Introduction
Welcome!
Published bi-monthly by
Tel: 01327 353753 Mobile: 07754 434960 Email: mail@focusmagazinegroup.co.uk Focus Brackley magazine is distributed FREE to all NN13 households in the following areas: Biddlesden • Brackley Cottisford • Croughton Crowfield • Evenley Farthinghoe • Halse • Helmdon Hinton-in-the-Hedges • Mixbury Radstone • Steane • Syresham Turweston • Westbury Whitfield Copy Deadline for July/August is Friday 5th June 2010 We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in the Brackey Focus, whilst every care is taken to assure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that the descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views expressed by contributors, or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
W
elcome to newest member of the Focus Magazine Group publications, the first issue of Focus Brackley magazine. A new bi-monthly magazine bringing you products and services on your doorstep, We offer our readers an easy reading magazine which contains local news, articles, features and events which we know you will enjoy. For ease of use we have simplified the magazine with an easy reference content section on page 4 to take you to the relevant categories efficiently and quickly. We really don’t need to go outside of the local community when our local businesses and trades can offer us much more than we realise. “Focus Brackley” magazine will be delivered to homes within the NN13 area, free of charge and covers all Brackley and surrounding villages. (The list of these villages can be found opposite)
We welcome you to provide us with any interesting facts from any clubs, groups, meeting, fetes forthcoming events etc that you may wish to see included in future editions. You may also like to take part in our competition and win a photograph sitting for the whole family or an individual sitting and a FREE print (see page 7). We look forward to keeping you updated with what’s in your area including all the services we all need from time to time to make our lives just a bit easier, more so we are sure that this publication will bring you the same success as our others by becoming a handy guide with useful telephone numbers which you won’t want to be without. For further information on advertising or how to include your events please contact a member of the Focus Magazine Group on 01327 353753 or 07754 434960.
Are You?
Retired/semi retired Fit and healthy A car owner Reliable Self motivated
Do You?
Live in NN13? Want to earn extra money Call now to find delivering magazines? our more on Have your own phone? 07754 434960 3
Introduction
Contents May - June 2010 - Issue Number 1
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Introduction Contents / Handy Numbers Entertainment & Leisure Services Pets Diary of Events Homes & Gardens Motoring
Win
Don’t miss our Competi tion Win an individual or a whole family photograph sitting and a FREE print - See page 7
Handy Numbers Brackley Cottage Hospital
01280 702388
Brackley Health Centre
01280 703460
Brackley Leisure Centre
01280 701787
Brackley Swimming Pool
01280 704906
Brackley Town Council
01280 702441
Horton A & E
01295 275500
Horton Treatment Centre
01295 755000
Job Centre
0845 6060234
John Radcliffe Hospital
01865 741166
Brackley Library
01280 703455
NHS Direct
0845 46 47
Northants Fire Service
01604 797000
Police
03000 111 222
Post Office
01280 841676
Boots the Chemist
01280 702213
Lowick Pharmacy 01280 700935 Lark Rise Pharmacy 01280 700222 Washington House Surgery 01280 702436 You could be advertising your business in this magazine from just ÂŁ20 per month and be seen by all homes in NN13 within Brackley and surrounding villages. Tel: 01327 353753 Mobile: 07754 434960 Email: mail@focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
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Springfield Surgery 01280 703431/ 704122 Northampton General Hospital 01604 634700 Registration of Births, Deaths & Marriages 01327 350774 Sure Start 01280 841674
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Entertainment & Leisure
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
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Entertainment & Leisure
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Entertainment & Leisure
WIN!
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up.
This issue’s prize has been kindly donated by BPS of Brackley The prize for this issue is an individual or whole family portrait sitting and a free print at
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WIN!
an indiv id a whole ual or photog family rap and a F h sitting REE prin t
Tel: 01280 840460
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1 9
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5 8
9 9
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6
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4 9
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2 6
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Cut out and send completed entries by the 5th June 2010 along with your name, address and phone number to: 15 Buckingham Way, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6JY
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
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Entertainment & Leisure
Launching
14th May
Brackley Swimming Pool, Manor Road, Brackley Northants NN13 6EE Tel: 01280 704906 8
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Entertainment & Leisure
Soap Box Derby -
S
Kart Inspection 12.00pm Race Starts at 2.00pm
ix years ago saw the first “Soap Box Derby” in Brackley. It originally started as a prelude to the Carnival and Music Festival, but now is an annual event and very well attended.
