Essentially Local September-October 2017

September/October 2017 

Your FREE copy – Issue 82 

Getting back to work and school... 

Pets and friends pictures – Thank you to all who sent us their great photos 

www.essentiallylocal.co.uk

Building Services 

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Please mention Essentially Local when responding to adverts

Home Services 

To advertise please call 01908 380777 

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Contents & Welcome 

Inside this Issue… 

Essentially Business and Professional 

30 Investing for children; Are you weighed down by reward cards? 

How much pocket money should I give my child? 

40 Product recalls – what’s behind them? 

Essentially Children 

24 Children’s fun; Big Draw 2017 – Go Wild in the Rainforest! 

Essentially Community 

18 A cool way to care; Free Heritage Open Days at the 

heart of Milton Keynes’ 50th anniversary year 

50 Poppy Appeal 

Essentially Leisure 

8 York House Presents . . . 

9 The Old Talbot under new ownership 

22 ARTea Room’s Cake Tasting Plate – 

the solution to cake dilemmas! 

23 Want to get creative, or find time to escape the 

madness of everyday life? 

Essentially Home & Garden 

22 Courgette Cake recipe 

34 How to create the perfect study space ... 

44 Summer’s end; For Autumn colour; Wasps 

46 Stony In Bloom; Wolverton in Bloom 

50 Skyline charges ahead with electric taxis; Car drivers beware … 

Essentially Health and Well-being 

11 Kicking the habit; Oxygen facials – a breath of fresh air; 

Happy Bodies Spinathon 

16 Smile – this could be the solution 

Essentially Pets 

10 Autumn – seasonal advice; 

Protect your pets against ticks and lungworm 

Regulars 

6 Reader offers 

20 Competition – Win a hot drink and a cake for a week at 

Out of Office Coffee, Stony Stratford 

26 What’s On 

28 What’s On Sport; Useful numbers 

48 Advertisers list 

Where we Deliver… 

Towcester 

Paulerspury 

Alderton 

Yardley Gobion 

Potterspury 

Old Stratford 

Hanslope 

Castlethorpe 

Wolverton 

Deanshanger 

Wolverton Mill 

Stony Stratford 

Wicken 

Passenham 

Calverton 

Beachampton 

Hanslope Long Street 

Cosgrove 

Haversham 

Old Wolverton 

Hello Readers… 

Thanks to everyone who sent in a cover 

picture – pets and friends! Some of you may 

recognise Wolverton Community Orchard. 

The Moorgate Farm Vegetable Box 

scheme’s Courgette Cake recipe on page 22 

is a must try! Susan from Moorgate has even 

successfully tested the cake on a group of 

children who did not even suspect they 

were eating vegetables! 

Do your children get pocket money? 

Read about how you can help them manage 

their finances on page 30. With summer 

holidays behind us it’s time to get back to 

education and work, organising your space 

can make life easier – Pippa has some great 

ideas on page 34. 

The Government have set up a new 

recording system that will help us all if a 

product needs to be recalled. Read about 

it in our latest Trading Standards article on 

page 40. 

You could win a free hot drink and 

piece of cake every day for a week if you 

enter our competition from Out of Office 

Coffee House in Stony Stratford. There 

are two ways to win so 

turn to page 20. Finally, 

remember keep your 

business Essentially Local. 

Emma – Editor 

Get in Touch… 

Essentially Local 

The Office, 5 The Stocks, 

Cosgrove, Milton Keynes MK19 7JD 

Tel: 01908 380777 

Email: info@essentiallylocal.co.uk 

Website: www.essentiallylocal.co.uk 

Essentially-Local 

Essentiallyl 

Design and production: 

Andrew Metcalfe andrew@meticulousdesign.com 

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Motoring Services 


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Reader Offers 

Reader offers and ideas 

Treat yourself, a relative or a friend to one of our great local ideas and offers 

Brasserie at Cloud 9 Spa 

20% off food and beverages 

This offer applies to all new and existing customers 

at the new Brasserie. The offer is valid up until 15 

November 2017, Please remember to take this offer 

along with you.For opening times please call 

01908 804804 

Potterspury House, 

3 Poundfield Road, 

Potterspury, NN12 7QL 

www.cloud9spa.co.uk 

Got2Jot 

10% off everything Fashion stationery and gifts 

Use promo code EL2017 at checkout 

Code valid till 30/9/17 

This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any 

other offers or codes and does not apply 

to the delivery charge. 

https://got2jot.co.uk 

Boutique Organica 

Clairderm Oxygen Facial – Autumn 

special offer £42 for an hour session 

normally £58 

Book now: 01908 569259 

Valid until 31 October 2017 

One offer per person cannot be used 

in conjunction with any other offers 

www.boutiqueorganica.co.uk 

01908 569259 

4 Odell’s Yard, The High Street, 

Stony Stratford, MK11 1AF 

Windscreens on Wheels 

£10 off first Glass Repair – Normally £45 

Mobile Windscreen Repair and Replacement. 

Local, independent, family run business with all 

vehicles catered for, modern, classic, agricultural, 

plant glass. Insurance companies billed directly, 

major credit cards accepted 

Call now 01908 216 677 

07813611170 

www.windscreensonwheels.co.uk 

Lovely Living 

10 % off all products during September and 

October 2017. Make your home a dream. 

Specialists in French and Scandinavian 

inspired furniture, gifts and accessories. 

Valid until 31 October 2017 

Sales items excluded from discount 

76 High Street, Stony Stratford, 

Milton Keynes MK11 1AH 

01908 565 005 

www.lovelylivinghome.co.uk 

Body Blitz Fitness 

Mobile Personal Trainer. ‘Silver’ package of 8 

Sessions for £290. Split the cost between 2, 3 or 4 

people and train as a group. 

Feel better, feel healthier and take a step towards a 

new you! Includes free consultation, weight, body fat 

and muscle percentage, nutritional guidance and a 

customised routine to help you reach your goals. 

Call Lee 07452 820030 

lee.bodyfitnessblitz@gmail.com 

FaceBook Body Fitness Blitz ltd 

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Leisure 


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Leisure 

York House presents… 

Treats coming up at York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JQ 

www.york-house.org.uk 

www.pipeandtabor.org 

Ticket enquiries: 07968 681751 

The Glorious Madness 

8.00pm-11.00pm, Friday, 

20 October 

Andy Fenton and 

“Wishbone Ash Unplugged” 

8.15pm-10.45pm Saturday, 

16 September 

Guitar supremo Andy Fenton and his 

fellow Wishbone Ash fans present an 

evening of songs of the legendary 

band, emphasising the acoustic folk/ 

rock sounds at the heart of the music. 

Ticket details to follow. 

Doors open at 7.30pm 

The Reburial of Richard III 

2.30pm, Saturday, 


Join Dr.Phil Stone, 

Chairman of the 

Richard III Society, for 

his own very personal 

account of the events 

leading up to and 

including the reburial of Richard III. 

Doors open at 2pm, talk starts at 

2.30pm. Tickets: £5.00. Advanced 

bookings due to limited places. 

Jeanette Melbourne, Secretary, Rill 

Society – Beds & Bucks Group, 07957 

157273 or j.melbourne@hotmail. 

co.uk 

Vivant in Concert 

3.00pm-5.00pm, Sunday, 


Vivant combine the talents of: 

Mark Prescott – a talented violinist, 

at home in a wide variety of genres 

Clive Williams – master of the 

melodeon, with a wide repertoire of 

French and English folk music and 

early music genres. 

Enjoy acoustic instrumental music 

on violin and melodeon. 

Tickets £6.00 from York House 

Centre, or on-line www.wegottickets. 

com/event/401296 

International Pipe and 

Tabor Festival 2017 

Saturday, 30 September 

Lyrical melodies and pulsating drive of 

the pipe and tabor instruments. 

12.40–1.40pm Pipe and Tabor 

Beginner’s Workshop (£10 including D 

pipe or free with your own). 

1.50–2.50pm Playing for Morris Jigs 

Workshop. 

3.00–4.15pm – Playing for Early 

Dance Workshop – 15th and 16th 

century dance. Players of acoustic 

instruments who can play in G, D 

and Em are welcome! Music at www. 

pipeandtabor.org. 

4.30–6.30pm – Early Dance 

Workshop – 15th and 16th century 

dances, no partner required. (£7.00 

playing & dance, £4 dance) 

8.00–11.00pm – concert (£7.50) 

with bar – Uplifting music from Juana 

Etchegoin (music of the Basque 

Country – txirula & ttun ttun (pipe 

and string drum) & txistu & danbolin 

(pipe and tabor) morris jigs from 

Ollie Simons and pipe and tabor 

performances Taborers Society. 

The Great War, volunteers, white 

feathers and heroes brought back to 

life in story and song. Written by Mike 

Sparks and Carys Sullivan with songs 

performed by Les Sullivan, with Moses 

& The Ref and Denise Dryburgh. 

Proceeds to support The Royal 

British Legion. Tickets from York 

House or www.york-house.org.uk. 

For information Mike Sparks: 

mike@mjsparks.co.uk 

Carys Sullivan: 

carys.sullivan2a@gmail.com 

Clap Hands! 

Here Comes D.D. 

8.00pm-11.00pm, 

Saturday, 14 October 

Sharon P Watson 

promotes her love 

of Jazz & Blues with 

a unique powerful 

vocal style. 

Doors open at 

7.30pm. Tickets: £5 

from York House, 

or on-line www.wegottickets.com/ 

event/401266 

Kara In Concert 

8.00pm-11.00pm, Friday, 

27 October 

KARA bring a rich mix of songs and 

tunes; hammered dulcimer, guitar 

and melodeon back the striking lead 

vocals in original material laced with 

folk music from around the world. 

