Stephen Oakley - June 2021

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

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JUNE 2021

HERE COMES THE SUMMER IS IT THE SEASON FOR HOT OR COLD? JUNE GARDENING GET YOUR GARDENING BLOOMING THIS SUMMER

HOT HITS THE HOTTEST SUMMER TRACKS FOR THE SUNSHINE

KEEPING COOL KEEP YOURSELF COMFORTABLE AT HOME

FATHER’S DAY A GIFT GUIDE FOR THE PERFECT GIFT FOR DAD’S

CONTENTS COVER STORY

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Here comes the Sun Favourite season of extremes, hold or cold?

PROPERTY

8 16 20

Cooling your house Top tips to keep comfortable at home during the hotter months Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market About us Get to know us a little better and see why we are your agent of choice

FOOD

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BBQ rubs and sauces Elevate your ribs, steaks and burgers on the BBQ this summer

LIFESTYLE

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10 12 13

Gifts for Father’s Day We have hand picked the perfect gifts for Father’s Day

June gardening It’s officially Summer, which means our gardens are in full bloom, but there are still jobs to do…

Summer’s tracks Get summer ready with the hottest tracks to enjoy in the sun

Upcoming films Cinemas reopen: A preview of the delayed films finally being released

SPORTS

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Will England be Euro stars?

EURO 2020 finally arrives and we have all the fixtures all in one place.

WELCOME TO THE JUNE ISSUE! It’s an exciting month. On the 21st, if things continue to plan, all social distancing measures will be lifted.

And what better month for the UK to get back to normal than the official start of the summer?

With this in mind, this month we are going all out for the good times with a feature showcasing some of the best summer facts around.

Can’t stand the heat? On pages 8 & 9 we give you some great ideas how to keep your home cool during the warmer months.

Father’s Day is on the 20th June and we have put together a guide of some of the hottest present ideas this year alongside two BBQ features; one keeping you up to date of the best kit available and another with some fantastic recipes to try.

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PROPERTY NEWS

The delayed EURO 2020 football competition kicks off this month too, which is why we have created a handy guide of every single fixture so you don’t miss a kick, alongside a preview of the top teams vying to bring the trophy home.

And if that wasn’t enough, we explore the delayed films that are finally being released at the cinema; the top summer tracks you’ll all be singing along to this year as well as our usual monthly gardening guide.

So, what are you waiting for?

Light the BBQ, grab a beer or a vino, get settled in and enjoy…

Jonathan Wheatley Editor

It’s the start of our favourite season of extremes “I love to see the summer beaming forth, and white wool sack clouds sailing to the north…” are the opening lines to a sonnet by John Clare, the so-called Northamptonshire Peasant Poet whose romantic visions of the English countryside made him a hot topic with Victorian chattering society.

And what we could do with is a “beaming” summer to banish the gloom cast by a world-enveloping pandemic.

June traditionally marks the start of the brightest, warmest and most longed-for season of the year. So here are a few facts to amuse, amaze and kill the conversation at your socially-distanced barbecue…

HERE COMES THE SUMMER! BARMY THAN BALMY

THE HEAT IS ON

It has snowed in June. At least a centimetre fell in parts of the country on June 2nd, 1975, forcing the abandonment of several county championship cricket matches. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, the bedding plants took a proper battering on June 19th, 1955 and June 1st and 3rd 1962 in Santon Downham, Norfolk, when temperatures dipped to a bulb-numbing -5.6°C – that’s 21.92°F, chillier than most winter nights.

Although meteorologists say summer officially starts on June 1st, the astronomical summer doesn’t begin until the 21st, when there is a 23.5° tilt of the Earth’s axis in its orbit around the Sun. The summer of 2006 is considered the warmest on record with daytime temperatures averaging 15.8° Centigrade (around 60° Fahrenheit).

However, the hottest day was recorded at Cambridge University Botanic Garden on July 25th, 2019 when plants wilted in the sweltering 38.7°C heat (101.66°F).

Figures show that the summer of 2012 was the wettest on record. From June until the end of August, 366.8mm of rain fell across the UK, compared with 384.4mm in 1912.

The Eiffel Tower grows in the summer. Paris’ iron landmark can expand by up to 17cm on a hot day.

Theoretically, it is possible to fry an egg on a car bonnet. TV chef James Martin did it in June 2018 in 26°C heat, although experts say you really need a dry heat of 70°C (158°F) to get it done properly.

Which means you need to be in Death Valley, California, or the Australian outback to have a decent fry-up on your Merc, although it will make a mess of your paintwork.

Droughts are not uncommon in the UK. One of the worst started in the autumn of 1975 when below-average winter rainfall preceded a blistering summer. From June 23rd, the temperatures did not dip below 32°C (90°F) for two weeks, peaking at 35.6°C (96.1°F) with the first significant rain falling on August 27th.

You can work out the evening temperature by listening to a cricket. Count the number of chirps over 25 seconds, divide by 3 and add 4 to the Celsius figure. Yes, really. More

THAT’S N-ICE

More than 405million kilogrammes of ice cream were sold in Britain last year.