Ever popular this event caters for both adults and children alike, with two categories, (Under 15 and Adult) anyone can enter and join in the fun. ‘Steaming along’ at last year’s race
All you need is a Kart which your have made yourself. Let your imagination run wild as your Kart can be as can be as basic or hi spec as you wish. After a safety inspection approximately 30 karts which start from a ramp, will run in heats to find the winner. Spaces are limited to just 30 karts so remember to register early. Entry forms and rules are available at the Town Hall. www.brackleynorthants-tc.gov.uk to enter you must return completed entry form and entry fee to Brackley Town Hall by: Sunday 23rd May 2010 at the latest. It’s a magical fun packed afternoon and is always supported well by the community.
Photographs supplied by Talk2Tonepictures.co.uk
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
For Technical enquiries please contact: Cllr Peter Stocker: c/o The Town Hall Brackley
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Entertainment & Leisure
New opening of an age old Pub & Restaurant
N
ew Manager Lee Hughes of The Green Man Inn has over 14 years industry experience in a range of eateries covering the country, despite being under huge pressure with the old look and feel of the business, in recent weeks he has managed to established a higher level of service, and insists he is not after just ‘Hotel trade’ but wants to be able to offer a real home from home for the locals.
Lee Hughes, manager of The Green Man Inn
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Over the years there have been many changes to the place, but a real sense of stability is now emerging at the pub and it has become apparent that a fresh new image and welcoming team is just what the area needs. As the recruiting process is underway the new team are currently undergoing industry leading training but Lee is always looking for hard working passionate people to join his team. Days of old have seen a love/hate mentality towards the pub/restaurant but Lee Chef, Igors Viksna insists the Green Man Inn will be something the area can be proud of. On Tuesday May 4th, The Green Man Inn will close for approximately 10 days for a much needed refurbishment, but afterwards we will all be able to enjoy a good hearty meal prepared by Gastro award winning chef Igors Viksna. This summer is looking good. Call for more details on 01280 850209.
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Services
Company Pension Schemes The Juggernaut is coming!
I
t is no secret that the UK is facing a pension’s crisis, estimates suggest that over 10 million individuals in the UK have inadequate or no pension provision at all as addressed in the 2008 Pension Act.
In October 2012 the UK Government will introduce ‘National Employer Savings Trusts’ (NEST) and for the first time employers will be forced to offer, and employees forced to enrol into, a company pension scheme – It will affect every single employer in Britain however small the workforce. Employers who already offer a pension scheme need to ensure that this meets the minimum criteria for contribution levels and auto enrol all employees into the scheme. Employees shortly will need to contribute 4% pa of salary unless they elect to opt out of the scheme, HMRC will contribute a further 1% pa by way of Tax Relief, employers will then be obliged to pay 3% pa. This 8% pa total contribution
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
The new pension laws will affect every single employer in Britain will be paid into a NEST unless the employer already has (or introduces) an alternative pension scheme. If employees wish to opt out of this scheme, employers will still have an obligation to automatically enrol workers and complete paperwork with the administrator. The system has been designed to deliberately make it difficult for employers to discourage employees from joining. So employers, look now for a suitable scheme.
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Services
Brackley Community Carnival
T
his is the largest one-day event held in the town and this year’s the theme is Musicals. The day begins when the noisy and
colourful procession made up of walking and motorized floats accompanied by marching bands makes its way from the Sawmills at the north of the town via the Northampton Road into the Town Centre. Roads are closed specially for the event as spectators line the route and a large crowd gathers in the Town Centre to cheer the floats in. Situated in the heart of the town just off Market Place the grounds of Magdalen College School St Johns Site provides a spectacular location for an afternoon of family fun.
