Bletchley buzz christmas edition 2016 online

Page 1

• Features • Puzzles • News • Events • Competitions • Reviews

letchley BUZZ

INSIDE: Our 12 Alternative Days of Christmas A packed 3 page What’s On Guide to your local Christmas events Interviews with the stars of Dick Whittington

Plus WIN a family ticket to see Santa at Bletchley Park Delivered free to 11,500 homes www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

Christmas 2016

GET THE LOCAL BUZZ


2

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


FASCIA / SOFFITS / GUTTERING / CLADDING We are a family run business with over 10 years’ experience in the Property Service industry specialising in Fascia, soffits, guttering and cladding installations. 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee & Up to 20 year product guarantee 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Skilled Tradesmen FREE quotations available 7 days a week at times convenient for YOU

Friendly Efficient Service

Tel: 01908 631676 Email: info@homefixmk.co.uk www.homefixmk.co.uk

RELIABLE PLUMBER & GAS ENGINEER All plumbing work underdaken from leaking taps to full bathroom re-fits. Boiler installations, breakdowns and servicing No call out fees & Free quotations provided

Call for your FREE QUOTE 07870 204 164

www.tunnyplumbing.co.uk

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

3


• Features • Puzzles • News • Events • Comp etitions

letchley

Hello

Bletchley Buzz is your local magazine for Bletchley, Fenny Stratford, Newton Leys and Newton Longville

Owner Claire Pilsworth Tel: 01908 464164 Advertising: claire@bletchleybuzz.co.uk Our main feature is written by Angie McAllister of AM Content, who also edits the magazine. If you’re interested in finding out more about what she does visit www.amcontent.co.uk

Bletchley Buzz is reliably delivered by : The Leaflet Delivery Company

We do our best to get things right but neither the publisher or contributors will take any liability for loss or damage by errors. The publisher does not officially endorse advertisements or the views held by contributors. No part of the publication can be published or reproduced either in print or online without permission

BUZZ

Wiith Halloween and Fireworks ‘fortnight’ now behind us , I am certainly starting to think about getting ready for Christmas. Its tempting with the colder weather to curl up in front of the fire, but there are Christmas parties to be arranged, dresses to be bought and of course the gifts to buy. I don’t normally start buying until December, but have made an early start this year! Its been a busy month here and I have really struggled to fit everything in this Christmas edition of Bletchley Buzz! As you will read later on I have been interviewing the fabulous cast of Dick Whittington who will be appearing at MK Theatre from 8th December into January. I am really excited to be taking my little girls to see the performance. Not got your tickets yet? Then carry on reading for details on how to book. Bletchley Buzz prides itself on helping to drive awareness of charities and their events. Whilst this is still very much the case, I wanted to pick a locally based charity to officially support. Their work is inspirational and I am looking forward to helping them in achieving their goals and dreams for the future. To read more about the charity I have chosen and their journey so far see page 12.

6 10 12 15 16 18 22 24

Local News Tax Tips for Landlords Hello Supershoes Nursery Open Day Dick Whittington Good Time Cafe Festive & Fabulous Alternative 12 Days

2016

GET THE LOCAL BUZ Z

Delivered free to 11,500 homes www.bletchle ybuzz.co.uk

Aside from charities, I love to buy local. There are some great local shops and services that really provide that extra special service! Too many to mention here , but they are all featured in this edition. Don’t forget to enter our competition. Up for grabs is a family ticket to Bletchley Park which includes a visit to Santa’s grotto too! Entries must be received by 2nd December. Congratulations to Tom Bartlett from Newton Longville who won the tickets to see Lesley Garrett perform. Hope you enjoyed the performance! The What’s on Guide is really bursting too, it is great to receive so many emails from you wanting to feature in there. There are some events on other pages too so be sure to take note of those as well. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Happy reading, Claire

26 27 28 30-33 34 36 37

Win Tickets Equity Relase Christmas Gifts What’s On Guide The Humble Apple Word Search Carers MK

find us on Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchleyfacebook Buzz

For regular updates, events, facebook and twitter news go to:

4

• Reviews

Christmas

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk


Christmas Trees NOW IN STOCK

WINTER FUEL

Coal, Logs, Kindling & Hotmax

We sell everything you need for a perfect Christmas day Fruit, Vegetables, Cakes, Jams, Breads, Pickles & Pies... Horse Feed and Bedding also available Orders now being taken for fresh free range turkeys

Watling Street, Little Brickhill, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK17 9DN

Tel: 01908 377537 www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

Just by McDonalds on the A5 Roundabout

5


news Emily’s Star

Emily’s Star will be visiting the local Childrens Ward & Neonatal unit at MKUH in the run up to Christmas. If you would like to donate any chocolates, sweets or toys please send to: Emily’s Star, Suite 4/30, Acorn House, 381 Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3HP.

