Essentially Local Magazine MAR-APR 2022

keeping you...

March/April 2022

essentiallylocal

Commemorating the

Life of Mary Sarres

p40

Tommy-Drew

Cleans Up

p23

Celebrating All

Things Local

Nothing But

The Truth

p28

Home & Garden

Incredible offers from Win-dor.

Come and browse in comfort

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and conservatory showroom

in the area.

www.windor.co.uk

VISIT YOUR

LOCAL

MILTON KEYNES

SHOWROOM

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Come and visit us at our fabulous Milton Keynes

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CALL US: 01908 233 433

20 DUNSBY ROAD

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2

Please mention Essentially Local when responding to advertisers

Children

To advertise please call 01908 380777

3

Inside this issue

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

14-15 Celebrating all the Women in Your Life; Gifting Wellness; Top

10 Ways to Treat her Well; Treat Yourself Well; Pain & Loss; Staying Well

Locally; Staying Strong

AT YOUR LEISURE

8 Emma’s Space

18-19 Forget the Food Hype, Buy Well and Local; 10 Foods to Boost Your

Wellbeing; Keep the Balance; Diet Well and Right; Buy Your Essential

Foods Locally; Mother’s Day Menu

20 A Special Mother’s Day Treat

22-23 Easter Fun; It’s Red Nose Day; World Book Day; Tommy-Drew

Inspiring Others

24 Competition – Win a 30 Minute Massage At Alchemy Therapy Centre

40-41 Stony Stratford in Bloom; Milton Keynes Philatelic Society; Milton

Keynes National Trust Association; Stony Stratford Bowls Club Open

Day; Join Wolverton’s Big Litter Pick; Wolverton and Greenleys in Bloom

CREATING YOUR HOME & GARDEN

10 5 Simple Check for Cat Ownership; Chips Can be Good For You

29 Getting On the Market

36-37 Insulate Your Home to Save Money and the Climate; Home

is where the Heart is; Get Energy Efficient; Improve Your Windows

and Doors; Loft Insulation; Draft Proof; Insulate the Walls and Floors;

Radiating Heat; Practical Décor; 10 Tips to Reduce your Bills

SAFE TRAVELS

42 Freedom is in Sight; Highway Code Changes Priority

PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING

26 Vintage Stony; £360,000 High Street Investment; Stony Radio

News; What’s On Locally

36 Not Sure What a Loan Shark is?

HELPFUL CONTACTS

44 Useful Numbers

46 Advertisers

essentiallylocal

14

19

10

41

Take a Moment

to Relax

Udderley Fresh

Raw Milk

Chips Can

be Good

HAPPY

MOTHER’S

DAY

Keeping

Wolverton

Litter Free

ADVERTISING & EDITOR

Emma Johnson

emma@essentiallylocal.co.uk

01908 380777

FOLLOW US

/EssentiallyLocal

essentiallylocal.co.uk

DESIGN

Harriet Bull

harriet@brightpixel.co.uk

4


Home & Garden


5

Leisure

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VISIT MAAYAMILTONKEYNES.COM TO VIEW OUR MENUS

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The Hub, 2 Rillaton Walk, Milton Keynes MK9 2FZ

2016 - 2019

2018 - 2019

6


Home & Garden


7

Dear Readers

We’re hitting spring and loving the lighter days!

This edition looks forward to Mother’s Day and Easter celebrations. Of

course, we know you want to keep your plans local so look inside, on

our website and social media for one or two great ideas.

Looking Forward

We said a temporary farewell to Chrissy, but our exciting plans and

developments are moving on. Our essentiallysocial meetings with

Brewery Tap House MK have started and there’ll soon be more!

We’re now recruiting for a Customer Engagement Manager. If you

believe in local, are resilient and could generate sales, give us a call on

01908 380777 or email suzanne@essentiallylocal.co.uk

Holiday Time

Hello Readers...

Holidays can fill working parents with dread – what to do, the costs

and then the facilities! We’ve found a few local things to do to help you

plan your days – some are free, others are paid for.

If you are planning a foreign holiday, watch out for the ever changing

rules regarding overseas travel. Hopefully things will be getting easier

but travel agents are recommending that you build flexibility into your

travel plans. Experts also recommend organising travel insurance as

soon as you book and check exactly what cover is provided. And, love

it or hate it, don’t forget the vaccine passport!

Essentially Social

In February, along with Brewery Tap House MK we launched our

first meeting for small businesses. The pandemic highlighted the

loneliness of running a business. These events will take place on the

2nd Wednesday of the month – come along for chat and shared

experiences while enjoying great beer and pizza! All business owners

welcome. See essentiallylocal.co.uk/professional

Local News & Celebrating Young People

Local people have raised concerns about the large warehouse units

being built between the A5 roundabout and Cosgrove village. They

have asked us to share the information with you regarding their

concerns. Keep a look out on our website.

Other local people have taken control of their environments – Daniel

& Amy Fredricksson organise Wolverton Litter Pickers. Eight year old

Tommy-Drew has taken it upon himself to tidy up Hanslope once a

week see page 23.

Business Community

Remember to support our local shops and trades for food, gifts, and

services. Keep your business Essentially Local and let us know if you

have a story to share - Emma

essentiallylocal

Happy Easter

Take off into the

sunshine p47

8


Home & Garden

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TO RENOVATE WITH

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9

Pets

Simple Checks for Cat Owners

When owning a cat or kitten it is important to

keep them happy and healthy. These 5 simple

checks are worth it for your cat:

1. Annual Health Check – The annual health check

from your vet will pick up any health concerns early

which means they may be easier to treat.

2. Annual Vaccinations – The annual vaccinations

will protect your cat from all sorts of awful illnesses

and will also prevent the risk of spreading disease.

3. Microchips – Get your vet to chip your cat.

Microchipped cats are more likely to be reunited with

their owners and get the care they need if they’re

injured. It only costs £20-30.

4. Spaying and Neutering – To prevent unexpected

kittens, it’s also a good idea to get your cat spayed

or neutered and it’s best done as soon as possible.

Neutering will stop male cats from fighting which

means they are less likely to be injured or catch

diseases. It can also stop them from spraying in

5. Pet Insurance – Vet

bills can be expensive. The

monthly insurance outlay

may be a shock, but pet

insurance saves bigger

costs in the future.

All RSPCA Milton

Keynes adult cats are

neutered, microchipped,

vaccinated and treated

for fleas and worms.

For more information

on cats available for adoption, please visit

rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk/cats

To find out more on the work of your local

RSPCA branch and animals in their care

visit rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk

or call 01908 611179.

mkrspca

Chips Can be Good For You!

We bet you didn't know that

chips can be good for you?

Well at least your cat! And, if

you haven't had your cat microchipped

yet, talk to your vet. The

government has held lengthy

consultations which pointed to

overwhelming support to make

cat chipping compulsory.

Animal welfare groups expect

that the government will

implement the proposed

compulsory changes meaning

owners will have to chip their cats. Under the rules,

official bodies will give you 21 days’ notice to get your

cat chipped. Therefore, if you choose not to chip your

cat, they could fine you £500. This applies to all cats

over the age of 20 weeks. Along with compulsory

chipping, all cat owners will have to store and keep

their contact details up to date with a pet chipping

microchipping database.