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Services
Saturday 12th June 2010 As usual there will be a stage for local performers, because as ever the Carnival boasts a line-up of leading arena acts with something for all tastes and ages. Combined with a host of charity and commercial stalls, food outlets, funfair rides, a bar, teas by the WI, a six a-side football competition, exemption dog show, bouncy castles and many other attractions Brackley Community Carnival makes a great family day out. For further information contact them via their website at www.brackley-carnival.co.uk
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
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Pets
Karaoke Man is Electric
M
ick Moore is a man of many talents, Electrician by day and an entertainer, performer and DJ by night. Many of Mick’s performances are local to the Brackley and surrounding areas and include Karaoke, Singing at Weddings, Birthdays for all ages, Family gatherings, Pubs, Clubs, special events and themed nights. He has thousands of Karaoke songs and tunes that can be performed either as a solo singer or with group participation complete with disco If you are looking to hire a Mobile DJ, Disco, Karaoke DJ or singer then test this man! Prices start from as little as £100 per evening. For more information and bookings call Mick Moore Tel: 01280 817605
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Diary of Events
Diary of Events Saturday May 1st Piazza 5.30am! May Day Dawn Friday May 7th & Saturday 8th Winchester House School Open Day Nursery ‘Pre-prep’ 2.00-3.30pm Contact 01280 702483 for details or visit the website www.winchester-house.org
Friday May 7th Gwyn Ashton Rolands, Market Place, Brackley “A welcome tonic to the glut of perfectly produced vanity exercises that passes for modern blues these days. It’s a raucous sound that has plenty of credibility in a modern blues market full of mediocrity.” - Guitarist - Oct 2009 Tickets: £15.00 For reservations, pop into Rolands or call 01280 705757
Monday May 10th WI Hall Manor Road 7.30pm Brackley WI Resolutions and Social time. Discuss Debate and Vote on issues to be taken to AGM in Cardiff . Visitors very welcome £3 including refreshments
Tuesday May 11th Winchester House School Open Day Nursery ‘Come and Play’ 2.00-3.30pm Contact 01280 702483 for details or visit the website www.winchester-house.org
Friday May 14th Fun Casino Night Chenderit School, Middleton Cheney
Saturday May 22nd Nick Planas 50th Birthday Charity Concert in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust St.Peter’s Church, 7.30pm Tickets available from January
Friday June 4th John Verity and Max Milligan Former Argent and Zombies Rolands, Market Place, Brackley Guitar player, John Verity teams up with Max Milligan for an acoustic performance. Not to be missed! Tickets £15.00 For reservations, pop into Rolands or call 01280 705757
Sunday June 6th Soap Box Derby Market Place, Brackley 2.00pm Wednesday June 9th Summer Music Concert Brackley Junior School 6.30pm Saturday June 12th Brackley Carnival This years theme ‘Musicals’ Monday June 14th WI Hall Manor Road 7.30pm
Speaker: Caryl Billingham – Being the Mayor of Brackley. Visitors very welcome £3 including refreshments
Friday June 18th Edwina Hayes Rolands, Market Place, Brackley Edwina has opened several shows for Van Morrison, 26 shows for Jools Holland, toured the UK for fours years in a row with Nanci Griffith and performed twice for Michael Parkinson at his Maidenhead pub the Royal Oak. She has also toured the UK with, and supported shows, for Gretchen Peters, Ricky Ross, Loudon Wainwright III,Tom Baxter, Boo Hewerdine, KT Tunstall, Clive Gregson, Chris Difford, Ruby Turner and Lulu. Tickets: £15.00 For reservations, pop into Rolands or call 01280 705757
Sunday June 20th Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Boxed Poultry and Fleece Sale Elm Tree Farm, Evenley at 10.00-1.00pm. All welcome. For more details please call Carrie on 01327 857195 or snakesharbour@aol.com
Do you have a forthcoming event that we could promote in our next issue? Tell us about it! Tel: 01327 353753 • Mobile: 07754 434960 • Email: mail@focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
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Homes & Gardens
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Homes & Gardens
Halse United are on the look-out for talented young footbalers to join them
H
alse United play in the Milton Keynes & Border Counties Youth Football League. The League consists of Clubs whose headquarters are within a 25 mile radius of Central Milton Keynes and are affiliated to the Berks & Bucks Football Association. As well as Halse United, last season (2009/10) there were 4000 registered players attached to over 70 Clubs, who between them had almost 250 teams competing in 23 Divisions at 7 age groups from Under 12 to Under 18. Paul Norris of Brackley Paint & Body, sponsor, manager / coach of the Halse United Football club is on the lookout for talented young players to join next years under 13’s team. The facilities available to this club are outstanding. The team enjoys the idyllic setting in the grounds where they play and train and during the winter months, they are fortunate enough to use the
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
facilities at the Magdalene School training on the all weather pitch, to ensure one of the best pitches in the league stays in top condition encouraging the players to play their football on the ground. At the close of this season the team will have managed to secure their position mid table in the League, however the team are always striving to play at the highest possible standard and are looking to add to the squad and maintain the hard work and determination they have shown this season in challenging for the division next season. If you would like more information about how to join this club contact Paul on 01280 703666 or 07351 001329.
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Homes & Gardens
Power in your Garden!
