Essentially Local May-June 2017

May/June 2017
Your FREE copy – Issue 80
Photos courtesy of The Crown, Stony Stratford, Blue Mountain Yard Café,
Towcester Mill Brewery, ARTea Room, Stony Classic Cars
Great local ideas for Father’s Day
www.essentiallylocal.co.uk

Building Services
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Wellbeing
To advertise please call 01908 380777
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Contents & Welcome
Inside this Issue…
Essentially Business and Professional
32 Love local? Then head to the Bucks Festival;
Increased National Living Wage; VAT Flat Rate Scheme has
changed; Charges to employ migrant workers
44 Savvy shopping for Father’s Day
Essentially Children
22 Children’s page; The Early Years Foundation Stage
Profile (EYFS), what’s it all about?
23 Choosing the right nursery for your child
24 Wolverton and Greenleys Town Children’s Trail
Essentially Leisure
6 Ideas for Father’s Day
8 God, Demons, and Immortals; A summer guitar concert
with Don Perera; Riverside Parks Music
11 The most important meal for Father’s Day;
16 Canals of Old England; An evening with the Bard & Friends
19 Junction 14 celebrate their 30th ‘Pearl’ Anniversary
26 What’s on in Wolverton
30 Stony Live!
Essentially Health and Well-being
9 Something to smile about
12 Move better with Pilates; Brand new care home opens
20 The Truly Gorgeous Flowers guide to choosing a wedding
florist and flowers; Romance is in the air at Magdalen House,
Stony Stratford
Essentially Home & Garden
18 Cauliflower cheese & bacon quiche recipe
48 Stony in Bloom; Stony Stratford Open Gardens 2017
50 Summer in the garden; Fencing
Essentially Motoring
54 Celebrating 10 years of cars; Car tax has changed
Essentially Pets
10 Importance of treating your pet for fleas; Summer holidays!
Regulars
18 What’s on sport
28 What’s on
34 Essential Numbers
36 Competition: Win a tour for two at Towcester Mill Brewery
52 Advertisers
Where we Deliver…
Towcester
Paulerspury
Alderton
Hanslope Long Street
Hanslope
Yardley Gobion
Castlethorpe
Haversham
Potterspury Cosgrove
Old Wolverton
Old Stratford
Wolverton
Deanshanger
Wolverton Mill
Stony Stratford
Wicken
Passenham
Calverton
Beachampton
Hello Readers…
Finally it’s warmer, blossoms are blooming
and I am looking forward to time in the
garden. This year gardening is going simple,
making our busy lives easier and greener –
get inspired with our ideas on page 46.
Looking to treat dad for Father’s Day?
Breakfast at ARTea Room is looking good,
perhaps make him Moorgate Farm’s
cauliflower cheese and bacon quiche, or
take him for lunch at one of the locals – The
White Lion, Wicken, The Crown, Stony, The
Talbot, Potterspury… your choice!
Of course, if you entered our competition
on page 36 you could win him a tour of
Towcester Brewery – that includes a tapas of
beer too!
It’s wedding season – read the lovely story
of romance on page 20 and if you are getting
married the Truly Gorgeous Guide will tell
you how to choose your wedding flowers.
Stony Live is back with more musical,
theatrical, wordy and motoring
entertainment - see page 30-31 and for the
great Wolverton MK50 festival and other
events see pages 26-27.
For ideas and offers from local
businesses for Father’s Day and
more – see page 6.
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
4

Motoring Services
To advertise please call 01908 380777
5

Reader Offers
Father’s Day
Treat your dad on 18 June with one of these local ideas and offers
Artea Room
Treat your Dad to a delicious large ARTea Room
Cooked Breakfast: 2 fried eggs, 3 chipolatas, 3
rashers of bacon, 2 hash browns, black pudding,
mushrooms & Heinz baked beans with pot of tea
£10.05
Make sure you book a table!
Wakefield Country Courtyard,
Potterspury, Northants NN12 7QX
01327 810245
enquiries@artearoom.co.uk
www.artearoom.co.uk/
Alchemy Therapy Centre
Help your dad improve his flexibility,
eandurance and performance and prevent
injuries with this fantastic sports massage –
you’ll get a 50% discount if you book before the
end of June.
Excludes packages
01908 567766 or book online at
www.alchemytherapycentre.com
Blue Mountain Yard Cafe
Take your Dad for a delicious and
authentic Blue Mountain Yard Café
breakfast, lunch or dinner
Father’s Day Special – complimentary
Rum Punch for all dads
1 Harnett Drive, Wolverton Mill,
Milton Keynes MK12 5RT
www.bluemountainyard.com
01908 226 725
The Old Talbot, Potterspury
Treat your Dad and family to a meal at
The Talbot, Potterspury. Spend £50 on food and the
new managers will give you a free bottle of wine.
77 Watling Street,
Potterspury
01908 543475
Theoldtalbot.pub
T&C apply. Please mention this code when booking
EL17. Only available 17th & 18th June 2017
Wharf Distillery & Virtual Orchard
15% off voucher. For all Wharf Distillery
and Virtual Orchard Products*
Father’s Day – visit the bar for
‘Pints & Platters’ - pint of real ale/
cider and a platter of british cured
meats, cheeses, smoked meat etc.
*T&C apply. Valid through June,
for Wharf Distillery & Virtual Orchard products only
Wakefield Country Courtyard,
Potterspury, NN127QX 01327 811511
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @wharfdistillery
JJ’s Barbers
Get Dad tidy for Father’s Day
with a haircut and wet shave
for only £15.00
Available daily except
Wednesday and
Sunday throughout
May and June
3 Timor Court, Stony Stratford, MK11 1EJ
Free parking at the back of the Cock Hotel
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Leisure
To advertise please call 01908 380777
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Community
God, Demons, and Immortals
7.30pm - 9.00pm, Wednesday 3 May
York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford, MK11 1JQ
Entry £2 (to York House)
An illustrated romp through some
favourite Devas, Rakshashas, Rishis and
a few heavenly dancing-girls for good
measure.
Not all the gods are blue, not all the
demons have ten heads, not all the
human beings have a thousand arms,
and not all of them have animal heads
... but some do!
8.00pm - 10.00pm, Saturday, 8 July
York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford, MK11 1JQ
Tickets £8 (students £5)
Sensitivity Alert – there will be
some pictures and references of a
sexual nature.
Spaces are limited, so get
your tickets in advance or email
jukeofstony@gmail.com.
Beechey Room (rear entrance).
Doors open at 7.00pm. There will be
a small refreshment service to comfort
you while viewing flesh-eating demons.
See more www.york-house.org.uk
A Summer Guitar Concert with Don Perera
The welcome return of a master of
the guitar, Don Perera. His repertoire
focuses on enchanting South American
music, but embraces many other
composers. Don lived in Argentina and
Uruguay for two years before returning
to complete his Masters Degree at
Trinity College of Music.
You will hear pieces from the likes of
Barrios-Mangore, Isaac Albeniz, Astor
Piazzola and many others, all played
exquisitely.
Doors open at 7.30pm. Drinks on
sale – real ale, cider, lager, wines and
soft drinks – cash-only. All proceeds
from the bar go to York House Centre.
www.york-house.org.uk
Tickets available from York House Centre
www.wegottickets.com/event/396903
Student concessions www.wegottickets.com/event/396904
For information call 07894 562150 email donpereraguitarman@hotmail.com
www.facebook.com/donadamperera or www.donadamperera.com/
York House www.york-house.org.uk
Riverside Parks Music
8.00pm - late, Friday, 30 June
York House, Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford, MK11 1JQ
Riverside Parks Music supports the
annual Riverside Fair, a unique event
for children and families at the Mill
Field. All attractions and rides are
provided free of charge to children in
a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.
The team invite you to come along
to enjoy an irresistible line-up of
highly talented singers and musicians
in the friendly atmosphere of York
House on what promises to be a
delightful summer evening. You will
be entertained by world-class local
musicians including TC3 (Irene, Ian
and Louise), Neil Mercer & Phil Riley,
Chris Allin, and the legendary Kobold.
Buy your refreshments from The
York House Bar including real ale,
cider, wine and soft drinks.
Tickets £7.50. Purchase from Hollywood Music, Odells
On-line at https://www.wegottickets.com/event/396834
please contact Neil Mercer on 01908 260452, or nmm31@cam.ac.uk
www.york-house.org.uk
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Advertorial: Wellbeing
Da Vinci Dental Clinic –
something to smile about
Newly established Da Vinci Dental
Clinic is committed to becoming a
centre of dental excellence that puts
every patient first.
Opened earlier in the year, the
practice has been designed to create
a calm atmosphere in its convenient
Wolverton Mill location. It offers free
parking, up-to-date facilities and
treatments and welcoming staff.
The Da Vinci dentists, Masoud and
Shahin, and practice manager Amanda,
have combined their passion for
excellence with the latest technological
advances. Their goal is to ensure that
they provide the best treatments
possible at affordable prices and with
results that will make you smile.
They offer a full range of dental
treatments including preventative,
restorative, specialist and cosmetic
options, always ensuring that there
is a clear benefit to you, the patient.
Diagnosis is based on market-leading
3D technology, which provides more
precise evidence. The treatments and
techniques can then be truly evidencebased,
with materials selected for longterm
performance and your well-being.
After an assessment, the dentists
will explain your options, show you
the images and help you to choose
the right treatment plan. They will
also teach you how to manage your
teeth post treatment to make sure
everything lasts as long as possible.
To advertise please call 01908 380777
Comfort and safety are also a priority
and Masoud and Shahin use painreducing
approaches and techniques
to manage your nerves.
Restoring your smile confidence
forms a major part of their work –
and this could include straightening,
providing veneers to make your teeth
look better, or whitening your stains.
One of the main areas of their work
is proving to be implants, crowns or
bridges, in other words replacements
for missing teeth.
They explain that implants are one
of the most natural choices, as they
look and feel like your own teeth.
The latest techniques and equipment
mean that the work will last longer,
look aesthetically pleasing and work
as the tooth they replace. Masoud
explained that they only use pure
titanium implants, as in their opinion
this is a safer and healthier option.
Regular check-ups can save you
money and pain and Da Vinci staff
can’t stress this enough. Following
your review you will be provided
with hygiene instructions, as well as
a scale and polish if required. If you
unfortunately need a filling, composite
ceramic inlays/onlays will be used as
harmful effects have been associated
with the usual amalgam. Where an
extraction is the only solution, the
dentists will aim to preserve the
area around your tooth to ensure
that future treatments or tooth
replacements are easier.
Masoud, Shahin and Amanda clearly
care about your teeth as well as your
experience when visiting them. While all
have years of experience and are highly
qualified, each of them has undertaken
additional training to guarantee their
knowledge, competence and safety.
In addition, all their treatments and
practices are overseen by the Quality
Care Commission which regulates
and confirms their fitness to provide
these services. Each member of staff
is registered with the General Dental
Council and insured for professional
indemnity.
If you are looking to put the
confidence back into your smile, a visit
to this team may be the perfect solution.
You can call for an appointment.
01908 886871 • 01908 322364
info@davincidentistry.co.uk
3 Canon Harnett Court,
Wolverton, MK12 5NF
www.davincidentistry.co.uk
9