Doors open at 7.30pm. 

www.karafolkband.com 

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Leisure 

The Old Talbot under new ownership 

The excited new owners of The Old 

Talbot in Potterspury have committed 

themselves to restoring this delightful 

17th Century pub. Following its recent 

reopening they aim to improve all that 

it can offer you starting with a welcome 

to locals and those from further afield. 

On the outside they are developing 

a safe children’s play zone that is 

fenced and gated. They have also 

improving the seating area for those 

who prefer a drink al fresco. Alongside 

the physical improvements you can 

look forward to proper British pub 

grub. This comes with a guarantee 

of great quality while being excellent 

value. In addition to you’ll be able to 

enjoy a full programme of seasonal 

events. 

To find out more check out their 

new website at www.theoldtalbot.pub 

for all the news. 

Craig and Mark and their respective 

families look forward to welcoming 

you to their family friendly village pub 

very soon! 

The Old Talbot, Potterspury Now OPEN – under new ownership! 

www.theoldtalbot.pub 01908 760018 Facebook: TheOldTalbot 


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Animal services 

Autumn –seasonal advice 

As temperatures start to drop and the nights get 

darker, think about keeping your animals safe and 

warm. Provide extra bedding and move outdoor 

pets, like rabbits and guinea pigs, into a shed or 

garage for extra shelter during the cold spells. Fit 

your dogs and cats with reflective collars to keep 

them safe in the dark and make sure you use quick 

release collars for your cats. 

If you are building a bonfire, build it as close 

to the time of lighting as possible and check it 

thoroughly for animals before lighting. 

Road accidents involving deer are common 

throughout the year but drivers should be 

particularly aware of deer 

warning signs during 

the rut, which lasts from 

mid-July to December. 

Collisions should be 

reported to the police. 

For more information on lost pets or the animals in their care: call the RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks on 

01908 611179 • cathome@mkrspca.org.uk • www.rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk 

Protect your pets against ticks and lungworm 

A recent study ‘The Big Tick Project’ 

found that one in three dogs was 

affected by ticks in the UK and that 

Buckinghamshire is a high risk area. 

Ticks are an irritant, unpleasant and 

can transmit serious diseases such as 

Lyme disease and babesiosis to pets 

and humans too. 

Fortunately there are many 

products available to help keep your 

pets protected from ticks. Please 

contact your vet to discuss the most 

appropriate treatment. Purchase a 

tick removing device from your vet 

instead of pulling the tick off – parts 

of it can be left in your pet. Destroy 

Contact The Vet Centre Cherry Lane Garden Centre, Potterspury, NN12 7QN 

01280 812057 or 01908 542155 visit www.thevetcentre.ltd.uk for more information. 

the tick without allowing it back into 

the environment and wear gloves so it 

does not attach itself to you! 

Lungworm, Angiostrongylus 

vasorum, a parasitic disease of 

dogs, is becoming more common 

throughout the UK. Your dog can 

become infected by eating slugs 

and snails that carry the parasite. 

Lungworm can cause a variety of 

symptoms in dogs, sometimes 

making it hard to diagnose, and if 

not treated can be fatal. Common 

symptoms include coughing, exercise 

intolerance, lethargy, nose bleeds and 

weight loss but many other signs may 

be seen. 

Lungworm can be prevented with 

a regular worming regime but not all 

worming products will work against 

lungworm. Please speak to your vet 

to make sure the treatment you use is 

effective. 

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Animal services 


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Wellbeing 

Kicking the habit 

When Ian Blackburn’s 12-year 

smoking habit began to take its toll 

on his health, he decided it was time 

to stop. After many aids to giving up 

failed, Ian’s doctor prescribed tablets 

that made a real difference. Needing 

help to focus, Ian went along with a 

friend to his first kick boxing session – 

and loved it. 

‘I had hit a ceiling with my general 

fitness,’ he explained, ’but with kick 

boxing I just keep improving.’ The 

regime even helped to keep off any 

extra weight gain. Ian’s confidence 

soared and he saw improvements not 

just in his fitness but his work, study 

and life in general. 

Ian was made to feel welcome and 

encouraged from the session. Finding 

the routine really helped, he is now 

aiming for his black belt. 

Would Ian recommend kick boxing 

as a way of managing addictive 

habits? ‘One hundred per cent!’ he 

says. ‘Trying something new can 

really pay off.’ 

Call Sensei Lauren for more information www.karatemk.co.uk • 07910 154499 • lauren.ecka@hotmail.co.uk 

Oxygen Facials – a breath of fresh air 

Clairderm Oxygen Facials have arrived 

at Boutique Organica in Stony Stratford, 

bringing you an innovative therapy 

designed to lift and firm your skin by 

encouraging cell regeneration. The 

process is designed to heal and repair 

your skin more quickly, giving you an 

instant boost and feeling of good health. 

Without being exposed to harsh 

chemicals or needles, you will 

experience a calming and painless 

treatment that oxygenates to 

encourage the growth of new cells 

and collagen. The oxygen also helps 

to rejuvenate skin that has been 

exposed to pollutants and other 

toxins, as well as reducing blemishes 

and minor skin imperfections. 

Treatment begins with an exfoliation 

treatment to remove dirt and excess 

oils, followed by a mild steam 

process to open the pores. Oxygen 

is then introduced directly onto the 

skin, along with organic enhancing 

supplements to give firmness and 

smooth out lines and wrinkles. This 

gentle treatment can also be used on 

sensitive skin. 

To see the benefits for yourself take 

advantage of Boutique Organica’s 

reader offer on page 6. 

4 Odell’s Yard, The High Street, Stony Stratford, MK11 1AF www.boutiqueorganica.co.uk • 01908 569259 

Happy Bodies spinathon 

Members and friends of Happy Bodies 

Health and Wellbeing are getting 

ready to spin – 12 hours of non-stop 

spin on 25 August! 

Friends Debbie Smith, Liz Miller 

and Kate Grassick-Whitby organised 

this epic event after Debbie’s dad 

was diagnosed with a terminal brain 

tumour. Gym members have been 

amazing – 3 members will spin for 12 

hours, 16-year- old Shannon Barnes 

has committed to 4 hours. Aleisha 

Dixon who has never done anything 

like this will be testing her legs! 

Good luck to Jane and Emma-Louise 

Stanbridge, Julie and Emma Haley, Jo 

Patrick-Heselton, Robert Purton, Mark 

Dale, Mark Watson, Dale Underwood, 

Colin Turner, Simon Borrill and Steve 

Ward and all the other spinners. 

Please give generously to support 

Brain Tumour Charity 

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ 

the12hourspin 

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Wellbeing 

EVERYONE HAS TO 

START SOMEWHERE 

Take those first steps 

towards a healthier you… 

HAPPY BODIES | FURTHO COURT | OLD STRATFORD | MK19 6AN 


13

Wellbeing 

www.nailsalonmiltonkeynes.co.uk 

LANh's NAiL sALoN 

• Acrylics • Nail art • Shellac • Air brush designs 

• Hand designs • Gel nails • Pedicures 

LANh’s NAiL sALoN in 

Stony Stratford provides a 

professional and relaxing nail 

care service to fully meet all 

your individual needs. 

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! 

CALL 01908 567796 

95 High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1AT 

What’s more, we also have free 

parking at the rear, free fast wi-fi 

in the shop and free tea and coffee. 

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Wellbeing 


15

Wellbeing 

Smile – this could be the solution 

Recovery 

Your recovery should happen quite 

quickly after the operation but you may 

need some time off work, depending 

on the complexity of your treatment. 

Dental implants can transform 

your life – restoring your smile and 

helping you to talk and eat without 

embarrassment. So what are the facts? 

The implant 

Da Vinci Dental Clinic uses implants 

that will work with all bone types 

and even the most complicated of 

circumstances. These clever devices 

are fixed to your jaw, can last for years 

and according to your needs can 

comprise one or several implants to 

replace your missing teeth. 

There are three parts to an implant 

– first, the small threaded titanium 

cylinder, which is placed into the 

jawbone. Next, a small connecting 

part attaches the new porcelain tooth 

onto the cylinder. The implant gets its 

strength from being fixed into the jaw 

bone. Once it is fitted, you will find 

it hard to tell the difference between 

your implant and your natural teeth. 

Success 

Dental implants have a near perfect 

success rate and risk of complication is 

very low; however before offering you 

an implant the Da Vinci dentists will 

assess your suitability. 

Care 

Treatment is carried out under local 

anaesthetic, so you will not experience 

any pain. Slight swelling or discomfort 

after the treatment is normal as your 

gums begin to heal. Full after-care 

advice and management post-surgery 

will reduce your risks and promote 

healing. 

Timescales 

The procedure takes place in three 

stages. After your implant is fitted it 

takes three months for the bone to 

strengthen around it. If appropriate, a 

temporary crown can be fitted during 

this time. Once it is strong enough, your 

dentist will fit a connecting part to the 

implant and a couple of weeks later 

your tooth or teeth will be put in place. 

After this simply look after your new 

teeth in the same way as your real teeth 

– cleaning and flossing twice a day. 

Training 

In addition to their over 20 years of 

experience in performing thousands 

of implants all the Da Vinci dentists 

continuously undertake additional 

training. This ensures they have the 

necessary skills to perform these 

treatments and guarantee their 

knowledge, competence and safety. 

The cost 

Price varies according to your needs, 

with single implants starting at around 

£980 (including connecting part and 

crown) but their longevity means 

they offer great value for money. In 

addition there is an option for 0% 

credit finance over 6-12 months 

(subject to status) to spread the cost. 

You can be sure that you will be 

offered the latest technologies with 

the best treatments possible at 

affordable prices. 

Contact: Put the confidence back into your smile by visiting the team to 

find the perfect solution. To make an appointment with one of the lead 

dentists, Dr Memari and Dr Sarrami, call for an appointment on 

01908 886871 or 01908 322364 

3 Canon Harnett Court, Wolverton MK12 5NF 

www.davincidentistry.co.uk • info@davincidentistry.co.uk 

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Wellbeing 

Need a physio? 

