesalers for cafe supplies

Like Annie would have time to sit down with a little daytime television anyway. The mere suggestion is ridiculous.

Today, Annie will be on the road too; she's heading out to collect much needed donations from AIN supporters, including the pet supplies retailer, Pets At Home. As a charity with no guaranteed funding, every sachet of cat food, every dog chew, every blanket and every penny donated by companies and individuals really does count.

“Our supporters go above and beyond to help keep the wheels turning here, and it's difficult to verbalise just how grateful we are for their unwavering help,” Annie said, “Not least during these dire times. The financial strain is an ever constant worry, and the fuel bills here are simply astronomical.”

Collections made, Annie heads back to base with the haul, which won't last long – the centre is bursting at the seams with all creatures great and small as people continue to give up their animals, and with the constant stream of wild animals and birds to care for too, this place is way busier than Noah's ark. Granted they don't cater for giraffes, but the animals don't just come in two by two!

Annie isn't back at Pine Tree Farm for long before she is called off site to coordinate a badger rescue: “She had been attacked – quite possibly by another badger in a dispute over territory, or by a dog. We can't say for sure which,” Annie explains, “She is now safe in our on-site hospital. Her wounds have been cleaned, she's on antibiotics and pain relief and we have put her on a drip. She was rescued from a field in Poddington, after a member of the public called it in.”

Annie's job is difficult; not just physically, but mentally too. Earlier this year she bravely shared the struggles she sometimes faces. Looking after herself is always way down Annie's list of

priorities, but she is trying to remedy that a little, and sprints off-site for a quick trip to the gym for a high-intensity workout session.

After that, you might think a nice spot of lunch would be in order, or a mooch around the shops, perhaps, but you'd be wide of the mark – she journeys straight back home to the rescue centre to do the afternoon stint in the dog kennels, before putting in a few hours assisting the visiting vet who is treating a variety of unwilling patients!

Today, Annie finishes work on the farm at 7pm. But she's still not done.

“I came back to the house to sort our dogs out, and then cooked Roy's tea who has been every bit as busy as me. I've done some housework and have just finished up a couple of hours of admin work, which has to be done, but is a real chore,” she says with a sigh of relief as the laptop lid is finally snapped shut.

Though Annie will snort at the mere suggestion, she is the superwoman of animal rescue – but she says she couldn't do it without her best friend: “I honestly couldn't do this without Roy,” she says, “He deserves a medal for putting up with me. He keeps me going when I lose the will to carry on.”

And, as the clock edges nearer to midnight after another manic day on the farm, all is quiet; the animals are fed, watered and cosying up for another night in their safe space.

Close-by, over at Annie and Roy's place, there might just be time for a little look at the television before they attempt some shuteye. Perhaps some of the small screen choices will come as no surprise though.

“I love animal documentaries like Blue Planet,” Annie smiles, although that does sound a bit like the tv equivalent of a busman's holiday!

“I love the horror on Netflix too,” she says keen to show that there is sometimes an animal free moment, “The scarier the better,” she laughs, “But my all-time favourite is Ricky Gervais' Afterlife. I would give a kidney to be able to see him on tour!”

But nights out are very much the exception for this couple - the work never stops or eases; before this week is out, AIN's menagerie – which currently numbers around 600 animals and also includes pigs, mice, guinea pigs and a whopping 387 wildlife patients - will have grown and they will have taken in two Persian cats, two sheep, 11 dogs and one bearded dragon. With that many patients to care for, it's a wonder that there's even time for 40 winks!

Caring for canines during 'ruff' times: These cuties are three of the 60 dogs currently being looked after at Animals in Need

NORTHAMPTON

29 Billing Road Northampton

NN1 5DQ 01604 622101

KETTERING

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

Providing for a child with disabilities in your will

“If you have a child with a disability, you may be concerned about what will happen to them when you are no longer around,’ says Susan Owens, head of the wills and probate team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston.

‘Ensuring a child with disabilities is provided for sufficiently in the long term can be tricky to navigate, and it is best to seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances and the needs of your child.’

Considerations when leaving money to a disabled child

If your child is in receipt of state benefits, leaving money to them outright could affect those benefits. Rather than being able to spend their inheritance as they choose, it may end up being counted as their income until the funds are depleted.

Perhaps your child would not be able to manage a sudden receipt of significant funds and, if you left all your wealth to them outright, they would not know how or where to invest the sums.

If you have more than one child, it could be that a child with disabilities requires more financially than the others. A solicitor can help you to consider the fairness and appropriateness of leaving money to your children in unequal shares, as well as advising you on any potential claims that could arise.

allows you to appoint trustees to manage the funds on your child’s behalf.

Dos and don’ts of financial provision

Everyone’s circumstances and needs are unique, and so before making any financial provisions it is important to seek legal advice specific to your family situation.

If a trust is your best option, it may be that a discretionary trust is most appropriate. Another commonly used trust for disabled children is a disabled person’s trust. However, each type of trust has a unique key purpose and specific tax implications so personalised advice is critical to ensure that you have opted for the trust most suited to you and your family.

you cannot appoint a guardian for them, even if they would not be able to look after themselves. However, you can leave detailed guidance with your will as to who you would like to unofficially look after your child and any specific care you would like them to provide. A solicitor can help you to understand the legality of such guidance and to ensure it is accurately drafted.

How we can help

Providing for a child with disabilities must be carefully navigated to ensure that everyone’s needs are met.

Our solicitors can help you to be sure you have taken the best option for you and your family and that you have made a fully informed decision.

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

Often a trust arrangement will be the most suitable approach in any of these circumstances. There are many different types of trusts, some of which can help to preserve access to state benefits. Others help ensure that all children ultimately benefit equally, whilst placing enough emphasis on your disabled child to provide for their lifetime needs. Leaving money to a disabled child under a trust also

Providing for disabled children in non-financial ways

As well as thinking about how to ensure your child is provided for financially, you should also consider who would look after them. A guardian should be appointed for any child who is under 18 to ensure that someone appropriate is available to care for them if you no longer can.

If your disabled child is over 18

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

and Kettering.

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston has offices in both Northampton

Image is provided by Ingram Images Ltd

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

Celebrating 15 years in business

Doors have opened at a treasure trove for people looking for anything from material remnants to products that will offer a stylish touch to a home.

The shop is the latest initiative for Sue Cardy who saw an opportunity to make better use of the space at her showroom and workshop based at Sywell Aerodrome. Sue will be offering a good selection of fabric end of rolls and remnants which range from luscious printed velvets to crisp cottons and textured silks or linens, plains through to traditional and contemporary patterns, something for everyone who enjoys crafting and sewing. There is a wealth of other items from soft furnishings to accessories. These include handmade glass from Nobile, interesting individual pottery items, Swaffer rugs which are made to order and soft furnishings like lampshades and cushions.

The shop will be open most Wednesdays and Thursdays 11am-3pm, other times by appointment, feel free to phone ahead to check before making your journey. Directions can be found on the contact page of Sue's new website www.suecardy.com. There is plenty of free parking.

Sue said: “I am sure the material remnants and end of rolls will appeal to people who like crafting or want to create their own cushions for their homes. It can be very difficult to source remnants and this is so much better than buying online when you don’t get a chance to match a colour or feel the texture.”

Customers who visit the showroom can choose from more than 300 different fabric books and hangers from ranges like Laura Ashley, Prestigious Textiles, Ashley Wilde, Swaffer and Beaumont Textiles.