Animal services
Importance of treating your pet for fleas
You would be mistaken if
you thought the person in
the photograph with the
bloody hand had cut it. in
the. It is in fact flea dirt from
a stray kitten.
You may not be aware
that a heavy flea infestation on your pet could kill it. Fleas
literally suck blood out of your animal.
RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Bucks sadly see this
condition all too often. This poor kitten was very lucky not
to have died from flea anaemia. Sadly not all the animals
the branch sees survive, yet it is a conditionthat can easily
be treated. If you are unsure which is the best type of flea
treatment for your pet, ask at your local veterinary surgery
where they will be happy to help.
If you would like to rehome a cat, kitten or rabbit,
please contact RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Bucks
on 01908 611179 or visit www.rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk
Summer holidays! – make sure you
don’t get more than you bargained for
Pet passports have been brilliant for
allowing our pets to join us on our
sunny holidays in Europe.
However, passports don’t stop local
ticks, sandflies and other parasites
from taking advantage of a bit of
foreign cuisine! Unfortunately, these
parasites can pass on diseases that
we don’t see in this country. The main
two are ehrlichiosis and leishmaniasis,
both can make dogs very unwell with
symptoms ranging from lethargy, joint
pain, skin problems and kidney failure.
These conditions can be very difficult
to treat and occasionally require longterm
management.
You don’t need to go as far afield
as southern Europe to get tick-borne
diseases – Lyme disease is becoming
more common especially in areas
such as Cumbria and parts Scotland.
Emma, vet nurse at the Vet Centre
Maids Moreton says, “The best way
to avoid these diseases is to prevent
the parasites biting. Luckily there
are various products on the market
that can help so it would be worth
discussing with your vets”.
As the weather improves flea
populations will also start to increase
again. One flea can lay up to 50 eggs
a day - that’s 350 in a week! Anna,
vet from the Vet Centre Cherry Lane,
Contact The Vet Centre Cherry Lane Garden Centre, Potterspury, NN12 7QN
01280 812057 or 01908 542155 visit www.thevetcentre.ltd.uk for more information.
says, “This explosive population
growth can mean you can soon
have a house infestation. Clearing
them out can take a few months
and require the whole house to be
treated. We usually recommend
keeping up to date with flea
treatments to avoid this scenario.”
Enjoy the summer- hopefully
without a few extra friends!
10
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Leisure
The most important meal for Father’s Day
Call it what you will – Full English, Fryup,
Full Monty – there are few places
in the world that can offer a better
start to the day. Breakfast is possibly
the most important meal of the day
and this Father’s Day ARTea Room’s
Cooked Breakfast could help you to
show your dad just how important
he is.
The ingredients of a Cooked
Breakfast may vary according to taste
and location, but basics don’t. This
protein rich meal will keep you going
far longer than a sugary cereal. It
could count as at least 3-4 of your
daily recommended fruit and veg
portions. And, there is no doubt it is a
great cure for one or two many beers
from the night before.
Begin with the sausages, they must
be well-seasoned and not overpowering.
You need two or three
rashers of bacon to take the taste
to the next level. Love it or loathe
it, black pudding has a super-food
reputation and is a definite musthave
for some. Healthy arguments
cry out for poached or scrambled
but James Swansbrough-Smith
stays loyal to the true tradition of
perfectly fried eggs – one cut and
the yolk oozes gently over your plate.
No breakfast is complete without
classic, unadulterated Heinz Baked
Beans – nothing beats the race to
stop the sauce hitting your yolk! With
flavoursome mushrooms offering a
meaty break and hashbrowns the
carb boost, your mouth must be
watering at the thought.
To take up the Father’s Day offer at
The ARTea Room go to our Father’s
Day Ideas page 6.
Wakefield Country Courtyard, Potterspury, Northamptonshire, NN12 7QX
enquiries@artearoom.co.uk • www.artearoom.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/ARTeaRoom • 01327 810245
To advertise please call 01908 380777
11

Advertorial: Wellbeing
Move better with pilates
Pilates was developed as an exercise to improve breathing
and use the body more efficiently.
It aims to improve your posture and breathing by
strengthening and stablising the core abdominals. As a
result, there will be less stress on your joints, and your coordination
and movement will be more controlled. It also
focusses the mind.
Research shows that core strengthening exercises in
Pilates can help relieve non-specific, mechanical low back
pain and other injuries. All age groups and fitness levels
can benefit especially in combination with cardiovascular
exercise – brisk walks, cycling or swimming.
Brand new luxury care home
to open in Newton Leys
Annelies Wymer, Physiotherapist, Action Physio
recommends that you should seek an experienced
physiotherapist or instructor who understands musculoskeletal
problems if you have an injury.
Pilates patients report increased energy, improved
posture, muscle strength and flexibility with less aching in
their bodies. To improve your energy, body and breathing
why not book onto one of the courses at Action Physio and
see how you can benefit?
For questions on physiotherapy or Pilates
Action Physiotherapy 54B High St, Stony Stratford,
Milton Keynes MK11 1AQ • 01908 968230
Lakeside views, a café/bistro, hair salon, shop, relaxation
spa, cinema room, communal rooms and more – you
would not be lacking in interesting things to do at the new
Country Court Care Home in Newton Leys!
This new home will be opening this September and
there is an open day planned for 3 September where
you can go to see all that is on offer. The family-owned
business, Country Court Care have been keen to show how
good style and elegance can be included in state of the
art design and functionality. Lakeview Lodge will offer 48
en-suite bedrooms over three floors as well as 9 double
bedrooms for couples.
The belief that all older people deserve the best quality
of life, is at heart of the Country Court family ethos and
they hope they have reflected this in the facilities and the
location they have provided.
Pop along and see for yourself – Lakeview Lodge,
Newton Leys, Milton Keynes.
info@countrycourtcare.com, or call
Robb Shingles on 0843 506 9452 to hear more.
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B
9
Wellbeing
Wellbeing
Fitness classes and
Personal Training in the
Stony Stratford area
L
To advertise please call 01908 380777
| 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
To advertise please call 01908 380777
15
13