Stony Stratford Freemasons Donate to MK Executives Action

support of a local business club, he then received the practical support needed to start his own business. However, Kim recognised that MKEA is able to provide not only practical but also moral support to executive job-seekers. It was an easy decision to select this as as one of the charities he wished to support during his year as Master of Secklow Hundred Lodge. MK Executives Action meets at Bletchley College every Wednesday evening throughout the year. For more information, please contact John Dale via www.executives-action.co.uk. For further information about Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire at www.buckspgl.org.

Set to be bigger and better than ever, we’ll be celebrating 30 years of the Classic and Vintage Car Parade and Show with some extra special going-ons; all to be announced over the next eight months. So write in in your diary, tie a knot in your hankie and key it into your PDA – Carnival is coming to town! Seasons greetings from The 2017 Newport Pagnell Carnival Committee www.newportpagnellcarnival.com www.facebook.com/newportpagnellcarnival www.twitter.com/npcarnival1

Shoe Box Appeal

Forget Santa - Carnival is Coming to Town!

Pictured: Kim Stopher of Stony Stratford Masonic Lodge (left), presenting a cheque for £500 to John Dale, Operations Director of Careers Action.

MK Executives Action (MKEA) is the local branch of Careers Action, a charitable organisation set up to assist persons who have become unemployed with the next step in their career. In presenting the cheque for £500 to John Dale and the organisation’s trustees, Kim Stopher explained that he was himself made redundant some five years ago. Thanks to the

6

We really hope you get a diary for Christmas because Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July 2017 you’ve got a date with the Newport Pagnell Carnival.

The Lions Club of Bletchley have filled 30 shoe boxes with Christmas Gifts for children in Romania, these will be added to the other shoe boxes filled by Lions Clubs in the UK and Ireland these will be loaded into a lorry in Milton Keynes and driven to Romania in time for Christmas, the shoe boxes are labeled for boys and girls and are marked with ages on. They have and have lots of gifts inside. Our details - Tel: 0845 8339592 Email: secretary@lcbmk.co.uk Website: www.lcbmk.co.uk

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


*For 5+ year olds and their families The event has been funded by Arts Council England, Milton Keynes Community Foundation and MK Council. Paraffinalia is produced in partnership with MK Gallery and The Parks Trust

Win a Volkswagen with the Lions Club Parafinallia 2016

Join Festive Road for Paraffinalia 2016 in Campbell Park on Saturday 17th December. Get your wellies on, dress up warm, bring the family. Hot food will be available to purchase; bring some marshmallows too if you like - there’ll be open fires; extraordinary light installations; a lantern parade; interactive activities; plus an amazing finale spectacular! Come and find Gywnhaff the Dragon; the frozen world of ‘ICE’; light a candle for a loved one; and get up close to some amazing creatures and attractions. There will be so much to see, do and explore for all ages! For the main show you will be taken on a journey through a portal into ‘the other world’... where we find the red knight on his winter throne, his quest is frozen and his heart immovable...but not for long. The fire will be brought into his cold blue world and he must overcome the challenge of the Red Knight before the great dragon of all dragons is eventually called!

This year’s show promises to be more spectacular than ever with live performance, giant puppetry, pyrotechnics and specially created music. Opportunities to get involved: Lantern making at Festive Road on Sunday 4th December Come down to Festive Road’s workshop and create a lantern for the parade. We’ll be running two sessions –one in the morning 10.30am -1pm and one in the afternoon 2pm 4.30pm ...and we’ll be making dragons! All ages and abilities, and families, are welcome. We’ll be charging a fee to pay the artists and cover materials. Booking is essential as places limited. Email carnival@festiveroad.org. uk for more info Lantern making at MK Gallery Saturday 3rd and Saturday 10th December Festive Road artists will be leading lantern making sessions at MK Gallery Project Space, as part of Saturday Studio, regular family learning sessions 1-3pm / £1 per person on the door*

