EL Magazine JAN-FEB 2021 NEW PAGETURNER

keeping you...

January/February 2021

essentiallylocal

Eat, Drink & Enjoy

Local Produce

p18-21

Stay COVID Safe with

Your Health & Wellbeing

p12-17

Dance your Way Back

to Happiness in 2021

p23-24

STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING?

Don’t Replace The Frames... Just The Panes!

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Home & Garden

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2

Please mention Essentially Local when responding to advertisers

Home & Garden

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3

Inside this issue

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

14 New Year, New Outlook; Find Your Priorities; Add Meaning To Life;

Accept What You Can Do! Body Moving Mind Boosts

15 Relax Your Mind And Body; Looking Good Feeling Good; Finding Life

After Lockdown

essentiallylocal

AT YOUR LEISURE

6 Children’s Drawing Competition

8 Emma’s Space

17 Mumpy 24/7

18 Make Your Food Sustainable; Bean Around a Long Time; Eat

British; Zero Waste

19 Stop The Waste; Beetroot Risotto

22 Stony Story Quest; Lucas’s Drawing Review

24 Competition – Win a voucher from Soul2Sole Dancewear

38 Stony Stratford in Bloom; Stony Words Goes Online; Do You Still

Care?; Rub-a-Dub-Dub; Wolverton and Greenleys in Bloom

CREATING YOUR HOME & GARDEN

10 Extra Special Owners Required; Chubby Around the Edges

34 Your Sanctuary; Happy Memories; Make A Statement; Accessorise;

Go Green; A Decorative Emporium; Keeping Up With The Speed

SAFE TRAVELS

42 Motoring Changes; Motoring Locally; It’s the Law!

PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING

25 Celebrating Local Businesses

26 The Reality of Being a Local Mum; Walk Right in; 5000km of

Fund-raising; Make Some Music; Choose a Name; A Bit of Breathing Space

30 Faulty Goods, Your Rights Change

18

13

18

LIVE, BUY

& ENJOY

LOCAL IN

2021

Stay Fit with

Happy Bodies

Be Sustainable

Stop the

Waste

HELPFUL CONTACTS

44 Useful Numbers

46 Advertisers

25

ADVERTISING & EDITOR

Emma Johnson

emma@essentiallylocal.co.uk

01908 380777

FOLLOW US

/EssentiallyLocal

essentiallylocal.co.uk

DESIGN

Harriet Bull

harriet@brightpixel.co.uk

4


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5

Children

2020 Annual Christmas Drawing

Competition

Thanks to all the young artists for creating

a fantastic exhibition. We’ll share details of

people’s vote in essentiallylocal.co.uk and

essentiallylocal.

Eva, age 8

And our winners are:

Eva, age 8

Eva had no idea that she would win the

competition, so when the magazine popped

through her letterbox she was shocked to see

her picture on the front cover! This creative

young woman loves art, reading and writing.

Watercolour is one of her favourite paints as

they blend well – perfect for her sketches of

nature.

Holly, age 11

Holly is in her final year at primary school and

wow what an artistic skill she has. She first

found out that her talents had been spotted

with a congratulatory phone call. She spends

lots of time drawing and colouring so let’s

hope that her love of all things art continues

when she reaches secondary school.

Gabrielle, age 8

Like our other talented artists Gabrielle was

really pleased to see her picture on the front

cover of the magazine. Although her favourite

style of drawing is sketching, her picture

really stood out for the bright, bold colours.

Apart from drawing, Gabrielle loves eating her

favourite food tacos YUM!

Oliver, age 4

Oliver, one of our youngest artists, created a

perfect Christmas Santa picture, and he loves

drawing Santa! When he saw the cover of

the magazine he wasn’t just very happy and

excited, he simply couldn’t believe his eyes.

Aside from drawing he loves playing in the

park with his mum, dad, sister and friends.

Holly, age 11

Gabrielle,

age 8

P.S. Nia – very sorry that we didn’t spell your

name correctly in our last edition!

Oliver, age 4

6


Home & Garden


7

Hello Readers...

Welcome to Essentially Local’s January-February edition.

essentiallylocal

2020 – well what a year it’s been!

The pandemic really affected so many elements of 2020. We hope and believe

that 2021 will get better for everyone.

There are positive outcomes too, as people evaluated and made changes to

improve their lives. They discovered fantastic local businesses and services, and

places to visit. Others chose or had to give up a corporate life to find happiness

in working for themselves. Families spent time together, with parents and carers

discovering the joys of helping their children with on-line school lessons! Luckily,

for some, cameras were off!

Recognising Local Business

Thank you to the:

• food and drink producers and Wolverton community fridge who stepped in to

feed us.

• home and garden businesses who helped customers who’d been let down and

absorbed inflated costs for materials to ensure successful outcomes.

• health and wellbeing businesses who adapted their businesses to stay COVID

safe at great cost, even giving free online help and support.

• businesses who stepped in to make sure our Annual Christmas Drawing

Competition could go ahead.

Keeping blooming

with flowers p21

Unique local

gifts p21

Annual Christmas Drawing Competition

Thanks to help from The Stony Sweet Shop, Back to the Fuchsia and Happy

Bodies Gym the competition and exhibition went ahead. We were so lucky that

Happy Bodies offered to hold the exhibition of art in their gym when the library

was forced to close. The incredibly talented artists created the most fantastic

drawings – everyone should be so proud.

Social distancing meant the judges had a slightly more difficult job than normal.

The public vote gave artists a second chance to have their talents recognised,

although voters found choosing incredibly hard. We filled goody bags with

offers, vouchers, flyers and gifts from businesses to remind visitors to support

local!

Radio and Magazine

Stony Radio and Essentially Local’s great partnership means we bring you

information, news, business and great music. The Tully family and lots of great

DJs stream 24/7, bringing different tastes in music and chat. There are also

hourly news and weather reports too.

If you have a business, a service or are running an event you’d like to promote

speak to us about how to advertise in print, radio and online. We know you’ll

enjoy this edition – so remember to support our community and make sure you

keep your business Essentially Local - Emma

8

Stony Radio

supporting local


Children

VIRTUAL OPEN MORNING

SATURDAY 6Th MARCH, 10.00am

To register please contact our

Admissions Officer on 01280 812610 or

email admissions@thorntoncollege.com

For girls aged 3 to 18 years old.

ThornTon College exisTs To provide qualiTy eduCaTion. regisTered ChariTy no. 247358


9

Feature

Extra Special Owners Required

There are lots of lovely animals at RSPCA Milton

Keynes and North Bucks and some need that extra

special owner.

Spook is a shy boy who has spent much of his life

outside which has taken its toll on him. He is nervous

but not at all nasty. His new family must be patient

and be willing to give him time to come round. He is

FIV positive which means he needs an indoor home

without cats, dogs, or children. If you are interested in

rehoming Spook, talk to the branch who will explain

the implications around owning a FIV cat.

Ruby and Pearl have come to the branch as their

owner was moving and unable to keep them. They are

9 years young and must be rehomed together. One

is very outgoing while the other is shy and will take a

little longer to settle. They need a home without small

children and with no other pets.

If you would like to meet any of the cats please

fill in the branch’s online application form at

rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk/cats or for more

information call 01908 611179.

Please note the branch is rehoming within Covid-19

guidelines.

Ruby (above) &

Pearl (right)

rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk

mkrspca

01908 611179 (mornings are best)

Spook

Chubby round the edges -

no weigh to live!!

Our four-legged friends are as prone as us to adding

a few extra pounds over Christmas. The extra treats

and left-overs are too much to resist! Unfortunately,

the additional weight can dramatically increase the

number of health problems that can develop in

cats and dogs and make that all-important exercise

painful.

