NN Pulse Magazine March 2022

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CONTENTS

From the

Editor

March 2022

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

L

ife is full of surprises and one of them is the success of the song ‘Make You Feel My Love’ recorded by the Singing Solicitor, Kevin Rogers, and his friends. It was launched via LinkedIn on World Cancer Day last month to raise funds for The Lewis Foundation. What a great cause.

Last year the University of Northampton was recognised by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for its ‘hedgehog friendly’ activities. Now the hedgehog squad at the Waterside Campus has welcomed two new spikey members – just one of the declining species they help. It’s good to know they are in safe hands.

Fans of Strictly professional talent, Johannes Radebe, will be excited about his performance at the Derngate on 19th March as part of his first solo tour. If your tastes are more traditional then you’ll be pleased to know that preparations are underway for the Corby Pole Fair on the Friday 3rd June bank holiday. You won’t want to miss it because it only takes place once every twenty years!

For the ladies in our lives, we have some lovely ideas for gifts to make them feel special for Mother’s Day on the 27th. Made In Northamptonshire (MIN) has also teamed up with NN Pulse to run an exciting competition. All you have to do to win a fantastic Mother’s Day Hamper worth £40 is email us the answer to a MIN-related question.

Last, but certainly not least, please consider taking part in the Northamptonshire Health Charity Spring into Fitness challenge this month. Just commit to a walking, running or cycling challenge alone or with friends, family and pets to feel fitter and raise funds. Alternatively, you can go ‘over the top’ and abseil down Northampton Lift Tower in June. In fact, why not do both?

Happy Mother's Day to all of the lovely mums out there. Put your feet up for a day – you deserve it!

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

The deadline for advertising in the next edition of Pulse Magazine is MONDAY FRIDAY 8TH 11THFEBRUARY MARCH Published by NN Pulse Limited NN Pulse cannot take responsibility for the content of the advertisements, editorial or the services provided by the advertisers. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. All artwork is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use in MK Pulse. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. © NN Pulse

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NEWS

12

INTERVIEW

18

HISTORY

22

BUSINESS

24

FASHION

26

BEAUTY

29

COMPETITION

28

FOOD & DRINK

30

ANIMALS IN NEED

34

HOME & GARDEN

38

INTERIORS

40

MUSIC

42

THEATRE

44

WHAT’S ON

48

MOTORING

49

PUZZLES

50

YOUR STARS

28

18

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

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

5

NEWS

Singing Solicitor’s ‘heart-warming’ track hits the high notes for Northamptonshire cancer charity Donations are flooding in to support a Northamptonshire charity after an uplifting and moving performance by a ‘Singing Solicitor’ captured emotions on social media.

“A

shining example of teamwork”, “everyone should be immensely proud”, “a beautiful song” and “I am so, so proud of the amazing people in our local community” were among the many comments received after Kevin Rogers, chairman of regional law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors, launched a fundraising single to raise money for The Lewis Foundation.

Kevin enlisted the help of Kettering General Hospital’s choir, broadcaster John Griff and Northamptonshire-based musicians Beccy Hurrell and Ian Taylor, to film and record a heartwarming rendition of the Bob Dylan song Make You Feel My Love.

The track and footage was launched live on LinkedIn on World Cancer Day, and is now available to stream, buy or share, with donations via the JustGiving page going to The Lewis Foundation, which provides free gifts and care packs to adult cancer patients in 15 hospitals across the Midlands.

“We have all been blown away by the initial

Kevin Rogers (centre left) and John Griff (centre right) with the Kettering General Hospital choir

response and to see the momentum continuing to grow is just amazing,” says Kevin. “There were many tears of joy during the live launch. People are sharing their own personal stories now too which is boosting awareness of our campaign.”

The first Singing Solicitor fundraiser took place last year, raising more than £2,500 for The Lewis Foundation.

“This money will make such a difference to those living with cancer and who are undergoing gruelling treatment,” says Kevin. “We’re urging more people to donate.”

Lorraine Lewis, of the Lewis Foundation, adds: “The song and video has touched so many and

is a beautiful reminder of why we do the work we do, showing love and kindness by giving free gifts and care packs to adult cancer patients.

We can’t thank Kevin and the whole team enough for what they are doing, and we can’t wait to see where this campaign will end.”

Make you Feel My Love by the #singingsolicitor is licensed by Sony Music Publishing (UK) Ltd and is available on Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and YouTubeMusic. >> Watch the live launch and full video: https://bit.ly/SINGINGSOLICITOR Donations to: https://bit.ly/ MYFMLDONATE

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

NEWS

UON’s prickly pals who aren’t there to learn!

Some of you will remember last year’s Pulse feature about the University of Northampton (UON) ‘hogging’ the limelight when it was awarded a silver award by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

More recently the UON has welcomed a couple of new residents...

T

he Waterside Campus had been given the aforementioned certificate for being ‘hedgehog friendly,’ thanks to a number of initiatives to make the campus a welcoming environment for wildlife.

The Uni has now welcomed two of the critically endangered mammals onsite - Phantom and Warlock arrived as part of a rehoming event.

The move was managed by Janet Jackson, senior lecturer in Environmental Science, and Freya Smith, who heads up the Uni’s own Hedgehog Squad.

“Freya was the driving force that started our journey to the Hedgehog Campus award,” Janet said.

“By our combined efforts of this student-led initiative, we have taken many measures over the past three years to improve our campus management procedures, policies and wider education of staff and students. ???

“The hedgehog release is a legacy for our collective achievements but most importantly it is the result of the contributions that Freya has made.

“Through the release of the two hedgehogs, we now have more students engaged with the project. Staff and students will continue to take action to help the hedgehogs and many other protected and declining species at Waterside into the future.”

The two hogs were just five months old when they arrived and had been hand-reared, so the art of foraging for food was new for them.

At this time of the year their dietary staples are less readily available; slugs, worms, beetles and insect larvae are harder to find during winter and so the new arrivals have been receiving added support from hedgehog rescue organisation, Little Wiggly Snouts (LWS).

LWS provided advice on looking after the hogs and supplied a hedgehog house, feeding station and food to help them settle into their new surroundings.

Members of the campus and estate services team also stepped up to make sure Phantom and Warlock were fed and watered during holiday periods.

“I feel this is the beginning of leaving a legacy to support wildlife at the University,” said games design student Freya.

“The next steps are to set up a student-led society to continue supporting hedgehogs after my graduation this year, and to apply for Gold Status for all of our work.”

The UON’s Hedgehog Squad is now hoping to recruit more students and University staff to help support the new residents.

There are also plans for Phantom and Warlock to be joined by their pal Goblin just as soon as he reaches the ideal weight for release.

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MPS OUT & ABOUT

Children and staff at Camrose

Camrose Early Years Centre

M

y mother was a nursery teacher and a keen believer in the benefits of early years provision. From my own earliest years, therefore, I have had the highest esteem for those who work in the sector and an appreciation of the importance of nurseries and how they give children a safe and rich environment to develop their social skills and confidence.

Back in 2017, I met the then CEO of Camrose, Anette Whitehouse, at an All Party Parliamentary Group for Nurseries in Parliament. It was the beginning of a strong relationship that has lasted ever since. Going to Camrose Early Years Centre was one of the first constituency visits I undertook as an MP. Camrose, located in Tenby Road, has an acute share of the disadvantages and challenges in its community to deal with. It meets those challenges head on. This is one of the reasons it offers an extended 8am to 6pm nursery facility, including during school holidays. It is a lifeline to those families in Dallington and Spencer who rely on the service to be able to get to work – good for the families, good for the economy.

Last month I came back to meet with the current CEO Lyndsey Barnett and Chair Cath Draper. There has been an announcement that the supplementary budget is to be cut by one third. This would mean the end of the extended service. They are currently in negotiations with the Council about the cut.

I wrote to and have had discussions with the Cabinet Member for Children Services and Education at West Northamptonshire Council (‘WNC’) outlining my concerns. I also raised the matter in the House of Commons twice now and secured a meeting with Will Quince MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Education.

Although there have been a sequence of welcome announcements ending Covid restrictions, the economic and social challenges that the last two years have brought are only just beginning. Camrose provides some of the richest forms of support in one of the poorest parts of my constituency. It is vital that this service remains properly funded.

Andrew at the Camrose Early Years Centre

Lyndsey and Cath are superb ambassadors for Camrose. They have come up with a serious and creative alternative funding proposal that could see the continued funding of the 8am-6pm service and protect the budgets of other early years providers in the town. I know Cllr Fiona Baker, the WNC Cabinet Member, is a champion of early years herself and so I am hopeful for a solution to the situation.

Early years provision is a critical part of our fightback to give every child support and the opportunity to thrive. Camrose has for many years been the gold standard for early years provision in Northampton. It should be the launchpad for initiatives throughout the county. As WNC are currently planning and developing their anti-poverty strategy, they will be thinking deeply and consulting widely on their long-term objectives and aspirations to improve opportunities for those most affected by lower incomes. The connection between the two is obvious.

CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01604 978080 | Email: andrew.lewer.mp@parliament.uk | www.andrewlewer.com CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 42 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DE 10

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

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

11

INTERVIEW

‘To tell my story is a dream come true...’

When Johannes Radebe and John Whaite took to the dance floor for the first time during the 2021 season of Strictly Come Dancing, they didn’t just deliver a terrific tango – they smashed through another barrier as the show’s first male same-sex couple to compete.

As he prepares to visit Northampton on his first-ever solo tour, Johannes told Sammy Jones that it wasn’t without pressure...

12

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

INTERVIEW

L

et’s be honest, there was an intrigue and curiosity around Johannes and John’s Strictly pairing – simply because no-one had seen a male partnership compete in the show before.

When they delivered that first dance - to New Order’s Blue Monday - they did wonders for inclusivity. You could feel their emotion through the screen.

But they also slotted in just the same as any other couple – because that’s what they are.

“I thank you very much, I am so happy to hear that,” says Johannes, “... to an extent I dislike how we were front page news, and it was such a big thing. I wish to see a world where it’s not an issue anymore.”

He’s not deluded and knows that there’s some way to go before that day dawns, but he has played his part in helping shift the narrative. Massively.

“There are still people out there that are dying; homosexuality is still illegal is certain countries, and is punishable by death. So you can imagine my joy of coming to live in this country, which is very, very progressive....”

Strictly is a glitz and glamour show for the viewer, but it’s also all-encompassing, unbelievably hard-work for the participants, and that’s without having the collective eye of the country focused on you for reasons other than the dancing. How easy was it to take on the challenge?

“When Katya and Nicola did it, I knew that it would have to be two males next and as much as that excited me, I was also very, very not sure and needed to convince myself,” he admits.

And while the UK is progressive, homophobia is still breathing here too. Johannes experienced it firsthand.

“As much as there was an overwhelming amount of love and support towards John and I, there were still trolls, and that’s why I had to get off social media and just focus on the journey, I hate that word, but I had to make sure that John had an incredible time and I’m not going to deny that there was pressure that came with that.”

Dancing with a male partner wasn’t new to the show; Graziano had joined Johannes during a performance by Emeli Sandé back in 2019.

The BBC received 200 complaints following that dance, but much like the trolling he unfortunately experienced during the last season of Strictly, the negativity was silenced by the overwhelming support they were shown.

Johannes has been dancing with the same sex since he first started his fancy footwork as a wee boy.

“I have been dancing with my pals since I started dancing at the age of seven – there were never enough girls around, so me and my pal would always dance around the floor!” he laughed.

Be courageous, and be yourself, It is important that you do that, because the world will adjust, and you do get older and life gets easier.

There is no question that Strictly has done wonders for acceptance and progression with these recent year partnerships.

“We have removed the stigma and the barriers, Strictly has been very comprehensive in their way of bringing visibility,” says Johannes, speaking with me after a day of rehearsals for the Strictly tour, “I am so grateful to Sarah James who is the producer of the show – ever since she has taken over there has been change. Strictly is beyond dancing now.

“To use that tool to change minds, and to educate... I can’t thank her enough.”

Our interviewee is so warm that talking with him feels like summer. He is of a decidedly sunny disposition and a real laugh; an allround charming fella.

Johannes has a huge fanbase, but his biggest supporters are his family. Did their approval help with confidence when you were younger?

“Absolutely – I never had to go into the world and seek validation,” he agrees, “The whole community has always been behind my dancing career and encouraged it.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am for my family back home. Family is everything and the older I get the more I realise it. I miss them a lot, and I want to bring mum over as frequently as possible. I have to thank that woman, she has obviously contributed to my confidence...

“Before I left home and went on the road, she would make me pray and remind me who I am.

“Home is always home, and you can always come back, and I always approach things like that.”

What advice would you give to anyone dealing with sexuality issues, or struggling with anything else for that matter?

“Be courageous, and be yourself,” he says with meaning, “It is important that you do that, because the world will adjust, and you do get older and life gets easier.