Hardly surprisingly, ice cream manufacturers say the most popular flavour is vanilla, followed by mint choc chip and raspberry ripple.

Folklore says if it rains on St Swithin’s Day, it will rain for 40 days thereafter. Remember the date – July 15th.

More thunderstorms occur during the summer than at any time of the year, most occurring over the south-east of England.

There are currently 195 Blue Flag beaches in the British Isles.

While most accept it is a recognition of water quality, the flag is also awarded for environmental management, safety and services, plus education and information. So, it is aimed at resort beaches with plenty of facilities as much as smaller, picturesque coves.

Even though it does not have a sandy beach, the little village of St Mawes in Cornwall was last year named Britain’s ideal seaside resort in a Which? study. Skegness, Great Yarmouth, Bognor Regis, Blackpool, Morecambe and Cleethorpes didn’t fare as well.

Chesil Beach in Dorset is the longest in the UK, at 18 miles long.

But it is a shingle spit, so the sandy beaches at Bournemouth and Pendine Beach in Wales, which are more than seven miles long, are officially the longest. In comparison, the largest in the world is at Praia do Cassino in Brazil – a piffling 150 miles long.

WALL OF FLAME

One of the world’s largest fixed barbecues has been made in Gloucestershire. The £10,000 monster, commissioned by a wedding venue, can cook seven whole lambs, three pigs or two cows at the same time, as well as

1,000 sausages or 500 burgers, is heatproof to 600°C, weighs two tonnes, measures 5m across, needs 14 bags of coal to ignite and can be worked by three chefs. It is made by the Bespoke BBQ Company and is dubbed… God-grilla.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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e’ve all missed spending precious time with our parents, so this year make it extra special with our unique gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for your dear dad this Father’s Day.

GLAMPING TRIP A glamping break might be the perfect way you and your dad, or your dad and his partner, can escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The beauty of a glamping pod is that you get the advantages of camping, but without the hassle that traditional camping can sometimes bring.

DRINKS CADDY This gift would be perfect for a picnic, and/or for carrying beers in. Even if it’s not a picnic, this would be extremely useful for just about any kind of travelling event. These caddies can sometimes come equipped with various accessories, so make sure you find the right one for your dad.

AFTERNOON TEA There is nothing quite like an afternoon tea, and everyone loves them! You can’t really go wrong with tea, sandwiches, cakes and scones, so why not treat your dad this year and satisfy his sweet tooth?

FIRE PIT The last year or so has understandably seen outdoor spaces being used much more than usual, so your dad might love to light up his very own fire pit once the sun goes down, to extend those evenings outside a little longer than the sun alone permits.

IDEAS FOR SPECIAL FATHER’S DAY GIFTS Celebrate Father’s Day with our hot picks for gifts this year

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PROPERTY NEWS

DRINKS JAR WITH TAP If you dad likes to drink, a large glass jar with a tap would be just perfect for him.

This would be ideal to keep a unique mixer for spirits, for example, since it can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated in the jar for weeks, even months.

SPA DAY Spa days might often get primarily associated with women, but this is an unfair generalization because couples very often attend spa days together, and indeed men can attend them alone if they wish – nothing wrong with that. A luxury spa day might be the very thing your dad needs at the moment.

From full body massages to jacuzzis and steam rooms, your dad might just love to receive a voucher for something like this for Father’s Day.

You can make it as unique as you like, and it will last him forever.

PERSONALISED ENGRAVED KEYCHAIN If you want to get really sentimental this Father’s Day, an engraved keychain would be ideal to say something special to your dad. You can make it as unique as you like, and it will last him forever.

FRAMED PORTRAIT OF THE COUPLE Never has it been so important to celebrate togetherness, and especially longevity of relationships.

This Father’s Day, your dad might well love a framed portrait of him pictured with his beloved, or his family.

Social media can surely provide you with varying options to frame, and you can also have it redesigned slightly if you wish, to make it even more bespoke.

PERSONALISED PEN Pens are typically inexpensive.

But to have one personalized can add priceless value. And let’s face it, even in this digital age, we still often use them, especially our sometimes old-fashioned fathers!

PERSONALISED MUG The thing about a personalized item is that you have almost complete freedom to say whatever you like to your beloved dad, and what better way to do that than to simultaneously encourage him to relax with a hot beverage of his choosing?

A personalized mug is the perfect way to tell your dad how much he means to you, which he can be reminded

of daily whenever he drinks from it. But if you think a picture says a thousand words instead, an imprinted photo on the mug is a fantastic alternative.

PERSONALISED CHARGING DOCKING STATION A charging docking station is an ideal gift for your father.

It can hold the likes of his phone, his glasses, his wallet, his keys, and more. In terms of practicality, it’s perfect, for it organizes all of your items into one small unit, making things altogether so much tidier.

