Essentially Local September-October 2017
Essentially Local is a bi-monthly publication that is delivered to over 12,000 homes and businesses around the North of Milton Keynes and South Northamptonshire. It includes a directory of local businesses, competitions and lots of great local articles. You will also find the latest events that are taking place.
Essentially Local is a bi-monthly publication that is delivered to over 12,000 homes and businesses around the North of Milton Keynes and South Northamptonshire. It includes a directory of local businesses, competitions and lots of great local articles. You will also find the latest events that are taking place.
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<strong>September</strong>/<strong>October</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
Your FREE copy – Issue 82<br />
Getting back to work and school...<br />
Pets and friends pictures – Thank you to all who sent us their great photos<br />
www.essentiallylocal.co.uk
Building Services<br />
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Home Services<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
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Contents & Welcome<br />
Inside this Issue…<br />
<strong>Essentially</strong> Business and Professional<br />
30 Investing for children; Are you weighed down by reward cards?<br />
How much pocket money should I give my child?<br />
40 Product recalls – what’s behind them?<br />
<strong>Essentially</strong> Children<br />
24 Children’s fun; Big Draw <strong>2017</strong> – Go Wild in the Rainforest!<br />
<strong>Essentially</strong> Community<br />
18 A cool way to care; Free Heritage Open Days at the<br />
heart of Milton Keynes’ 50th anniversary year<br />
50 Poppy Appeal<br />
<strong>Essentially</strong> Leisure<br />
8 York House Presents . . .<br />
9 The Old Talbot under new ownership<br />
22 ARTea Room’s Cake Tasting Plate –<br />
the solution to cake dilemmas!<br />
23 Want to get creative, or find time to escape the<br />
madness of everyday life?<br />
<strong>Essentially</strong> Home & Garden<br />
22 Courgette Cake recipe<br />
34 How to create the perfect study space ...<br />
44 Summer’s end; For Autumn colour; Wasps<br />
46 Stony In Bloom; Wolverton in Bloom<br />
50 Skyline charges ahead with electric taxis; Car drivers beware …<br />
<strong>Essentially</strong> Health and Well-being<br />
11 Kicking the habit; Oxygen facials – a breath of fresh air;<br />
Happy Bodies Spinathon<br />
16 Smile – this could be the solution<br />
<strong>Essentially</strong> Pets<br />
10 Autumn – seasonal advice;<br />
Protect your pets against ticks and lungworm<br />
Regulars<br />
6 Reader offers<br />
20 Competition – Win a hot drink and a cake for a week at<br />
Out of Office Coffee, Stony Stratford<br />
26 What’s On<br />
28 What’s On Sport; Useful numbers<br />
48 Advertisers list<br />
Where we Deliver…<br />
Towcester<br />
Paulerspury<br />
Alderton<br />
Yardley Gobion<br />
Potterspury<br />
Old Stratford<br />
Hanslope<br />
Castlethorpe<br />
Wolverton<br />
Deanshanger<br />
Wolverton Mill<br />
Stony Stratford<br />
Wicken<br />
Passenham<br />
Calverton<br />
Beachampton<br />
Hanslope Long Street<br />
Cosgrove<br />
Haversham<br />
Old Wolverton<br />
Hello Readers…<br />
Thanks to everyone who sent in a cover<br />
picture – pets and friends! Some of you may<br />
recognise Wolverton Community Orchard.<br />
The Moorgate Farm Vegetable Box<br />
scheme’s Courgette Cake recipe on page 22<br />
is a must try! Susan from Moorgate has even<br />
successfully tested the cake on a group of<br />
children who did not even suspect they<br />
were eating vegetables!<br />
Do your children get pocket money?<br />
Read about how you can help them manage<br />
their finances on page 30. With summer<br />
holidays behind us it’s time to get back to<br />
education and work, organising your space<br />
can make life easier – Pippa has some great<br />
ideas on page 34.<br />
The Government have set up a new<br />
recording system that will help us all if a<br />
product needs to be recalled. Read about<br />
it in our latest Trading Standards article on<br />
page 40.<br />
You could win a free hot drink and<br />
piece of cake every day for a week if you<br />
enter our competition from Out of Office<br />
Coffee House in Stony Stratford. There<br />
are two ways to win so<br />
turn to page 20. Finally,<br />
remember keep your<br />
business <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong>.<br />
Emma – Editor<br />
Get in Touch…<br />
<strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong><br />
The Office, 5 The Stocks,<br />
Cosgrove, Milton Keynes MK19 7JD<br />
Tel: 01908 380777<br />
Email: info@essentiallylocal.co.uk<br />
Website: www.essentiallylocal.co.uk<br />
<strong>Essentially</strong>-<strong>Local</strong><br />
<strong>Essentially</strong>l<br />
Design and production:<br />
Andrew Metcalfe andrew@meticulousdesign.com<br />
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Motoring Services<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
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Reader Offers<br />
Reader offers and ideas<br />
Treat yourself, a relative or a friend to one of our great local ideas and offers<br />
Brasserie at Cloud 9 Spa<br />
20% off food and beverages<br />
This offer applies to all new and existing customers<br />
at the new Brasserie. The offer is valid up until 15<br />
November <strong>2017</strong>, Please remember to take this offer<br />
along with you.For opening times please call<br />
01908 804804<br />
Potterspury House,<br />
3 Poundfield Road,<br />
Potterspury, NN12 7QL<br />
www.cloud9spa.co.uk<br />
Got2Jot<br />
10% off everything Fashion stationery and gifts<br />
Use promo code EL<strong>2017</strong> at checkout<br />
Code valid till 30/9/17<br />
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any<br />
other offers or codes and does not apply<br />
to the delivery charge.<br />
https://got2jot.co.uk<br />
Boutique Organica<br />
Clairderm Oxygen Facial – Autumn<br />
special offer £42 for an hour session<br />
normally £58<br />
Book now: 01908 569259<br />
Valid until 31 <strong>October</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
One offer per person cannot be used<br />
in conjunction with any other offers<br />
www.boutiqueorganica.co.uk<br />
01908 569259<br />
4 Odell’s Yard, The High Street,<br />
Stony Stratford, MK11 1AF<br />
Windscreens on Wheels<br />
£10 off first Glass Repair – Normally £45<br />
Mobile Windscreen Repair and Replacement.<br />
<strong>Local</strong>, independent, family run business with all<br />
vehicles catered for, modern, classic, agricultural,<br />
plant glass. Insurance companies billed directly,<br />
major credit cards accepted<br />
Call now 01908 216 677<br />
07813611170<br />
www.windscreensonwheels.co.uk<br />
Lovely Living<br />
10 % off all products during <strong>September</strong> and<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>2017</strong>. Make your home a dream.<br />
Specialists in French and Scandinavian<br />
inspired furniture, gifts and accessories.<br />
Valid until 31 <strong>October</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
Sales items excluded from discount<br />
76 High Street, Stony Stratford,<br />
Milton Keynes MK11 1AH<br />
01908 565 005<br />
www.lovelylivinghome.co.uk<br />
Body Blitz Fitness<br />
Mobile Personal Trainer. ‘Silver’ package of 8<br />
Sessions for £290. Split the cost between 2, 3 or 4<br />
people and train as a group.<br />
Feel better, feel healthier and take a step towards a<br />
new you! Includes free consultation, weight, body fat<br />
and muscle percentage, nutritional guidance and a<br />
customised routine to help you reach your goals.<br />
Call Lee 07452 820030<br />
lee.bodyfitnessblitz@gmail.com<br />
FaceBook Body Fitness Blitz ltd<br />
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Leisure<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
7
Leisure<br />
York House presents…<br />
Treats coming up at York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JQ<br />
www.york-house.org.uk<br />
www.pipeandtabor.org<br />
Ticket enquiries: 07968 681751<br />
The Glorious Madness<br />
8.00pm-11.00pm, Friday,<br />
20 <strong>October</strong><br />
Andy Fenton and<br />
“Wishbone Ash Unplugged”<br />
8.15pm-10.45pm Saturday,<br />
16 <strong>September</strong><br />
Guitar supremo Andy Fenton and his<br />
fellow Wishbone Ash fans present an<br />
evening of songs of the legendary<br />
band, emphasising the acoustic folk/<br />
rock sounds at the heart of the music.<br />
Ticket details to follow.<br />
Doors open at 7.30pm<br />
The Reburial of Richard III<br />
2.30pm, Saturday,<br />
16 <strong>September</strong><br />
Join Dr.Phil Stone,<br />
Chairman of the<br />
Richard III Society, for<br />
his own very personal<br />
account of the events<br />
leading up to and<br />
including the reburial of Richard III.<br />
Doors open at 2pm, talk starts at<br />
2.30pm. Tickets: £5.00. Advanced<br />
bookings due to limited places.<br />
Jeanette Melbourne, Secretary, Rill<br />
Society – Beds & Bucks Group, 07957<br />
157273 or j.melbourne@hotmail.<br />
co.uk<br />
Vivant in Concert<br />
3.00pm-5.00pm, Sunday,<br />
24 <strong>September</strong><br />
Vivant combine the talents of:<br />
Mark Prescott – a talented violinist,<br />
at home in a wide variety of genres<br />
Clive Williams – master of the<br />
melodeon, with a wide repertoire of<br />
French and English folk music and<br />
early music genres.<br />
Enjoy acoustic instrumental music<br />
on violin and melodeon.<br />
Tickets £6.00 from York House<br />
Centre, or on-line www.wegottickets.<br />
com/event/401296<br />
International Pipe and<br />
Tabor Festival <strong>2017</strong><br />
Saturday, 30 <strong>September</strong><br />
Lyrical melodies and pulsating drive of<br />
the pipe and tabor instruments.<br />
12.40–1.40pm Pipe and Tabor<br />
Beginner’s Workshop (£10 including D<br />
pipe or free with your own).<br />
1.50–2.50pm Playing for Morris Jigs<br />
Workshop.<br />
3.00–4.15pm – Playing for Early<br />
Dance Workshop – 15th and 16th<br />
century dance. Players of acoustic<br />
instruments who can play in G, D<br />
and Em are welcome! Music at www.<br />
pipeandtabor.org.<br />
4.30–6.30pm – Early Dance<br />
Workshop – 15th and 16th century<br />
dances, no partner required. (£7.00<br />
playing & dance, £4 dance)<br />
8.00–11.00pm – concert (£7.50)<br />
with bar – Uplifting music from Juana<br />
Etchegoin (music of the Basque<br />
Country – txirula & ttun ttun (pipe<br />
and string drum) & txistu & danbolin<br />
(pipe and tabor) morris jigs from<br />
Ollie Simons and pipe and tabor<br />
performances Taborers Society.<br />
The Great War, volunteers, white<br />
feathers and heroes brought back to<br />
life in story and song. Written by Mike<br />
Sparks and Carys Sullivan with songs<br />
performed by Les Sullivan, with Moses<br />
& The Ref and Denise Dryburgh.<br />