Sue uses her experience to talk clients through the choices open to them which tick all the boxes from colour to design and budget. The showroom also boasts a wealth of accessories from poles and finials to tiebacks and trims.

Sue said: “It really can be very satisfying at being able to create a look which puts a smile on the face of a customer, sometimes there are even tears of happiness. Over the years

you learn what works and what doesn’t. You can spend a small fortune decorating and furnishing a room, yet it is the extra finishing touches that will complete the look.”

Sue still takes great pride when driving past a home where her creations hang proudly in the windows. Her business is built on customer service, and she finds many customers coming back time and again as they decorate other areas in their homes. If you phone you will speak directly to Sue, or if she is with a customer, you can leave a message and she will always return your call.

Home visits are always an option, but many customers find it is time well-spent coming to the showroom where Sue can really showcase what can be created for maybe just a single window or a whole home.

Showroom visits are by appointment only as Sue may be out seeing clients or fitting and would hate anyone to have a wasted journey. They also enable Sue to give each customer plenty of time to make those allimportant decisions that will make the best of their space.

Sue said: “When people come to the showroom, they can really get an idea of what can be possible for their home. Some already have a firm idea, but others ask for guidance. I can talk them through options to help them achieve the finish they are looking for.”

Curtains can be hand finished or machine finished to suit requirements and budget, all are made to measure with the option of

matching cushions and lampshades. Roman blinds are all hand finished and are a very popular alternative.

With the rising energy costs Sue believes investing in good quality curtains could help to keep our homes warmer during colder months. She said: “Fabric choice is always important, but it is just as important to know which linings will achieve the best results.”

A professional fitter works alongside the business to ensure Sue’s creations are fitted perfectly, even in the most challenging spaces; corded tracks are available along with fully motorized options for curtains and all blinds.

From initial contact to final fitting Sue can guide you along the way. “We are there from start to finish, making sure we get it right means everything.”

Opening times: The shop will be open most Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11am to 3pm or other times by appointment. There is plenty of free parking available.

Sue Cardy Curtains & Soft Furnishings

Unit 15B Site A, Sywell Aerodrome Sywell, Northants, NN6 0BT 07977 460054 or 01604 495294

info@suecardy.com www.suecardy.com

Facebook: SueCardyCurtainsSoftFurnishings

To find out more visit the new website which includes directions to the showroom.

This month I’m taking the rare opportunity to visit one of Northamptonshire’s loveliest estates. It’s a rare treat as it opens to the public for a few days a week over summer months only, but it’s so worth a visit, writes Laura Malpas. You can expect glorious gardens and parkland, and a grand house that manages to feel inviting and cosy despite its grandeur. In the words of my guide, ‘this house feels like a hug’.

The ancient village of Cottesbrooke is set in the heart of rural Northamptonshire. It’s quite central to the county, halfway between Northampton and Market Harborough.

The Cottesbrooke estate was purchased in 1635 by a wealthy gentleman from Cold Ashby, John Langham. John’s background was humble, but he had ambition. After his father died, John argued with his widowed mother and left home for London on foot, vowing never to return until he had made his fortune.

John apprenticed himself to a ‘Turkey Merchant’, learning how to trade in the Eastern Mediterranean. He quickly

Charmed by Cottesbrooke

gained the trust of his master, acting as a merchant buying and selling on commission. His success enabled him to build up capital to trade on his own account, and coupled with his wife’s dowry, he attempted to pull off an extremely smart deal to make his fortune.

Raisins were an affordable luxury in the 17th century, as a source of sweetness, and always highly in demand. John decided to buy up as many as he could and acquired half of the consignment destined for the English market. But tragedy struck! The ships importing his stock were lost at sea, along with the fruit and most of his fortune. Undefeated by his loss, John managed to get back to London before the news broke, and as

the other half of the raisin stocks arrived into port at Chatham, he purchased them all. He now had a monopoly which enabled him to clear a fortune of £30,000.

With this success, John and his wife finally returned home and purchased large estates in Northamptonshire including Cottesbrooke. John’s future seemed secure, his fortune and quick wits had bought him respect within the City of London, becoming an alderman and Sheriff of London.

But as a Royalist supporter his life became considerably more complicated during the civil wars. John sent funds and offered support to the exiled king,

Mitchell Bridge

Cottesbrooke Hall South Facade

The Chinese Bridge in the Wild Garden

Wendy House in the Wild Garden

both risky political moves, and he was committed twice to the Tower of London. However, in 1660 the newly restored King Charles II rewarded his loyalty to the Crown by creating the Baronetcy of Cottesbrooke, making him Sir John Langham, and securing his family’s fortunes.

The story of Cottesbrooke Hall really begins in 1702 with the 4th Baronet, also named Sir John Langham. He decided to build a grand country house on his Cottesbrooke estate, choosing Francis Smith of Warwick, known for his scrupulous honesty and competence, to design and construct a fashionable residence in the style of Buckingham House in London.

The Hall has been described as a ‘near perfect example of Queen Anne architecture’. The Baroque-symmetrical house was set in sweeping landscaped parkland, and aligned on a vista which reveals the spire of Brixworth Church at its centre point. The warm rosy red brick laid on Duston ironstone and ornamented with beautifully carved Ketton stone has a very pleasing, almost comforting appearance. There were some significant additions in the later 18th century when full height bow windows were added at either end of the house, maintaining symmetry, and adding graceful curves to the otherwise strongly rectilinear profile. This also allowed for very attractive rooms inside the house with windows which make the most of the views of the landscaped gardens and allow the light to flood into the house.

Visitors to Cottesbrooke may tour the house with a guide and enjoy viewing the rich but still homely and comfortable furnishings, set in arcaded corridors, sweeping staircases and beautifully proportioned rooms. The house shows the personality and passions of the generations that have owned and loved Cottesbrooke. All have left their mark, leaving wonderful collections of fine things, including porcelain, elegant furniture, textiles and portraits.

But perhaps the most notable personality felt in the house is that of Lord Woolavington, great grandfather of the present owner. He was passionate about all things equestrian, and Cottesbrooke is the home of the finest collection of sporting art that I have ever seen, with many nods to the Pytchley Hunt. This includes paintings and sculptures of a previous famous guest, the glamorous Empress Elizabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi. Obsessed with horses and maintaining her own physique, in 1877 she leased Cottesbrooke to use as a base for hunting. Her beauty was best displayed on horseback, and there are several glamorous representations of her within the collection.

In 1937 the Lord Woolavington’s descendants, the Macdonald-Buchanan family moved to Cottesbrooke. Their impact is seen best in the gardens, where during the 20th century Lady Macdonald-Buchanan employed garden designers who took inspiration from the Arts and Crafts style, notably Robert Weir-Schulz, and the Baroque inspired Geoffrey Jellicoe. Together they have produced some of the most glorious spaces to be found in Northamptonshire.

On my visit, the sunlight dappled through the mature trees, spotlighting herbaceous blooms as I wandered through the many styled garden rooms. I discovered walks lined with statues, some classical, some whimsical. There are flower filled courtyards with sparkling pools, one even featuring a monkey smoking a pipe! And everywhere there are decorative

stone and lead urns and troughs glowing with colour from the luscious planting. Together with the fragrance and birdsong the formal gardens provide a real treat for the senses. But there’s more!