The benefit is that vets and rescue

centres will find it easier to reunite

you with your pet if it gets lost, is

stolen or injured. Most vets charge

between £20-30 to chip your cat. If

you adopt a cat through the RSPCA

or Cats Protection they will come

fully chipped and vaccinated. It is

a painless procedure and your cat

won't even need time to recover.

Talk to these local Vets and Animal

Charities:

RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Bucks

Cat Protection League

Milton Keynes Veterinary Group 01908 563261

mkvetgroup.co.uk

The Vet Centre 01908 542155

thevetcentre.ltd.uk

10


Leisure

Trusted Friends Pet Funeral Services Ltd

Dignified and

respectful individual

pet cremation

Pet urns and caskets

Paw print keepsakes

and memorials

Call us on 07514 226671 Email: trustedfriendspfs@gmail.com

www.trustedfriendspfs.co.uk

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11

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

12


Members not models achieve their goals

Well-Being

Helping You to Achieve Your

Fitness & Health Goals

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Health & Wellbeing

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info@happybodies.co.uk

Take up the challenge

because we’ll make it feel easier

Talk to us about

how we can help

you improve your

health and fitness

T: 01908 477 066

@HappyBodiesMK

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BASED IN POTTERSPURY


13

Celebrating All the Women in Your Life

Mother’s Day is different for everyone. While we all hope it is a time to celebrate, for some it is a

time of sadness and struggles. This Mother’s Day let’s join together and give a boost to all women

whatever their circumstances.

GIFTING WELLNESS

Don ‘t get drawn into the overcommercialisation

of Mother’s Day. The most

important part of this day is to be there for your

mum, grandmother, aunt, sister or friend. Be the

shoulder to cry on, the face to smile with or the

person to create fantastic memories with. If you

decide to buy flowers, a pamper day or a gift,

buy from a local business.

TOP TIP

Mother’s Day -

Take time to relax

and enjoy being

you.

TOP 10 WAYS TO TREAT HER WELL

Simple tips that will boost the women in

your life.

1. Do the things she normally does for you –

your washing, making dinner or tidying up!

2. Go for walk, jog or bike ride and enjoy the

outside air.

3. Phone to say hello because you want to.

4. Meet her for a cuppa and a chat.

5. Clean up after yourself and as well as

them.

6. Post a meaningful card to say hello.

7. Say sorry when you know you’ve done

something wrong.

8. Treat her to a massage or beauty

treatment pamper.

9. Make her a drink without asking and

maybe something tasty to eat.

10. Say thank you and mean it!

Action Physio

01908 968430

actionphysiotherapy.co.uk

Alchemy Therapy Centre

01908 567766

alchemytherapycentre.com

Back to the Fuchsia

01908 939111

backtothefuchsia.biz

Boutique Organica

boutiqueorganica.co.uk

07792 227726

LOCAL SUPPLIERS

Elanele

01908 566565 elanele.co.uk

Happy Bodies Fitness Centre

01908 477066

happybodies.co.uk

Massage in Mind

01908 968430

massageinmind.me

SB Beauty

SBBeauty

Slimming World

0788 808205 slimmingworld.co.uk

TREAT YOURSELF WELL

Stick to a routine that includes

good sleep, good food and regular

exercise and get outside. Surround

yourself by like-minded people

who care about you and who you

care about. When you feel down,

remember the things and people

who give you the boost you need.

Believe in yourself.

14


TOP TIP

“There is no limit to

what we, as women,

can accomplish.”

Michelle Obama


PAIN AND LOSS

If you are struggling with infertility or

loss, or maybe circumstances meant

you didn’t become a mum, it is OK to

feel the way you do. Whatever those

feelings are – acceptance, sadness or

disbelief they belong to you. People

around you need to show some

understanding and care, it’s step-bystep.

If you are ready to sit around

a table and celebrate Mother’s Day

great, if you are not, don’t let anyone

make you feel like you should.

Remember every woman is as

important as the next. Mother’s Day

will bring up different emotions for

everyone. Let’s all show some understanding and

care for each other.

STAYING WELL LOCALLY

1. Gym membership with Happy Bodies

2. Bouquet from Back to the Fuchsia

3. A 2 hour pamper package from Alchemy Therapy Centre

4. A tranquillity facial from Elanele Beauty Centre

5. An 1. 5 hour Ayurvedic Body Massage with Boutique Organica

6. A massage from Massage in Mind

7. Add some bling to your nails with SB Beauty

8. A special liqueur from The Fruity Farmer

9. Pizza and beer from Bucks Star Brewery.

10. A walk in one of our lovely parks

Staying Strong

It’s been a tough couple of years and

stats show that the pandemic had a

huge impact on women, especially

those in paid work. It’s time to take

control:

1. Solutions, not problems

- See problems as challenges or

opportunities, take small steps to build

up gradually to where you want to be

to get back on track. Stick to a routine

and if you face a setback, don’t let

excuses get in your way. You can do

this.

2. Sparkle with support – Don’t

give up, find the supportive people

around you who believe in you

and what you want to do. Find the

inspiration and remind yourself of every

tiny bit of success.

3. Free your mind – Remove the

negative influences around you –

whether it’s social media, games on

your phone or people who put you

down. Find peace in nature and the

outdoors to clear your mind.

4. Take control – It’s OK to have

self-doubt, it’s what you do with it that

counts. Learn to say no when you need

to and yes to the right things. Focus

on what you can control and evaluate

what and how you have achieved.

5. Give yourself me time – We

all know we should. Time for yourself

is good for your mental and physical

health. Learn to recognise how

important you really are.

15

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Independent Funeral Directors

01327 351500

24 Hour Service

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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

16


Leisure


17

Forget the Food Hype –

Buy Well and Local

From the foods that promise to make you feel happier to the foods that

guarantee weight loss – are you lost in marketing food hype?

10 FOODS TO BOOST YOUR WELLBEING

The media is filled with headlines just like this. It’s

incredibly confusing to know what is best for you

and some experts even believe it could affect your

physical and mental health. The reality is that to be

healthy we need a balanced diet that contains a

good range of nutrients!

TOP TIP

Slow release

energy food may

help to improve

your energy levels

and mood

KEEP THE BALANCE

Protein – Eat better quality meat less

often. Pulses, beans, egg and fish are great

alternatives.

Dairy – WRAP estimates we waste about

490 million pints of milk a year. Try goats,

oat milk or raw local cow’s, soya brings up

environmental concerns.

Fats – Butter isn’t bad, just eat less! Choose

unsaturated fats and oils like Fruity Farmer

rapeseed oil or olive oils. Palm and coconut

oil are saturated!

Fibre – 5 portions of fruit and veg a day are

believed to lower all sorts of health risks.

Eat them fresh, canned, dried or frozen!

Choose high fibre starchy food but stick to

the right quantity.

Water – Hydration is one of the most

important elements of any diet. Water is

always best.