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

The Lions Club of Bletchley and MK Community Foundation are working with Volkswagen Group to raise money for local charities through the Community Car Raffle. The Lions Club are selling raffle tickets up until 23rd December, with some great prizes including the first prize of a brand new VW – kindly donated by Volkswagen. Since 1989 VW have donated a car each year as the first prize of MK Community Foundation’s Community Car Raffle, enabling local charities to raise their own funds and profile their vital work in the community. As always the Lions Clubs will donate every penny donated to charity. The ticket are £1 each – a percentage goes to MK Community Foundation and a percentage go to the charity selling the tickets. If you would like to buy tickets please contact 0845 8339592 or email secretary@lcbmk. co.uk

7


Nutritional Therapy / Herbal Consultant Bespoke Handmade Herbal Products

Herbal preparations from locally foraged goods. Offering workshops, nutritional and culinary health consultations. Herbal Products available:

Teas, Tinctures, Vegan herbal salves, Luxurious Skin hemp oils, Vinegars, Cordials/Syrup, Jams, Chutneys and Salsa

Winter Warmer SPECIAL

Choose 1 x tea, 1 x Vinegar or Cordial & 1 x Jam or Chutney for only ÂŁ10

Personalised Herbal Hampers and Gift Certificates available for Christmas Gift Vouchers also good for future workshops

Workshops Available: Local foraging walk &* Gift wild green also luncheon, Handmade Certificates good for future workshops Herbal Giftmaking, Fermented Foods, Raw Chocolate making, Herbal Medicine Preparation

8

Check out my facebook page www.facebook.com/theculinarysage or email me at: robin@triskelemanagement.com Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Is your website failing to generate leads? Want your marketing and customer communications to appear more professional? Or maybe you're looking for some blogging or content marketing support? I can help!

Find out more at www.amcontent.co.uk

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

9


TAX TIPS FOR LANDLORDS There are currently more than 1.9 million private landlords in the UK and as more and more people look to property investment for additional income or as an alternative fund for retirement, the number is set to increase. This article takes a brief look at some of the tax implications of letting out residential property. As an individual landlord you pay tax on the net income you receive from your property. This is the sum of all rents received less all deductible expenses. It does not include the profit made when selling the property nor any of the costs incurred when buying, selling or improving the property. All the income you receive from property in the UK is combined and losses from one can be offset against profits from another. Some of the expenses incurred when you first start the lettings business, eg advertising or small repairs, can be deducted from the rents received. As a starting point, divide your costs into two categories – the capital costs connected with buying, selling or improving the property and other costs, which reoccur as tenants

10

change, known as revenue expenses.

will no longer be an allowable expense.

Allowable revenue expenses, which can usually be deducted from rents received for the period in which the cost was incurred, include: • Advertising • Cleaning and gardening • Management fees • Ground rents • Heating and lighting • Council tax • Insurance • Repairs and maintenance • Interest (see below)

Instead, up to 20% of the disallowed interest will be will be deducted from the tax due on the rental income profit. The change effectively gives tax relief for the interest at 20%, equivalent to the basic rate of UK income tax.

Interest Currently, interest paid on loans used to finance the property can be claimed in full as an expense, however this is changing from the tax year ended 5th April 2018. Over a four year period, the amount of allowable interest deductible as an expense will gradually reduce until 2020/21, when interest paid

Sherwoods have considerable experience of working with private landlords. If you would like further information on the taxation implications of letting residential property please contact the office on 01908 277577 or via our website

If you have significant loans connected to your property letting business, we can help you to calculate whether the level of borrowing will be sustainable after April 2017.

www.sherwoodsaccountants.co.uk

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


‘Your Business is OUR Business’ Whatever your business needs, Sherwoods has a solution. From a basic, Self-Assessment tax return to full financial management options, we can tailor a competitively priced package to suit you. Our services include:

• Business start up guidance •Statutory accounts and audit • Tax planning and compliance • Cash-flow planning and forecasting • Succession planning • Vat and Payroll For a free initial consultation contact us on 01908 277577 or email@sherwoodsaccountants.co.uk

INSIDE AND OUTSIDE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE No Job too Big or Small • Patios • Tiling • Guttering • Painting & Decorating • Fencing • Laminated Flooring • Flat Pack assembly • Kitchen & Bathroom fitting ...If it’s not on the list above we can probably do it!