Wellbeing
Wellbeing
www.nailsalonmiltonkeynes.co.uk
LANh's NAiL sALoN
• Acrylics • Nail art • Shellac • Air brush designs
• Hand designs • Gel nails • Pedicures
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
CALL 01908 567796
95 High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1AT
LANh’s NAiL sALoN in
Stony Stratford provides a
professional and relaxing nail
care service to fully meet all
your individual needs.
What’s more, we also have free
parking at the rear, free fast wi-fi
in the shop and free tea and coffee.
www.nailsalonmiltonkeynes.co.uk
Lanh’s naiL saLon
• Acrylics • Nail art • Shellac • Air brush designs
• Hand designs • Gel nails • Pedicures • Waxing
Lanh’s naiL saLon in Stony Stratford
provides a professional and relaxing nail care service
to fully meet all your individual needs.
What’s more, we also have free parking at the rear,
free fast wi-fi in the shop and free tea and coffee.
BooK YoUR aPPoinTMEnT ToDaY!
CALL 01908 567796
95 High Street, Stony Stratford MK11 1AT
To 14 advertise please call 01908 380777
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Wellbeing
To advertise please call 01908 380777
15

Community
An evening with
the Bard & Friends
8.00pm - 11.00pm Tuesday, 6 June
York House Centre, London Road,
Stony Stratford, MK11 1JQ
A StonyLive! Event.
Bard Stephen
Hobbs introduces
outstanding local
performers who
will delight through
music, storytelling,
poetry and comedy.
Includes Daniel
Collins from world
renowned “The Sixteen”, Red Phoenix and a
special surprise!
Free entry (donations towards cost of room
hire welcome). Doors open 7.30pm. Alcoholic
and non-alcoholic refreshments from the bar.
More information: bardofstonystratford@
gmail.com www.bardofstony.weebly.com/
York House: www.york-house.org.uk
Canals of Old England
8.00pm - 10.30pm. Family matinée: 3.00 – 4.30pm
Saturday, 10 June. York House Centre, London Road,
Stony Stratford, MK11 1JQ
National Theatre trained Phil
Underwood presents Canals
of Old England – an exciting
new show in traditional 19th
Century canal costume. He is
accompanied by melodeon
and concertina, with renowned
folk singer Nancy Potts on
fiddle. The evening performance will be supported by duo Innocent
Hare. A family matinee will entertain children with songs, stories and
hands on play about how the canals work.
The songs and poetry weave together real canal tales and history,
with stories of the working people on the early canals and the
incredible society they created.
You can buy real ale and other goodies from The York House bar.
Proceeds to York House.
Tickets: Matinée £6.00; Evening £8.00 (£7.00 concessions).
Available from Odells in Stony Stratford,
facebook.com/canalsoldengland • bonnetandbelt.com
www.wegotickets.com • www.york-house.org.uk
GET READY
FOR SUMMER!
Kick-start your exercise regime
now at Happy Bodies, the fitness
centre on your doorstep.
HAPPY BODIES | FURTHO COURT
OLD STRATFORD | MK19 6AN
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Wellbeing
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
To advertise please call 01908 380777
13
To advertise please call 01908 380777
17

Community
Cauliflower cheese and bacon quiche
Ingredients
For the pastry
225g plain flour
140g cold unsalted butter roughly cubed
1 large egg yolk
2-3 tbsp ice-cold water
For the filling
1 small cauliflower, broken into small florets
100g roughly chopped unsmoked streaky bacon
3 large free range eggs
284ml double cream
175g cheese, finely grated (choose/combine
parmesan, cheddar and gruyere or emmental)
2 tbsp snipped chives
Good pinch of grated nutmeg
Method
• Whizz flour with a pinch of salt in a food processor, add butter,
whizz until mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
• Whisk the egg yolk with 2 tbsp water and pour into mix
process until pastry forms a ball, add ½-1 tbs water if necessary.
• Pat into disc, wrap in cling film and chill for 30 mins – 48 hours.
• Roll out thinly and line a 4cm x 23cm round tart tin with a
removable base. Tuck pastry into the corners, without stretching
and trim off overhang. Chill for 30 mins.
• Preheat oven, fan 170C/conventional 190C/gas mark 5.
• Line pastry with foil, weigh down with ceramic or dried beans,
bake for 12 mins. Remove foil and beans, cook for a further 5-7
mins until pastry has lost rawness but is pale golden.
• Cook cauliflower in a saucepan of boiling water for 5 mins.
Drain well and leave to cool.
• Cook bacon over a low-medium heat for 7-8 mins, stir
occasionally, until fat runs and bacon is coloured. Leave to cool.
• Combine eggs, cream, cheese, chives and nutmeg with black
pepper and a little salt. Stir in cauliflower and bacon, pour mixture
into the case. Bake for 30 mins, until pastry is golden and filling
isset. Leave for 30 mins as quiche is best served warm.
To 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 • info@moorgatefarm.co.uk
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 1ARWolverton 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
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. 5.00pm-7.00pm Sat £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. 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/
Rebalance – Eating Disorder Self Support Group
Swinfen Harris Hall, London Road, Stony Stratford.
www.balancedmk.co.uk
Walking
Stony Stratford Local 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
18
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Leisure
Leisure
Junction 14
celebrate their 30th
‘Pearl’ anniversary
7.30pm, 2 June
Stantonbury Theatre, Milton Keynes
Junction 14 began as eight or nine women in 1989,
rehearsing in each other’s homes. Two years later and with
20 members they were performing as Keyne Harmony at
local events and in competitions.
They updated their image in 1996, changed their name to
Junction 14, then 8 years ago Hannah Washington became
Musical Director. Their Love to Sing course resulted in
members almost doubling to nearly 50 women singers.
Their 2017 Pearl Anniversary Celebrations include an
Anniversary Show this June – Vocal Pearls with guests. It
will be performed at Stantonbury Theatre with founding
member Christine Milner still taking lead. Come along to
celebrate this great achievement – and here’s to the next
30 years.
Tickets are on sale at Stantonbury Theatre Box Office.
enquiries@junction14.org
junction14.org www.stantonburytheatre.co.uk
To advertise please call 01908 380777
19