Proceeds to support The Royal<br />
British Legion. Tickets from York<br />
House or www.york-house.org.uk.<br />
For information Mike Sparks:<br />
mike@mjsparks.co.uk<br />
Carys Sullivan:<br />
carys.sullivan2a@gmail.com<br />
Clap Hands!<br />
Here Comes D.D.<br />
8.00pm-11.00pm,<br />
Saturday, 14 <strong>October</strong><br />
Sharon P Watson<br />
promotes her love<br />
of Jazz & Blues with<br />
a unique powerful<br />
vocal style.<br />
Doors open at<br />
7.30pm. Tickets: £5<br />
from York House,<br />
or on-line www.wegottickets.com/<br />
event/401266<br />
Kara In Concert<br />
8.00pm-11.00pm, Friday,<br />
27 <strong>October</strong><br />
KARA bring a rich mix of songs and<br />
tunes; hammered dulcimer, guitar<br />
and melodeon back the striking lead<br />
vocals in original material laced with<br />
folk music from around the world.<br />
Doors open at 7.30pm.<br />
www.karafolkband.com<br />
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Leisure<br />
The Old Talbot under new ownership<br />
The excited new owners of The Old<br />
Talbot in Potterspury have committed<br />
themselves to restoring this delightful<br />
17th Century pub. Following its recent<br />
reopening they aim to improve all that<br />
it can offer you starting with a welcome<br />
to locals and those from further afield.<br />
On the outside they are developing<br />
a safe children’s play zone that is<br />
fenced and gated. They have also<br />
improving the seating area for those<br />
who prefer a drink al fresco. Alongside<br />
the physical improvements you can<br />
look forward to proper British pub<br />
grub. This comes with a guarantee<br />
of great quality while being excellent<br />
value. In addition to you’ll be able to<br />
enjoy a full programme of seasonal<br />
events.<br />
To find out more check out their<br />
new website at www.theoldtalbot.pub<br />
for all the news.<br />
Craig and Mark and their respective<br />
families look forward to welcoming<br />
you to their family friendly village pub<br />
very soon!<br />
The Old Talbot, Potterspury Now OPEN – under new ownership!<br />
www.theoldtalbot.pub 01908 760018 Facebook: TheOldTalbot<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
9
Animal services<br />
Autumn –seasonal advice<br />
As temperatures start to drop and the nights get<br />
darker, think about keeping your animals safe and<br />
warm. Provide extra bedding and move outdoor<br />
pets, like rabbits and guinea pigs, into a shed or<br />
garage for extra shelter during the cold spells. Fit<br />
your dogs and cats with reflective collars to keep<br />
them safe in the dark and make sure you use quick<br />
release collars for your cats.<br />
If you are building a bonfire, build it as close<br />
to the time of lighting as possible and check it<br />
thoroughly for animals before lighting.<br />
Road accidents involving deer are common<br />
throughout the year but drivers should be<br />
particularly aware of deer<br />
warning signs during<br />
the rut, which lasts from<br />
mid-July to December.<br />
Collisions should be<br />
reported to the police.<br />
For more information on lost pets or the animals in their care: call the RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks on<br />
01908 611179 • cathome@mkrspca.org.uk • www.rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk<br />
Protect your pets against ticks and lungworm<br />
A recent study ‘The Big Tick Project’<br />
found that one in three dogs was<br />
affected by ticks in the UK and that<br />
Buckinghamshire is a high risk area.<br />
Ticks are an irritant, unpleasant and<br />
can transmit serious diseases such as<br />
Lyme disease and babesiosis to pets<br />
and humans too.<br />
Fortunately there are many<br />
products available to help keep your<br />
pets protected from ticks. Please<br />
contact your vet to discuss the most<br />
appropriate treatment. Purchase a<br />
tick removing device from your vet<br />
instead of pulling the tick off – parts<br />
of it can be left in your pet. Destroy<br />
Contact The Vet Centre Cherry Lane Garden Centre, Potterspury, NN12 7QN<br />
01280 812057 or 01908 542155 visit www.thevetcentre.ltd.uk for more information.<br />
the tick without allowing it back into<br />
the environment and wear gloves so it<br />
does not attach itself to you!<br />
Lungworm, Angiostrongylus<br />
vasorum, a parasitic disease of<br />
dogs, is becoming more common<br />
throughout the UK. Your dog can<br />
become infected by eating slugs<br />
and snails that carry the parasite.<br />
Lungworm can cause a variety of<br />
symptoms in dogs, sometimes<br />
making it hard to diagnose, and if<br />
not treated can be fatal. Common<br />
symptoms include coughing, exercise<br />
intolerance, lethargy, nose bleeds and<br />
weight loss but many other signs may<br />
be seen.<br />
Lungworm can be prevented with<br />
a regular worming regime but not all<br />
worming products will work against<br />
lungworm. Please speak to your vet<br />
to make sure the treatment you use is<br />
effective.<br />
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Animal services<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
11
Wellbeing<br />
Kicking the habit<br />
When Ian Blackburn’s 12-year<br />
smoking habit began to take its toll<br />
on his health, he decided it was time<br />
to stop. After many aids to giving up<br />
failed, Ian’s doctor prescribed tablets<br />
that made a real difference. Needing<br />
help to focus, Ian went along with a<br />
friend to his first kick boxing session –<br />
and loved it.<br />
‘I had hit a ceiling with my general<br />
fitness,’ he explained, ’but with kick<br />
boxing I just keep improving.’ The<br />
regime even helped to keep off any<br />
extra weight gain. Ian’s confidence<br />
soared and he saw improvements not<br />
just in his fitness but his work, study<br />
and life in general.<br />
Ian was made to feel welcome and<br />
encouraged from the session. Finding<br />
the routine really helped, he is now<br />
aiming for his black belt.<br />
Would Ian recommend kick boxing<br />
as a way of managing addictive<br />
habits? ‘One hundred per cent!’ he<br />
says. ‘Trying something new can<br />
really pay off.’<br />
Call Sensei Lauren for more information www.karatemk.co.uk • 07910 154499 • lauren.ecka@hotmail.co.uk<br />
Oxygen Facials – a breath of fresh air<br />
Clairderm Oxygen Facials have arrived<br />
at Boutique Organica in Stony Stratford,<br />
bringing you an innovative therapy<br />
designed to lift and firm your skin by<br />
encouraging cell regeneration. The<br />
process is designed to heal and repair<br />
your skin more quickly, giving you an<br />
instant boost and feeling of good health.<br />
Without being exposed to harsh<br />
chemicals or needles, you will<br />
experience a calming and painless<br />
treatment that oxygenates to<br />
encourage the growth of new cells<br />
and collagen. The oxygen also helps<br />
to rejuvenate skin that has been<br />
exposed to pollutants and other<br />
toxins, as well as reducing blemishes<br />
and minor skin imperfections.<br />
Treatment begins with an exfoliation<br />
treatment to remove dirt and excess<br />
oils, followed by a mild steam<br />
process to open the pores. Oxygen<br />
is then introduced directly onto the<br />
skin, along with organic enhancing<br />
supplements to give firmness and<br />
smooth out lines and wrinkles. This<br />
gentle treatment can also be used on<br />
sensitive skin.<br />
To see the benefits for yourself take<br />
advantage of Boutique Organica’s<br />
reader offer on page 6.<br />
4 Odell’s Yard, The High Street, Stony Stratford, MK11 1AF www.boutiqueorganica.co.uk • 01908 569259<br />
Happy Bodies spinathon<br />
Members and friends of Happy Bodies<br />
Health and Wellbeing are getting<br />
ready to spin – 12 hours of non-stop<br />
spin on 25 August!<br />
Friends Debbie Smith, Liz Miller<br />
and Kate Grassick-Whitby organised<br />
this epic event after Debbie’s dad<br />
was diagnosed with a terminal brain<br />
tumour. Gym members have been<br />
amazing – 3 members will spin for 12<br />
hours, 16-year- old Shannon Barnes<br />
has committed to 4 hours. Aleisha<br />
Dixon who has never done anything<br />
like this will be testing her legs!<br />
Good luck to Jane and Emma-Louise<br />
Stanbridge, Julie and Emma Haley, Jo<br />
Patrick-Heselton, Robert Purton, Mark<br />
Dale, Mark Watson, Dale Underwood,<br />
Colin Turner, Simon Borrill and Steve<br />
Ward and all the other spinners.<br />
Please give generously to support<br />
Brain Tumour Charity<br />
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/<br />
the12hourspin<br />
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Wellbeing<br />
EVERYONE HAS TO<br />
START SOMEWHERE<br />
Take those first steps<br />
towards a healthier you…<br />
HAPPY BODIES | FURTHO COURT | OLD STRATFORD | MK19 6AN<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
13
Wellbeing<br />
www.nailsalonmiltonkeynes.co.uk<br />
LANh's NAiL sALoN<br />
• Acrylics • Nail art • Shellac • Air brush designs<br />
• Hand designs • Gel nails • Pedicures<br />
LANh’s NAiL sALoN in<br />
Stony Stratford provides a<br />
professional and relaxing nail<br />
care service to fully meet all<br />
your individual needs.<br />
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!<br />
CALL 01908 567796<br />
95 High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1AT<br />
What’s more, we also have free<br />
parking at the rear, free fast wi-fi<br />
in the shop and free tea and coffee.<br />
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Wellbeing<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
15
Wellbeing<br />
Smile – this could be the solution<br />
Recovery<br />
Your recovery should happen quite<br />
quickly after the operation but you may<br />
need some time off work, depending<br />
on the complexity of your treatment.<br />
Dental implants can transform<br />
your life – restoring your smile and<br />
helping you to talk and eat without<br />
embarrassment. So what are the facts?<br />
The implant<br />
Da Vinci Dental Clinic uses implants<br />
that will work with all bone types<br />
and even the most complicated of<br />
circumstances. These clever devices<br />
are fixed to your jaw, can last for years<br />
and according to your needs can<br />
comprise one or several implants to<br />
replace your missing teeth.<br />
There are three parts to an implant<br />
– first, the small threaded titanium<br />
cylinder, which is placed into the<br />
jawbone. Next, a small connecting<br />
part attaches the new porcelain tooth<br />
onto the cylinder. The implant gets its<br />
strength from being fixed into the jaw<br />
bone. Once it is fitted, you will find<br />
it hard to tell the difference between<br />
your implant and your natural teeth.<br />
Success<br />
Dental implants have a near perfect<br />
success rate and risk of complication is<br />
very low; however before offering you<br />