You don’t have to wait! 

Experience you can trust 

Call 

01908 560355 

www.grandunionphysio.co.uk 

Old Stratford Business Park, 

Falcon Drive, Old Stratford MK19 6FG 

| Back pain | Muscle injury | Sore or overused muscles | Muscle cramping 

| Pregnancy back and leg discomfort | Headaches | Whiplash | Lymphatic drainage 

| Circulatory problems | Anxiety | Depression | Insomnia | Stress 

Tailor-made massage 

with you in mind 

Massage in Mind provides 

massage to meet your needs. 

Whether suffering from stress or having 

muscular discomfort, massage is a powerful 

tool to alleviate these and many more 

physical and emotional conditions. 

Call 01908 968430 to 

book your appointment. 

Massage in Mind Action Physiotherapy, 

54b High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1AQ 

Email reception@actionphysiotherapy.co.uk 

www.massageinmind.me 


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Community 

A cool way to care 

Residents and businesses can now donate food 

that would have been wasted to The Milton Keynes 

Community Fridge. Co-op, Wordsworth Avenue 

and Costa’s are leading the way in supporting the 

service and helping to reduce food waste. 

Donated foods such as fruit, vegetables, bread 

and sandwiches must be within their sell-by date 

and be prepared as well as cooked in a Registered 

Food Business. 

Co-ordinator Helen Innes said, “We are thrilled 

with MK Community Fridge and thank everyone 

who has helped make it happen. Food businesses in 

Wolverton and Milton Keynes can now donate their surplus 

food and we’d love to hear from anyone who can help.” 

If you need to access the food in the two fridges and 

one freezer, visit The Old Bath House Community Centre, 

Wolverton, from 7.00-9.00pm Monday-Friday. 

Crowd-funding and support from environmental charity 

Hubbub UK and Bosch have helped to ensure the venture’s 

To find out more, donate or volunteer visit 

www.mkcommunityfridge.org or www.facebook.com/MKCommunityFridge/ 

success. Volunteers to help it to continue are always welcome. 

The average UK household throws away £470 worth of 

food every year while 4 million people are living in food 

poverty. Community Fridges have been successful in Spain 

and Germany as well as other parts of the UK as a way of 

cutting food waste. 

Free Heritage Open Days at the heart 

of Milton Keynes 50th anniversary year 

7 – 10 September 

There are more than 70 free heritage Open Day events 

forming part of Milton Keynes 50th Anniversary. Milton 

Keynes Museum and Bletchley Park are offering 200 

free tickets per day. There are hands-on activities, 

performances, archive film screenings, arty options and 

guided tours exploring Milton Keynes’ rich heritage. 

Visit Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney, 

Buckingham’s Old Gaol Museum, Claydon House and 

Chandos Hall Museum in Newport Pagnell as well as a 

host of historic sites and churches. Various towns and 

villages will have guided tours, there’ll be a chance to quiz 

members of the Western Front Association and you can 

find out about Buckingham Canal restoration. Libraries are 

18 

also hosting events. 

There’s a Medieval Family Fun Day at Bradwell Abbey, 

Open Days BBQ, a Beer and Cider Festival at Milton 

Keynes Museum, Festive Road’s puppet workshop and 

much more. There are also art exhibitions, trails and 

demonstrations at various venues. 

The Willis Pipe Organ, Stony Stratford will be available to 

play and you can watch Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court 

in action, or see how rubbish and recycling was dealt with. 

Full details of the activities and events www. 

mkheritageopendays.com 

Follow Milton Keynes Heritage Open Days on 

Twitter using #MKHODs 


Leisure 


19

Competition 

Win… 

2 ways to WIN a hot drink and a cake for a 

week at Out of Office Coffee, Stony Stratford 

If you love speciality coffee or tea then head to Out of 

Office Coffee to escape your desk or household chores! 

This new independent coffee shop on the block is 

already receiving rave reviews for its speciality coffee, 

premium teas, craft chocolate and freshly baked cakes, 

pastries and savoury options. 

The surroundings offer a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere, 

whether you are catching up with friends, working or 

grabbing a take-away. An historic water-filled well, 

discovered during the renovations, is central to the décor 

with clever lighting showing off this fascinating feature. 

There is an option to sit outside, as well as access to free 

WIFI and USB ports. 

Owners Ben and Steve believe all the best things 

happen in coffee houses, from their coffee and food to your 

experience. That’s why their baristas are fully trained in the 

art of making the perfect drink – macchiato, espresso, latte 

and tea. They have also taken care of the smallest of details, 

from the coffee glasses to the delicious artisan pastries and 

cakes, as well as their selection of drink suppliers. 

There are two ways to win a week’s worth of coffee and 

cake! Only at Out of Office Coffee. 

45b High Street Stony Stratford 

http://outofofficecoffee.co.uk 

Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 

Wordsearch winner… July/August 

Congratulations to Elena Ball from Wolverton who has won an 

Arbonne Facial worth £60 from Cloud 9 Spa, Potterspury 

01908 804804 www.cloud9spa.co.uk 

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ALMOND MILK BAKEWELL BANANA LOAF 

BARISTA BEANS BROWNIE 

CAPPUCCINOS CHOCOLATE COFFEE 

ESPRESSO FLAT WHITE HIGH STREET 

LATTE MOCHA MUFFINS 

OUT OF OFFICE PASTRIES SAVOURY 

SOY TEA VEGAN 

WELL WIFI WORKSHOP 

For a chance to win this fantastic prize, 

find the missing word in the grid, or pop into 

the café and guess the depth of the well to 

the nearest cm. Then send us your answer. 

Don’t forget to include your name and 

address. 

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Competition rules 

To enter the competition, email, post or telephone your answer to info@essentiallylocal.co.uk, Essentially Local, The Office, 5 The Stocks, 

Cosgrove, Milton Keynes MK19 7JD. 01908 380777. Remember to clearly state which competition you are entering and include your name, 

address and telephone number. 2. The competition runs from 1 September, 2017 and the closing date is 5pm, 13 October, 2017. No purchase 

required. 3. There will be one winner who will be notified by telephone by 31 October, 2017. The winner’s name will be published in the 

November-December edition of Essentially Local. 4. The prize for correctly identifying the missing word in the word search is one hot drink 

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, 2017 

and 31 December, 2017. 5. Entries are limited to ONE per household. Competitions cannot be entered by employees or family of Out of 

Office Coffee or Essentially Local Ltd. All correct entries will be placed in a draw and the winner will be the first randomly selected name that 

is drawn. 6. The draw will take place on 20 October, 2017. Judge’s decision is final. 7. Entrants may be notified of special offers from Out of 

Office Coffee; please state if you do not wish your details to be used. 

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Leisure 


21

Leisure 

ARTea Room’s Cake Tasting Plate – 

the solution to all cake dilemmas! 

A generous slice of home-made cake 

with the perfect cup of tea – a tasty 

treat that’s even better when taken 

with friends. But which do you choose 

– Victoria Sandwich, Coffee, Carrot, 

Toffee or Chocolate Cake? 

ARTea Room’s Cake Tasting Plate 

comes bursting with choice, flavour, 

and of course calories! And a date 

with this delight is the perfect solution 

to your cake dilemma. 

Victoria Sandwich – this classic, 

very British light and airy choice, 

topped with home-made butter icing 

and strawberry jam, is always a winner. 

Coffee Cake – another traditional 

British offering. This bursts with the 

flavours of the much-loved bean and is 

topped with crunchy walnuts that take 

your texture buds to the next dimension. 

Carrot Cake – irresistible, moist 

and enticing as the gentle spices 

excite your taste buds and the creamy 

topping melts in your mouth. 

Toffee Cake – this tea-time favourite 

is rich, sweet, soft and more-ish – and 

will brighten any autumnal day. 

Chocolate Cake – it’s truly 

scrumptious and there is no getting away 

from the deep, rich, chocolately flavour! 

To book a date for a Cake Tasting: 

ARTea Room opening hours: 10.00am-4.00pm Tuesday-Saturday 

11.00am-4.00pm on Sundays. 

Wakefield Country Courtyard, Potterspury NN12 7QX. 

01327 810245 • enquiries@artearoom.co.uk • www.artearoom.co.uk 

Frosted Courgette & Lemon cake 

Method 

Ingredients 

250g unsalted soft butter (extra for tin) 

3 unwaxed lemons 

200g golden caster sugar 

3 eggs 

2 medium coarsely courgettes 

1 tsp poppy seeds (extra for decoration) 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

100g self raising flour 

100g plain wholemeal flour 

1 tsp baking powder 

85g icing sugar 

200g full fat soft cheese 

4 tbsp lemon curd 

22 

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. 

Grease 2 x 20cm sandwich tins, line with baking parchment. 

• Zest 2 lemons, squeeze juice into a bowl. Beat into a creamy 

batter - 200g butter, caster sugar, eggs, courgettes, poppy 

seeds, vanilla and lemon zest. Stir in 1tbsp lemon juice, flour, 

baking powder and 1⁄4 tsp salt. Spoon mix into tins, bake for 25 

mins or until risen, golden and springy in the middle. 

• Make a drizzle by mixing 1 tbsp lemon juice with 25g icing 

sugar. Beat remaining icing sugar and butter into a creamy, 

smooth frosting, add the soft cheese, 2 tbsp lemon juice and 

grate in final lemon’s zest. 

• Cool the cakes in their tins for 15 minutes, then turn onto a 

cooling rack. Prick with a cocktail stick, spoon over the drizzle 

and cool. Spread the lemon curd and then half the frosting. Put 

second cake on top and spread remaining frosting. Sprinkle with 

poppy seeds. 