Community
The Truly Gorgeous Flowers guide to
choosing a wedding florist and flowers
The Florist
Contact as early as possible –
popular florists can be booked up
months ahead.
• To help your florist get creative,
tell her/him
• Your budget
• Preferred style/theme –
contemporary, vintage, natural
• Preferred flowers, aromas and
colours
• The season of the wedding
The Flowers
Think about where you want your
flowers, prioritise must-haves and
nice-to-haves:
• The bouquet
• Wedding party
• Church or civil building
• Reception and tables
Making Choices
• Take inspiration – use wedding
magazines, shows, celebrities,
trends, blogs, pintrest.
• Special meanings – consider
a flower your grandmother/
mother had their bouquet eg Lily
of the Valley or other significant
moment.
• The gown – the bouquet should
complement the dress, bigger
dresses can take more flamboyant
bouquets. The dress colour will
also influence flower choices.
Bouquets
The Posy
It is petite, compact and perfect
for showing off a simple,
elegant dress. Designed to be
held in one hand with stems
elegantly wrapped in silk ribbon
and fastened with pearl pins.
Hand-tied Bouquet /
Tear Drop Arrangements
The perfect choices for fuller,
detailed dresses as well as rustic
and vintage wedding styles.
Flowers vary in length, colour and
texture, offering a natural just
picked look.
Cascading Bridal Bouquet
Features flowers that create
a cascading effect with long
trailing foliage like eucalyptus, ivy
or fern. Fits both elegant and
fuller dresses.
As a qualified florist, I will
advise you on all floral needs –
let me help you to create your
dream wedding.
Call Suzanne Day to arrange a
wedding consultation
www.trulygorgeousflowers.
co.uk • 01908 564200
Designer Florist,
Truly Gorgeous Flowers
Romance is in the air at Magdalen House, Stony Stratford
Congratulations to Pat Eales and
Carl Done who were happily married
on Tuesday, 2 May at Bletchley
Registry Office. This sociable pair
met in January 2016 and became
firm friends before the friendship
blossomed into something a little
more romantic.
Local woman Pat, who is now 76
has lived at Magdalen since August
2012 and has always been an active
member of the local community and
church. Carl, a Staffordshire man,
hasn’t taken long to settle into his
new home since moving in eighteen
months ago. His bubbly personality
and chatty manner brought lots of
new friendships, particularly with Pat.
The pair became inseparable after
Carl sealed this friendship with a kiss!
Initial shock soon became the new
lease of life both for both, as neither
thought they would marry again.
Manager, Maggie Brett explained
that while it was very exciting news,
she wasn’t really surprised about Carl’s
proposal to Pat as she had spotted
them holding hands once or twice!
Family and friends are equally pleased
and as Maggie says, “There is never
a dull moment with Carl, he has Pat
constantly laughing along with the rest
of us!”
This is the first wedding at
Magdalen so I am sure you will join
me in wishing Pat and Carl extra
special congratulations. We are now
looking forward to seeing this lovely
pair’s honeymoon photos from their
break in Lowestoft.
20
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Leisure
To advertise please call 01908 380777
21

Children’s Page
Charlotte’s Joke Corner
Where do fish wash?
In a river basin!
What fish goes up the river at 100mph?
A motor pike!
How does the ocean say hello?
It waves
What do sea monsters eat for lunch?
Fish and ships
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 and you must always
use the letter in the middle.
No proper names are allowed.
Can you find the 9 letter word?
G
B
V
L
E
E
A
T
E
Good: 8+, Excellent: 10 +, Outstanding: 12+
Answers
Aqueduct, Canal – Wolverton/Cosgrove; Envelope, Train – Wolverton;
Horsefair – Stony Stratford; Iron – Deanshanger; Lace – Wicken, Potterspury; Ouse
–Old Stratford, Stony Stratford; Sailing – Haversham; Spire – Hanslope; Tram –
Wolverton, Stony Stratford, Deanshanger; Watling – Stony Stratford, Towcester
3 letter words: ate, bee, bet, beg, eat, get, lea, leg, let, tea, tee, vet. 4 letter
words: able, bale, bate, beat, beet, belt, eave, gale, gate, gave, glee, late, lave,
tale, teal, vale, veal. 5 letter words: bagel, beget, bevel, blate, bleat, eagle, elate,
gable, leave, levee, table, valet. 6 letter words: eaglet, legate 7 letter words:
elevate, beagle, beetle. 9 letter word: vegetable
May-June wordsearch
T P J H E R I P S
C E P O L E V N E
U S M R A H W C A
D U Z S N M A R T
E O K E A L T G I
U T X F C R L L R
Q Z H A A H I K O
A S A I L I N G N
B R N R Q C G Y G
Find the words in the wordsearch and see if you can
find a link with a local town or village – either an activity
or place. Can you work out which village has a famous
spire that can be seen for miles around, where lace and
envelopes were made and where you can go sailing?
We’ve given you our answers below!
AQUEDUCT CANAL ENVELOPE
HORSEFAIR IRON LACE
OUSE SAILING SPIRE
TRAIN TRAM WATLING
The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFS), what’s it all about?
The statutory EYFS profile in early
years settings provides Year 1 teachers
with an overview of each child’s
progression and development.
The EYFS profile records specific
observations and interactions of
your child in early years settings. In
particular, it shows where your child’s
levels of knowledge, understanding
and ability are against the expected
progress for their age. Practitioners
are trained to look for evidence of
learning and development which are
set out in the Early Years Foundation
Stage framework. The areas include
communication and language,
physical development, personal, social
and emotional development, literacy,
mathematics, understanding the world
and expressive arts and design.
Assessment is observational and
interactive rather than formal testing.
By the end of reception a profile will
be created for the start of their Year 1
education. It keeps parents up-to-date
and can be useful to identify other
professionals who may help your child
to develop certain skills. If your child
is exceeding the levels it helps to
identify where s/he can be challenged.
Practitioners are interested in
developing the child’s skills through
play and exploration, active learning
and thinking critically. The learning
profile is as much about developing the
personality, relationships and resilience
as it is about learning to count.
Ultimately the government want
our children to become confident and
independent through being in the right
environment surrounded by positive
relationships. When you look for a
childcare setting take into account the
learning environment and how staff will
help your child to develop.
22
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Advertorial: Education & Children
Choosing the right nursery for your child
The introductory years of a child’s
education are brimming with
excitement, exploration, investigation
and discovery. Nursery is when
children are introduced to a world
beyond the secure familiarity of
home life. At Nursery, your little
one will become more independent
and socially confident, begin to
make friends, and experience new
opportunities to play and learn,
interacting with adults beyond their
immediate family.
When choosing a nursery consider:
Nursery Relationships – superior
nurseries encourage strong links and
lasting relationships between parents
and teaching/support staff, sharing
in observations, goals and ideas that
will help to maximise the Nursery
experience. Look for the number and
timings of open evenings and parents’
meetings.
Key Person – every child should
have an appointed ‘key person’
who assesses the child’s ongoing
development and is the first port of call
for parent concerns. The key person
should be specially matched with
each child based on their ability to
To advertise please call 01908 380777
engage positively with them, working
hard both to understand strengths
and respond to needs. Ask about
arrangements if a key person is absent,
to understand how the continuity of
care is maintained and if the Nursery
encourages parents to spend time at
the end of each day chatting to the
child’s key person for feedback.
Early Years Curriculum – look for a
nursery which provides a nurturing
environment. All will offer a numeracy
and literacy programme so ask about
the amount of children who meet
and exceed the expected levels of
progress on entry to school. Some
very good nurseries have specialist
early years teaching staff such as for
PE, Drama and Dance.
Flexibility – not all children develop
at the same pace and some will have
additional needs. Ask about the ability
of the Nursery to tailor teaching and
learning to meet specific needs of
individual children.
Outdoor Play – well equipped
nurseries offer outdoor education and
play time. Some offer Forest School,
where children learn to engage
with their environment in new and
stimulating ways.
Opening Times – vary between
nurseries and there is a big difference
in how many weeks a year a nursery is
open so check this too.
Environment – think about how the
setting supports your child’s learning.
Look for a nursery with a ‘home from
home’ feel with muted colours and a
mixture of plastic toys and accessories
made from natural materials. Rooms
divided into activity areas, support
‘free flow’ and encourage children
to develop skills independently and
follow their own interests.
Akeley Wood Nursery is based at
Wicken Park on the edge of Milton
Keynes. Open 51 weeks a year we
cater for children from 12 months
to pre-school. Join us for one of our
coffee mornings or book a private tour.
www.akeleywoodschool.co.uk/
coffee-morning
01280 860824
23

Children’s Page
Wolverton and Greenleys Town Children’s Trail
Wolverton and Greenleys Town
Children’s Trail is an innovative
idea produced by Wolverton
Town Council. Take your children
for a walk through the streets of
Wolverton and find the hidden
secrets of the town. You will
also learn about the old shops
of Wolverton and how the town
has changed throughout the
19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
Do you know what happened to
Billingham’s Fish and Chip shop?
Where you could get a penny bag
of chips and scratchings? What
about the novelty toy factory?
To find out more pick up
a leaflet from the Christian
Foundation, Age UK Bookshop,
Age UK in the Square, The Town
Hall, Library, MK Museum, Mrs
B’s and Buskers and begin your
journey.
Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council
Town Hall, Creed Street, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5LY
www.wolvertonandgreenleystowncouncil.gov.uk • 01908 326800
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
24
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Leisure
Traditional Tea Room
@ Wakefield Country Courtyard
Serving home-made cakes, delicious sandwiches
& toasties, cream teas and afternoon teas.
With a wide selection of quality teas,
coffees and drinks to choose from.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: 11am to 4pm
Bank Holiday Mondays: 11am to 4pm
Telephone: 01327 810245
Email: enquiries@artearoom.co.uk
To advertise please call 01908 380777
To advertise please call 01908 380777
25