A little way from the Hall, there’s a path leading to the Wild Garden, a carefully planned naturalistic walk alongside a canalised stream, crossed and recrossed with ornamental bridges and steppingstones. There’s a charmingly thatched Wendy House, and a pagoda style gazebo from which to take in the colourful shrubs and wildflowers.

Your wanderings may well work up an appetite, and I am pleased to tell you that there’s a lovely little courtyard tea room which serves beverages and cake. I’m a bit of a connoisseur of tea rooms, and although the offer is simple, it is very good indeed. You’re also welcome to take a picnic to enjoy in the dedicated area in the parkland along with beautiful views.

Cottesbrooke Hall and its gardens are open for a brief season in summer only, and if you enjoy an afternoon outing in our beautiful countryside, book now, don’t miss it!

> For more information about visiting Cottesbrooke Hall, please visit www.cottesbrookehall.co.uk

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

‘Sisi’ Empress Elizabeth of Austria

Dog Gate Walk

Don’t say it, spray it!

For the most fragrant of times, reach for one of the below. Summery, fruity and floral vibes are everywhere...

A pretty perfume bottle for a suitably pretty fragrance, Paco Rabanne’s Olympea Flore Eau De Parfum provides an overdose of fresh pink roses and peonies in full blossom, with a delectable blackcurrant sorbet accord wrapped in smooth, salty vanilla.

It is the most intensely feminine, long-lasting incarnation of Paco Rabanne’s goddess to date.

RRP: £86

Get it: The Fragrance Shop, centre:mk and the Grosvenor Centre, Northampton

Cherry vibes run loose with Jimmy Choo’s I Want Choo Forever Eau De Parfum, which has a potent black cherry liquor at its heart, seductive jasmine sambac and a warm feminine vetiver. Spray once and it will leave a mysterious trail to endure all night long...

RRP: £50

Get it: The Fragrance Shop, centre:mk and the Grosvenor Centre, Northampton

Sisley has added to its gorgeous Eau De Toilette collection, with L’Eau Revee D’Hubert The powerful aromatic base is packed with green energy that has a frosty opening, peppered with green notes that warm on contact with the skin. At its heart, Egyptian Geranium diffuses its floral power, with patchouli taking care of the base. It is beautiful, and named in memory of Sisley’s founder, Hubert d’Ornano.

RRP: £130 (100ml)

Get it: H Beauty, centre:mk

Sunny days are just a spray away with Issey

Miyake’s L’eau D’issey Pivoine Eau De Toilette providing the user with a voluptuous and aquatic breeze infused with floral and fruity peony, pear and white raspberry notes and woody base notes. Peony is a delicate flower whose fragrance isn’t able to be extracted, so the perfumer created an accord with floral, juicy and green facets. Breathe it in and relax.

RRP: £70

Get it: The Fragrance Shop, centre:mk and the Grosvenor Centre, Northampton

Ghost Orb of Night Opulence is new to the shelves, and brings the sensual side to the fore. A burst of spicy pink pepper and luminous mandarin melt into a heart of white flowers, but tonka, cocoa butter and sandalwood also find homes among the ingredients. For the bold, spicy and sparkly comes a fragrance to match.

(30ml), £40 (50ml)

Superdrug and Boots in centre:mk and Grosvenor Centre, Northampton

Burberry Her Elixir Eau De Parfum is a new intense addition to the Burberry Her family. It offers signature fruity gourmand notes alongside a daring burst of dark red berries with jasmine, rounded with sensual and addictive vanilla and amber. Strawberries and blackberries, anyone?

The Fragrance Shop, centre:mk and the Grosvenor Centre, Northampton

Beachwear after a mastectomy

If you have had breast surgery and are wondering what to wear on the beach this summer, then we have you covered. There is no need to hide away under a beach dress unless you particularly want to and there are heaps of choices when it comes to bikinis, tankinis and swimwear.

Choose a well-made, pocketed swimsuit or bikini and it is possible to sunbathe, swim and even play beach volley ball if that’s your thing, all while securely and discreetly wearing your breast form. There are even breast forms designed for swimming that instantly drain as you leave the water.

Locally, Eloise (at Furzton Lake Milton Keynes) have a great selection of mastectomy bras and swimwear. Styles like the Carini are a great choice after surgery. Pocketed on both sides, the costume is designed to securely hold a breast form and the slightly higher neckline means that not only will the breast form be concealed but any higher scarring will also be covered. You can of course pair this with a co-ordinating or matching cover up for walking around the beach or pool.

So if you have a holiday planned this summer, why not visit the Eloise fitting suite on Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes Just call 01908 340 094 to make an appointment.

Specialist bra fitters, Lisa and Hazel will advise you and help make the right choices

The relaxing and comfortable fitting suite at Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes

Lemon pound cake

INGREDIENTS

Makes one loaf of internal measures: 23x10.5x5.5cm and external measures: 30.5x14x6cm

170g whole eggs

200g caster sugar

Zest of 2 unwaxed lemons

110g crème fraiche

60g light olive oil or 80g unsalted melted and cooled butter

180g 00 flour

Pinch of sea salt

3g baking powder

METHOD

Place the lemon zest and sugar in a bowl and combine to release the lovely scent.

Add your eggs and whisk to a pale consistency, but not too airy.

Whisk in the crème fraiche and then add your dry ingredients sieved.

Fold these gently and finally the oil or butter. The consistency is that of a thick batter rather than a sponge cake.

Place in the loaf tin lined with parchment paper and for the classic line, oil your spatula and pass it across the top.

Bake at 160°C for about 40-50 min or until a skewer is nice and clean. I coated mine with a mix of icing sugar and lemon juice for a thick citrusy icing.

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 are a small family run business that specialises in all kinds of tree and garden work. We’re fully insured and offer very competitive rates

DIGGING DEEP

Go wild

for a bug’s life

How does your garden grow?

June is the month we have been waiting for –the longest days and the borders all in flower! However, weeding and watering are most important. Water butts are proving their worth. We are continuing to sow short rows of salad greens, beetroots and carrots and the radishes are providing a tasting opportunity for the children. The leaves are edible, too, and make an unusual addition to the salad bowl.

Young courgettes, pumpkins, squashes, sweet corn and tomatoes may be moved out of the greenhouse (after careful hardening off) when the temperatures are above 10°C (50°F) at night.

It is time to plant up wall and hanging baskets using the special compost available for the purpose. Thoroughly water both the selected plants before planting and the filled baskets to ensure their establishment.

Some roses may need dead-heading and the sweet peas might have to be persuaded to cling to their support structures.

Take care! The baby birds in the garden are hiding under hedgerows. They have left the nest but can’t yet fly. They may look abandoned, but their parents will know where they are.

Like them, spend your days in the garden –enjoy it!

Ralph Westmoreland, Denton & District Gardening Club member

It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were advising you to tidy up the garden for the winter months, and here we are already looking towards the longest day of the year, on June 21.

Of course the arrival of summer means the garden is at its active best; with flowers, fruits and vegetables all lining up for inspection.

Together with the blooms and nature’s parlour, weeds also pop up everywhere, but their arrival is received less favourably. The easiest way to keep them down is to hoe your borders regularly in dry weather.

If you mow, lawns need to be cut weekly, but perhaps have a rethink for the moment.

If you leave the mower in the shed for a while, you’ll get more free time and our pollinating insects will flock to your garden to enjoy the wildflowers that start to spring up – and our wildlife needs all the help we can give it.