“Find your tribe, that’s the most important thing. And that doesn’t have to mean family, there will always be someone who will be willing to listen to you and your story, and they will help.

“Surround yourself with those people that love you unconditionally, because then you can never go wrong.”

The support garnered by Johannes and John took them all the way to the Strictly Grand Final, alongside Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis.

At the final hurdle, our interviewee and his pupil were forced into second place. But they were winners regardless.

“Let me tell you something, after I’d done my three dances with John I was bawling my eyes out. I remember we looked at each other

Johannes and dance partner John feature in the Strictly Come Dancing Live cast for 2022

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

13

INTERVIEW

before we went to the floor and John said, ‘I have had the most amazing time with you,’ and he said he loved every minute of Strictly with me, and that’s more than I ever needed to hear.

“I made a friend for life; someone who knows me when I’m angry, when I’m grumpy, when I’m hungry, he knows everything about me!

“We are still in contact and he has become my friend in the United Kingdom. I am really, really grateful.”

When we speak with Johannes he is mere days away from the opening of the aforementioned Strictly tour: “We are going to feel like rockstars in a couple of days!” he tells me, and the show will give him his creative fix too: “When Strictly finishes and there is absolutely nothing, there is such a terrible comedown,” he admits, “This tour really allows us to spend time to get to know each other, without the pressure that comes with the show; to be able to enjoy some of the routines that we’ve done in the show.

“Me and John are doing the Paso Doblo again, and it has never felt more glorious,” he says, excited at the prospect of hitting up arenas around the country.

“The nicest thing about it is having to sit down at the dinner table with Craig-Revel Horwood and hearing him laugh. I think that is the best thing that has happened so far!”

The first time dance made an impression on Johannes, he was watching a couple demonstrate Ballroom and Latin. It was a moment that would change his life, and it was all about the bling!

Pic: Zac Cooke

Johannes in rehearsals for his new show

14

You can see Johannes Radebe perform Freedom at the Northampton Derngate this month

“The gentleman had a silver sequinned tailcoat on, and that’s when I knew I wanted to do it...” he remembers.

Did they learn that they inspired you?

“They definitely know. We lost the man unfortunately, but the woman is still there: Ben and Mpho.”

Johannes tells me that Mpho means gift, which seems particularly accurate. And, with Strictly not back on our screens until the end of summer, Johannes is giving us a chance to enjoy more of his incredible moves by heading out on his first ever solo tour of the UK; Freedom visits Northampton Derngate on March 19.

For a man who has already made his love of sparkle a thing during this interview, the press image for the tour seems rather bland, we tease.

“Very bland? You’re wicked babe, you’re wicked!” he says, with much laughter, “My mother said it was like an African King with sparkles and diamonte!”

Freedom will take the audience on his personal journey, from growing up in South Africa (Johannes was born in the township Zamdela Sasolburg) to touring the world, becoming an international dance champion and landing the biggest gig on TV. That costume featured in that press image (pictured above) is inspired by his heritage.

Everything has meaning.

“The way I grew up, when you turn 21 your family all comes together with a big celebration, and I really wanted to catch that moment of coming of age and being dressed in my African attire, in a world where people can understand it and see how far we’ve come,” he explained, “Also because these type of stories have never been in theatre, I really wanted to bring a little bit of home back...”

It goes without saying that Johannes is thrilled beyond belief to get the opportunity to deliver his own show: “To be able to tell my

story and dance to my music is like a dream come true,” he agrees, “It is just so beautiful that I get to dance to my own tune, to music that has influenced me as a dancer, and because I do have a following, I am excited to share that with them.

“Because I’ve toured in the UK, I know the audiences are there and how it goes down, and it is the most beautiful thing.”

Freedom will take ticket-holders from African fusion to fiery Latin and let’s face it, it will be sensational viewing. It will also have quite the finale too, our interviewee promises: “It is going to be a big, big party; a big celebration of rainbow colours, in a pair of heels and dancing in those aisles to songs like We Are Family by Sister Sledge...”

With lots more ‘exciting projects coming up,’ the sparkle is set to continue; he is also signed up as a guest judge on an upcoming episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK Versus the World.

There is a big intake of breath before he gushes, “You know when they say ‘the stars are aligned’? I have watched the show since its inception in 2009. I remember my friend introducing me to it and I said, ‘Surely this cannot be on TV? It’s not going to last’. We laughed about it, but we enjoyed the first season so much, and ever since then I have been glued to it!” he says, with the emphasis on the word glue.

I dare to admit that I’ve never seen a single episode, before Johannes urges me to check in.

“You will absolutely just fall in love with it...”

Much like the Strictly massive and beyond have fallen in love with him.

> Johannes Radebe, Freedom Northampton Derngate, March 19 royalandderngate.co.uk

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

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

15

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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

Wills and Probate?

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

17

LOCAL HISTORY

Riding the Stang 1982

Climbing the greasy pole 1982

Corby Pole Fair

I

A celebration of living history!

t’s barely dawn, the birds are just waking up, and suddenly the bells of the Parish Church of St John, start to ring out. A crowd of folks dressed in a variety of costumes gather around to listen to the proclamation of a three hundred- and forty-year-old document, signed by King Charles II. Wait! This can only be the Corby Pole Fair!

Laura Malpas finds out what is planned to take place in Corby on June 3rd and delves into the history behind this ancient event.

You are forgiven if you have never heard of this event. It only happens once every twenty years after all. And it’s going to happen this year, over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday, on Friday June 3rd.

The origins of the Corby Pole Fair may go back nearly nine hundred years. The earliest known settlement is thought to be even earlier, some thirteen hundred years ago. A Danish Viking, 18

Queen Elizabeth I hawking

Kori gave his name to the village, and it may have been the early Viking settlers who introduced the idea of the ‘pole’, giving its name to the fair.

A typical Viking punishment for men who had committed minor offences was to be captured and carried through the community astride an ash pole or ‘stang’, where villagers were free to hurl abuse, rocks or even rotten vegetables.

This was known as ‘riding the stang’.

By the time the Domesday book was written in 1086, the thriving village was known as Corbei. Forty years later, Henry III granted the right for Corbei to hold two annual fairs and a market. But it was Elizabeth I who gave the greatest gift to the village in 1586. Local legend tells that the Queen was indulging her love of hunting in Rockingham Forest when during a storm, her horse stumbled into a bog and she fell.

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

LOCAL HISTORY

The loyal villagers came to her rescue, and she was so grateful to them and to her favourite local Sir Christopher Hatton, that she granted a charter to the men and tenants of the manor of Corby, giving them important and valuable benefits. These included the right of pannage (the right to graze the forest), murage (the right to be free from taxes to repair Rockingham’s defensive walls), and best of all, freedom from the tolls usually paid by travellers as they travelled through England.

Sadly after the Civil Wars, Cromwell, the Lord Protector removed these rights, fun was frivolous, and taxes were to be paid by everyone. So big cheers were heard in Corby following the Restoration of the monarchy, when newly crowned Charles II ratified the Royal Charter granted by his predecessor Elizabeth.

But there are still mysteries surrounding the Pole Fair, why only every 20 years? And why is it associated with the charter, but not mentioned in it? Perhaps it is just to celebrate the generosity of ‘Good Queen Bess’ and who needs an excuse for a bit of fun anyway?

Above: Crowds in the Old Village 1982 All black and white photos 1982 copyright Glyn Dobson (Northants Telegraph) supplied by Made With Many.

The most enjoyed elements of the Pole Fair have remained consistent over the years. The day begins at dawn, with the ringing of the bells and the proclamation of the Charter as confirmed by Charles II, and witnessed by the Rector, the Mayor, and the oldest person born in the village of Corby.

These three notables are then paraded around the village seated on chairs mounted on poles. This proclamation is repeated throughout the day. At this point, entry to the old village becomes chargeable with a ‘coin of the realm’.

This is very important! If you fail to pay and display your ticket you may be captured and made to ‘ride the stang’ on the pole to the stocks, where your leg will be imprisoned. There you will have to wait until someone ‘pays you out’. The day is filled with music and colour, with processions, events and happenings, dancing and fancy dress, good food and drink, and a market to buy all sorts of things. One of the traditional highlights is the challenge to climb a greasy pole to rescue a ham, not as easy as it might sound!

Many fairs have taken place over the years, and occasionally mention has been made of them in the historic record. Perhaps most notably, in 1862, an escaped slave from Missouri named John Anderson was welcomed and ‘treated most kindly’ by the villagers of Corby. Anderson had been enslaved, and like many, kept illiterate. Aged thirty, he became a pupil at the village school, learning to read and write, and was freed from paying tolls to the fair.

The following year he sailed away to a new life in Liberia.

Left: John Anderson escaped from slavery in Missouri and settled in Corby where he was freed from paying tolls to the village Fair

The last five Pole Fairs have come at a time when the people of Corby most needed to be cheered and to celebrate life. In 1922, the effects of the Great War were still evident as the village had lost forty-one men, and the fragility of the peace in Europe was still a concern. In 1942, the country was still in the grip of the Second World War and so the Pole fair was delayed until 1947, when the celebration was sweet indeed. 1962 saw the growth of the new town and an increased population as Corby was strong economically, but the following fair in 1982 was very different. Corby had suffered dreadfully from hardship following the decision

by British Steel to close the steelworks and let the blast furnaces go out.

However, there was still steel inside the hearts of the people of Corby to survive and thrive. The 1982 Pole Fair was a much-needed boost to the locals, and in 2002, the most recent fair held was a great celebration by the newly revitalised town which even today is still experiencing spectacular growth.

The next Pole Fair will be on Friday 3rd June. The perfect time to celebrate our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrate the benevolence of our former monarchs, and hopefully to celebrate the end of the pandemic, God willing!

There’s many plans afoot, and lots of ways to take part, from ringing the bells, entering the parade, or just coming along to enjoy the fun, If you would like to volunteer you can register your interest by emailing info@madewithmany.org.uk and if you would like to learn more about the day, then please visit www.madewithmany.org/ corby-pole-fair-2022 and to keep up with the latest news, follow @corbypolefair on Facebook.

It is going to be a wonderful day!

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

19

INTERIORS

The lady who has it covered Over three hundred different fabric books and hangers from the likes of Prestigious Textiles, Ashley Wilde, Swaffer and Beaumont Textiles grace the showroom of Sue Cardy who weaves her magic time and time again to ensure each client finds the right style to suit their home.

A

fter the successful completion of courses including City & Guilds in Curtain Making & Soft Furnishing Techniques, Sue started to turn her love of curtain and blind making into a full-time career. Starting from her spare bedroom in 2008, later moving to larger bedrooms and eventually taking over the whole house, the decision was made to move everything into a local workshop. Over the next three years, despite the COVID crisis, Sue’s business continued to thrive, outgrowing this workshop. After much searching Sue eventually found ideal larger premises.

The new showroom and workshop, which opened in September 2021 at Sywell Aerodrome, is testament to the enviable reputation of her thriving business, Sue Cardy Curtains & Soft Furnishings. Customers can select from over 10,000 different fabrics, which range from luscious gold and blue printed velvets to crisp cottons and textured silks or linens, plains through to traditional and contemporary patterns, something for everyone.

Clients could risk feeling overwhelmed by the choices open to them, yet, under the designer eye of Sue, she can assist you to make that perfect selection, ticking all the boxes from 20

colour to design and budget. The showroom also boasts a wealth of accessories from poles and finials to tiebacks and trims.

She said: “There is something 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’s passion for her business continues to grow and she takes great pride when driving past a home where her creations hang proudly in the windows. Sue has built her reputation on customer service which is why 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.

The showroom houses a huge range of fabric samples to help with your choices

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 all-important 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.

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

INTERIORS

Your home, your choice

Beautiful design touches can be made with different curtain pole choices

With the rising energy costs Sue believes investing in good quality curtains could help to keep our homes warmer during the colder months, certainly enquiries for door curtains have increased recently. “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.”

A wide range of styles and designs available from Sue Cardy Curtains and Soft Furnishings.

Made to measure blinds in all styles including Roman, Venetian, roller and vertical.

Cushions with or without trimmings and lampshades to blend into the overall design.

Poles with finials from the elegant to the quirky that will not only be practical but add that finishing touch to any room.

Floral prints are still proving popular with pinks and blues a favourite, whilst many opt for gentle greens or the ever popular grey or neutral tones.

Sue said: “It is easy to spend hours browsing the internet looking for the right fabric but come to the showroom where you can not only see the true colours, but also feel the fabrics and their various textures.”

You can visit Sue at her showroom at Sywell Aerodrome, NN6 0BT by appointment. Call on 07977 460054 or 01604 495294 or by email: suecardy@hotmail.com There is plenty of free parking available.