Sugar Foods – Basically avoid regular

sweet treats!

Bucks Star Brewery & Growler Swap

01908 590054 Growlerswap.co.uk

Cranley Barn Farms

07967 814842 cranleybarnfarms.co.uk

Cheese On Towcest

cheeseontowcest.co.uk

Fruity Farmer

01908 551903 FruityFarmer

Molly’s Pantry

mollyspantry.co.uk

Moorgate Farm

moorgatefarm.co.uk

LOCAL SUPPLIERS

My Refill Market

myrefillmarket.com

Nutcellars

nutcellars.co.uk

The Urb Farm

196-198, Windsor Street MK12 5DR

Growing People

Udderley Fresh Raw Milk

07923 542226

udderlyfreshrawmilk.co.uk

Willen Ice-cream

willenicecream.co.uk

DIET WELL AND RIGHT

People are turning to intermittent

fasting to lose weight. It’s not for

everyone and not eating regularly

can lower blood sugar, mood,

concentration and energy levels. Talk

to your doctor before undertaking any

extreme diet. If you are looking to lose

weight, evidence shows you’re more

likely to succeed if you join a group like

Slimming World.

18


BUY YOUR

ESSENTIAL FOODS

LOCALLY

Meat and Eggs

Cranley Barn Farm –

Pork, beef, sausages,

eggs and bakery cranleybarnfarms.co.uk

Dairy

Udderley Fresh Raw Milk, Winslow – Simply

filtered, no heavy processing. From the cows to

you! udderlyfreshrawmilk.co.uk

Cheese on Towcest’ – Monthly cheese boxes

subscriptions. Free delivery, 10 miles radius of

Towcester. Also at local markets.

cheeseontowcest.co.uk

Willen Ice-cream Company – Artisan ice-creams,

locally sourced ingredients, vegan and vegetarian

options, 3 or more tubs free delivery or click &

collect. Monthly subscriptions willenicecream.co.uk

Pulses, Nuts etc – Refill

My Refill Market – Dry

goods and household

products. Instore, online,

click and collect or

delivery. 2-4 Swinfens

Yard, Stony Stratford

myrefillmarket.com

Molly’s Pantry – Dry

goods and fresh.

Wolverton Market or

111 Buckingham Road,

MK3 5HX

mollyspantry.co.uk

Nutcellars – Macademia nuts, spreads and more. Online,

markets and local shops nutcellars.com

Oils

The Fruity Farmer – Classic rapeseed oil and chilli-infused.

500ml / 5 litres. Collection, local delivery or refill at local

stockists thefruityfarmer.co.uk

Mother’s Day

Menu

Our simple to impress recipes will

make Mother’s Day special. They’re

easy to make and ingredients can be

sourced locally. Find these and others at

essentiallylocal.co.uk/leisure.

Aperitif:

Seville Orange Spritzer

Let mum relax and enjoy this delicious fizzy

citrus The Fruity Farmer Gin (obviously)

cocktail. Chill her glass and dip the top in

caster sugar for an extra sweet treat.

Starter:

Warmed Goat’s Cheese Salad

Ready in minutes this salad combines awardwinning

Leagrams goat’s Feta style cheese

from Moorgate Farm mixed with a salad and

tangy dressing all on a slice of toasted sour

dough bread. Make our sour dough recipe or

buy a loaf from local bakeries Woodstocks in

Stony or Whittlebury Bakery.

Main:

Moroccan Tagine with Apricots

Make this Tagine as spicy as you like and

adapt it for vegan, vegetarian or meat eaters.

My Refill Market’s British grown carlin peas

are a real winner with their nutty flavour and

slight crunch. Rice, couscous or flat breads

make the perfect accompaniment.

Dessert:

Home-made Chocolate Profiteroles

Chocolate profiteroles or maybe chocolate

éclairs look far more difficult than the reality.

Cook, cool and fill the choux pastry with

freshly whipped cream and top with our

chocolate sauce.

Vegetables

Moorgate Farm Vegetable Delivery Service – Fruit and

vegetable boxes from local farms delivered to your door

within 48 hours and from local markets. Also selling

cheeses, honey, eggs etc moorgatefarm.co.uk

Growing People - Community Interest Company offering a

weekly pop up market at the Urb Farm

https://mkchristianfoundation.co.uk/growing-people


19

Leisure

A Special Mother’s Day Treat

Whether, you are a mother or not, sometimes

women simply cherish quality time with their family

for Mother’s Day. If that can be accompanied by a

delicious Afternoon Tea, even better!

Our top 5 reasons for treating the woman in your

life to an afternoon tea:

1. Time to Indulge - How often is that special

person in your life able to escape racing around after

everyone else? Relaxing at ARTea means time off

without interruptions or distractions taking priority.

2. Make it Special - Sitting around a table with friends

and family gives chance to share memories and form

new ones. Add moreish sandwiches, a plain, fruit,

cherry or gluten free oven warm scone, served with

strawberry jam, Cornish Clotted cream, delicious mini

cakes and a selection of fresh fruit alongside a pot of

tea of your choice and it will be truly special!

3. An Excuse to Get Dressed up - Remember the joy

and benefit of dressing up and feeling good. Indulge

in your appearance while indulging in what you eat.

4. Perfect location - The

quirky ARTea Room is set in

the beautiful surrounds of

the Wakefield Estate, enjoy

a pre or post tea walk along

lovely footpaths, away from

the noise.

5. Add a little Fizz - Add a

justifiable glass of sparkling

wine to this special day,

after all, it is a perfect

accompaniment for scones and clotted cream.

To Book an Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day,

another occasion or just because you can:

ARTea Room Wakefield Country Courtyard,

Potterspury, NN12 7FA

01327 810245 enquiries@artearoom.co.uk

ARTeaRoom @TheARTeaRoom

artearoom.co.uk

20


Leisure

Fresh local veg delivered from

farm to your door within 48 hours

Enjoy a seasonal selection of delicious farm-fresh

vegetables delivered to your door, sourced from

local farms to ensure maximum freshness.

Four different

box options

Call Sue on:

01908 543008 / 07922 134915

Order online at:

www.moorgatefarm.co.uk

Email: moorgatefarm@gmail.com

Visit us at Odell’s Yard Market, Stony Stratford

every Saturday 9am-2.30pm and at

Winslow Farmers Market every 1st Sunday of the month

Moorgate Farm | Moorend Road | Potterspury

Towcester | Northants NN12 7QG

CRYSTALS, JEWELLERY,

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TAROT & ORACLE CARDS,

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www.thecronescabin.co.uk


21

Children

Easter Fun

Full details of most activities will be confirmed

closer to Easter. For see information see

essentiallylocal.co.uk/children.

Free or low cost

Libraries

Deanshanger, Stony Stratford, Wolverton for books,

CDs, story time and other activities during school

holidays.

Deanshanger Library

Deanshanger Library

3pm - 4.30pm, Friday Craft Sessions

25 March – making Mother’s Day Cards

1st April – April Fools Activities

8 April – Easter Fun

Stony Stratford reopens in spring

milton-keynes.gov.uk/libraries

The Parks Trust

For walks, bike rides, picnics, nature and play areas.