MENS BODY SPRAY There’s a big difference between smelling bad, and smelling really quite nice. And usually, especially when you’re out and about, there’s no in between, so it’s important what we men spray ourselves with. You’d be well advised to get your dad an especially nice smelly this Father’s Day. A mild one which will last all day long would generally be the preferred option.

HOT STONE THERAPY PACK Since we all love a good massage, it seems like an ingenious idea to bring that pleasure into your very own home, and without even needing a professional masseuse. These packs can come with everything you need to enjoy a good massage, without having to travel to a massage parlour.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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BBQ BEST KIT Get kitted out ready for BBQ season with our guide to the best tools for the job

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BQ season is upon us. The smell of smoke alongside a glass of wine or a beer is what summer is all about.

However, for those of us who see BBQ as more than just burnt sausages and burgers, there is a real science to creating the perfect smoked food. So, we have put together this guide to the best kit you need to get the most from your grill…

MEAT THERMOMETER Maybe not the snazziest or most exciting piece of kit, but an internal meat thermometer is probably the most important tool for all smoking and grilling enthusiasts. You see, when you cook burgers or sausages on a BBQ over direct coals you are actually grilling not barbecuing. A real BBQ is cooked using indirect heat with lots of smoke to get that real BBQ flavour.

Barbecuing is tougher than grilling, which is why it is so important to have a meat thermometer to know what is happening inside your meat and when it is safe to eat.

We highly recommend this meat thermometer from Weber. £19.74 | bbqworld.co.uk

SMOKING WOODCHIPS Even if you are simply grilling, you’ll still want that smoky flavour to your food. We don’t all have access to chopped oak, applewood or hickory, which is why companies supply flavoured woodchips.

These little pieces of roughly 1cm woodchip are usually soaked in beer or wine before being added directly to your charcoal or in a smoker box.

When they burn they release thick flavourful smoke, which gives all your food, whether smoked or grilled, that rich BBQ flavour.

We love these Whisky Barrel Oak chips that add great flavour to red meat. £5.50 | hotsmoked.co.uk

BEER CAN CHICKEN HOLDER Have you ever fancied cooking a whole chicken on a BBQ but was worried about how much time and effort it would take if you don’t have an electric spit to cook it through on all sides? Beer can chicken originated in the U.S State of Louisiana and is a great way to indirectly cook a whole chicken whilst imbuing it with plenty of taste and moisture.

It’s simple, by placing a half-filled beer can inside the chicken’s cavity, when the liquid gets hot enough it steams the chicken from the inside out.

Sometimes, it doesn’t seem so hygienic to put an actual beer can inside the chicken, which is why you can buy a handy beer can chicken holder that can be used again and again.

We love this simple device from Landmann. £15.99 | landmann.com

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PROPERTY NEWS

BBQ RUBS AND SAUCES

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BQ season. The smell of smoke in the air. Drinks with friends.

Sunshine. What more could you ask for? How about the best rubs and sauces to create the most flavourful meat possible in your own back garden.

Elevate your ribs, steaks and burgers on the BBQ this summer

DRY RUB

A dry rub is perfect for ribs, steaks and for adding to your burgers before and during cooking to give a rich smoky and sweet flavour.

MAPLE GLAZE FOR RIBS AND CHICKEN

MEMPHIS RUB

A sweet and smoky marinade that is perfect for pork ribs and chicken.

In Memphis, USA, the rub is considered as important as the meat and smoke.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup paprika 1/4 cup garlic powder 1/4 cup mild chilli powder 3 tablespoons salt 3 tablespoons black pepper 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons celery seeds 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon cumin 2 teaspoons dry mustard 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground allspice Method: Simply add all the ingredients into a bowl and mix until well combined.

Store in an airtight container for up to six-months.

When ready to use, rub the spice mix all over the meat at least an hour before cooking and leave to marinade.

Cook the meat over open coals or smoke depending on your preference.

Ingredients: 1 cup apple juice, to be divided about 1/4 teaspoon morton’s kosher salt per pound of ribs another 2 pinches salt for the glaze 2 teaspoons hot sauce 1/4 cup real maple syrup 4 tablespoons of the Memphis rub Method: Sprinkle the salt onto your ribs or chicken and then rub in the Memphis rub. Smoke or roast for an hour or so.

Place the chicken or ribs onto aluminium foil and create a boat.

Drizzle ½ cup of the apple juice over the meat and then re-wrap tightly before placing back on the grill.

After another hour or so (longer for the ribs) remove the meat and drain the apple and meat juice into a saucepan. Add the remaining apple juice and the maple syrup and bring it to a simmer.

When the sauce has a shiny glaze, add the salt and hot sauce and stir.

Coat the meat in the marinade and put back onto the grill for five-minutes.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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As the hottest months of the year approach, we can look ahead to lots of upcoming warmth.

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ut that’s not to say that the heat doesn’t present some challenges.

When it comes to winding down in the evenings, it can be difficult to relax when the temperature doesn’t feel like it’s dropping. So here are some of our best ways to cool your home this Summer.