Moorgate Farm Vegetable Box Delivery Scheme – Local fresh, 

quality vegetables delivered from field to your door in 24 hours 

Moorgate Farm, Potterspury, NN12 7QG 

01908 543008 • info@moorgatefarm.co.uk 


Leisure 

Want to get creative or find time to 

escape the madness of everyday life? 

Then head to Vitreus Art – 

this hive of creativity offers 

art and craft courses that 

everyone should try. The 

courses run here major on 

making something to be 

proud of, especially their 

Glass courses. 

These courses offer a 

modern take on glass art. 

From jewellery to window 

hangings, wall art and more 

– you’ll enjoy the friendly, 

fun classes and relaxing 

atmosphere. 

Unlike many arty courses 

the price includes all your materials, tools, tuition and 

refreshments. All you need to take is enthusiasm! 

Call in, see what it’s all about 

and chat to the artists. 

You’ll find Vitreus Art at Wakefield Country Courtyard, near Potterspury, Northants 

NN12 7Q, www.vitreus-art.co.uk Tel: 01327 810320 

The courses make perfect 

gifts or bring a friend and 

you’ll have memories to share. 

“What better way could 

there be to share time with 

friends and family and build 

lasting memories while 

having fun learning a new 

craft?” says Jenny at Vitreus 

Art. 

Vitreus Art is taking part 

in the SNA Trail 7th – 15th 

October with two other 

artists – you will find glass 

art being made plus Textile 

Sculpture and Textile Art. 


23

Children’s Page 

Charlotte’s Joke Corner 

How do you get straight As? 

By using a ruler 

What did the pen say to the pencil? 

So what’s your point? 

Why did the 2 4s skip lunch? 

They already 8! 

Send your jokes to info@essentiallylocal.co.uk 

Word wheel 

Try to find as many words of 

3 letters or more, only using 

the letters in the grid. You can 

only use each letter once in the 

words you make. No proper 

names are allowed. Can you 

find the 9 letter word? 

Good: 8+, Excellent: 10 +, Outstanding: 12+ 

E P E 

O N S 

L E V 

9 letterword: envelopes, 8 letter word: envelope, envelops, 

7 letter words: elevens, envelop, 6 letter words: eleven, elopes, sleeve, spleen, 5 

letter words elope, elves, evens, levee, lopes, loves, novel, opens, ovens, peels, 

peeve, poles, pones, seven, sleep, slope, solve, 4 letter words; eels, else, epee, 

even, lens, lone, lope, lops, lose, love, neep, nope, nose, ones, open, oven, peel, 

peso, pole, pose, seen, seep, sloe, slop, sole, vole, 3 letter words: eel, eon, eve, 

lee, lop, one, pee, pen, see, son. 

The ancient Romans invented the stylus which was a thin metal rod which left a 

light readable mark on papyrus. Graphite became popular after its discovery in a 

deposit in Borrowdale, England in 1564. 

Edward Nairne, an English engineer, invented the first pencil rubber. 

Charles Goodyear began curing the rubber in 1839. 

Answers 

The abacus, developed in China in the ninth century, was the first calculator. Blaise 

Pascal (1623-1662) invented the first adding machine in 1642. 

Sept-Oct wordsearch 

Z E I G K C F P Y 

R N R O L O A E R 

K E O A L U U N A 

N B P D S U E C I 

J L E A D E R I D 

B R S M P H R L Y 

S H A R P E N E R 

G I N K C A L B D 

N E P I G P H M S 

BLACK BOOK DIARY 

ERASER FOLDER GLUE 

INK LEAD PAPER 

PEN PENCIL SHARPENER 

Find the words in the wordsearch and see if you can 

answer the questions below. 

1. Who invented the first calculator? 

2. Who invented the pencil? 

3. Who invented the pencil rubber? 

Big Draw 2017 – Go Wild in the Rainforest! 

FREE Arts Workshop with 

Michelle Buckland & Angela Carel 

10.00am-4.00pm, Saturday, 14 October. 

York House Centre, London Road, 

Stony Stratford, MK11 1JQ 

The York House Centre Big Draw returns! This year’s theme will 

explore the wonderful world of rainforests – so important to the health 

of our planet and so full of wondrous flora and fauna. 

This drop-in workshop is FREE (including all materials) and is suitable 

for all ages and abilities - help transform York House into a rainforest 

paradise! 

There will be some optional paid activities - decorate a butterfly 

biscuit, face painting, create animal masks or make bird’s wings. 

A ‘Volunteer Cafe’ will run all day to satisfy your refreshment needs 

(home-made cakes, tea & coffee, soft drinks) and raise funds 

to support the project. 

We look forward to another amazing year of family fun 

and creativity. 

Facebook: Stony Stratford Big Draw 


24 


Leisure 

Professional childcare with a personal touch 

Looking for local childcare? 

* A non profit organisation - the money 

is invested where it matters 

* Highly qualified, warm and welcoming 

staff team 

* A focus on outdoor and natural play 

* Award-winning Menus 

* Forest School 

Acorn Day Nursery, Castlethorpe 

17 South Street 

Castlethorpe, MK19 7EL 

castlethorpe@acornchildcare.co.uk 

01908 510222 

www.acornchildcare.co.uk 


25

What’s On – September/October 2017 

ARTS & CRAFTS 

Wolverton & District 

Archaeological & Historical 

Society 

Paul Blinkhorn A Day in the 

Life of Time Team 7.30pm, 

Wednesday 20 September. 

John Clarke – Woburn 

Wednesday 18 October 

Mike Ingram – King John’s 

Scythe Wednesday 15 

November St Mary & St Giles 

School, Stony Stratford 

Buckingham Canal Society 

Restoration of disused canal 

– practical conservation work. 

10.00am alternate Thursdays 

and 2nd Sunday each month 

Lock Lane, Cosgrove, 

MK19 7JR. 01908 661217 

Athinabec@aol.com www. 

buckinghamcanal.org.uk 

Craft Social Club 

All crafts welcome. Pop in for a 

cup of tea & chat. Old Stratford 

Memorial Hall. Mondays 2.00- 

4.30pm. 01908 380777 

Cosgrove Art Group 

Welcomes new members. 

Cosgrove Village Hall. Tuesday 

10.00am-12.00 noon. 

Joy 01908 677679 

Milton Keynes Aviation 

Society (MKAS) 

Silver City Airways – The first 70 

years 12 September. 

North Korean Aviation – Glenn 

Stanley 10th October 8pm 

doors open 7.30pm Kents Hill 

Community Centre MK6 6HQ 

Visitors £3 www.mkas.co.uk 

mkasinfo@gmail.com 

Milton Keynes National Trust 

Association 

Milton Keynes Museum and the 

future by Bill Griffiths, Director 

7.45pm 13 September. New 

members and guests welcome. 

01908 314151 Cruck Barn, 

Bradwell Abbey. 

Stony Stratford Floral Group 

High Days & Holidays 

Demonstration by Martin 

Capel 5 September The Little 

Green Orchard Demonstration 

by Katherine Kear (National 

Demonstrator) 3 October 

The Life of Flowers 

demonstration by Emma 

Rimmington 7 November. 

Visitors £8.00 Doors open 

7.00pm for 7.30pm. Christmas 

demonstration tickets on 

sale. Visitors £10 Admission by 

ticket only no tickets on sale on 

the night. Russell Street School 

Hall, Stony Stratford 

Sue on 01908 564453 or 

Judy on 01908 569429 

The North Bucks 

Woodturning Club 

Courtyard Arts Centre, 

Parklands, Great Linford, Milton 

Keynes Saturdays 10.00am- 

12.00pm 01908 311243 

pip.watts@btconnect.com 

The National Museum 

of Computing 

For tours, www.tnmoc.org/bytes 

Bletchley Park, The Mansion, 

Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 

6DZ. 01908 374708 

Vitreus Art Courses 

Variety of art and craft courses. 

Vitreus Art, No. 4 Wakefield 

Country Courtyard, Potterspury 

NN12 7QX 01327 810320 

www.vitreus-art.co.uk 

Westbury Arts Centre 

For art courses Foxcovert Road, 

Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes, 

MK5 6AA 01908 501214 

admin@westburyartscentre.co.uk 

www.westburyartscentre.co.uk 

Yardley Gobion History Group 

Meets village hall 8pm, 1st 

Thursday of the month 

01908 542322 

babskingyg@talktalk.net 

CHILDREN 

Act Out & Act Up 

Term-time drama group for 

all levels of 7-14 year olds, 

covering theatrical skills – 

acting, story telling and the 

spoken word etc. Act Out for 

6-10yrs 4.30-5.30pm, and Act 

Up for 11-16yrs 5.40-6.40pm. 

Both on Thursdays. York House 

Centre, Stony Stratford. 

info@redphoenixstory.co.uk 

Brownies and Guides 

South Northants Brownies (7- 

10yrs) Guides (10-14yrs) Every 

Mon, Tues & Wed. South 

Northants Rainbows (5- 7yrs) 

Every Wed. Call Emma 

01908 571244 

Wolverton and Stony Stratford 

Rainbows, Brownies and 

Guides. Rainbows 5-7yrs meet 

Thursdays Brownies 7-10yrs 

meet Wednesdays. 

Guides 10–14 yrs meet 

Mondays. 

wolvertondc@outlook.com 

Towcester Brownies & Guides 

Brownies – Tuesday, 

Wednesday and Thursday. 

Guides – Monday and 

Thursday. Hattie – Guider 

in Charge 3rd Towcester 

Brownies, 07776 257398 

3rdtowcesterbrownies@gmail.com 

Beaver and Scouts 

1st Stony Stratford Beaver 

Scouts (6-8yrs), Mondays 1st 

Stony Stratford Cub Scouts 

(8-10.5yrs), Thursdays 1st Stony 

Stratford Scouts (10.5-14yrs), 

Tuesdays. For boys & girls 

www.facebook. com/ 

1stStonyStratford 

Email: alby@backstage.co.uk 

Cosgrove Playdate! 