an implant the Da Vinci dentists will<br />
assess your suitability.<br />
Care<br />
Treatment is carried out under local<br />
anaesthetic, so you will not experience<br />
any pain. Slight swelling or discomfort<br />
after the treatment is normal as your<br />
gums begin to heal. Full after-care<br />
advice and management post-surgery<br />
will reduce your risks and promote<br />
healing.<br />
Timescales<br />
The procedure takes place in three<br />
stages. After your implant is fitted it<br />
takes three months for the bone to<br />
strengthen around it. If appropriate, a<br />
temporary crown can be fitted during<br />
this time. Once it is strong enough, your<br />
dentist will fit a connecting part to the<br />
implant and a couple of weeks later<br />
your tooth or teeth will be put in place.<br />
After this simply look after your new<br />
teeth in the same way as your real teeth<br />
– cleaning and flossing twice a day.<br />
Training<br />
In addition to their over 20 years of<br />
experience in performing thousands<br />
of implants all the Da Vinci dentists<br />
continuously undertake additional<br />
training. This ensures they have the<br />
necessary skills to perform these<br />
treatments and guarantee their<br />
knowledge, competence and safety.<br />
The cost<br />
Price varies according to your needs,<br />
with single implants starting at around<br />
£980 (including connecting part and<br />
crown) but their longevity means<br />
they offer great value for money. In<br />
addition there is an option for 0%<br />
credit finance over 6-12 months<br />
(subject to status) to spread the cost.<br />
You can be sure that you will be<br />
offered the latest technologies with<br />
the best treatments possible at<br />
affordable prices.<br />
Contact: Put the confidence back into your smile by visiting the team to<br />
find the perfect solution. To make an appointment with one of the lead<br />
dentists, Dr Memari and Dr Sarrami, call for an appointment on<br />
01908 886871 or 01908 322364<br />
3 Canon Harnett Court, Wolverton MK12 5NF<br />
www.davincidentistry.co.uk • info@davincidentistry.co.uk<br />
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Wellbeing<br />
Need a physio?<br />
You don’t have to wait!<br />
Experience you can trust<br />
Call<br />
01908 560355<br />
www.grandunionphysio.co.uk<br />
Old Stratford Business Park,<br />
Falcon Drive, Old Stratford MK19 6FG<br />
| Back pain | Muscle injury | Sore or overused muscles | Muscle cramping<br />
| Pregnancy back and leg discomfort | Headaches | Whiplash | Lymphatic drainage<br />
| Circulatory problems | Anxiety | Depression | Insomnia | Stress<br />
Tailor-made massage<br />
with you in mind<br />
Massage in Mind provides<br />
massage to meet your needs.<br />
Whether suffering from stress or having<br />
muscular discomfort, massage is a powerful<br />
tool to alleviate these and many more<br />
physical and emotional conditions.<br />
Call 01908 968430 to<br />
book your appointment.<br />
Massage in Mind Action Physiotherapy,<br />
54b High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1AQ<br />
Email reception@actionphysiotherapy.co.uk<br />
www.massageinmind.me<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
17
Community<br />
A cool way to care<br />
Residents and businesses can now donate food<br />
that would have been wasted to The Milton Keynes<br />
Community Fridge. Co-op, Wordsworth Avenue<br />
and Costa’s are leading the way in supporting the<br />
service and helping to reduce food waste.<br />
Donated foods such as fruit, vegetables, bread<br />
and sandwiches must be within their sell-by date<br />
and be prepared as well as cooked in a Registered<br />
Food Business.<br />
Co-ordinator Helen Innes said, “We are thrilled<br />
with MK Community Fridge and thank everyone<br />
who has helped make it happen. Food businesses in<br />
Wolverton and Milton Keynes can now donate their surplus<br />
food and we’d love to hear from anyone who can help.”<br />
If you need to access the food in the two fridges and<br />
one freezer, visit The Old Bath House Community Centre,<br />
Wolverton, from 7.00-9.00pm Monday-Friday.<br />
Crowd-funding and support from environmental charity<br />
Hubbub UK and Bosch have helped to ensure the venture’s<br />
To find out more, donate or volunteer visit<br />
www.mkcommunityfridge.org or www.facebook.com/MKCommunityFridge/<br />
success. Volunteers to help it to continue are always welcome.<br />
The average UK household throws away £470 worth of<br />
food every year while 4 million people are living in food<br />
poverty. Community Fridges have been successful in Spain<br />
and Germany as well as other parts of the UK as a way of<br />
cutting food waste.<br />
Free Heritage Open Days at the heart<br />
of Milton Keynes 50th anniversary year<br />
7 – 10 <strong>September</strong><br />
There are more than 70 free heritage Open Day events<br />
forming part of Milton Keynes 50th Anniversary. Milton<br />
Keynes Museum and Bletchley Park are offering 200<br />
free tickets per day. There are hands-on activities,<br />
performances, archive film screenings, arty options and<br />
guided tours exploring Milton Keynes’ rich heritage.<br />
Visit Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney,<br />
Buckingham’s Old Gaol Museum, Claydon House and<br />
Chandos Hall Museum in Newport Pagnell as well as a<br />
host of historic sites and churches. Various towns and<br />
villages will have guided tours, there’ll be a chance to quiz<br />
members of the Western Front Association and you can<br />
find out about Buckingham Canal restoration. Libraries are<br />
18<br />
also hosting events.<br />
There’s a Medieval Family Fun Day at Bradwell Abbey,<br />
Open Days BBQ, a Beer and Cider Festival at Milton<br />
Keynes Museum, Festive Road’s puppet workshop and<br />
much more. There are also art exhibitions, trails and<br />
demonstrations at various venues.<br />
The Willis Pipe Organ, Stony Stratford will be available to<br />
play and you can watch Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court<br />
in action, or see how rubbish and recycling was dealt with.<br />
Full details of the activities and events www.<br />
mkheritageopendays.com<br />
Follow Milton Keynes Heritage Open Days on<br />
Twitter using #MKHODs<br />
Please mention <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> when responding to adverts
Leisure<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
19
Competition<br />
Win…<br />
2 ways to WIN a hot drink and a cake for a<br />
week at Out of Office Coffee, Stony Stratford<br />
If you love speciality coffee or tea then head to Out of<br />
Office Coffee to escape your desk or household chores!<br />
This new independent coffee shop on the block is<br />
already receiving rave reviews for its speciality coffee,<br />
premium teas, craft chocolate and freshly baked cakes,<br />
pastries and savoury options.<br />
The surroundings offer a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere,<br />
whether you are catching up with friends, working or<br />
grabbing a take-away. An historic water-filled well,<br />
discovered during the renovations, is central to the décor<br />
with clever lighting showing off this fascinating feature.<br />
There is an option to sit outside, as well as access to free<br />
WIFI and USB ports.<br />
Owners Ben and Steve believe all the best things<br />
happen in coffee houses, from their coffee and food to your<br />
experience. That’s why their baristas are fully trained in the<br />
art of making the perfect drink – macchiato, espresso, latte<br />
and tea. They have also taken care of the smallest of details,<br />
from the coffee glasses to the delicious artisan pastries and<br />
cakes, as well as their selection of drink suppliers.<br />
There are two ways to win a week’s worth of coffee and<br />
cake! Only at Out of Office Coffee.<br />
45b High Street Stony Stratford<br />
http://outofofficecoffee.co.uk<br />
Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram<br />
Wordsearch winner… July/August<br />
Congratulations to Elena Ball from Wolverton who has won an<br />
Arbonne Facial worth £60 from Cloud 9 Spa, Potterspury<br />
01908 804804 www.cloud9spa.co.uk<br />
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ALMOND MILK BAKEWELL BANANA LOAF<br />
BARISTA BEANS BROWNIE<br />
CAPPUCCINOS CHOCOLATE COFFEE<br />
ESPRESSO FLAT WHITE HIGH STREET<br />
LATTE MOCHA MUFFINS<br />
OUT OF OFFICE PASTRIES SAVOURY<br />
SOY TEA VEGAN<br />
WELL WIFI WORKSHOP<br />
For a chance to win this fantastic prize,<br />
find the missing word in the grid, or pop into<br />
the café and guess the depth of the well to<br />
the nearest cm. Then send us your answer.<br />
Don’t forget to include your name and<br />
address.<br />
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Competition rules<br />
To enter the competition, email, post or telephone your answer to info@essentiallylocal.co.uk, <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong>, The Office, 5 The Stocks,<br />
Cosgrove, Milton Keynes MK19 7JD. 01908 380777. Remember to clearly state which competition you are entering and include your name,<br />
address and telephone number. 2. The competition runs from 1 <strong>September</strong>, <strong>2017</strong> and the closing date is 5pm, 13 <strong>October</strong>, <strong>2017</strong>. No purchase<br />
required. 3. There will be one winner who will be notified by telephone by 31 <strong>October</strong>, <strong>2017</strong>. The winner’s name will be published in the<br />
November-December edition of <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong>. 4. The prize for correctly identifying the missing word in the word search is one hot drink<br />
and a cake every day for a week. There is no cash or alternative prize. The winner must take up the prize offered between 1 December, <strong>2017</strong><br />
and 31 December, <strong>2017</strong>. 5. Entries are limited to ONE per household. Competitions cannot be entered by employees or family of Out of<br />
Office Coffee or <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> Ltd. All correct entries will be placed in a draw and the winner will be the first randomly selected name that<br />
is drawn. 6. The draw will take place on 20 <strong>October</strong>, <strong>2017</strong>. Judge’s decision is final. 7. Entrants may be notified of special offers from Out of<br />
Office Coffee; please state if you do not wish your details to be used.<br />
20<br />
Please mention <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> when responding to adverts
Leisure<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
21
Leisure<br />
ARTea Room’s Cake Tasting Plate –<br />
the solution to all cake dilemmas!<br />
A generous slice of home-made cake<br />
with the perfect cup of tea – a tasty<br />
treat that’s even better when taken<br />
with friends. But which do you choose<br />
– Victoria Sandwich, Coffee, Carrot,<br />
Toffee or Chocolate Cake?<br />
