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Issue 78 | May 2022

County-wide news, views and stories

The magazine at the heart of Northamptonshire

What’s going on in your local area

Inspiring

Kelmarsh

What’s On

Your monthly guide to local events

Win tickets to BBC Gardeners’ World Live - see inside

May 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 | May 2022

CONTENTS

From the

Editor

May 2022

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson

s always, there are so many outstanding members of our community to celebrate this month. For example, thanks to the generosity of Barry and Katy Tong, owners of the Northampton-based Sol Retail, the cancer charity The Lewis Foundation has received £125,000 worth of health and beauty products. It’s their largest single donation and will allow them to deliver more gift packs to adult cancer patients in hospitals across the Midlands.

I’m delighted I can now travel further afield but Lavi Scholl and Ollie Gamblin have really taken advantage of the opportunity. They are travelling through 35 countries and five continents on a motorcycle. Their trip is going to take them two years and they will be raising funds along the way for the Born Free Foundation. You can keep track of their adventures on their YouTube channel. For multicultural excitement closer to home there’s the seventeenth Northampton Carnival coming up on 11 June. As it’s the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, this year’s theme is ‘Summer of Jubilation’. You still have time to get involved or run a stall.

29 6

NEWS

FEATURE

HISTORY

LEGAL

And while you’re in the festival spirit there’s also the Towcester Food Festival at the Racecourse on 12 June. You can enter the competition to win a pair of tickets until the end of the month.

FASHION

We have also teamed up with BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the BBC Good Food Show to give you the opportunity to win one of five pairs of tickets. All you have to do is answer an easy question for any Monty Don fans.

BEAUTY

FOOD & DRINK

COMPETITION

ANIMALS IN NEED

HOME & GARDEN

INTERIORS

MUSIC

THEATRE

WHAT’S ON

MOTORING

PUZZLES

YOUR STARS

If you still have any time to spare, you can also enjoy a visit to Kelmarsh Hall with the help of Laura Malpas’ insights. Find out about its tradition of inspiring design and see a new collaboration with a modern interior design company.

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 MONDAY 8TH9TH FEBRUARY MAY 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

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

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

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LOCAL NEWS

Cancer charity bosses left ‘astounded by the sheer generosity’of Northampton-based business Health and beauty products worth a total £125,000 have been donated to cancer charity The Lewis Foundation. It is the largest single gift received by the charity, which delivers gift packs to adult cancer patients in hospitals across the Midlands.

turned into a wonderful business partnership and we are so very grateful to Sol Retail for choosing to support The Lewis Foundation in this way. These items will bring thousands more smiles to individuals who might be feeling frightened and lonely as they receive cancer treatment.” The Tongs have watched on as The Lewis Foundation has grown. “We have been following Lorraine and Lee’s journey with real ??? interest,” says Barry. “We have hit our own major milestones as a business this year too, by becoming Amazon’s biggest retailers and reaching a £10 million turnover on our tenth birthday, so we wanted to do something spectacular to celebrate. We might be a global business but our roots are very much in Northamptonshire, which is why we are giving back to a local worthwhile cause on a massive scale.” Any surplus stock which cannot be used in The Lewis Foundation’s gift packs will be sold in the charity’s pop-up shop in Northampton or at fundraising events.

he owners of multi-million-pound enterprise Sol Retail in Swan Valley gifted a staggering 10,000 units of stock to mark the company’s ongoing charity work and recent ten-year anniversary. A lorry-load of cosmetics and toiletries, including lip balms, creams, vitamins, shampoo, deodorant, bodywash, toothpaste and more, was delivered to the charity’s warehouse in Northampton’s Kings Heath industrial estate. Sol Retail managing director Barry Tong and his wife Katy first met The Lewis Foundation’s founders Lorraine and Lee Lewis when they were fundraising on a small supermarket stand in 2018 and have supported their work ever since. “We are astounded by the sheer generosity of Barry, Katy, and the Sol Retail team, so much so that we have even had to use an extra warehouse room to temporarily store the stock before our volunteers pack them into our gift bags,” says Lorraine. “That chance meeting four years ago has

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L-R Katy and Barry Tong from Sol Retail, Lee and Lorraine Lewis from The Lewis Foundation

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LOCAL NEWS

East Hunsbury Parish Council

East Hunsbury Community Update This month we are updating you on our focus on our young people, and our plans for the Jubilee – for all our residents! East Hunsbury Jubilee Fete – Plans! Well things are certainly gearing up for our Jubilee Fete on Friday 3rd June! We will be all ready to welcome you to Grangewood Park, for the community picnic, with music from Brass and Jazz Bands. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the day with us! From 1pm to 6pm. We will be joined by local groups, including East Hunsbury Rocks – with painting workshops, East Hunsbury Seniors with their hoopla stall, and our local schools. Come and join in the fun, there will be crowns and flags for everyone!

ALSO – you could be one of our Jubilee winners!

AND not forgetting – The Great Jubilee East Hunsbury WI Bake Off!

Enter the competitions – the judges will be walking the site on the day to find:

Now in its third year, we are looking for our creative bakers. The President of our WI will be overseeing the judging.

• The best dressed Mini Princess and Prince of East Hunsbury • The best Jubilee Crown or hat! Get making! • The best dressed “Royal Family” – get the whole group involved! • Plus – an award for the best dressed Picnic table You don’t have to fill in an entry form – come on the day, and our roving judges will seek you out!

•B aking theme – THE JUBILEE of course. Think crowns, or corgis, or castles, or flags, or royal guards! • T wo categories – Children 16 and under, and Adults - For children, you can make a set of six cupcakes or one cake. Please note - You need to register for the Bake Off by 20th May! Please email community@ easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk for your application form and full details. East Hunsbury – get making and baking! We cannot wait for the day!

East Hunsbury Focus on our young people

ollowing on from discussions with our local community, we as a Parish Council started a trial period for a new youth club at the beginning of the year. The project is funded by us and delivered by our partners at Danes Camp Leisure Centre. The feedback has already been incredibly positive, from young participants and parents alike: • a fantastic way to make new friends • a good variety of sports and crafts to take part in • so good to have something on our doorstep

The sessions are available to children and young people residing within East Hunsbury. For more details – please contact and book a place via www.trilogyleisure.co.uk

AND coming soon – outdoor family taster sessions for Yoga – more details to follow on that one. We are delighted to be delivering these with “Yoga Pebbles Inclusive Yoga.” East Hunsbury families can email us for more details on yoga sessions: community@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Contact: Caroline Holgate, Clerk to the Council by email: clerk@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk or on 01604 708429 8

May 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 | May 2022

FEATURE

Expanding their horizons: Lavi and Ollie

Thirty-five countries, five continents, two people and (just maybe) a ukulele! L

While many of us will be happy to enjoy anything other than a staycation after two years being cooped up at home, one couple from Northampton are taking things to the extreme; travelling through 35 countries and five continents on a journey that will take two years. Oh, and the 45,000km trip will be completed on one motorcycle! Lavinya Scholl and Oliver Gamblin told Sammy Jones about their epic adventure. 10

avi and Ollie aren’t new to the idea of long distance travel. Having met on a cherry farm whilst travelling in Tasmania, the duo quickly discovered a shared love for the open road. They have since driven 2500km across Indonesia, by scooter, obviously, and cycled 2000km across Britain. “Long distance travel is definitely the best way to really see a place in depth and spend time exploring an area without spending too much money,” Lavi told me, and this trip will certainly deliver plenty of space to investigate. “We have been dreaming of doing a round the world trip for quite a few years now,” she said, speaking to Pulse shortly before beginning their journey, “We are always looking for the most ‘budget’ way to travel and originally wanted to cycle around the world! We did a test ride, and cycled 2000

km from the top to the bottom of the UK, but quickly realised we would definitely need a motor to make it around the world – that’s where the idea of a motorbike came about.” This odyssey will see our intrepid couple travel from Europe across the vast asian continent to the edge of Siberia before heading across to Canada and the start of the second leg, which will involve crossing mountains, jungles and the deserts of North and South America to Rio de Janeiro. A third crossing will see them hit the West Coast of Africa and then back through Europe where everything started. If you’re one of those who gets in a tizz before flying for a mini-break to Paris, simply reading that itinerary overview might have brought you out in a bit of a sweat, but these guys are mad for it. “We love the lifestyle of long distance travelling and living on the road...the freedom

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

FEATURE

of wild camping and waking up in different and wonderful places, discovering our fabulous planet.” While they might not come home with suitcases full of holiday mementoes, their memory bank will be overflowing with mindblowing recollections. They’ve already made more than a few of those on those previous trips. Oliver remembers one experience in a mountain range in Java, Indonesia, in particular. “We had camped the night in front of an active volcano on a neighbouring mountain, intending to climb to the summit the next morning,” he explained, “It was a steep and difficult climb and with backpacks weighing around 15kg. We finally reached the summit after three hours. “To our surprise, we were the only ones there, probably because we are very slow hikers! “We were just about to start heading back down when we turned around and couldn’t believe our eyes; the volcano next to us had just started a massive eruption throwing a cloud of ash five miles into the air, darkening the sky. It was a very surreal and special experience.” The couple have worked hard to fund this spectacular journey, from picking fruit in Australia to working in a gold mine in the desert. They’ve even taken factory work here in the UK. But with war-torn areas and pandemic restrictions, they are having to be flexible; the trek may need to be re-routed on occasion. Our travellers aren’t worried. “We know we are going to have to be creative, but if we need to avoid certain places there are many other options available to us. We know that it’s possible with optimism, determination and a great deal of patience. We will make it happen one way or another!” The Guinness Book of Records has verified the jumbo journey as a new world record attempt for the ‘youngest pair to circumnavigate the globe by motorcycle (riding pillion).’ “We were super lucky, because we pitched the idea in my local area on the small chance that someone would be able to lend us a bike, and one shop was crazy enough to support us!” Lavi said.

The ukulele puts in an appearance on an earlier trip

Getting in gear to hit the road - the couple will attempt a new world record while raising money for the Born Free Foundation

“Motorcycle World in Northampton have offered us a demo Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT. We do have to give it back though!” Having spent months researching, plotting routes and researching visas and borders, as you read this, the couple should be somewhere close to crossing into France, having bid farewell to Northampton on April 10. Lavi and Ollie will be using their journey to raise funds for the Born Free Foundation, the charity founded by Virginia McKenna OBE, Will Travers OBE and Bill Travers MBE, which works to stop the exploitation and suffering of individual animals living in captivity or in the wild. “During our time in New Zealand and Australia we had volunteered with various conservation organisations and even made a documentary called ‘Saving the Dinosaur Bird: Replanting the Rainforest’, so wildlife conservation has always been a passion of ours,” Ollie explained, “We had booked to spend three months in Bali in 2020 replanting rainforest, but that was cancelled due to the pandemic. Supporting Born Free on this trip allows us to get involved in wildlife conservation again.” You are going to be away for two years, and living in close quarters the whole time, and there are sure to be some challenging moments. What happens when you have cross words? “Luckily, walking together for six months during our hike through New Zealand and living in camper vans for a few years have hopefully already tested our relationship to its maximum,” Lavi thinks.