Drop in and out for under 5s, 

meet friends, share a toy, drink 

and biscuit. 10.30am-12.00 

noon, 3rd Thursday of month. 

St Peter and St Paul Church, 

Cosgrove. Deanshanger Library 

Rhyme time 

2.15pm every Thursday Under 

1s Play and Learn 10.30am 

every Wednesday Deanshanger 

Library, Little London, 

Deanshanger MK19 6HT. 

01908 562889 paula.culley@ 

firstforwellbeing.co.uk 

York House Junior Youth Club 

Ages 8 -12 6.00pm-7.30pm 

Mondays during termtime. 

yorkhouseyouthclubs@hotmail.com 

Maria 07988 078056 


York House Senior Youth Club 

Ages 12 – 16 years 6.00pm- 

7.45pm Wednesdays during 

termtime Tash 07949 402862 

tash.youth@ymail.com 

Stony Stratford & 

Wolverton Library 

Stories, songs and rhymes for 

under 5s and carers, free 11.00- 

11.30pm, Thursdays Stony 

Stratford. 2.00-2.30pm, Fridays 

Wolverton. Term time only 

www.miltonkeynes.gov.uk/libraries 

MUSIC 

Jazz – New Orleans Jazz Club 

See page 11. 

Jazz Jam 

Terry Marshall and The Hounds 

with local musicians. The Fox & 

Hounds, Stony Stratford Free. 

8.30pm Thursday. 

Junction 14 Ladies A Cappella 

Singing for pleasure and 

fundraising. Rehearsals 7.30pm 

Thursdays Drama Studio 

Shenley Brook End Secondary 

School, Milton Keynes. To join 

01908 678558. To hire 

01908 667029 

bookings@junction14.org 

www.junction14.org 

MK Acapella Men 

Barbershop Chorus Rehearsals 

every Monday Stantonbury 

School, Bradville, Milton 

Keynes. To join: 

membership@mkacapella.com 

To hire: 

bookings@mkacapella.com 

www.mkacapella.com 

Milton Keynes Acoustic 

Tuition in roots guitar, fiddle 

and penny whistle. Beginners to 

advanced. 1st & 3rd Thursday 

Community Centre, Britten 

Grove, Old Farm Park, Milton 

Keynes. johntimpany@aol.co.uk 

www.mkamc.co.uk 

Music Makers of Milton 

Keynes 

Choral Music and singing. 

Rehearsals Stony Stratford. 

7.30pm- 9.30pm Thursdays 

Call Teresa 07928156006 

The Song Loft 

Kelly Oliver 8.15, 27 October 

Performers Night 8.15, 15 

September, 13 October, 

10 & 24 November £3.00 

songloft@ gmail.com 

www.thesongloft. co.uk 

The Cock Hotel Stony Stratford 

MK11 1AH 

Scribal Gathering 

Stony Stratford’s premier 

music & spoken word open 

mic – hosted by Jonathan JT 

Taylor. Welcomes musicians, 

poets and all performers. 

Headline performances. The 

Crown, Market Square, Stony 

Stratford. 7.30pm for 8.00pm- 

11.00pm, 2nd Tuesday of every 

month. www.facebook.com/ 

ScribalGathering 

The Towcester Choral Society 

Rehearsals Towcester Town 

Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm Tuesday. 

01327 353314 or membership@ 

towcesterchoralsociety.org.uk 

www.towcesterchoralsociety.org.uk 

See Facebook / Twitter 

DANCE 

Old Mother Redcaps 

Ladies Morris dancing side, 

looking for dancers & musicians. 

Swinfen Harris Hall, Stony 

Stratford, 8.00-10.00pm Mon 

Catherine 01908 667112 

Potterspury Dance Club 

Ballroom / sequence dancers. 

New members welcome £2.50. 

John & Di 01604 862632 8pm- 

10pm Tuesday, Potterspury 

Village Hall. 

Rose and Castle Morris 

New members welcome. Stoke 

Bruerne Village Hall 8.30– 

10.30pm every Wednesday 

Ian 07860 277046 

ianwelborn@talktalk.net or 

www.rose-castlemorris.org.uk 

26 



Triple K Western Line Dancers 

Improvers class 7.30pm-9.00pm 

Thurs, Haversham Social & 

Community Centre. Beginners 

class 10.45am-11.45am, 

Deanshanger Memorial Centre. 

Kay or Andrew 01525 376172 

Royal Scottish Country 

Dance Society 

Milton Keynes Classes 8.00pm- 

10.00pm Mondays, Bradwell 

Village Memorial Hall MK12 

9AG. New & experienced 

dancers welcome. 

07877 153259 

MARKETS 

Monthly Farmers Markets 

Market Square, Stony Stratford 

– Last Friday 9.00am- 1.00pm 

Towcester Nr Waitrose 2nd 

Friday 9.00am-1.00pm 

Wolverton Road/Creed Street, 

Wolverton 1st and 3rd Saturday 

9am-1.00pm 

Milton Keynes Country Market, 

Local produce, baking, crafts, 

plants, cafe. The Old Bath 

House, Stratford Rd, Wolverton. 

Free. Fridays 8.00am-12 noon. 

Timor Court Market, Stony 

Stratford. Fruit, veg, flowers and 

other stalls. Saturdays 

LEISURE 

Coffee mornings 

Yardley Gobion Coffee Shop 

drinks, cakes and chat, 

everybody welcome, toys 

available for children 10.30am- 

12noon 3rd Saturday of month 

Deanshanger Library 

Reading Group – 2.00pm 2nd 

Friday of month 

Knit and Natter – Learn to knit 

3.30- 4.00pm 1st & 3rd Friday 

of month, Knitting and sewing 

for children. Thursdays (term 

time only) 3.30pm- 4.00pm 

Deanshanger Library, 

Little London, Deanshanger 

MK19 6HT. 01908 562889 

paula.culley@firstforwellbeing.co.uk 

Deanshanger Sports Club 

Evenings in partnership with 

Deanshanger Colts and Divas. 

Little London, Deanshanger 

MK19 6HU 01908 567137 

Facebook Deanshanger 

sportsandsocialclub 

Stony Stratford Tuesday 

Night Charity Curry Club 

Quiz Fun general knowledge 

quiz and meal – teams of 4 – 

£15 per head £24k raised for 

Willen Hospice and Rett UK 

since 2008. Naidni Restaurant, 

Wolverton Road, Stony 

Stratford. 8-10pm, 1st Tuesday 

of every month 

www.facebook. com/ 

groups/StonyStratford 

TuesdayNightCharity 

CurryClubQuiz 

Wolverton Community 

Orchard Gardening Day 

10.00am– 3.00pm Tuesdays 

weather permitting all welcome. 

Yvonne 01908 320405 or 

Mandy on 01908 319719 

Towcester Bridge Club 

Friendly duplicate bridge. Table 

Money £2.50 for members 

£3.50 for visitors. Membership 

£10 annually. New players 

welcome Meet 7.20pm for 

7.30pm, Tuesdays Towcester 

Conservative Club 

Lynda Riecken, 

lynda@riecken.co.uk 

www.bridgewebs.com/ towcester 

Towcester & District 

Art Society 

Meet Thursdays Paulerspury 

Village Hall. Len Lane 01908 

569425 or 07957 281493 

www.towcesterart.com 

SENIORS 

Senior Citizens 

Afternoon Tea, coffee, homemade 

cakes. All welcome. 

Last Friday of month, 

2.00pm-4.00pm, Memorial 

Hall, Deanshanger Road, 

Old Stratford (by village 

shop). Havencourt Sheltered 

Home Bingo 7.00pm Mon & 

2.00pm Weds Coffee Morning 

Fri 10.30am jean.miller@ 

southnorthantshomes.co.uk 

Ridgmont, Deanshanger 

WOMEN’S 

INSTITUTE 

Bradwell WI 

Interesting speakers, tea and 

cake, warm welcome. Olive 

Stewart 01908 310267. 2.30pm, 

3rd Tuesday of month 

Sports & Social Club, Abbey 

Road, Bradwell Village. 

Castlethorpe WI 

Meet 7.30pm, 2nd Thurs of 

month Castlethorpe Village 

Hall. castlethorpewi@gmail.com 

Cosgrove WI 

Meet 7.30pm, 1st Tues of the 

Month, Cosgrove Village Hall 

Deanshanger WI 

Visitors £3.50 7.30pm, 

2nd Thursday of month, 

Memorial Community Centre, 

Deanshanger 

Hanslope WI 

Visitors welcome 7.30pm, 

1st Tuesday of month, 

Hanslope Village Hall. 

R. Simpson 01908 510516 

tubs@full-moon.eclipse.co.uk 

Potterspury WI 

Visitor fee £3.00 7.30pm, 1st 

Wed of month, Village Hall 

Stony Stratford WI 

Coram and the Foundling 

Hospital, Colin Oaks 2.15pm 

Tuesday, 5 September 

Members’ meeting 2.15pm 

Tuesday, 3 October York House, 

London Road, Stony Stratford 

Craft and Chat, Methodist 

Hall, Silver Street, Stony 

Stratford 2.15pm Tuesdays, 19 

September, 17 October 

gill.williams@fsml.co.uk 

Stony Nightingales WI 

8pm, 2nd Thursday of month. 

Swinfen Harris Hall, London 

Road, Stony Stratford MK11 

1AJ. 07738 054915 Facebook: 

Stony Nightingales WI 

www.snwi.co.uk 

Towcester Evening WI 

7.00pm for 7.30-9.30pm, 

1st Thursday of month. 