Leisure
26
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Leisure
… continued
To advertise please call 01908 380777
27

What’s On – May/June 2017
HISTORY, ARTS &
CRAFTS
Buckingham Canal Society
Restoration of disused canal
– practical conservation work.
No experience necessary. Meet
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)
Suicide Club to Bloody Butchers
(Egypt and Palestine 1914 – 18)
9 May
Hawker Siddeley Trident by
Curator of De Havilland Aircraft
Museum 13 June
Invasion 1940 – What If?
11 July. 8pm doors open
7.30pm 2nd Tuesday each
month Kents Hill Community
Centre MK6 6HQ Visitors £3
www.mkas.co.uk
mkasinfo@gmail.com
Milton Keynes
National Trust Association
AGM followed by Mediaeval
Dunstable by Jean Yates
7.30pm, 10 May. Buildings
Restoration Dramas talk 7.45pm
14 June. New members and
guests welcome. 01908 314151
7.45 pm Cruck Barn, Bradwell
Abbey. 01908 314151
Stony Stratford Floral Group
Summer Sensation
Demonstration by Gill
McGregor 6 June.
Tour of York House Garden
4 July. Floral Gems
Demonstration by Gill Mills 1
August. Visitors £8.00 Doors
open 7.00pm for 7.30pm Sue
01908 564453 or Judy
01908 569429. Russell Street
School Hall, Stony Stratford
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, Colossus Galleries,
booking recommended see
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 Brownies
– Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday.
Guides – Monday and
Thursday. Hattie – Guider
in Charge 3rd Towcester
Brownies, 07776 257398
3rdtowcesterbrownies@gmail.com
Stony Stratford Beaver
Scouts 1st Stony Stratford
Beaver Scouts (boys & girls
6-8yrs), Mondays 1st Stony
Stratford Cub Scouts (boys
& girls 8-10.5yrs), Thursdays
1st Stony Stratford Scouts
(boys & girls 10.5-14yrs),
Tuesdays 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 or bring a snack.
10.30am-12.00 noon, 3rd
Thursday of the 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. Children’s craft
activity 3 – 5pm 1 June.
Father’s Day craft activity 11am
– 2pm 11 June. Celebrate 20
years of Harry Potter 10am
– 2pm 24 June, 11am – 2pm
25 June. Summer Reading
Challenge 10am – 2pm 15 July.
Deanshanger MK19 6HT
Stony Stratford Library
Under 5s Rhyme Time 11-
11.30am, Thursday www.
miltonkeynes.gov.uk/libraries
York House Junior Youth Club
Ages 8 -12 6.00pm-7.30pm
Mondays during termtime.
yorkhouseyouthclubs@hotmail.com
Maria 07988 078056
www.york-house.org.uk
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
With Good Time Jazz Trevor
Jeavons. £3 entry on the door.
01908 569432
www. goodtimejazz.co.uk,
8.00pm-10.30pm, 1st
Wednesday of month The Cock
Hotel, Stony Stratford
Jazz Jam
Terry Marshall (tenor sax) and
The Hounds with other local
musicians. The Fox & Hounds,
Stony Stratford Free entry.
8.30pm Every 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
Richard Digance 8.15, 8 June.
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 from acclaimed
acts. Upstairs at The Crown,
Market Square, Stony Stratford.
7.30pm for 8.00pm- 11.00pm,
2nd Tuesday of every month.
Free entry. 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 and Twitter
28
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May/June 2017 – What’s On
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 and 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.
The Boat Stoke Bruerne 8.00pm
7 June. & 12 noon, 2 July
Ian 07860 277046
ianwelborn@talktalk.net or
www.rose-castlemorris.org.uk
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 on01525 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 entry. Fridays 8.00am- 12
noon.
Timor Court Market, Stony
Stratford. Fruit, veg, flowers and
other stalls. Saturdays
LEISURE
Coffee mornings
St Peter and St Paul’s Church,
Cosgrove
10.30am First Thursday
of month.
wendypage1@gmail.com
Call Emma on 01908 380777
To advertise please call 01908 380777
Yardley Gobion Coffee
shop drinks, cakes and chat,
everybody welcome, toys
available for children 10.30am-
12noon 3rd Saturday of month
Reading Group
Meet 2.00pm second Friday of
month, Deanshanger Library
01908 562889
paula.culley@ rstforwellbeing.co.uk
The Knit and Natter
Learn to knit and natter 3.30-
4.00pm First & third Friday of
month, Learn to knit and sewing
for children. Thursdays (term
time only) 3.30pm- 4.00pm
Deanshanger Library, Little
London, Deanshanger
MK19 6HT. 01908 562889
paula.culley@rstforwellbeing.co.uk
Deanshanger Sports Club
Social Evenings In partnership
with Deanshanger Coltsand
Divas. Little London,
Deanshanger MK19 6HU
01908 567137
Facebook Deanshanger
sportsandsocialclub
Stony Stratford Tuesday Night
Charity Curry Club QuizFun
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, 07957 281493
www.towcesterart.com
SENIORS
Senior Citizens Afternoon
Tea,coffee, home-made 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 £3.507.30pm,
2nd Thursday ofmonth,
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
Sugar Craft by Estelle Mann
2.15pm, 6 June WI’s own
Residential College by Elizabeth
Webster – Denman 2.15, 4
July. York House, London
Road, Stony Stratford. Craft
& Chat, Methodist Hall, Silver
Street, Stony Stratford 2.15pm
Tuesdays, 20 June, 18 July
gill.williams@fsml.co.uk.
www.facebook.com/
TowcesterEveningWI1971/
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/ www.facebook.com/
TowcesterEveningWI1971/
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
the month. The Christian
Foundation, The Square,
Wolverton MK12 5DX
EVENTS
Yardley Gobion Garage Sale
Village sale of goods with
bacon rolls served at St
Leonard’s Church, Yarley
Gobion 10.00am, 13 May
Stamp Fair
Stamp Dealers and members
selling stamps and covers.
Methodist Hall, Queensway,
Bletchley, MK2 2HB.
01908 521220
www.miltonkeynes
philatelicsociety.co.uk/
10am- 4pm Saturday 13 May
Bucks Open Studios
Demonstrations and exhibitions
from local artists. 10 – 25 June
www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk
Togfest
23-24 June Bradwell Abbey,
Alston Drive, Milton Keynes
MK13 9AP www.togfest.org,
Stony Open Gardens
24-25 June see page 44
Milton Keynes Theatre
The Magic of Motown 2 July
see page 7
Castlethorpe Open Gardens
8-9 July
MK Feast
Food revolution 16 July,
Bradwell Abbey, Alston Drive,
Milton Keynes MK13 9AP www.
mkfoodrevolution.org
29