ARTea Room’s Cake Tasting Plate<br />
comes bursting with choice, flavour,<br />
and of course calories! And a date<br />
with this delight is the perfect solution<br />
to your cake dilemma.<br />
Victoria Sandwich – this classic,<br />
very British light and airy choice,<br />
topped with home-made butter icing<br />
and strawberry jam, is always a winner.<br />
Coffee Cake – another traditional<br />
British offering. This bursts with the<br />
flavours of the much-loved bean and is<br />
topped with crunchy walnuts that take<br />
your texture buds to the next dimension.<br />
Carrot Cake – irresistible, moist<br />
and enticing as the gentle spices<br />
excite your taste buds and the creamy<br />
topping melts in your mouth.<br />
Toffee Cake – this tea-time favourite<br />
is rich, sweet, soft and more-ish – and<br />
will brighten any autumnal day.<br />
Chocolate Cake – it’s truly<br />
scrumptious and there is no getting away<br />
from the deep, rich, chocolately flavour!<br />
To book a date for a Cake Tasting:<br />
ARTea Room opening hours: 10.00am-4.00pm Tuesday-Saturday<br />
11.00am-4.00pm on Sundays.<br />
Wakefield Country Courtyard, Potterspury NN12 7QX.<br />
01327 810245 • enquiries@artearoom.co.uk • www.artearoom.co.uk<br />
Frosted Courgette & Lemon cake<br />
Method<br />
Ingredients<br />
250g unsalted soft butter (extra for tin)<br />
3 unwaxed lemons<br />
200g golden caster sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
2 medium coarsely courgettes<br />
1 tsp poppy seeds (extra for decoration)<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
100g self raising flour<br />
100g plain wholemeal flour<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
85g icing sugar<br />
200g full fat soft cheese<br />
4 tbsp lemon curd<br />
22<br />
• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.<br />
Grease 2 x 20cm sandwich tins, line with baking parchment.<br />
• Zest 2 lemons, squeeze juice into a bowl. Beat into a creamy<br />
batter - 200g butter, caster sugar, eggs, courgettes, poppy<br />
seeds, vanilla and lemon zest. Stir in 1tbsp lemon juice, flour,<br />
baking powder and 1⁄4 tsp salt. Spoon mix into tins, bake for 25<br />
mins or until risen, golden and springy in the middle.<br />
• Make a drizzle by mixing 1 tbsp lemon juice with 25g icing<br />
sugar. Beat remaining icing sugar and butter into a creamy,<br />
smooth frosting, add the soft cheese, 2 tbsp lemon juice and<br />
grate in final lemon’s zest.<br />
• Cool the cakes in their tins for 15 minutes, then turn onto a<br />
cooling rack. Prick with a cocktail stick, spoon over the drizzle<br />
and cool. Spread the lemon curd and then half the frosting. Put<br />
second cake on top and spread remaining frosting. Sprinkle with<br />
poppy seeds.<br />
Moorgate Farm Vegetable Box Delivery Scheme – <strong>Local</strong> fresh,<br />
quality vegetables delivered from field to your door in 24 hours<br />
Moorgate Farm, Potterspury, NN12 7QG<br />
01908 543008 • info@moorgatefarm.co.uk<br />
Please mention <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> when responding to adverts
Leisure<br />
Want to get creative or find time to<br />
escape the madness of everyday life?<br />
Then head to Vitreus Art –<br />
this hive of creativity offers<br />
art and craft courses that<br />
everyone should try. The<br />
courses run here major on<br />
making something to be<br />
proud of, especially their<br />
Glass courses.<br />
These courses offer a<br />
modern take on glass art.<br />
From jewellery to window<br />
hangings, wall art and more<br />
– you’ll enjoy the friendly,<br />
fun classes and relaxing<br />
atmosphere.<br />
Unlike many arty courses<br />
the price includes all your materials, tools, tuition and<br />
refreshments. All you need to take is enthusiasm!<br />
Call in, see what it’s all about<br />
and chat to the artists.<br />
You’ll find Vitreus Art at Wakefield Country Courtyard, near Potterspury, Northants<br />
NN12 7Q, www.vitreus-art.co.uk Tel: 01327 810320<br />
The courses make perfect<br />
gifts or bring a friend and<br />
you’ll have memories to share.<br />
“What better way could<br />
there be to share time with<br />
friends and family and build<br />
lasting memories while<br />
having fun learning a new<br />
craft?” says Jenny at Vitreus<br />
Art.<br />
Vitreus Art is taking part<br />
in the SNA Trail 7th – 15th<br />
<strong>October</strong> with two other<br />
artists – you will find glass<br />
art being made plus Textile<br />
Sculpture and Textile Art.<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
23
Children’s Page<br />
Charlotte’s Joke Corner<br />
How do you get straight As?<br />
By using a ruler<br />
What did the pen say to the pencil?<br />
So what’s your point?<br />
Why did the 2 4s skip lunch?<br />
They already 8!<br />
Send your jokes to info@essentiallylocal.co.uk<br />
Word wheel<br />
Try to find as many words of<br />
3 letters or more, only using<br />
the letters in the grid. You can<br />
only use each letter once in the<br />
words you make. No proper<br />
names are allowed. Can you<br />
find the 9 letter word?<br />
Good: 8+, Excellent: 10 +, Outstanding: 12+<br />
E P E<br />
O N S<br />
L E V<br />
9 letterword: envelopes, 8 letter word: envelope, envelops,<br />
7 letter words: elevens, envelop, 6 letter words: eleven, elopes, sleeve, spleen, 5<br />
letter words elope, elves, evens, levee, lopes, loves, novel, opens, ovens, peels,<br />
peeve, poles, pones, seven, sleep, slope, solve, 4 letter words; eels, else, epee,<br />
even, lens, lone, lope, lops, lose, love, neep, nope, nose, ones, open, oven, peel,<br />
peso, pole, pose, seen, seep, sloe, slop, sole, vole, 3 letter words: eel, eon, eve,<br />
lee, lop, one, pee, pen, see, son.<br />
The ancient Romans invented the stylus which was a thin metal rod which left a<br />
light readable mark on papyrus. Graphite became popular after its discovery in a<br />
deposit in Borrowdale, England in 1564.<br />
Edward Nairne, an English engineer, invented the first pencil rubber.<br />
Charles Goodyear began curing the rubber in 1839.<br />
Answers<br />
The abacus, developed in China in the ninth century, was the first calculator. Blaise<br />
Pascal (1623-1662) invented the first adding machine in 1642.<br />
Sept-Oct wordsearch<br />
Z E I G K C F P Y<br />
R N R O L O A E R<br />
K E O A L U U N A<br />
N B P D S U E C I<br />
J L E A D E R I D<br />
B R S M P H R L Y<br />
S H A R P E N E R<br />
G I N K C A L B D<br />
N E P I G P H M S<br />
BLACK BOOK DIARY<br />
ERASER FOLDER GLUE<br />
INK LEAD PAPER<br />
PEN PENCIL SHARPENER<br />
Find the words in the wordsearch and see if you can<br />
answer the questions below.<br />
1. Who invented the first calculator?<br />
2. Who invented the pencil?<br />
3. Who invented the pencil rubber?<br />
Big Draw <strong>2017</strong> – Go Wild in the Rainforest!<br />
FREE Arts Workshop with<br />
Michelle Buckland & Angela Carel<br />
10.00am-4.00pm, Saturday, 14 <strong>October</strong>.<br />
York House Centre, London Road,<br />
Stony Stratford, MK11 1JQ<br />
The York House Centre Big Draw returns! This year’s theme will<br />
explore the wonderful world of rainforests – so important to the health<br />
of our planet and so full of wondrous flora and fauna.<br />
This drop-in workshop is FREE (including all materials) and is suitable<br />
for all ages and abilities - help transform York House into a rainforest<br />
paradise!<br />
There will be some optional paid activities - decorate a butterfly<br />
biscuit, face painting, create animal masks or make bird’s wings.<br />
A ‘Volunteer Cafe’ will run all day to satisfy your refreshment needs<br />
(home-made cakes, tea & coffee, soft drinks) and raise funds<br />
to support the project.<br />
We look forward to another amazing year of family fun<br />
and creativity.<br />
Facebook: Stony Stratford Big Draw<br />
www.york-house.org.uk<br />
24<br />
Please mention <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> when responding to adverts
Leisure<br />
Professional childcare with a personal touch<br />
Looking for local childcare?<br />
* A non profit organisation - the money<br />
is invested where it matters<br />
* Highly qualified, warm and welcoming<br />
staff team<br />
* A focus on outdoor and natural play<br />
* Award-winning Menus<br />
* Forest School<br />
Acorn Day Nursery, Castlethorpe<br />
17 South Street<br />
Castlethorpe, MK19 7EL<br />
castlethorpe@acornchildcare.co.uk<br />
01908 510222<br />
www.acornchildcare.co.uk<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
25
What’s On – <strong>September</strong>/<strong>October</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
ARTS & CRAFTS<br />
Wolverton & District<br />
Archaeological & Historical<br />
Society<br />
Paul Blinkhorn A Day in the<br />
Life of Time Team 7.30pm,<br />
Wednesday 20 <strong>September</strong>.<br />
John Clarke – Woburn<br />
Wednesday 18 <strong>October</strong><br />
Mike Ingram – King John’s<br />
Scythe Wednesday 15<br />
November St Mary & St Giles<br />
School, Stony Stratford<br />
Buckingham Canal Society<br />
Restoration of disused canal<br />
– practical conservation work.<br />
10.00am alternate Thursdays<br />
and 2nd Sunday each month<br />
Lock Lane, Cosgrove,<br />
MK19 7JR. 01908 661217<br />
Athinabec@aol.com www.<br />
buckinghamcanal.org.uk<br />
Craft Social Club<br />
All crafts welcome. Pop in for a<br />
cup of tea & chat. Old Stratford<br />
Memorial Hall. Mondays 2.00-<br />
4.30pm. 01908 380777<br />
Cosgrove Art Group<br />
Welcomes new members.<br />
Cosgrove Village Hall. Tuesday<br />
10.00am-12.00 noon.<br />
Joy 01908 677679<br />
Milton Keynes Aviation<br />
Society (MKAS)<br />
Silver City Airways – The first 70<br />
years 12 <strong>September</strong>.<br />
North Korean Aviation – Glenn<br />
Stanley 10th <strong>October</strong> 8pm<br />
doors open 7.30pm Kents Hill<br />
Community Centre MK6 6HQ<br />
Visitors £3 www.mkas.co.uk<br />
mkasinfo@gmail.com<br />
Milton Keynes National Trust<br />
Association<br />
Milton Keynes Museum and the<br />
future by Bill Griffiths, Director<br />
7.45pm 13 <strong>September</strong>. New<br />
members and guests welcome.<br />
01908 314151 Cruck Barn,<br />
Bradwell Abbey.<br />
Stony Stratford Floral Group<br />
High Days & Holidays<br />
Demonstration by Martin<br />
Capel 5 <strong>September</strong> The Little<br />
Green Orchard Demonstration<br />
by Katherine Kear (National<br />
Demonstrator) 3 <strong>October</strong><br />
The Life of Flowers<br />
demonstration by Emma<br />
Rimmington 7 November.<br />
Visitors £8.00 Doors open<br />
7.00pm for 7.30pm. Christmas<br />
demonstration tickets on<br />
sale. Visitors £10 Admission by<br />
ticket only no tickets on sale on<br />
the night. Russell Street School<br />
Hall, Stony Stratford<br />
Sue on 01908 564453 or<br />
Judy on 01908 569429<br />
The North Bucks<br />
Woodturning Club<br />
Courtyard Arts Centre,<br />
Parklands, Great Linford, Milton<br />
Keynes Saturdays 10.00am-<br />