REPURPOSE APPLIANCES

When it comes to appliances designed for cooling someone down, a fan can prove to be man’s best friend. But often, when the weather becomes too hot, fans can be counter-productive, and end up recycling hot air. To avoid this, try strategically pointing your fan towards open windows, so that hot air can be pushed out of a room. And if you have a ceiling fan, setting it to anti-clockwise can also help to remove the hot air. Another idea is to place a dish with ice in front of a fan. This DIY air-conditioning trick will create a cool mist as the ice evaporates, resulting in lower temperatures, and is ideal for any time of the day.

Another inventive DIY trick is to repurpose a hot water bottle. It is widely known that hot water bottles are the perfect way to warm your bed up on a cold winter’s night.

So surely the same method can be applied to summer, when the process is reversed?

So fill your bottle with cold water, and place it in the freezer before you go to bed.

Or if you haven’t got a hot water bottle, you can grab any bottle that can hold a liquid and give this a go. This will give you a homemade ice-pack, which will keep you cool all night long.

ADJUST YOUR BEDDING

If you fancy getting some new bed sheets in the coming months, then summer is the perfect excuse to replace your heavier, winter sheets, with lightweight cotton ones. And opting for cotton sheets which are also of a light colour, results in a more breathable fabric, and will help to give you a better night’s sleep. And if this still isn’t working for you, then try to bring the temperature of the sheets down.

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PROPERTY NEWS

THE COOL-PROOF GUIDE TO BRINGING THE TEMPERATURE DOWN IN YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER

Another inventive DIY trick is to repurpose a hot water bottle.

So fill your bottle with cold water, and place it in the freezer before you go to bed.

Many people will recommend lying on a damp towel, or sprinkling water over your sheets, in order to cool your bed down. This may work, but will also result in a long-lasting wetness, which no one wants. Instead, pop your sheets in the freezer for a few minutes before bedtime. As well as giving them an icy freshness before you sleep, it won’t make your bedding as wet as applying water would. Just make sure to put your sheets in a bag first, so that they don’t come out smelling of frozen food!

AVOID STEAM

One thing that few people think about is focussing on avoiding activities which increase the heat around a home. In particular, there are two key areas which you can address in order to reduce heat. Firstly, think about your cooking. One of the biggest sources of heat in any home is from preparing food in a kitchen. So why not try your hand at some dishes that don’t require the oven and hobs to be turned on, like salads. And if you do want to cook, consider utilising barbecues outside, to avoid excess steam hanging around.

Secondly, reduce the temperature of your shower. By using warm, rather than hot water, this will not only reduce the amount of steam which is able to travel around your house, but will also leave you feeling much cooler, and therefore more relaxed in the hot weather.

GRAB A GADGET (AIR CON/COLD BLANKET)

If none of these DIY tricks are working for you, then there is always the option of buying some tech, which is guaranteed to keep you cool. If you’re on the hunt for a new air conditioner, then take a look at an air purifier. For example, the Dyson Pure Cool Tower Advanced Technology Air Purifier Fan will help to keep you cool day and night. The great thing about this fan is its quietness, even when on a powerful setting, so this is ideal for anyone who struggles to sleep during hot nights. Or, if you fancy a cheaper option, then get yourself a cooling blanket. These blankets absorb sweat from your body, to keep you cool all night long. They’re also machine washable, meaning that you can use it throughout the summer, and it won’t lose its freshness.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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JUNE

It’s officially Summer, which means our gardens are in full bloom, but there are still jobs to do…

GARDENING

GUIDE

June is the first month where the weather can virtually be guaranteed. No more frosts, warmer evenings and, hopefully, hotter days. The Spring flowers have mostly gone and the summer ones are coming through providing an abundance of colour.

However, as nice as it is to sit in your garden and enjoy it, there are still plenty of jobs to do…

WEEDING Weeds. The arch-nemesis of our beautiful gardens.

However, with some hard work, these can be removed. All weeds can be controlled without weedkillers, and for our environment, it is best to get your hand’s dirty before resorting to chemicals.

One of the best manual ways to control weeds is by hoeing. Simply run a hoe over a bed or between rows to kill most weed seedlings. Ideally, choose a dry day with light wind so that the seedlings will dry out on the surface.

Pull up annual weeds by hand before they set seed.

Perennial weeds should be dug out with as much root or bulb as possible using a hand or border fork.

Hand weeding is easiest on lighter soils and should only be attempted when it won’t disturb the roots of garden plants.

HANGING BASKETS Hanging baskets provide valuable colour at eye level in your garden. Choose vibrant bedding plants for a short-term show, or herbs, shrubs and evergreens for a longer-lasting display.

The great thing about hanging baskets is that you can plant them in situ straight away. The basic principles for creating a hanging basket are very simple. First of all, if you are using a standard wire basket, it will need to be lined. You can buy readymade cardboard liners and fibrous materials sold for the purpose.

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PROPERTY NEWS

Then add a good quality, peat-free multipurpose compost and give it a good water before starting to add your bedding plants or herbs, shrubs and

You should prune deciduous shrubs (losing their leaves in winter) after they have flowered.

evergreens. Once the basket has been planted, check every day in summer, watering always unless the compost is wet.