Some events are free and others involve a small

charge.

25 March

Great Linford Manor Park Easter Egg Hunt

Salcey Forest

Walking, cycling trails, picnics and play equipment as

well as a café. The hour-long Superworm Adventure

includes colouring, fact sheets, activities and stickers

and more £3.50

Parking from £2-£6

forestryengland.uk/salcey-forest

Milton Keynes Museum – Easter Fun and Egg Hunt

15-18 April

Hands-on museum with Granary Café

Family ticket £36 (2 adults and up to 4 children)

Under 5s are free

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre Easter Transport

Festival

10.30am-5pm, 17-18 April

Full size & miniature steam trains, rides, fire engine

demos, vintage vehicles, Easter Egg Hunt, museum,

model trains. Gift shop and cafe.

Family 2 adults and up to 4 children £42.50

Station Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, Bucks

bucksrailcentre.org

National Trust

Stowe House

Various family activities

Cannons Ashby

15-18 April Easter Egg

Hunts and other family activities

Normal admission charges apply, Easter egg hunts

cost £3 per child.

Waddesdon

9-10 April 10-5pm Waddesdon Producers Market

– Seasonal and Handmade produce free with grounds

admission

Farm Adventures

Rookery Open Farm at Stoke Bruerne

Reopens on 12 March.

Family pass £43, under 2s free

rookeryopenfarm.com

Mead Open Farm

Indoor and outdoor play, farm and a café. Book online –

50p booking fee per ticket

From £11.45 children, £14.45 adults, under 18 mths

free

meadopenfarm.co.uk

22


It’s Red Nose Day

18 March 2022

The very first Red Nose Day took place 34

years ago - 1988. Over 30 million people

watched and raised a massive £15 million

We’re not sure if it was ‘the most naked

people on stage at one time’ event or

purely people’s generosity but in 1999

Comic Relief raised £35 million. By 2003

the figure almost doubled to £61.6 million

and that grew year on year with over £1 billion raised each

year between 2011 and 2015. Even during the pandemic in

2021 we donated £55,028,00.

The donations make differences to communities across the

world, particularly post-pandemic, with some the poorest

of societies benefitting. Join in and register for the free

fundraising packs. The packs give ideas, tips and resources to

help with fundraising. Let us know what you did

comicrelief.com/rednoseday

World Book Day

3 March

By Lauren Plummer

For many years people have

taken part in ‘World Book

Day’, however this year the

charity sponsored event has

reached its 25th year. Many children have taken part in this

event, either at school or just individually.

World Book Day was originally celebrated to encourage young

people to explore their love of reading. This then was pushed

further in recent years and many schools have encouraged

students to dress up as their favourite book characters. All

schools celebrate differently, whether this is dressing up or

even just appreciating all these great books.

World Book Day is a charity run event, which involves book

tokens. These are usually given out at schools and can be

exchanged at a local bookstore. This is an opportunity for

schools and children to get involved in competitions and

to come together to celebrate great books along with great

authors.

How will you celebrate World Book Month this year?

worldbookday.com


Tommy-Drew

Inspiring Others

Eight year old Tommy-Drew is educated

at home. As part of his learning, he has

been exploring ways to protect the

planet. This has included looking at

sustainability, recycling as well as many

other things.

While talking to his mum about all these

issues, Tommy Drew decided he’d like to

start litter-picking. They organised the

equipment, and found a safe area to start

picking. Their first morning was so successful

that after only ten minutes they collected

a carrier bag full of rubbish. That discovery

inspired them to decide to continue to clean

up their community every week. Although

Tommy-Drew was pleased with his clean up,

he was also sad to see how much litter was

dropped in the area.

Tommy-Drew hopes that his story

will inspire you to pick-up or put your

rubbish in the right place.

23

little dance shop with the big heart selling beautiful dancewear, dance and pointe shoes from all your favourite brands,

The

accessories & much more, plus all the team are professionally trained pointe shoe fitters, we can't wait to meet you x

dance

Well-Being

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Would you like to be the one

to make sure Beryl gets her

lipstick and jewellery

on in the morning?

Become a CAREGiver to suit your lifestyle, and in return you could

help someone stay independent in their own home, for longer.

Contact us on 01908 774333

Or email emily.bartram@miltonkeynes.homeinstead.co.uk

Visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/miltonkeynes to find out more

Each Home Instead franchise is independently owned and operated. Copyright © Home Instead® 2022.

24


Children

BE YOU. BRILLIANTLY.

Join us at our next

Open Morning to find out how

we tailor our education to bring

out the best in every child.

OPEN MORNINGS

5TH MARCH - SENIOR SCHOOL & AW6

2ND APRIL - JUNIOR SCHOOL

Contact us on 01280 828122 or email

admissions@akeleywoodschool.co.uk.

to book your place.

www.akeleywoodschool.co.uk

Nursery | Junior | Senior | Sixth Form

@Akeleywoodschool @Akeleywoodschool @Akeley_wood


25

Competition

WIN A 30 MINUTE MASSAGE AT

ALCHEMY THERAPY CENTRE

Enter this edition’s competition for a chance to win a

30 minute massage from Alchemy Therapy Centre, Old

Stratford.

When it comes to relaxation, there are few things that can

beat the amazing therapeutic benefits of a good massage.

Alchemy Therapy Centre therapists offer massages that

provide a solution for just about every need. They guarantee

that their skilled and qualified therapists will leave you

feeling refreshed and relaxed and wanting more!

ENTER NOW!

T R C N C Y N L S P

U N I A C Z P A N O

A K I D L A G S I L

S W N T G L U H X I

U N A N R H U E O S

L A V X U E H S T H

J I R E P M A P H I

T L A I C A F T P D

V S P L U C K B O E

B R O W S H V J P P

BROWS

CALLUS

FACIAL

LASHES

NAILS

PAIN

PAMPER

PEDI

PLUCK

POLISH

SKIN

TINT

TOXINS

TREAT

WAX

The choice is yours. An Alchemy sports massage can help

the athlete in you to improve sporting performance or

recover from injury. The Stress Buster will calm and slow

your mind and body taking away some of the tensions of

life’s challenges. You may even sleep better too.

If poor posture and slouching on the settee with your

laptop is causing you pain go for the Deep Tissue Massage.

It is sure to loosen those knots deep in the muscles.

This friendly salon also provides a full range of beauty

treatments using the best naturally formulated products -

facials, hair removal, eyelash extensions and tints, and more.

Whatever your choice, these holistic and natural treatments

will keep you safe from all infections including COVID. Treat

yourself to one of their deluxe pamper packages as you

know you deserve it or book your mum, gran or sister a

lovely Mother’s Day treat

For a chance to win this fantastic prize simply find

which word is missing from the grid and send in your

answer, including your name and address.

Alchemy Therapy Centre

01908 567766

theteam@alchemytherapycentre.com

Old Stratford Local Centre, Falcon

Drive, Old Stratford, MK19 6FG

The January - February 2022 competition winner is:

Lauren Scott-Turner from Fairfields.