12.00pm 01908 311243<br />
pip.watts@btconnect.com<br />
The National Museum<br />
of Computing<br />
For tours, www.tnmoc.org/bytes<br />
Bletchley Park, The Mansion,<br />
Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3<br />
6DZ. 01908 374708<br />
Vitreus Art Courses<br />
Variety of art and craft courses.<br />
Vitreus Art, No. 4 Wakefield<br />
Country Courtyard, Potterspury<br />
NN12 7QX 01327 810320<br />
www.vitreus-art.co.uk<br />
Westbury Arts Centre<br />
For art courses Foxcovert Road,<br />
Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes,<br />
MK5 6AA 01908 501214<br />
admin@westburyartscentre.co.uk<br />
www.westburyartscentre.co.uk<br />
Yardley Gobion History Group<br />
Meets village hall 8pm, 1st<br />
Thursday of the month<br />
01908 542322<br />
babskingyg@talktalk.net<br />
CHILDREN<br />
Act Out & Act Up<br />
Term-time drama group for<br />
all levels of 7-14 year olds,<br />
covering theatrical skills –<br />
acting, story telling and the<br />
spoken word etc. Act Out for<br />
6-10yrs 4.30-5.30pm, and Act<br />
Up for 11-16yrs 5.40-6.40pm.<br />
Both on Thursdays. York House<br />
Centre, Stony Stratford.<br />
info@redphoenixstory.co.uk<br />
Brownies and Guides<br />
South Northants Brownies (7-<br />
10yrs) Guides (10-14yrs) Every<br />
Mon, Tues & Wed. South<br />
Northants Rainbows (5- 7yrs)<br />
Every Wed. Call Emma<br />
01908 571244<br />
Wolverton and Stony Stratford<br />
Rainbows, Brownies and<br />
Guides. Rainbows 5-7yrs meet<br />
Thursdays Brownies 7-10yrs<br />
meet Wednesdays.<br />
Guides 10–14 yrs meet<br />
Mondays.<br />
wolvertondc@outlook.com<br />
Towcester Brownies & Guides<br />
Brownies – Tuesday,<br />
Wednesday and Thursday.<br />
Guides – Monday and<br />
Thursday. Hattie – Guider<br />
in Charge 3rd Towcester<br />
Brownies, 07776 257398<br />
3rdtowcesterbrownies@gmail.com<br />
Beaver and Scouts<br />
1st Stony Stratford Beaver<br />
Scouts (6-8yrs), Mondays 1st<br />
Stony Stratford Cub Scouts<br />
(8-10.5yrs), Thursdays 1st Stony<br />
Stratford Scouts (10.5-14yrs),<br />
Tuesdays. For boys & girls<br />
www.facebook. com/<br />
1stStonyStratford<br />
Email: alby@backstage.co.uk<br />
Cosgrove Playdate!<br />
Drop in and out for under 5s,<br />
meet friends, share a toy, drink<br />
and biscuit. 10.30am-12.00<br />
noon, 3rd Thursday of month.<br />
St Peter and St Paul Church,<br />
Cosgrove. Deanshanger Library<br />
Rhyme time<br />
2.15pm every Thursday Under<br />
1s Play and Learn 10.30am<br />
every Wednesday Deanshanger<br />
Library, Little London,<br />
Deanshanger MK19 6HT.<br />
01908 562889 paula.culley@<br />
firstforwellbeing.co.uk<br />
York House Junior Youth Club<br />
Ages 8 -12 6.00pm-7.30pm<br />
Mondays during termtime.<br />
yorkhouseyouthclubs@hotmail.com<br />
Maria 07988 078056<br />
www.york-house.org.uk<br />
York House Senior Youth Club<br />
Ages 12 – 16 years 6.00pm-<br />
7.45pm Wednesdays during<br />
termtime Tash 07949 402862<br />
tash.youth@ymail.com<br />
Stony Stratford &<br />
Wolverton Library<br />
Stories, songs and rhymes for<br />
under 5s and carers, free 11.00-<br />
11.30pm, Thursdays Stony<br />
Stratford. 2.00-2.30pm, Fridays<br />
Wolverton. Term time only<br />
www.miltonkeynes.gov.uk/libraries<br />
MUSIC<br />
Jazz – New Orleans Jazz Club<br />
See page 11.<br />
Jazz Jam<br />
Terry Marshall and The Hounds<br />
with local musicians. The Fox &<br />
Hounds, Stony Stratford Free.<br />
8.30pm Thursday.<br />
Junction 14 Ladies A Cappella<br />
Singing for pleasure and<br />
fundraising. Rehearsals 7.30pm<br />
Thursdays Drama Studio<br />
Shenley Brook End Secondary<br />
School, Milton Keynes. To join<br />
01908 678558. To hire<br />
01908 667029<br />
bookings@junction14.org<br />
www.junction14.org<br />
MK Acapella Men<br />
Barbershop Chorus Rehearsals<br />
every Monday Stantonbury<br />
School, Bradville, Milton<br />
Keynes. To join:<br />
membership@mkacapella.com<br />
To hire:<br />
bookings@mkacapella.com<br />
www.mkacapella.com<br />
Milton Keynes Acoustic<br />
Tuition in roots guitar, fiddle<br />
and penny whistle. Beginners to<br />
advanced. 1st & 3rd Thursday<br />
Community Centre, Britten<br />
Grove, Old Farm Park, Milton<br />
Keynes. johntimpany@aol.co.uk<br />
www.mkamc.co.uk<br />
Music Makers of Milton<br />
Keynes<br />
Choral Music and singing.<br />
Rehearsals Stony Stratford.<br />
7.30pm- 9.30pm Thursdays<br />
Call Teresa 07928156006<br />
The Song Loft<br />
Kelly Oliver 8.15, 27 <strong>October</strong><br />
Performers Night 8.15, 15<br />
<strong>September</strong>, 13 <strong>October</strong>,<br />
10 & 24 November £3.00<br />
songloft@ gmail.com<br />
www.thesongloft. co.uk<br />
The Cock Hotel Stony Stratford<br />
MK11 1AH<br />
Scribal Gathering<br />
Stony Stratford’s premier<br />
music & spoken word open<br />
mic – hosted by Jonathan JT<br />
Taylor. Welcomes musicians,<br />
poets and all performers.<br />
Headline performances. The<br />
Crown, Market Square, Stony<br />
Stratford. 7.30pm for 8.00pm-<br />
11.00pm, 2nd Tuesday of every<br />
month. www.facebook.com/<br />
ScribalGathering<br />
The Towcester Choral Society<br />
Rehearsals Towcester Town<br />
Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm Tuesday.<br />
01327 353314 or membership@<br />
towcesterchoralsociety.org.uk<br />
www.towcesterchoralsociety.org.uk<br />
See Facebook / Twitter<br />
DANCE<br />
Old Mother Redcaps<br />
Ladies Morris dancing side,<br />
looking for dancers & musicians.<br />
Swinfen Harris Hall, Stony<br />
Stratford, 8.00-10.00pm Mon<br />
Catherine 01908 667112<br />
Potterspury Dance Club<br />
Ballroom / sequence dancers.<br />
New members welcome £2.50.<br />
John & Di 01604 862632 8pm-<br />
10pm Tuesday, Potterspury<br />
Village Hall.<br />
Rose and Castle Morris<br />
New members welcome. Stoke<br />
Bruerne Village Hall 8.30–<br />
10.30pm every Wednesday<br />
Ian 07860 277046<br />
ianwelborn@talktalk.net or<br />
www.rose-castlemorris.org.uk<br />
26<br />
Please mention <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> when responding to adverts
What’s On – <strong>September</strong>/<strong>October</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
Triple K Western Line Dancers<br />
Improvers class 7.30pm-9.00pm<br />
Thurs, Haversham Social &<br />
Community Centre. Beginners<br />
class 10.45am-11.45am,<br />
Deanshanger Memorial Centre.<br />
Kay or Andrew 01525 376172<br />
Royal Scottish Country<br />
Dance Society<br />
Milton Keynes Classes 8.00pm-<br />
10.00pm Mondays, Bradwell<br />
Village Memorial Hall MK12<br />
9AG. New & experienced<br />
dancers welcome.<br />
07877 153259<br />
MARKETS<br />
Monthly Farmers Markets<br />
Market Square, Stony Stratford<br />
– Last Friday 9.00am- 1.00pm<br />
Towcester Nr Waitrose 2nd<br />
Friday 9.00am-1.00pm<br />
Wolverton Road/Creed Street,<br />
Wolverton 1st and 3rd Saturday<br />
9am-1.00pm<br />
Milton Keynes Country Market,<br />
<strong>Local</strong> produce, baking, crafts,<br />
plants, cafe. The Old Bath<br />
House, Stratford Rd, Wolverton.<br />
Free. Fridays 8.00am-12 noon.<br />
Timor Court Market, Stony<br />
Stratford. Fruit, veg, flowers and<br />
other stalls. Saturdays<br />
LEISURE<br />
Coffee mornings<br />
Yardley Gobion Coffee Shop<br />
drinks, cakes and chat,<br />
everybody welcome, toys<br />
available for children 10.30am-<br />
12noon 3rd Saturday of month<br />
Deanshanger Library<br />
Reading Group – 2.00pm 2nd<br />
Friday of month<br />
Knit and Natter – Learn to knit<br />
3.30- 4.00pm 1st & 3rd Friday<br />
of month, Knitting and sewing<br />
for children. Thursdays (term<br />
time only) 3.30pm- 4.00pm<br />
Deanshanger Library,<br />
Little London, Deanshanger<br />
MK19 6HT. 01908 562889<br />
paula.culley@firstforwellbeing.co.uk<br />
Deanshanger Sports Club<br />
Evenings in partnership with<br />
Deanshanger Colts and Divas.<br />
Little London, Deanshanger<br />
MK19 6HU 01908 567137<br />
Facebook Deanshanger<br />
sportsandsocialclub<br />
Stony Stratford Tuesday<br />
Night Charity Curry Club<br />
Quiz Fun general knowledge<br />
quiz and meal – teams of 4 –<br />
£15 per head £24k raised for<br />
Willen Hospice and Rett UK<br />
since 2008. Naidni Restaurant,<br />
Wolverton Road, Stony<br />
Stratford. 8-10pm, 1st Tuesday<br />
of every month<br />
www.facebook. com/<br />
groups/StonyStratford<br />
TuesdayNightCharity<br />
CurryClubQuiz<br />
Wolverton Community<br />
Orchard Gardening Day<br />
10.00am– 3.00pm Tuesdays<br />
weather permitting all welcome.<br />
Yvonne 01908 320405 or<br />
Mandy on 01908 319719<br />
Towcester Bridge Club<br />
Friendly duplicate bridge. Table<br />
Money £2.50 for members<br />
£3.50 for visitors. Membership<br />
£10 annually. New players<br />
welcome Meet 7.20pm for<br />
7.30pm, Tuesdays Towcester<br />
Conservative Club<br />
Lynda Riecken,<br />
lynda@riecken.co.uk<br />
www.bridgewebs.com/ towcester<br />
Towcester & District<br />
Art Society<br />
Meet Thursdays Paulerspury<br />
Village Hall. Len Lane 01908<br />
569425 or 07957 281493<br />
www.towcesterart.com<br />
SENIORS<br />
Senior Citizens<br />
Afternoon Tea, coffee, homemade<br />
cakes. All welcome.<br />
Last Friday of month,<br />
2.00pm-4.00pm, Memorial<br />
Hall, Deanshanger Road,<br />
Old Stratford (by village<br />
shop). Havencourt Sheltered<br />
Home Bingo 7.00pm Mon &<br />
2.00pm Weds Coffee Morning<br />
Fri 10.30am jean.miller@<br />
southnorthantshomes.co.uk<br />
Ridgmont, Deanshanger<br />
WOMEN’S<br />
INSTITUTE<br />
Bradwell WI<br />
Interesting speakers, tea and<br />
cake, warm welcome. Olive<br />
Stewart 01908 310267. 2.30pm,<br />
3rd Tuesday of month<br />
Sports & Social Club, Abbey<br />
Road, Bradwell Village.<br />
Castlethorpe WI<br />
Meet 7.30pm, 2nd Thurs of<br />
month Castlethorpe Village<br />
Hall. castlethorpewi@gmail.com<br />
Cosgrove WI<br />
Meet 7.30pm, 1st Tues of the<br />
Month, Cosgrove Village Hall<br />
Deanshanger WI<br />
Visitors £3.50 7.30pm,<br />
2nd Thursday of month,<br />
Memorial Community Centre,<br />
Deanshanger<br />
Hanslope WI<br />
Visitors welcome 7.30pm,<br />
1st Tuesday of month,<br />
Hanslope Village Hall.<br />
R. Simpson 01908 510516<br />
tubs@full-moon.eclipse.co.uk<br />
Potterspury WI<br />
Visitor fee £3.00 7.30pm, 1st<br />
Wed of month, Village Hall<br />
Stony Stratford WI<br />
Coram and the Foundling<br />
Hospital, Colin Oaks 2.15pm<br />
Tuesday, 5 <strong>September</strong><br />
Members’ meeting 2.15pm<br />
Tuesday, 3 <strong>October</strong> York House,<br />
London Road, Stony Stratford<br />
Craft and Chat, Methodist<br />
Hall, Silver Street, Stony<br />
Stratford 2.15pm Tuesdays, 19<br />
<strong>September</strong>, 17 <strong>October</strong><br />
gill.williams@fsml.co.uk<br />
Stony Nightingales WI<br />
8pm, 2nd Thursday of month.<br />
Swinfen Harris Hall, London<br />
Road, Stony Stratford MK11<br />
1AJ. 07738 054915 Facebook:<br />
Stony Nightingales WI<br />
www.snwi.co.uk<br />
Towcester Evening WI<br />
7.00pm for 7.30-9.30pm,<br />
1st Thursday of month.<br />