Stony Live 2017
Pleased to support Stony Live
Events are being added all the time.
Pick up a full programme of events
from Odells, the library, venues,
and shops in Stony or visit
www.stonylive.info.
Saturday June 3
Bucks Fest
York House Centre, 10.00am-4.00pm, Free
Day of Dance
High Street & Market Square, 10.45am–4.15pm, Free
Musical Coffee Morning
St Mary & St Giles Church, 10.00am–noon, Free
The Extremely Elegant
Hawthorne Chair
Just one of the fabulous
pieces available from
Hole in the Head Gang
Fox & Hounds, 1.00–3.00pm, Free
Family Barn Dance
Market Square, 6.30–8.30pm, Free
Choir Concert
St Mary and St Giles Church, 7.30pm–9.00pm, Free
Comedy Cow
York House Centre, 8.15pm–10.45pm, £10
The Other Band
The Crown, 9.00–11.00pm, Free
2120s
Fox & Hounds, 9.00pm–11.00pm, Free
14 High Street, Stony Stratford, MK11 1AF
Tel: 01908 568674
info@morgangilder.co.uk
www.morgangilder.co.uk
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 4pm
Closed: Sunday, Monday and
Bank Holiday weekends
Out of hours appointments and
home consultancy by prior arrangement.
Sunday June 4
Classic Stony 2017
Town Centre, 9.30am–4.30pm, Free (donations)
Classic Stony Busking Day
Market Square, 10.30 – 4.30pm, Free
Stony Stratford in Bloom Town Walks
Market Square, 10.30am -12.30pm & 2.00-4.00pm,
Free (donations)
The Big Lunch
Wolverton Road Recreation Ground,
12.00noon– 4.00pm, Free
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Stony Live 2017
Youth Bardic Trials
Wolverton Road Recreation Ground,
12.00noon–4.00pm, Free
Folk Workshop
Vaults Bar, 12.30–3.00pm, Free
Fun Cello Concert with Eleanor Hart
St Mary & St Giles Church, 3.00pm–5.00pm,Free
Woburn Jazz for StonyLive!
Cock Hotel, 4.00–6.00pm,£7.00
Murphy’s Law
Crown, 8.30–11.00pm, Free
Monday June 5
Good Time Jazz
Conservative Club, 8.00–10.00pm, Free
Traditional Tunes Session
Bull Stables, 8.00–11.00pm, Free
Tuesday June 6
Fabulous Miss Jones
Crown (downstairs), 7.30– 10.00pm, Free
Story of the Stony Stratford
Willis Pipe Organ
Library, 7.00–9.00pm, Free (donations)
An Evening with The Bard & Friends
York House, 8.00–11.00pm, Free (donations)
1967 Summer of Love and All That
Bull Stables, 8.00–11.00pm, Free (donations)
Wednesday June 7
Hooray for Handbells!
St Mary & St Giles Church, 4.00–5.00pm, Free
(donations)
Tea Time with SMSG Band
St Mary & St Giles Church, 5.00–6.15pm, Free
(donations)
Good Time Jazz
Cock Hotel, 8.00–10.30pm, £3.00
Simply Floyd
Fox & Hounds, 8.30–11.00pm, Free
StonyLive! Presents…
The Crown (upstairs), 8.30–11.00pm, Free (donations)
Thursday June 8
Millbrook Ensemble
St Mary & St Giles Church, 6.30–8.00pm, Free
(donations)
Good Time Jazz
Calcutta Brasserie, 7.15–10.30pm,Free
SongLoft
Cock Hotel (Marquee), 8.15–11.00pm, £12.00
Hellzaboppin
Fox & Hounds, 8.30–11.00pm, Free
Vaultage StonyLive! Special
Vaults Bar, 8.30–11.00pm, Free
Born Slippy
Plough, 8.30–11.00pm, Free
Friday June 9
TC3 in Concert
Methodist Hall, 8.00-10.30pm, £5.00
Crime Scene Improvisation
Crown, 8.00–9.00pm, £6.50
Higgs Bosun & Friends
Swinfen Harris Hall, 8.30–11.00pm, £1.00
Mad Mods & Englishmen
Plough, 8.30–11.00pm, Free
The Dilemma
Vaults Bar, 9.00–11.15pm, Free
Saturday June 10
Open Day & Plant Sale
London Road Allotments, 12.00noon–4.00pm, Free
12th Annual Riverside Fair
Millfield, 1.00–4.00pm, Free
Canals of Old England
York House Centre, 3.00–4.30pm,
£6.00 & 8.00–10.30pm, £8/7.00 concessions)
Sunday June 11
Folk Workshop
Vaults Bar, 12.30–3.00pm, Free
MK50 Music & Cream Teas
St Mary & St Giles Church, 2.30–4.30pm, Free entry
Acoustic Roots Music
Naidni, 7.00–10.00pm, Free
To advertise please call 01908 380777
31

Professional Services
Love local? Then head to the Bucks Festival
10am - 4pm Saturday, 3 June York House Centre, Stony Stratford
Organisers of the inaugural Bucks
Festival are on a mission to nurture
localism, sustainability and well-being,
starting in Stony Stratford.
As Bucks Festival will be on the
first day of Stony Live!, there will be
showcase performances from local
musicians, storytellers, eco workshops
and the screening of eco-films. You
will also find an array of local traders
selling their wares and there is no
charge for popping along.
Two more festivals are planned
after York House Centre, with the next
one taking place on 23 September
at Westbury Arts Centre in Shenley
Wood. Final plans for the third event
are also well underway.
Small Business Events is a notfor-profit
community organisation
based in Milton Keynes. Its aim is to
support and promote like-minded
sole-traders and independent small
businesses who embrace ecological
sustainability, localism and well-being
through their work.
For further information visit
www.smallbusinessevents.co.uk
or tweet @SBusinessEvents
Are you ready for the
increased National
Living Wage?
The National Living Wage for
employees rose on 1 April.
Rates are now:
• 25 years and over – £7.50 per hour
(up 30p)
• 21-24 year olds – £7.05
• 18-20 year old – £5.60
• under 18s – £4.05.
VAT Flat Rate Scheme changed
Small businesses that use the VAT Flat Rate Scheme should be aware of the
changes announced recently by the Government. Limited cost businesses
who spend little on goods or raw materials where VAT inclusive expenditure
forms only a small part of the turnover will be affected. The Flat Rate Scheme
simplifies the VAT calculations but the government thinks that some businesses
are using it to pay less VAT than is appropriate.
A limited cost trader is one that spends less than
• 2% of its sales on goods in an accounting period – this excludes services.
• £1,000 a year of the firm’s turnover on goods.
It will still be possible to use the Flat Rate Scheme but the VAT percentage to
pay will rise to 16.5%. Beware though, you cannot include purchases of capital
goods, food and drink (for staff), vehicles or parts for vehicles. Speak to your
accountant for more information as this is not as simple as it sounds!
Charges to employ
migrant workers
The government has confirmed that
it aims to reduce Britain’s reliance
on migrant workers through a new
skills charge. This is set at £1,000 per
employee per year with a reduced
rate of £364 for small organisations
and charities. It is believed that this
will reduce demand for migrant labour
and encourage employers to train
British employees to fill the roles.
There will be exemptions for PhD
level jobs and international students
switching from student visas to work
visas. The aim will be to keep talented
workers and students in the UK.
32
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Professional Services
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33

Professional 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
To advertise please call 01908 380777
Essential Numbers…
For all the everyday useful numbers you may need
31
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
34
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
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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
To advertise please call 01908 380777
WE BELIEVE LIFE IS FOR LIVING YOUR DREAMS
Wealth and Tax Management are chartered financial planning specialists, offering a wide
range of practical wealth-building and protection solutions. We also offer investment and
tax planning strategies for both business owners and private clients.
Our extensive range of specialist services include:
The • Co-Operative Financial planning Legal Services & individual estimate financial that 38,000 advice. • Estate planning and protection.
families • Comprehensive end up in prolonged financial probate planning disputes, service. with up • Help you protect your wealth efficiently.
to 10% • of Pensions the value and of an investment estate lost planning.
fees. If you aren’t • Will writing for you and your family.
married • Ensuring to your partner, that your have money children is from working previous for you.
relationships, wish to split properties, own a business, have
overseas When properties you require or investments the assistance or are unsure of a financial about adviser in
inheritance Milton tax, Keynes get professional or further advice. afield, make And remember, us your first if port of call.
a professionally written will is later found to be defective in
any way, your family will have someone to sue.
17 Shirwell Crescent, Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes MK4 1GA
Tel: For more 01908 information 523740 | talk Email: to Ashley wealth@wealthandtax.co.uk Mirfin
| www.wealthandtax.co.uk
Wealth from Simply and Tax Wills Management 01908 866541 Limited are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
To advertise please call 01908 380777
35 31