Nicky, vet nurse from the Vet Centre, Maids

Moreton, says, “Many of the dogs that are

overweight develop arthritis at a much earlier

age, making walking uncomfortable and really

impacting on their quality of life. We can manage

the pain once they have it but ideally we would try

and avoid getting into this situation.”

There are many other conditions that overweight

pets are prone to, such as diabetes, respiratory

problems and urinary issues. Hannah, vet from the

Vet Centre, Cherry Lane, says, “Treats have a very

high calorie count (that’s why they’re so tasty!) and

are one of the main culprits for causing weight

gain. It is so hard to resist those big eyes pleading

for a treat! A good solution is to either use low-fat

treats or to measure out all their food for the day in

the morning, and from that take a few biscuits to use

as treats. They still get the reward of having a treat but

none of the extra calories.”

The other great way to

help shed a few pounds

is to increase exercise

levels. For dogs this

means longer walks and

retrieving. It can be a bit

more challenging for cats

but playing games with

them can help. Good

luck and good health for

all in for 2020!

Book an appointment:

The Vet Centre, Cherry Lane Garden Centre

NN12 7QN

01280 812057 or 01908 542155

info@thevetcentre.ltd.uk

10


Pets & Vets

Find us at


11

Well-Being

LOVE

your local independent optician

Specialist Services

Myopia Management for Children Soft contact lenses that are proven to

slow, and sometimes halt, the progression of myopia in young children.

Ortho-K Contact lenses worn overnight to give clear vision without glasses or

contact lenses throughout the following day.

SchoolVision Assessments Help for school

age children who are struggling to keep up with

schoolwork and reading.

Adult Visual Stress Assessments & Dyslexia Help Tinted

spectacle lenses could help adults who struggle with reading blocks of

text due to visual stress which is common in people with dyslexia.

Dry Eye Clinics Specialist diagnosis and treatment to relieve gritty,

red, sore, tired eyes that feel dry or watery.

For more details on any of our specialist services, please call us or visit

www.dwroberts.co.uk/specialistservices

16 High Street

Stony Stratford, MK11 1AF

01908 562355

6 Sponne Shopping Centre

Towcester, NN12 6BY

01327 350240

17 Radcliffe Street

Wolverton, MK12 5DQ

01908 313338

12


Well-Being


13

New Year, New Outlook

2020 was possibly one of the most difficult years to affect the whole

world, in a very long time. That means 2021 can only get better. There

is light at the end of the tunnel and it will slowly get back to being as

bright as you want it to be – just take control back.

ADD MEANING TO LIFE

Set some realistic and achievable

goals to make life easier and better.

Forget meaningless New Year

resolutions. Start by working out

what you need to change - stress at

work, weight loss, starting the new

business you’ve always dreamed of or

maybe moving home.

FIND YOUR PRIORITIES

The slower pace of life and reduced

pressure during lockdown gave many

of us the time reflect and think about

what we truly want. Adjusting to the new

normal will continue to take time and

there may be a lasting anxiety. You can

achieve your dreams by keeping your

mind focussed and lifting your mood.

TOP TIP

Routines and

confidence make it

easier to keep going

– do it now! No

excuse.

ACCEPT WHAT YOU CAN DO!

Accept what you can do in the

current situation and be realistic.

Think time and motivation to avoid

being overwhelmed and losing

direction when you realise it won’t

happen by yesterday. Take simple

steps and get the support from

professionals and friends to achieve

your goal. Check out the latest grants

and support networks for businesses.

SUPPLIERS

BODY MOVING MIND

BOOSTS

Exercise, even a simple 10

minute vigorous workout,

is proven to lift mood, clear

the mind and reduce risks of

many health issues. Join Happy

Bodies, your local gym – even

if restrictions remain in place

you’ll benefit from online

classes, personal training and

outdoor sessions.

Action Physio

01908 968430

actionphysiotherapy.co.uk

Alchemy Therapy Centre

01908567766

alchemytherapycentre.com

Happy Bodies Fitness Centre

01908 477066 happybodies.co.uk

Lanh’s Nails

01908 567796 Lanh’s Nail Salon

Massage in Mind

01908 968430

massageinmind.me

Slimming World

07886 808205

slimmingworld.co.uk

Janice Foot Health Professional

01908 387021

07758 633760

14


RELAX YOUR

MIND AND BODY

Don’t let achieving your

goal become your life.

If you want to achieve

it, you need to listen

to your body. Pain in

your back or shoulders

could be relieved by

a Massage in Mind

or Alchemy Therapy

massage. Pilates with

Action Physio will work

on your body and

mind and as physios

they’ll even treat your

niggling injuries. Holly

at Alchemy Therapy can

help with meditation

and beauty.

Finding Life

After Lockdown

We can’t predict the future right now,

so take control of your life by finding

your sense of purpose instead of

searching for happiness.

1. Nurture positive relationships in your

life – connect with mutually supportive

and encouraging people. Value

relationships with important friends.

2. Find your true work calling, success

might not be what you think.

3. Stay active for fewer health problems,

prevention of cognitive decline and

positive mental wellbeing.

4. Pay attention to your surroundings,

engage, reflect and think about how

you feel. A better understanding of your

reactions will help you to take control.

5. Take every opportunity to learn

and be curious. Count experiences as

education and continually learn new

skills formally or informally.

6. Take part in regular acts of kindness -

volunteering, giving up a seat or being

kind to a neighbour - for pure altruistic

reasons.

7. Set daily goals, practice mindfulness,

listen to the right sort of news, stay off

your phone and social media and learn

to relax before you sleep

TOP TIP

Use local businesses

for all your health,

wellbeing and fitness

needs.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS TO

ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

LOOKING GOOD FEELING GOOD

Get up and get dressed every morning without excuse. Visit

the hairdresser and book your regular manicure and beauty

treatment. It may feel like a guilty treat, but it isn’t this a good

way to look good and feel good about yourself.


15

Well-Being

| 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

16


Wellbeing

13

Well-Being

Welcoming Mumpy

24/7

Hello, I’m Chrissy Reeves,

fabulous mum of two, here to

share my Mumpy blog about

parenting. You can also listen

in to my thoughts, and yours,

on Mumpy 24/7 from 1-2pm,

every Tuesday on Stony Radio.

A Mumpy moment is that

time when it feels like you can’t cope, but somehow

get through. These are all big moments to be proud

of and us mums love to share and laugh at our

exhausted selves.

Whatever your story, experience your marvellous

achievements with a smile because I’d love to

hear them and share them in Essentially Local’s

next edition.

Send them to me chrissy@essentiallylocal.co.uk

Start this year by reading about my Mumpy

moments online I’ve a big one waiting just for you!

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.


14

17

Please mention Essentially Local when responding to adverts

Did You Know You Can Make Your

Food More Sustainable?

Eating locally-sourced and grown produce is one of the good things

to have come out of the horrific pandemic. We’ve found veg and meat

and now it’s the turn of the humble pulse!

THEY'VE BEAN AROUND A LONG TIME

Delicious beans and pulses were once a staple part of

our diets. Wealthy 18th-century landowners banished

them to the plates of the poor when meat became

cheap. These days we grow to export more than we

eat, often buying cheaper new world beans instead

of our own Fava Bean.

TOP TIP

Make 2021

the year to shop

local and be

sustainable

EAT BRITISH

Although pulses can be pest and disease-prone,

they are excellent pollinators and need less

chemical fertiliser. We’re beginning to savour the

taste of British alternatives like the Carlin Pea as it

offers perfect flavour and texture for hummus, or

any chickpea dish.

British grown beans, like the Fava, reduce

environmental impact and potential damage,

making them more sustainable. They’re also

delicious, incredibly healthy and filling.

Commit to eating sustainable good

by heading to ‘My Refill Market’, Stony

Stratford. Take a bag or jar and pay

for the quantity you need. There’s no

plastic waste, reduced environmental

impact and you'll be supporting local

producers and retailers.