Visit Sue’s website at www.suecardy.com or follow her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ SueCardyCurtainsSoftFurnishings

Sue’s deft design touch can be seen first hand in the showroom setting

Sue Cardy Curtains & Soft Furnishings Curtains • Fabrics • Accessories • Poles • Lampshades Blinds - Roman • Roller • Vision • Vertical • Venetian • Conservatory Quality, made-to-measure curtains, blinds and soft furnishings, competitively priced to suit all budgets. Small enough to care, big enough to cope, from a single window to a complete house.

Visit www.suecardy.com or follow me on @SueCardyCurtainsSoftFurnishings

for ideas and find out more about the services we can offer you.

View our range of fabrics, poles and blinds at our workshop by appointment or we can visit your home with a selection of fabrics.

FREE measuring and estimating PLUS once your curtains are ready we deliver, hang and dress them FREE of charge!

Call for a chat about your requirements or to make an appointment 07977 460054 or 01604 583322 or email suecardy@hotmail.com For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | March 2022

21

BUSINESS

When it’s a race to the bottom, climb to the top.

With increased competition in most markets, there’s a danger businesses will decrease prices to compete. But this is the worst thing they can do. Darren Isaac from TFA explains why.

C

urrent market pressures on businesses are coming from all angles: Rising supply chain costs, increased labour costs due to short supply and rocketing energy bills. This is driving competition in most markets so, when things heat up, you need to think about how you are going to adapt. Believe it or not, cutting your prices to retain or win business is not the answer, you should be increasing them, and here’s why…

Leading on price will put your business into a corner I read an article this week about someone in my industry who had, in several years, successfully grown a service business from zero to £3m by providing the cheapest price in the market, outsourcing the work to India and minimising administration. His customers were small businesses who thought the service was generally expensive so, for them, £80 every month was easy to part with. As the market had evolved, clients learned and understood more about the service and were asking for more because what they were getting was what they were paying for. They questioned quality, realised they were wasting £80 per month and it was better to spend more and get a decent return. As a result, his business started to unravel and then spiralled downward.

The crucial point here is that, when you lead on the lowest prices, it is extremely difficult to later increase them successfully for the same service. You are peddling cheapness and piling customers high.

Customers will generally not accept a price increase and they will look around.

It’s time to reassess your model We all know that business is a balancing act. You need to charge enough to cover your costs and make a healthy profit, simple as that. So when market pressures ratchet up, it’s obvious that a go-to is price discounting and special promotions. While this can be very powerful, it has to be utilised sparingly and in the right context. You should never ever, unless as an absolute last resort, cut your prices across the board. When was the last time you heard of anything in this world getting cheaper? Virtually nothing does – it’s called inflation – so the same needs to apply to what you do.

Where business owners struggle is that

they cannot see how they can simply increase their prices and they worry about customers going elsewhere. This shouldn’t stop you. What you need to do is the following: 1. Consider which customers are currently making you money and which are not. Decide whether you will be better off losing the ones taking up all your time for little reward so you can concentrate on the ones who spend more with you.

2. Reimagine how you communicate your business proposition and how you package it. Look at how you can make your business look ‘premium’ and your service become a beacon of excellence – how will you start to look and be the very best?

3. Remember there are plenty of customers who prefer to pay more for things on the expectation they will get a better product and/or service.

4. Realise that if you were to increase your pricing by, say, 10% or even 20%, the extra revenue can offset any customers you lose meaning you will be doing less work for the same money.

My point here is that you need to evolve and improve your business not slash your prices. For you to charge customers more, you need to look like one of the best and then you need to be one of the best. The experience of your products or services must feel “reassuringly expensive” (to quote Stella Artois). Communicate the value, always.

What you need to be looking at to ‘price upwards’ Another thing many business owners are afraid of in more challenging times is spending money. One of the worst things a business can do in a more competitive market is cut spend in the places where investment is critical.

To give you two big examples: 1) Cutting spend on marketing and advertising; 2) Trying to buy or deliver what you do more cheaply (cutting costs that erode the customer experience).

Both will hinder what you are doing and send your business into eventual decline.

They are both kneejerk decisions that are congruent with a race to the bottom and you will suddenly find yourself on that trajectory without even realising.

The main things you need to look at to support a premium positioning strategy are: • Update and refresh your brand image to look premium.

– Your logo – Your website – Anything else potential customers may see • Rethink how you talk about and present what you do to customers, down to the very words you use to describe it. Be more ‘Rolls Royce excellence’ and less ‘Toyota hatchback affordable’.

• Look at new things you can add to your service that have perceived value to your customers. Start with the quick and simple changes that make a difference, that your competitors don’t do then look at the bigger things later.

For example, introduce more customer service follow-ups, ask your customers where the pain points are, do things to address them, show you listen and you care.

• Look at who the best in your market is, consider why and then benchmark your business against theirs. What can you do that they are? Like most things in life, in order to become the best you have to learn from and imitate the best.

These things do not all happen overnight but lots of small things can.

Start yourself on the road to being better and maybe, eventually, being the best. Remember that perception comes first and that this is everything but you must then deliver on the expectation your create. Charging more is easy... feeling worth it is the hard part.

To quote Aldo Gucci, “Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.”

If you need help giving your business image and overhaul then get in touch with me at TFA. We help businesses just like yours to completely transform and, more importantly, to grow.

Darren.isaac@t-f-a.co.uk 01908 263650 www.t-f-a.co.uk

Darren Isaac is the owner of TFA, a multi-award-winning brand, marketing and creative agency.

56 The Triangle, The Coachworks, Wolverton Park Rd MK12 5FJ www.t-f-a.co.uk | 01908 263650 22

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

THE POWER

of Three

The Power of 3 runs through the core of OCM as we have three professional disciplines brought together allowing

us to deliver such a powerful client focused proposition.

As an Independent Chartered Financial Planning Firm, a Discretionary Asset Manager and Tax planning

specialist, we utilise the power of 3, to ensure we deliver a seamless and first class, cost and time efficient service to clients. This is because at OCM we truly believe Our Clients Matter.

CHARTERED

Financial Planners TAXATION

& Accounting DISCRETIONARY

Asset Managers

ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk 01604 621 467

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate the activities of tax planning, estate planning or IHT planning.

OCM Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fsa.gov. uk/register/home.do). FCA Registration No: 418826. OCM Asset Management is a trading name of OCM Wealth Management.

FASHION

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

Oliver Bonas £42.50

Motor into MARCH >> E ngines at the ready, for springing into March with style you can hit the ground running with. Yes, SS22’s here and full of easy wardrobe wins: denim anything, and leather jackets that you surely already have in your wardrobe...

The hero piece this season? Biker jackets of any shape, seen everywhere from Balenciaga to Simone Rocha. At Christian Dior, super shiny vinyl jackets were worn with matching mini skirts; at Dolce & Gabbana they were paired with chains and lace. At Alexander McQueen, heavy duty looks layered leather and denim - making perfect transitional outfits for keeping pace with the changing weather.

Zara £45.99

The best way to wear the classic denim and leather pieces already in your possession, is with a touch of ‘90’s attitude. Think slip dresses, baguette bags, Kate Moss, one shoulder tops and cutouts.

And if you can sneak in a little tie dye, you’ll be winning.

Zara £27.99

Zara £45.99

Model wears Kin @ John Lewis New Look £27.99 New Look £15.99

H&M £79.99

H&M £25.99 George @ Asda - £25

Zara £29.99 M&S £35 Zara £27.99

24

John Lewis £229

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

Stand out from the crowd and make an impression with a made to measure suit, made just for you.

All occasions catered for: Weddings | Business | Events 10 years at St Crispin Retail Village 01604 589907 | instagram.com/saintcrispin_bespoke | enquiries@saintcrispin.co.uk | saintcrispin.co.uk Saint Crispin Retail Village | 22 Kent Road | Northampton NN5 4DR

BEAUTY

To Mum, with love xx

Mother’s Day falls on March 27 this year, a time to say ‘thank you’ for all she does. How better to show her you care than with a ‘beauty-ful’ gift? Here are some of our favourites...

Freshly Cosmetics have a duo of deliciously fragranced goodies to help skin feel fine all year long. Smooth things out with Golden Radiance Body Oil and Hyaluronic Energy Body Serum, which are formulated with naturally derived ingredients to help firm and hydrate.

This power-packed partnership can help with cellulite, scars, stretch marks and varicose veins.

Perfect for clearing up dreary, damaged skin.

Whenever there is an occasion for a gift, Lush has got your back – and their Happy Mother’s Day gift is a goodie that Mum will love.

Beautifully dressed in a bright floral knot wrap, it brings together a selection of exclusive bathing, shower and body care products from the Mother’s Day range.

Little things can mean a lot too, and the Elephant in the Tea Room bath bomb guarantees to give her a bonkers afternoon tea party in her tub.

A chance for your ma to steep herself in Sencha tea, fragrant bergamot and a dash of soya milk!

RRP: £50 (gift set), £6 (bath bomb) Get it: lush.com/uk/en

When it comes to gift sets for Mother’s Day, Origins have got it all wrapped up, with a range including a Mask Set, GinZing Set and Mega Mushroom Set, and this beautiful Plantscription collection.

The recipient will get a Multi-Powered Youth Serum, which does great things; tackling those frustrating lines and increasing the appearance of firm skin.

The collection also includes a Powerful Lifting Cream and an Anti-Ageing Power Eye Cream, which uses Chamomile and Algae in its hydrating formula to battle puffiness and crow’s feet.

The only ‘problem’ with this gift? You’ll want to buy yourself one too!

RRP: £48

Get it: freshlycosmetics.com/en

Like ginger? Then you’ll adore this.

Origins Ginger Souffle is a whipped body cream to invigorate the skin and senses – it is beautifully luxurious and makes a perfect gift, for Mothering Sunday or any day.

Tangy and terrific, this will caress and care during those essential pampering times. ‘There’s no more savoury way to shoo your malaise,’ says the brand.

If Mum loves her make-up, the OPV Beauty Illuminator could well be the best friend she hasn’t yet met!

This compact little beauty will add a subtle shimmer to any makeup look, and with six shades available there is a colour for everyone.

It’s a great way to banish dull skin in favour of a healthy radiance.

RRP: £36

Get it: John Lewis and origins.co.uk

RRP: £35

Get it: opvbeauty.com

Don’t give her a scent-sational day, give mum a fragrant year by buying her a scentaddict subscription; each month she will receive a fragrance of her choice from more than 500 of the most popular brands. The 8ml travel size product is filled with a 30day supply, together with a £12 voucher to spend on a full-size fragrance, should she choose to splash out.

Say it with a spray!

RRP: £12 per month

Get it: thefragranceshop.co.uk

26

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

RRP: £75

Get it: Available at stores nationwide

LEGAL

Intestacy lessons from the rich and famous Sue Owens Senior Partner

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

W

hile celebrities often have many professional advisors who look after their business affairs, like many ordinary people they sometimes do not get around to making a will and setting out their wishes.

“When you die without a will, predetermined laws of intestacy decide who should inherit your estate and in what shares, and while these laws seek to deal with matters in a fair way, they cannot take into account modern family structures, family dynamics or personal wishes,” says Sue Owens, Head of the Wills and Probate Department at BMTC Law. Sue highlights some of the lessons that can be learned from Pablo Picasso, Prince, Amy Winehouse, Rik Mayall, and Stieg Larsson, and why you should not put off making your will.

Stieg Larsson’s lesson for unmarried couples Author Stieg Larsson, who famously wrote the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, died intestate. His vast wealth passed to his father under intestacy, leaving his long-term partner with nothing. Unmarried couples are not entitled to each other’s estates, regardless of the seriousness or length of the relationship, so the only way to ensure your partner receives any of your assets is to leave them under a will.

Rik Mayall’s lesson in tax planning When actor Rik Mayall died intestate, his wealth was subject to a substantial inheritance tax liability that might have been reduced if he had planned his affairs during his lifetime.

Obtaining advice around pre-planning and putting suitable provisions in place can help you to ensure that your estate benefits from available tax savings in the best way possible.

One of the most important ways to achieve this is with a will.

Pablo Picasso’s lesson to save delay and costs When Pablo Picasso died without a will his estate reportedly took six years to settle and cost approximately $30 million.

Instructing a professional to make sure everything is set out beforehand means your loved ones receive their money more quickly and your estate’s legal costs are much lower.

Prince’s lesson for philanthropists Family feuds over who should inherit may be more likely and harder to settle where there is no will, as the person’s wishes remain unknown. After the artist we call Prince died, intestacy

rules meant that all his assets passed to his siblings, leaving his five half-siblings without a share of his estate. Had Prince made a will, he could have given some money to his halfsiblings as well. He might also have chosen to leave some gifts to the various charities he gave generously to throughout his lifetime, something which can never be achieved without a will. Appropriate legal advice can help guide you to ensure that all your favourite charities are provided for, without disadvantaging your loved ones.