Competition
Win…
… a tour of Towcester Mill Brewery with a free
pint of beer or tapas board for two people
The brewers at Towcester Mill Brewery have captured the
taste buds of beer-lovers with eight flavoursome craft beers
and tantalising, seasonal one-offs.
You will relish the herbal and grapefruit finish of the pale
blond Mill Race, while the dark fruity Black Fire brings you
a deceptively refreshing black IPA. Traditionalists will love
Crooked Hooker.
You can buy these artisanal products, full of natural beery
goodness online or at the brewery shop, Bell Plantation
Garden Centre in Towcester. However you can’t beat a trip
to the 200-year-old mill for one or two hand-pulled cask
pints at the brewery bar. The real ciders, Lyme Bay fruit
wines, gins and Belgian beers are equally tempting.
Brewery tours, comedy nights, music events, the large
child-friendly beer garden and two function rooms fit for
parties, weddings and celebrations are also on offer.
The Brewery Tour is an ideal gift for Father’s Day or to enjoy
at any time. Tours take place on various week day evenings,
only cost £10 per person and include a beer ‘tapas’ board
where you can select your favourite ales. A membership
package includes beerish benefits as well as a brewery tour
for only £45. Now go taste this delicious real ale!
www.towcestermillbrewery.co.uk
Facebook Towcester Mill Brewery
Chantry Lane, Towcester, Northamptonshire
01327 437060
Wordsearch winner… March/April
Congratulations to Ms Vicki Green from Old Stratford who has
won a meal for 2 at The Blue Mountain Café in Wolverton Mill.
The answer was Mountain.
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ALES BEER BOX BELGIAN
BELL RINGER BLACK FIRE BOTTLE
BREWERY CIDER CROOKED HOOKER
GIFTS GIN HAND PUMP
HOPS MALT MEMBERSHIP
MILL RACE PILSNER PODIUM GOLD
SHOP TOURS TOWCESTER
TRADITIONAL VOUCHER WATLING STREET
For a chance to win this fantastic prize,
find the missing word in the grid and send
us your answer. Don’t forget to include your
name and address.
X
D
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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 2 May, 2017 and the closing date is 5pm, 12 June, 2017. No purchase required.
3. There will be one winner who will be notified by telephone by 26 June, 2017. The winner’s name will be published in the July-August 2017
edition of Essentially Local. 4. The prize for correctly identifying the missing word in the word search is a Tour of the Brewery with a free pint
or beer tapas board (three thirds of a pint) for two people. There is no cash or alternative prize. The winner must take up the prize offered
between 1 July, 2017 and 25 August, 2017. 5. Entries are limited to ONE per household. Competitions cannot be entered by employees or
family of Towcester Mill Brewery 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 16 June, 2017. Judge’s decision is final. 7. Entrants may be notified of special
offers from Towcester Mill Brewery; please state if you do not wish your details to be used.
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Home Services
Building Services
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Home Services
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Building Services
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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This space is
available from just
£34+VAT per advert
Call 01908 380777
to find out more
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To advertise please call 01908 380777
43 33

Trading Standards
Domestic Services
Savvy shopping for Father’s Day
40% of dads would rather spend time
with their families than receive a gift,
yet that still leaves a lot of Father’s
Day shopping!
From comedy ties dad will be
too embarrassed to wear to costly
experience days – protect yourself:
• Ask for a gift receipt. Proof of
purchase is required for returns
or exchanges or risk receiving an
exchange at a lower price.
• Check the terms and conditions.
Look for ease of cancellation,
refunds and replacements.
• Check the small print for
additional fees or limitations
before you buy. Some activities
may restrict on health, weight
or other limitations.
• Gift Cards and Certificates. Check
the terms and conditions for use by
dates and exclusions.
• Shopping on-line, check who you
are dealing with. URL link should
start “https://” (the ‘s’ means it is
secure) when ordering on-line. Look
for a small padlock icon (corner of the
URL bar) to show it’s a secure site.
• Understand your on-line shopping
rights. You normally have a 14 day
cancellation period when buying
on-line, to allow for change of mind.
The seller can ask you to pay to
return unwanted goods to them.
Exemptions include dated sporting
events, check before you buy in
case you need to return it.
• E-Cards: Don’t open an e-card
unless you know who sent it and
be wary of opening attachments.
A ‘fake’ e-card could open your
computer up to malware and
spyware. Delete suspicious emails.
Taking these few precautions should
protect you and your Dad from nasty
surprises this Father’s Day.
Claire Kendall
Trading Standards Milton Keynes
To 44 advertise please call 01908 380777
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Home Services
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Domestic Services
Domestic Services
46
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47