Riverside Centre, Islington 

Road, Towcester NN12 7AU 

towcesterwi.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Yardley Gobion WI 

7.30pm 2nd Thursday of the 

month. Yardley Gobion Village 

Hall. Visitor fee £3 

New Manor WI Wolverton 

7.45pm 2nd Wednesday of 

month. sandra.brian7@tiscali. 

co.uk Christian Foundation, The 

Square, Wolverton MK12 5DX 

EVENTS 

Hanslope Horticultural Show 

Entrants 8am, viewings at 2pm 

2 September Facebook: 

Hanslope Horticultural Show. 

Village Hall, Hanslope 

Stony Stratford Harvest Show 

Exhibits of flowers, vegetables, 

fruit, domestic produce, crafts and 

children’s exhibits, auction. Raising 

funds for Branch-out MK. 2pm, 

prize-giving 3.30pm 2 September 

The York House Centre, London 

Road, Stony Stratford 

Community Orchard, Wolverton 

Orchard Story. Conducted tours 

and refreshments at Victorian 

Railway Carriage. Tours 

10.00am-12noon & 2.00pm- 

3.00pm Thursday, 7 September 

Wolverton Scarecrow 

Festival and Apple Day 

Scarecrows in town and at 

the community orchard. Live 

scarecrows, refreshments, 

barbecue, children’s games, 

stalls, live music 11.00am- 

5.00pm Sunday 17, September 

St Peter and St Paul’s Church, 

Cosgrove 

Historic Churches Trust Ride 

and Stride, 9 September 

Church Open Day with teas, 

2-4.30pm 10 September 

Historical exhibits and displays, 

quizzes and competitions for 

children, churchyard tales. 

Wendy Page talks 

When They were Young 7.30pm 

5 October Heroes and Villains 

7.30pm 19 October Into Living 

Memory 7.30pm 26 October 

St Peter and St Paul’s Church, 

Cosgrove 

Tickets £5 – one talk or 

£12 for three, 01908 

563600 text 07710 497415 

wendypage1@gmail.com 

Milton Keynes Museum 

Heritage Open Days 7-10 

September Transport weekend 

16-17 September Organ 

Festival 7-8 October 

Autumn Half Term holiday 

activities. 23-27 October 

McConnell Drive, MK12 5EL 

www.mkmuseum.org.uk 

Bucks Festival 

Nuturing localism, Sustainability 

and well being 12.00-3.00pm, 

23 September Westbury 

Arts Centre, Foxcovert Road, 

Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes, 

MK5 6AA 

Rushmere Country Park 

The Local Food Festival 

– celebrating locally 

produced food and drinks. 

Demonstrations, hogroast, bar 

& BBQ, children’s activities. 

Free entry, charges for activities, 

vehicles pay £3 on exit 

11.00am-4.00pm 24 September 

www.greensandtrust.org 

Boobs & Brass in concert with 

Bradwell Silver Band 

7.30pm 30 September 

£10.00, via Theatre Box Office, 

01908 528808 The Venue MK, 

Walnut Tree, Walnut Tree, 

Milton Keynes MK7 7WH 

www.boobsandbrass.com / 

www.bradwellband.co.uk 

Big Draw 2017 

See page 24. 

Old Stratford 

Fireworks Display 

Professional display with stalls, 

activities and refreshments. 

5.30 – 7.30pm (display 

approx. 6.30pm) Saturday, 11 

November, £2.50 for adults 

(under 16s free). Community 

Hall, Old Stratford 


27


SPORTS: WHAT’S ON 

Aerobic 

Fitness Happy Bodies www.happybodies.co.uk, Furtho Court, 

Old Stratford, MK19 6AN. 01908 477066 

Badminton 

Feathers Badminton Club 2.00-4.00pm Wed £3. Mill Mead Hall, 

Wolverton. 01908 373966 or mr.baldwin@btinternet.com 

Bowling 

Castlethorpe Short Mat Bowls Club. Castlethorpe Village Hall, 

Tues 2.15- 4.15pm, Wed 7.30-9.30pm & Fri evenings 

Dave 07731 670457 

Paulerspury Bowling Club. 7.30pm Tues Paulerspury Village Hall. 

Contact Ann on 01327 811352. 

Stony Stratford Bowls Club. Club Secretary 01908 565659 

www.stonystratfordbowlsclub.co Ancell Trust Sports Ground, 

Ostlers Lane, Stony Stratford, MK11 1AR. 

Wolverton Town Bowls Club. Junction with Cambridge Street and 

Furze Way, Wolverton. Joe 01908 562952 

Croquet 

Stony Stratford Croquet Club Ostlers Lane, 

Stony Stratford MK11 1AR. Roy 01908 566345 

Cycling 

Twenty3c Shop Bike Ride. Meet at shop, 01908 260322 

Football 

Deanshanger Colts & Divas. www.deanshangercolts.co.uk 

Martial Arts 

Karate. Huw 07739 707455 www.karategoju.co.uk 

Karate & Kickboxing. See page 13 

Jado Kuin Do Family Martial Arts. Emma Bacon 07790 296737. 

Stantonbury Judo Club. www.stantonburyjudoclub.co.uk 

RunStony 

Local running group for all abilities. facebook.com/runstony 

Squash 

Turn up and play. £3 members, £5 nonmembers. 

Kiln Farm 077294 14000 

Sailing 

Haversham Sailing Club, all ages welcome. Experienced helms. 

www.havershamsc.org 24 High Street, Haversham MK19 7DX 

Table Tennis 

Towcester and District Table Tennis. All abilities welcome 

Rod Barr 01604 847948 or 07885 108559. 

www.tabletennis365.com/ Towcester 

Tennis 

Wolverton Tennis Club Coaching. Pete Tolaini, 0774 0004548. 

wolvertontennis@ hotmail.com, Facebook, clubspark.lta.org.uk/ 

Walking 

Stony Stratford Walking Group, 45-60 minutes at your own pace 

followed by tea, coffee and a chat. Meet Mill Lane/ Willow Lane. 

Mary Kendall 01908 260570. 

Winslow District Ramblers 

www.bucksvoice.net/winslowdistrict-ramblers-group. 

Buckingham and District Walking Group approx 10miles 

fortnightly, alternate Saturdays / Sundays. Friendly group, 

new members welcome. John 07921 823189 

Essential Numbers… 

For all the everyday useful numbers you may need 

HOSPITALS 

Milton Keynes General Hospital 01908 660033 

Northampton General Hospital 01604 634700 

HEALTH CENTRES 

Hanslope Practice 01908 510230 

Paulerspury Practice 01327 811630 

Stony Medical Centre 01908 260382 

Stony Stratford Health Visitors, Physios 01908 565555 

The Stonedean Practice 01908 261155 

Towcester Medical Centre 01327 359953 

Wolverton Health Centre 01908 222954 

Wolverton Health Visitors, District Nurses, 

Podiatry, Physiotherapy 01908 316633 

NHS Direct Textphone 111 

INFORMATION SERVICES 

AgeUK Information and Advice 01908 560822 

SUPPORT LINES 

Samaritans 0845 790 9090 

Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 

28 

OPTICIANS 

DW Roberts Optometrists 01908 562355 

VETERINARY SURGEONS 

The Vet Centre 

Old Stratford 01908 567272 

Maids Moreton 01280 812057 

POLICE 

Non emergency calls 101 

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 

Victim Support Line 0845 30 30 900 

Emergencies 999 

COUNCILS 

Aylesbury Vale District Council 01296 585858 

Buckinghamshire County Council 01296 395000 

Text phone 01296 383111 

Milton Keynes Council 01908 691691 

Northamptonshire County Council 0300 126 1000 

South Northamptonshire Council 0845 2300226 


Professional Business Services 

The Co-Operative Legal Services estimate that 38,000 

families end up in prolonged probate disputes, with up 

to 10% of the value of an estate lost in fees. If you aren’t 

married to your partner, have children from previous 

relationships, wish to split properties, own a business, have 

overseas properties or investments or are unsure about 

inheritance tax, get professional advice. And remember, if 

a professionally written will is later found to be defective in 

any way, your family will have someone to sue. 

For more information talk to Ashley Mirfin 

from Simply Wills 01908 866541 


The Co-Operative Legal Services estimate that 38,000 

families end up in prolonged probate disputes, with up 

to 10% of the value of an estate lost in fees. If you aren’t 

married to your partner, have children from previous 

relationships, wish to split properties, own a business, have 

overseas properties or investments or are unsure about 

inheritance tax, get professional advice. And remember, if 

a professionally written will is later found to be defective in 

any way, your family will have someone to sue. 

For more information talk to Ashley Mirfin 

from Simply Wills 01908 866541 


29 31

Community 

Investing for children 

Most of us know that Individual 

Savings Accounts, or ISAs for short are 

a simple and easy way to save – and 

the best thing is you don’t pay tax on 

them. 

But did you know that you can now 

set up an ISA for your children. Called 

a Junior ISA or JISA for short, they can 

be set up for children under 18 and 

currently a parent can pay in up to 

£4,128 per year per child. Many high 

street banks offer cash-based JISAs 

but interest rates are likely to be low. 

As an alternative you can set up a 

JISA with some investment platforms 

that allow you to invest in the stock 

market. This would mean taking a risk 

that the value could go down but if 

you invested the full allowance each 

year and made an average return of 

5% per year, your child could benefit 

from a nice sum of £121,937 at age 

18. If you can’t afford to take a risk, 

make sure you take out a cash-based 

ISA instead. 

Are you weighed down by reward cards? 

It seems you can’t walk out of a shop 

without having the opportunity to sign 

up for a reward card. These cards can 

be great if you use them in the right 

way – don’t spend more just to collect 

the points, but collect the points if you 

were going to spend anyway. 

You can end up with so many cards 

you can’t close your wallet or purse, 

or leave the one you need at home. 