Amy Winehouse’s lesson for entrepreneurs Intestacy rules do not consider the continued management of estate assets like a business or intellectual property such as royalties from music. Amy Winehouse’s intestacy resulted in her £4 million estate being almost entirely depleted within two years of her death after her companies passed into the control of her parents. A will would have allowed her to appoint an appropriate person to manage the companies on behalf of her beneficiaries and to ensure that they remained viable assets. If you are a business owner, it is important that you understand how that business will be dealt with on your death. You should seek professional advice to consider the continuing needs of your beneficiaries as well as anyone associated with your business.

How we can help Whether you have a significant music back-catalogue or a special collection of vinyl records, making a will is the most effective way of determining who will benefit from them. It ensures that you are in control of how your estate passes, that you have planned in the most tax-efficient way, and that your loved ones will not be left arguing after you have gone.

Our solicitors can advise you on preparing a will in a way that ensures your choices are clear and legally binding, as well as advising you how best to pre-empt or manage potential conflicts and how your estate might be affected by various taxes.

For further information, please contact BMTC Law – we have offices in Northampton and Kettering plus home or hospital visits are also available. Telephone Sue Owens in the wills and probate team on 01536 523434 or email susan.owens@bmtclaw.co.uk

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

27

FOOD & DRINK

Seville orange tart A citrus-sweet no-cook pud. Serve up a slice (or two) for afternoon tea or dessert.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

180ml double cream

1. Put the double cream and condensed milk in a large mixing bowl. Add the very finely grated zest, all the orange juice and all the lime juice. Use a hand whisk to whisk the mixture together for 2 minutes until slightly thick.

180g condensed milk 2 Cooks’ Ingredients Marmalade Oranges, very finely grated zest of 1½, pared zest strands of half, plus 100ml juice (top up with regular orange juice if needed) 3 tbsp lime juice (from 1-2 limes)

2. Pour the mixture into the pastry case, then scatter with the remaining pared zest. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours before serving, until the filling has set. Use any extra cream to drizzle over, if liked.

215g Cooks’ Ingredients Sweet Pastry Case Preparation time: 20 minutes plus chilling Serves: 8 28

Recipe and photo courtesy of Waitrose.

Recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes.

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

COMPETITION

Win a fabulous Mother’s Day Hamper Made in Northamptonshire have teamed up with NN Pulse to run an exciting competition where you could be in for the chance to win a Mothers’ Day Hamper full of fantastic products, all made within the county, worth £40!

C

ontents include an ilumei candle, Dark Chocolate Honeycomb with Orange Flavouring from The Confectionist, Warner’s Gin and Ganders Goat Soap.

The hamper producers all have a wide-range of brilliant products that can be enjoyed by all ages. You don’t want to miss out on this competition!

The ’support local’ philosophy is at the heart of Made In Northamptonshire (MIN), who believe that it is a positive and helpful way to support your local community. Rachel Mallows, director and founder of MIN, says, “Our philosophy remains the same - to celebrate and grow our local food and drink businesses to keep skills local, reduce food miles, encourage job creation and leverage more of the local pound spent on food and drink to remain in our local economy.”

MIN are a multi-stakeholder co-operative supporting producers and eateries to grow, make, produce, sell and eat Northamptonshire food and drink. During the pandemic, local food and drink businesses changed their operations to provide their goods in local areas that were absolutely outstanding. And this wasn’t just about business – many offered help for local residents or donated to food banks.

Founded in 2011, over the past decade MIN has helped to support some of the county’s finest local producers, retailers and eateries. In December 2020, MIN opened their first shop at Rushden Lakes stocking a

vast array of delicious local produce including tasty treats from The Confectionist, Brooklyn Brownies, Vicky’s Kitchen, Daily Bread, Explore Chocolate, The Good Loaf, Warner’s, Green Kitchen Preserves, Silverstone Distillery and many more – there really is something for everyone!

> The MIN Shop at Rushden Lakes is open 6 days a week: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and 10am-5pm Saturdays. The shop is located in between Starbucks and Heavenly Desserts. They also have a satellite store at Jeyes of Earls Barton. The MIN Team look forward to you visiting them soon.

To enter the competition simply answer: When was the Made In Northamptonshire shop opened?

Email your answer and contact details to nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Use the subject: NN Pulse MIN Competition Please note that the deadline to enter is the 22nd March. The winner will be drawn and announced on the 23rd March, and can collect their hamper from the MIN shop at Rushden Lakes at an agreed time between the 23rd and 26th March, in time for Mother’s Day! Good luck to you all!

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

29

FEATURE

Jill Mullen at work

Lumps, bumps and vaccinations Those of us with a pup or a kitty will know that trips to the vets aren’t exactly easy on the purse.

But imagine trying to juggle the cash flow for the 100s of procedures that need carrying out at Animals in Need’s centre each year. Thankfully, the generosity of a group of veterinarians locally means that the burden is way less than it would otherwise be. Volunteer vet Jill Mullen explained more to Pulse’s Sammy Jones.

30

W

e often talk about the awesome volunteers at Animals in Need (AIN), who help to feed, clean and look after the hundreds of animals in its care every year.

But AIN is also incredibly indebted to its team of vets who give their time to fix up those in need of a little extra help.

Jill is one of them. She graduated from Edinburgh University, but is now semiretired and has been donating her time and experience for the past four years.

“I am lucky to still enjoy the work I do, but have the freedom to volunteer more and work less,” Jill told Pulse, “I don’t recall ever wanting any other career - I grew up around animals and enjoyed the sciences. Veterinary work is challenging and worthwhile.

“I know that volunteering my time means the shelter can re-home pets that have

been neutered, vaccinated and microchipped sooner. There is immense pressure on shelters worldwide to re-home and accept ever greater numbers of sick and abandoned animals.

Giving my time eases the pressure of that crisis a tiny fraction.”

The bulk of Jill’s work is made up of standard procedures, but it’s not just cats and dogs she sees, and with everything from chickens to hedgehogs also needing support, it does throw up some tricky situations too...

“I see the usual things you’d expect at any veterinary practice; lumps and bumps, sore ears, lameness, itchy skin, all those sorts of things, but the majority of my time is the routine necessities of neutering and vaccinations as well attending to injured wildlife brought to the shelter.

“Probably the most unexpected surgery at AIN has been a Caesarian Section on a hedgehog!”she said, “Sadly her babies couldn’t be saved and had died inside her, but

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

FEATURE

mum made a full recovery and was able to be released.”

Procedures are carried out on site, originally it was in an old cabin, but in 2017 a purpose built unit opened. It is a big plus for vet and patient alike.

“An on-site fully equipped veterinary facility at the shelter is an amazing bonus,” Jill said, “There is literally everything there that is needed for the majority of the cases I see.

It means much less travel stress for the animals, and I can attend to many more cases as they are brought to me because I am ready to see them.

“For wildlife in particular that is a huge bonus - no travel and no new environment with scary ‘predators.’”

Sanctuary manager Annie Marriott said: “Having the staff come here is much easier for vets, and for shelter staff who don’t have to run into a busy practice with vans full of animals to be neutered.

“As Jill mentioned, we avoid so much stress for the animals too, which is really important.”

Patients in recovery

How much time Jill donates varies month by month. It depends on the case list, and whether she is local; the dedicated animal aider also volunteers her time to care at a shelter in Greece, and has volunteered for ‘mega neuter’ campaigns with other charities.

Covid means their loss is our gain as Jill spends more time at work at the Little Irchester site.

Sadly though, much of her to-do list is a result of people error, mistreatment or neglect.

Jill and the team at AIN have to step up to correct the failure of others. How does that make you feel?

“It makes me sad and angry, I guess,” she admits, “Humans created the need for shelters to even exist.

“Real malicious cruelty to a helpless animal is incomprehensible to me. I try to find a reason why; perhaps these perpetrators have suffered equal cruelty at the hands of other

people - an endless cycle of abuse where the weakest suffers the most.

“There are many, many well respected studies in this area, so this is just my own view and how I try to rationalize what happens.

“I feel a bigger majority of rescue cases arise due to ignorance and lack of understanding of what pet ownership actually involves; the time and financial commitment that’s needed, the basic rights of animals to enjoy ‘five freedoms’, and the need to control breeding so the number of homes available to pets matches the number looking for homes. Sadly it’s an impossible scenario in this country or anywhere in the world...”

Are you thinking of adopting a pet? Then first you need to take on board the advice of someone who knows best.

“Research!” Jill implores, “Understand the commitment you are about to make in terms of a pet’s life expectancy, and whether you have time every day to properly care for a pet. What would happen to them if your circumstances change in relation to day-today costs as well as veterinary care?” Jill asks.

“But most importantly, when deciding to share your life and home with a pet, try to be part of the solution!

“A neutered rescue is the best addition you can possibly choose.”

Each of the veterinarians (Jill, Sandra Martin, Michelle Broughton and Raluca) volunteer their time, (ably assisted by nurses Collaine Punch and Frankie Marriott), but with so many animals to see and so many more needing dedicated help, the charity can always use more support.

“The vets that come here work for free out of the kindness of their hearts and I am so very grateful for that,” Annie said, “It saves us tens of thousands of pounds every year.”

And though you mightn't know how to keep a crow on his feet or give a dog a dental, you can still support the valuable work being carried out – supplying all of the kit and drugs necessary for surgeries and vaccinations costs the charity, on average, £40,000 a year.

Donations are always welcomed.

“We simply wouldn’t be able to deal with the amount of animals that we do each year without the vets and nurses volunteering their time, and the generosity of supporters,” Annie admitted, “They are all part of our family, and even when the vets aren’t at the shelter they are at the end of the phone to give us advice and guidance whenever we need them. We are all so very grateful for their help.”

But Jill feels every bit as privileged to be involved with Animals in Need as they do to have her as part of their team.

“I count myself very fortunate that after a lifetime as a vet I can still learn, see different things, experience new challenges and at the same time enjoy the work I do,” Jill said, “Volunteering gives me an opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ in a very immediate and tangible way.

She added: “AIN is filled to the brim with dedicated staff and volunteers that make this possible. Being a small part of its success is a privilege.” > For more details on Animals in Need, to find out how you can help, or if you are interested in adopting an animal, please visit animals-in-need.org

Removing a mammory tumour

Putting a poorly swan on a drip

If you would like to make a donation to support Animals in Need, by setting up a small regular direct debit to help ensure the charity can carry out its work throughout the year, the details are: Animals in Need (Northamptonshire) R/C Sort Code: 08-90-73 Account No: 50304604

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

31

CHARITY

Spring into fitness and make every mile count this March

A

s Spring approaches, bringing with it longer daylight hours and some much nicer weather, Northamptonshire Health Charity is inviting you to take part in their Spring into Fitness challenge this March. Commit to a walking, running or cycling challenge throughout the month of March and reap the health benefits of being more active.

You can choose your own challenge as it will be personal to you. Do it alone, with friends or family and even include your four-legged friend! Why not challenge your work colleagues to do this with you and see how far you can travel throughout the month as a group?

The event is FREE to enter but for extra motivation you can raise funds to support above and beyond projects at any of the local NHS hospitals the charity supports, including Northampton General, Kettering General and all those under Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Raise £75 or more and get a free t-shirt!

However, it is not a requirement of the challenge to fundraise, but if you would like to you can make a donation on checkout instead to support the work the charity does to enhance patient care and experience.

Find out more information and register for the challenge at the charity’s website: northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/ events/spring-into-fitness/

Or, go “over the top” and abseil the Northampton Lift Tower for your chosen ward or department If you’re looking for a loftier challenge this year then why not go “over the top” of the iconic 418ft Northampton Lift Tower to abseil for Northamptonshire Health Charity.

Sign up for their 2022 abseil day on Saturday 25 June and raise money for above and beyond projects on the ward or department closest your heart at any of the NHS hospitals they support. Or, help the charity raise funds by supporting one of their current appeals – Twinkling Stars for the new maternity bereavement suite at Kettering General Hospital – the children’s wards outside play area at Northampton General Hospital.

Last year’s event raised £16,000 to support a range of projects for local NHS teams. It costs £100 to abseil and you can register your place with a £50 deposit at the charity’s website: northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/ events/charity-abseil-day-2022/ You can contact the charity team about either of these challenges via email greenheart@nhcf.co.uk or call 01604 626927.

Looking for a challenge?

Abseil 418 ft for charity!

Northampton Lift Tower Saturday 25th June 2022

Raise funds for the NHS team closest to your heart. www.northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk

Get Involved 01604 626927 greenheart@nhcf.co.uk  NorthamptonshireHealthCharity  @NHCFGreenheart

Registered charity no: 1165702

2022 |adNN Pulse Magazine 32NHCMarch Abseil NNPulse 185x132mm.indd 1 | 22,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Northamptonshire

04/01/2022 16:25

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

33

HOME & GARDEN

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Ruffle some feathers with a stunning selection of feather inspired products.

Feathers have a real outdoors connection and are nature inspired, which is why it has become a popular trend for 2022.