Gardening
Stony Stratford in Bloom
The National Grid donated a
fantastic £5,000 which meant
Dominic Harris could start work on
a wooden path and landing stage
leading to the North End Pond
wildlife area. He has also cleared and
levelled the ground adjacent to the
gas works site. Mary Robinson and
Robin Nichols placed tables for all
to enjoy the area as well as planted
apple and crab apple trees.
This spring Stony Stratford was
filled with colourful golden daffodils,
multi-coloured polyanthus and red
tulips, while enthusiastic school
children planted onions, carrots, peas
and marigolds.
SSIB volunteers took part in the
National Spring Clean litter-picking,
also weeding and redesigning beds
at Galley Hill and Fullers Slade. MK
Council provided litter-picking packs to
help.
The uneven paving slabs around
the Cox and Robinson tree in Market
Square have been removed to allow
variegated Vinca to be planted.
Martin Kincaid, Parks Trust,
presented to a packed audience with
a fascinating and illustrated talk on
Wildlife in the Ouse Valley Park, which
included rare species.
Diary dates
• End of May – Winter to summer
changeover of planters.
• 4 June – Big Lunch children’s
hanging basket activity – 50
baskets of gold and blue plants
to celebrate 50 Years of Milton
Keynes.
• 24 June – Childen’s planting
at Fullers Slade 50 years of MK
Celebration Party.
Stony Stratford Open Gardens 2017
12 noon to 5pm, 24-25 June
It is 14 years since the first Stony
Open Gardens took place and this
June you will be able to enjoy over
30 gardens around the town. There
will also be an opportunity to view
the fascinating produce being grown
in the local allotments and school
gardens.
This event offers even more – you
can also appreciate some excellent
art and music as well as teas and plant
sales in the gardens and at York House
Centre. There will be the Milton Keynes
Society of Artists exhibition with Bucks
Open Studios participating and a
memory lane photos of old Stony.
Admission is by £5 programme with
map valid for the weekend. Under 14s
go free and all proceeds go to Willen
Hospice.
Buy programmes in advance from
Odells and Willen shops in the High
Street, Stony Stratford or on the day
from York House Centre and any
garden.
www.stonyopengardens.info
liz@giffordpartnership.co.uk
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Gardening
Summer in the garden
Gardens are becoming easy to manage, with a minimalist back-to-nature look. Your pretty bedding plants, simple fencing
and edible produce are on trend. Cut your chemical use too and take these summer actions:
Easy Care
Go for minimal effort to achieve a
gorgeous green lawn.
Artificial – can look like a bowling
green and deceptively real.
It’s easy to clean and virtually
maintenance free. Prestige Lawns
page 49.
Alternatives – Chamomile or
thyme lawns are clear winners,
bruise their foliage for a welcome
aroma. Chamomile prefers
sunshine and is fussy about its
soil. Thyme is tough, drought
resistant and hardy, it spreads
easily and has beautiful flowers.
The odd mow is all they need.
Lawn treatments – Professionals
can create healthy green, moss
and weed free lawns – treatments
are often cheaper than DIY and
your neighbours will be envious.
Green Thumb and All Green
Lawns page 45.
Linnell Bros. Ltd.
www.linnellbros.co.uk
01327 354422
See page 51
Silverstone Fields Farm,
Silverstone, Northamptonshire,
NN12 8FS
Go Green
Chemical free options are
popular to keep wildlife and the
environment safe – consider:
Ideas to stop bugs
Options include companion
planting, spraying soap onto the
Fence Panels
Privacy, low maintenance or
decoration there is fence for you:
Featheredge/Closeboard
Cost effective, long lasting,
reliable and a good choice for
privacy.
Overlap/Larchlap
The cheapest option for tight
budgets and offer a good
backdrop for plants.
Specialist/European panels
More expensive and have
attractive intricate panels.
Trellis /Lattice or Hurdles –
woven willow or hazel
Trellis is largely for decoration,
against buildings, free-standing or
for climbing plants, while hurdles
are good screens or wind breaks
that have an attractive, natural
look. Best in sheltered gardens.
leaves or putting silver foil at the
base of your plants.
Ideas to kill weeds
Pour boiling water or paint vinegar
on the leaves, scorching them with
a flame-weeder also works. A salt/
water/soap mix spray is effective too.
Picket Panels & Fencing
Attractive for the front of a house
and where light is a priority. It’s a
good enclosure for pets/children
as it’s hard to climb.
Post & Rail
Good for rural locations, agricultural
purposes or generous sized
gardens as it marks boundaries.
Pressure treated timber vs
Dip treated fencing
Pressure treated is more
expensive than dipped, is more
resistant to weathering and there’s
less maintenance required. Brown
timber is more expensive than
green although it fades to soft
brown with age.
Linnell Bros Choice –
Featheredge fencing
Pressure treated on-site, durable
and has longevity, is cost-effective,
also good for privacy and security.
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Essential Advertisers
ACCOMMODATION
Cotels Serviced Apartments 33
Furtho Manor Farm 33
AERIAL & CABLE
MKL Cable Solutions 37
BUILDING & PROPERTY SERVICES
Antony Thompson Architect 38
Three Shires Group Services 39
Handyman Property Services 40
Hickford Construction Ltd 40
KAS Builders 42
Ian Bodily Building Services 40
Morris Roofing 42
Premier Improvements 42
Thomas Betts & Co 42
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
Blue Mountain Yard Café 34
Cotels Serviced Apartments 33
Furtho Manor Farm 33
MK Box Self Storage 35
Simplified Accounting 33
Simply Wills 35
Trading Standards 44
Wealth & Tax Management 35
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Acorn Childcare 24
Akeley Wood School 23
Milton Keynes Museum 24
Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council 24
CLEANING & DOMESTIC
Carpet Pride MK 47
Cooker Pride 47
Domestique 46
Grace Bardin Garments,
Alterations & Restyling 47
Haberdashery 25
Linda’s Sewing Services 47
Stony Dry Cleaning 47
Ovenvaleting 46
Rob Bracey, Septic Tank 38
The Stainbusters 46
Quality Care Ironing Service 25
Vickie’s Cleaning 46
COMPUTER SALES & REPAIRS
Baldox Computing 35
Laptop and Computer 34
COMMUNITY
Deanshanger and Wicken
Royal British Legion 38
Wolverton and Greenly Town Council 26
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Microwave Service Centre 37
MKL Cable Solutions 37
MJ Electrics 37
FLOWERS
Branch Out 25
Truly Gorgeous Flowers 20
FOOD & DRINK
ARTea Room 6, 11
Bamboo Cottage Chinese Takeaway 19
Blue Mountain Yard 6, 34
Direct Pizza Company 21
Moorgate Farm Local Produce 18
The Crown, Stony Stratford 7
The Stony Sweet Shop 19
The Talbot, Potterspury 6
The White Lion, Wicken 21
Towcester Mill Brewery 36
Wharf Distillery & Virtual Orchard 6
GARDEN SERVICES
Advanced Turf Machinery 53
All Green Lawn Treatments 49
Bartlett Tree Experts 49
Creative Homes and Gardens 53
Francis Rose Landscaping &
Garden Services 53
Graham Churchill Plant Ltd 55
GreenThumb 49
Hickford Construction 51
Linnell Bros Ltd 51
Maxwell Home & Garden Services 51
Prestige Lawns 53
Wasp Control 51
HAIR, HEALTH & WELLBEING
Action Physio 12, 13
Alchemy Therapy Centre 6, 16
Andrew Hill Psychoanalysis,
Psychotherapy & Counselling 17
Beauty United 14
Bee Beautiful 14
Clive Heayns Podiatry 17
Corinne Valor Personal Trainer 13
Counselling for Changes 17
Country Court Care 12, 15
Da Vinci Dental Clinic 9
Grand Union Physiotherapy 17
Hair Design by Sharon 14
Happy Bodies Fitness Centre 16
Janice Skillman Foot Health 17
JJ’s Barbers 6
Karate & Kickboxing MK 12
Lanh’s Nail Salon 14
Massage in mind 13
Nails by Sally 14
Pilates 13
The Heart Yoga Space 17
Towcester McTimoney Chiropractic 1,3
HOME INTERIORS
Carpetwise 45
Daniel Chapman Antique Restoration 45
G dad’s Collectables 44
Handyman Property Services 40
Kenneth Hudson Interiors 43
Linda’s Curtains and Blinds 44
Maxwell Home & Garden Services 51
Morgan Gilder Interiors
& Furniture Specialist 30
Table and Bench Co. 45
Thomas Betts and Co. 45
Universal Blinds 46
Whittlewood Stoves 44
KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
On-Tap Installations 38
LEISURE & HOBBIES
ARTea Room 6,11
Bamboo Cottage 19
Bucks Festival 34
Direct Pizza Co 21
Furtho Manor Farm 33
Happy Bodies Fitness Centre 16
Milton Keynes Museum 24
One Stop Craft Shop 25
Pilates 13
Sports Edge 13
The Crown 7
The Magic of Motown 7
The Stony Sweet Shop 19
The White Lion, Wicken 21
Towcester Mill Brewery 36
Vitreus Art 25
MOTORING & TRANSPORT
G & G Autos 55
Saxon Bridge.com 5, 55
PAINTERS & PLASTERERS
Abercrombie Painter and Decorators 43
BWB Plastering 43
DPL Services 43
SJ Adcock & Son 43
Thomas Betts & Co 43
PETS & VETS
RSPCA 10
The Vet Centre 10,11
PLUMBING, GAS SERVICING
& HEATING
Add Warmth 38
On Tap Installations 38
Premier Heating 38
Jay Gas & Oil 38
TAXIS
Skyline 56
WASTE REMOVAL
Graham Churchill Plant Ltd 55
Rob Bracey, Septic Tanks 38
UK Asbestos 53
WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES
Cloudy 2 Clear 41
Custom Glaze 41
Thomas Betts & Co 40
Win-Dor 2
WILL WRITING
Simply Wills 35
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.
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Motoring
Celebrating 10 years of cars
Ten years ago there were two
members of staff trying to sell 8 cars,
today Saxon Bridge is one of the most
reputable local used car dealerships.
Like many small business
owners, Brett and Carly Wiles have
juggled family life with long hours
and the dedication that it takes to
create a success. While grasping the
opportunities they have shared their
success with the local community.
Brett has been in the motor trade
all his life wanted local people to have
a more positive experience of buying
a used car. The business now sells
hundreds of quality, checked cars and
vans every year and offer over 80 rental
vans. Customer service is central to
their values, from the moment you walk
into the garage to beyond. Their 25
staff members provide the same honest
service, with many returning customers.
Buying to rentals, new tyres to
services and MOTs, dents and
damaged paint work and this year
Brett and Carly are promising even
more exciting new developments.
Saxon Bridge proudly sponsor
Deanshanger Colts under 9s (from
under 6s) a great team that has
nurtured young Liam Fletcher who
is now on trial with Foxes, Leicester
City, before hopefully moving to the
academy squad.
They support Trevor Gregory, a
respectable 5th place racer in the
Clio 182 2016 championships - higher
expectations this year Trevor … no
pressure! When it isn’t racing the car
takes pride of place in Saxon Bridge
showroom window!
They also raise funds for Harry’s
Rainbow, an amazing local charity that
supports grieving families.
This year they sponsored their
beautiful concrete cow Clio to
commemorate MK’s 50th birthday
while raising funds for Willen Hospice,
MK Community Foundation and
MK Dons SET. Look out for Clio in
community events throughout the year
with the odd graze in their showroom!
Happy 10th Birthday Saxon Bridge
and here’s to the next 10 years.
Saxon Bridge Automotive Ltd 360 Stratford Road, Wolverton,
Milton Keynes MK12 5RS • 01908 311886 • www.saxonbridge.com
Car tax has changed – are you ready?
If you are planning to buy a new car
you may be paying a lot more Vehicle
Excise Duty since rules changed in
April. The news rules are partly based
on your car’s CO2 emissions and aim
to address the low rates of duty for
new car buyers in recent years.
Cars are divided into 13 CO2
bands to determine the first year’s tax
and then a flat rate of £140 will be
payable for all petrol or diesel cars
that cost less than £40,000. Electric
and hydrogen cars valued at less than
£40,000 will never pay any excise duty.
Hybrids, bioethanol and LPG cars may
start with zero rate or have to pay up
to £1990, then from the second year
all these cars must pay £130.
Car valued at over £40,000 will
pay the flat rate and a supplement
for the next years 2-5. This includes
the so called greener models in the
electric and hydrogen categories
who will have to pay £310 per year
after the first year. Great negotiation
skills bringing the cost to below the
list price won’t make any difference
nor will buying a cheaper model and
adding on options. You will have to
pay the supplement on all cars listed
or valued at over £40,000.
For full details of what you should
be paying go to www.gov.uk/
calculate-vehicle-tax-rates
If your car was registered before 1
April 2017 the changes won’t apply
to you.
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Taxis
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