We hope you enjoyed your carpet clean from Your Cleaner

Home.

Competition Rules:

To enter email, post or telephone your answer to:

theteam@alchemytherapycentre.com

Alchemy Therapy Centre, Old Stratford Local Centre,

Falcon Drive, Old Stratford, MK19 6FG

01908 567766.

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

telephone number. The competition runs from 1 March, 2021 and the closes

5pm, 2 April, 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 Alchemy Therapy Centre. Support local and don’t miss out.

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

26


Children

Achieving Excellence Together

Your Childs Learning Journey Starts Here

A high achieving Independent School based in Milton Keynes for children aged

6 months to 16 years.

Recently awarded Excellent in all areas by the Independent Schools

Inspectorate.

For more information or to book a personalised tour, simply contact our

Admissions Registrar on 01908 574740 or email

registrar@webberindependentschool.co.uk

www.webberindependentschool.com

Soskin Drive Milton Keynes MK14 6DP

Together we can

Part of the bellevue family

EXCELLENT

IN ALL AREAS

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE


27

Professional

What’s On

Brewery Tap House

MK

Brewery Tap

House, 17 Twizel Cl,

Stonebridge MK13 0DX

Essentially Social

Network meeting for

small business owners

6-8pm, 2nd Wednesday

of month

Book square.link/u/

h5TGicHA

Brewery Tap House

MK

Star Mini Festival

12-10pm,19 March

Street food traders,

live bands & DJs, and

performers.

Samba Dancing

Every Thursday

Sounds Live

“Upstairs” 3rd

Saturday of the

month

Danesborough

Chorus Concert

2pm Saturday, 2 April

St Mary’s Parish

Church, Woburn

Lux Aeterna, Requiem,

Chichester Psalms

Tickets from £10

under 18s £5

01908 583460

danesborough.org.uk

Milton Keynes Model

Railway Society Open

Day

10am-3pm, Saturday

2 April

North House, 1 Bond

Avenue, Bletchley MK1

1SW

Towcester & District Art Society

Easter Exhibition & Sale

Towcester Town Hall

86 Watling Street, Towcester NN12 6BS

Image by Susan Harwood

Saturday 16 April - Monday 18 April 2022

Open 10am - 4.30pm

Over 150 original works of art in all media

and greetings cards for sale

Please come and support local artists - Admission free

towcesterart.com and visit our Facebook page

Towcester & District

Art Society

Easter Exhibition &

Sale

Towcester Town Hall

86 Watling Street,

Towcester NN12 6BS

10am-4.30pm, Sat, 16

April – Sun, 17 April,

Mon 18 April

Towcester Art

towcesterart.com

York House Centre

Events

London Road, Stony

Stratford, MK11 1JQ

Tograiser

7pm, 26 March

Tickets £10

Bands include Togmor,

Fozz and more. Raising

funds for June’s Togfest

togfest.org

Eat Street

4 March, 1 April

Street food vendors, eat

in or take away

Free entry

Controversial

Planning Applications

A controversial planning

application took place

in July 2020.

The West Northants

Local Plan designated

land known as Furtho

Pit (next to the A5

roundabout) as an

employment zone. The land is supposed to be

developed to create work opportunities but the

reality may be very different. Similar developments

in possibly in wrong places have happened all over

the country, and may include a development to the

north of Towcester.

Residents simply want a say over how their areas

are being developed and residents are working

together to try and fight these plans. Unfortunately,

the government’s changes to planning laws

mean that we have no real way of stopping

these developments. Find out more at

essentiallylocal.co.uk/professional and learn how

you could help.

Are You a Local

Business Owner?

Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council is

introducing a new business association to support

local businesses. It will give businesses opportunity

to network and have access to services including

financial expertise and support.

If you are interested or you would like to learn

more:

Joe Quinn,

Community

Engagement and

Projects Officer

01980 326800

28


Getting On The Market

Professional

So you're ready. The agent is chosen, the for sale board is ordered, and the house is

looking perfect.

What's next you ask?

Think about this as your shop window. If you were displaying your home in a shop window on the high street,

you would want the photos to be light, bright, able to show off your rooms in the best way possible and show

potential buyers how they could live in your home.

The less clutter the better, although please be mindful you do need to still live in your home whilst it is on the

market. Don't be too ruthless.

Floorplans:

Rightmove research shows that floorplans are one of the most important aspects of property presentation to

buyers. 1 in 5 buyers would go as far as to ignore a property listing if it was without one.

Buyers are keen to understand room dimensions, sometimes pictures don't necessarily show the whole room off

so it's important for your buyer to be able to plan their furniture and if necessary, any refurbishments they may

wish to do.

Nested Milton Keynes offer virtual 360 degree tours of your home. This gives buyers that are perhaps nervous

about viewing, a real immersive tour of your home.

Description:

A property description should paint a lifestyle, creating a beautiful picture of your home to potential buyers.

This is another chance to grab your buyers attention and pointing out features that can't be seen in photos

and floorplans i.e "Multifuel log burner

nestled on a bespoke granite hearth"

Premium Listing:

Rightmove receives an average of

110 million visits per month. How can

you stand out from the crowd? These

Rightmove features are designed to

enhance your home with a green

banner and extra photos for buyers to

see at a glance. You don't have long to

make that first impression.

Need any more advice or a free home or virtual valuation?

Call Ceri at Nested

01908 086 303

07753370420

ceri.mollison@nested.com


29

Professional

Now only

£895

for a fully

fitted electric

garage door.

WAS £1,354 INCLUDING VAT.

Gotta get a Garolla.

Garolla garage doors are expertly

made to measure in our own UK

factories, they’re strong and solidly

built. The electric Garolla door rolls up

vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside

your garage, maximising valuable space.

Our experienced installers will fit your

new door and they’ll take away the

old one too, so there’s no mess.

Give us a call today and

we’ll come and measure up

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WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR:

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CALL US TODAY ON:

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*Offer valid for openings up to 2.6m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.

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

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The best priced self storage

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20ft containers also

available

Mailbox and post receiving

services available.

Contact us on 01908 319399

jennifer@mkboxselfstorage.co.uk

30


Professional


31

Home & Garden

SPECIALISTS IN:

• NEW ROOFS/RE-ROOFS

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CALL US TODAY ON:

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32


Home & Garden


33

Home & Garden

Handy Man

Designer with an eye for quality and

detail

Available for all DIY jobs around the

house and garden

Guaranteed clean and tidy work

Call for free no obligation quote

T: 01908 501 844

M: 07802 916 388

24a High Street, Nash, Bucks, MK17 0EP

DPL

SERVICES

Plastering

Painting

Decorating

Peter Lea

07867 752128

Dominic Powell

07801435476

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

interior | exterior | domestic | commercial

07519 015182

www.sfludgate.co.uk

34


Home & Garden


35

Insulate Your Home to Save Money

and the Climate

The increased energy prices mean the average house could be paying nearly £2000 a year for duel

fuel this year – that’s a rise of over 50%. Make your home warmer and keep bills down with our tips.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

When times are tough and your home is too

cold, life can feel desperate. Although the

government announced a £200 rebate on

electricity bills and £150 for bands A to D

that doesn’t really make things easier. Home

improvement grants are likely to be more

limited than expected. Speak to Citizens

Advice if you need help.

See gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency

TOP TIP

Insulate your home

and reduce your

carbon footprint.

GET ENERGY EFFICIENT

After the massive hike in energy prices local

traders can help you to reduce the heat

escape from your home and improve its

energy efficiency. You should then spend

less on your energy bills. If you can’t afford to

make improvements you may be entitled to

grants and other benefits.

1. Improve your Windows and Doors

Low emissivity (low-E) in double or triple

glazing offers a coating of metal oxide on the

internal glass surface, reflecting heat back

into your home. All modern frame materials

offer good insulation, choice depends

on maintenance, environment concerns

and planning laws. The British

Federation Rating Council (BFRC)

will give you the overall energy

efficiency score of a window, don’t

rely solely on the u-value measure

(how easily heat passes through).

Cloudy2Clear

0800 6121118

cloudy2clear.co.uk

Home Counties Loft Ladders

0808 3019559

homecountiesloftladders

MKL Cable Solutions

01908 465749

mklscs.co.uk

MJ Electric

07387 166370

LOCAL SUPPLIERS

The Old Joinery Workshop

01908 563661

Thomas Betts & Co

01908 290427

CarpetWise

01908 263330

miltonkeynescarpets.com

Universal Blinds

01908 510333

Windor

01908 233433 windor-co.uk

PROFESSIONAL LOFT

INSULATION

Only 35% of UK homes meet the

government’s recommended

270mm depth of mineral wool

insulation. Home Counties

Loft Ladders estimate without

insulation you’ll lose 25% of your

heat through the roof.

TOP TIP

Put automatic timers

on your lights and

extractors fans.

36


4. Radiators

Bleed the radiators regularly and

replace them if they’re leaking. Your

plumber may suggest a system

flush to remove residue build-up. Fit

thermostats to individual radiators and

turn them down or off in rooms you

don’t use.

2. Make it Draught Proof

If you can feel cold air flowing, warm

air will be escaping too, draught proof

your doors, windows and floor boards.

A removable DIY balloon, for under

£20, will reduce heat escape from your

chimney cap it if you don’t use it.

3. Insulate the Walls and Floors

Plug wall holes left by unused vents.

Lift exposed floorboards, insulate

the joists, add a damp proof membrane but don’t

compromise air vents. If your home was built before 2005

and doesn’t have wall insulation, you could be entitled to

a government grant.

10 Tips to

Reduce your

Utility Bills

1. Wear your clothes (aside from

underwear) at least twice. Use bed

sheets for two weeks before washing.

2. Pre-treat / pre-soak stubborn

stains, your machine and detergent

will remove stains or germs at 20-30º.

Use less detergent to wash with white

vinegar as a softener.

3. Fill your machine, clean on the

shortest cycle, with a high speed spin,

if possible, to remove extra moisture.

4. Air-dry clothes or use a dryer at

a lower temperature with dryer balls,

don’t overfill.

5. Regularly clean your washing

machine and dishwasher, and keep

your dryer lint free.

6. Only boil enough water for your

cup and pour it in straight away.

7. Lower the temperature of your

heating and boiler by 1-2º.

8. Use LED light bulbs

9. Don’t preheat the oven – there

is little real evidence to support the

need.

10. Don’t overcrowd your fridge or

freezer – allow air to flow around.

Leave space around your radiators as

furniture will absorb the heat. And, while the thermally-lined

curtains will keep heat in, if they cover the radiators they’ll

keep the heat out.

Use a drying rack, heated or not rather than drying your

washing on the radiators. Your boiler works harder to

increase the room temperature and the clothes trap the heat,

stopping it from going into the room. It also creates extra

condensation and possibly damp and mould.

5. Keep Your Décor Practical

Throws and blankets shouldn’t just be decorations, they’ll

offer warmth when you turn the heating down a notch.


37

Home & Garden

38


Home & Garden


39

Community

Stony Stratford

in Bloom

By Judy Deveson

At the end of last year, the

death of Mary Sarre deeply

saddened Stony in Bloom

volunteers. Before retiring,

she was a trained garden

designer and acted as of

SSIB's horticultural advisor

from the start. We relied on

her horticultural wisdom for all that we did.

Despite wintry weather, SSIB volunteers were out

in force in weeding and pruning work parties

throughout January and February. Tree planting

was our main priority:

• Winter 2021 - 10 magnificent flowering cherry

trees in Ostler’s Lane. Ron and Eileen Cox, Jane

Wood and part of Cllr Jenny Marklew’s allocation

for Stony Stratford sponsored the trees.

• 11 February - Paperbark Maple tree planted

in Mary’s memory in the 4 Seasons Garden on

Calverton/Augustus Road, one of the many

beautiful flowerbeds she designed around the

parish.

• York House tree planting in memory of Alain

Welch who also sadly passed away last year. He

created, planned and raised funds for York House

Community Gardens and the orchard.

• Marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee pupils and

SSIB volunteers will plant a tree on SMSG School

North Site and South Sites. Ron and Eileen Cox are

also kindly sponsoring these too.

Stony in Bloom

In Tribute

Please go to essentiallylocal.

co.uk/professional to read

Judy Deveson’s touching

tribute to Mary Sarre. Her

generous contribution to the

efforts of Stony in Bloom will

not be forgotten.

Milton Keynes

National Trust

Association

2-4pm, first Thursday of the month

Monthly scheduled lectures

Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, Shenley Brook

End, Milton Keynes MK5 7GZ

£2 MKNTA member, £4 for non-members

Membership fees £7.50 or £14 for two at the same

address.

Non-National Trust members pay normal entrance to

properties

sue-davedee@talktalk.net

nationaltrust.org.uk/features/milton-keynesassociation

Whether you are a member of the National Trust or

not, join the local MK National Trust association in

Milton Keynes. The group arranges visits to National

Trust properties and places of special interest,

lectures, holidays, and social events.

Next trips:

Mar 26 - The Wallace Collection

Apr 21 - Arbury Hall

May 29–3 Jun -

North Yorkshire

Holiday

Money raised

support National

Trust projects.

40


Stony Stratford Bowls Club

Open Day

10.30am- 3.30pm,

Monday, 2 May

Ostlers Lane, Stony

Stratford MK11 1AR

Over 100 men, women

and youth play at

Stony Stratford Bowls Club. We are seeking new members to

enjoy the game of bowls at our club. The Lawn Bowl season is

from mid-April until the beginning of October.

We play friendly games with other clubs, mostly within

Buckinghamshire, while more experienced bowlers can play

at County and National levels. Accredited coaches provide free

coaching and training (there is plenty of spare equipment).

After three or four sessions, you’ll be an effective bowler.

During our open day coaches and members will introduce

you to the sport. Tea and coffee will be available, and the bar

will be open. Come along and see if the game of bowls is for

you.

stonystratfordbowlsclub@gmail.com

stonystratfordbowlsclub.com

MK Philatelic Society

The Methodist Hall, Queensway,

Bletchley MK2 2HB

01908 521220

miltonkeynesphilatelicsociety.

co.uk

Stamp Fair

10am - 4pm, Saturday, 2 April

Dealers and members selling stamps and covers. Excellent

advice and guidance on stamps or purchase of unwanted

items. All day refreshments.