Riverside Centre, Islington<br />
Road, Towcester NN12 7AU<br />
towcesterwi.blogspot.co.uk/<br />
Yardley Gobion WI<br />
7.30pm 2nd Thursday of the<br />
month. Yardley Gobion Village<br />
Hall. Visitor fee £3<br />
New Manor WI Wolverton<br />
7.45pm 2nd Wednesday of<br />
month. sandra.brian7@tiscali.<br />
co.uk Christian Foundation, The<br />
Square, Wolverton MK12 5DX<br />
EVENTS<br />
Hanslope Horticultural Show<br />
Entrants 8am, viewings at 2pm<br />
2 <strong>September</strong> Facebook:<br />
Hanslope Horticultural Show.<br />
Village Hall, Hanslope<br />
Stony Stratford Harvest Show<br />
Exhibits of flowers, vegetables,<br />
fruit, domestic produce, crafts and<br />
children’s exhibits, auction. Raising<br />
funds for Branch-out MK. 2pm,<br />
prize-giving 3.30pm 2 <strong>September</strong><br />
The York House Centre, London<br />
Road, Stony Stratford<br />
Community Orchard, Wolverton<br />
Orchard Story. Conducted tours<br />
and refreshments at Victorian<br />
Railway Carriage. Tours<br />
10.00am-12noon & 2.00pm-<br />
3.00pm Thursday, 7 <strong>September</strong><br />
Wolverton Scarecrow<br />
Festival and Apple Day<br />
Scarecrows in town and at<br />
the community orchard. Live<br />
scarecrows, refreshments,<br />
barbecue, children’s games,<br />
stalls, live music 11.00am-<br />
5.00pm Sunday 17, <strong>September</strong><br />
St Peter and St Paul’s Church,<br />
Cosgrove<br />
Historic Churches Trust Ride<br />
and Stride, 9 <strong>September</strong><br />
Church Open Day with teas,<br />
2-4.30pm 10 <strong>September</strong><br />
Historical exhibits and displays,<br />
quizzes and competitions for<br />
children, churchyard tales.<br />
Wendy Page talks<br />
When They were Young 7.30pm<br />
5 <strong>October</strong> Heroes and Villains<br />
7.30pm 19 <strong>October</strong> Into Living<br />
Memory 7.30pm 26 <strong>October</strong><br />
St Peter and St Paul’s Church,<br />
Cosgrove<br />
Tickets £5 – one talk or<br />
£12 for three, 01908<br />
563600 text 07710 497415<br />
wendypage1@gmail.com<br />
Milton Keynes Museum<br />
Heritage Open Days 7-10<br />
<strong>September</strong> Transport weekend<br />
16-17 <strong>September</strong> Organ<br />
Festival 7-8 <strong>October</strong><br />
Autumn Half Term holiday<br />
activities. 23-27 <strong>October</strong><br />
McConnell Drive, MK12 5EL<br />
www.mkmuseum.org.uk<br />
Bucks Festival<br />
Nuturing localism, Sustainability<br />
and well being 12.00-3.00pm,<br />
23 <strong>September</strong> Westbury<br />
Arts Centre, Foxcovert Road,<br />
Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes,<br />
MK5 6AA<br />
Rushmere Country Park<br />
The <strong>Local</strong> Food Festival<br />
– celebrating locally<br />
produced food and drinks.<br />
Demonstrations, hogroast, bar<br />
& BBQ, children’s activities.<br />
Free entry, charges for activities,<br />
vehicles pay £3 on exit<br />
11.00am-4.00pm 24 <strong>September</strong><br />
www.greensandtrust.org<br />
Boobs & Brass in concert with<br />
Bradwell Silver Band<br />
7.30pm 30 <strong>September</strong><br />
£10.00, via Theatre Box Office,<br />
01908 528808 The Venue MK,<br />
Walnut Tree, Walnut Tree,<br />
Milton Keynes MK7 7WH<br />
www.boobsandbrass.com /<br />
www.bradwellband.co.uk<br />
Big Draw <strong>2017</strong><br />
See page 24.<br />
Old Stratford<br />
Fireworks Display<br />
Professional display with stalls,<br />
activities and refreshments.<br />
5.30 – 7.30pm (display<br />
approx. 6.30pm) Saturday, 11<br />
November, £2.50 for adults<br />
(under 16s free). Community<br />
Hall, Old Stratford<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
27
What’s On – <strong>September</strong>/<strong>October</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />
SPORTS: WHAT’S ON<br />
Aerobic<br />
Fitness Happy Bodies www.happybodies.co.uk, Furtho Court,<br />
Old Stratford, MK19 6AN. 01908 477066<br />
Badminton<br />
Feathers Badminton Club 2.00-4.00pm Wed £3. Mill Mead Hall,<br />
Wolverton. 01908 373966 or mr.baldwin@btinternet.com<br />
Bowling<br />
Castlethorpe Short Mat Bowls Club. Castlethorpe Village Hall,<br />
Tues 2.15- 4.15pm, Wed 7.30-9.30pm & Fri evenings<br />
Dave 07731 670457<br />
Paulerspury Bowling Club. 7.30pm Tues Paulerspury Village Hall.<br />
Contact Ann on 01327 811352.<br />
Stony Stratford Bowls Club. Club Secretary 01908 565659<br />
www.stonystratfordbowlsclub.co Ancell Trust Sports Ground,<br />
Ostlers Lane, Stony Stratford, MK11 1AR.<br />
Wolverton Town Bowls Club. Junction with Cambridge Street and<br />
Furze Way, Wolverton. Joe 01908 562952<br />
Croquet<br />
Stony Stratford Croquet Club Ostlers Lane,<br />
Stony Stratford MK11 1AR. Roy 01908 566345<br />
Cycling<br />
Twenty3c Shop Bike Ride. Meet at shop, 01908 260322<br />
Football<br />
Deanshanger Colts & Divas. www.deanshangercolts.co.uk<br />
Martial Arts<br />
Karate. Huw 07739 707455 www.karategoju.co.uk<br />
Karate & Kickboxing. See page 13<br />
Jado Kuin Do Family Martial Arts. Emma Bacon 07790 296737.<br />
Stantonbury Judo Club. www.stantonburyjudoclub.co.uk<br />
RunStony<br />
<strong>Local</strong> running group for all abilities. facebook.com/runstony<br />
Squash<br />
Turn up and play. £3 members, £5 nonmembers.<br />
Kiln Farm 077294 14000<br />
Sailing<br />
Haversham Sailing Club, all ages welcome. Experienced helms.<br />
www.havershamsc.org 24 High Street, Haversham MK19 7DX<br />
Table Tennis<br />
Towcester and District Table Tennis. All abilities welcome<br />
Rod Barr 01604 847948 or 07885 108559.<br />
www.tabletennis365.com/ Towcester<br />
Tennis<br />
Wolverton Tennis Club Coaching. Pete Tolaini, 0774 0004548.<br />
wolvertontennis@ hotmail.com, Facebook, clubspark.lta.org.uk/<br />
Walking<br />
Stony Stratford Walking Group, 45-60 minutes at your own pace<br />
followed by tea, coffee and a chat. Meet Mill Lane/ Willow Lane.<br />
Mary Kendall 01908 260570.<br />
Winslow District Ramblers<br />
www.bucksvoice.net/winslowdistrict-ramblers-group.<br />
Buckingham and District Walking Group approx 10miles<br />
fortnightly, alternate Saturdays / Sundays. Friendly group,<br />
new members welcome. John 07921 823189<br />
Essential Numbers…<br />
For all the everyday useful numbers you may need<br />
HOSPITALS<br />
Milton Keynes General Hospital 01908 660033<br />
Northampton General Hospital 01604 634700<br />
HEALTH CENTRES<br />
Hanslope Practice 01908 510230<br />
Paulerspury Practice 01327 811630<br />
Stony Medical Centre 01908 260382<br />
Stony Stratford Health Visitors, Physios 01908 565555<br />
The Stonedean Practice 01908 261155<br />
Towcester Medical Centre 01327 359953<br />
Wolverton Health Centre 01908 222954<br />
Wolverton Health Visitors, District Nurses,<br />
Podiatry, Physiotherapy 01908 316633<br />
NHS Direct Textphone 111<br />
INFORMATION SERVICES<br />
AgeUK Information and Advice 01908 560822<br />
SUPPORT LINES<br />
Samaritans 0845 790 9090<br />
Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555<br />
28<br />
OPTICIANS<br />
DW Roberts Optometrists 01908 562355<br />
VETERINARY SURGEONS<br />
The Vet Centre<br />
Old Stratford 01908 567272<br />
Maids Moreton 01280 812057<br />
POLICE<br />
Non emergency calls 101<br />
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111<br />
Victim Support Line 0845 30 30 900<br />
Emergencies 999<br />
COUNCILS<br />
Aylesbury Vale District Council 01296 585858<br />
Buckinghamshire County Council 01296 395000<br />
Text phone 01296 383111<br />
Milton Keynes Council 01908 691691<br />
Northamptonshire County Council 0300 126 1000<br />
South Northamptonshire Council 0845 2300226<br />
Please mention <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> when responding to adverts
Professional Business Services<br />
The Co-Operative Legal Services estimate that 38,000<br />
families end up in prolonged probate disputes, with up<br />
to 10% of the value of an estate lost in fees. If you aren’t<br />
married to your partner, have children from previous<br />
relationships, wish to split properties, own a business, have<br />
overseas properties or investments or are unsure about<br />
inheritance tax, get professional advice. And remember, if<br />
a professionally written will is later found to be defective in<br />
any way, your family will have someone to sue.<br />
For more information talk to Ashley Mirfin<br />
from Simply Wills 01908 866541<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
The Co-Operative Legal Services estimate that 38,000<br />
families end up in prolonged probate disputes, with up<br />
to 10% of the value of an estate lost in fees. If you aren’t<br />
married to your partner, have children from previous<br />
relationships, wish to split properties, own a business, have<br />
overseas properties or investments or are unsure about<br />
inheritance tax, get professional advice. And remember, if<br />
a professionally written will is later found to be defective in<br />
any way, your family will have someone to sue.<br />
For more information talk to Ashley Mirfin<br />
from Simply Wills 01908 866541<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
29 31
Community<br />
Investing for children<br />
Most of us know that Individual<br />
Savings Accounts, or ISAs for short are<br />
a simple and easy way to save – and<br />
the best thing is you don’t pay tax on<br />
them.<br />
But did you know that you can now<br />
set up an ISA for your children. Called<br />
a Junior ISA or JISA for short, they can<br />
be set up for children under 18 and<br />
currently a parent can pay in up to<br />
£4,128 per year per child. Many high<br />
street banks offer cash-based JISAs<br />
but interest rates are likely to be low.<br />
As an alternative you can set up a<br />
JISA with some investment platforms<br />
that allow you to invest in the stock<br />
market. This would mean taking a risk<br />
that the value could go down but if<br />
you invested the full allowance each<br />
year and made an average return of<br />
5% per year, your child could benefit<br />
from a nice sum of £121,937 at age<br />
18. If you can’t afford to take a risk,<br />
make sure you take out a cash-based<br />
ISA instead.<br />
Are you weighed down by reward cards?<br />
It seems you can’t walk out of a shop<br />
without having the opportunity to sign<br />
up for a reward card. These cards can<br />
be great if you use them in the right<br />
way – don’t spend more just to collect<br />
the points, but collect the points if you<br />
were going to spend anyway.<br />
You can end up with so many cards<br />
you can’t close your wallet or purse,<br />
or leave the one you need at home.<br />
Luckily there is an app that can store<br />
all your card details on your phone.<br />
How much pocket money<br />
should I give my child?<br />
Did you know that children now get on average £7 per week? The amount you<br />
give (if anything) is up to you of course. What is more important is helping your<br />
child to develop good savings habits.<br />