They know they will miss family and friends, and that they’ll be sleep deprived on occasion, but say they are easy trade-offs for the many positives that a life on the road will deliver. “Its a totally free lifestyle full of experiences that teach you about the world and yourself,” Lavi smiled. If you are the sort of heavy packer who takes six changes of clothes for a weekend away in a caravan, you would detest this trek, that’s for sure, What’s in your travel kit, Ollie? “It’s broken down into a few sections and it really is only the essentials!” he promises, “The sleeping kit, which is the tent, blow up sleeping mats, pillows and sleeping bags. The cooking kit is all fold down pots and cups and a screw on, single stove top that goes on top of a camping gas bottle. “We’ll also have one set of leisure clothes alongside the motorcycle outfit, tools for the motorbike and our kindles.” But there may be more if Lavi has her way: “If we have the room we will try and fit a ukulele in there somewhere too!” > Ollie and Lavi will be sharing regular highlights of their journey on their YouTube channel. Subscribe to laviandollie for updates, or check in on instagram: lavi.and.ollie or TikTok: @lavi.and.ollie If you would like to make a donation and help support the Born Free Foundation visit justgiving.com/laviandollie

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

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EDUCATION

Kumon Open day event on

14th May at Northampton Mencap

t your local Kumon Northampton South Study Centre, our aim is to help children of any age and ability become confident, independent learners. Our students develop lifelong study skills and a passion for learning, as well as the confidence to complete their work independently. Your child can experience the benefits of Kumon too! Your local Northampton South study centre is offering a Free trial for all new students. With 60 years of experience, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes enable students to work above their school grade level. Because our students are able to reach an advanced level of study, often far beyond their school curriculum, they are well-equipped with the skills they need to excel.

Kumon is also proud to be recognised as an education provider that delivers proven academic results. An independent study in 2020 revealed that Kumon students are over a year ahead of the national average, and over six months ahead of their peers in their maths learning at the end of primary school*. Our programmes place great importance on selflearning, encouraging students to discover how to solve problems for themselves.

As our students begin to take ownership of their learning and become independent learners, they develop invaluable confidence and self-motivation. The maths KUMON App was first trialled in the UK in April 2021, today over 1500 students are using the App nationally. In this region, The Northampton South Study Centre has been using the maths KUMON App since November 2021 and is continuing to grow daily with many existing families now transitioning to the tablet form of studying but still continuing to write with a stylus pen. To find out how Kumon study can help your child to shine, contact your local Instructor, Berta Rapoz on 07740 150924 or email northamptonsouth@ kumoncentre.co.uk to book a consultation. *Study based in England. Further details can be found at kumon.co.uk

Come along to our assessment event on 14th MAY 2022 at NORTHAMPTON MENCAP, The Boughton Centre, Ransome Road, Northampton NN4 8AA from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Book your Free Trial today!

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ANY CHILD, ANY ABILITY

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

HISTORY LOCAL NEWS

Inspiring

Kelmarsh Laura Malpas explores the history and enjoys the interior design of this delightful historic Northamptonshire home.

o you ever play this game when visiting one of Northamptonshire’s wonderful historic country houses? The one that starts ‘if this was my house, how I would redecorate it’? Kelmarsh Hall has a long tradition of inspiring design, and this year is no exception. There are newly opened rooms upstairs, a gentleman’s suite with a perfectly comfortable ‘man cave’ for gaming (not exactly Xbox, more cards, cribbage and chess!) And a

new collaboration with a modern interior design company who have re-imagined the boudoir for the lady of the house. The game, done for real! Like so many places in Northamptonshire, its history goes back a long, long way. The surrounding landscape bears traces of Roman, Saxon and Medieval settlements. The name Kelmarsh has a Saxon origin describing poles cegel, marking a marshy area mersc, reflecting its proximity to the river Ise, and the settlement is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086.

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

LOCAL LOCAL HISTORY NEWS

Great Hall

Kelmarsh village quickly grew in stature, though no one is entirely sure where the earliest manor house was, as subsequent building and rebuilding have hidden its traces. The Hall as it stands today was built nearly three hundred years ago, commissioned by William Hanbury, who had married a wealthy heiress. This meant that William was able to employ the services of the famous and fashionable architect James Gibbs, whose other works included Oxford’s Radcliffe Camera, and the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields. His Palladian style Hall is still considered to be the epitome of restrained perfection, and full of interest both inside and out.

The building was completed using the best craftsmen available and the stucco plasterwork in the Great Hall and Staircase Hall is especially fine. The Hall changed hands over subsequent years and was extended and embellished as fortunes allowed. The last family to both own and live at Kelmarsh was that of the Lancasters, industrialists from the Northwest of England. In 1907, sadly, the purchaser, George Granville Lancaster died relatively young, aged fifty-four. Claude, his only son and heir, was nine years old, and the will prevented Claude inheriting before his twenty fifth birthday. So the Hall was let, and the remaining family moved into a smaller, easier to manage house on the estate. The Hall was falling into disrepair and needed updating, so in 1928 Claude offered to let the property to his friends Ronald and Nancy Tree. They were aspirational, ambitious, and upwardly mobile. Ronald wanted to join the hunting set and to become a country gentleman and MP.

Kelmarsh Hall

Staircase Hall

Detail of the Chinese Room

Nancy truly was the star of the twentieth century as far as Kelmarsh was concerned. Her energy, artistry and charismatic glamour enhanced the classical beauty of the Hall.

Nancy was an American with a taste for luxury and a well-educated sense of style. She fell quite in love with Kelmarsh, making it much more modern, installing heating, electricity, and even ensuite bathrooms. She made the Hall a comfortable place to live, work and entertain. Sadly for Nancy, her husband became even more successful, and his ambitions required them to move to an even grander house. The couple surrendered the Kelmarsh lease back to Claude Lancaster in 1937.

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

HISTORY LOCAL NEWS

However, the attraction of Kelmarsh was such that Nancy divorced Ronald, and married Claude, returning to the Hall. Her son commented that she had really married Kelmarsh Hall itself. Nancy truly was the star of the twentieth century as far as Kelmarsh was concerned. Her energy, artistry and charismatic glamour enhanced the classical beauty of the Hall. Her decorative schemes in the principal rooms are pretty much intact. These include extravagant but comfortable furnishings, beautiful fabrics encouraged to fade naturally in sunlight to produce a subtle and understated colour palette, and of course the best and most efficient household appliances. She loved to locate interesting objects using them to offset and enhance her surroundings. My absolute favourite is the hand painted eighteenth century Chinese wallpaper, repurposed from another house about to be demolished. It’s stunning. Using her divorce settlement, Nancy purchased the interior design studio Colefax and Fowler. She developed her natural style into a comfortably luxurious look she christened ‘shabby chic’. Her ‘three essentials’ included real candlelight, open wood fires, and fresh garden flowers, still desirable today. Above and right: Nancy Lancaster’s bedroom re-imagined by Oka Below: The Victorian laundry

The Walled Garden

shared her vision of a formal layout overflowing with verdant planting with varied heights forms and textures.

Colefax and Fowler went on to become the leaders of the ‘English Country House Style’, and Nancy herself is regarded as one of the most inspirational designers of the twentieth century. And her influence also reached outside to the beautiful gardens. The horticultural style Nancy favoured captures the romantic, lush, fragrant excesses of her domestic interiors. She employed garden designers who

Today the Hall is cared for by the Kelmarsh Trust, and a dedicated team of friendly and imaginative staff and volunteers. In addition to enjoying the delights of the principal rooms, the domestic quarters have been reopened and interpreted for visitors in a most engaging way. We can peer into the various rooms and learn the domestic duties of the staff, and even watch a slightly ghostly ‘augmented reality’ butler chatting about his day. I particularly enjoyed the laundry, set away from the house to prevent disturbing the grand folks in the house. Mangles, scrubbing boards, dollies all reminded me of my Granny’s equipment. My husband was very excited to see the ‘Coalmarsh’ exhibition, featuring a working model railway. Perhaps for me the most pleasing new exhibition is the collaboration with Oka, a British interiors brand, which prioritises beauty, comfort and style, just like Nancy Lancaster. They have reinterpreted her ensuite bedroom with modern furnishings whilst staying true to her design ethos. The result is delightful, a calm and restful boudoir which I would be happy to move into today. This sort of collaboration I find very satisfying, demonstrating how our past heritage can inspire and inform our lives today. > Kelmarsh Hall opens for the season in April, there are all sorts of exciting events planned for 2022, so for more information, please visit www.kelmarsh.com

May 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 | May 2022

ANDREW LEWER MP LOCAL NEWS

Andrew with Duston School Head Sam Strickland

Learn to Paint and Draw at

Try a taster session for £16.50

Weekly Ar t Classes

Andrew with Sara Homer CEO of Brackmills Business Improvement District

with Flower T Pot Original Art

• Stretch yourself creatively in a fun, relaxed environment • Sociable & friendly atmosphere • Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike • Different mediums: pencil, pen, charcoal, soft & oil pastel, watercolour, acrylic & oil paint • Tuition & images provided • Art materials available at wholesale prices • Tea, coffee & home made cakes • Morning, afternoon & evening classes available

When:

Tuesday

Where:

Village Hall Guilsborough Northampton

Times:

11:00am - 1:30pm 2.00pm – 4.30pm

When:

Thursday

Where:

Baptist Rooms Nether Heyford Northampton

Times:

10:00am - 1:00pm 6.30pm – 9.30pm

For more information and to sign up contact Veneeta Rayner on

Tel - 07729 105 584 or Email - flowertpotart@gmail.com or go to Website - flowertpotart.square.site

Flower T Pot Original Art

Antiques Centre

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

OPEN: Wed to Mon 10am-4pm, CLOSED: Tues Facebook: @vintiqueltd Instagram: vintique.limited T: 01327 341 980 E: info@vintique.co W: vintique.co 18

Andrew with Northampton University Faculty of Health Education & Society

Round and About

ince the Covid restrictions ended it was a game of catch up, meeting up with local organisations to discuss some of the key local and national issues and challenges. Here are just some of the meetings I have had. There is a health and education theme through most of these. Health Minister Ed Argar came to Northampton to have a look at progress on the new A&E building which should be ready to open this May. I took up an invitation to meet with Dr Sinead Rogers and her St Luke’s GP surgery management team in Duston to be briefed on how they are coping with seeing patients and the increase in demand. I also met with East Midlands Academy Trust CEO Josh Coleman and Duston School Head, Sam Strickland to discuss a number of educational issues and also met up with Brackmills Business Improvement District CEO Sara Homer to look at possible transport improvements from Northampton Town Centre and Brackmills. Finally, if you are my constituent and you would like to come down to London for a tour of the Houses of Parliament, I am very happy to arrange this. Please email andrew.lewer.mp@parliament.uk CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01604 978080 Email: andrew.lewer.mp@parliament.uk www.andrewlewer.com

CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 42 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DE

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

ai164485444638_FW Advert v2.pdf

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

LEGAL

Do you want to be on TV?

ot X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Master Chef or any of the other “instant celebrity” shows. In our example, you definitely don’t want to be the subject of a TV programme because we’re talking about Wills and Estates as featured on programmes such as Heir Hunters which track down the heirs/beneficiaries of a deceased person (for a fee) so they can claim the estate (inheritance). There’s nothing wrong with this business model but it could all be avoided if a Will was registered. Do you have to register a Will? Nine million+ people in the UK have their Wills registered with the National Will Register. It’s quick and easy to register, and the solicitor who drew up your Will can do it on your behalf if you prefer.

How do you search for a Will in the UK? The National Will Register is an invaluable aid to finding a Will in the UK - it will alert the solicitor who is storing it that you are looking for it: they can then get in touch and, once you have provided the necessary documentation, release it.

The benefits of registering a Will in the UK The executor (responsible for implementing the Will) may be unaware of the document’s location and if they can’t locate it, your estate will be dissolved according to the law of intestacy, which may not distribute your assets how you wanted.