Feathers round mirror £125 luxeology.co.uk

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Main Image: Peacock feather black and white wallpaper £78 mineheart.com

Gold feather drawer knob £7.95

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Gold metal feather wall sconce £30 curatedliving.co.uk

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

HOME & GARDEN

Stop your house leaking money, when the new energy price caps hit.

With energy price caps set to rise a further 45% from 1st April, there has never been a better time for homeowners to make the switch to double or triple glazing.

D

to the current crisis, switching to a cheaper gas and energy company is not an option. Therefore, it is essential to address alternative options to better improve your home’s thermal efficiency to prevent heat escaping and keep bills in check.

By switching from older-style, noncoated glazing to highly energy efficient comfort glazing options, your home can benefit from over 50% improved energy efficiency, enhanced security, up to 20% reduction in noise and a reduction in overheating by up to 50%, keeping your home warm and pockets full!

Established 1979

An invisible coating is specifically designed to block out 50% of external heat from the sun, while keeping in 59% more internal heat. This will ensure your home is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Making your home an all year-round sanctuary and keeping your hard earned cash from leaking out the windows.

>> T&K Home Improvements is a family-run business that provides quality windows, doors and conservatories since 1979 in Northamptonshire and surrounding areas. To find out more on high performance energy efficient glazing options and how much you can save, visit www.tkhi.co.uk.

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

35

HOME & GARDEN

DIGGING DEEP

Gardening with Pulse

E

ven if you only have a small outdoor space, the introduction of veggies can still prove positive, and you can get busy in March; parsnips and broad beans will work well, for example, but beware of any particularly cold snaps which will prove damaging. It’s best to let the weather guide you, and only sow seeds if the conditions are right.

Your seed packets will provide all you need to know about when and how to plant to optimise success and remember that soil differences can affect growth tremendously; lighter soil warms sooner than damp, ‘heavy’ soil.

If your seeds will suffer in the chill, hold off for a while longer.

If the environment is suitable, there is much that can occupy your time – from beetroot to radishes, leeks, peas and spinach, and there is nothing quite like a homegrown onion or carrot to make you appreciate their real taste sensation!

When deciding to grow your own onions, you’ll have the choice between seed or set.

A set is an immature, partially grown bulb that is ready for replanting, which will deliver an earlier crop, whereas if you choose seeds, they should be started indoors before being transferred to your outside plot.

Provided they are planted correctly (four to five inches apart and no deeper than one inch beneath the soil), and remain free from pests and weeds, your onions should be ready to harvest after three to four months.

Carrots take anywhere between two to three months to grow, and once tasted, you’ll never want supermarket produce again!

The satisfaction of enjoying a plate piled with homegrown vegetables is one of life’s little pleasures, and it’s a great way to get children outdoors, learning about where their food comes from.

Top Tip...

The time is approaching when you should retrieve the mower from the garden shed in anticipation of giving the lawn its first haircut of the year.

On average, grass should be cut weekly from mid-March, but hold off if the soil is soft and squelchy or if it is frosty, or one is forecast.

Mowing wet or frosty grass will damage the turf and play havoc with your plans to achieve a perfectly green and even lawn this summer!

36

How does your garden grow?

Y

Once you’ve tasted your own home grown veg’ you’ll never look back

It also teaches responsibility; failure to care for their seedlings means they won’t flourish, so little minds will soon learn that they need to look after the seeds.

It’s a fact that children who grow their own food are more likely to eat the healthy stuff – and they can learn about food preparation too, from sowing to harvest to the plate.

Spending time gardening with youngsters gets them away from screens and into the fresh air and teaches them about nature and seasons and insects.

And by encouraging youngsters to eat better, it helps sow the seeds for a happy, healthy life. And that is invaluable.

psilandra thibetica is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial with rosettes of elongated midgreen leaves.

In February or March, depending on the weather, it produces spikes of tiny white flowers which have blue anthers.

It has a beautiful scent (when you can get close enough to smell it).

It flourishes in shady conditions, similar to those found in its native habitat – forests in Tibet and Western China, and is happy in a neutral to alkaline soil which is well drained but moisture retaining.

Photographs don’t do it justice - it’s a stunning little plant which looks good with other earlyflowering plants such as Cyclamen Coum and many Snowdrops, and is well worth a try.

If you haven’t already done so, late large flowered and Viticella Clematis should be hard-pruned, cutting just above the second bud, usually 12” – 18” from the ground, as they flower on new growth which is quite prolific.

It’s a good idea to feed all Clematis with a handful of bone meal, which needs to be worked carefully into the surrounding soil, or given some slow-release fertiliser tablets.

It’s also a last chance to prune Buddleja Davidii cultivars and many Roses – lots of jobs, but, with the spring Equinox and British Summer Time approaching, (to say nothing of warmer weather,) we’ll hope to be able to spend more time in the garden.

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.

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

WILDLIFE

Launching into spring The arrival of milder spring weather will see the welcome return to some of our favourite migrating birds and plenty of opportunities to see them locally, writes Mike Alibone.

S

All Pics: Mike Alibone

pring is now upon us, with March traditionally heralding the arrival of the first birds of summer. By the end of the month, the first Swallows will have made it back from their African winter quarters, while the many thousands of migrants, such as Redwings and Fieldfares, which have joined us for the winter, will be heading back to Scandinavia to breed.

The lengthening days sound alarms on avian biological clocks, prompting many of our local birds to establish breeding territories, marking them out through song, to attract mates and deter rivals. Listen out in town and countryside for Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, both of which will have already started singing, as well as being the among the first to breed, with the earliest young already out of their nests by the month’s end.

If you’ve been feeding the birds in your garden throughout the winter, then it’s important to continue at this time of the year, as the above activities place high demands on birds’ energy requirements. In these circumstances, the provision of readily available food sources contributes hugely to birds’ health and survival.

Stepping out beyond the garden, into the wider countryside, spring is really beginning to take off.

In Northamptonshire we are fortunate to have many easily accessible wetland habitats, which hold a wealth of different species.

Look out for the Little Egret (above), Cormorant (inset) and Juvenile Song Thrush (below left)

Even some of the smallest suburban lakes can provide interesting birds to look at. Among the larger, more obvious birds now breeding locally are Cormorants, Grey Herons and Little Egrets, the latter famous for producing ‘aigrettes’ – those long, fluffy, white headplumes used for adorning headdresses, more commonly in days gone by. Remarkably, this small, stunningly white heron has only recently colonised the UK from Europe over the last three decades.

For a chance of seeing the above birds, sites worth checking out around Northampton are the Nene Washlands and Sixfields Lake, although the lakes at Abington Park, Eastfield Park and West Hunsbury will also produce many interesting birds. You’ll be surprised by what you may discover!

To find out what may be occurring in your area – and when – visit the Northants Birds website below. Here you will also find the annually produced publication of the same name, summarising all species seen in Northamptonshire each year, as well as other interesting articles and information. The latest edition, covering the year 2020, has just been published and is now available. web: Northantsbirds.com twitter: @bonxie

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

37

INTERIORS

www.bykoket.com

www.jysk.co.uk

www.blinds-2go.co.uk

Marshmallow

I

f you think choosing a white paint for your room will be easy, think again!

With over 900 shades of white to select from, you may well find the task a bit daunting. White is a timeless option that provides a fresh blank canvas, against which you can showcase all your art, accessories and furniture, so it’s well worth putting in the effort to get the tone right. You are not alone if you’ve previously looked at a white room and thought how unimaginative and effortless the design is; but to get a white room right it will have been incredibly well curated, with much time and effort employed to keep the space from looking clinical and stark.

One of my favourite white paints is Marshmallow. Marshmallow provides a sense of serenity and relaxation. As the importance of wellbeing becomes increasingly significant in our lives, this hue is ideal for bringing a tranquil and calm feeling into your home. Sanderson has a particular paint called ‘Marshmallow Snow’.

It is a creamy soft neutral that will uplift and brighten your scheme, but do not confuse it with Wilko’s Marshmallow Silk which is pretty in pink and far from the neutral base recommended here.

Rosie Kinsella Interior Designer 01604 751262 www.millsandkinsella.com 38

www.victorycolours.co.uk

appear crisper and cleaner in a north facing room and slightly yellower and creamier in a south facing one where light absorption will be at its greatest.

White should be seen as your secret tool.

The ideal device for drawing attention to other things. If you paint your space white, then the other features in the room will become more noticeable. Whether that’s the exposed brick or woodwork or the art

www.orchardhomeinteriors.co.uk

Marshmallow Snow is a pure and peaceful colour ideal for so many surfaces. It has a milky-hued foundation that provides the perfect blank canvas for creating a striking space that never grows old. It is great for children’s bedrooms or playrooms where it performs strongly as a neutral or base paint. It is also light reflecting. If you’re keen to have a paint that maximises the amount of light within a room then look at your chosen paint colour’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV). Paints are graded on a scale of 1-100 with 100 being pure white and 1 being black. The highest I found for Marshmallow was 87, which is excellent in terms of light reflectance.

Due to Marshmallow’s high reflectivity, most light tends to be reflected away whilst absorbing only a little, which is normally seen as a tint. This is an important consideration in a north or south facing room. Marshmallow will

www.woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk

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

THE ARTS or your furniture. Maybe it’s the way the light comes in through the windows, or the licking of the flames from your open fire or log burner? Each important feature in your room will be given prominence if the walls are white.

A space can feel nice and bright and light just with its white paint, but it is the textures in the room that will make it feel warm and inviting. If you feel your room needs warming up then go natural or aged, introduce items with a story, or anything from the outside environment. Plants, wood, marble, brick, stone, aged leather, velvet, sheepskins, cowhides, or blankets.

These are all ways to add interest in a soft and characterful way without ruining the light enhancing marshmallow effect.

If you fancy trying a bit of colour, then add a splash where you want to add some focus. A tall wall for a painting, a comfy corner of your sofa for a cushion, a lovely colourful vase in an alcove. The great thing is that when you’ve chosen white as your backdrop then any colour goes, as every colour coordinates and nothing needs to be ruled out.

And the best thing about white? It’s so practical!! Ignore those who fret about it looking dirty quickly. White is the easiest surface to clean, wash, bleach or re-paint so white enables you to relax and live your life. A mark, a graze, a dent, a chip… white is oh so easy to repair.

Since the introduction of titanium dioxide into domestic paints in the 20th century, brilliant white finishes have become possible and safe1. Throughout history, from period homes through to shiny, modern, grand, architectural spaces and Scandinavian minimalism, white has been a leading force in impactful interiors. Whilst times and tastes may change, the use of white in providing the perfect backdrop to your schemes will undoubtedly endure.

1

www.tdma.info

Interview with

Alena Carvalho

T

his month, the gallery chatted with artist Alena Carvalho to get an insight into her work and journey as an artist.

Born and raised in Prague, Alena has lived and worked in Buckinghamshire for over 20 years.

Hi Alena, can you tell us about your early artistic influences growing up in Prague and how you became an artist?

As a child, I was always making things or drawing, but I actually wanted to be an animator, back in the pre-digital age when everything was made by hand. I got a chance to visit the department of animated film in the film studios in Prague and I was totally enchanted by the world of poseable puppets, miniature sets and tiny props. It never even crossed my mind that I could become a painter. It wasn’t until years later when my two daughters started school that I had a bit more time on my hands and started to paint. I was very lucky to get signed up by an art publisher very early on, but it still took me a while to call myself an artist/painter when people asked me what I did for living, as it just sounded too good to be true. 10 years down the line, I am still not taking it for granted that I could do this for the rest of my life, although I can’t imagine wanting to do anything else.

How would you describe your style and what type of paint do you enjoy working with?

That’s a tricky question, Impressionistic realism if there is such a style? I like to portrait my objects/subjects fairly realistically, but my main objective is to capture the atmosphere, the light, the mood. I like to put down the structure of the image first and then let loose.

I use acrylic paint, ink and ink pencils, as they are so versatile and they dry fast, so that you can finish a painting in one sitting (well, not that it happens very often!). I started off with watercolour and ink, but as my paintings grew larger in scale, I swapped paper for canvas and acrylic became my favourite medium.

trips for inspiration with my camera. I can walk around London for hours, especially on a sunny or a rainy day, seeking interesting compositions and changing light.

I grew up in Prague, so I was surrounded by beautiful architecture whichever way I looked.

But what I love about painting cityscapes is not just the buildings – they provide a backdrop for the life that goes on and all the changeable elements – people, buses, trams, bikes, weather, light. I could happily paint the same corner of London dozens of times, as the scene would offer something different each time.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

Alarm goes off as early as 6 am on school days, but I don’t usually start painting until about 10 am, as I like to get all the chores out of the way first thing so that I can fully immerse myself into painting without any distraction for the rest of the day. I like listening to audiobooks whilst I paint as it helps me work more spontaneously and not over think my paintings. I usually finish at dinner time but quite often I pop back into the studio ‘just for five minutes to finish this and that’ and before I know it, it’s 11 pm! Some days I spend hours going through photos, choosing what to paint next, other days I am prepping boards, framing or taking pictures of my finished paintings and doing admin, so no two days are ever the same.