A child’s money habits are formed from as early as age 7, so the earlier you<br />
can get your child saving the better off they will be financially when they are<br />
older.<br />
How can you do this? Try to get your child to divide their money into 3: 1 / 3<br />
for essential spending, 1 / 3<br />
for enjoyment and 1 / 3<br />
for saving. Let them know that<br />
if they want something big they need to save for it. Some parents get their<br />
children to complete a weekly sheet where they account for what they have<br />
spent before they get their next round of pocket money.<br />
When you’re in the relevant store just<br />
get your phone out and scan, simple!<br />
The app is called Stocard, check it out.<br />
For information and advice about financial planning: Carl Roberts FPFS, Chartered Financial Planner<br />
carl@rtsfinancialplanning.co.uk • www.rtsfinancialplanning.co.uk • 01908 592544 • 07702 965275<br />
RTS Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales.<br />
Registration number 10619163. 21 Fosters Lane, Bradwell, Milton Keynes, MK13 9HZ<br />
30 Please mention <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> when responding to adverts
Professional Services<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
31
Home Services<br />
32<br />
Please mention <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> when responding to adverts
Home Services<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
41<br />
To advertise please call 01908 380777<br />
33
Home Services<br />
How to make the perfect study space…<br />
The summer holidays have already whizzed by and with the whole “back to school” theme we<br />
thought it apt to think about how to create the perfect study space. Whether its your new uni<br />
room, a home office, study or perhaps you work from a kitchen table, this will you give some<br />
great tips about how you can make any space more organised, productive and attractive.<br />
Light<br />
Position yourself in the lightest<br />
room, or near a window, wherever<br />
you can grab some natural light<br />
– it’s great for productivity and<br />
keeps you from feeling fatigued.<br />
Declutter<br />
It is harder to work amongst chaos,<br />
so if you are working from home<br />
try to keep décor and furniture<br />
fairly minimal around your working<br />
space. Choose a light colour<br />
palette and nothing too busy!<br />
Furniture<br />
Go for a layout that is practical<br />
for you, whether you are in a<br />
creative setting, essay writing,<br />
or working mainly on a PC. It’s<br />
important to be able to easily<br />
access the things you need. Make<br />
sure particularly your seating is<br />
comfortable and supportive.<br />
Storage<br />
Remember the principles of order<br />
and chaos. Order is important<br />
here. Opt for fancy filing, you’ll<br />
find lots of ideas at our local<br />
independent shops like Table<br />
and Bench, Gdad’s or simply your<br />
iconic IKEA Billy Bookcase – the<br />
end goal is the same. A good<br />
system will save you hours of<br />
frustration and justify expense.<br />
Motivation<br />
The motivational stationery market<br />
is on the rise. Go for wall planners,<br />
journals or flash cards whichever is<br />
more likely to keep you focused.<br />
These ideas and my concept board should get you started to create an organised<br />
space. Whether at home, college or work, as a student or freelancer – to make space<br />
for all of life’s admin, simply get organised! If you’d like a little more assistance, or<br />
more in detailed ideas with your interior design get in touch! I’d love to chat.<br />
Pippa Grout • 07873586990 • hellopipinteriors@gmail.com<br />
Cards are great for students and<br />
wall planners should be integral to<br />
any office space. It’s all about goal<br />
setting and working smart. Take<br />
a look at the great local business<br />
www.got2jot.co.uk/ for all of the<br />
above and more!<br />
Extras<br />
Have a think about the additional<br />
things such as a great clock,<br />
a warm rug, some nice desk<br />
accessories and add some<br />
greenery – plants are beneficial<br />
for our health. If you haven’t<br />
discovered it already, Lovely Living<br />
in Stony Stratford is all about this<br />
kind of thing. I’ve selected some<br />
items I think would work well.<br />
Suppliers<br />
Got2jot: got2jot.co.uk<br />
Lovely Living: 76 High Street,<br />
Stony Stratford MK11 1AH<br />
www.lovelylivinghome.co.uk<br />
01908 565 005<br />
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Competition<br />
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Building Services<br />
adache?<br />
The UK European Consumer Centre<br />
is co-funded by the UK Government’s<br />
Department for Business, Innovation<br />
and Skills (BIS) and the European<br />
Commission.<br />
There is a European Consumer<br />
Centre in every EU country, as well as<br />
in Norway and Iceland, so you can get<br />
help and advice at home for problems<br />
that occurred abroad.<br />
So if you have shopped abroad<br />
and you need some help, contact the<br />
European Consumer Centre<br />
E-mail: ecc@tsi.org.uk<br />
Telephone +44(0)1268 886 690<br />
(lines open 9am – 4pm)<br />
Website: http://www.ukecc.net/<br />
contact-us/index.cfm<br />
n Consumer Centre<br />
-wide network of 30<br />
umer Centres (ECCformation<br />
for UK<br />
ho are having<br />
th a company based in<br />
pean country;<br />
n disputes where the<br />
d trader are unable to<br />
ive outcome.<br />
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Trading Standards<br />
Product recalls – what’s behind them?<br />
The press highlights product recalls<br />
when there are safety issues or<br />
product defects. Returns are called<br />
when problems are found that might<br />
endanger the consumer or put the<br />
maker/seller at risk of legal action. They<br />
can be issued for cars and electrical<br />
goods, as well as foods and toys.<br />
The UK consumer protection<br />
laws and guidance give specific<br />
requirements for product recalls.<br />
The manufacturer is responsible for<br />
repairs, replacements or refunds for<br />
the owner. This includes contacting<br />
the purchaser and publishing notices<br />
to draw attention to the risks and their<br />
plans to remedy the issue.<br />
The government has also launched<br />
https://productrecall.campaign.<br />
gov.uk/#check. This links all the<br />
government and non-governmental<br />
agencies that provide information<br />
about product recalls into one place.<br />
Use it to check for recalls, find out<br />
what actions to take and register<br />
your products. Always update your<br />
information if you move house.<br />
For further information on recalls<br />
of your household products call the<br />
Citizens Advice Consumer Service on<br />
03454 040506.<br />
Claire Kendall<br />
Trading Standards, Milton Keynes<br />
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Domestic Services<br />
Domestic Services<br />
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Gardening<br />
Summer’s end<br />
As crops are lifted ground is<br />
exposed, so to prevent loss of<br />
nutrients and to improve your soil<br />
sow a quick-growing green manure<br />
such as phacilia now to over-winter;<br />
dig it in in early spring. Leave a<br />
patch to attract and feed bees and<br />
other pollenating insects.<br />
As greenhouse crops ripen,<br />
clear them to make room for overwintering<br />
plants and salads such<br />
Wasps<br />
In spring, wasps can be a gardener’s friend, eating harmful<br />
pests; just now however, they can be a real nuisance, especially<br />
around children. Quite sophisticated creatures, if wasps sense<br />
a threat – when we flap at them for instance – they release a<br />
chemical which summons other wasps in the area to their aid.<br />
If you have fruit trees and bushes, remove any fallen fruit<br />
that might attract wasps and if eating outside, try diverting<br />
them with a spoonful of jam in a jam jar away from your<br />
meal. If you have spotted or suspect a wasps’ nest near<br />
your home, don’t try to tackle it yourself. Wasp stings can<br />
cause a nasty reaction, so send for the experts. All Green<br />
will send trained experts to deal with the problem quickly<br />
and efficiently.<br />
For more advice call Chris at Wasp Nest Control Services<br />
07957 906310<br />
as miners’ cress and winter density<br />
lettuce. A late sowing of rocket<br />
gives a healthier alternative to<br />
supermarket packets. Avoid mould<br />
by taking care to water sparingly.<br />
If your tomatoes are slow to ripen,<br />
uproot the plants and hang them<br />
upside-down.<br />
Disinfect and store pots, trays and<br />
tools – you’ll be glad you did when it<br />
comes to the spring rush.<br />
For Autumn colour…<br />
Extend summer flowering. Prune out the main stems of<br />
delphiniums when they are past their best and deadhead<br />
roses and other shrubs through the summer for a second<br />
show.<br />
Place pots of bright foliage – an acer for example –<br />
where a splash of colour is needed. Bedding plants serve<br />
the same purpose until the first frosts.<br />
Plan ahead and plant asters, Michaelmas daisies and<br />
chrysanthemums towards the back of borders. Also gladioli<br />
and dahlias are flamboyantly fashionable, plant them in<br />
groups.<br />
Choose naturally long-flowering plants such as<br />
campanula, geraniums, hibiscus, hydrangea macrophylla,<br />
scabious and veronica.<br />
Leave berries and seed heads to please the eye as well<br />
as hungry wildlife later in the season.<br />
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Gardening<br />
Stony Stratford in Bloom –<br />
celebrating MK50<br />
SSIB volunteers and children at the<br />
Stony Stratford Big Lunch and Fuller<br />
Slade MK50 party created beautiful<br />
hanging baskets which then decorated<br />
local streets. Russell Street School<br />
children decorated 60 hard hats<br />
donated by developers McCarthy and<br />
Stone. St Mary and St Giles School<br />
council and SSIB volunteers then filled<br />
them with gold and blue plants to turn<br />
them into gorgeous hanging baskets.<br />
These decorated the schools and the<br />
outside of the retirement home.<br />
Britain in Bloom (BIB)<br />
The SSIB and Fullers Slade Residents<br />
Association, with help from the<br />
Community Church volunteers, work<br />
tirelessly throughout the year. The<br />
week before judging day they removed<br />
litter and weeds in preparation.<br />
The BIB judges were particularly<br />
impressed with The North End Pond<br />
Project. The path to the pond was<br />
completed by Dominic Harris, who<br />
was kept busy clearing brambles. The<br />
It’s Your Neighbourhood Group and<br />
SSIB laid turf and planted wild flowers.<br />
The grand opening was on 6 July and<br />
Janet Benn donated a magnificent<br />
seat, while Robin Nicholls made a<br />
beautiful gnome house.<br />
SSIB Front Garden<br />
Competition<br />