An individual could conceal the existence of a Will because it’s in their interests for your estate to be dissolved according to the terms of a previous Will, or for the UK law of intestacy to be applied. Registering your Will makes it easier for the executor to locate it and so ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

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

What other steps can I take to ensure that my Will is found after my death? It’s preferable for there to be no need for a search at all. Wilson Browne offers a free Will storage service to clients whose Will we have drafted. >> To find out more about how we can offer peace of mind to you and your family, please call us on 0800 088 6004 or complete our online contact form at: www.wilsonbrowne. co.uk/contact

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LOCAL NEWS

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LEGAL

Dr. Diana Rose Partner and family law expert

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

Could my marriage be invalid? S adly, there are people who have believed that they were legally married, only to discover years later, their marriage was invalid. This often only comes to light when a relationship ends or when one party dies. Diana Rose family law expert at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston says ‘This can be a terrible shock when, as well as grieving, you find yourself embroiled in a legal argument over the validity of your marriage.’

What makes a marriage valid in England and Wales? A legally valid marriage must generally take place in a registered building. Those who wish to marry in a venue that has not been registered for marriage, must go through an additional civil ceremony in a registry office or an approved venue. Marriages which take place overseas, will be recognised in the UK in specified circumstances. When is a marriage invalid? In law, a marriage may be invalid if it is a void or voidable. The difference being that a void marriage can never be valid, but a voidable marriage can be. When is a marriage void? A void marriage is where the parties do not have legal capacity to marry each other. This could be because: • one or both of the couple is under 16 • they are already married or in a civil partnership When is a marriage voidable? There are a number of situations in which a marriage can be ‘voidable’, including: • if one person did not consent to the marriage, possibly due to unsound mind or duress • if the marriage ceremony is not valid, possibly due to the marriage occurring in a building not registered for marriages What types of marriage have been found to be invalid? The circumstances behind invalid marriages vary significantly. From people who are committing bigamy

(either knowingly, or believing their divorce was finalised), to those who have been married abroad without adhering to necessary formalities. Famously, Mike Jagger successfully claimed his marriage to Jerry Hall was invalid as it occurred on a beach in Bali, and under Balinese law the marriage had to be a Muslim marriage to be valid. Can I get confirmation my marriage is invalid? There is an option of seeking confirmation that the marriage is invalid by way of a petition for nullity. A petition for nullity is dealt with in much the same way as a divorce petition and if granted, you will be entitled to seek the same financial relief as you would have done had the marriage been valid. The petition date usually needs to be within three years. If you are outside of this time, then speak to one of our Solicitors, who can advise on seeking permission to issue a late petition. What happens if the marriage is not valid and I do not get a decree of nullity? In these situations, you will be treated as a cohabitant under the law of England and Wales. As cohabitants, you will have no automatic rights to maintenance or an equal division of assets. Being treated as a cohabitant significantly reduces the rights and financial remedies available to you. You may have to bring a claim in a civil court to seek rights over the property you both live in. It is important that you seek legal advice on your ability to obtain a decree of nullity. If your former partner is now deceased, you may have to formulate a claim under the Inheritance Provision for Family and Dependants Act 1975. These types of claims are dealt with in the High Court and can be both timely and costly. It is best to seek advice, as soon possible as this is an area that benefits from early intervention and mediation. For further information, please contact Diana Rose in the family law team on 01536 523434 or email diana.rose@bmtclaw.co.uk www.bmtclaw.co.uk

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

HOMELOCAL & GARDEN NEWS

Glass or tile conservatory roof:

Which is best for your home?

onservatories are now the most popular way for homeowners to extend their home. Available in a wide range of styles, sizes and configurations, choosing which option is best for you and your home can be a daunting task. Whether you’re on the market for a brand new conservatory or you’re looking to improve an existing glazed extension T&K Home Improvements offer a short comparison on two different products that may help define your search for the perfect option. The Benefits of Glass Conservatory Roofs Glass conservatory roofs can offer your home stunning levels of light transmission thanks to their slim sightlines. You can enjoy unobstructed views to the exterior of your home as well as enjoy the stunning modern profile of our roof designs. They can be a fantastic addition to both modern and heritage properties, as they can create a sense of grandeur and modernism without compromising on the existing character of your home. Fully customisable, glass conservatory roofs come with a host of glazing options to meet any design preference and can increase the performance of your home. There are options for self-cleaning glazing and glazing that provides better thermal insulation to your home and keeps the hot sun out in the summer. With energy prices rising, now is the perfect time to invest in energy efficient home improvement solutions. With modern glazing options and proper inbuilt ventilation systems, the glass conservatory roofs of today can provide you with year-round thermal regulation. Gone are the conservatories of old which became oven hot in the summer and bitter cold in the winter.

How Do Tiled Conservatory Roofs Compare? Tiled roofs are ideal for those who want their extension to emulate the existing style of their property. Many traditional roofing styles used in homes can be mirrored in an conservatory roof with extensive colour options and interiors you can create a sense that this is a natural extension of your home. Tiled roofs give added privacy and boast excellent thermal efficiency in much the same way as their glass counterparts. Tiled conservatory roofs offer U-values as low as 0.13W/m2K helping you save on your energy bill and keep your home a comfortable temperature all year round. >> 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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Take the first steps towards

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Carpets • Laminates • LVT • Vinyl • All leading brands We’re a successful, family-run business with well over 50 years’ experience in providing an amazing choice of carpets and flooring, unbeatable service and a very high standard of customer care.

Call Goodman Carpets today on 01604 493599 or click to goodmancarpets.co.uk Moulton Park Industrial Estate, Northampton NN3 6AQ For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | May 2022

FASHION

Oliver Bonas > £19.50

Oliver Bonas > £85

Think

M&S £39.50

(out in June)

Pink

By Cindy LGH @CindyLGH

Spring fashion is really springing this year, with florals and seasonal hues of green, lemon, pink and lilac all on-trend, and on clothes promising to out-do real flowers.

All items F&F @ Tesco

The look right now is all about hyperfeminine shapes; princess-y sleeves, pleated skirts and tiered dresses, as seen on spring-summer 22’s catwalks. There were puffy shoulders, lace, pearls and diamante detailing at Simone Rocha; ditzy florals, sequins, plus pastels worn with citrine at Paul & Joe; and tulle skirts that tumbled below the knee, trousers dotted with flower applique, and plenty of pink at Bora Aksu. Head to Zara for your choice of embellished pieces, or into M&S for midi-dresses you’ll wear now through til summer. For pink? Take your pick of shops on the high street. But if pastel isn’t really your thing, see F&F for a black and cream two-piece that will work for work, or play. Just note that any of the florals you’ve gathered over the years should be plucked from the depths of your wardrobe now - it’s a timeless print that lifts black, white and denim, so think smart, re-style your old items, and save yourself some money.

Zara > £59.99

< Oliver Bonas £69.50

Zara £29.99

George @ Asda > £28

Zara £45.99

Zara £25.99

George @ Asda > £14 24

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

F&F @ Tesco > Shirt £18 Trousers £16

TRUE STYLE IS TIMELESS

BEAUTY

All things bright

and beautiful! The sun is shining, and we’ve got some suitably sunny products ready to get you looking (and feeling) your best...

Origins Ginzing Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer is a lively little handbag essential. Recommended for normal, dry, oily and combination skin, it is a skin tint and sun protection in one package. We did say it’s lively, and small wonder; the moisturiser has added Coffee Beans and Panax Ginseng to boost moisture levels and deliver energised-looking skin pronto! RRP: £32

Get it: Stores nationwide and origins.co.uk

Tootsies will also benefit from Voesh’s Deluxe Pedi in a Box. The complete four step pedicure system includes a sea salt soak, sugar scrub, mud masque and massage butter. Available in 14 fragrances, we’ve picked Mango Delight for a fresh and fabulous overhaul (but we’re also partial to the Lavender kit). Nourishing, hydrating and guaranteed to get your toes feeling tip-top. RRP: £6.50

Get it: debenhams.com

Clarins has just released a brand new version of its iconic Lip Comfort Oil, which now has an even more natural formula to nourish, protect and comfort the lips. The tinted lip oil is available in eight shades – including Honey – and each is based on a plantpowered formula, with organic sweetbriar rose oil, organic jojoba oil and organic hazelnut oil. Ultra-glossy, non-sticky and guaranteed to leave lips hydrated, softened and soothed. RRP: £20

Get it: Stores nationwide and at clarins.co.uk

Here’s a great recipe for luscious lips – a soothing carrot oil from Lush. The Carrot Stick Lip Oil also includes refreshing grapefruit and anti-oxidant parsley which come together to help you to a super soft pucker. Cracked, dry lips? They will be kiss-tory with this little goody. RRP: £5

Get it: Lush stores at centre:mk and Grosvenor Centre, and online at lush.com/uk

It’s not only our skin that we need to take care of when the heat rises; our hair suffers too – it can become damaged, dry and prone to breakage if we experience too much sun. Luckily, Aveda has come to the rescue with a Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. This lightweight hero-spritz is a water-resistant UV defence spray which gives invisible protection for up to 16 hours. Naturally derived UVA/UVB inhibitors found in wintergreen and cinnamon bark oil help protect the hair, and the scalp, which if damaged can lead to hair breakage and thinning. RRP: £22.50

Get it: aveda.co.uk

If you want to treat yourself (or someone else) from top to toe, reach for the Bring Me Sunshine gift set from Lush. Bright and uplifting shower and body care beauties include Mimosa Shower gel, Lemon Zest soap, Sweet Wild Orange hand balm, Yummy Custard body wash, Honey I washed My Hair shampoo bar and the deliciously fragranced, wonderfully absorbing Repeat orange foot balm. Guaranteed to put a spring in your step. RRP: £45

Get it: Lush stores at centre:mk and Grosvenor Centre, and online at lush.com/uk

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

Carnival 2022 Summer of Jubilation

The Northampton Carnival, one of the county’s largest multicultural events in the social calendar, returns to the town on Saturday 11th June 2022.

Now in its 17th year, this year’s theme is 'Summer of Jubilation' which coincides with the Queen's forthcoming Platinum Jubilee. We can’t wait to see the flamboyant costumes in the parade, the creative décor of the floats and the energetic troupes as they reflect this year’s theme. If you are a school, club, family or an individual with a creative flair, or run a stall then there’s still time to get involved – visit www.northamptoncarnival.co.uk to obtain an application from, complete and return the form to northamptoncarnival@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible. After two years online, we are looking forward to returning to the Racecourse Park for what will be an afternoon jammed packed with fun for the entire family. The park opens to the public at 12 noon, with an exciting funfair, various delicious food stalls with a wide range of choices, ethnic arts and crafts, charity stalls and a variety of other activities. The parade sets off at 2 pm, from the Kettering Road to the town centre. An awesome display of vibrant colour, music and motion with incredible floats and troupes produced by local schools, clubs, organisations and charities, and the exotic revelry of visiting regional carnival troupes will thrill onlookers as they take in the breathtaking sight of the parade making its way

Costumes

Performances

through town returning to the park via the Wellingborough Road. The stage provides a wonderful platform for local artistes to showcase their talents, if you sing, dance, mc or play in a band and would like to perform at this year’s Carnival please email northamptoncarnival@yahoo.co.uk and attach an MP3 / 4 or link to a YouTube of your performance. Put the date Saturday 11th June in your diary to attend the Northampton Carnival at The Racecourse, Kettering Road, Northampton, NN1 4LG. You won’t want to miss this magical day … the perfect outing for the family!