Luckily there is an app that can store 

all your card details on your phone. 

How much pocket money 

should I give my child? 

Did you know that children now get on average £7 per week? The amount you 

give (if anything) is up to you of course. What is more important is helping your 

child to develop good savings habits. 

A child’s money habits are formed from as early as age 7, so the earlier you 

can get your child saving the better off they will be financially when they are 

older. 

How can you do this? Try to get your child to divide their money into 3: 1 / 3 

for essential spending, 1 / 3 

for enjoyment and 1 / 3 

for saving. Let them know that 

if they want something big they need to save for it. Some parents get their 

children to complete a weekly sheet where they account for what they have 

spent before they get their next round of pocket money. 

When you’re in the relevant store just 

get your phone out and scan, simple! 

The app is called Stocard, check it out. 

For information and advice about financial planning: Carl Roberts FPFS, Chartered Financial Planner 

carl@rtsfinancialplanning.co.uk • www.rtsfinancialplanning.co.uk • 01908 592544 • 07702 965275 

RTS Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales. 

Registration number 10619163. 21 Fosters Lane, Bradwell, Milton Keynes, MK13 9HZ 

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Professional Services 


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Home Services 

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33

Home Services 

How to make the perfect study space… 

The summer holidays have already whizzed by and with the whole “back to school” theme we 

thought it apt to think about how to create the perfect study space. Whether its your new uni 

room, a home office, study or perhaps you work from a kitchen table, this will you give some 

great tips about how you can make any space more organised, productive and attractive. 

Light 

Position yourself in the lightest 

room, or near a window, wherever 

you can grab some natural light 

– it’s great for productivity and 

keeps you from feeling fatigued. 

Declutter 

It is harder to work amongst chaos, 

so if you are working from home 

try to keep décor and furniture 

fairly minimal around your working 

space. Choose a light colour 

palette and nothing too busy! 

Furniture 

Go for a layout that is practical 

for you, whether you are in a 

creative setting, essay writing, 

or working mainly on a PC. It’s 

important to be able to easily 

access the things you need. Make 

sure particularly your seating is 

comfortable and supportive. 

Storage 

Remember the principles of order 

and chaos. Order is important 

here. Opt for fancy filing, you’ll 

find lots of ideas at our local 

independent shops like Table 

and Bench, Gdad’s or simply your 

iconic IKEA Billy Bookcase – the 

end goal is the same. A good 

system will save you hours of 

frustration and justify expense. 

Motivation 

The motivational stationery market 

is on the rise. Go for wall planners, 

journals or flash cards whichever is 

more likely to keep you focused. 

These ideas and my concept board should get you started to create an organised 

space. Whether at home, college or work, as a student or freelancer – to make space 

for all of life’s admin, simply get organised! If you’d like a little more assistance, or 

more in detailed ideas with your interior design get in touch! I’d love to chat. 

Pippa Grout • 07873586990 • hellopipinteriors@gmail.com 

Cards are great for students and 

wall planners should be integral to 

any office space. It’s all about goal 

setting and working smart. Take 

a look at the great local business 

www.got2jot.co.uk/ for all of the 

above and more! 

Extras 

Have a think about the additional 

things such as a great clock, 

a warm rug, some nice desk 

accessories and add some 

greenery – plants are beneficial 

for our health. If you haven’t 

discovered it already, Lovely Living 

in Stony Stratford is all about this 

kind of thing. I’ve selected some 

items I think would work well. 

Suppliers 

Got2jot: got2jot.co.uk 

Lovely Living: 76 High Street, 

Stony Stratford MK11 1AH 

www.lovelylivinghome.co.uk 

01908 565 005 

34 


Home Services 


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Competition 



39 

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Home Services 


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adache? 

The UK European Consumer Centre 

is co-funded by the UK Government’s 

Department for Business, Innovation 

and Skills (BIS) and the European 

Commission. 

There is a European Consumer 

Centre in every EU country, as well as 

in Norway and Iceland, so you can get 

help and advice at home for problems 

that occurred abroad. 

So if you have shopped abroad 

and you need some help, contact the 

European Consumer Centre 

E-mail: ecc@tsi.org.uk 

Telephone +44(0)1268 886 690 

(lines open 9am – 4pm) 

Website: http://www.ukecc.net/ 

contact-us/index.cfm 

n Consumer Centre 

-wide network of 30 

umer Centres (ECCformation 

for UK 

ho are having 

th a company based in 

pean country; 

n disputes where the 

d trader are unable to 

ive outcome. 

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To advertise Please mention please Essentially call 01908 380777 Local when responding to adverts

Home Services 

Home Services 

Home Services 

33 


39

Trading Standards 

Product recalls – what’s behind them? 

The press highlights product recalls 

when there are safety issues or 

product defects. Returns are called 

when problems are found that might 

endanger the consumer or put the 

maker/seller at risk of legal action. They 

can be issued for cars and electrical 

goods, as well as foods and toys. 

The UK consumer protection 

laws and guidance give specific 

requirements for product recalls. 

The manufacturer is responsible for 

repairs, replacements or refunds for 

the owner. This includes contacting 

the purchaser and publishing notices 

to draw attention to the risks and their 

plans to remedy the issue. 

The government has also launched 

https://productrecall.campaign. 

gov.uk/#check. This links all the 

government and non-governmental 

agencies that provide information 

about product recalls into one place. 

Use it to check for recalls, find out 

what actions to take and register 

your products. Always update your 

information if you move house. 

For further information on recalls 

of your household products call the 

Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 

03454 040506. 

Claire Kendall 

Trading Standards, Milton Keynes 

40 


Home Services 

Call Emma on 01908 380777 

Building Home Interiors Services 


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Call Emma on 01908 380777 


43

Gardening 

Summer’s end 

As crops are lifted ground is 

exposed, so to prevent loss of 

nutrients and to improve your soil 

sow a quick-growing green manure 

such as phacilia now to over-winter; 

dig it in in early spring. Leave a 

patch to attract and feed bees and 

other pollenating insects. 

As greenhouse crops ripen, 

clear them to make room for overwintering 

plants and salads such 

Wasps 

In spring, wasps can be a gardener’s friend, eating harmful 

pests; just now however, they can be a real nuisance, especially 

around children. Quite sophisticated creatures, if wasps sense 

a threat – when we flap at them for instance – they release a 

chemical which summons other wasps in the area to their aid. 

If you have fruit trees and bushes, remove any fallen fruit 

that might attract wasps and if eating outside, try diverting 

them with a spoonful of jam in a jam jar away from your 

meal. If you have spotted or suspect a wasps’ nest near 

your home, don’t try to tackle it yourself. Wasp stings can 

cause a nasty reaction, so send for the experts. All Green 

will send trained experts to deal with the problem quickly 

and efficiently. 

For more advice call Chris at Wasp Nest Control Services 

07957 906310 

as miners’ cress and winter density 

lettuce. A late sowing of rocket 

gives a healthier alternative to 

supermarket packets. Avoid mould 

by taking care to water sparingly. 

If your tomatoes are slow to ripen, 

uproot the plants and hang them 

upside-down. 

Disinfect and store pots, trays and 

tools – you’ll be glad you did when it 

comes to the spring rush. 

For Autumn colour… 

Extend summer flowering. Prune out the main stems of 

delphiniums when they are past their best and deadhead 

roses and other shrubs through the summer for a second 

show. 

Place pots of bright foliage – an acer for example – 

where a splash of colour is needed. Bedding plants serve 

the same purpose until the first frosts. 

Plan ahead and plant asters, Michaelmas daisies and 

chrysanthemums towards the back of borders. Also gladioli 

and dahlias are flamboyantly fashionable, plant them in 

groups. 

Choose naturally long-flowering plants such as 

campanula, geraniums, hibiscus, hydrangea macrophylla, 

scabious and veronica. 

Leave berries and seed heads to please the eye as well 

as hungry wildlife later in the season. 

44 


Garden Services 


45

Gardening 

Stony Stratford in Bloom – 

celebrating MK50 

SSIB volunteers and children at the 

Stony Stratford Big Lunch and Fuller 

Slade MK50 party created beautiful 

hanging baskets which then decorated 

local streets. Russell Street School 

children decorated 60 hard hats 

donated by developers McCarthy and 

Stone. St Mary and St Giles School 

council and SSIB volunteers then filled 

them with gold and blue plants to turn 

them into gorgeous hanging baskets. 

These decorated the schools and the 

outside of the retirement home. 

Britain in Bloom (BIB) 

The SSIB and Fullers Slade Residents 

Association, with help from the 

Community Church volunteers, work 

tirelessly throughout the year. The 

week before judging day they removed 

litter and weeds in preparation. 

The BIB judges were particularly 

impressed with The North End Pond 

Project. The path to the pond was 

completed by Dominic Harris, who 

was kept busy clearing brambles. The 

It’s Your Neighbourhood Group and 

SSIB laid turf and planted wild flowers. 

The grand opening was on 6 July and 

Janet Benn donated a magnificent 

seat, while Robin Nicholls made a 

beautiful gnome house. 

SSIB Front Garden 

Competition 

Results of the BIB competition will be 

known in September. In the meantime 

Mary Sarre and Pat Kyd, joined by the 

BIB Regional Judge, judged the SSIB 

front garden competition. The standards 

were high, making judging very tough! 

The winning gardens were: 

First place: 51 The Limes, 

Runner up: 109 Milford Avenue, 

Best Container Garden: 1 Horsefair 

Green. Many highly commended 

certificates were awarded. 

Wolverton in Bloom 

Wolverton is truly in bloom thanks to the town’s business 

owners, residents, volunteers and local community action 

groups. The streets and community areas are already 

brighter and more attractive as a result of the efforts which 

began last Autumn. 

Fly-tippers have been deterred with new planters in 

key spots and groups have put in an all-year-round effort. 