Join the Stamp Club

7pm for 7.30pm, last Wednesday of the month

Speakers, competitions, displays, auctions and quizzes.

Adult members £3 children FOC.

Donated stamps auctioned for Guide Dogs for the Blind


The Big Picks

By Dan

Fredriksson

10am,

Sunday 6

March

Meet The

Square, near

Bar Bar Black

Sheep

The Wolverton Litter Picking Volunteers keep

on bagging and binning your rubbish. In

January, Bar Bar Black Sheep café, Market

Square generously funded new equipment,

including bin bags, Graptor pickers and

adult pickers. This means the next litter pick

will be far easier. Wolverton & Greenleys

Town Council kindly loan equipment and

this makes the perfect accompaniment.

Volunteers of all ages, even the very

youngest are learning the importance of

binning your rubbish. This team are making

a massive difference, we’re sure everyone

will join us by saying a massive thank you.

Join the fun this March.

Wolverton Litter Pickers

WGTC 01980 326800

Wolverton and

Greenleys In

Bloom

by Hilary Saunders and Lynda Hammond

In Bloom volunteers planted bulbs and the

winter pansies planted before Christmas

meaning the Stratford Road gardens near

the entrance to The Works should look

lovely this spring. Volunteers also planted

additional bulbs donated by Tesco around

the area to provide a good display this year.

January and February are our quiet

periods, we weed and deadhead, weather

permitting and already saw many bulbs and

spring flowers starting to appear, exciting

signs of spring!

41

Home & Garden

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42


Home & Garden

Your Local Pest Control Company

Rodents Wasp Nests Birds

Insects Bedbugs

Domestic & Commercial Services

Free Survey & Written Quotation

CCTV Drain Inspections

Rapid Response

03301 231 160

Based in Yardley Gobion

info@rodent-warrior.co.uk

www.rodent-warrior.co.uk


43

Home & Garden

Not Sure What A Loan Shark Is?

National Debt Awareness Week takes place this March

and it’s very easy to say you shouldn’t borrow from a loan

shark. However, sometimes you might not even realise

what you are getting yourself into:

If you can answer yes to one or more of these

questions you might be borrowing from a loan shark:

• Did they offer you a cash loan?

• Did they give you paperwork or not?

• Huge amounts of interest / APR to your loan?

• Have they threatened you?

• Are you scared of people finding out?

• Have they taken your bank card, benefit card, passport,

watch or other valuables from you?

If you think you, or a family member, may be dealing with

a loan shark, report them to the Stop Loan Sharks team.

Stop Loan Sharks investigate and prosecute illegal money

lenders and their specially trained staff provide emotional

and practical support and

keep you safe.

Report Loan Sharks:

Call 24/7 0300 555 2222

stoploansharks.co.uk

- complete an online

reporting option.

Useful Organisations

Citizen's Advice for

debt organisations -

citizensadvice.org.uk

Step Change - debt experts help deal with debt

problems - stepchange.org

MK Money LifeLine practical help for people to

manage their finance, for those in debt and money

advice for simple queries to complex issues -

mkmoneylifeline.org.uk

Claire Kendall, Trading Standards, Milton Keynes

COVID-19 - FREE* SAFEGUARDING CUSTOMERS & COLLEAGUES

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& basin with

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• Disabled Facilities Grants

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• Discounts for over 60s and

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• Disabled Facilities Grants

• Walk in showers • and Wet baths rooms •• Zero Walk VAT on in disabled showers bathrooms and baths

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• Grab rails, shower seats flooring 543308

& raised toilets • Grab rails & shower seats

• Automatic bidet loos

ions.co.uk

• Established

www.ahminstallations.co.uk

family business • Zero VAT disabled bathrooms

apply, visit our website for more details.

COVID-19 •- SAFEGUARDING Discounts CUSTOMERS for over & COLLEAGUES 60s SSAFA and Ex Service

Now taking orders personnel for pre-Christmas • fittings Disabled Facilities Grants

Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote

• Charity Showroom work open and 7 days, grants

01823 729564

info@ahminstallations.co.uk

Call for our friendly advice,


* Terms free and survey conditions apply, and visit quote

our website for

more information.

info@ahminstallations.co.uk


*

Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details.

03/11/2020 08:04

Blackdown Garden Centre,

01908 850377

Hockholler West Buckland

TA21 9HY 01823 661910

Wellington 145 x 215 Sept.indd 1 19/09/2020 13:29

44


Motoring

Bicycle maintenance services

07500 060016

www.cycletechmk.co.uk

Servicing

Repairs

Upgrades

Wheel truing & building

Cycle event support

We come to you, at home or at work to

keep your wheels rolling


45

Motoring

Freedom is in Sight

Freedom is in sight and if you are planning a well-deserved

holiday think:

1. Insurance and Documents

• Visas – consider costs and timescales to deliver.

• Passport & COVID passport – many countries require at least 3 –

6 months before expiry and check the COVID requirements.

• Global Health Insurance Card –replaces the EHIC covering the

main EU countries only mainly for basic medical needs, and some

conditions or illnesses.

• Insurance – organise it when you book or risk not being covered

if something goes wrong before you leave. This should cover

emergency repatriation in medical emergencies.

• Driving licence – check if you need an international licence.

2. Overseas Package holidays versus DIY

Package holidays provide some protection if your holiday

company cancels or amends due to government restrictions.

These days flexible cancellation and booking policies are essential

and be aware that it can be harder to get refunds or amendments

for separately booked flights and accommodation. Always choose

ABTA protection when looking for deals - package holidays can be

cheaper than DIY.

For the latest holiday advice: Foreign office gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice

3. Staycations

From mountains to beaches, cities to rural areas, the UK has it all

and more us of are discovering the joys. Staying home cuts travel

costs, however accommodation can be more tricky. Availability,

time of year and your budget will shape your choice - tent, mobile

homes, holiday cottages, hotels or motor homes.

Rain in a tent will be hard work but you can’t beat the freedom.

A hotel usually means complete relaxation but with a cost for

every little extra. The most flexible choice is the probably the

motorhome – move on when you are ready, close the door to

rain, and explore at your leisure.

Check out our holiday

considerations:

essentiallylocal.co.uk/motoring

Highway

Code Changes

Priority

Priority is changing for road users

since the government is introduced

changes to Highway Code on

29 January. The 'Hierarchy of

Road Users' is the biggest and, a

welcome change.

The changes will hopefully increase

respect for all road users whether

they are walking, on cycles, riding

a horse or indeed in a car or HGV.

Within the change, there is the

assumption that people will take

due regard for their own safety.

The changes place road users in

priority order of the level of harm

they can cause. The more the harm,

the greater the responsibility the

road user will bear.