Music

Saturday 11th June From 12 Noon to 7.30pm Racecourse Park Northampton, NN1 4LG

Live Entertainment on stage Spectacular Parade Exciting Fun Fair Wide range of Stalls

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

FOOD & DRINK

Vegan pud’

Coconut rice pudding with papaya and lime INGREDIENTS

METHOD

70g short grain pudding rice

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Put the rice, 2 tbsp sugar, coconut milk and coconut drink in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is soft and coated in a silky coconut sauce. Add a splash more coconut drink to loosen if necessary. Cover and set aside off the heat for 10 minutes.

2 tbsp light brown soft sugar 400ml can reduced fat coconut milk 200ml unsweetened coconut drink (such as Rude Health) 1 Waitrose Perfectly Ripe Large Solo Papaya, peeled, deseeded and sliced ½ unwaxed lime, zest and juice

COCONUT TOPPING

2. For the coconut topping, toss together the desiccated coconut and sugar, then spread out on a small baking tray. Bake for 4-5 minutes until golden. Meanwhile, toss the papaya with the lime zest and juice. 3. Divide the pudding between bowls. Top with the papaya and scattered toasted coconut. Serve immediately.

10g desiccated coconut

COOK’S TIP

1 tsp light brown soft sugar

For a stronger cocount flavour, swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar.

Preparation time: 10 minutes plus standing Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 4

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

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

he festival was put on hold for two years during the pandemic but the organisers are delighted to be staging the annual event once more. Founder Crispin Slee said: “It’s great to be back. We cannot wait. Summer in Towcester just isn’t the same without the festival. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Towcester Racecourse once more for the highlight of the culinary calendar in South Northants.” He added: “The early bird tickets have been selling like hot cakes so people are obviously keen to see us back. “Some of our regular traders have been able to adapt and hang on over the past two years but others have disappeared. “This year’s festival will about re-building and helping the producers and sellers that have survived along the road to full recovery.” To mark the return of the event, children will go free. Mr Slee said: “After everything the country has been through, we want families to be able to treat themselves.”

FOOD & DRINK

Children go free as Towcester Food Festival returns!

Towcester Food Festival – the area’s biggest, summertime, gastronomic extravaganza – returns to Towcester Racecourse in June. 'Towcester Food Festival is a celebration for artisan food and drinks, with stalls ringing the racecourse'

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS

TO TOWCESTER FOOD FESTIVAL Just answer this simple question:

Towcester Food Festival is a celebration for artisan food and drinks, with stalls ringing the racecourse in large, openfronted marquees. There are also free chef demos, live music including a performance by Towcester Rock Choir, a street food market, cheese tasting sessions and kids' cookery classes, run by Rachel Wilson of Cookery Doodle Doo in Towcester.

Towcester Food Festival takes place on Saturday June 11 and Sunday June 12, opening at 10am on each day. Parking is free. Tickets are now on sale. Please visit: towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk for more information. Volunteers are needed to help stage the festival. In return, they get free tickets and a lunch voucher. Contact details are on the website.

Who is running the kids' cookery classes at this year's Towcester Food Festival? a) Abraxas b) Rachel Wilson c) Daily Bread Co-Operative To enter, email your name, address, telephone and the answer to: nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk PLEASE TITLE YOUR EMAIL ‘NNPulse TFF’ CLOSING DATE: 30/05/2022

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

FEATURE

Meet the ‘Rommies’ looking for love A

Hundreds of dogs find themselves in the care of Animals in Need (AIN) every year, and some of them have quite the journey before they arrive. Beki Kelly is usually on hand to greet them. Pulse's Sammy Jones discovered more about the dogs and their rehabilitation.

plentiful number of pooches wind up in Northamptonshire from faraway climes every year, with many coming from Romania – staff at AIN affectionately refer to these 'ruff' lads and lasses as Rommies. “The journey can be pretty traumatic for the dogs, who will have been stuck in a van for a couple of days,” says Beki, one of those responsible for settling the animals into their safe haven upon arrival. “Many of them won't have travelled anywhere before, so after such a long journey they are extremely nervous and bewildered.” 30

Romania is a country with relatively few animal welfare laws, but high numbers of street dogs, a population that began increasing rapidly when the country was industrialised; families were forced to abandon houses for apartment blocks which didn't allow pets. As a consequence, many animals were abandoned, the majority of them un-neutered. Street dogs are treated like pests, and culled just the same. Many shriek in fear when they are rounded up by control officers using catch poles, and, just like us, they struggle to let go of bad memories: “We see the after effects of that

treatment with many of our Rommies terrified of leads or a tightening feeling around their neck, which has been caused by the stress of their capture,” Beki told me. In Romania, the captured dogs face overcrowded conditions, and a lack of food and space. Their holding spaces are filthy, disease is rife and the terrible environment proves too much for some animals. Unfortunately, those that do survive the horrifying conditions are killed if they aren't claimed within two weeks. There are organisations trying to help, many of them operating with only a trickle of financial

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

FEATURE

backing – they run neutering schemes and try their best to provide safe rescues for our canine friends. And one of those making space, and making a difference is our Little Irchester centre. But it's not a simple task and the animals often come with nervous dispositions having endured much trauma. “We ensure that adopters of Rommie dogs attach GPS trackers to their collars due to the potential flight risk that some of the dogs pose,” Beki said, “Something as small as a bang can cause them to panic and bolt....a couple of incidents in particular spring to mind; Ed had only been with his new family for a week when a loud noise during a walk caused him to slip his harness and set off across fields. Luckily, I was able to find him within the hour before anything bad happened. “Unfortunately, the same can't be said for another of our dogs who escaped from the front door of her home after 10 days,” Beki recalled, “As her main caregiver in the kennels,

As we don't have the background information for many of the dogs, it's difficult to know what they have been through. Some have been born and raised in shelters and don't know anything else, which means adjusting to life in the 'outside world' can take a little longer. I went to look for Charlotte, but we were unable to locate her and she spent a whole year outside before an amazing team of dedicated professionals managed to capture her. “Back at the kennels she remembered me almost immediately and returned to the beautiful, affectionate dog she was before.” It's understandable that the charity asks potential new families to ensure they have secure 6ft fencing and the use of slip leads, “to help reduce the risk” of any issues. Despite the terrible times ensured by many of these beautiful animals, once they are afforded the time to decompress and settle in at AIN, the majority are very receptive and recover well. But there are always cases that are that more difficult and upsetting. “Some dogs arrive having had such a traumatic life that they have deep set

Boots

Dixie

The current Rommie dogs up for adoption

Jules

Dash

Tim, Tilly and Harry

Rhys

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

FEATURE

Frankie's journey “I thought Frankie might have been too traumatised to ever be rehomed. He was never aggressive, only fearful, and when he came to us back in October 2019 it took months for him to want to be anywhere near us, but through consistent positive training we built up trust very slowly. Throughout lockdown I would spend time every day working with him, and we would see slow progress until he finally let us stroke him. Next we could walk him around the site until eventually he built up enough confidence to walk to the park. Frankie was re-homed in June 2020 to a wonderful couple who accepted him for the dog he was. We have had updates telling us how amazing he is doing and how loved he is. I’m so thankful we were able to help him on his journey to a happy life.”

After months of consistent work Frankie enjoys his first walk.

emotional and behavioural difficulties, and The charity does get the occasional eight-year-old Ray was one of those. He came criticism for taking in dogs from foreign to us last year, and arrived with two ear tags climes when there are 'more than enough and a terrified look in his eye. Rather than needing homes here.' being aggressive towards people, he tried his How do you answer that negativity? best to stay as far from us as possible to show “I would say to them, 'a dog is a dog',” Beki us he wasn't a threat,” Beki remembers. says, “It isn't their fault where they were “I spent time sitting with him to gain his trust born. It shouldn't matter what country a dog and although he started to settle into kennel is from – we have saved a life by offering life, the trauma of his past was too much to that dog a chance they may never have overcome and he didn't want to be touched...” had before. Rehoming Ray would be a challenge too far, “We take in 100s of dogs from this but no-one ever gives up on an animal at AIN, country every year, and sometimes we are and Ray found a home with the sanctuary in a position to be able to help those from managers where he is able to feel safe and Romania too. secure and need never worry about “We have taken in dogs in where his next meal is coming extremely poor condition, with from. Among his 'housemates' is matted fur and mange, fellow Rommie Alfred. and we have taken in “As we don't have the dogs before who have background information been shot or have old for many of the dogs, it's fractures or broken difficult to know what bones that have never they have been through. been seen to. Some have been born and “I would ask anyone raised in shelters and don't who claims to be a know anything else, which dog lover to see the means adjusting to life in deplorable conditions Alfred lives with the 'outside world' can take a some of these dogs come the managers little longer. from and then say no.” “Others have been pets before and It comes as no surprise at all slip back into that way of life easily. Some that Beki has a massive soft spot for the know how to walk on a lead, others don't. Rommie dogs. Traffic can be very scary, and loud noises and “It is amazing that they can still trust us sudden quick movements can be a trigger. after everything they've been through, and “Others are so well adjusted...it really does I love building that trust with them,” she vary significantly.” says, “It's the small things you cherish,” she Nearly all the dogs that arrive from Romania smiles, “The first time they initiate contact are mixed breed: “It can be tricky to even with you, even it if it just a nudge or a sniff, guess what type, but mixed breeds have some is a baby step in the right direction. Patience massive perks in terms of health as they won't and commitment is the key. be subject to conditions that often plague “They are so grateful to be safe and loved, pedigree dogs,” Beki says. which is so endearing.” 32

If you have space in your family for a Rommie, contact animals-in-need.org

Beki with Geoff - a Rommie who is currently available for adoption

> Animals in Need hosts its Charity Dog Show at Brodie Lodge Playing Field in Flore on Sunday, May 29, between 11am and 3pm. Classes will include Handsome Dog, Prettiest Pooch, Dog that looks most like their humans and Best Veteran. For more details please call 01933 278080.

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

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HOME & GARDEN

DIGGING DEEP

Gardening with Pulse

hey are aesthetically pleasing, aid mental health, reduce stress and boost our mood. House plants are little helpers, but so many of us are guilty of failing them; you pop to the local furniture superstore or hardware shop to purchase a new lock, a tub of paint or a bedside cabinet, and then your eyes make the acquaintance of the plant section. Before you know it, you are getting back in the car with impractical purchases – and those luscious green leaves will soon be all shades of brown, and then Percy plant is put out with the trash. But it doesn’t have to be that way. One of the most common reasons for plants expiring is overwatering. Too much water will turn the leaves brown, and limp. Too little water will also turn the leaves limp, but they will be crispy to the touch. So many of our indoor plants are native to the tropics, and will naturally require a warm environment in order to flourish – but that’s not to say that you should pop them in front of a roaring fire, or close to a radiator! You don’t need to be a plant specialist to pick up on signs that they need a little love and attention – aside from the leaves looking sorry for themselves, checking the soil for excessive moisture will alert you to overwatering, or too little, and plant pots tend to be lighter if they are water deprived. An easy way to keep things on track is to purchase a moisture meter. Many plants love a light, draft free position, but not all do!