The charity Plantlife says we have more than 20 million gardens in the UK.

Every one that is left to flourish will make a difference to the climate, and for our insects like bees and butterflies.

Common plants recorded by Plantlife last year which benefited from mow-free times included creeping buttercup, white clover, oxeye daisy and yellow rattle.

We all have a responsibility to play our part in giving a space back to nature, and No Mow May was just the beginning.

If you have a greenhouse, it will likely be bursting with good things, but if you fail to introduce shading and ventilation, all your hard work will wilt and die; plants need humidity, shading and air circulation. Netting and blinds are widely available and worth the little investment.

With temperatures rising and plants to nurture, watering is key, but climate change and increasing demand on H20 is having an effect on supplies in the UK.

Plants start to use water when the sun rises, so watering in the morning is ideal; evening watering isn’t as effective and encourages our garden gastropods.

If you soak them when temperatures are at their hottest, much will be lost through evaporation. How often and how much you water depends on the plant of course; heed the advice on your care labels and learn to ‘read’ your plant. Too much or too little and it will let you know.

Rainwater will always be the preferred choice for gardeners. If you can, introducing a water butt to your garden is ideal, although it won’t pay dividends quite yet!

> 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.

A corner of your garden left to run wild will provide a habitat for bees and other insects to thrive

We can all do our bit to try and conserve water in the summer

Three things to consider when starting a bathroom renovation project

Ripples designers are experts on all aspects of bathroom design so we caught up with Erin, Designer at Ripples Towcester, on the top three things to consider when starting a bathroom renovation project.

1. Who is the bathroom for?

Your new bathroom may be in your home for the next 10+ years so it’s important to factor in who uses the space now and how things might change in the future. Perhaps you have children and you need to consider practical elements like a non-slip floor or maybe you need to futureproof your bathroom and should think about including products to aid accessibility. It is important to think about these things before you meet a designer in a showroom.

2. What style would you like to achieve?

There are lots of elements to consider... namely colours, shapes, patterns and textures. Interiors magazines are always packed full of inspiration and are a good starting point to understand different styles. If you already know the type of look you’d like to achieve then Pinterest and Instagram are brilliant resources. However you do it, gathering inspirational images and sharing them with your bathroom designer is a great

exercise; they can see your ideas then create a bespoke design. Your designer can work with you to narrow down your choices and take the stress out of sourcing all of the product for your space.

3. How much money are you looking to invest?

The cost of a bathroom project is dependent on the style and finish you are hoping to achieve but you can usually expect around a 50/50 split across product and installation. In terms of the key products to invest in, it is worth investing in brassware as this is handled every day and you will quickly tell if the quality is not up to scratch. Tiles are worth allocating more budget towards too, as low-quality options can cheapen the overall look. If working to a tight budget stick to high quality brands but choos their entry level products as a means of making a saving.

Visit Ripples Towcester at 2 Roman Corner, Northampton Road, Towcester NN12 6LD ripplesbathrooms.com or call 01327 368233.

Tiles are worth allocating more budget towards too, as low-quality options can cheapen the overall look.

Make an entrance

Whether you are moving into a new house or renovating your existing one, it’s easy to concentrate on the interior design of each room individually, looking at the use of rooms in isolation, rather than considering the whole house and ensuring a cohesive design. Hallways often get neglected in the initial ideas phase, disregarded as a non-room, rather than the statement entrance they can prove to be if considered at the outset. Whilst hallways are certainly transitional spaces, they are the first room you see when you come into the house, they can set the scene for what’s to come and provide a glorious welcome home after a day spent out and about.

It’s easy to write off a hallway or to imagine that if you don’t have a grand staircase or a large or stately home that the hallway is unimportant. Any entrance, no matter what size or scale, can be beautiful, impactful and well-considered. Hallways can be used to link the individualised styles of the rooms that they lead into or help one fluid design style flow throughout the house. A hallway can be so much more than a thoroughfare, from the obvious place for clever storage solutions for coats and shoes, to an art gallery to show off your favourite pieces or photographs.

Firstly, acknowledge how the space is used and how often. Consider hard flooring rather than carpet, it’s much easier to clean and maintain. If you prefer carpet, then opt for sisal, jute or coir or a looped weave carpet that has no pile to be flattened. Try companies like Crucial Trading and Fibre Flooring. Where you can, use the same laminate, hardwood, luxury vinyl, porcelain or ceramic tile throughout the whole of your ground floor. If that’s not possible, or if you prefer to have carpet in a living room or study, then use your hard floor in all the other rooms that you can. Keeping the number of different types of flooring to a minimum and reducing the number of thresholds between doorways will ensure

the rooms remain connected. Make sure the hallway flooring and any carpet complement each other by comparing swatches of each before committing to a choice. Area rugs can be used to add warmth and softness underfoot. These can be made to match by choosing the same carpet as your other spaces. Many companies (including Mills and Kinsella) offer whipping and binding services to make rugs using carpets from within their product offering. Stair carpets receive more traffic than any other in your home, from bounding down them in the morning to traipsing back up them at the end of a hard day. Carpets are sold according to their durability so make sure you choose a heavy domestic carpet that’s suitable for stairs. If you like the idea of a partly covered staircase and have stairs that are built from a quality wood or that can be painted, then an eye-catching stair runner might be just the solution. Brands such as Roger Oates, Hartley & Tissier and Off The Loom have a huge range of flatweave stair runners in a magnificent array of colours, patterns and plains and they are much more resilient to traffic than normal carpet. A stair runner is a great opportunity to add flare and personality to your hallway, making your staircase a striking feature and helping to carry the colours of your interior from the bottom of your house, right up to the top.

Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262

When it comes to storage, the hallway does not have to be a dumping ground! Instagram, Tiktok, Pinterest and Facebook are all filled with clever storage hacks to help you turn even the smallest of nooks into effective and efficient shelving. Many homes now make use of under stairs storage. Most modern houses will have a cupboard already built in which is great for hiding away coats, bags, shoes or umbrellas. Build racking inside to maximise shoe storage and put hooks on the wall for

www.offtheloom.co.uk

www.rogeroates.com

Zac Gudakov, unsplash

Milada Vigerova, unsplash

coats, bags and wellies. If you don’t currently have this option or would prefer an upgrade to your existing provision then find a local joiner or cabinet maker to help. Pull out drawers or shoe and coat racks on trundle wheels made to specifically fit your space can make access easier and encourage everyone to buy into the concept of tidying away.

Hallways tend to be dark spaces, more so than any other room in the house, especially if they are smaller and lack a window, relying on light washing in from other rooms. You can brighten up the hallway space by making sure your front door has a glass panel within it, or by adding a tall narrow window next to your front door or a fanlight above it. Internally, replacing solid doors with glazed doors will help light flow through the hallway at all times of day, even when the doors are closed, so long as the lights are on or there’s enough daylight. Mirrors can help reflect light around the hallway. A statement mirror makes a great feature when placed above a console table, and floor length mirrors may be useful if you like to check your outfit before leaving the house and prefer not to traipse around in your shoes.

If you’re struggling to visualise a design, then consider the rooms that the hallway leads into and use those for inspiration. You might use the same colour wall paint as another room, or use a draught excluder made in the same fabric as your dining room chairs or living room cushions, sofa or curtains. If you love art, then hanging similar styles of art in your hallway to those in your principal rooms will be impactful. There are many clever ways you can help your hallway be the grand entrance it deserves to be, the key is to consider it’s styling from the outset and treat it like a room of its own.