Bamboo Cottage

01908 565700

Cranley Barn Farms

07967 814842

cranleybarnfarms.co.uk

Bucks Star Brewery & Growler Swap

01908 590054

Growlerswap.co.uk

Fruity Farmer 01908 551903

FruityFarmer

SUPPLIERS

Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar

01908 242665

maayamiltonkeynes.com

Moorgate Farm Vegetable Box Delivery

Scheme and Kelly Bronze Turkeys

01908 543008

moorgatefarm.co.uk

My Refill Market

myrefillmarket.com

FOR ZERO WASTE

‘My Refill Market' sells:

Foods - baking, pulses, herbs

and seeds, nuts, dried fruits, rice

and pasta, oil and vinegar

Cleaning – kitchen and laundry

Body care – hair and body,

menstrual, face masks

...and lots of other fantastic

products are on sale in the

shop or online.

myrefillmarket.com

High Street, Stony Stratford

18


Beetroot Risotto

Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cooking Time: 50 mins

STOP THE FOOD WASTE

MK Community Fridge Project Co-ordinator

Helen Innes, describes community fridges as

an opportunity to reduce food waste, share

experiences, skills and valuable resources.

The five community fridges in MK are one

solution in the fight against food waste.

They allow residents and businesses to share

surplus quality food that meet set guidelines.

Food Connect is a zero-emission

redistribution service using two e-cargo

bikes and an e-van to help MK's network of

community fridges to share around 3 tons of

surplus food every week.

Be Part of the Scheme

To Give Food:

If you are a food business or retailer and would like to use the

Food Connect service, ask yourself

• is the food likely to be wasted, is it fresh, within its ‘use-by’

date and good to eat for at least 24 hours?

• Food on or beyond ‘best before’ is still ok to eat.

• is the packaging unbroken?

To receive food

• take what you need, be considerate.

Maximum 10 items per person and 3 of

the same item

• bring and reuse your bag, check food is

fresh and within the use-by date.

Wear a mask, respect 2m social

distancing.

mkcommunityfridge.org

foodconnect.io

mkcommunityfridge


Ingredients

300g fresh beetroot

1 onion, finely chopped

250g risotto rice

125g soft goat’s cheese

150ml white wine

50g butter

1 litre hot vegetable stock

1 lemon, zested and juiced

Small bunch flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Handful of walnuts, toasted and chopped

Method

• Heat oven to 180C/Gas mark 6 and cut beetroots

into wedges.

• Roast in oven for 25 minutes, then cool.

• Melt butter in a deep-frying pan, add seasoned

onion and cook until soft. Add the rice coating

every grain, pour in the wine and bubble for 5

minutes. Stir in one ladle of stock at a time, allow

the rice to absorb each one.

• Blend ½ the beetroot until smooth, chop the rest.

•Stir in the beetroot, lemon zest and juice, and

some parsley into the cooked rice. Plate up,

top with crumbled goat’s cheese, walnuts and

remaining parsley.

ORDER A VEGETABLE BOX

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

moorgatefarm@btinternet.com

19

Leisure

Local farm shop

FAMILY-RUN USING REGENERATIVE FARMING METHODS,

AND PASSIONATE ABOUT PRODUCING WITH CARE

SELECTION OF PORK, LAMB &

BEEF REARED ON THE FARM

MEAT AVAILABLE FROZEN

FROM THE SHOP OR ORDER

FRESH AT INTERVALS

FARM FRESH EGGS FROM

OUR OWN SMALL FLOCK

HOMEMADE PRODUCE

& CAKES

• HEALTHY FOOD

• REDUCED

RELIANCE ON

ARTIFICIAL INPUTS

• BETTER

BIODIVERSITY

• IMPROVED SOIL

HEALTH

OPEN: FRI & SAT 9AM-6PM

MARY - 07967 814842

CRANLEYBARN@OUTLOOK.COM

BROWSE & RESERVE ONLINE AT

CRANLEYBARNFARMS.CO.UK

LITTLE HILL FARM, BUCKINGHAM

ROAD, WICKEN MK19 6DD

20


Leisure

CRYSTALS, JEWELLERY,

SPIRITUAL & ESOTERIC BOOKS,

TAROT & ORACLE CARDS,

GOTHIC GIFTS & MORE

COME IN AND SEE

WHAT THIS EMPORIUM

HAS ON OFFER

38a High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1AF

thecronescabin@gmail.com

The Crone's Cabin Ltd thecronescabin

www.thecronescabin.co.uk


21

Children

Christmas Drawing Review

Lucas Barton

I was pleased to be given the opportunity to write a review about this

years’ Christmas drawing competition entries.

The winning drawing by Eva is excellent. She took great care to draw all the

individual baubles and tinsel on each of the trees. The background fading into

the distance with the trees and road diminishing out of sight is an impressive

idea and makes the picture more interesting. The addition of snowy mountains

and cloudy blue sky finishes the picture nicely.

Holly's drawing is extremely neat with lots of interesting details to look at.

I particularly like the sleigh filled with sacks of gifts, being pulled by a

fantastically drawn Rudolph. Even the windows of the house have been

brightened with Christmas decorations.

Gabrielle’s drawing is exploding with lots of vibrant colours. The two

elves have been skilfully drawn and the party streamers and love hearts

really sets the scene of a Christmas celebration.

Lastly Oliver’s drawing shows great talent for his age group. Both

characters have been drawn well. They look like they are having a great

time because they both have very happy smiley faces.

All the pictures are very varied, in style and imagination, which is nice to

see. Overall, the winners this year have done an outstanding job.

Exciting Opportunities for Creative Young

Story Writers & Artists

The Stony Story Quest team has just released news about their exciting event

planned for creative young story writers and artists this Easter.

And, even more exciting, they've asked us to collaborate and we can't wait!

Families are invited to follow a map leading them around Stony, Galley Hill and

Fullers Slade. You'll discover 20 golden story stones that will lead you and your

children into your own fascinating, imaginary world. The Stony Story Quest will

post updates on their Facebook page so make sure you follow them! We’ll be

posting, publishing in the magazine and sharing details about the story journey

and the final results.

Congratulations

Congratulations to every community organisation and business that took part

in the cheerful Stony Story Quest's 'A Stony Christmas Story' on Facebook. The

virtual advent calendar celebrations saw short videos and photos that will in

time become classic memories! Russell Street and SMSG head teachers 'Elfed

themselves'! Dave from The Car Workshop 'Sleighed it' and Stony in Bloom were

there in all their Christmas glory!

Thanks to the Stony Story Quest for uniting our communities.

Stony Story Quest

22


Well-Being

WE ARE BACK!!

based at Hanslope Village Hall

MK19 7NZ

Offering classes in: Tap • Ballet

Contemporary Modern Jazz

Musical Theatre • Adult Tap

To book a FREE TRIAL please visit:

www.truecoloursperformingarts.co.uk

info@truecoloursperformingarts.co.uk

Specialised Classes

in

Ballet & Contemporary

For more information visit

www.rlschoolofballet.com

Milton Keynes

We are very happy to come and meet you and your relatives

to discuss our services. Please call us at any time for more

information about how we can help you.

01908 417412

www.radfieldhomecare.co.uk

milton.keynes@radfieldhomecare.co.uk

We are extremely proud to support older

people in our community to live independently in their own homes.

Our team is passionate about delivering the highest standard

of care and will always go above and beyond

to help our clients.

Outings & activities

Household tasks

Medication support

Wellbeing

Dementia care

Personal care


23

Competition

WHO'D LIKE TO WIN THE ULTIMATE

PRIZE FOR DANCERS?

If you'd like to win then enter Soul2Sole’s latest

competition – it’s perfect for all lovers of dance!