Although every road user should

behave with responsibility without

laws or rules evidence shows

this is not the case. Pedestrians,

particularly children, older users and

the disabled are clearly at most risk

from all road users. And obviously,

HGVs and large passenger vehicles

are the most dangerous to other

road users.

See: essentiallylocal.co.uk/

motoring

Photo credit (above) – Road 2

Freedom

46


Motoring

Head off the beaten track & explore the

great outdoors in style & comforT

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH A FLEET OF

LUXURY MOTORHOMES

FOR HIRE

4, 5 & 6 berths

For prices and availability

call: 07450432535

email: road2freedomtravelhire@gmail.com

or visit

www.road2-freedom.com


47

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 MK Information & Advice

01908 550700

ageukmiltonkeynes.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

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

towcesterart.com

TowcesterArt

Vitreus Art Courses

The Bell Plantation, Watling Street,

Towcester, NN12 6GX

01327 810320 vitreus-art.co.uk

Watercolour Painting Classes with

Nicky Hunter

Stony Stratford, Old Wolverton,

Westbury Arts Centre

07899 942944

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

MK National Trust Association

Monthly meetings

Oaktree Centre, Shenley Brook End

01908 366968

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 Monthly Jazz Club

Good Time Jazz Band

48


First Wednesday of every month (8

-10.30pm £4 payable on door) at

The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford

01908 569432

trevor.jeavons@btinternet.com

goodtimejazz.info

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

Kents Hill Park School, MK7 6BZ

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

Useful Numbers

Ann 01327 811352

Stony Stratford Bowls Club

Ancell Trust Sports Ground,

Ostlers Lane, Stony Stratford

MK11 1AR 01908 565659

stonystratfordbowlsclub.co.uk

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

Deanshanger Colts & Divas Football

Club

deanshangercolts.co.uk

Karate

07739 707455 karategoju.co.uk

Karate & Kickboxing

Lauren 07910 154499 karatemk.co.uk

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


49

Advertisers

HOME & GARDEN

Building & property

ARK Handyman 34

Garolla Roller Shutter Doors 30

Hickford Construction Ltd 32, 45

Home Counties Loft Ladders 5

KAS Builders 32

Morris Roofing 32

Nested Estate Agency 27

Thomas Betts & Co 32, 34

Windows & conservatories

Cloudy2Clear 52

Thomas Betts & Co 38

Windor 2

Aerial, cable & electrical

MKL Cable Solutions 33

MJ Electrics 33

Security

The Gadget Guru 39

Plumbing, gas servicing &

heating

Add Warmth 33

On-Tap Installations 33

Pete the Plumber 33

Kitchens & bathrooms

AHM Installations 44

Dream Doors 7

On-Tap Installations 33

Trend Transformations 9

Painters & plasterers

BWB Plastering 34

DPL Services 34

S Fludgate Painting & Decorating 34

SJ Adcock & Son 34

Thomas Betts & Co 35

Interiors

CarpetWise 35

Firewood Supplies 38

Home Counties Loft Ladders 5

Maxwell Home & Garden Service 43

The Old Joinery Shop 35

Thomas Betts and Co 35

Universal Blinds 35

Cleaning & domestic

Bucks Chimney Sweeps 39

Stony Oven Cleaners 38

Vickie's Cleaning 38

Your Cleaner Home 38

Garden

All Green Lawn Treatments 43

GreenThumb 42

Hickford Construction 32, 45

Maxwell Home & Garden Services 43

Prestige Lawns 51

Teal Homes & Garden 43

Waste removal

Rob Bracey, Septic Tanks 38

BEAUTY, WELLBEING

HEALTH, & FITNESS

Action Physio 12

Alchemy Therapy Centre 26

Boutique Organica 12

Elanele 13

Hanslope Care Ltd 16

Happy Bodies Fitness Centre 13

Home Instead 24

Massage in Mind 12

SB Beauty 13

Slimming World 12

Sunny Skies Mindfulness 17

The Foot Health Clinic 13

LEISURE, FOOD & DRINK

ARTea Room 20

Bamboo Cottage Chinese Takeaway

20

Bucks Star Beer 21

Cranley Barn Farms 17

Furtho Manor Farm 31

Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar 6

Milton Keynes Theatre 6

Moorgate Farm 21

Road2Freedom 47

Soul2Sole 24

Stony Radio 26

Stony Stratford In Bloom 40

The Crone’s Cabin 21

The Fruity Farmer 21

Wolverton & Greenleys In Bloom 40

Wilsons Pianos 31

Accommodation & celebrations


CHILDREN & YOUTH

Akeley Wood School 25

Soul2Sole 24

The Webber Independent School 27

Thornton College 1,3

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Baldox Computing 30

Bricknall’s PC Service 31

Cosgrove Green Burial Meadow 16

Country Funerals 16


Home Instead 24

MK Box Self Storage 30

Nested Estate Agency 27

Stony Radio 8

Swansway Self Storage 30

The Gadget Guru 39

Trading Standards 44

Wilsons Pianos 31

Flowers

Back to the Fuchsia 17

Pets & vets

RSPCA 10

Trusted Friends Pet Funeral Service

11

Pest control

Killem Pest Control 44

Rodent Warrior 43

MOTOR

Amber Autos 45

Cycle Tech UK 45

G & G Autos 47

Road2Freedom Travel Hire 47

50


Home & Garden

• FREE Quotes

• 10 Year

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The Natural Choice For Your

Artificial Grass

No Mud, No Mess, No Mowing & Pet Friendly

For your FREE, NO OBLIGATION SURVEY visit our website

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call 01908 542 422

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


51

Cloudy2Clear, A Local

Service With A Smile.

Established for over 16 years,

Cloudy2Clear windows have

become the UK’s leading

company for domestic glass

replacement. Customers are

no longer needing to risk their

windows by using the dreaded

double glazing cowboy down the

road, instead, now they can join

over 320,000 happy customers

and have their glass replaced in

an affordable and ethical manner.

Remember, a failed glass unit may

no longer provide you with the

protection you need or be energy

efficient. Why not spend a few

minutes checking your home to

see if you have any failed double

glazing? If you act now you can

avoid any future costly problems.

values have been held dear for a

number of years. Since starting

the business some years ago

Cloudy2Clear have remained true

to their core values of supporting

the local community by providing a

service that saves the public money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only

requires the glass to be replaced

and not the whole window once the

unit has failed. Stephen commented

“Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our

community through the last financial

crisis in 2008 due to the savings that

can be made in using our service.

Unfortunately we might be going

through something similar again soon

and the public can rest assured that

we will be there to help once again”.

All C2C employees

operate a strict social

distancing policy.

When talking to the Manager of

Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen

Moon it became clear that these

For a free quotation please call

0800 61 21 118 or visit www.

cloudy2clear.com

Have Your Windows

Steamed Up?

Replace the pane, not the frame!

All glazing backed by our

“I really liked the fact

that they were a local

community run business”

Janet Beard

We are a

Which?

Trusted Trader

Social distancing in operation

Faulty locks, handles or hinges?

Priority freephone

www.cloudy2clear.co.uk

Love Your Home - Protect Your Windows - Save Money

Essentially Local Magazine MAR-APR 2022

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