Bring some majesty into your home with vibrant royal art

Spring has brought with it a wonderful opportunity for celebration with the Royal Coronation.

Royal portraits have always played an important role in sharing a vision of those at the head of the country. In the last decades, however, it has been interesting to see contemporary artists enjoying their own ways of presenting our monarchy.

Following King Charles III coronation, we wanted to look at the many ways our royal family are being immortalised today.

Street art style

Many successful street artists have created works which celebrate the queen with portraits from throughout her life. Using profiles to reflect the image we have seen for so many years on stamps, the artist Dan Pearce has created a stunning representation of the young queen in the piece, A Class Apart. Here, she’s presented with a Queen of Hearts Tattoo on an abstract Union Flag made from graffiti messages. The piece God Save the Queen, by Yuvi, is a hand-embellished mixed media piece with a neon heart element. In this work, Yuvi has chosen to celebrate the queen towards the end of her reign, alongside many other elements of her Britain from popular culture, art, and her life.

Portraiture

Royal Reunion, one of Craig Alan’s Populus collection, depicts a recognisable portrait of the queen through a number of individual figures performing a variety of activities and poses. This fabulous work clearly shows a younger queen engaging us with a keen look, even though the queen’s portrait is mainly white space with the shape created by Alan’s tiny figures. As with any of Alan’s works, the beauty of this portrait is enhanced by the characters within the scene encouraging viewers to explore the different levels of the piece continually finding new stories within it.

Mixing media

Tom Butler’s work is incredibly popular and it’s wonderful to see his celebration of the coronation capturing elements of King Charles III and Camilla’s story as they take on the crown. Butler’s art of London is represented wonderfully in Coronation Street, a vibrant

piece with an air of celebration in daily life which includes the artist’s usual hidden messages encouraging you to look longer and deeper so you don’t miss anything.

Finally we’re looking at the work of Stephen Graham, a mixed media artist whose latest works include Crown I and Crown II. Part of his Ink’d collection, these pieces are influenced by the pop art movement focusing on icons and images which Graham uses to convey the messages which are most important to him. Using acrylic inks and spray paint to ensure a recognisable but chaotic image, he then dusts his work with diamond dust to create a sparkle which makes these royal pieces truly shine.

Celine Lee Gallery Correspondent

‘Tails’ to get your teeth into

Big songs, big dragons and a big tiger – theatre in the ‘fampton is super-sized this month.

Sammy Jones has the best of the on-stage action...

The delightful ‘tail’ of The Tiger Who Came To Tea will get its claws stuck into the Derngate again this month (June 2-4).

The musical play, adapted from the modern classic by Judith Kerr, is a roar-some hour long tigerrific delivery that will enchant parents every bit as much as their little cubs!

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. When they open it they discover a big, stripy tea-guzzling tiger! A show that really is the (big) cat’s whiskers.

At The Royal, NC Jazz presents Quintet Blue (June 2) with pianist Alex Webb leading two of the UK’s greatest jazz improvers, truly; tenor Saxophonist Denys Baptiste and guitarist Nigel Price

the bluesy swinging jazz of the 1950s and 60s. The King of Reggae – The Man, The Music (June 3, Royal) will take ticket-holders on a journey that begins in a Government yard in Trenchtown and ends with a Rastafari icon. The narrated musical will touch on Marley’s musical, spiritual and political life, while delivering more than 20 of those hits that are loved all over the world.

New mummy Stacey Dooley (June 4, Royal) will open up the conversation on mental health in young people, and challenge the stigma and stereotypes around it.

It’s a loaded, complicated, difficult story, but Stacey will be using her stage time productively, also weaving in related topics; poverty, addiction, identity and the pressures of social media.

And, in a change from her norm, you will be able to ask her the questions.

Happy Birthday Sunita (June 6-10, Royal) is a comedy with unexpected guests, butter-free roti and skeletons in the cupboard.

This is a samosa saga that will have you giggling in earnest, because it’s not just the dhal that’s bubbling under the surface!

Fresh from the West End, Dragons and Mythical Beasts (June 14 & 15, Derngate) is a fantastical Olivier Award nominated show that works well for all the family.

This is your opportunity to come face to face with magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts, including the colossal Stone Troll, the Tooth Fairy, an adorable Unicorn and a majestic Griffin. Delivered by the same team responsible for Dinosaur World Live, this is puppetry gone gargantuan. Sshhh! Don’t wake the Dragon...

Come Together with like minded music pals (Derngate, June 17) and Get Back to the very essence of Macca with The McCartney Songbook Say Say Say what you want, but there’s noone that can touch this Beatle when it comes to the art of songwriting, and this bash – starring Peter Jackson – will sing you through his career; from the Fab Four to Wings and that body of solo work.

Calling Planet Earth (June 23) is a New Romantic symphony that prods the electrifying ‘80s, with the music of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Tears For Fears, Soft Cell and many more. Roll back the decades to one that was musically marvellous, but full of fashion faux pas!

From the book to the stage for Zog (June 29 – July 1, Derngate), the creation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Zog is keen to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school. But Zog tries a bit too hard and bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three.

Plucky Princess Pearl patches him up so he can face his biggest ever challenge – a duel with knight Sir Gadabout the Great.

If you missed funny fella Tom Houghton earlier this year, or if you saw him and want to rekindle the laughs, the man who called The Tower of London home for a time is back with another performance of Absolute Shambles (June 30, Royal). Many of us have an odd fascination with serial killers. If you are part of the club, The Makings of a Murderer – coming to The Old Savoy on June 24 - is for you.

Scottish detective David Swindle, the man who brought serial killer Peter Tobin to justice, will host this chilling, thrilling night out.

You’ll learn about the biggest British serial killers of all time, including Jack the Ripper, Peter Tobin, Harold Shipman, Peter Sutcliffe and ‘killer couples’ Fred and Rose West, and Brady and Hindley.

“Serial Killers are cunning, conniving, controlling, careful and – I hate to say it –clever,” says David. “They live apparently normal lives and get away with their crimes for years. . . until eventually detected.”

Have a roar-some time with The Tiger Who Came To Tea at the Derngate (top left), Happy Birthday Sunita will air at the Royal (top right) and bumps and burns with Zog at the Derngate (left)

Illustration: © Kerr-Kbeake Productions Ltd

Dragons And Mythical Beastssuper-sized puppetry

Rod the Mod

Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens welcomes a bonafide legend in his field this June, when Sir Rod Stewart plays one of six select shows here in Northampton. The date is part of his Global Hits tour which will also see him visit Plymouth, Durham, Bristol, Hull and Edinburgh. As the title alludes to, there won’t be any surprises here, but there will be a setlist crammed full of hits from a career of plenty.

“My favourite memories have been summer nights with a beer or two alongside the best fans in the world,” Rod said, “I’m impatiently awaiting this summer playing at a variety of special venues – football, cricket and rugby stadiums, estates and castles! We’ll all be dancing under the stars.”

We’re not privy to what he’ll be wearing on the night, but we’re sure it’ll be a better fit than his attire when he played up the road in Bletchley back in 1968, with the Jeff Beck group, which also featured Ronnie Wood.

Despite saying he’s never worn jeans on stage, he did that night – with a safety pin holding them together!