What is the best thing about being an artist?

Do you have advice for budding artists?

Being creative every day, learning or trying something new every day and the unpredictability of what the result at the end of each day might be. My advice to any young artist is don’t be afraid to experiment and to put your work out there – you never know where it might lead.

Your cityscapes are stunning, what drew you to focusing on cities and architecture?

Ahh, thank you! I love travelling, I love city breaks and city walks and I love my ‘hunting’

Gemma Davey Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk

www.my-furniture.com

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

39

MUSIC

Puzzling times at The Black Prince

Salvation Jayne

A

fter teasing fans with four singles, Salvation Jayne (March 12) have just issued their debut album and now they are on the road in support of A Mouthful of Magnificent Spite.

They say their music-making brings together ‘white-hot, hook-laden explosive fuzzy riffs, glossy dream pop undertones and captivating atmospherics,’ and it’s seen them rack up a decent fan base – including esteemed knobtwiddler Sylvia Massy who produced a session by them.

She knows a good thing when she hears it too, with other credits under her belt for the likes of Tool and Prince.

The big bill also features The Wax Lyrical Sound, Worth A Shot and Hounds Hall.

October Drift (March 24) bring their popinflected sounds to the fore, with a performance promising to be electrifying and charismatic, and they’ve had enough practice to make perfect; they’ve previously toured with Editors, and have hit up festivals including Glasto, Reading & Leeds and The Great Escape.

Support comes from Rolling Thunder and Parking On Pavements.

Original Quo hard-hitter John Coghlan (March 26), will deliver the hits from the Quo era when he kept things in check – from 1962 to 1981.

When John originally joined Rossi and Parfitt at play they hadn’t even taken the name Status Quo – back at the start of the ‘60’s they were called The Spectres.

Coghlan stayed put behind the drum stool for almost two decades, bowing out three years before their first farewell tour.

Expect to hear vintage numbers like (April) Spring, A Year and Summer and Wednesdays.

Don’t dilly-dally either, because after a career spanning six decades John has announced that this current run of shows will be his last.

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Expect classic Quo from original drummer John Coghlan (above), while Rosalie Cunningham (left) will hopefully solve the puzzle and October Drift (below) fall in to town towards the end of the month

Tuppenny Bunters and Alunah have bagged the support for Rosalie Cunningham’s date (March 29).

We last caught Rosalie and her cohorts in a pre-pandemic psych-haze of riffs, hot pants and flares. Nowadays it’s all lateral-flows and spatial awareness, ain’t it?

The Queen of Psychedelic Prog Rock is making her return to record collections with the new album Two Piece Puzzle which came out on Friday.

Fairport Convention fiddler Ric Sanders features throughout the release, which adds layers of saccharine pop, smooth lounge jazz and fuzzy heavy metal to her already revered psychedelic roots.

Rosalie was joined in the creativity by her partner Rosco Wilson.

“I do not work efficiently without a deadline and can tinker indefinitely!” Rosalie admits, “Rosco was a good foil for me in that sense – co-producing and persuading me enough was enough. The album was a Two Piece Puzzle in that sense; the title stems from the themes of duality running throughout the lyrics.”

‘If Kate Bush had a baby with The Beatles it would have been Rosalie Cunningham,’ reckons Classic Rock magazine.

Frankly, that little bit of spiel can’t be improved upon, so we’ll sign off there. Head to FB @sbdpromotions for ticket info.

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

MUSIC

VFT issues ‘glassy’ cover version

V

enus Fly Trap will feature on the upcoming compilation Glass: Remade/Remodelled which celebrates 40 years of the Glass Records label.

Venus Fly Trap (frontman Alex Novak and guitar/programmer Andy Denton) decided to cover a Religious Overdose song that was originally released as a 7” single back in 1980.

Mind you, Alex knew Control Addicts only too well – he was also the singer with Religious Overdose.

What was it like revisiting it after so long?

“It was interesting to tackle a song I had been involved with in the past,” he told us, “If we ever do any covers we try to do something different with it.”

The track was released as a digital download through Glass Miniature last week, as a taster for the aforementioned CD. “It seems I have come full circle as far as releasing material on the label,” Alex said, “We have done various releases on Glass, including the VFT album Icon, a compilation of all the bands I have been involved in called Mercurial,

Venus Fly Trap

and other reissues on CD and download.

“The label has a strong connection with this region, releasing material by the likes of Pat Fish/Jazz Butcher, David J from Bauhaus and Spacemen 3 among others.”

Glass Modern, the new imprint of Glass Records, has a wide selection of reissues on the way.

“There is a lot of material coming out on the revitalised label, including their first No.1 vinyl single from Sonic Youth/The Pastels. It’s only taken 40 years...”

Fancy an earful of stompy, dark electronic noise? Listen up: glassminiature.bandcamp. com/album/control-addicts-2

Mange Le Funk has just issued Celestial Soul by The African Sunset Project (ASP).

“The 1980s had, and still has, a massive influence on our sound as producers,” said Maurice Bird, aka TASP and part Mange Le Funk owner.

“The ASP venture back in time with this gem of a track – back to a time of leg warmers, Miami Vice, Kerplunk, Space Dust and the Roland TR808 and TR909 sound.

“Celestial Soul pays homage to the sound of the 80s with a true and authentic style.”

Check in for more on FB: @mlfproductions

Sleepy times at The Lab You might remember us sharing our thoughts on the debut Sleepy Beaucat EP, Riddles and Rhymes towards the end of last year.

We declared it ‘a chewy alt-rock amalgam with breakouts of noise abandon that sets them up for success in 2022.’

On Saturday, March 5, you can tip your ears to their live show – the Northampton-based trio will be live at The Lab.

s e n o t r e d n U e h T What’s on the setlist?

W

hen frontman Feargal Sharkey quit the Derry quintet way back in 1983, the rest of the members of The Undertones decided to call time on the band, and stayed quiet for 16 years.

But on the eve of the new millennium, they reconvened with new singer Paul McLoone and got back to the business of making music and making people smile, and they’ve been at it for more than two decades since.

In 2018 the band celebrated the 40 year anniversary of the release of Teenage Kicks, the song that ensured their place in music history.

The band will play their rescheduled Roadmender date in March. Get along nice and early to enjoy support from Hugh Cornwall and his band, and a set that will comprise some tasty solo songs alongside those classic Stranglers hits, and there were more than a few of those.

We asked The Undertones bassist Mickey Bradley to tell us about three songs that will definitely air during their Roadmender set.

“If they’re not, the bass player will go on strike,” Mickey promised.

Jimmy Jimmy Our first proper Top Twenty hit. And the title that used to be shouted at us as we walked the streets of Derry while waiting for a tour to start. Always a pleasure to play, too.

We don’t play the fade that’s on the record, though. Too weird.

My Perfect Cousin A bona fide top ten hit. And written by Damian and me. Also, and I can say this dispassionately, it’s an amusing song. Didn’t no less a poet than Simon Armitage, The Laureate, quote a line from it in a Times Q&A recently? He did, in answer to the question ‘A lyric you wish you’d written?’

Teenage Kicks A record which is much more famous than the band that made it. And rightly so.

Inspired by The Ramones and The Crystals and a record which changed our lives. And if it’s good enough for Toyah to sing in her kitchen, it’s good enough for us to sing in The Roadmenders. > The Undertones play Northampton Roadmender on March 11.

Book tickets at theroadmender.com

The Undertones 2022 line-up

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

41

THEATRE

Strictly’s Karen Hauer & Gorka Marquez turn up the heat at Derngate

Ed Gamble brings the laughter this month

Extramarital affairs and sweet releases!

Relationships between father and son, forbidden passion, steamy dance shows and comedy players; Sammy Jones looks to a month of theatre action.

A

t some point or another, Bob and Danny will have shared a car ride with you, been present at your kitchen table, or perhaps helped you unwind at the end of a difficult day.

As two of the nation’s best broadcasters, they have been on the airwaves for decades, during which time ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris and the rather more forceful Danny Baker have been backstage, front stage, at home and on the road with nearly every artist that really deserves to be called a legend.

They were there during rock and soul’s golden age, and now they’ve decided to share some of the many stories they’ve accumulated. This will be a blast! Catch them at the Derngate (March 14).

The Wellspring (March 17-26) is ‘a Northamptonshire tale about the stories that shape us.’

It’s an intimate, autobiographical exploration of the relationship between award-winning playwright Barney Norris (The Remains of the Day) and his father, internationally acclaimed pianist and broadcaster David Owen Norris.

David is also responsible for the music that will accompany the on-stage deliveries at The Royal Theatre, as The Wellspring examines how a boy and his father can relate to each other, and takes you into the complex and shifting dynamic between the generations.

Strictly lovers can still get their dance fix in the coming months; with the show not set to return to the small screen until the end of the summer, its professional dancers take their moves on the road, and they are heading this way.

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Bob Harris and Danny Baker

This month (March 18) Karen Hauer & Gorka Marquez arrive with Firedance, which is bursting with pulsing beats, seductive choreography and passion.

Live Latin musicians and a dynamic dance ensemble will add further heat. Simmering?

Nope, this show really will be on fire, as you’ll know if you’ve ever seen them move.

And there’s another Strictly pro on his way; dancing sensation, international champion and 2021 finalist Johannes Radebe visits the venue a day later (March 19).

Freedom takes the viewer from African Fusion to fiery Latin, with classic dance arrangements, huge party anthems and a company of dancers.

He’ll also lead you on his personal journey, from growing up in South Africa, to traveling the world and winning titles. A true inspiration, a thoroughly decent man and more than a bit nimble on his feet - read our exclusive interview on pages 12, 13 and 14.

Flo & Joan offer a Sweet Release at The Core

We go from feet to funnies (March 20) with Ed Gamble. He’s co-host of the podcast hit Off Menu with James Acaster, and turns our frown upside down whenever he pops up on the small screen. Which he does, often.

We Will Rock You is touring to mark its 20th anniversary (March 21-26), but do we really need to explain more about the smash-hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton?

Thought not.

Luke Kempner brings Macho Macho Man to the Underground (March 26). Join the star of Spitting Image as he tries to work out what masculinity really means.

More cheery stuff follows (March 27) with the return of Stewart Lee and his production Snowflake/Tornado, and then an intoxicating new staging of movie thriller Fatal Attraction (March 29 – April 2) arrives.

If ever there was a good advertisement for not engaging in extramarital shenanigans, this was it!

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Ben Hart brings his alternative magic to The Deco (March 24), followed a day later (March 25) by Iain Stirling, the voice of Love Island, the face of Loose Men and stand-up ace. Iain has often pondered the question, ‘How do people manage to be normal?’ and so he decided to write a show all about it.

And finally, a quick mention for Flo & Joan who present Sweet Release at The Core in Corby (March 17).

The siblings are climbing out of their pits and, armed with a piano and percussion section, will bring you songs and comedy about everything from alien lovers to fringes!

> Make your choices and click to book: The Deco: thedeco.co.uk Royal, Derngate & Underground: royalandderngate.co.uk The Core: thecorecorby.com

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

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

43

WHATS ON

#WhatsOnPulse Naturally 7 Tuesday, March 1 Who needs instruments? Not Naturally 7 who use only the power of their vocal chords to replicate a band, an orchestra, a recording studio...the whole thing!

Celebrity fans? They have more than a few – Diana Ross, Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder are among them. An intimate show at The Stables that will truly wow you.

Tuning up: stables.org Women’s Walking Network Thursday, March 3, 10am-midday Get outside and get active, meet new people and discover more of the spaces on your doorstep. This month’s Parks Trust event is a brisk three and a half mile walk around historic Great Linford Manor Park and surrounding areas. Wear sturdy footwear and remember a drink – it’s a thirsty business!

Step on: theparkstrust.com The Song Loft Friday, March 4, 8pm-10pm Join The Tartan Painters live and unplugged in the Beechey Room at the latest Performers Night at the Stony Stratford venue. Payment is a fiver on the doors.

Check in: thesongloft.com Woburn Sands Band Saturday, March 5 An evening to celebrate HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year – there will be flags for all, and a programme full of perfect pieces to entertain the whole family.

A royal affair: stables.org Spring Festival of Music – Orchestral Spectacular Sunday, March 6 The NMPAT county orchestras take the stage at the Royal and Derngate in Northampton.

Tuned up: royalandderngate.co.uk Slimming World – Taste The Freedom Monday, March 7 Feeling the need to shift a few pounds?

Slimming World is offering sessions in Stony Stratford every Monday at 4.30pm, 5.30pm or 7pm.

Shape up: Call 07886 808205

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Andy Parsons – Healing The Nation Thursday, March 10 The comedian heads to Kettering Arts Centre as part of his rescheduled tour.