Particularly because Soul2Sole Dancewear is full of

the best products for every type of dance. And, staff

provide an impressive product knowledge as well

as excellent customer care.

You’ll find the latest in footwear and clothing as well

as a wealth of accessories, bags and more. Ballet, tap,

ballroom, Latin, line dance, rock and roll, and jazz all the

styles we know and love. In addition, they also cater for

contemporary, lyrical, modern and stage dancers along with

Ceroc and street too.

ENTER NOW!

D G P S T T B M B B

Q R T O I A R L A G

E R P G I O P L L N

A O H T F N L I L I

X T H R S R T B E T

S Y E S O E U E T T

E P G O D N L T E I

T Z M E C N A D L F

A C I L I S A B O S

L Y R I C A L V S E

ARTS

BALLET

BALLROOM

BASILICA

BUN

DANCE

FITTING

LEOTARD

LYRICAL

PERFORM

POINTE

SHOE

SOLE

TAP

TIGHTS

Soul2Sole Dancewear

01908 567823

5/6 Swinfens Yard High St MK11 1SY

soul2soledancewear.co.uk

Sizes begin from tiny baby right up to adult with some of

the best brands on the market. It’s not just size of clothes

they cater for, they also select products to suit every

budget. They sell respected brands like Ballet Rosa, Freed

of London, Wear Moi and So Danca.as well as gorgeous

leotards from smaller brands such as Lulli.

Two trained pointe shoes fitters will help ballet dancers

find their perfect pointe or demi-pointe shoe. Book your

appointment on-line or by phone to select from Russian

Class, Merlet and Freed. No excuses – get dancing!

Enter the competition for a chance of winning the

voucher to spend on dancewear and accessories

worth £50. Find which word is missing from the grid

and the send your answer to Soul2Sole dancewear,

including your name, address and contact details.

Congratulations to the winner of the

November/December 2020 competition!

Miss Kim Darby, Wolverton

We hope you enjoyed your delicious Moorgate Farm Kelly

Bronze Turkey at Christmas!

Competition Rules:

To enter send your answer via email, phone or post:

dance@soul2soledancewear.co.uk

01908 567823

5/6 Swinfens Yard High St, Milton Keynes MK11 1SY

State which competition you are entering and include your name, address and

telephone number. The competition runs from 1 January 2021 and the closing

time is 5pm, 31 January, 2021.

No purchase is required, there will be one winner and no alternative prize.

Please confirm that you would like to receive details about events and special

offers from Soul2Sole Dancewear; support local and don’t miss out.

Details of full terms and conditions can be found at essentiallylocal.co.uk

24


Building Your Future

Hickford Construction have provided quality workmanship for

the past 30 years. They’re ready to bring quality and solutions

to your home, no matter it’s style and size - from patios for

al fresco dining, to adding extra living space and perfect

driveways. Their polite, hardworking and tidy tradesmen offer

the same good manners on site and on the road. Both South

Northants and MK Council’s have approved them which they

hope will give you, their customers, the reassurance you need.

Bringing Dignity

and Respect

Melanie Short and Shaun White combined years of

experience and a commitment to incorporate all

the best practices into their business set up Country

Funerals. These qualified funeral directors aim

understand every family’s needs and give time and

space to allow them to choose the best arrangements.

As members of a recognised governing body they

ensure the last journey takes place with the highest

level of dignity and respect, whether traditional church,

crematorium or green burial.

Celebrations

Hickford Construction

01908 567716

hickfordconstruction.

com

Country Funerals

01327 351500 countryfunerals.uk

1 Sponne House Centre, Towcester, NN12 6BY

Cheers For all

Local Business

Owners

Get in touch:

Essentially Local Ltd

essentiallylocal.co.uk

01908 380777


Our final celebration is

for every local business.

The pandemic hit us

all, we’ve adapted and

found new ways of

doing business. It’s cost

us all in more ways

than financial. While

it might be lifestyle

choice, most of us

live for our businesses

because we believe in

keeping things local

and working for our

communities. Let’s

celebrate every single

one of us.

Helping our Eyes

since 1953

Independent optician DW Roberts has geared up to

operate safely within COVID-19 guidelines and maintain

their full range of services. They care for all aspects

of eyes and vision with sight tests including retinal

photographs. More specialist services like SchoolVision

assessments, adult visual stress assessments, myopia

management and dry eye assessments are also available.

Along with this their price match guarantees makes this

local business perfect for your eyes and pockets.

Open Monday - Wednesday 9am - 5.30pm, Thursday

9am - 6.30pm, Saturday 8.45am - 4pm

DW Roberts

dwroberts.co.uk

Stony 01908 562355

Towcester 01327 350240

Wolverton 01908 313338

25

Professional

Tune into the

Reality of Being

a Local Mum

Tune into Chrissy

Reeves' on Radio Stony

for Mumpy 24/7 to

hear the true reality of

being a local mum. Her

weekly Tuesday show

offers truthful stories

and anecdotes about

her own life and other

mums - those Mumpy

moments!

There’ll be the ‘walks of shame’ - mufti days where

your child turns up in uniform while the others are

in their favourite dressing-up outfit. It’s the stories

help to keep us smiling. She’ll also be normalising

the issues that every mum, no matter how

experienced, goes through to find the balance.

Chrissy’s fascinating story about Mumpy 24/7 can

be found on the essentially local website! Now,

tune into Mumpy24/7, Stony Radio, 1-2pm, every

Tuesday.

Chrissy will bring regular Mumpy 24/7 updates

digitally, through social media and in the magazine.

5000km of

Fundraising

This June while Philly Murrell is celebrating her

50th birthday a young woman called Hollie will

turn 16. Philly will have years ahead of her to enjoy,

Hollie suffers from Niemann-Pick Type C.

This is a rare life-limiting neurological condition,

caused because the body can’t process cholesterol

and other fatty lipids properly. It presents with

loss of motor skills, slurred speech, seizures

and dementia along with many more difficult

symptoms.

Philly is raising money for the charity The Hollie

Foundation which supports and helps to make the

lives of families affected by Niemman-Pick Type C

easier.

Please spare your pennies

or preferably pounds

to support Philly as she

exercises (cycling, walking,

running and going to the

gym) her way to 5000km by

11 June 2021.

Donate to: justgiving.com/

hopeforholliefoundation

Walk Right in With Ken

Ken Daniels is finally up and running with his new

radio show ‘Walk Right In’. He brings classic and

obscure blues, folk and world music to listeners.

There’s music from local, national and international

performers and chat with local musicians.

Alongside the music Ken talks fascinating facts and

anecdotes about the characters and his great days

as landlord of Stony’s The Fox pub. His expertise,

knowledge and passion for sharing music, events

and stories will make this a must-listen-to show for

everyone.

Describing himself as dangerously retired, we know

him better for his great help in running the York

House Centre and their music events.

Listen in to Stony Radio – every day of the week

stonyradio.com

26


Make Some Music

Guitar enthusiast, Richard Simpson, is planning to provide low

cost and even free guitar lessons to primary-school children.

Beginner and intermediate level lessons should start in March

but he needs your help.

Could you donate an inexpensive guitar or two, your old half

and three-quarter sized classical guitars?

Richard, a local GP, is passionate about bringing music to

children and education. With less time and more expense for

music in schools he wants to encourage youngsters to feel the

joy by removing barriers like buying instruments.

Groups take place York House Centre, Stony Stratford.

Richard Simpson

simpson.rich@gmail.com RMSGuitarMK

Can you Choose a Name?

The Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, is calling for

your suggestions to a name a new boat they’ll be launching

this spring.

Names should reflect its ‘state of the art’ electric power and

eco- friendly spec and its location on the Grand Union Canal,

Milton Keynes.