> Tickets to see Rod in action on Wednesday, June 28 can be purchased by tapping to bio.to/RodStewartUKTour Support will come from Culture Club.

Let’s talk about Rod...

Rod, 78, has racked up 10 chart-topping albums and more than 30 Top 10 singles during a career which has seen him sell more than 250 million records.

Single successes by Rod the Mod are too numerous to list in full, but include aces like Hot Legs, Baby Jane, Maggie May, You Wear It Well, Sailing and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?

Rod is also a keen model railway enthusiast, and his other great love is the great game; as a child he was keen to become a professional player, and that passion for footie continues today – he is an avid fan of Glaswegian team Celtic.

Rod is a double inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is a New York Times bestselling author and a Grammy Living Legend.

In 2016, Rod became Sir Rod when he was knighted by Prince William in the Birthday Honours for services to music and charity. Speaking of charity, he’s not averse to getting his hands dirty to get things done – in 2022 he famously got busy shovelling gravel near his house in Essex, repairing potholes, ‘because no one can be bothered to do it,’ and he even paid for patients’ scans at a mobile unit at an Essex hospital.

Scream for me Glasto!

FFSYTHO?! makes the bill!

Last month we told you that FFSYTHO?! had batted away the opposition and made it to the shortlist for the Emerging Talent Competition 2023, with the winner getting to perform at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Well, she only went and won! Thousands of artists had entered the competition, and our grime gal made it to the final nine contenders.

The competition final was held at the end of April, and FFSYTHO?! emerged triumphant.

“I absolutely cannot believe it,” she told Pulse, “Little old me from Northampton. Rapping from my window. Now heading to Glastonbury. It’s a flipping dream come true and it still doesn’t feel real.”

> Stay up to speed by following her on Twitter @FFSYTHO and Insta: ffsytho_

Rod Stewart graces the Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on June 28

Guess who’s going to Glastonbury? ! FFSYTHO?!

Princely entertainment with W.A.S.P man

BC Camplight makes his first visit to Northampton this month in support of his new album - The Last Rotation of Earth hit stores on May 12.

The reviews are in and make for blinding reading – take Uncut magazine for example, which afforded it 9/10.

Whilst making his new album, Brian ‘BC Camplight’ Christinzio’s relationship with his fiancé crumbled after nine inseparable years. The album follows the break-up amid long-term struggles with addiction and declining mental health. Christinzio describes the resulting opus as ‘more cinematic, sophisticated and nuanced than anything I’ve done before’.

Manchester’s expat will play The Black Prince (June 2). An intimate, piano-led evening awaits. A day later and Stranglers tribute band Straighten Out (June 3) come hither with a caseload of early Stranglers material to push your way.

They promise an authentic sound too, with a Hammond organ and Minimoog synth to back up the dual vocal attack and classics like Peaches, Hanging Around, No More Heroes and Down in the Sewer Straighten Out, we are assured, ‘transports you back to those raw, powerful, exhilarating times when The Stranglers emerged through the quagmire of mediocrity to produce some of the finest music ever written.’

Last up at the venue for SBD promotions this month?

The return of the larger than life Chris Holmes (June 23). The former W.A.S.P man was with Blackie Lawless for the band’s first four elpees, putting his defining guitar sounds across W.A.S.P, The Last Command, Inside The Electric Circus and The Headless Children. What wonderfully metal fuelled days they were.

Chris originally bowed out of W.A.S.P in ‘91 before assuming his role as lead guitarist in ‘95 where he remained until 2001.

These days, he plays with a trio of adept musicians bringing all those W.A.S.P classics you need to hear (Mean Man and I Wanna Be Somebody must be played) together with his own material, which will include tracks from his 2021 release Unbearable Influence

Support on the night is coming from Kaine

> Get tickets for all of these shows, and see what else is coming up, by clicking to sbdpromotion.com

Morriss comes to The Playhouse

Frontman with The Bluetones, Mark Morriss will stop off at The Playhouse Theatre on Clare Street (June 17) for SBD Promotions.

Expect a mixture of material from his chart-bothering ‘tones time, with numbers like Slight Return, Marblehead Johnson and

Soloman Bites the Worm sitting alongside his solo back catalogue which is far from sparse.

Whether you are a fan or just have a curious ear, this is a gig to get along to.

> For more info and bookings visit sbdpromotions.com

Former W.A.S.P band member Chris Holmes

Straighten Out play The Black Prince on June 3

BC Camplight

Mark Morriss performs at The Playhouse on June 17

Merseyside’s masterful metallers return

The last time we saw Carcass at The Roadmender was back in the early ‘90s, before the extreme metallers went on an 18 year hiatus.

The band, responsible for magnificent slabs of sound including Reek of Putrefaction, Symphonies of Sickness, Heartwork and Surgical Steel, were every bit as magnificent at their Sonisphere Festival appearance in 2014, but though they’ve been back in play for nigh on a decade now, their Bloody Blighty 2023 tour of 14 clubs is their first full UK tour this millennium.

Catch ‘arguably the most influential band to come from Merseyside since The Beatles,’ at the ‘mender on June 1 thanks to a copromotion by The Craufurd Arms and The Pad Presents.

Unto Others and Conjurer will support. Also at the venue this month, The Smyths (June 2) celebrate 20 years of keeping the

music of The Smiths alive. This celebratory tour will see them peel back the years, performing tracks from that fruitful catalogue; Hatful of Hollow, Meat Is Murder, Queen Is Dead and Strangeways Here We Come

A few less obvious treasures will feature too, with B-sides and classics from compilations also set to get an airing.

‘Less tribute and more homage’ is the way to view Nearly Dan (June 3) who will be tackling the meticulously crafted grooves (Do It Again, Reelin’ in the Years, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number) of Donald Fagen and the late Walter Becker.

The tributes continue with Special Kinda Madness (June 17) letting loose an authentic set of Madness music and another of Specials produce. Steady yourselves for the nuttiest sound around, and move your feet to the rockingest, rock-steady beat – you get the idea.

Alabama 3 announced for ‘mender

The Beat with Dave Wakeling (June 19) will keep those feet dancing with classics like Mirror in the Bathroom and Can’t Get Used To Losing You.

Stiff Little Fingers will be hitting up Crystal Palace Park in July as part of the Dog Day Afternoon line-up which sits them on a bill topped by Iggy Pop, Blondie and Generation Sex and also features Buzzcocks and Lambrini Girls. What a day that will be.

But you can get your SLF fill before then; Jake, Ali, Steve and Ian will play the Lady’s Lane venue on June 29, as part of their Everyone Is Someone tour.

Last up for the month of June, we’ve got another tribute night with Kopycat Killers, Scam Fenders and Subarctic Monkeys. We’ll leave you to pick through the not so cryptic clues to see what they do, but if you want in for that, or for any of the aforementioned dates, visit theroadmender.com

South London roots-futurist Alabama

3 have announced they will play The Roadmender later this year in support of their upcoming release, Cold War Classics Vol. 2.

Driven by post-rave aesthetics, savage socio-political satire and lowlife narcotic misadventure, the band released their latest album — and their first following a turbulent few years that included the death of legendary songwriter Jake Black, in 2021.

Step 13 is a record that refused to wallow in pity and instead saw the Brixton collective exceed their own standards of cross-pollinating experimentation and street polemic.