Merry Chrismtas to you all

All interior & exterior jobs welcome All garden & maintenance work undertaken FREE QUOTES WITHIN 20 MILE RADIUS OF MILTON KEYNES

Please Call Nigel Marcham

07521 452089 www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

11


Hello Supershoes,

Say hello to Supershoes, our charity partner! Bletchley Buzz has decided on a charity partner to support and we just love what Supershoes are doing. We invited Sarah from the charity to tell us all about themselves… For those of you who haven’t heard of Supershoes, let me explain who we are and what we do. Put simply, Supershoes’ aim is to empower children with cancer. How do we do this? By creating the gift of a very special pair of super shoes for a very special child. We’re unique, in that although we’re locally based, our brief is nationwide. Our office is in Fenny Stratford, although we started at my kitchen table in 2013, with me, Sarah White and my husband Ken. We also work with a team of 200 Super Artists and when a referral from CLIC Sargent (our cancer charity partner) comes in Supershoes selects the best artist for the job, and then the magic begins. A plain pair of Converse trainers is transformed into a beautiful, personal

12

work of art, a gift of a pair of shoes, which has quite astonishing effects on the young person who receives them. Having a child who is diagnosed with cancer is life-changing for the whole family. It happens to 10 children every day in the UK. We know what receiving a pair of Supershoes can do for a child going through a horrible, tough time. It makes them smile, it’s a boost to their confidence, it reminds them who they are, above and beyond their treatment, it encourages them to get on their feet again, because who wouldn’t want to go and show off such a beautiful pair of shoes? Supershoes aims to empower children with cancer at a time when they may otherwise feel completely powerless. Supershoes is proud of its many achievements in the almost 3 years of its existence, but most of all that it is staffed entirely by volunteers. This means that every penny raised goes a long, long way. Our outgoings are the cost of shoes, paint, postage and the renting of our small office. A pair of Supershoes costs £50 to create. That’s £5 from 10 people. It’s a realistic sum of money

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


to raise, with a measurable outcome. It’s what makes Supershoes stand out as a charity. Supershoes is always looking for more sponsorship. Our target this year is to double the number of pairs of shoes we send out: currently 20+ to artists and another 20+ to children. There are all kinds of ways to raise money, and our website has plenty of ideas if you’re interested to know more about what we do, and how you can help. Now comes some really awesome news: here at Supershoes, we’re delighted to be sharing a very special event with you. Last month, I was thrilled to make a special delivery: our 1000th pair of Supershoes to a Super-special young man called Reo. 8-year-old Reo had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosed 2 years ago, and fought it once, only to relapse in 2014. He was referred to Supershoes by our partner charity CLIC Sargent. The brief for Reo’s shoes told us that two of the most important things in his life are Leicester City FC and Minecraft. A special pair needs special treatment, of course. Supershoes’ service is always personal and how much more personal can you get for a Leicester City FC super-fan, than having the Supershoes signed by Jamie Vardy? Super Artist Lucas was more than happy to oblige to create the rest of the mini-masterpiece on Reo’s shoes.

Reo’s mum refers to him as her “little ginger biscuit” and has nothing but praise for his bravery as he continues with immunoglobulin treatment once a month in hospital. It’s a long time for a little boy to put his life on hold, and tough for his mum too. I made the trip to Leicester to meet Reo and his mum Sarah, and what a Super-special event it was! Reo was very poorly when I met him, but he put on his bravest face for the photos, and he was thrilled to receive his shoes. We’ll leave you to look at the photos to see exactly what a pair of Supershoes does for a child! I’m so grateful to Bletchley Buzz for choosing to support us and I’m really looking forward to bringing you more news each month. Thanks for reading this! Sarah xx

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

13


NURSERY ON THE GREEN A small, homely, 24 place private day nursery at: 74, Church Green Road, Bletchley, MK3 6BY From 3 month to 5 years.

☺ ☺ A small six place baby nest in a quiet annex. ☺ Staff all CRB checked. Key staff all qualified. ☺ Extensive garden with all weather outdoor play ¥ area and covered decking. Children can play outside no matter ¥ what the weather. ☺ 5 star rating for our kitchen. ☺ Opening times: 8.00am – 6.00pm daily Monday to Friday. ☺ Phone for an appointment to view and further details : 01908 374757 ask for Pam Email: Staff@notg.co.uk Website: www.nurseryonthegreen.org

1st Glass Window Repairs FULLY INSURED! EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation. • Steamed Up Glass • Faulty Window or Door Locks & Hinges • Draughty Windows and Doors • Leaking Conservatory Roofs

• New Conservatory Roofs • Conservatory Cleaning & Service • Security up grades • We also fit Windows, Doors & Conservatories

£0 DEPOSIT REQUIRED - BALANCE UPON COMPLETION OF YOUR FULL SATISFACTION!