Find the funnies: ketteringartscentre.com

Andy Parsons brings some comedy healing to Kettering Arts Centre this month

NMPAT – Big Sing Wednesday, March 9 - Thursday, March 10 Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust presents Big Sing, two nights celebrating vocal music with massed choirs of 500 young singers from Northamptonshire’s Primary Schools and NMPAT County Choirs.

Tune in: royalandderngate.co.uk Linocut Workshop Saturday, March 12 & Sunday, March 13 Printmaker Charlotte Ashman shares the art of linocut at this two-day event, which is being held at RiverKnits, The Depot at Weedon Bec. Find out more: Call 01327 342273 Friends! The Musical Parody Sunday, March 13 A fun show celebrating and poking fun at the wacky misadventures of the group of 20-something pals from the hit show that won over a generation.

They’ll be there for you: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes Denton & District Gardening Club Monday, March 14, 7.30pm Val Bourne, who writes articles on gardening for several well-known publications, will be talking about The Living Jigsaw at Denton Village Hall (NN7 1DT).

Members go free, visitors pay £3.

A raffle and refreshments will feature.

Blooming great: Call 01604 890875 or email m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk Dr Hook Thursday, March 17, 7.30pm Dr Hook, still fronted by Dennis Lororriere, visits The Derngate as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour.

Get ready to hear big hits like Sylvia’s Mother, Sexy Eyes and When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman in this hit-filled show.

Share the night: royalandderngate.co.uk

Behind the London Livery Companies – Objects and Stories Wednesday 16th March Come and join us to hear the fascinating history of the London Livery Companies, the original trade associations, some dating back to the 12th Century. The Livery Halls today contain rare and intriguing artefacts - portraits, furniture, silver, stained glass etc – which reveal stories behind the history and commercial importance of some of the world’s oldest crafts and guilds.

The Society’s purpose is to open the multifacited world of the arts to everyone. It meets in The Cripps Hall, Northampton School for Boys. The talk begin at 7:45pm and from7pm, there is an informal ‘meet and greet’.Guests and new members most welcome.

For further information: theartssocietynorthamptonshire.org.uk

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

WHATS ON

Guns N’ Roses Experience Friday, March 18 Relive the rock ‘n’ roll excess of the mighty music makers responsible for smash hits like Sweet Child O’ Mine, Paradise City and Welcome to the Jungle, with the only tribute band whose guitarist is endorsed by Marshall Amps. That’s how hard these guys rock!

It’s So Easy: thepicturedrome.com Open Spring Flower Show Saturday, March 19, 2.30pm-4.30pm Join Denton & District Gardening Club at the event, featuring a plant stall, raffle and home-made refreshments, as well as 34 competitive classes, including some for children.

Competition is open to all.

Sowing the seed: Call 01604 890875 or email m.patemen@yahoo.co.uk for more details.

Carter can’t remember much about the night before, and the naked woman in his flat isn’t helping. On top of that his friend Roger (who is clueless even at the best of times) doesn’t seem to know much either. And things only seem to go from bad to worse, when Carter discovers a mysterious wad of cash in his fridge! With family arriving at any moment - Carter must try to find a way to keep his cool...without hiding in the fridge himself!

This brilliant full on farce will have you splitting at the seams through witty, on the nose comedy and a mixed bag of wonderful characters.

NOASIS & Supakarma Saturday, March 19 Celebrate the music of the Gallagher brothers after being warmed up by the sounds of reformed indie-rockers Supakarma playing on home turf at The Craufurd Arms in Wolverton.

Roll with it: thecraufurdarms.com

Event Cinema Bolshoi Ballet: Swan Lake Sunday 6 March | 2pm Composed by Russian Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875, Swan Lake has become one of the most popular ballets in the world.

The White Swan is truly a symbol of Russian Ballet, of its beauty and magnificence.

Exhibition On Screen: Frida Kahlo (12A) Tuesday 8 March | 7pm A journey through the life of a great artist and true icon, discovering her art and uncovering the truth behind her often-turbulent life.

ROH Live: Rigoletto Sunday 13 March | 2pm In his first work as Director of the Royal Opera House, Oliver Mears brings Verdi’s masterpiece into the modern world. This special anniversary screening of Verdi’s Rigoletto celebrates 171 years since its premiere in 1851.

Leith Theatre: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde (15+) Saturday 19 March | 7pm Within the century-old walls of the historic Leith Theatre, this gothic tale of double lives and inner demons takes on its own hybrid identity in this unique retelling. Audiences will witness the simultaneous creation and screening of this one-off experience.

Join us at the Abbey Centre this March, tickets are £8 - Adults, Under 18’s £3.

Get you tickets online: abbeycommunitytheatre.co.uk Or call our box office number: 01604 767568

Moonrakers Friday, March 18, 8pm-11pm A Celtic folk quarter from Oxford who are clever with instruments including cello, harp, mandola, guitar and whistles. Let your ears loose at York House in Stony Stratford.

Celebrate the sounds: thesongloft.com MK Western Front Association – Lecture ‘On to Aleppo’ Friday, March 18 Join author and lecturer Stuart Hadaway at Wolverton Working Men’s Social Club for a talk that takes you away from the mud of the Western Front and into the scorching sands of the desert. The focus is the 1918 campaigns in Palestine, the Transjordan and Syria, culminating in the Battles of Megiddo between the Egyptian Expeditionary Force and the Ottoman Force.

Western front to Wolverton: westernfrontassociation.com

Enjoy live international and national theatre and dance performances from the best seat in the house at MK Gallery’s Sky Room independent cinema.

At the Grendon Daffodil Festival 2022 you will be able to view more than 25,000 spectacular daffodils, enter your dog in the fun dog show and agility course, stroll round the open gardens, visit the food & craft fair, view the classic cars, entertain your children in the kid’s fun area and meet the alpacas!

Delicious refreshments available from the specialist food area as well as home-made cakes & afternoon tea in the Village Hall.

Join us for a great family day out!

Exhibitions Ingrid Pollard: Carbon Slowly Turning 12 March – 29 May The first exhibition to fully explore Guyaneseborn British artist and photographer Ingrid Pollard and her pioneering and experimental practise from the 1980s to the present day. Free entry for Milton Keynes residents every Tuesday.

Ingrid Pollard, Self Evident (detail), 1992, 9 colour light boxes, each 50.8 x 50.8 cm and 8 silver gelatin prints, each 84.1 x 118.8 cm. © and courtesy of the artist

To book tickets, please visit www.mkgallery.org or call on 01908 676 900

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

45

WHATS ON

Get set for a Colossus night out!

Alison Wheeler

Duke Ellington famously said that ‘It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing.’ Thankfully, a show coming to The Deco in Northampton at the end of March has plenty of swing, and if you enter Pulse’s competition, you could enjoy it for free!

A

ptly titled, The Story of Swing will take the listener on a journey from Bobby Darin to Michael Bublé, and will also include classic material by Rat Pack legends Sinatra, Davis-Jr and Martin, and modern day crooners like Harry Connick Jr. Established singer Gareth John is your host for the evening, and he won’t be going it alone – he will be accompanied by the 20-piece band Jazz Colossus and a full string section.

Gareth has previously shared the stage with artists as varied as The Specials and the Beautiful South, and he’ll be joined by Alison Wheeler and Gaz Birtles, both formerly with the Beautiful South, at the show too. Alison grew up in Daventry, so The Deco gig is almost a home town show for her.

Youth Brass 2000 Sunday, March 20, 3pm National Youth Brass Band Champions, Youth Brass 2000 visit The Core in Corby for an afternoon of brand band classics and contemporary music.

Brassed off: thecorecorby.com Waddesdon Manor Wednesday, March 23 Having been ‘put to bed’ during the winter months for important cleaning and conservation work, the rooms are ready for the new season which launches today.

The house will then be open WednesdaySunday, 11am-4pm. Advance booking essential.

Go inside: Waddesdon.org.uk Waddesdon Manor opens its doors to visitors once again

“Bringing the Story of Swing to a venue as beautiful as The Deco Theatre is quite literally a dream come true for me,” Gareth said, “As a passionate exponent of the genre of swing and big band music, this type of show is something that I’ve wanted to do for many years.

“It has been such a long time in the making and with such a fantastic team involved, I can’t wait to share this experience with you all,” he added.

Florence Pearce, Morgan Perkins Snr and Daryl Kirkland will also perform at the date on Thursday, March 31.

Pulse Magazine has teamed up with organisers to offer one reader a pair of tickets to the event.

Forever Flowers: Snowdrops at Waddesdon Wednesday, March 23 - Sunday, March 27, 10am-5pm In partnership with the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, the Aviary Gardens at Waddesdon will house a temporary display of 500 handcrafted iron snowdrops, dedicated to the life and memory of loved ones who are no longer with us.

Beautiful tribute: Waddesdon.org.uk Curtis Stigers: Live in Concert Thursday, March 24 – Friday, March 25 The award-winning singer, songwriter and saxophonist makes a welcome return to the Wavendon venue.

I Wonder Why: stables.org

Gareth John

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell us the collective name that Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis-Jr and Dean Martin went by.

Email your answer to: nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Closing date for entries is Monday, March 21 at 6pm.

The prize does not include travel and there is no cash alternative.

The winner will be notified by Thursday, March 24. Good luck! > Tickets are on sale now, priced at £20.

To book your seat click to thedeco.co.uk or call 01604 491005.

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club Friday, March 25, 8pm The monthly comedy night is back at The Lab in Corby, with smile bringers Andrea Hubert, Jonny Awsum and Matt Green. Sally-Anne Hayward is your compere.

Having a laugh: thecorecorby.com Napalm Death Saturday, March 26, 7pm Legendary extreme metal band Napalm Death make their long-awaited return to Milton Keynes, with support from Corbybased heavies Raging Speedhorn Bring the noise: thecraufurdarms.com Tograiser!

Saturday, March 26, 8pm – 10.45pm A fundraiser to swell the coffers in support of this summer’s Togfest, featuring Togmor themselves, and with support from Fozz.

Music and merriment in no small portion.

Folk it up: togfest.org Stamp Fair with MK Philatelic Society Saturday, April 2, 10am-4pm A variety of stamp dealers and a good range of stock will be available at the event, being held at The Methodist Hall in Bletchley’s Queensway. Pop along and meet members of the club, receive advice and guidance on unusual stamps, or sell your unwanted items.

First class event: Call 01908 521220 or visit miltonkeynesphilatelicsociety.co.uk

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

Film Reviews

by Jordan Adcock

THE

SOUVENIR

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 4/5

The Souvenir was a terrific indie drama back in 2019 and Joanna Hogg returns to direct its follow-up. The film picks up with film school student Julie (again played

by Honor Swinton Byrne, daughter of Tilda who also appears here) where the first film ended. She struggles to process the sudden death of Anthony, with whom she had a brief but tumultuous relationship, wondering who he really was and what it all meant. It spills into her trying to graduate from film school where she bases her final project film on her relationship but struggles to direct it. Julie’s gentle, very rich parents and their country house provide a refuge for Julie even if their stiff upper lips prevent them providing the emotional support she needs.