> Tickets for the date on November 9 are on sale now. Visit theroadmender.com

Scouse rockers Carcass are making a welcome return to The Roadmender on June 1

Alabama 3 pic by Rob Blackham

#WhatsOnPulse

Carcass

Thursday, June 1

Extreme metallers – and leaders - Carcass play a hotly anticipated date at The Roadmender with support from Unto Others and Conjurer.

Show your metal: theroadmender.com

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Friday, June 2 – Sunday, June 4

The classic story of the big cat who joins Sophie and her mummy for tea, from the pen of Judith Kerr. The purrfect family treat: royalandderngate.co.uk

NC Jazz Present Quintet Blue

Friday, June 2, 7.30pm

Pianist Alex Webb leads this group with a front-line of two of the UK’s greatest jazz improvisers: tenor saxophonist Denys Baptiste and guitarist Nigel Price. Together they celebrate the bluesy, swinging jazz of the 1950s and 60s, with a repertoire of pieces from Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, Ahmad Jamal and more recent works from Charlie Haden’s Quartet West. Jazzin’ it up: royalandderngate.co.uk

Straighten Out

Saturday, June 3

A musical tribute to Hugh Cornwell and The Stranglers with a setlist recreating the ‘early years’ sound’ at The Black Prince. No More Heroes: sbdpromotions.com

8 - 10 June 2023

Abbey Centre, Northampton

Based on the Ethel Lina White novel and classic Hitchcock film, Abbey Community Theatre bring a classic to the stage with ‘The Lady Vanishes’. Socialite Iris Carr suffers from sunstroke waiting for a train back to the UK after holidaying in Eastern Europe. After coming to, she meets a strange array of characters including a honeymoon couple, a unpleasant Baroness, a formidable Doctor and finally, the mysterious Miss Froy. From there, this thrilling tale takes a turn where things are not as they appear to be, leaving Iris to question her own sanity…

Performances are 8th, 9th and 10th June at The Abbey Centre, Northampton. Ticket are £10 for adult and £5 for concession. Book online: abbeycommunitytheatre.co.uk

Al Murray & Milton Jones

Friday, June 9

Comedy aces Al and Milton swap gum shields for microphones for a night out at Franklin’s Gardens and a session of the funnies. One is responsible for The Pub Landlord, while the other is the absolute master of the one liner –who always delivered on Mock The Week Together? It’s a case of how many giggles can you take, ‘cause they’ll be relentless at this Comedy Cow bash.

Two comedians walk into a bar: franklinsgardens.com/comedynight

ART EXHIBITION & SALE

WOOTTON MEMORIAL HALL, HIGH STREET, WOOTTON

Saturday 10th June

10.00am - 4.30pm

Sunday 11th June 10.00am - 3.30pm

Up to 30 artists exhibiting original paintings photography & sculpture. Come and browse, enjoy tea and cakes.

Admission Free

Denton Village Fayre

Sunday, June 11, 11am-3pm

At Denton village Hall, Vicarage Lane

In aid of Deaf Connect

Gardening Club Talk

Monday, June 12, 7pm

A.G.M. and a talk by Diane Clement on ‘Alpines in the Garden’. There will be a raffle and refreshments. Visitors £3. Everyone is welcome at Denton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, Denton, NN7 1DT. Enquiries to Margaret Pateman 01604 890875 or email m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk

Twitchers

Friday, June 16

Mikron Theatre Company present a drama about birds, birders and the RSPB, at The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, 7pm Twitter: canalrivertrust.org.uk

Boombastic Silent Disco –80s vs 90s vs 00s

Saturday, June 17, 8.30pm

The ultimate retro party taking you through hits by Madonna, Britney, Oasis and The Killers...and many more. Dance the night away with no distractions! Cigarettes and Alcohol: thepicturedrome.com

NC Jazz present Quintet Blue

Mark Morriss

Saturday, June 17

Join the frontman with indie successes The Bluetones as he steps out for a solo show at The Playhouse Theatre in Northampton. Bluetonic: sbdpromotions.com

The McCartney Songbook

Saturday, June 17

Celebrate the music of Sir Paul McCartney, The Beatles and Wings with a show coming from the producers of hits like That’ll Be The Day and Walk Right Back. Song-wise? There are more than a few to choose from – and in excess of 40 will air at this date. Band on the Run: royalandderngate.co.uk

Lollypops & Moptops

Sunday, June 18

Rewind the clock and revel in the music of the 50s and 60s with this tribute show starring The Dreamers - still featuring Alan Mosca who was there when Freddie fronted the band. I’m Telling You Now: theoldsavoy.co.uk

Earls Barton Dog Show

Sunday, June 18, 11am-3pm

Bring your four-legged best pals along for another fabulous fun dog show, hosted by the team from the rescue centre, Animals in Need.

All animals matter: animals-in-need.org

Calling Planet Earth

Friday, June 23

A New Romantic Symphony taking you on a pop journey through the electrifying ‘80s, with music from artists including ABC, Soft Cell, Depeche Mode and Duran Duran. Tainted Love: royalandderngate.co.uk

Shania

Friday, June 23

A show celebrating the ‘biggest selling Country album of all time,’ Come On Over Aside from numbers belonging to Miss Twain, this event will also air hits by Glen Campbell, John Denver, Dolly Parton, Dr Hook and Johnny Cash. Man! I Feel Like a Woman!: theoldsavoy.co.uk

Chris Holmes

Friday, June 23

Join the one-time member of metal warriors W.A.S.P at The Black Prince as he delves back into the archives to play the expected classics along with some of his own material. Mean Man: sbdpromotions.com

Kopycat Killers, Scam Fender & Subarctic Monkeys

Friday, June 30

A triple treat with tributes to three lauded indie acts. Get ready to sing until you are hoarse. Somebody Told Me: theroadmender.com

Northamptonshire Federation of WIs –British Flower Week

Friday, June 30, 10am – midday

Celebrate British Flower Week with a flower arranging demo and coffee morning. Flowers will be for sale, and there will be a raffle, coffee and cake. Tickets are £12 and must be bought by June 16. Blooming brilliant: admin@ncfwi.org.uk or call 01604 646055

TALK OF THE TOWN

JUNE & JULY

This War Painted: An Exhibition by Ukrainian Artists

Saturday 3rd –Sunday 18th June, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

Ukrainian artists have curated an exhibition of paintings which portrays the stories and experiences of a war-torn country. The debut display of the exhibition will be held at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery in partnership with Northampton Town Council.

Northampton Carnival

12-7.30pm Saturday 10th June, The Racecourse

The theme for this year’s Carnival is ‘Celebrating the people who came’ – chosen to give hope and the opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate! Featuring a variety of stalls, exciting fun fair and live stage entertainment and of course the Carnival parade through the town. www.northamptoncarnival.co.uk

Armed Forces Day

10am – 2pm Saturday 24th June,

All Saints’ Church, Town Centre Join us to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Northampton Town Centre. The event will begin with a military parade from Abington Street followed by live music entertainment and a variety of stalls plus display vehicles on the Portico of All Saints’ Church.

Northampton Town Festival

12-11pm Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd July, The Racecourse

The fun filled family festival returns to The Racecourse with funfair, live arena entertainment, local traders, circus workshops, fireworks, street food and bars plus so much more! www.northamptontownfestival.com

Bands in the Park

Every Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday 2–5pm, Abington Park Bandstand

Our Bands in the Park season continues at the park’s iconic bandstand! Meet up with family and friends and enjoy the music:

11th June – Rushden Mission Band

18th June – NMAPT, Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust

25th June – Northampton Concert Band

2nd July – The Kibworth Band

For more details on NTC’s events and projects visit: northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/events

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

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

The McCartney Songbook

View from the Far Kerb

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!