PRUNE EARLY-FLOWERING SHRUBS Deciduous shrubs that flower in late winter, spring and early summer need annual pruning to encourage strong, healthy shoots and improve flowering.

Annual pruning also prolongs the life of these early-flowering shrubs.

You should prune deciduous shrubs (losing their leaves in winter) after they have flowered. As they usually flower on the previous year’s growth, pruning immediately after flowering allows maximum time for the development of young growth.

To prune, you will need a good pair

of secateurs and start by cutting out any damaged or dead shoots back to their point of origin. Where there are many stems, remove some to ground level to keep the bush open and avoid congestion.

PLANT SUMMER BEDS Bedding plants provide a temporary decorative seasonal display for planters, borders, containers and hanging baskets. And now is the perfect time to create them. Bedding plants can be grown from seed, bought as plug plants (young seedlings) or purchased as pot-grown specimens.

sunshine you will have more luck with Mediterranean plants, flowers and herbs than if you tried to plant something more suitable for shady conditions. Once you know your borders and beds, you can go online to find the most suitable plants or ask at your local garden centre.

WATERING Watering is key to growing healthy, beautiful plants, however, water is a precious resource and supplies in the UK are under pressure, so you want to be water-smart to help the environment and preserve water.

The best time to water plants is in the Many public gardens change the morning, as this is when the sun comes bedding up and plants start to use displays the water. The foliage and twice a year, soil surface is also likely To prune, you will replanting in to stay drier for longer need a good pair of late spring and than evening watering, secateurs and start early autumn. discouraging slugs and by cutting out any This is called snails from ruining damaged or dead successional your plants. shoots back to their planting. point of origin.

However, In regards to how much before you water, there is no simple rule even think of thumb. Each plant has about planting summer beds, you will different watering needs, however, want to know what type of soil you have. you can look for the signs that a plant needs more or less water such as a lack For example, if you have a dry border of growth, dull leaves, wilting and a with free-draining soil and lots of change in position of leaves.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Perfect to kick-off the summer with, this hot tune by Selena Gomez

THIS SUMMER’S

HOTLY

ANTICIPATED TRACKS

Get summer ready with the hottest tracks to enjoy in the sun

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his summer will be one of freedom and new beginnings for many, and music is one of the best ways to channel that inner sensitivity and soulfulness into something to be shared with others. These inspirational-entitled tracks for this summer will surely do just that. So, let’s crack ourselves wide open this summer and enjoy the tunes!

“Rare” by Selena Gomez Perfect to kick-off the summer with, this hot tune

by Selena Gomez blends themes of breakup and self-affirmation, and features a killer baseline accompanied with Selena’s typically delicate vocals.

“On My Own” by Shamir More of a declaration of independence rather than a moan of loneliness, this sizzling beat from Shamir rather sounds like a homage to the 90’s with its old-schools sounds. It’s crunchy guitar and textured percussion providing the song with a somewhat lo-fi charm, Shamir has described the song as “an accidental quarantine anthem.”

“Hard To Forget” by Sam Hunt Typically creating earnest, bittersweet estrangement anthems, Sam Hunt makes no

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PROPERTY NEWS

exception with this country pop hit which invites us to reflect on how hard it can be to let certain things or people go.

“Do It” by Chloe x Halle Typically known for their icy cool R&B sounds, “Do It” features a more angelic intertwining of both their vocals. This track was produced by Scott Storch, who was perhaps the biggest producer in pop and hip-hop during the 2000s, and he shows he still has the touch with an airy beat that bring out the best of Chloe and Halle’s harmonies.

“Play Play” by J Hus ft. Burna Boy A refreshing blast of tropical breeze, “Play Play” rises and falls like a cresting wave with the vocals contrasting from one another masterfully.

This is British rapper J Hus’ and Nigerian Afro-pop superstar Burna Boy’s third collaboration, the track altogether boasting their smooth baritone harmonies.

“Physical” by Dua Lipa Dua Lipa was a big hit last year, and with her new song, “Physical”, she is sure dominate this year too.

It has a neo-80’s feel to it, and offers chuggingsounding synthesisers with high powered vocals.

THE LATEST FILMS

TO GET YOU

FIRED UP A

s cinemas reopened May 17th, we can look forward to indulging in all the latest releases. And after repeated setbacks, we take a look at some of the films that have been put on hold, but are now ready to explode onto UK screens.

BLACK WIDOW

The much anticipated Marvel superhero movie will hit screens in early July, having been pushed back on three separate occasions due to the forced closure of cinemas.

The film is a sequel to the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016), and will focus on the lead character Natasha Romanoff, as she deals with issues in her past, long before she became an Avenger. As well as Scarlett Johansson, who will reprise her role as Romanoff, Black Widow will feature a star-studded cast which includes Florence Pugh, Ray Winstone, and Rachel Weisz. The film will also be made available on Disney+.

PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY

This 3D live action/computer-animated comedy is a sequel to Peter Rabbit, and will include many of the bignames who starred in the first film. In particular, James Corden will voice the title character once more, and Rose Byrne and Dominic Gleeson will also return. This instalment will see Peter with his makeshift family, but forced to confront his mischievous behaviour.

After being originally postponed, the release of this family favourite will be of interest to all ages, come May 21st.

TOP GUN: MAVERICK

The long-awaited sequel to the 80s classic Top Gun, will be on our screens towards the end of the year. Filming was completed by Summer 2019, but due to post-production details, eand ensuing lockdowns, this action movie will finally hit cinemas. The film sees Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer reprise their 80s roles, in a cast which will also boast Jon Hamm. Tom Cruise’s other new release, Mission Impossible 7, has been moved to 2022, in order to make way for Top Gun: Maverick.

And after repeated setbacks, we take a look at some of the films that have been put on hold

SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW

This new horror film, starring Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson was scheduled to be released in May last year. But it is now confirmed that this spine-chilling new movie will be available from May 21st. Centred around a brash detective and his rookie partner, the pair investigate a set of gruesome murders. And for all the horror fans who can’t get enough, the latest instalment of The Conjuring series, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, will be released just one week later.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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WILL ENGLAND BE EURO STARS? Southgate’s men looking to end 55 years of hurt

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the World Cup. All their Group D games are in London and they would only be required to travel for a quarter-final tie.

t’s coming home … in a manner of speaking.

The 16th edition of football’s European Championships, postponed from last year, kicks off on June 11th and, for the first time, games are spread across the continent rather than one host nation, although the business end will be held at Wembley Stadium.

Which will be handy for England should they again get to the semi-finals of a competition which is notoriously more difficult to win than its big brother,

It is, without doubt, one of the reasons why Gareth Southgate’s squad will be regarded among the favourites for only the third major tournament held in the birthplace of the game – the others being the World Cup in 1966, which they won, and Euro 96, where they lost on penalties in the semi-finals.

But with England, getting out of the group is always something of an achievement, let alone one that is strewn with banana skins.

GROUP A

Friday June 11th Turkey Saturday June 12th Wales Wednesday June 16th Turkey

Italy Baku, 2pm Switzerland Baku, 5pm Wales

Saturday June 12th Denmark Saturday June 12th Belgium

Certainly, the fact they will not have to stray too far from home is a massive plus, but England were extremely underwhelming in their recent World Cup qualifiers. And the fear is the deeper they progress into the tournament, the more leg-weary they will become as the intensity of a punishing domestic season takes its toll.

So, it may be worth siding with a squad which does not rely on England-based players.

North Macedonia it is then!

Turkey Rome, 5pm Wales

Copenhagen, 5pm Finland St Petersburg, 8pm Russia

Sunday June 13th

Bucharest, 5pm

Austria

North Macedonia

Sunday June 13th Netherlands

Amsterdam, 8pm Ukraine

Finland

Ukraine

North Macedonia

Denmark

Baku, 5pm

GROUP C

Bucharest, 2pm

Switzerland

PROPERTY NEWS

So, will suburban England once again be awash in a sea of St George’s flags and will we all be wearing Gareth Southgate waistcoats come July 11th?

Thursday June 17th

Italy

Italy

As for Wales, their Group A campaign is marginally less daunting, although the games against Italy, Turkey and Switzerland are divided between Baku and Rome.

It may be worth siding with a squad which does not rely on Englandbased players.

Wednesday June 16th St Petersburg, 2pm

Thursday June 17th

Sunday June 20th

14

Rome, 8pm

Rome, 8pm

Switzerland

If they win the group, England face the runners-up from Group F – that’s either Germany, France, defending champions Portugal or Hungary. Finish runners-up and its either Spain, Poland, Sweden or Slovakia. Who said there were easy games in international knockout football?

Top the group, though, and the last-16 tie is at Wembley, while it’s a short hop to Amsterdam if they are second.

GROUP B

Wednesday June 16th

Sunday June 20th

They open their campaign on June 13th against Croatia, their conquerors in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, before the showdown with Auld Enemy Scotland on June 18th and the conclusion against the Czech Republic four days later. Southgate will not need reminding you cannot underestimate the Croatians or the Czechs; as for the Scots, what they may lack in technical ability they will make up in heart and workrate, and the England manager will be grateful for a repeat of the win against the Tartan Terrors in the group stages of Euro 96.