The simplest way to get the basics right is to pay attention to the instructions that come with any purchase, and heed them. After my grandmother passed away, I found myself the custodian of an aspidistra plant. These hardy, slow growing plants are most at home in cool, dark spaces. They are known as the cast-iron plant for a reason. Its arching, deep green leaves are simple but beautiful, and the plants can live for in excess of 50 years. Except that the one in my charge is significantly older; my grandmother remembered the very same plant cheerfully sitting in her mother-inlaws home when she was a young lady. No-one else was bothered to take in the old plant with its five wilting leaves and I felt obligated - I’ve never been able to give up on any plant that has a hint of life about it. This aspidistra was fighting hard, and it was rooted in the family! I spoke with an expert from the local garden centre who imparted great advice on how and when to replant, and five years on, it is still part of our family. It rewards us with a new leaf or two every spring (we’re in double figures now!) and I am proud to be a fourth generation custodian of this unconventional family heirloom. We’ve also rescued and revived an array of cacti that hadn’t been shown water for months on end – they’ve all recovered, and one is showing its appreciation by flowering. If something is wrong with your houseplants, they will show you. Act quickly and you’ll be able to turn your peaky plants into perky house guests once more.

Top Tip... Summer hanging baskets give any space a splash of colour, and really cheer the mood. Now is the time to plant them up, and if you put the hard work in at the start, you’ll have more reward later; so using a good quality compost and a slow release fertiliser is advisable. Begonia, Busy Lizzies, Fuchsia, Geranium and Petunia are all popular choices, but perhaps you might choose to grow herbs and veg in a hanging basket instead. Chili peppers, strawberries and peas are among the top choices. 34

How does your garden grow? Ah! The darling buds of May; bursting out as a result, we hope, of balmy warmer days! I’ve bought plug bedding plants this year – petunias, lobelias, calibrachoas and many others. Mini plugs I have put into modular trays and the standard plugs into 8 cm/3” pots, using peat-free multipurpose compost. Regular watering is essential. They will be ready for planting out when they are large enough to overflow their pots. Hardening off takes over 10 days, exposing the young plants to cooler conditions, either in a cold frame or in a sheltered position outside, bringing them in each evening. Prepare your borders and beds, compost the wallflowers and spring bedding plants. Thoroughly weed the ground (to save a losing battle later) and add a general fertiliser before planting out and watering your summer display. Narcissi may be over, deadhead them, leaving the foliage to die down. Tulips should be in full display – their leaves die and dry, to be dug up when you rescue the bulbs for planting another year. Give them an organic foliar feed to plump up the bulbs for flowering again next year. Sweet peas, sown in January and pinched out in March, are now bushy and can be planted out to climb up wigwams of rough apple tree prunings. It’s the busiest, most optimistic time of the year. Anything seems possible! If you’re dreaming of bluebells, go to Everdon Stubbs. Don’t forget the Chelsea Chop! Ralph Westmoreland, Denton & District Gardening Club > 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.

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

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COMPETITION

Monty Don is among the presenters at the show

Win tickets to the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Pulse has teamed up with BBC Gardeners’ World Live to offer five lucky readers a chance to bag a pair of tickets to attend this summer’s celebration of gardening at the Birmingham NEC.

he ultimate gardening day out is nearly here! BBC Gardeners’ World Live returns, alongside the BBC Good Food Show Summer as big as ever to Birmingham’s NEC 16-19 June. This year’s Show has everything for your summer garden, from inspiring Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders to the extensive Floral Marquee and shopping opportunities. Frances Tophill will be making her Show Garden debut and Monty Don, Adam Frost, Arit Anderson, Joe Swift plus Alan Titchmarsh will step off the screen onto the stage with plenty of expert advice. It’s going to be a great day out! To celebrate the BBC’s 100th year, a host of displays in the Floral Marquee will be inspired by popular BBC programmes, from The Archers to the Peaky Blinders. The tearoom will also get a makeover as the NEW Paso Doble Café, inspired by Strictly Come Dancing, along with music and ballroom dancing. Plus, the House of Plants inspired by Top of the Pops! will be a blast from the past, with plenty of houseplant pizazz and inspiration. You’re sure to go home with a head full of ideas from the Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders, bursting with ideas for wildlife gardening, sustainability, grow your own and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to solve your gardening conundrums from the Showload of expert advice on offer. From design, landscaping, pests and diseases, to grow your own, lawncare and plant identification, there’ll be a range of experts to help you.

A haven of colour and scent, you’ll be able to shop ‘til you drop in the Floral Marquee and Plant Village from our carefully selected, quality nurseries and specialist growers. Plus, soak up the feeling of summer with picnics, family gardening activities and magic moments, all surrounded by toe-tapping live music from the Bandstand. Returning with all its delicious trimmings, the BBC Good Food Show Summer is also back alongside the Show. All tickets include entry to both Shows, so that’s two great BBC shows in one ticket! > With something for everyone, it’s going to be a great summer day out. Book tickets now!

Win a pair of tickets to BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the Birmingham NEC For your chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to attend BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the BBC Good Food Show Summer, answer the following question:

Email your answer to nnpulse@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Subject: NN GARDENERS’ WORLD along with your name, address and contact telephone number.

What is the name of Monty Don’s golden retriever?

Closing date for entries is: May 31 2022

Terms and conditions: Five readers will win a pair of tickets to attend BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2022 at the Birmingham NEC, which includes entry to the BBC Good Food Show Summer. Tickets valid for Sunday entry only, entry at 9am. No cash alternative. Travel not included.

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

INTERIORS LOCAL NEWS

Summer accents

Nick Fewings for www.Unsplash.com

www.evieandskye.com

ive into summer 2022 with an array of fruity accessories and bright pops of colour. From juicy pinks to sunshine yellow, summer infusions is the perfect trend to get stuck into for the brighter seasons ahead. Bold, vibrant colours can be used in small quantities as accents, to add impact and interest to a space. They tend to contrast with the rest of the colour scheme so that they stand out and highlight the areas where they are used. Being adventurous with colour can be hugely rewarding and with so many paint, wallpaper and fabric manufacturers embracing the summer vibe, now is definitely the time to experiment with your décor. One of the easiest ways to add a pop of summery colour is to paint or wallpaper an accent wall. A single wall behind a bed or sofa creates a focal point in the room and draws your eye into the specific area, allowing the furniture to stand out against the bold, interesting background. A contrasting fabric can be added as a cushion or headboard or you can introduce

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

https://www.osborneandlittle.com/

a mix of colours in a piece of art, bringing the tones of both the furniture and the wall together in one place. It’s important for the bright colours to feel connected to the overall space. Vibrant summer colours are highly stimulating especially when paired with a crisp white background to make them stand out even more. With so many of us still partly working from home, there’s never been a better opportunity to add some colour to our workspace. It’s a proven fact that colours can affect decision-making, productivity, creativity, and levels of happiness. At Google, head office employees gather in blue rooms to be creative and yellow rooms to make decisions. Maria Orlova for www.unsplash.com

www.sanderson.sandersondesigngroup.com

Achromatic environments (like white and grey) tend to make much less successful workspaces as the relationship between white and grey can’t arouse any change in emotions. Whilst white paint might make the walls look bright and light, employee recognition firm Altrum Recognition suggest the risk of burn out in a completely white room increases by 25%. If you are keen to add impact and talking points throughout your house, then try to find unusual spaces to decorate. A feature such as a skylight is easy to overlook but can be a great opportunity to use a patterned wallpaper on the ceiling or to add a bright, contrasting paint colour to the frame or cross beams. Think about the light coming in through the window; it’s normally better to use summery, warm colours such as pinks and yellows rather than the cooler tones of blue, green and grey.

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

THENEWS ARTS LOCAL Another good tip is to paint the inside of objects in a contrasting colour. The outside might be neutral but a flash of vibrant colour painted on the inside can make you smile every time you open a cupboard or pull out a drawer. If you type ‘wallpaper in drawers’ into any search engine, you’ll find a plethora of colourful inspiration. According to British artist Annie Sloan, ‘colour brings joy so be bold with it’. Summery colours and prints can be enjoyed in small or grand measure. You will only require a small amount to make quite an impact on your interior. Think of the difference a bright pair of shoes, a colourful pair of glasses or a new nail colour make to one’s appearance. As Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux puts so succinctly ‘it’s that dash of flash that gets all the admiring attention’. The latest fabric and wallpaper collections from Harlequin and Osborne and Little offer some beautiful patterns in hot, exotic colours ideal for re-energising tired interiors. The new stair runners launched by Roger Oates as part of a collaboration with A Rum Fellow and the latest designs by Off the Loom both offer bolder colours creating the perfect statement carpet runner for your stairs or landing. And Byron and Byron have a superbly vibrant range of curtain poles that have to be seen to be believed. The Floral Neons range creates a powerful look inspired by the bright solid colours seen in pop art. The past couple of years have really strengthened our relationship with the outdoors and as such there has never been a better time to embrace some summer colour in our homes. So seize the day and live your life in full colour! As Kandinsky is often quoted as saying “colour is a power which directly influences the soul”.

The Best Kitchen Wall Décor Ideas

itchens and dining rooms are often the busiest in the house with family life but perhaps also the space where we can have the most fun with decorating, finding artwork that transforms the atmosphere or shows your personality. The Rose Gallery team explain styles to consider and how to create a focal point in your kitchen.

Find matching pieces Building a full ‘gallery wall’ effect can feel like an intimidating design prospect for many – choosing different sizes, complimentary photos or prints, all requires a lot of thought and a good eye. Alternatively, artists often release a complimentary duo or triptych of paintings which do all the hard work for you. They are matching sizes, framing and tones and are an easy way to create a theme in your room.

Compliment your paint colour If colour is your thing, you may have gone for a strong wall paint to compliment your kitchen. Art does a great job of breaking up colour, providing an interesting contrast or often to simply compliment the style and tone of your kitchen. Don’t forget, the type of framing you choose can play an important part in this too. In this example, our customer has chosen a sepia and metallic toned artwork by John Waterhouse to compliment her rural green kitchen wall.

Bring the garden indoors

www.schoener-leben-shop.de

One wonderful statement artwork If you have a large space to fill behind your dining table, this is where you can go big with your art. One impactful painting will command attention and be the focal point of the room. When choosing a larger piece, it is important to decide what kind of atmosphere you would like. Landscapes promote rest and wellbeing, or perhaps you want the room to feel modern and unique. If so, take a look at a colourful urban-inspired artwork that will be a real talking point in your room. If your kitchen units and walls are fairly neutral in colour, art gives you a great opportunity to add some wow factor.

With summer approaching, our kitchen and dining rooms are often where we are closest to the outdoors and our garden becomes an extension of that space. The art on your kitchen walls can reflect that, depicting colourful florals, birds, bees or simply reflect a love for the outdoors. Artist Inam creates textured, colourful paintings of forests.

Gemma Davey Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk

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

MUSIC

Hey Ho, Let’s Go to The Black Prince

anchester’s Delights are on the rise, and on their way to The Black Prince; the band will play the ‘fampton fun house on May 6. They take influence from their own musical discoveries, and those that their parents shared with them. Then the quartet merges them ‘into a blend of bedroom pop with hints of 70’s psychedelic music,’ and it’s paying dividends; they are now signed to indie label Modern Sky, and have racked up a mighty amount of streams. Not the watery sort... Apparently they’ve been called ‘Kaleidoscopic guitar janglers’ before now, which we quite like. The press pic is a wee bit more interesting than many that land in our inbox, but we do hope they took the trolley back and reclaimed their quid – the graveyard of carts scattered near many supermarkets is a total bugbear... Support is coming from locals Baby Lung, who delve into alt-indie, 60s soul and pop. Mirror Image will open things up. For the best part of two decades The Ramonas have been going Gabba Gabba Hey with their spin on the blistering catalogue gifted to us by The Ramones. When they aren’t busy spilling the attitude and mighty music of Dee Dee and co, in recent years the now settled line-up has found time to deliver their own material. Sheena is a Punk Rocker, but so too are Cloey, Rohnny, Pee Pee and Cammy, and their Black Prince date (May 14) promises to be quite the night.