Fast, reliable, efficient and friendly service guaranteed Leighton Buzzard & Milton Keynes

Boiler Cooker & hob Pipework Water Heater FREE ESTIMATES

• Fascia • Soffits • Gutters

No call out charge 24 Hour Emergency

Special Discount for OAP’s

Phone: 01908 374 907 Moblie: 07931 927 222

CALL: 07511 906 161 14

Bathroom installation to a leaky tap to Central Heating installation

Email: calltheplumber@hotmail.com

534418

www.call-the-plumber.co.uk

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Make the right choice for your Windows and Doors Local, family-owned business for over 35 years Best price first time, every time – no gimmicks or hassle Members of leading qualityassurance organisations

Milton Keynes’ most comprehensive showroom

• ENTRANCE DOORS • FRENCH DOORS • PATIO DOORS • BI-FOLD DOORS

A+ Energy Rated Windows fitted as standard Open 7 days a week: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, Sat 9.30am - 5pm, Sun 10am - 4pm

Unit 8, Denbigh Hall Industrial Estate, Milton Keynes MK3 7QT

Registered Company

Call 01908 650140 or visit www.customglaze.co.uk for an online estimate

Facebook messenger

Our business is cleaning and polishing floors, cleaning carpets and upholstery or even your en�re house. Kleen & Fresh aren’t the type of cleaners you commission on a weekly basis, they’re the people you contact a few �mes a year for that deep clean.

for a FREE quota�on and a friendly professional service, contact us

•Carpet Cleaning •Hard Floor Cleaning/Polishing •Upholstery Cleaning •End of Tenancy Cleaning •Ma�ress Cleaning 3 rooms for £90

Call to find out more

Tel: 01908 230201 Mobile: 07900 882292 www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

15


Pack up your knapsacks for

furry crown as the evil Queen Rat, hell-bent on causing trouble for Dick. She told us, “There are two ways of playing a baddie – comical or terrifying. I want to be a really scary baddie but I’ll struggle not to want to comfort a little one in the audience if I can see I’m doing too much of a good job! Living in Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes Theatre is local which is really nice as it means my daughter, who’s 11, can come to the panto and help out in the dressing room.

On 8th December Dick Whittington and his merry crew will be arriving at Milton Keynes Theatre for this year’s pantomime. Bletchley Buzz were invited along for a behind the scenes visit to meet the stars…

When it comes to Christmas I’m a real control freak –everything to be just so and my decorations have to be symmetrical. But really I love nothing more than a full table at Christmas and some karaoke.”

For those who don’t know, Dick Whittington tells the rags to riches tale of a young man and his cat on a quest for fame and fortune. Dick and his trusty cat Tommy arrive in London seeking their fortune, but find the streets aren’t really paved with gold and when he meets the evil Queen Rat things go from bad to worse. Featuring all the essential pantomime ingredients: fabulous songs, a live band, dazzling dance routines, slapstick comedy and bags of audience participation, Dick Whittington is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Featuring… Samantha Womack as Queen Rat Best known as Eastenders’ feisty Ronnie Mitchell, Samantha Womack will be putting on the coveted

16

Stacey Solomon as Fairy Bowbells Trying to put a stop to Queen Rat’s plan will be Loose Women panellist, X Factor finalist and winner of ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here Stacey Solomon, who will be starring as Fairy Bowbells in her very first panto. She said, “I’m so excited to be making my panto debut. I’m a mum of two young children and I know how much they enjoy watching panto so I can’t wait to be part of something that can help make some really special memories! I saw loads of pantos as a kid – Jack and the Beanstalk was one of the first and the most memorable for me. I’m going to be spending Christmas with Joe [Swash, her partner] as the boys are with their fathers this year.”

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Chris Jenkins as Dick Whittington

Father Christmas has started planning already! He’s making his list and checking it twice and will definitely be out in December (weather permitting) around Milton Keynes.

Chris Jenkins, who’s appeared in Spamalot and Billy Elliot on the West End stage, told us how much he loves panto as he gets to see people’s reactions in the audience. He says, “It’s great to be working with Sam again as I worked with her on stage in South Pacific. I plan to doing most of my Christmas shopping online and having a really cosy Christmas with a real fire and real tree.” Hannah Ponting as Alice Fitzwarren Hannah, who’s a recent graduate of the Urdang Academy, has never even seen a panto before let alone been in one. She says “I will be spending Christmas day with my family. They’ll drive me home to Surrey after they watch my performance on Christmas Eve and back for the Boxing Day matinee. I hope that watching me on stage other young girls will realise they can follow their dreams.” How to book If you’re all ready to shout “He’s behind you” then don’t miss out – make sure you book your tickets now! Running from 8th December to 15th January, with both matinee and evening performances available, tickets range in price from £14 to £43.50. To book call 0844 871 7652 (calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge), book online at www.atgtickets.com or drop into the theatre’s box office.