Monday June 21st Russia Monday June 21st Finland

Russia Copenhagen, 5pm Belgium Copenhagen, 8pm Denmark St Petersburg, 8pm Belgium

Thursday June 17th Netherlands Monday June 21st North Macedonia Monday June 21st Ukraine

Amsterdam, 8pm Austria Amsterdam, 5pm Netherlands Bucharest, 5pm Austria

GROUP D

GROUP E

Wembley, 2pm

Sunday June 13th England

Monday June 14th

Croatia

Scotland

Slovakia

Spain

Glasgow, 5pm

Sweden

Friday June 18th

Croatia

Czech Republic

Sweden

Friday June 18th

Wembley 8pm

Saturday June 19th

England

Scotland

Tuesday June 22nd

Scotland Wembley, 8pm

Tuesday June 22nd Czech Republic

St Petersburg, 2pm Slovakia Seville, 8pm

Spain

Glasgow, 9pm

Croatia

Seville, 8pm

Monday June 14th

Czech Republic

Friday June 18th

St Petersburg, 5pm

Poland

Glasgow, 2pm

Monday June 14th

GROUP F

Poland

Hungary Tuesday June 15th France Saturday June 19th Hungary Saturday June 19th Portugal

Spain

Saturday June 26th

M 40

Sunday June 27th

M 41

Monday June 28th

M 43

Tuesday June 29th

Runner up

Winner

Group A

Runner up

Group B

Budapest, 5pm

Group C

Runner up

Winner

Amsterdam, 5pm

Third

Group D/E/F

Copenhagen, 5pm

Group D

Runner up

Group E

Glasgow, 8pm

Group E

Third

Group A/B/C/D

M 37

Saturday June 26th

M 39

Sunday June 27th

M 42

Monday June 28th

M 44

Tuesday June 29th

Winner

Wednesday June 23rd Germany

Winner

Winner

Winner

Group A

Group B

Group F

Group D

Friday July 2nd

M 47

Saturday July 3rd

Winner

Winner

St Petersburg, 5pm

Match 41

Winner

Match 42

Baku, 5pm

Match 40

Winner

Match 38

M 46

Friday July 2nd

M 48

Saturday July 3rd

Winner

Winner

Match 39

Match 43

Wembley, 8pm Runner up

Group C

Seville, 8pm Third

Group A/D/E/F

Bucharest, 8pm Third

Group A/B/C

Wembley, 5pm Runner up

Group F

Munich, 8pm Winner

Match 37

Rome, 8pm Winner

Match 44

SEMI-FINALS M 49

Wembley, 8pm

Tuesday July 6th Winner

Match 46

Winner

Match 45

M 50

Wednesday July 7th Winner

Match 48

FINAL M 51

Sunday July 11th Winner

Match 49

Wembley, 8pm Winner

Match 50

Munich, 8pm Hungary

QUARTER-FINALS M 45

Budapest, 8pm France

ROUND OF 16 M 38

Munich, 5pm Germany

Portugal

Slovakia

Budapest, 2pm France

Sweden

Seville, 5pm

Munich, 8pm Germany

Wednesday June 23rd

Poland

Budapest, 5pm Portugal

Wednesday June 23rd St Petersburg, 5pm

Wednesday June 23rd

England

Tuesday June 15th

Wembley, 8pm Winner

Match 47

Project3_Layout 1 30/10/2015 12:20 Page 1

£599,950

Overhills, Olney

An impressive four bedroom detached house enjoying a quiet cul-de-sac location. On a highly sought after development.

The present owners have carried out many fine improvements paying particular attention to detail. The main feature is the large open plan kitchen / diner / family room which is configured across the full rear width of the property and incorporates large bi-folding glazed doors to maximise the rear garden aspect. Benefits include gas radiator central heating, Double glazing, security alarm, garage store, ample off road parking and a low maintenance rear garden. There is great scope to extend over the garage, subject to planning permission.

£1,750,000

Olney Road, Emberton

A fine country home situated in one of north buckinghamshires most sought after villages, enjoying beautiful mature gardens with attached paddock land, in total approx 4 acres. This substantial property dates back to the mid 17th century and offers a wealth of charm and character. In recent years the property has been sympathetically extended and improved by the present owners and features a wonderful aga kitchen / family room, four further reception rooms, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a self-contained one bedroom annexe.

stephenoakley.co.uk

01234 711800

enquiries@stephenoakley.co.uk

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION

£635,000

Carters Close, Sherington

An impressive four bedroom detached home enjoying a secluded location at the end of a private driveway off a quiet cul-de-sac on a highly sought after development. The property overlooks a small village green and has been extended and improved by the present owners to provide a spacious ground floor living accommodation with several fine features. Benefits include gas radiator central heating, replacement double glazing, private landscaped garden and an attached double width garage.

£355,000

Weston Road, Olney

A charming double fronted stone cottage conveniently situated in the town centre off a quiet lane via a stone pillared entrance. This character property features two double bedrooms and benefits from gas radiator central heating, part double glazing, off-road parking and detached garage. In addition, the property enjoys a private garden.

stephenoakley.co.uk

Project3_Layout 1 30/10/2015 12:20 Page 1

Wellingborough Road, Olney

£199,500

An impressive one bedroom ground floor apartment, situated within one of the town’s historic landmark properties.

This beautiful building was skilfully converted into luxury apartments in 1999 and has since proven to be a highly sought after address. Benefits include double glazing, gas radiator central heating, security intercom system, designated private car parking space and ample visitor parking.