This 54’ narrowboat will take up to 12 passengers almost

silently, with it’s electric motor, along the canal without any

emissions. It’s fully accessible, with lavatory and access lift for

wheelchair users. The boat will also raise funds for the brandnew

waterway park.

Email names by Saturday, 9 January to James Clifton:

boatname@bmkwaterway.org


A Bit of Breathing

Space

Northamptonshire Carers ‘Breathing

Space’ service helps patients with Chronic

Obstructive Pulmonary disease, who live in

Northamptonshire as well as their unpaid

carers.

The service improves understanding of

your condition, gives support for dayto-day

problems and wellbeing. They

provide relaxation training, art therapy and

mindfulness, advice about healthy eating,

staying active, emotional support and talks

from local agencies. The service works

in partnership with Northamptonshire

Healthcare NHS Trust and countywide

professionals.

Online Zoom sessions currently replace

face-to-face sessions for Coffee and Chat,

games, quizzes and fun. A WhatsApp group

is an alternative if you can’t access Zoom.

Every member is allocated a staff member

buddy as a personal and phone contact.

This will give support to prevent loneliness

and isolation and find out if you need help

with shopping and prescriptions.

Dr Robert Gale gives telephone support

for non-urgent COPD advice without a GP

referral. Carers can also receive the full range

of support options.

The Breathing Space Support line is open

Monday-Friday

JOIN THE NEW GROUP for Post COVID-19

breathing difficulties.

Become a member

Breathing Space Northamptonshire

northamptonshire-carers.org/Pages/

Category/copd-breathing-space

27

Professional

Independent Funeral Directors

01327 351500

24 Hour Service

Home Arrangements • Chapel of Rest

Funeral Plans • Memorials

Advice and guidance on funerals is available for

traditional church services, non-religious ceremony,

burial, cremation and green burials

enquiries@countryfunerals.uk

www.countryfunerals.uk

1 Sponne Centre | Watling Street West | Towcester | NN12 6BY

77 Alston Drive

Bradwell Abbey MK13 9HG

www.mkboxselfstorage.co.uk

BUSINESS AND PERSONAL STORAGE

• 16ft 2 to 150ft 2 units available

• Easy access and parking

• CCTV monitoring

• Lowest price guaranteed

The best priced self storage

in Milton Keynes.

20ft containers also

available

Mailbox and post receiving

services available.

Contact us on 01908 319399

jennifer@mkboxselfstorage.co.uk

28


Home & Garden


29

Home & Garden

Faulty Goods, Your Rights

Generally speaking, faulty goods can be refunded in full

within 30 days of purchase. For items which become

faulty over 30 days but less than 6 months since

purchase, the law presumes fault at time of purchase. It

is then up to the retailer to prove otherwise and they

should replace or repair the product.

After 6 months you must prove the item was faulty on

purchase and failure is not down to your misuse, or

normal wear and tear.

• ask a relevant qualified tradesperson to provide you

with an appropriate report.

• find evidence on the internet to prove a common

problem or known manufacturing issue.

If fault is proved, the retailer should offer recompense

and the level depends on the price paid and expected

lifespan. Rights last for 6 years from the date of purchase.

You can be asked to contribute to repair costs, purchase

a new one at a discounted price or exchange for a

refurbished one. This will depend upon how long you

have owned it.

Recompense reduces with length of ownership and

expected life of the item. If it has reached the expected

lifespan, you can't make a claim.

0808 223 1133

citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer

Claire Kendall, Trading Standards, Milton Keynes

ON-TAP INSTALLATIONS

• Bathroom & Kitchen installations

• Plumbing, Tiling, Electrics,

Carpentry, Gas & Plastering

• Supply and fit or fit only

by experienced and qualified tradesmen

For a no obligation free quote call us today on:

01908 519144 or 07766 710 240

www.ontap.vpweb.co.uk

30


Home & Garden


31

Home & Garden

32


Home & Garden

DPL

SERVICES

Plastering

Painting

Decorating

Peter Lea

07867 752128

Dominic Powell

07801435476

4 Chapel Lane Blisworth Northants NN7 3BU E info@dpl-services.com

THE OLD JOINERY SHOP

theoldjoineryshop@tiscali.co.uk

TRADITIONAL BESPOKE CABINET MAKERS AND JOINERS

* DOORS * WINDOWS * KITCHENS

* BEDROOMS * STUDIES * FURNITURE

Tel: 01908 563661


33

Your Home is Your Sanctuary

There’s little surprise that homes will become a warm and welcoming sanctuary during 2021.

We’re talking a home where the heart is, so away with that modern minimalist interior.

HAPPY MEMORIES

Achieve the look by getting

nostalgic and for a truly

personal touch find your

crafty self! Create harmony

with vintage, country cottage,

gingham or chinzy products

and ideas. Local supplier

GDads is great local resource.

TOP TIP

Shop local & use

local suppliers and

tradespeople

MAKE A STATEMENT

Inject character, whatever the age of

your home it’s about balancing old

with new – slumpy armchairs, rugs,

carpets. Look for antique, salvaged

or retro furniture - real wood is best,

embrace the texture and grain. It’s

not about perfect finish. Discuss with

CarpetWise and The Old Joinery

Workshop.

Build cohesive wall colours around

a natural earthy comforting colour

palette – browns, rusts, warm greens.

Work out the best solutions with

our painters and decorators.

Traditional and classic fabrics

give charm and a lived in feel.

Samantha Watts Soft Furnishing

has great ideas about how to

create texture, warmth and happy

memories.

ACCESSORISE

Coloured glassware,

mismatched crockery and

items of curiosity will provide

the escapism and curiosity we

need. Use your imagination to

get inventive.

Bright and Beautiful

brightandbeautifulhome.com/

towcester

Ovenclean ovenclean.com

Vickie’s Cleaning and Carpet

Cleaning vickiescleaning.co.uk

Stony Oven Cleaners

stonyovencleaners.co.uk

Back to the Fuchsia

backtothefuchsia.biz

YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS

Samantha Watts Soft Furnishings

07540 880488

Carpet Wise

miltonkeynescarpets.com

Universal Blinds

universal-blinds.co.uk

G Dads Gdad’s

BWB bwb-plastering.co.uk

DPL Painting & Decorating

07801 43476 or 07867 752128

Fludgate Painting & Decorating

sfludgate.co.uk

S J Adcock 07803 906016

TEAL Homes & Gardens

0798 341 3830

MJ Electrics 07387 166370

MK Cable Solutions mkls.co.uk

Stronghold locks

01908 565466 or 07778 320728

34


GO GREEN

Add some vibrance with

beautiful plants – colourful

blooms as well as pots filled

with greenery are essential.

They bring colour, freshen

the air, filter pollutants and

release oxygen. Speak to

Back to the Fuchsia and

Branch-Out.

Keeping up

with the

speed

Work, school, play and leisure

require fast internet speeds.

If yours isn’t up to speed:

Rule it out

• Check for programmes that slow and

viruses.

• Reset your modems and router.

• Move away from radios, TVs, fridges

that emit interfering radio frequencies.

• Provider traffic management may

slow peak time traffic.

• Weak and slow signals maybe due to

distance from a telephone exchange.

• The 49 other people who share

your connection could be causing

congestion particularly at peak time,

8-10pm.

Home set up

WiFi signals can weaken the further

your device is from the router. Other

interferences include hiding the router

in a cabinet, lots of walls, especially

thick solid ones or even insulation.

Protocols are now upgraded in

newer wireless routers and while still

compatible older wireless computer

cards you won’t benefit from the

speeds and ranges.

A DECORATIVE

EMPORIUM

Light up your space

with fringed floor lamps,

ornate candelabras and

glass chandeliers. Reclaim

rooms with statement

lighting mirrors and keep

the aged character.