This year the business association, led by Chris Bridgman, 

has worked with local businesses to improve the town 

for residents and visitors. Chris’s commercial landscape 

business has donated over 500 man hours, materials and 

resources. His young apprentices and work experience 

students have gained valuable training while working on 

local gardens and green spaces. Other businesses have 

helped with funding – Ruth’s Floral Design, Jennings 

Solicitors, Rotary Club, Global Car Hire, local counsellor 

Rob Middleton and many others. 

Following a £5000 grant for recycling efforts the town 

has bought 40 litter pickers for local groups and worked 

with schools to prevent dog fouling and improve awareness 

of litter. In addition Don’t Rubbish Wolverton volunteers 

continue to improve the environment. 

A phone app trail means you can explore the places of 

interest and so many local efforts can be admired, including 

The Urb Farm, Community Orchard and Secret Garden. 

46 

Volunteers In Remembrance 

Secret Garden – Sue Westall acquired this site for the 

benefit of the town; sadly she passed away in June. 

Wolverton in Bloom – Despite being unwell in Willen 

Hospice, Jenny Picking still chose the colour scheme for 2017 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLYHCSuqmPA 




47

Advertisers 

ACCOMMODATION 

Cotels Serviced Apartments 31 

Furtho Manor Farm 29 

AERIAL & CABLE 

MKL Cable Solutions 33 

BUILDING & PROPERTY SERVICES 

Antony Thompson Architect 33 

Handyman Property Services 36 

Hickford Construction Ltd 36, 47 

KAS Builders 38 

Ian Bodily Building Services 36 

Morris Roofing 38 

Premier Improvements 38 

Ron Cave Roofing 39 

Thomas Betts & Co 38 

Three Shires Group Services 35 

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL 

Cotels Serviced Apartments 31 

Deanshanger Royal British Legion 11, 50 


MK Box Self Storage 29 

RTS Financial Planning 30 

Simplified Accounting 29 

Simply Wills 29 

Trading Standards 40 

CHILDREN & YOUTH 

Acorn Childcare 25 

Cosgrove Village Primary School 25 

Willow Tree Pre-school 25 

CLEANING & DOMESTIC 

Carpet Pride MK 43 

Cooker Pride 43 

Domestique 43 

Haberdashery 40 

Linda’s Sewing Services 40 

Stony Dry Cleaners 43 

Ovenvaleting 42 

Quality Care Ironing Service 40 

Rob Bracey, Septic Tank 32 

The Stainbusters 42 

COMPUTER SALES & REPAIRS 

Baldox Computing 29 

ELECTRICAL SERVICES 

Microwave Service Centre 33 

MKL Cable Solutions 33 

MJ Electrics 33 

FLOWERS 

Branch Out 23 

FOOD & DRINK 

ARTea Room 22 

Bamboo Cottage Chinese Takeaway 19 

Blue Mountain Yard 7 

Direct Pizza Company 19 

Moorgate Farm Vegetable Box Delivery 22 

Out of Office Coffee 20 

The Crown, Stony Stratford 21 

The Navigation Inn, Cosgrove 7 

The Old Talbot 9 

The Stony Sweet Shop 25 

The White Lion, Wicken 21 

Wharf Distillery 31 

GARDEN SERVICES 

All Green Lawn Treatments 45 

Bartlett Tree Experts 47 

Creative Homes and Gardens 49 

Francis Rose Landscaping 

& Garden Services 49 

Graham Churchill Plant Ltd 49 

GreenThumb 45 

Hickford Construction 47 

Linnell Bros Ltd 47 

Maxwell Home & Garden Services 46 

Prestige Lawns 49 

Wasp Control 44, 49 

HAIR, HEALTH & WELLBEING 

Action Physio 17 

Andrew Hill Psychoanalysis, 

Psychotherapy & Counselling 17 

Beauty United 14 

Bee Beautiful 14 

Body Fitness Blitz 6 

Boutique Organica 6, 12 

Clive Heayns Podiatry 14 

Cloud 9 Spa 6 

Country Court Care 15 

Da Vinci Dental Clinic 16 

Grand Union Physiotherapy 17 

Hair Design by Sharon 14 

Happy Bodies Fitness Centre 12, 13 

Janice Skillman Foot Health 13 

Karate & Kickboxing MK 12, 13 

Lanh’s Nail Salon 14 

Massage in mind 17 

Pilates 13 

Towcester McTimoney Chiropractic 9 

HOME INTERIORS 

Carpetwise 41 

Daniel Chapman Antique Restoration 41 

Got2Jot 6, 34 

Handyman Property Services 36 

Kenneth Hudson Interiors 39 

Linda’s Curtains and Blinds 42 

Lovely Living 6, 34 

Maxwell Home & Garden Services 46 

Pip’s Interiors 34 

Table and Bench Co. 41 

Thomas Betts and Co. 42 

Universal Blinds 42 

Whittlewood Stoves 41 

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS 

Acorn Kitchens 32 

Kitchen Smart 1,3 

On-Tap Installations 32 

LEISURE & HOBBIES 

ARTea Room 22 

Bamboo Cottage 19 

Blue Mountain Yard 7 

Direct Pizza Co 19 

DJ Tullyman 23 


Happy Bodies Fitness Centre 12, 13 

Karate & Kickboxing MK 12, 13 

Out of Office Coffee 20 

Milton Keynes Museum 30 

Pilates 13 

The Crown 21 

The Navigation Inn, Cosgrove 7 

The Old Talbot 9 

The Stony Sweet Shop 25 

The White Lion, Wicken 21 

Vitreus Art 23 

Wharf Distillery 31 

MOTORING & TRANSPORT 

G & G Autos 50 

Saxon Bridge.com 5, 51 

Towcester Garage 51 

Windscreens on Wheels 6 

PAINTERS & PLASTERERS 

Abercrombie Painter & Decorators 39 

BWB Plastering 39 

DPL Services 39 

SJ Adcock & Son 39 


PEST CONTROL 

Killem 49 

Wasp Control 49 

PETS & VETS 

RSPCA 10 

The Vet Centre 10,11 

PLUMBING, GAS SERVICING 

& HEATING 

Add Warmth 32 

On Tap Installations 32 

Premier Heating 32 

TAXIS 

Skyline 50, 52 

WASTE REMOVAL 

Graham Churchill Plant Ltd 49 

Rob Bracey, Septic Tanks 32 

UK Asbestos 32 

WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES 

Cloudy 2 Clear 37 

Custom Glaze 37 


Win-Dor 2 

WILL WRITING 

Simply Wills 29 

Disclaimer: We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Essentially Local and we endeavour to 

make sure that all published information is accurate. The publishers cannot be held responsible for loss, damage or omission caused 

by error in the printing of adverts or other information. All artwork is accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods 

and services are fair and accurate. Advertisers are responsible for checking copyright on all images supplied. Essentially Local has 

not vetted the advertisers and cannot accept responsibility for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. We do not officially 

endorse any advertising material included within this magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval 

systems or transmitted in any form without prior consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any nondelivery 

of Essentially Local. © Essentially Local 2017. 

48 


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49 


49

Motoring 

Skyline charges ahead with electric taxis 

Skyline Taxis are now operating a fleet 

of electric vehicles (EVs), including 

a Nissan Leaf and three Tesla cars. 

This has been part-funded by the 

Government’s Plug-in Car Grant for 

low emission vehicles. 

Gav Sokhi, Managing Director of 

Skyline Taxis, said: “Skyline has been 

at the forefront of the EV taxi market 

in Milton Keynes for the last few 

years and was the first taxi company 

to register an electric vehicle with 

Milton Keynes Council back in 

2011. We have also consulted with 

the Council on licensing policies 

and worked with Chargemaster on 

establishing charging point locations 

and advised where best to place 

them.” 

Skyline’s new vehicles, including the 

30KW, are quieter and offer a longer 

range. Customers will also be pleased 

to hear that Wi-Fi will soon be on 

offer, as well as the option to pay by 

Chip and Pin. 

Wishing Skyline the best of luck 

with their great new venture! 

To find out more or enquire about booking an electric Skyline 

taxi, call 01908 222111 or visit www.skylinetaxis.co.uk 

Poppy Appeal 

The Deanshanger and Wicken 

Branch of the British Legion 

are on the look-out for new 

members. This friendly group 

was formed in 1927 and 

continues to aim to achieve 

more for the community. 

They recently formed an 

agreement of affiliation with 

Elizabeth Woodville School to 

provide mutual support and 

encouragement within the community. They would now like 

to develop their vital welfare and benevolent work but they 

need more people to help. Could you help or do you know 

someone who can? 

Help is also needed with this year’s Poppy Appeal which 

begins towards the end of October, last year they raised an 

incredible £6406.89 from your generous donations. Could you 

give up an hour or more of your time to ask people to donate 

this year? You don’t have to have been in the forces to help. 

The group meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month 

at Deanshanger Conservative Club. If you think you 

could help call Russell Barrie 01280 703786 

Email Kevin Dorrill peterdorrill881@btinternet.com 

for more information. 

50 

Car drivers beware… 

The safe distance for passing cyclists as recommended 

by the Highway Code Rule 163 is one car’s width, 

approximately 1.5m. This is to prevent injury to the cyclist 

particularly if they have to move out to avoid potholes or 

debris in the road. When conditions are wet you should 

give more room. Follow this guideline to prevent risk of 

prosecution for driving without due care and attention. 

Rule 66 legally allows cyclists to ride two abreast and 

in single file on narrow or busy roads. When overtaking 

the motorist should be on the other side of the road and 

ensure there is no oncoming traffic. It is actually safer for 

cyclists to ride two abreast as the motorist will pass over a 

shorter distance before returning to their side of the road. 


Motor & Transport 


51

Taxis 

52

Essentially Local September-October 2017

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