£225,000

High Street, Olney

We are pleased to offer for sale this spacious three-bedroom apartment, conveniently located in the sought after high street, close to all local amenities. Benefits include gas fired radiator central heating, double glazing, period features and no upward chain. This would make an ideal investment purchase or for someone wanting to live in the heart of olney town centre.

stephenoakley.co.uk

01234 711800

enquiries@stephenoakley.co.uk

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION

£520,000

Clifton Reynes, Olney

A fantastic opportunity to acquire a high specification four bedroom detached barn conversion, situated in a secure rural gated courtyard setting in the picturesque village of clifton reynes, near the charming market town of olney, of which for those feeling energetic is an easy 1 mile walk across beautiful countryside and over the river by foot bridge.

The property is accessed via a gated entrance and the accommodation comprises of living room, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with ensuite, home office / bedroom four and cloakroom on the ground floor.

£510,000

Prospect Close, Wollaston

An established five bedroom detached property, enjoying a corner plot in a quiet cul-de-sac on the fringe of this popular northants village. The flexible accommodation is deceptively spacious and can easily be arranged to provide a self contained separate annexe. Benefits include gas fired radiator central heating, replacement double glazing, substantial off road parking and a private south facing rear garden.

stephenoakley.co.uk

Project3_Layout 1 30/10/2015 12:20 Page 1

MEET THE TEAM

Stephen Oakley Stephen is a partner and has enjoyed over thirty f ive years of working within the local property market.

He is a fellow of propertymark naea and a licensed member of Arla Stephen resides in Olney and is actively involved with local sports and events.

Kim Oakley Kim is an active partner involved in all aspects of the company including administration, accounts and hr.

Kim enjoys swimming, travelling and interior design.

Ben Norrish Ben is an established member of the business having been a loyal servant for over 13 years, initially within the sales dept and more recently working in the busy property management and lettings team. Ben is a keen golfer and avid supporter of ‘The Cobblers’ Northampton Town F.C.

Nick Pearce Nick heads up our busy lettings dept, resides with his family in the town and is actively involved in the local football scene. Nick is a passionate supporter of ‘The Hatters’ Luton Town F.C.

Zara Pryce Zara has a joint role as a sales consultant and providing valuable administrative support. Zara is passionate about interior design, lives locally and enjoys socialising within the local community.

stephenoakley.co.uk

01234 711800

enquiries@stephenoakley.co.uk

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION

Martin Blackburn Martin is responsible for property maintenance and assists with the commercial dept. Martin resides in the town with his family and enjoys cooking. He is a committee member and former chairman of ‘The Bucks Farmers Ball’.

Geraldine Vale Geraldine brings vast experience to the sales team, having worked within the local property market for over thirty five years. Geraldine resides in the town and is actively involved within the local community.

Yvonne Norrish Yvonne provides admin and support to both the sales and lettings teams. Yvonne has a publishing background and has lived locally for many years.

Yvonne is a passionate follower of the ‘The MK Dons’ F.C.

Michele Harrison Michele is a chartered accountant and is responsible for our property management accounts. Michele is a keen follower of bedford blues rugby club and enjoys travelling and equine activities.

Julie Rose Julie is an experienced book-keeper and manages the business accounts. Julie lives locally and enjoys canal boat sailing and walking with our canine friends.

stephenoakley.co.uk

Project3_Layout 1 30/10/2015 12:20 Page 1

Here’s what some of our

”

Mr D Soul – COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD

Always found him and his team honest and reliable.

Managed properties for me, negotiating repairs and other work as necessary. They’ve also advised me on rental levels and provided new tenants when required. So all in all they are in my view a complete package of which I have been very satisfied.

“

Mrs E Gould – PURCHASER

As this is one of the most important purchases that we will ever make, for me personally, the most important thing is that they are trustworthy and that their communication skills are second to none.

Mrs J Romeo – PURCHASER & VENDOR

”

I had two estates agents round to value my property and I was particularly impressed with Stephen Oakley, I found them to be trust-worthy and to have a lot of local knowledge and the customer service at that time was excellent.

stephenoakley.co.uk

01234 711800

enquiries@stephenoakley.co.uk

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION

customers have to say

“

Mr P Bennett – RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD

I would always recommend Stephen Oakley not just to family and friends but to wider business circles because I think basically their professionalism makes them stand out estate agents.

Mr N McFarland – PURCHASER, VENDOR & LANDLORD I’ve used Stephen Oakley on serveral occasions now as a tenant, a landlord, buying a house and selling a house. I’ve recently recommended them to friends who are looking to buy simply so they get the right service and the correct information.

Mr P & A Carlisle – PURCHASERS & VENDORS

“

We have recommended Stephen Oakley lots and lots of times and will continue to do so. We’ve always found the service to be excellent.

stephenoakley.co.uk

”

KEEP CALM IT’S

COMING HOME Football’s coming home, how about you?

Here at Stephen Oakley, we are behind our boys 100%, just like we are for you when it comes to selling your home. We offer innovative marketing, alongside excellent customer service to ensure your move goes to plan.

01234 711800 stephenoakley.co.uk enquires@stephenoakley.co.uk