Get in touch - James from MKL has

no end of honest solutions to solve

your WIFI and cabling issues.

01908 465749

mklcs.co.uk


35

Home & Garden

36


Home & Garden

CALL CLAIRE TODAY

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

01908 953309

brightandbeautifulhome.com/towcester


37

Community

Stony Stratford

In Bloom

The team harvested the

last veg for the Foodbank

at the beginning of

November. Duke of

Edinburgh volunteers,

Edward and Cameron,

along with their dads,

assisted with weeding,

planting, sowing seeds

for winter crops and

pruning.

MK Community Foundation has deferred SSIB’s

grant application for continuation of the project

but they aim to find money from their own funds,

if necessary.

The summer to winter planter changeover

happened in stages - Pat Kyd organised the nursery

order, while Ken and Phil delivered the plants and

volunteers placed them into the correct planters.

Odell’s completed the smooth process by hanging

the prepared baskets.

During lockdown volunteers planted and weeded

in 2 person work parties. Kate Davies produced a

fundraising calendar for Stony in Bloom in place of

the usual Calcutta Brasserie fundraiser. The virtual

Facebook Switch-on sale was also a success selling

knitted cushion covers, lavender bags, indoor

plants and herb sachets and more.

Finally congratulations:

RHS Certificates of Recognition for work during the

pandemic:

Feeding the community; Inspiring others to grow;

Sharing know-how and a general one.

Mary Robinson achieved 3 certificates for the North

End Pond, with awards to It’s Your Neighbourhood

Group and Horsefair Green Residents.

Stony Words Goes

Online

15-31 January, 2021

The annual Stony Words Festival is going online

this January with informative, enlightening and

entertaining words, music and pictures. All in the

comfort of your home.

Begin with the Virtual Bardic Bash to find to the

next Bard of Stony.

Hear about the talented 19th century Sir Richard

Francis Burton, the revolutionary leader Toussaint

Louverture, unsung heroines from across the

centuries and the protagonists of the English

Republic.

Take in an ‘Unconventional History of Britain’, ‘Black

Britain in wartime 1939-45’ and ‘Black Tudors – The

Untold Story’.

Find out what made the Elizabethans laugh, about

different civilisations and far-away places.

Listen to the reprise of Stony Play Readers ‘The

Butcher and Mrs Bennett’

Younger audiences will enjoy ‘The Mouse who

wasn’t scared’ and ‘Goodnight Harry’.

The Virtual Burns Night features music from Mr

Simpson’s Little Consort and an episode of Tales

Tattled & Told, poetry and storytelling.

The annual pantomime ‘Twisted Oliver in

Stonyland’ will close Stony Words.

Book online at stonywords.org.uk

Any questions?

gifford11@btinternet.com

01908 562025

38


Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Cath Wilson, the welcoming landlady at the Swan Pub in Old

Stratford, truly found her creative flair during lockdown.

Her love of literature and the English Language began with

a degree in English, she’s also taught English Language and

Literature and even created literacy support software for

schools. As part of an MA in Creative Writing at the OU she

decided to published her first book Rub-a-dub-dub. She took

inspiration from the fascinating snippets and stories from the

very first Stony Stratford Bloody Tales Town Walk in 2019.

The book is a collection of three fictionalised tales based

around true local characters and events - ‘The Butcher’, ‘The

Baker’ and ‘The Candlestickmaker’. In 1694, Adam Barnes,

butcher of the town, found himself arrested on the charge of

murdering Lady Grace Bennet of Calverton Manor. To find out

what happened and meet the others buy from Odell’s or

amazon.co.uk/Rub-dub-dub-Cath-Wilson

Do you still care?

If we had no emotion

If the world kept turning but words were no more

If my eyes could no longer close nor open

Would you still be waiting at my door?

If life itself seemed pointless

If my love was no longer as it was before

If the world continued turning without me,

Would you still be waiting at my door?

Wolverton and

Greenleys in Bloom

Before lockdown Wolverton and Greenleys

in Bloom team planted 3000 winter pansies

with the apparently caretakers doing the

hard work! Doorstep planters are now filled

with pansies and you can let the team

know next February if you’d like one, just

remember to water!

They planted their free bulbs, tulips, irises

and narcissi, from the Town Council and

Dobbies at Greenleys shops. Next year

shocking pink is the planned colour scheme.

The small core team is pleased to see

residents working on their own areas and

they ask everyone to pull weeds out of the

pavements beside their houses – it keeps

the area looking good.

The Remembrance programme took place

without hymns, prayers, programmes and

refreshments. Mayor, Adrian Moss prerecorded

a speech, with veteran Bernard

Dacombe and young resident, Olivia also

presenting. The usual Works siren marked

the beginning and end of the two minutes

silence. Cllr. Norman Miles representing

Milton Keynes Council led the wreath-laying

and the Mayor and Yvonne Galuszka laid

a tribute from the twin town, Ploegsteert,

in Belgium. Many local groups also laid

wreaths. The service ended with

“When you go home tell them of us and

say, “for your tomorrow we gave our today.”

Kohima Epitaph.

Francesca Rix, age 13

11 December 2020

Do you have a short poem, words or a

maybe a picture you’d like us to share?

No matter your age – get in touch!

info@essentiallylocal.co.uk include

your contact number.


39

Home & Garden

HARRY CLEWLOW

Arborist and

Bartlett Champion

I have very high standards.

About 70 metres, to be exact.

Harry Clewlow champions the trees, landscapes

and property investments of the customers in his

care. And he’s one of the many reasons we’ve

become the premier scientific tree and shrub

care company in the world.

Gardens to suit your lifestyle

With our experience of garden design

and landscaping projects, we will provide

expert advice, guidance and construction to

achieve your perfect outdoor space.

• Landscape design projects

• Hardwood decking specialists

• Professional planting schemes

• Water features and electrical lighting

• Porcelain and natural stone patios

• Brickwork

Contact 01767 627532

bedford@bartlettuk.com

bartlett.com

EVERY TREE NEEDS A CHAMPION.

t: 01908 018305 m: 07532 451 812

e: info@francisrose.co.uk w: francisrose.co.uk

Garden design, construction and maintenance

Based in Stony Stratford, we pride ourselves on excellent work,

at very competitive prices. No job is too big, or too small, and

we offer everything from full garden design, to general garden

maintenance. Whether you would like a free quote for your home

or a commercial property, please give us a call. Services include:

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

Landscapes

& Tree Care

Hard and soft landscaping

Grass cutting and strimming

All aspects of tree surgery

Hedge trimming

Pruning and weedkilling

Shrub and tree planting

Leaf and litter removal

General tidying

Full garden makeovers

Artificial grass

Fencing and gates

Water features

Sleeper work and brick work

Lawns (turfing and seeding)

Patios and decking

DOMESTIC

AND

COMMERCIAL

SERVICES

Call 01908 615 503 or 07736 038 381

www.acelandscapesmk.com

40


Home & Garden

Trading division of Millennium Mats Ltd

FROM

ONLY

£10

ECOKNIT ENTRANCE MAT

3 patterns to choose from.

Eco-friendly carpeted door mats.

100% recycled post-consumer plastic bottles.

Chemical-resistant vinyl backing.

60x90cm &90x150cm

SALE

DON’T DELAY, CONTACT US TODAY

www.paramountmats.co.uk


41

Motoring

Motoring Changes

From 2021 self-driving vehicles will be allowed on the

UK Roads with the aim of boosting the automotive and

technology industries. Car

insurance will be adjusted to

account for autonomous cars.

The autumn budget also set aside

£400m for electric car charging points

and £100m for plug-in car grants.

In spring 2020 you became an

automatic organ donor unless carrying

a card to say otherwise, you’re a child

or not mentally fit enough to make an informed choice.