Like its predecessor, a film risks being self-obsessed when it’s about the trials

of becoming a filmmaker, perhaps even more so in a post-Covid world. Ironically, Part II is so anxious to show self-awareness that it’s a film about filmmaking that it almost becomes its own self-obsession, cutting to shots of flowers and nature to try and ground the drama, i.e., life goes on even if her film doesn’t get made, and it constantly shows the artifice of film productions. But at least these techniques are pleasingly easy to understand rather than oblique or trying to be too clever for their own good. Still, Part II might be harder to love than the first film. It arguably misses Anthony’s aloof presence brooding through each scene and his and Julie’s relationship, though Julie’s ambivalent loneliness is part of the point and excellently acted by Swinton Byrne. ✪

NIGHTMARE ALLEY

THE KING’S MAN Star Rating: 2/5

MALIGNANT

Star Rating: 1.5/5

Star Rating: 1.5/5

Director Guillermo del Toro’s love of monsters, so famous in Pan’s Labyrinth and more recently The Shape of Water, is less overt in Nightmare Alley than in his previous films but the story is just as dark. Still the adapting the William Lindsay Gresham novel originally made as a film noir in the 1940s. The admittedly long running time (150 minutes) allows us to discover and explore Bradley Cooper’s mysterious, quietly ambitious protagonist and where his greedy choices take him. Cooper compellingly plays Stan, who latches onto a travelling carnival before coveting and gaining cold reading skills to become a swindler psychic with ever higher rewards and stakes, supported by the all-star cast including Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and Willem Dafoe and the stylised 1940s aesthetics, both glamorous and gritty. ✪

In yet another case of Hollywood’s determination to franchise everything to death, this prequel to the two Kingsman spy action-comedies is wholly unnecessary and, aside from a couple of standout moments, not exactly robust as its own film. At least you can enjoy Ralph Fiennes’ thespian charm as Orlando, the aristocrat who leads his own clandestine efforts to thwart a shady organisation trying to spark war in Europe, leading to the establishment of the Kingsman secret service. The story’s a weaker variation of the first film’s story with flat character motivations, especially in what’s meant to be the central bond between Orlando and his spirited son. It makes the film veering between tones especially noticeable, following up comedic hijinks duelling Rasputin with brutal fights to the death in No Man’s Land. ✪

If this would-be horror film directed by James Wan is truly malignant, it’s in how frequently hilarious it is… was that even the intention? Unlike last issue’s film of the month House of Gucci, where the mix of the sillier and the more serious might be unavoidable given its subject matter, it’s hard to tell with this one precisely because so much is plain silly here. The story focuses on Madison (Annabelle Wallis), a pregnant woman who experiences visions of other people’s nasty murders before realising the visions are actually occurring, before descending into plotting that’s ridiculous even by this genre’s standards (the big reveal is laughably implausible), allied with downright slapstick gory violence that’s nearly impossible to ever take seriously. ✪

Filmmaker Roland Emmerich, 25 years after directing the enormous disaster-action hit Independence Day (and 5 years after making its pitiful sequel), is apparently only capable of making a much lesser version of the same formula with some Gravityesque space peril thrown in. It turns out that the Moon’s a hollow megastructure hurtling towards Earth and it somehow gets more mind-numbing from there. Only John Bradley’s excitable performance livens up a very dull quest to save Earth with vague, generic sci-fi designs and set-pieces (not to mention the needless Earth-set subplot) but no characters to speak of. The film features so much obligatory CGI carnage and yet Donald Sutherland, spouting exposition in a wheelchair for roughly a minute, is the most compelling thing in the film. ✪

Star Rating: 3.5/5

MOONFALL

You can follow Jordan on Twitter (@JordanReview) and read his blog at www.reviewsreflections.wordpress.com For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | March 2022

47

MOTORING

Cheap car storage in the UK This month ADAM TUDOR-LANE offers car owners, a simpler and cheaper alternative to car storage.

S

o you’ve got more than one car; maybe it’s a project, a classic, or just a second car you won’t be using for a while.

Car storage is horrifically expensive in the UK, and while you can pay the likes of Historit and Storacar a fortune every month for what is an outstanding service, there’s a far cheaper way that I’ve been using for the last few years now. Empty garages.

Many people have a garage they don’t use; either it’s filled with boxes from moving house that were never unpacked, or the owners are too lazy to open and close the garage door at the end of each day to park their car inside.

Finding cheap car storage The best places to find empty garages are either your local Facebook community group (make sure it has a lot of members) or a website called Nextdoor – which is basically the same as Facebook just for neighbours and mainly moaning about the small trivial things in life, like fireworks and dog poo.

But how cheap is cheap?

Well, I’ve been renting my current garage for £40 a month for over a year now. Before that, I managed to find another for £50 a month.

Go in with a low offer in the advert. Say you’re looking for a garage to store your car in for six months etc., for £40 a month and see who replies.

If that offer is too low, then bump it up to £50, but I’d never pay any more than that.

It’s by far the cheapest way to store your car; even in an old asbestos roofed warehouse, I was being charged £70 a month!

Most people will snap your hand off at £40 a month just for doing nothing.

What precautions should I take?

Do I need to tell my insurance company?

Yes, it is a risk, but how much of a risk is up to you.

If you own a Jaguar E-Type or an Aston Martin DB5, then this probably isn’t the setup you’re looking for.

Make sure you have a written agreement between you and the garage owner, just something informal to say: I, *insert name* am storing *insert car, reg, model* for XX months. The property owner is *insert name* and agrees to this at a rate of £40 per calendar month, payable on XX date.

Print two copies, each party signs and dates both, and that’s your agreement should anything go wrong.

Make sure you ask if anyone else has access, or will they also be using the garage (ideally not!).

If it’s just for a month, I wouldn’t bother. But if it’s going to be long term, say six months or more, then yes. Tell your insurance company it’s in storage and in a garage at this new address.

What should I do to the car when storing it?

I’d lock it, leave the bonnet open, then remove the battery.

A car without power is far harder to steal; it will also take would be criminals a lot longer to thieve, thus likely putting them off.

Adding a steering wheel lock also helps; the best rated is the Stoplock HG 150 Pro Elite - so don’t bother buying anything else; they’re a waste of time.

There you have it; I’ve saved you hundreds a year in car storage costs. You’re welcome :)

There’s a far cheaper way that I’ve been using for the last few years now... empty garages

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

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

PUZZLES

View from the Far Kerb

SUDOKU PUZZLE 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!

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Thinking of

Christmas I

t was Monday and the last day of January. While there was no sunshine, the clouds didn’t look full of rain or snow and all was dry. The New Year was established and well under way.

I was travelling to a friend’s house.

The dry weather, and the promise of it remaining so, had me decide to walk there. Eventually I encountered a house covered in Christmas lights. The front lawn was festooned with illuminated reindeer, along with a Santa Clause in a gloriously decorated sleigh.

I stopped momentarily to think: yes, the next day would definitely herald the beginning of the second month of the year.

No other houses showed signs of Christmas, so I felt better knowing that I had not inadvertently stepped through a time portal and found myself transported to Christmas; past, present, or future. However, upon recommencing my journey there was absolutely no way I could escape the question in my head of: Wha-wha-what?

Had something unfortunate happened at that household?

Maybe personal matters had taken precedence over the conventions of the year. Or, was no one there willing to take responsibility for going outside and taking them down?

Could it just be household politics or laziness? Then I supposed that the occupants could have gone on holiday for Christmas and had their return home delayed.

Whatever the reason, there were a number of reindeer smiling at everyone who passed. I never knew that they were capable of smiling.

Mind you, I also didn’t know they pulled sleighs covered in tinsel and lights while being afflicted with the same. One is always learning.

Roads were crossed and paths followed. My onward navigation consisted of avoiding fast moving objects full of people and the occasional bicycle.

However, my mind just wouldn’t let go of the image of the Christmas paraphernalia covering the whole front of the house along with that garden.

The memory of a large supermarket erecting a Christmas tree in their main entrance in early October some years back popped into my head. There had been a huge amount of ridicule aimed at them, so a few days later they took it down.

At the start of November they re-erected it.

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QUICK CROSSWORD

upon recommencing my journey there was absolutely no way I could escape the question in my head of: Wha-wha-what?

Could the store manager of that time be the same person leading the household where Rudolf and his friends were currently cavorting across the grass?

Then I realised that I had possibly been looking at things wrong.

Rather than decorations being left up later than normal, was it possible that they were merely the first household in that street to put up their Christmas bits ‘n’ bobs for 2022?

Eventually I arrived at my destination full of awe and respect for someone who had very obviously beaten everyone else in getting their decorations up. Instead of others pointing and laughing, I have little doubt they will spur on their neighbourhood and I fully anticipate the whole street will be illuminated by twinkly lights and glowing plastic Santa Clauses before the end of March.

PHIL O’HARA

Clues Across

1. Remained upright (5) 4. Air current (7) 8. Unpaid debts (7) 9. Haggard (5) 10. Written composition (5) 13. Capital of Costa Rica (3,4) 17. Cast a spell on (3) 18. Fairy (6) 19. Account book (6) 20. Professional charge (3)

22. Pills (7) 25. Possession (5) 28. Accepted practice (5) 29. Intransigent (7) 30. Ceremonial staff (7) 31. Scorch (5)

Clues Down

1. Use a razor (5) 2. Monsters (5) 3. Journal (5) 4. Neglect (6) 5. Supplement (3,2)

6. Organic fertiliser (5) 7. Suffuse (5) 11. Brown pigment (5) 12. Spirit of the air (5) 14. Wheel shaft (4) 15. Biblical traitor (5) 16. Soft leather (5) 17. Heave (4) 21. Elude (6) 22. Bundle up (5) 23. Courageous (5) 24. Upright (5) 25. Accumulate (5) 26. Killed (5) 27. Tenth part (5)

Solutions to Sudoku and Quick Crossword can be found on page 50 For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | March 2022

49

Your stars

HOWARD PARKER

THE ASTRO-GUIDE

Flavour of the Times - I don’t know why people talk about ‘blue moons’ being special. All it means is that there is a new moon twice in the month, but I suppose it does give two opportunities rather than just one to start a new cycle in some way in your life. We begin with the new moon in Pisces, not a sign noted for its aggressive tone on 1st, so that may resolve some confrontational situations.

The second one is on 31st – in Aries and things will spring into action because, in astrological terms, it is the beginning of the year’s sun cycle. It is all a bit optimistic, but maybe we are still capable of fooling ourselves in some respects (it wouldn’t be the first time, would it?). There is still a bit of tough love lurking in the background to start with, but it is definitely gentler than we have experienced for a while and the new cycle of creativity will give us all some hope as the year unfolds.

PISCES February 20 – March 20

CANCER June 22 – July 23

SCORPIO October 24 – November 22

ARIES March 21 – April 20

LEO July 24 – August 23

SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 22

Wooly optimism may overtake you this month. It’s not based on reality, just a feeling that things are getting better for you and that you feel you can step out into the world again with a bit more confidence. It is very much about feelings, so you won’t be in the mood for being told what you should be doing. Just float with it…

Challenges continue until the middle of the month as your sign struggles with the harshness of the world out there. Your natural sense of bringing a positive, caring slant to your relationships won’t stop you struggling with your own stuff, but others appreciate your warmth and sensitivity. Things really start to get moving after 26th and your curiosity gets the better of the pain.

Spring starts mid-month when the sun goes into your sign, even if it will take until the new moon on 31st for the vital new energy of the year to kick in. Emotionally, it is a good idea to try to let your feelings out and feel into the things you wish to let go of now. Mentally, use your brain! Try to think things out for the spring ahead, do some planning, get yourself in mental shape.

Opportunities to shine present themselves towards the end of March. Planets in Aquarius still challenge you to overcome some of your more self-centred ways and, paradoxically, the more humanitarian and optimistic you become, the more people will be attracted to what you can offer this coming year. Take a lead in this process: there is a whole planet to save!

TAURUS April 21 – May 21

VIRGO August 24 – September 23

Starting at the new moon in Pisces on 1st March, it is time to dare to dream. You want to know all the details but those can wait. As of now, it’s time to think beyond and see what you can imagine for the year ahead. You will get some support from Aquarians because they can help you see the wood from the trees and a sense of excitement will grow as the end of the month approaches.

Your ‘business as usual’ is to be patient this month and next and keep riding the crazy things that still pop up and cause a certain amount of mayhem. It won’t be until around May that you will start to feel the energy needed to plough ahead with what you have been planning, but you can start the planning now while things are relatively quiet.

GEMINI May 22 – June 21

LIBRA September 24 – October 23

Not a ‘buzzing’ month but one in which quiet conversations can achieve an awful lot in getting you mentality into the right zone for the spring.

Beware of emailing your emotions, as it will only cause more trouble than it solves. When in doubt, pick up the phone and talk quietly and calmly about difficult situations rather than raising the temperature.

Your sense of justice may feel a bit violated either on your own behalf or maybe social and political issues may be boiling up now. Radical solutions are out there and just need to be activated. This won’t be easy though as the old forces of tradition remain entrenched and resistant to change. See if you can change some of the routines in your life to find time for the causes you believe in.

50

PUZZLE

SOLUTIONS

To really understand what this means for you on a personal level during 2022, I would recommend that you consider booking a comprehensive personal astrological consultation that is completely specific to you and your life. This will illuminate many things that you may not have considered and it will enable you to really take advantage of the positive energies and avoid the negative ones throughout the year. : ; 6 6 +

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CAPRICORN December 23 – January 20

You get a few days to dot the ‘i’s’ and cross the ‘t’s’ right at the start of this month and you can sit back for a moment to consider your handiwork. But not for too long because after around 6th of the month, you are going to be surrounded by impatient people with great ideas keen to get going, so it’s best to let them get on with it while you watch and see how things land in a month or so’s time.

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 19

Venus and Mars are in your sign from 6th so your ideas really can have some traction in the minds of other people. You are able to express them very eloquently and to present a compelling vision that people will warm to, because they have been starved of optimism for far too long.

There are dangers of overdoing it though, so make sure you convey exactly what you mean.

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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We are always looking for local stories, news and events. If you want to get involved, please email nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

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A fire sign like yours will enjoy the uplift in energy that takes place in the latter part of this month. You are future oriented by nature, so you welcome the new excitement of the spring when all things again seem possible. But don’t forget to use the quieter and more peaceful start to the month for some reflection before you go careering off into the sunset!

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Scorpios can hold grudges that churn around in their head for years! Now, though, it’s the time of year when you have the opportunity to let some of this go, clear out the dark bits in the corner of your mind and get ready for some mental spring cleaning. Try to get this done by about 20th March because that is when the new energy of the year kicks in. You will feel so much better.

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

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