Beans on Toast opens his can of musical delights on May 19

who can remember that far back. The career of plenty saw him hit the Top 40 singles chart plenty of times, but there is no reason to peer over the shoulder at what was, when there is still so much going on now; Tom is still releasing new music, the most recent of which is the 2020 elpee Hymns for the Hungry. He arrives in town on May 28. These days, Tom delivers an eclectic mix of folk, soul, gospel and blues, so there will be lots to get your ears around. And there will be plenty to tickle the taste buds from Hingley too; he has his own bitter, cunningly called Tom Hingley’s Bitter. Grab a bottle (or a few more) at the show. Steve Pilgrim is on the bill too. Having carved out a successful career as a musician in his own right, the acclaimed hard-hitter has stage-shared with some notables; Noel Gallagher, Roger Daltrey, Graham Coxon and many others. Fans of the Modfather will know him well as the keeper of time with Weller. In the spotlight and acoustic, you should expect a refreshing honesty, and a passion that will connect. Chris Watson from The Moons will set the night up the right way, using the date to showcase new material of his own. Able assistance before, during and after the live stuff comes from the Shindig DJs. You don’t need to be a mathematician to know that the sum total of Hingley + Pilgrim + Watson + Shindig = One great Saturday night out. The Delights (top) are riding into town on May 6, followed by the punk rock of The Ramonas (above) on May 14

> Getting mitts on tickets and more info is easy – tap to sbdpromotions.com

Go along expecting a full throttle, one hourlong show and you’ll come away beaming. Support comes from Northampton’s own punk aces Spring Park and Crash Induction, who straddle Milton Keynes and Northampton. Ask anyone in the know and they’ll tell you that Beans means tunes, and the great news for fans of tasty yet simple songs about complicated subjects is that the man responsible, Beans on Toast will be serving up a portion of his quick-wit lyricism and mellow acoustic melodies at TBP on May 19. The cult folk legend is great at putting the world to rights, but we imagine even he will have his work cut out just now. Doubtless Beans will be pulling a number or two from his 2021 long-player, Survival of the Friendliest, a record all about hope, positivity and camaraderie, which sees him celebrating the very best of human nature. Tom Hingley found fame as the frontman with Madchester’s Inspiral Carpets for those

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

Catch Tom Hingley on May 28

MUSIC

Take your positions for an electric night

ary Numan stops off at the Royal & Derngate (May 14) to thrill the faithful with a career spanning set, which will include material from his current album Intruder. Numan is keen as mustard to perform for you after that prolonged absence that none of us saw coming: “I can’t wait to walk out onto a stage again, to hear the roar of the crowd, the ear shattering volume of the music, to be bathed in light and soak up that emotion. It’s what I’m here for,” Gary added. > Tickets were scant at the time of writing, but try for the last few at royalandderngate.co.uk

Take the Nightrain to the ‘Mender

he Roadmender is busy with Thin Lizzy founding member Brian Downey and his band Alive and Dangerous (May 5) who will play the tracks you want and expect; from The Boys Are Back in Town to Jailbreak and Waiting For An Alibi to Killer on the Loose. Classics every one of them, and there are plenty more where they came from.

Bingo Loco (May 6) is numbered madness promising ‘hilarious hosts, the best of 90s/00 music, confetti showers, dance off, lip sync battles and incredible prizes.’ From Kelly’s Eye to Top of the Shop... Shy FX is up on May 7, with five hours of drum & bass and jungle tunes launching at 11pm, and there is more drum & bass in the place (May 13) performed by the Symphonica Orchestra.

What’s your favourite song, Kenneth? 2022 marks the 30th anniversary since the release of Automatic For The People, the eighth album from R.E.M and tribute mob R.E.M/Stipe are planning to mark the occasion in fitting style – by playing the release in its entirety at the Deco on Friday, May 13. That album delivered singles including Everybody Hurts, Man on the Moon and Nightswimming.

But if you are partial to the power of Losing My Religion, like the sing-a-long opportunity delivered with Shiny Happy People or feel the allure of seminal track The One I Love? You’ll be ok; the band have promised to deliver an all-round greatest hits set too. > Tickets are £22.50. Visit theoldsavoy.co.uk to book.

Composer and conductor Miles Hancock will lead the way, and world champion Mr Switch will assume DJ duties as anthems and classics from the past to the present are twisted up and revamped, ‘with the clashing of amen breaks & double bass, strings, synths and samples.’ If they are good enough for audiences at Glasto and Shambala, they’ll be good enough for us. Guns 2 Roses (May 13) have spent two decades playing tribute to Slash, Duff and Axl, and during that time they’ve been joined on stage by four members of the real deal. Come to think of it, we saw them with a certain Steven Adler on drums over at the now defunct Pitz club in Milton Keynes... The Dutty Moonshine Big Band (May 19) and The Wedding Present (May 20) visit before Aussie risers Rolling Blackouts C.F. arrive to promote their latest album, Sideways to New Italy, which is out through the legendary Sub Pop label. > Whatever takes your fancy, tapping to theroadmender.com is the quickest way to get connected.

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

THEATRE

Bobby Mair

The Osmonds: A New Musical

From Puppy Love to puppy training! T

he Osmonds: A New Musical arrives at Northampton Derngate (May 3-7) telling the true story of the five brothers from Utah who were pushed into the spotlight as youngsters and went on to become household names. They sold more than 100 million records worldwide and bagged 59 Gold and Platinum awards and now Jay Osmond is pulling back the curtain to reveal the real family behind the hits; Love Me For A Reason, Crazy Horses, Puppy Love, Long Haired Lover From Liverpool and so many others... Foil, Arms & Hog present Swines at The Royal (May 5). Best-known for their online sketches, this trio excel in the live setting. Having met at University College in Dublin, they ditched studying architecture, engineering and genetics to be downright silly, topical and refreshingly philosophical. They connect with people too; they’ve had more than 150 million YouTube hits and 648,000 subscribers. Oh, and some fella called Rowan Atkinson says they are ‘very funny.’ Grab a ticket for a guaranteed face ache, in the best sense of the word. Julia Donaldson’s modern children’s classic The Gruffalo visits The Core at Corby (May 5-7) promising monstrous fun for little mites aged three years and up. Alan Carr brings his Regional Trinket show to his hometown for a two-night stay (May 12/13). Of course it’s sold out, but we had to give him a mention in case he’s reading!

There’s loads more much needed light relief for the taking during these bitter times, too; Bobby Mair takes the Underground stage (May 14) to share his hatred for the people who thrived during covid and, on a serious, but still hilarious note he’ll tackle the lack of treatment available for the mentally ill, and Dara Ó Briain (May 15) asks the Derngate audience, So, Where Were We? Not that he’ll mention much from the past couple of years; he thinks we’ve heard quite enough of all that. Instead, expect stories, one-liners, audience messing and tripping over his words, because he is so excited to be in the live setting again. Mark Watson presents This Can’t Be It at The Royal (May 17) which will provide spiritual enquiry meets high-octane observational comedy, and Barry Humphries settles in at The Royal for three nights (May 19-21) in he Man Behind The Mask. “This is a show in which I am the principal character; it’s not Les, it’s not Edna, it’s not Sandy Stone. It is really about this character called ‘me’. I’m not in disguise,” Humphries says. Over at The Deco, Ann Widdecombe (May 20) will be as entertaining, enlightening and controversial as you would expect, as she continues on her debut tour.

Graeme Hall

Barry Humphries

Ann Widdecombe

May is a mad busy month, with funny business all over the place – and enough stuff to get tails wagging. Sammy Jones has more.

She’ll lift the lid on life in Westminster, and share gossip from her time with Strictly Come Dancing. And that’s just for starters. John Barrowman’s I Am What I Am: From West End to Broadway visits Derngate (May 21). “I’ve lived my dreams. My new show is a celebration of that wonderful journey,” John promises, “I’ll perform songs from the biggest musicals I’ve starred in and perhaps one or two that I haven’t.” Lou Sanders will present One Word: Wow at The Underground (May 21), Joe Lycett is delivering two shows at The Derngate (May 22) which are both fully booked. So if you don’t have a ticket, you won’t Lycett, will you? Jason Manford arrives (May 26) with Like Me, and rising star Steve Bugeja – a writer who has contributed to Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and The Russell Howard Hour – brings Tried To Start His Own Nickname to the Underground (May 28) , the same night that Derngate hosts Jack Dee: Off The Telly. A quick note regarding a show that was to have taken place at the Derngate on May 29. Britain’s expert dog trainer Graeme Hall is now bringing his wisdom and puppy prowess to The Royal Theatre instead of The Derngate, and at the early date of Monday, May 16. He can turn your corrupt canine into a perfect pooch, and there is nothing he can’t sort. His ‘mutt-o’ is ‘any dog, any age, any problem.’ First thngs first though, you’ll need to let your fingers go for a walkies with your credit card details. > Book up: Royal & Derngate and Underground: royalandderngate.co.uk The Deco: thedeco.co.uk The Core: thecorecorby.com

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

LOCAL NEWS

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

WHATS ON

#WhatsOnPulse John Illsley May 1 Join the former bass player with Dire Straits as he returns to The Stables at Wavendon – expect to hear material from his new album alongside some of those classic Straits songs. Money for nothing: stables.org Les Miserables Until Saturday, May 21 Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production has been seen by more than 120 million people (and counting). Will you add to that number as the new staging continues its major run at MK Theatre? Bring tickets home: atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes Coton Manor Gardens Tuesday - Saturday, 11.30am-5pm A beautiful 10 acre garden with a luxuriant border that will wow plant enthusiasts – and beyond the garden is a striking five acre bluebell wood and wildflower meadow. The Stable Yard Cafe will serve homemade lunches and teas when the garden, located near Guilsborough, is open. Petal power: cotonmanor.co.uk Brian Downey’s Alive & Dangerous Thursday, May 5 As one of the founding members of Thin Lizzy, drummer Brian Downey sold more than 30 million records worldwide. Now hear those classic songs again; Waiting For An Alibi, Whiskey in the Jar, Killer on the Loose and Jailbreak among them. The Boys Are Back in Town: theroadmender.com ‘Claydon, Now You See It, Now You Don’t’ Thursday, May 5 Frank and Daphne Preece host this month’s talk by the Milton Keynes National Trust Association, at the Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, Shenley Brook End. Entry is £2 for members, £4 for non-members. Questions? sue-davedee@talktalk.net

An evening with Steampunk fantasy author Paul Eccentric Thursday, May 5, 6pm Join Paul as he launches The Periwinkle Perspective Vol 2, ‘Those Among Us’ at Waterstones, Midsummer Place, plus a performance from The Antipoet Book up: Visit FB @mkwaterstones The Picturedrome Comedy Club Thursday, May 5, 7pm (for 8pm start) Get the funnies with El Bandiniho, Eleanor Tiernan and MC Jon Pearson, before headliner John Fothergill takes over with cocky insults and slick banter. Heckle at your own risk: thepicturedrome.com Typically Tina Friday, May 6, 8pm A joyfully accurate tribute to the lady with the unmistakable voice, and the best legs in the business, at Northampton’s Picturedrome. Simply the best: thepicturedrome.com

A chance to set sail: Northampton Sailing Club have an Open Day on Saturday, May 14