Towns and cities across the UK are

gearing up to ban diesel cars to help

improve air quality. In 2021 Bristol is

set to be the first city to take action

and become a clean air zone.

From 2022 all new cars sold in the

UK will have mandatory speed

limiters. This means your car will

automatically detect the speed limit

for the road and unless you slow, the

power to the engine will be limited. In addition, from May 2022

there’ll be data loggers, autonomous emergency braking, lane

keep assist, a driver fatigue detection system, reversing sensors or

cameras, and pre-wiring for alcohol interlock devices. Models sold

before this will need them by May 2024.

Motoring Locally

TOP TIP

Ask our garages for a

Winter Safety Check

to stay safe.

Sadly, the iconic New Year’s Day event, Vintage Stony will not go

ahead this year. Thank you to all the organisers and let’s hope it

will return for 2022.

E-scooters were introduced to the area around Milton Keynes in

2020. To use one you must have a full or provisional licence. Take

care when using them as in some areas the maximum speed can

reach up to 15.5mph.

It’s the Law!

As we go into the colder months

of the year, be aware of the laws

of the road

It’s an offence:

• to drive on the road with dirty

number plates.

• leave your engine running

when stationary, except when

stuck in traffic

• leave snow or ice on your

vehicle

• splash pedestrians with

puddles.

• to not turn on your lights when

it’s dark

• to enter taxis or buses with a

notifiable disease, unless you

notify the driver and they agree

to let you in!

One for the business owners -

Section 9 of the Metropolitan

Streets Act of 1867 prevents you

advertising with a picture, print,

placard, or notice unless approved

by the Commissioner of Police!

42


Motoring

FREE 40 POINT WINTER CHECK

Woburn 4 x 4

Servicing & Repair

M.O.T.

Courtesy Vehicles

Land Rover &

Range Rover

Specialist

Unit 6, Lower Rectory Farm

Business Units, Great Brickhill,

Milton Keynes, MK17 9BG

Your local INDEPENDENT 4x4 specialist

Not just 4x4, we service all makes and models at a fraction of dealer prices

01908 365 777

info@woburn4x4.co.uk www.woburn4x4.co.uk


43

Health and Wellbeing

Hanslope Practice

01908 510230

theparksmedicalpractice.co.uk

Paulerspury Practice

01327 811630

Towcester Medical Centre

01327 359953

towcestermedicalcentre.co.uk

Stony Medical Centre

01908 260382

stonymedicalcentre.co.uk

Stony Stratford Health Visitors, Physios

01908 565555

The Stonedean Practice

01908 261155

stonedeanpractice.org.uk

Wolverton Health Centre

01908 222954

wolvertonhealthcentre.co.uk

Wolverton Health Visitors, District

Nurses, Podiatry, Physiotherapy

01908 316633

NHS Direct Textphone 111

Milton Keynes General Hospital

01908 660033

mkhospital.nhs.uk

Northampton General Hospital

01604 634700

northamptongeneral.nhs.uk

AgeUK Information and Advice

01908 560822

ageconcern.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous

0800 917 7650

alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Samaritans

116123 samaritans.org

Victim Support Line

0808 168 9111

Emergency Services

Non emergency calls 101

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Emergencies 999

Veterinary Surgeons

The Vet Centre, Cherry Lane

01908 542155

Maids Moreton

01280 812057 thevetcentre.ltd.uk

Children

Useful Numbers

Rhymetime Under 1s

A Deanshanger Library, Little London,

MK19 6HT

01604 368272

deanslib@firstforwellbeing.co.uk

Stony Stratford & Wolverton Library

Stories, songs and rhymes

Stony Stratford & Wolverton libraries

miltonkeynes.gov.uk/libraries

Brownies, Guides, Beavers & Scouts

South Northants Rainbows, Brownies,

Guides

Emma 01908 571244

Towcester Brownies & Guides Hattie

(Guider in Charge 3rd Towcester

Brownies)

07776 257398

rdtowcesterbrownies@gmail.com

Wolverton and Stony Stratford

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

wolvertondc@outlook.com

1st Stony Stratford Beaver Scouts,

Cub Scouts

Scouts for boys & girls

1stStonyStratford

alby@backstage.co.uk

Youth Clubs

Act Out & Act Up Term-time

drama group

York House Centre, Stony Stratford

info@redphoenixstory.co.uk

Stony Biz Kids Afterschool Club

Becky Piper 07798 736615

stonybizkids stonybizkids.com

Youth Network MK

Juniors Mondays 5.30 - 7pm

Seniors Mondays 7.15 - 9pm

info@ynmk.org

07483 107016 or

07966 366556

ynmk.org.uk


Arts & Crafts

Stony Stratford Floral Group

Russell Street School Hall, Stony

Stratford.

Sue 01908 564453 or

Judy 01908 569429

The North Bucks Woodturning Club

Courtyard Arts Centre, Parklands,

Great Linford, Milton Keynes

Pip 01908 311243

pip.watts@btconnect.com

Towcester & District Art Society

Sawpits Centre, Towcester

Len 07957 281493

towcesterart.com

Vitreus Art Courses

4 Wakefield Country Courtyard,

Potterspury NN12 7QX

01327 810320 vitreus-art.co.uk

Dance

Stony Redcaps

Ladies Morris dancing side

Swinfen Harris Hall, Stony Stratford

stonyredcaps.dance

Potterspury Dance Club

Ballroom /sequence dancers

Potterspury Village Hall

John & Di 01604 862632

Rose and Castle Morris

Stoke Bruerne Village Hall

Ian 07860 277046

rose.castle.morris@gmail.com

rose-castlemorris.org.uk

Royal Scottish Country

Dance Society

Bradwell Village Memorial Hall MK12

9AG 07877 153259

History

Milton Keynes Aviation Society

(MKAS)

Kents Hill Community Centre

Frithwood Crescent, Kents

Hill, Milton Keynes MK6 6HQ

Ian Carr 01234 742057

iancarruk@aol.com mkas.co.uk

Milton Keynes National Trust

Association

Monthly meetings

The Cruck Barn, Bradwell Abbey

01908 314151

Milton Keynes Western Front

Association

Monthly meetings

Roman Park Residents

Club, 1, Constantine Way,

Bancroft Park, MK13 0RA

westernfrontassociation.com

The National Museum of Computing

Bletchley Park, The Mansion,

Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6DZ

01908 374708 tnmoc.org

Wolverton & District Archaeological &

Historical Society

St Mary & St Giles School,

King George Crescent, Stony Stratford,

MK11 1EF

irisday86@yahoo.co.uk.

Yardley Gobion History Group

Village Hall 01908 542322

babskingyg@talktalk.net

Music

New Orleans Jazz Club

01908 569432

trevor.jeavons@btinternet.com

goodtimejazz.info

44


Terry Marshall and The Hounds

Jazz Jam

The Fox & Hounds, Stony Stratford

fox-hounds-pub.business.site

Junction 14 Ladies A Cappella

Singing for pleasure and fundraising

Drama Studio Shenley Brook End

Secondary School, Milton Keynes.

To join 01908 678558.

To hire

01908 667029

bookings@junction14.org

junction14.org

MK Acapella Men

Barbershop Chorus Rehearsals

Chrysalis Theatre, Willen

Park South, Milton Keynes

membership mkacapella.com

To hire bookings@mkacapella.com

mkacapella.com

Milton Keynes Acoustic Roots

Guitar, fiddle and penny whistle

Beginners to advanced

Community Centre, Britten Grove, Old

Farm Park, Milton Keynes

johntimpany@aol.co.uk

mkamc.co.uk

Milton Keynes Community Choir

Singing for fun

Tuesday 7.45pm, term time only

Christchurch, Stantonbury MK14 6GU

miltonkeynescommunitychoir.org

Music Makers of Milton Keynes

Choral music and singing

Childrens Centre, Stony Stratford

07889 614386

The Song Loft


songloft@gmail.com

thesongloft. co.uk

Scribal Gathering

Music & spoken word open mic.