He will, along with his helpers from The Rotary Club of The Brickhills, be in Newport Pagnell on Sunday December 4th. He will then visit the Poets Estate on Sunday 11th, Browns Wood and Old Farm Park on Wednesday 14th then the final outing will be on Sunday 18th around Far Bletchley/Saints Estate. Each night they will be out between 6pm and 8pm, covering as many streets as they can, but if the weather is really bad may not be able to go out. Please look out for them and if you could spare some money, they’d be very grateful; last year they collected over £1,500 for local charities. This year the charities receiving the donations will be Mind MK and Bucks Vision. The Rotary Club of the Brickhills are always keen to welcome new members; to find out more visit their website: www.brickhillsrotary.co.uk or call 07563089373

Book your Christmas Party at House of Chicken Specials menus available

TEL: 01908 3700 13

200 WHADDON WAY, BLETCHLEY, MILTON KEYNES MK3 7DG

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

HOUSE OF CHICKEN

17


The Good Times Café Story Good Times Café is a 1976 Vintage Citroen HY van based in Bletchley that serves Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches made with a local sourdough and a signature cheese blend, proper coffee and home bakes. The business is run by husband and wife team, Aida & Bob Watson. Both creative and from hospitality backgrounds, they had a dream of opening a local coffee shop with a Vintage/Retro feel and Good Times music. After completing a detailed business plan and budget, it was clear that they did not have enough capital to pursue this venture; but they were not discouraged. Through a suggestion from a friend (you know who you are), they looked into converting a van into a mobile coffee shop. After searching, they fell in love with the look of a Citroen HY Van. It has been very daunting and a massive learning curve, from purchasing one, through to sourcing parts, planning conversion and securing bookings. The van is called, Harry using the HY from the model of the vehicle. Good Times Café was launched in September 2015 at B.O.F.F, The Big Olney Food Festival and the rest is history.

18

They still plan to have a coffee shop in the near future. Harry is now part of the family and will always be the first step towards pursuing their dream. If you see Harry & Bob passing by, give them a wave. If you want to visit them to sample their delicious food and hot drinks, this is the schedule for Good Times Café for the rest of 2016. November 20th Wolverton Winter Food & Fun Fayre 25th Ely Lights Switch on 27th Banbury Lights Switch on December 2nd Leighton Buzzard Christmas Lights Switch on 4th A Dickens of a Christmas, Olney 11th MK Christmas Feast 17th Paraffinalia 2016 26th National Trust Stowe Gardens “Good Times Café turned a good, simple sandwich into something of beauty. An oozing, molten cheesy centre contained within tasty sourdough bread, basted in butter and griddled to a perfect golden brown. Good Times indeed.” From Phone Box Magazine, October 2015.

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Milton Keynes

physiotherapy clinic Bletchley Leisure Centre

Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function to as near normal as possible when someone is affected by injury, illness or by developmental or other disability.

Treatments include:

We accept all private medical insurance as well as offering self funding packages

• • • • • •

Back and Neck Pain Shoulder Problems Running Injuries Sports Massage Orthotic Assessment Rehab following stroke / neuro conditions • Women's Health • Acupuncture

To book your appointment now, phone 0845 22 66 940 - please quote Bletchley Buzz when booking www.mkphysioclinic.com Facebook: MK Physiotherapy Clinic info@miltonkeynesphysio.co.uk Prince's Way, Bletchley Leisure Centre, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2HQ

The First Indian Restaurant & Takeaway in Milton Keynes

SPECIAL DINING IN BANQUETS NIGHTS.. 5 COURSE MEAL FOR £9.95 PP Every Sunday and Thursday Sunday Buffet Also Available Great Value for money with the high standards of quality food and service.

Enjoy your Christmas party with us!

Book NOW!

4 Duncombe Street, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2LY We serve a wide range of delicious Indian food and offer Online Takeaway Ordering and Restaurant Table Booking.

Tel: 01908 377 857 Order online: www.goldencurrybalti.co.uk

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

19


Merry Christmas to all our customers old and new

BRAND NEW. EXOTIC. HEALTHY. MOUTH WATERING EXPERIENCE.