The Old Savoy Open Day and Wedding Fair Friday, May 6 – Saturday, May 7 (3-8pm Fri & 11am-4pm Sat) Includes a catwalk display of bridal and groom wear, and a variety of vendors. If you’ve got a wedding to plan and are seeking inspiration, this is for you. Entry is free. Going to the chapel: thedeco.co.uk Delights & Baby Lung Friday, May 6, 7.30pm Manchester’s Delights are on the rise and rise, and being slated as ‘ones to watch,’ and fortunately you can catch them at The Black Prince thanks to the folks at SBD Promotions. Support comes from Northampton’s Baby Lung, and Mirror Image. Tune in: sbdpromotions.com

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

WHATS ON

Watercolour Pigment Making Saturday, May 7, 10am Join Lisa-Marie Price at MK Gallery as she guides you through the paint making process from start to finish, giving tips and guidance on what to look out for when foraging for pigment. All your senses will be used during this workshop. Book for a colourful event: mkgallery.org History Weekend at Milton Keynes Museum Saturday, May 7 - Sunday, May 8, 10.30am-4.30pm Get closer to history with visits from the Romans and the Vikings. The living history event also includes 12th century re-enactors, Roman traders, and a 1940s re-enactment group. Step back in time: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk Buckingham Canal Society Sunday, May 8, 10am-3pm Help needed at the Nature Reserve site, no experience necessary and all tools provided (also on Thursday, May 12 and Thursday, May 26). For details: athina.beckett@buckinghamcanal.org.uk Denton & District Gardening Club Monday, May 9, 7.30pm ‘Everything you need to know about composts!’ a talk by Geoff Hodge at Denton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, Denton, NN7 1DT Digging deep: m.pateman@yahoo.co.uk Guns 2 Roses Friday, May 13, 8pm The most notorious tribute to Slash, Axl and Duff that you’ll find – and during their history these imitators have played with four members of the real rock n’ roll aces! All the hits and all the attitude are promised. Appetite for Destruction: theroadmender.com Northampton Sailing Club Open Day Saturday, May 14, 11am-4pm Northampton Sailing Club offers dinghy racing, casual sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and wing-foiling for people of all ages. The open day is a chance to enjoy taster sessions, sailing demonstrations, boat displays and to find out more about all the activities on offer. Water-way to spend the day: northamptonsailingclub.org

The Best of Broadway with The Northampton Male Voice Choir Saturday, May 14, 7.30pm Join the Choir at its annual concert, with songs from Guys and Dolls to West Side Story and We Will Rock You ready and waiting. NMVC will be raising money for charities including Prostate Cancer UK and Parkinson’s UK, so taking a seat at The Cripps Theatre at Northampton School for Boys will help do great things elsewhere. Sounds good: ticketsource.co.uk/cripps-hall Flook Sunday, May 15, 8pm Join the quartet who take inspiration from their roots in the Irish and English traditions, as they weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes over precise acoustic grooves, with fiery technical brilliance. End the weekend on a high in Wavendon. Innovators: stables.org Tony Hadley - 40th Anniversary Tour Wednesday, May 18 Join the former Spandau Ballet frontman as he celebrates four decades in the music business.Tony will deliver songs from across his career – as frontman with one of the biggest bands of the 80s and as a solo artist. Support comes from Tom Speight. Gold: royalandderngate.co.uk The Music of Northern Soul Live Thursday, May 19 Step back to the sounds of the Twisted Wheel, Blackpool Mecca, Golden Torch and the Wigan Casino, with Lorraine Silver and Stefan Taylor & The Signatures. Dance, Dance, Dance: thecorecorby.com

Fuchsias and more 2022 Saturday, May 21, midday-5pm A huge selection of fuchsias and perennials for sale in Lathbury. Gardening advice, and craft and vintage stalls with a tea garden serving homemade cakes. Live music in the church and gardens to wander around. Entry and parking are free. Profits to Thames Valley Air Ambulance and the ancient church. Floral fabulousness: 01908 616804 or 07487 531251 The Sand Dragon Saturday, May 21, 2:30pm Theatrix Arts perform a magical story with songs, music, loads of puppets, changing scenery and a magic trick or two. Suitable for ages 4+ and families. Dragon delight: stantonburytheatre.co.uk Camille O’Sullivan sings Cave Sunday, May 22, 8pm Join Irish/French singer Camille at The Stables in Wavendon as she explores the dark and light of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ music in her dangerous yet fragile theatrical style. Jubilee Street: stables.org Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Wednesday, May 25. 7.30pm A night of adventure and escapism with a brand-new collection of short films with the planet’s best adventure film-makers and explorers on groundbreaking expeditions in the most remote corners of the globe. Guaranteed to ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel. The highest peaks: royalandderngate.co.uk Celebrate World Bee Day at Moulton on Friday, May 20

Northamptonshire County Federation of WIs - World Bee Day Friday, May 20,10am-1pm Celebrate everything to do with bees, including bees themselves, bee-keeping demonstration, wildlife nursery plants to buy that attract pollinators, beeswax wraps to eat - and WI cakes using honey. All welcome, at WI House 71 Park View Moulton NN3 7UZ Buzzing: Contact 01604 646055 admin@ncfwi.org.uk The Old Lawnmower Club Saturday, May 21 – Sunday, May 22, 10.30am-4.30pm Anyone with an interest in mowers will love this green event as the club hosts its annual rally at Milton Keynes Museum, with 100s of mowers on display, including some particularly rare examples. Short ‘cut’: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

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

WHATS ON

Steve Harley plays The Core, Corby on Saturday, May 28

Mapdance 2022 Thursday, May 26 University of Chichester’s performance company comes to The Venue MK with three newly commissioned dance works. Dynamic, theatrical and beautifully crafted. Get tickets by emailing schools@motusdance.co.uk

Aspley Guise Open Gardens Sunday, May 29, Midday -5pm Enjoy a gorgeous selection of open gardens, also homemade cakes and light refreshments served in the Village Hall. Tickets £5 in the Village Square from 11.30am. Bloomin’ brilliant: opengardens.co.uk

Steve Harley Acoustic Band Saturday, May 28 The original cockney rebel visits The Core at Corby with a stripped back set of excellence – and he’s had 45 years of practice at this stuff; expect an ace performance. He’ll make you smile: thecorecorby.com

Cluedo Monday, May 30 – Saturday, June 4 Based on the classic detective board game, and the 1985 film CLUE, this brand new play promises a nostalgic, fun and thrilling evening at MK Theatre. Michelle Collins stars. Could it be Professor Plum? Atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Flore Charity Dog Show Sunday, May 29, 11am-3pm Classes include Prettiest Pooch, Best Rescue, Best Puppy and Best Hair Day. Pop along and support Animals in Need at Brodie Lodge Playing Field, Spring Lane, Flore (NN7 4LS). Bark to find out more: 01933 278080

Mark Thomas May 31 Mark is back on the stage with the new show, 50 Things About Us, which he says is a ‘a show about money, history, songs, gongs, wigs, unicorns, guns, bungs, sods of soil and rich’ sorts, although he might have used a stronger word... Making his Mark: stables.org

Calling All Artists - Would you like to exhibit & sell your work? ART EXHIBITION AND SALE

WOOTTON MEMORIAL HALL, HIGH STREET, WOOTTON

Saturday 11th to Sunday 12th June

For further information and an entry form call 01604 767438 or 07901 916071 CLOSING DATE: 6TH JUNE 2019 46

Cynthia Spencer Hospice Northampton Colour Run Saturday June 11, 10am Back at its usual venue of Overstone Park, it’s a bit of a crosscountry route which just adds to the fun! Join in with your friends and family, colleagues and chums and join in the messy fun, all in the name of raising money to support your local hospice. Run, walk or skip for #HospiceCare. To register click: www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/ northamptoncolourrun or call on 01604 973340

Cycle4Cynthia 2022 Sunday September 25, 2022 Registration is open now for Cycle4Cynthia 2022! Get on your bikes at the Althorp Estate for the usual 50 mile, 25 mile and 5 mile routes and a brand new 10 mile route for 2022! Every Pound you raise by taking part goes towards caring for our patients and supporting their loved ones and families too. To register click: www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/event/ C4C2022 or call on 01604 973340

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

Film Reviews by Jordan Adcock

OPERATION

MINCEMEAT

FILM OF THE MONTH - Star Rating: 3/5

Operation Mincemeat, where the dead body of Glyndwr Michael was used to smuggle fake documents to mislead Nazi Germany, is perhaps the most extraordinary act of deception in the history of warfare. However, this film manages to make the extraordinary, well, more ordinary, if still well-acted and directed on its own more modest terms. Colin Firth dependably plays Ewen Montagu, the naval intelligence officer increasingly distant from his wife and who settles into creating “William Martin” with Jean Leslie (Kelly Macdonald) who provides the photo of “Martin’s lover”. Matthew Macfadyen is perhaps the strongest of the cast in playing the uptight, unlucky-in-love RAF officer Charles Cholmondeley who helps refine the “Trojan Horse” plan originally thought up partly by Ian Fleming of all people (it’s a shame Johnny Flynn’s suave portrayal of Fleming is absent from the film for long stretches).

There’s a stuffy admiral (played by Jason Isaacs of course), Winston Churchill, gloomy wartime London interiors, a brief battle scene: This war film has it all, apart from really exploring the story’s most unique, fascinating aspect. I really recommend reading Ben Macintyre’s account of the deception, on which this film was based. It captures how odd the story was, including the full cast of characters and their nuances plus the surrealism of constructing a man that never was. Who was Glyndwr Michael? He lived a sadly curtailed, unremarkable life but you won’t get much impression from the film of that or the quandary of erasing his identity, which apart from one very disposable scene otherwise treats the hunt for a body as a tame comedic montage. ✪

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2

THE NAN MOVIE Star Rating: 2/5

Star Rating: 2/5

Star Rating: 1/5

The first Sonic film from 2020 was most famous for hastily redesigning its CGI version of the iconic video game character to look much more accurate and appealing. If only its sequel had greater finesse but it’s more sluggish than sonic. It not only brings back Jim Carrey as the wacky evil scientist Robotnik, hurling out one-liners no matter how silly, or introducing more game characters in the red echidna Knuckles and the plucky Tails as a sidekick for Sonic, it weighs itself down with dragged-out filler sequences. They include a Siberian dance-off and a crashed Hawaiian wedding and like most of the film are distracting enough, though it’s hard not to notice the obligatory human supporting actors trying in vain to be as animated as their digital counterparts. ✪

Leaving it late doesn’t quite cover comedian Catherine Tate bringing her cantankerous Nan character to the big screen, over 15 years after the comedian’s sketch show ended. And while Nan certainly delivers the swears and insults she’s known (and loved?) for, the obligation to provide a filmic narrative where she and grandson Jamie (Matthew Horne) travel to see her dying sister means lots of more drama-based flashbacks to World War II. Basically, anyone hoping to relive the show’s comedic heights will be disappointed. Ah well, at least there’s still some decent exchanges between Nan and Jamie while on the road to Northern Ireland, where the film most resembles the original show’s dynamics. Diversions involving an animal rights extremist and garish collage animation to shift the plot along are less welcome. ✪

Think Extraneous Beasts more than Fantastic. These Harry Potter prequel films, despite their main title, aren’t really about Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) protecting magical beasts, and they definitely aren’t as magical as the boy wizard’s story. That The Secrets of Dumbledore improves over the last film, the baffling and infuriating Crimes of Grindelwald, isn’t high praise. It has a good main cast, especially Jude Law as young Dumbledore; Mads Mikkelsen is a decent replacement for scandal-hit Johnny Depp as Grindelwald, the would-be wizard dictator who shares a secret bond with Dumbledore. But they’re all left wandering from place to place, casting lots of magic spells but without any meaningful journeys or arcs happening. There’s only the promise of an overarching story that’s barely even started three films in. ✪

Jared Leto tries playing a tortured soul in Morbius but only audiences will be tortured by this abysmal comic book adaptation. The film’s a product of Sony Pictures racing to adapt all the Marvel comics characters they’ve got the rights for (apart from Spider-Man). In fairness, Leto is working with a rubbish script as Doctor Morbius, who experiments with vampire bat blood to cure his crippling ailments. The CGI-heavy results are cringeworthy and not helped by the actor’s laughably poor attempts at charisma and gravitas. Throw in Matt Smith trying to outdo him for sheer awkwardness and the result is trashy, even strangely watchable like a train wreck can be watchable: a “morbid” curiosity, perhaps? ✪

Star Rating: 2.5/5

MORBIUS

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 | May 2022

MOTORING

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING Following on from last month’s piece ADAM TUDOR-LANE offers some simple driving tips that will further improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.