M
arch, April and May are ideal for pruning evergreens, so if it’s something you haven’t yet thought of there is still time, so if you have a Juniper, Cypress or conifer that need shearing or pruning this is a good time to accomplish this task not forgetting the Forsythia after it finishes flowering. Plant outdoors annual seeds such as asters, cosmos, marigolds, zinnias and when all frost danger has passed you can move your stored fuchsias and geraniums outdoors. Trim them back, feed and repot if necessary but water well. Divide perennials like Daylilies, Delphiniums, iris, chrysanthemums, Daisies, and Phlox. The additional plants you create can be traded, given to friends, or moved to a new area of the garden. Plant new rosebushes before growth starts and buds swell.
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Homes & Gardens
Plant perennial vegetables like asparagus, rhubarb, etc. and plant peas, carrots, beets, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, along with root crops like potatoes, radishes, parsnips and onions. In late April plant beans and corn. Wait until May to plant tomatoes; squash, cucumbers and peppers. Lawn spring fertilizer should perk up the lawn and improve its over-all color and appearance. Use a spring lawn fertilizer that has the mosskiller included, so you can do both jobs in one easy application.
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
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Homes & Gardens
Paintpods: to use...
H
ave you ever tried using one? Well, I can honestly say I haven’t so treat this as advice and not from on the job experience! Why you ask? Well, I looked at reviews for this editorial and I wasn’t that happy, they didn’t make me rush out and want one even if I was in the market! Was it the price of the paint that was putting me off, or the cost of the Paintpod? You’re right! A Paintpod retails at between £49 - £60 depending on the outlet and promotions, it doesn’t stop there, the extras easily add another £20.00. Oh and I forgot, paint costs £29 for 5 Litres. Not bad for multi-room decoration or you’re a Tommy Walsh or a Laurence Llewellyn Bowen, but for me and maybe you it’s likely to be lying around for quite a while without use. Pods are aimed at those who wish to decorate their home quickly manufacturers say, with ease and minimal mess. It’s supposedly cleaner to use for those with limited decorating experience as there is
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Homes & Gardens
... or not to use! a self-cleaning system and an extra reach handle for tall ceiling stair wells etc. Some limitations are poor use for out-of-reach details, edges between high ceilings. Carry out automatic and manual cleaning strictly to instructions as paint can become diluted, clogged or spattering occurs. Paint ranges are limited. Don’t contemplate replacing the correct paint with normal paint, it will clog and your guarantee will be void. Your choice now, mines made, one final thought there is no professional version available, Why? Next time: What’s in a Paint?
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
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Homes & Gardens
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Homes & Gardens
The magical power of The Pressure Washer
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t’s tragic but I’ve decided that if we were burgled I would be most disappointed if they took my pressure-washer. The machine is a god send and unlike my 5 year-old daughter everything it touches is instantly restored to a picture of cleanliness and order.My wife won’t let me try it in her bedroom. Like a fairy-godmother from one of her many princess-based storybooks, but in wellies, I move around waving my magic wand and a jet of high-pressure water turns a dark, stained patio into a shining ballroom floor, my mouldy garden bench into a sparkling golden throne and the car into a glistening carriage ready to transport my princess. The hard part is stopping before it strikes midnight and I turn into a pumpkin. Call Linnell Bros on 01327 354422.
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
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Motors
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Motors
Focus Brackley – May - June 2010
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Motors
Car Colour & Personality?
D
oes the colour of your car say anything about your’ psyche or temperament? Drivers of Red cars are dynamic, high energy people with sex appeal, most often chosen by outspoken, energetic individuals. Green, tend to be trustworthy, traditional in outlook, and well-balanced in temperament, whereas those who drive bright yellow-green cars are inclined to be lively, trendy, and whimsical. Yellow is often associated with an upbeat, optimistic personality, and driven by those with joyful, sunny youthful dispositions. Light- to mid-Blue are quiet, faithful, calm temperament and dark blue with credibility, confidence, and dependability. Purple cars tend to be individualistic, original, and creative.
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Grey, pragmatic, sober, corporate types and have above-average confidence. White, with a fastidious nature and often preferred by status-seeking extroverts. Cream often driven by reserved, selfcontained people and less likely to be involved in accidents. Black, cars with an empowered personality not easily manipulated and usually driven by aggressive outsiders with a high accident risk. Silver, cars with elegant, cool, futuristic personalities. more likely to have a higher-than-average level of confidence, Support for the calm, confident persona is provided by the fact silver cars have the lowest likelihood of being involved in serious crashes. Orange, cars are favoured by talkative, fickle, funloving, and trendy individuals, Brown cars indicates a no-nonsense, down-to-earth personality. Pink cars are most commonly driven by gentle, loving people‌‌ Was it True or False?
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