Results of the BIB competition will be<br />
known in <strong>September</strong>. In the meantime<br />
Mary Sarre and Pat Kyd, joined by the<br />
BIB Regional Judge, judged the SSIB<br />
front garden competition. The standards<br />
were high, making judging very tough!<br />
The winning gardens were:<br />
First place: 51 The Limes,<br />
Runner up: 109 Milford Avenue,<br />
Best Container Garden: 1 Horsefair<br />
Green. Many highly commended<br />
certificates were awarded.<br />
Wolverton in Bloom<br />
Wolverton is truly in bloom thanks to the town’s business<br />
owners, residents, volunteers and local community action<br />
groups. The streets and community areas are already<br />
brighter and more attractive as a result of the efforts which<br />
began last Autumn.<br />
Fly-tippers have been deterred with new planters in<br />
key spots and groups have put in an all-year-round effort.<br />
This year the business association, led by Chris Bridgman,<br />
has worked with local businesses to improve the town<br />
for residents and visitors. Chris’s commercial landscape<br />
business has donated over 500 man hours, materials and<br />
resources. His young apprentices and work experience<br />
students have gained valuable training while working on<br />
local gardens and green spaces. Other businesses have<br />
helped with funding – Ruth’s Floral Design, Jennings<br />
Solicitors, Rotary Club, Global Car Hire, local counsellor<br />
Rob Middleton and many others.<br />
Following a £5000 grant for recycling efforts the town<br />
has bought 40 litter pickers for local groups and worked<br />
with schools to prevent dog fouling and improve awareness<br />
of litter. In addition Don’t Rubbish Wolverton volunteers<br />
continue to improve the environment.<br />
A phone app trail means you can explore the places of<br />
interest and so many local efforts can be admired, including<br />
The Urb Farm, Community Orchard and Secret Garden.<br />
46<br />
Volunteers In Remembrance<br />
Secret Garden – Sue Westall acquired this site for the<br />
benefit of the town; sadly she passed away in June.<br />
Wolverton in Bloom – Despite being unwell in Willen<br />
Hospice, Jenny Picking still chose the colour scheme for <strong>2017</strong><br />
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLYHCSuqmPA<br />
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Advertisers<br />
ACCOMMODATION<br />
Cotels Serviced Apartments 31<br />
Furtho Manor Farm 29<br />
AERIAL & CABLE<br />
MKL Cable Solutions 33<br />
BUILDING & PROPERTY SERVICES<br />
Antony Thompson Architect 33<br />
Handyman Property Services 36<br />
Hickford Construction Ltd 36, 47<br />
KAS Builders 38<br />
Ian Bodily Building Services 36<br />
Morris Roofing 38<br />
Premier Improvements 38<br />
Ron Cave Roofing 39<br />
Thomas Betts & Co 38<br />
Three Shires Group Services 35<br />
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL<br />
Cotels Serviced Apartments 31<br />
Deanshanger Royal British Legion 11, 50<br />
Furtho Manor Farm 29<br />
MK Box Self Storage 29<br />
RTS Financial Planning 30<br />
Simplified Accounting 29<br />
Simply Wills 29<br />
Trading Standards 40<br />
CHILDREN & YOUTH<br />
Acorn Childcare 25<br />
Cosgrove Village Primary School 25<br />
Willow Tree Pre-school 25<br />
CLEANING & DOMESTIC<br />
Carpet Pride MK 43<br />
Cooker Pride 43<br />
Domestique 43<br />
Haberdashery 40<br />
Linda’s Sewing Services 40<br />
Stony Dry Cleaners 43<br />
Ovenvaleting 42<br />
Quality Care Ironing Service 40<br />
Rob Bracey, Septic Tank 32<br />
The Stainbusters 42<br />
COMPUTER SALES & REPAIRS<br />
Baldox Computing 29<br />
ELECTRICAL SERVICES<br />
Microwave Service Centre 33<br />
MKL Cable Solutions 33<br />
MJ Electrics 33<br />
FLOWERS<br />
Branch Out 23<br />
FOOD & DRINK<br />
ARTea Room 22<br />
Bamboo Cottage Chinese Takeaway 19<br />
Blue Mountain Yard 7<br />
Direct Pizza Company 19<br />
Moorgate Farm Vegetable Box Delivery 22<br />
Out of Office Coffee 20<br />
The Crown, Stony Stratford 21<br />
The Navigation Inn, Cosgrove 7<br />
The Old Talbot 9<br />
The Stony Sweet Shop 25<br />
The White Lion, Wicken 21<br />
Wharf Distillery 31<br />
GARDEN SERVICES<br />
All Green Lawn Treatments 45<br />
Bartlett Tree Experts 47<br />
Creative Homes and Gardens 49<br />
Francis Rose Landscaping<br />
& Garden Services 49<br />
Graham Churchill Plant Ltd 49<br />
GreenThumb 45<br />
Hickford Construction 47<br />
Linnell Bros Ltd 47<br />
Maxwell Home & Garden Services 46<br />
Prestige Lawns 49<br />
Wasp Control 44, 49<br />
HAIR, HEALTH & WELLBEING<br />
Action Physio 17<br />
Andrew Hill Psychoanalysis,<br />
Psychotherapy & Counselling 17<br />
Beauty United 14<br />
Bee Beautiful 14<br />
Body Fitness Blitz 6<br />
Boutique Organica 6, 12<br />
Clive Heayns Podiatry 14<br />
Cloud 9 Spa 6<br />
Country Court Care 15<br />
Da Vinci Dental Clinic 16<br />
Grand Union Physiotherapy 17<br />
Hair Design by Sharon 14<br />
Happy Bodies Fitness Centre 12, 13<br />
Janice Skillman Foot Health 13<br />
Karate & Kickboxing MK 12, 13<br />
Lanh’s Nail Salon 14<br />
Massage in mind 17<br />
Pilates 13<br />
Towcester McTimoney Chiropractic 9<br />
HOME INTERIORS<br />
Carpetwise 41<br />
Daniel Chapman Antique Restoration 41<br />
Got2Jot 6, 34<br />
Handyman Property Services 36<br />
Kenneth Hudson Interiors 39<br />
Linda’s Curtains and Blinds 42<br />
Lovely Living 6, 34<br />
Maxwell Home & Garden Services 46<br />
Pip’s Interiors 34<br />
Table and Bench Co. 41<br />
Thomas Betts and Co. 42<br />
Universal Blinds 42<br />
Whittlewood Stoves 41<br />
KITCHENS & BATHROOMS<br />
Acorn Kitchens 32<br />
Kitchen Smart 1,3<br />
On-Tap Installations 32<br />
LEISURE & HOBBIES<br />
ARTea Room 22<br />
Bamboo Cottage 19<br />
Blue Mountain Yard 7<br />
Direct Pizza Co 19<br />
DJ Tullyman 23<br />
Furtho Manor Farm 29<br />
Happy Bodies Fitness Centre 12, 13<br />
Karate & Kickboxing MK 12, 13<br />
Out of Office Coffee 20<br />
Milton Keynes Museum 30<br />
Pilates 13<br />
The Crown 21<br />
The Navigation Inn, Cosgrove 7<br />
The Old Talbot 9<br />
The Stony Sweet Shop 25<br />
The White Lion, Wicken 21<br />
Vitreus Art 23<br />
Wharf Distillery 31<br />
MOTORING & TRANSPORT<br />
G & G Autos 50<br />
Saxon Bridge.com 5, 51<br />
Towcester Garage 51<br />
Windscreens on Wheels 6<br />
PAINTERS & PLASTERERS<br />
Abercrombie Painter & Decorators 39<br />
BWB Plastering 39<br />
DPL Services 39<br />
SJ Adcock & Son 39<br />
Thomas Betts & Co 40<br />
PEST CONTROL<br />
Killem 49<br />
Wasp Control 49<br />
PETS & VETS<br />
RSPCA 10<br />
The Vet Centre 10,11<br />
PLUMBING, GAS SERVICING<br />
& HEATING<br />
Add Warmth 32<br />
On Tap Installations 32<br />
Premier Heating 32<br />
TAXIS<br />
Skyline 50, 52<br />
WASTE REMOVAL<br />
Graham Churchill Plant Ltd 49<br />
Rob Bracey, Septic Tanks 32<br />
UK Asbestos 32<br />
WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES<br />
Cloudy 2 Clear 37<br />
Custom Glaze 37<br />
Thomas Betts & Co 36<br />
Win-Dor 2<br />
WILL WRITING<br />
Simply Wills 29<br />
Disclaimer: We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> and we endeavour to<br />
make sure that all published information is accurate. The publishers cannot be held responsible for loss, damage or omission caused<br />
by error in the printing of adverts or other information. All artwork is accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods<br />
and services are fair and accurate. Advertisers are responsible for checking copyright on all images supplied. <strong>Essentially</strong> <strong>Local</strong> has<br />
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Motoring<br />
Skyline charges ahead with electric taxis<br />
Skyline Taxis are now operating a fleet<br />
of electric vehicles (EVs), including<br />
a Nissan Leaf and three Tesla cars.<br />
This has been part-funded by the<br />
Government’s Plug-in Car Grant for<br />
low emission vehicles.<br />
Gav Sokhi, Managing Director of<br />
Skyline Taxis, said: “Skyline has been<br />
at the forefront of the EV taxi market<br />
in Milton Keynes for the last few<br />
years and was the first taxi company<br />
to register an electric vehicle with<br />
Milton Keynes Council back in<br />
2011. We have also consulted with<br />
the Council on licensing policies<br />
and worked with Chargemaster on<br />
establishing charging point locations<br />
and advised where best to place<br />
them.”<br />
Skyline’s new vehicles, including the<br />
30KW, are quieter and offer a longer<br />
range. Customers will also be pleased<br />
to hear that Wi-Fi will soon be on<br />
offer, as well as the option to pay by<br />
Chip and Pin.<br />
Wishing Skyline the best of luck<br />
with their great new venture!<br />
To find out more or enquire about booking an electric Skyline<br />
taxi, call 01908 222111 or visit www.skylinetaxis.co.uk<br />
Poppy Appeal<br />
The Deanshanger and Wicken<br />
Branch of the British Legion<br />
are on the look-out for new<br />
members. This friendly group<br />
was formed in 1927 and<br />
continues to aim to achieve<br />
more for the community.<br />
They recently formed an<br />
agreement of affiliation with<br />
Elizabeth Woodville School to<br />
provide mutual support and<br />
encouragement within the community. They would now like<br />
to develop their vital welfare and benevolent work but they<br />
need more people to help. Could you help or do you know<br />
someone who can?<br />
Help is also needed with this year’s Poppy Appeal which<br />
begins towards the end of <strong>October</strong>, last year they raised an<br />
incredible £6406.89 from your generous donations. Could you<br />
give up an hour or more of your time to ask people to donate<br />
this year? You don’t have to have been in the forces to help.<br />
The group meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month<br />
at Deanshanger Conservative Club. If you think you<br />
could help call Russell Barrie 01280 703786<br />
Email Kevin Dorrill peterdorrill881@btinternet.com<br />
for more information.<br />
50<br />
Car drivers beware…<br />
The safe distance for passing cyclists as recommended<br />
by the Highway Code Rule 163 is one car’s width,<br />
approximately 1.5m. This is to prevent injury to the cyclist<br />
particularly if they have to move out to avoid potholes or<br />
debris in the road. When conditions are wet you should<br />
give more room. Follow this guideline to prevent risk of<br />
prosecution for driving without due care and attention.<br />
Rule 66 legally allows cyclists to ride two abreast and<br />
in single file on narrow or busy roads. When overtaking<br />
the motorist should be on the other side of the road and<br />
ensure there is no oncoming traffic. It is actually safer for<br />
cyclists to ride two abreast as the motorist will pass over a<br />
shorter distance before returning to their side of the road.<br />
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Taxis<br />
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