The Crown, Market Square, Stony

Stratford

ScribalGathering

Towcester Choral Society

The Sawpits Centre, Towcester

towcesterchoralsociety.org.uk

Social

Buckingham Canal Society

Lock Lane, Cosgrove,

MK19 7JR 01908 661217

Athinabec@aol.com

buckinghamcanal.org.uk

Wolverton Community Orchard

Gardening Day

Yvonne 01908 320405 or

Mandy on 01908 319719

Yardley Gobion Coffee Shop

Drinks, cakes and chat, children’s toys.

St Leonard’s Church, Yardley Gobion

Deanshanger Library

Range of activities to enjoy

including lunch, reading group and knit

and natter.

Deanshanger Library, Little London

01604 368272

deanslib@firstforwellbeing.co.uk

Deanshanger Sports Club

Little London, Deanshanger

MK19 6HU 01908 567137

deanshangersc

Stony Stratford Tuesday Night Charity

Curry Club Charity Quiz

Eastern Paradise, Wolverton Road,

Stony Stratford MK11 1DX

Tuesday Night Charity Curry Club

Quiz

Towcester Bridge Club

Friendly duplicate bridge

Towcester Bridge Club

Lynda Riecken

lynda@riecken.co.uk

bridgewebs.com/towcester

Senior Citizens Afternoon Tea Coffee

& Home-Made Cakes

All welcome

Last Friday of month, 2pm-4pm

Memorial Hall, Deanshanger Road,

Old Stratford (by village shop)

Havencourt Sheltered Home Bingo &

Coffee Morning

Ridgmont, Deanshanger

Jean jean.miller@

southnorthantshomes.co.uk

Sport

Happy Bodies Fitness Centre

Furtho Court, Old Stratford,

01908 477066 happybodies.co.uk

Feathers Badminton Club

Mill Mead Hall, Wolverton

01908 373966 or

mr.baldwin@btinternet.com

Castlethorpe Short Mat Bowls Club

Castlethorpe Village Hall

01908 510583

keithprestidge@hotmail.co.uk

Paulerspury Bowling Club

Paulerspury Village Hall

Ann 01327 811352

Stony Stratford Bowls Club

Ancell Trust Sports Ground,

Ostlers Lane, Stony Stratford

MK11 1AR 01908 565659

stonystratfordbowlsclub.co.uk

Useful Numbers

Wolverton Town Bowls Club

Bruce 01908 310514

Wolverton Park Bowls Club

Haversham Road, Wolverton,

MK12 5TN

Bob 07988 778248

bowlsclub.org/club/7966/

Stony Stratford Croquet Club

Ostlers Lane, Stony Stratford

MK11 1AR

Roy 01908 566345

Twenty3c CycleRides

01908 260322

Deanshanger Colts & Divas Football

Club

deanshangercolts.co.uk

Karate

07739 707455 karategoju.co.uk

Karate & Kickboxing

Lauren 07910 154499 karatemk.co.uk

Jado Kuin Do Family Martial Arts

Emma Bacon 07790 296737

RunStony

Run group runstony

Kiln Farm Squash Club

07729 414000

Haversham Sailing Club

High Street, Haversham MK19 7DX

havershamsc.org

Towcester & District Table Tennis

Rod Barr 01604 847948

or 07885 108559

tabletennis365.com/Towcester

Wolverton Tennis Club Coaching

Pete Tolaini 0774 0004548

wolvertontennis@hotmail.com

Stony Stratford Walking Group

Meet Mill Lane/ Willow Lane

Mary Kendall 01908 260570

Winslow District Ramblers

bucksvoice.net/winslowdistrictramblers-group

Buckingham and District

Walking Group

John 07921 823189

Deanshanger and Wicken Royal British

Legion Branch Meetings

Monthly meetings

Deanshanger Conservative Club

01908 261107

barbaralangtonb-langton@

outlook.com


45

Advertisers

HOME & GARDEN

Building & property

Antony Thomson Architect 31

ARK Handyman 31

Hickford Construction Ltd 25, 29, 41

Home Counties Loft Ladders 5

KAS Builders 29

Morris Roofing 29

Thomas Betts & Co 29, 31

Windows & conservatories

Cloudy2Clear 1, 3

Thomas Betts & Co 31

Win-Dor 2

Aerial, cable & electrical

MKL Cable Solutions 32, 35

MJ Electrics 30

Security

Stonghold Lock & Safe 36

Plumbing, gas servicing &

heating

Add Warmth 30

On-Tap Installations 30

Pete the Plumber 30

Kitchens & bathrooms

Dream Doors 7

On-Tap Installations 30

Trend Transformations 48

Painters & plasterers

BWB Plastering 36

DPL Services 33

S Fludgate Painting & Decorating 33

SJ Adcock & Son 33

Teal Homes & Gardens 36

Thomas Betts & Co 36

Interiors

Bucks Joinery 31

CarpetWise 33

Firewood Supplies 36

Home Counties Loft Ladders 5

Maxwell Home & Garden Service 40

Paramount Mats 41

Samantha Watts Soft Furnishings 33,

35

The Crone’s Cabin 21

The Old Joinery Shop 33

Thomas Betts and Co 32

Universal Blinds 32

Cleaning & domestic

Bright & Beautiful 37

Bucks Chimney Sweeps 36

OvenClean 37

Rainbow Window Cleaning 37

Stony Oven Cleaners 37

Vickie's Cleaning 37

Garden

Ace Landscapes and Tree Care 40

Bartlett Tree Experts 40

Firewood Supplies 36

Francis Rose Landscaping & Garden

Services 40

Hickford Construction 41

Maxwell Home & Garden Services 40

Prestige Lawns 47

Waste removal

Rob Bracey, Septic Tanks 37

BEAUTY, WELLBEING

HEALTH, & FITNESS

Action Physio 16

Alchemy Therapy Centre 13

Clive Heayns Podiatry 13

Cosgrove Green Burial Meadow 16

DW Roberts Opticians 12, 25

Elanele 17

Happy Bodies Fitness Centre 13

Janice Skillman Foot Health 13

Lanh’s Nails 17

Massage in Mind 16

Northampton Carers, Breathing

Space 12, 27

Radfield Home Care 23

Slimming World 12

LEISURE, FOOD & DRINK

Bamboo Cottage Chinese Takeaway

20

Bucks Star Beer 21

Cranley Barn Farms 20

Furtho Manor Farm 28

MK Community Fridge 19

Moorgate Farm Vegetable Box

Delivery 19

My Refill Market 18, 21

Soul2Sole 24

Stony Radio 26

Stony Stratford In Bloom 38

Stony Story Quest 22

The Crone’s Cabin 21

Wolverton and Greenleys In Bloom

39

Accommodation & celebrations


CHILDREN & YOUTH

Rosemary Lane School of Ballet 23

Soul2Sole 24

Thornton College 9

True Colours Performing Arts 23

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Baldox Computing 28

Cosgrove Green Burial Meadow 16

Country Funerals 25, 28


MK Box Self Storage 28

Paramount Mats 41

Radfield Home Care 23

Stony Radio 26

Swansway Self Storage 28

Trading Standards 30

Flowers

Back to the Fuchsia 21,35

Pets & vets

Barking Bags 11

Mutley Crue 11

RSPCA 10

The Vet Centre 10, 11

Pest control

Killem Pest Control 40

MOTOR

G & G Autos 43

Woburn 4X4 43

Alchemy Therapy keeping clients safe.

46


Home & Garden

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alternatively email us on info@prestige-lawns.co.uk


47

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EL Magazine JAN-FEB 2021 NEW PAGETURNER

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