OPEN EVERYDAY EXCEPT TUESDAY 11AM - 10.30PM

RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP.

We cook on a proper charcoal grill, using fresh ingredients and mouth watering sauces so the taste is delicious. Great choice including chicken, steaks, skewers and ribs. Our range of drinks are from Portugal too (beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks) and all of our desserts are home made (chocolate mousse, cakes and more)

EXPERIENCE A LITTLE OF PORTUGAL IN OUR RESTAURANT, THE ATMOSPHERE, THE MUSIC, THE COFFEE... DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT - COME AND PAY US A VISIT. EAT IN OR COLLECT FREE SOFT DRINK with every Whole Takeaway Chicken. Quote Bletchley Buzz when ordering

TEL: 01908 3700 13

200 WHADDON WAY, BLETCHLEY, MILTON KEYNES MK3 7DG

HOUSE OF CHICKEN

Have you got a pain in your glass? We e can make them W the as good as new!

Putting off getting your windows, ws, doors or conservatory sorted?

We We can fix your existing ones!

ToShall our owrro o now opeomold customers Newportt n in Pagnell behin i d and new the have ch hamberrsss.old town . Pop in foar avery cuppaMerry TTu uesday y,, Thurrsssd d a y and Christmas! Saturrd da

y 10-2

✓Broken glass ✓Doors not shutting properly ✓F ppy letter boxes Misty/foggy double glazing ✓Window hinges catching ✓ ✓Misty/foggy ✓Gutters leaking ✓Drafty windows ✓Lock replacement ✓ ✓Conservatory leaks

01 01908 787444 www.windowpainsmk.co.uk www .windowpainsmk.co.uk

WE ALSO

REPLACE WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVAT TORIES

20

For a FREE Home Health Check call:

glass@ windowpainsmk.co.uk

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Interior / Exterior Decorating Block Paving & Driveways • Patios & Decking

FREE ESTIMATES

Call: 01908 968018 or 07738 067662 No Job to big or small!

All building work, Landscaping & Property Maintenance

JL Cakes Cakes for every occasion

CUPCAKE BOUQUETS Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, Julie xx

Small, medium and large bouquets available and can be delivered in Milton keynes

Tel: 07702 170 787 JL_Cakes JulieLomasCakes email: julielomas-cakes@hotmail.co.uk

10% DISCOUNT

when you quote Bletchley Buzz

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

21


the area for special occasions and red carpet events, and that combined with always being keen on becoming a retailer, led her to open the store.

4 Steps to Festive Fabulousness It’s (nearly) Christmas! And that means it’s time to make sure you look and feel simply stunning for those big festive nights out. The party-time preparation starts here… Step 1: Get the dress If you’re looking for a show stopping gown to catch everyone’s eye this Christmas, you must visit The Dress Empire 84 Aylesbury Street, Fenny Stratford MK2 2BA . The store, which opened in July, prides itself on offering designer dresses that ooze glamour and are the perfect alternative to the usual high street finds. Bletchley Buzz popped down to the store to see what it was all about and we were really impressed with the selection and quality of the dresses. We were also lucky enough to meet the store’s owner, local celebrity Ann Marie Davies, who used to star in Brookside and is married to previous MK Dons boss Karl Robinson. Ann Marie explained that she always struggled to find beautiful dresses in

22

The Dress Empire provides a personal shopping experience and Ann Marie enjoys nothing more than making suggestions based on customers’ requirements. She brings her pageant experience to the table and also, uniquely, makes sure she doesn’t sell the same dress to two people attending the same event. With VIP evenings and interest free credit available, there are so many reasons to pay a visit. See www.thedressempire.co.uk or call 01908 641080 to arrange your visit. Step 2: Get in shape You’ve found the dress of your dreams so now you just want to make sure you look your best in it. 1 Life Health & Wellbeing Studio at Windmill Hill Golf Club is offering a 10 day free trial and provides personal training support as part of every session. See www.1life.co.uk for details. Step 3: Get the look At this time of year we’re lucky if the sun puts in much of an appearance, so we may need to give glowing skin a little helping hand. As well as exfoliating and defuzzing, you may want to consider topping up your summer colour with a visit to the Golden Bootyque for a sunbed session or two. see www.goldenbootyque.co.uk Step 4: Get great hair No party look would be complete without immaculate hair, but if a messy ponytail is the extent of your hairstyling talents why not pop down to The Salon Hair & Beauty and treat yourself to a fabulous up-do. You could even have your make up done professionally while you’re there! See www.thesalonmk.com for more.