2 4 9

3 1 9 5 6

7 9 8 2

Messy Business

My wife and I are in the throes of house hunting. Anyone who has engaged in the practise can testify to the fact that it can be a messy business. If it goes well, then the only things to consider are what goes where by way of furniture, and how to cut the unexpectedly long grass…

Assuming it all goes well.

The secret appears to be viewing lots of houses until seeing one that ticks lots of boxes on a badly written list. Or maybe, forget boxes and just fall in love. Whichever, we made an offer, had it declined, made another offer just under the asking price then heard nothing. After a day, we chased the estate agent only to discover that the seller had another couple of interested parties. There was momentary panic and another offer went in for the asking price.

along. Especially not when that buyer is downsizing, buying without a mortgage and very obviously impatient to move. Our assumption was that the vendor was hopeful of kicking off a bidding war amongst prospective buyers. This was something we were not going to be involved in.

With the coronation on Saturday, the week preceding had become book-ended by the bank holiday weekend and someone selling a house wasn’t going to endear themselves to anyone by ruining said weekend through messing about. Hoping to conclude things, we made another chase call but this time we emphasised the fact that our house was sold, our buyers have sold their property, we were ready for action, and we were becoming rather impatient. Regardless, there was no change of stance on the part of the seller.

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Oddly, the estate agent communicated the offer but advised us that the vendor still wished to allow the other parties to view the property a few days away before deciding whether to accept our offer. This was a pain because, having sold our own property, we really wanted to secure a deal before the coronation weekend. With a housing market in receipt of a thorough kicking from a vengeful economy, one might have thought that someone wishing to sell a house wouldn’t drag their feet when a prospective buyer comes

Given that they had recently lost their job, our concern was that should the vendor once more secure employment while the wheels of conveyancing rotated at a glacial rate, then they wouldn’t hesitate in pulling the plug and leaving any prospective buyer (us) high and dry, even if it meant doing so merely days ahead of exchange of contracts.

By late Thursday we decided to enjoy the coronation weekend, regardless of weather, rather than fretting over the question of, will they, or won’t they? Driving home, conversation in the car was all about that particular property and possible problems. Action was agreed and I pulled over to call the estate agent and draw a line under the matter by withdrawing our offer and interest: which was a rather cathartic moment as it turned out… PHIL

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QUICK CROSSWORD

20. Ethical

craft

23. Information item

24. Port working vessels

25. Got up from chair

Clues Down

1. Manacled

2. Moreover

3. Indonesian resort isle

4. Terrace

5. Diplomatically

6. ... & shares

9. Dawn of an era

11. Presentations to deities

13. Self-regard

15. Totted up

16. Storehouses

18. Appeared to be

19. Exclusive news story

21. Golf-green stroke

22. Blowpipe missile

The secret appears to be viewing lots of houses until seeing one that ticks lots of boxes on a badly written list.

Your stars

Flavour of the Times - The flavour of the most recent new moon may have been about quietly ploughing your furrow and getting stuck into whatever matters most to you but as we tip over into the Gemini period, this month it’s all about communicating. Gemini likes to have fun but can be over-excitable and indiscriminate in who it talks to and, as we know from war-time advertising, ‘Careless Talk costs Lives’. So we should all take a bit more care in how we communicate with and with whom. Remember, communication is a two-way process so listening is just as important as talking. ‘Know when to speak and how much to say’ is one way of expressing what good communication is all about. Know when to shut up is another way!

GEMINI

May 22 – June 21

The new moon in your sign on 17th is a bit flirtatious, particularly for you. Especially with Venus and Mars in the mix; and Leo too. There may be too much showing off and fluttering of plumage to attract a mate. Whether this is serious, though, is very much open to doubt but you can still have a lot of fun and adventures, so long as you keep at least one foot on the ground.

CANCER

June 22 – July 23

This month could cause you to feel a bit left out while social life seems to whirl around you but not include you. There is an opportunity to feel into past hurts and difficulties and just let them slip by. The benefits of this may not be felt until next month when you feel more stable and emotionally secure as the sun moves into your own sign.

LEO

July 24 – August 23

I hope that both Venus and Mars’ sun together in your sign will not to send you too far over the top this month. Preen your feathers and enjoy your charismatic sex appeal if that is what you experience, particularly around 22nd but it will be a fleeting flirtatious influence and will soon be over. Just have fun and enjoy it and don’t expect too much lasting effect.

VIRGO

August 24 – September 23

Others may wish to party on regardless while you are intent on trying to rescue some order out of chaos – as usual. They may also be expecting you to do the clearing up so, at the risk of being a party pooper, you may have to bang a few heads together to make them listen. On the other hand, you could just let your heavy responsibilities go for a while and join in.

LIBRA

September 24 – October 23

Your sometimes overwhelming desire for a spirit of true partnership may be tested this month as the trivial pursuit of pleasure and fun may leave you feeling quite frustrated. You may well be attracted to the joyous sense of fun that many Geminis project but the flirting is often only skin deep for them and they are probably too easily bored to be the right match for you. Just enjoy the party.

SCORPIO

October 24 – November 22

You may have been ‘putting in a shift’ and working really hard recently and you may well have found that quite productive, in that it takes you a few steps forward towards your goals, but June is much more lighthearted so a change of tack now is probably a good idea. An interesting if unexpected encounter with a charismatic Leo may leave you enchanted, but ultimately confused.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 – December 22

The ground between your feet may feel as if it’s shifting all the time and it is true that big changes may be in the offing – but maybe not yet. You may be restless, wanting a sense of freedom and adventure or at least something different in your life, but there’s always the possibility that the really big changes may be the ones in your head, not over the next hill. Be flexible.

CAPRICORN

December 23 – January 20

Pluto retreats slowly back into your sign on 10th and will be there until the beginning of next year, so now is a period when you should look back at the past to see what you want to take forward. Mistakes should be examined so that you can learn the lessons but it’s also important not to be in any hurry to initiate new commitments. This is a time for serious reflection.

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.

AQUARIUS

January 21 – February 19

You may feel more than a little confused. After all that work you have put in, nothing seems to have come of it and you are starting to wonder if it was all worth it. With Pluto leaving you in the lurch this month, it’s probably time to just enjoy life the way it is. Your ideas are going to take a little longer to find their moment. Patience is now required.

PISCES

February 20 – March 20

Unconscious fears and worries may be surfacing for reasons that you may not be clear about. Perhaps you are frightened of the future or maybe you just feel ill-equipped to deal with everything going on around you? Questions that you have been wanting answers to for a while may well just resolve themselves in their own good time.

ARIES

March 21 – April 20

Coming down to earth with a bang after the excitement of recent weeks may feel like a bit of a shock to the system, but perhaps that’s a good thing. It will give you pause for thought so that you can regroup, get a few things sorted out in your head. There’s plenty of time for this with Pluto back in Capricorn, so do the wise thing and think things out before acting.

TAURUS

April 21 – May 21

The benefits and rewards of recent hard work can be seen now as Jupiter makes it into your sign. The bringer of abundance is going to be there for at least until the end of the year so you will feel his presence through solid progress building on what has gone before. Persistence will start to pay off this month, so long as you stay grounded in your approach.

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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