Driving on the motorway at 80 can use up to 25% more fuel than if you were to cruise along at the 70 MPH speed limit – think about that next time you want to keep up with everyone else.

If you drive a modern automatic, you’ll usually find an ‘Eco’ friendly gearing option buried in the menus. Additionally, every car from 2014 onward has a gear shift notification to tell you when you should change up for best efficiency.

Smoothness

Maintenance

ast month we went through a few tips to try and eke out some more miles per gallon; they ranged from ditching excess weight to making sure your tyres are properly inflated. Each one gave a small, maybe marginal amount of improvement, but add them all together, and you could save a fair few quid over a year. But where it counts is how you drive, so let’s see if you can save even more money on every fill-up.

Accelerating gently and progressively keeps the revs down, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, so it uses less fuel. Read the road ahead and decelerate by lifting off the pedal and letting the car slow down on its own rather than braking. Stopping and starting uses more fuel than rolling, so slow yourself down early at roundabouts or traffic lights, then you don’t have to come to a complete stop.

A well-maintained car will achieve higher MPG regardless of any driving habit changes. The oil will be thinner; it can breathe freer through a clean air filter, and the spark plugs will be working at their optimum. While main dealer servicing can be incredibly pricey, an interim service at a third-party garage can cost as little as £80, while a full service will be around £140. If you aren’t sure which local garage you can trust, sites like goodgaragescheme.com are worth a look; failing that, word of mouth is a great way to find a reliable garage.

Speed It might seem obvious, but the quicker you drive, the more fuel you’ll use. For example, driving at 70 MPH you’ll use 9% more fuel than at 60 MPH and up to 15% more than if you were to drive at 50.

Gears You’ve got gears for a reason, and changing up early keeps your revs down. Try to change up at 2,500 RPM in a petrol or 2,000 RPM in a diesel; this will make sure the engine isn’t put under strain; it’s just above tick over, so you’ll be sipping fuel.

Some small adjustments to your driving habbits could save you money

See how much you can save While crawling along below the speed limit may not appeal to many, changing your habits for just a week may be the jolt you need to make a longer-lasting change. Take a note of your current MPG and reset the trip computer on your car. Then, drive as economically as you can for the next week and see how your MPG differs. Using the Which? ‘Annual fuel cost calculator’ - shorturl.at/hmyC6 will allow you to see the difference your new-found zen will bring. Driving 6,000 miles per year with a fuel cost of 160p per litre at 30 MPG equals £1,454 in fuel. Up that MPG by just 2, and you could save £91 a year. 34 MPG saves £171. Jumping from 30 MPG to 38 (probably a tall ask) and you’ll have an extra £306 in your pocket. While these may seem like small numbers, every little bit of money saved right now counts; a £300 fuel-saving this year could be money towards your insurance costs, home energy bills or simply an extra three tanks of fuel.

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

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

PUZZLES LOCAL NEWS

View from the Far Kerb

Proficiency

he fact that you are reading these words is due to my proficiency, despite my proficiency... Always good to start a piece with a nonsensical opener, isn’t it? Let me explain, but please don’t drop off or slip into a coma when I mention that it involves a computer. A few days back I bought a new mobile phone. I wanted to use the large memory card from the old one, but it kept reporting that it was corrupted and unreadable despite various computers passing it as fit and healthy. I wondered whether I might have purchased a faulty mobile phone. After much research I discovered that I was not alone in suffering from the malaise of apparently corrupt memory cards. Things were always the same: corrupt and unreadable in the phone, but fine on all computers. Unfortunately the advised reasons and solutions varied greatly. So I decided to learn more and try to understand the underlying cause in order to determine which solution was most likely to be correct. Finally I decided the way forward was to completely wipe the card and then remove its identity and reinstate it, before inserting it in my phone. I also intended to try using a file system that my Windows computer didn’t allow

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!

without having to delve into the murky and powerful underworld of command line utilities. No pretty pictures and helpful images. All very clever stuff! I managed to recreate everything, but when it came to formatting it with that file system, I received a message telling me that the device upon which I was trying to install was too large for it. That started alarm bells ringing. Without a shadow of doubt, the memory card was not too large for the chosen file system. However, Windows maintained that it was unsuitable for what I had meticulously wiped. My heartbeat quickened as I carefully examined the situation to determine the problem.

I had performed all my technical ‘magic’ on the wrong device. Worse, it was the drive upon which I store my whole life – including whatever I deign to write for Pulse... As you may have guessed, it was total disaster! I had performed all my technical ‘magic’ on the wrong device. Worse, it was the drive upon which I store my whole life – including whatever I deign to write for Pulse and elsewhere. Not so clever now! Data recovery was impossible. Having spent many years in IT I know how to both recover and obliterate data. Apparently I am quite proficient in both and my expertise in idiocy had cut my legs out from under me. Surely such proficiency should have enabled me to get out of the mess in which I now found myself? Unfortunately, no; when I get rid of data it stays gotten rid of... Did I really manage to have a successful career in computing? How was it possible to shoot oneself in the foot so well? Would no one get to see my words? Was I doomed? Another part of my IT background taught me the importance of having comprehensive backups. Guess what else I am apparently proficient in, other than gross stupidity? Panic over. Phew! PHIL O’HARA

6 3

2 7

8 1 6

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

8 9

14 17

15 18

13 16

26 28

Clues Across

24. Rustling sound (5) 28. Run away 1. Diabolical (8) to marry (5) 5. Gateau (4) 29. East Anglian city (7) 9. Incinerator (7) 30. Ooze (4) 10. Small fragment (5) 31. Pincers (8) 11. Denims (5) 13. Ocean trip (6) Clues Down 15. Incisive (5) 1. Resist, challenge (4) 17. Slightly open (4) 2. Vitality (5) 19. In the past (3) 3. Acquires 20. Concludes (4) knowledge (6) 21. Print media (5) 4. Look for (4) 6. Put on trial (7) 23. Run out (6)

7. Type of coffee (8) 8. Take control unjustly (5) 12. Portion (5) 13. Christian symbol (5) 14. Unidentified (8) 16. Mature (3) 18. Sanction (7) 21. Groom (5) 22. Veer (6) 25. Skid (5) 26. Was aware of (4) 27. Hence (4)

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 | May 2022

Your stars LOCAL NEWS

HOWARD PARKER

THE ASTRO-GUIDE

Flavour of the Times - I hope everyone is managing to keep up with all the energy shifts going on. If it feels stressy and weird with the lack of clarity and uncertainties, that’s because it is. It’s a very watery and fluid situation and nobody quite knows where they stand any more. Election results will, I am sure, reflect this in some way. Best advice is plant your feet on the ground and grow plants or walk in nature! Nature seems to know what it’s doing better than humans these days!

TAURUS April 21 – May 21

VIRGO August 24 – September 23

CAPRICORN December 23 – January 20

GEMINI May 22 – June 21

LIBRA September 24 – October 23

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 19

Knitting fog seems like an appropriate analogy this month. The new moon in Taurus does assist you in taking some sensible actions but the brain fog induced by Neptune and Jupiter prevents you seeing and analysing situations with your usual clarity. Not such a good time to fall in love as you will have no idea of you are coming or going! Look, watch and learn from the confusion, I’d say.

This new moon gives you a chance to follow your instincts and plough your own furrow this month. Window shopping is better than buying but at least it gives you a chance to review what you really value in your life. Tried and trusted ways of living are probably the best way to go right now. There is virtue in routine and living from day to day.

Stuck in the middle of all kinds of confusion and unable to think your way out of it? That’s because this month is not really about thinking at all or any kind of rationality. Instincts hold sway and you will drive yourself mad if you try to work it all out. Work out the bare essentials and stick to them. One foot in front of the other is fine this month.

You won’t feel as if the new moon is giving you much help until about half-way through the month when Venus and Jupiter get together in Aries. This gives an energetic boost to some of your deepest desires but this could all feel rather disconcerting and leave you more worried than excited. The full moon could get you into trouble if you are an emotional risk taker.

CANCER June 22 – July 23

SCORPIO October 24 – November 22

Mid May’s full moon could get very sexy indeed with events that threaten to lure you into some deep relationship water. I suppose it all depends how much you like diving into your own (murky?) personal depths. Alternatively, it could be someone close to you doing the diving, either voluntarily or not. Either way, it’s a potentially intense time in relationships.

As May begins, Pluto decides to go backwards. (It doesn’t really, it just looks that way from our place on Earth). Skeletons might start falling out of cupboards now, old issues resurfacing that have never really been dealt with properly. Unfortunately, this isn’t really the month to deal with them but at least you will get a feel for how bad some of the old patterns are for you.

LEO July 24 – August 23

SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 22

Things are going to liven up for you next month when we hit the more vibrant Gemini energy, but May is more tricky, with confusion and indecision prevailing everywhere to create a certain amount of chaos in your mind. It won’t work to just take off somewhere because you will take it with you, I’m afraid. Best to just sit it out and keep on planning your escape!

Saturn is still opposing your sun so the brakes are still on, to some extent. Career moves are either held up or not yielding the kind results you hoped for (or think you deserve!). The learning you should take away from this is that maybe you weren’t as prepared as you thought you were and that you need to put in a bit more effort rather than depend so much on your undoubted charismas.

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. + , = ,

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Blundering around in the fog still? Jupiter is still exaggerating the confusing effect of Neptune and when Venus comes into the picture in your own sign as it does at the new moon, wonderful delusional love may sweep over you. Delicious and enjoyable, it might be, so enjoy it while it lasts because the honeymoon won’t last forever. But of course you knew that, didn’t you?

ARIES March 21 – April 20

The fog is going to clear, the deeper you get into this month. Planets in Pisces at the new moon are all going to be in your sign by the end of May and you will feel the shift in gear, particularly when Mars joins them on 25th. Stay connected to your innermost feelings until then and use the respite to recharge your batteries.

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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PISCES February 20 – March 20

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Sow a few seeds this month and see what happens as they grow. Literally and metaphorically, I mean. Change doesn’t happen by itself. You need to make it happen and, of course, it happens more slowly than you would like in an ideal world. But improvements can be made that will lead to bigger things down the line. Time for you to show people a vision of the future.

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Hard to read the runes this month because structures feel as if they are falling apart all around you. Pluto is all that’s left in your sign now and the harsh lessons it has been teaching are possibly coming back to haunt anyone who has not finally grasped that change is for real and you need to move with the times. Loose ends need tidying up by September or you will trip over them.

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