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Golden Bootyque We are a newly opened boutique offering an affordable range of beauty treatments and clothing.

Over 40 years’ experience in Clothing repairs and alterations

• Tanning -- UV stand up and spray tan • Waxing, threading and nails • Individual eyelashes • Nu Skin care range • Girls pamper parties • Flabelos Lipo • Flabelos Vibration plate • Clothing range including party dresses!

Wedding dress alterations Wedding dress clean and box Curtains and soft furnishings For more information, prices, or a quote, please contact me by telephone on:

01908 632239

To book an appointment call us on 01908 632239

Or visit the boutique at 202 Whaddon Way (shops), Bletchley, MK3 7DG

or visit our boutique at 202 Whaddon Way (shops) Bletchley MK3 7DG

www.goldenbootyque.co.uk/alterations

Find us at www.goldenbootyque.co.uk

The The Salon Salon MK MK Hair & Beauty

19 Melrose Avenue, Milton Keynes

Opening Hours: 9.30 - 6pm Tues/Wed 9.30 - 7pm Thur/Fri 9 - 3pm Sat Closed Sun/Mon

Discounts available for OAP's/ Seniors Tuesdays 9.30 - 1pm

Christmas parties coming up soon!

Book your hair up with us... Set price for all hair up £25.00 To avoid disappointment please book in advance

Call 01908 374124

www.thesalonmk.com

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

23


The alternative 12 days of Christmas On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…a homemade apple chutney. Christmas is all about tradition but we’re turning that on its head with some inspiration for ways to do things just a little differently this year. Forget Black Friday, try Small Business Saturday If you think the big stores and online giants have had it too easy for too long, this year support Small Business Saturday instead. On 3rd December, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, pledge to buy from small, local suppliers and share your haul using #SmallBizSatUK. Find local businesses in Bletchley at www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk. com

1

Switch turkey for salmon Tired of tasteless turkey? This Christmas why not ring the changes and try something unexpected. A clove-studded ham, beef wellington or even stuff salmon can all make striking centrepieces and add a twist to your festive meal. Brussel sprouts are optional!

2

Swap Scrabble for Pokemon Getting bored of the same old board games that make an appearance every year? This year why not get take the family out for a Pokemon hunt instead? Get family members to download the app and see who can capture the most creatures, with the added bonus of getting some fresh air after all that grub!

4

Stunning pressies wrapped sustainably Bows, ribbons and glittery paper are all part of Christmas right? Well they don’t have to be. You can create an equally effective, bespoke look using sustainable materials, like old newspaper or brown paper with festive motifs stamped onto it, tied with re-useable material ribbon or string.

5

Christmas pud but not as we know it Looking for a fun stocking filler or something that will look ace on the dessert table? Local cake company JL Cakes has created a different kind of Christmas pudding made from a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, coated with Malteasers and topped with white chocolate – bring on the chocolate overload!

3

24

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Swap dinner and drinks for sledging high jinks If you’re bored with the same old pre-Christmas party haunts why not try something different. Take to the slopes MK-style with a sledging session at Snozone (www.snozoneuk.com) or zap each other at Laser Planet in the Food Centre (www. laser-planet.co.uk), both have the added bonus of burning more calories than you’re taking in.

9

Downsize your panto MK Theatre is going all out with its panto, Dick Whittington (meet some of the cast members on page 16), but if you fancy a smaller-scale affair you could try a visit to Stantonbury Leisure Centre to see Aladdin and the Lost Christmas from 17th December. Book tickets at www. stantonburytheatre.co.uk.

6

Switch up your Secret Santa Ditch spend limits in favour of skills swaps. Make your Secret Santa more personal by challenging one another to knit, bake, sew, assemble or write a present for their selected friend. A great money saver and it really makes you appreciate what a talented bunch of friends you have.

7

Replace the Quality Street with quality eats Keep costs low and sentimental value high by making handmade food gifts. Festive jams (how about plum and mulled wine?) and chutneys (try apply and cranberry) can look stunning in creatively decorated jars. Or try making your own sloe gin, baking a batch of gingerbread men or whipping up some truffles, which are surprisingly easy to get right.

8

Find Santa somewhere different Milton Keynes is awash with Santa’s grottos, but if you usually make a bee-line for the big ones, why not take the kids to meet the big man somewhere a little closer to home. He’ll be at Bletchley Park from 3rd December where you can also experience what Christmas was like in the 1940s and enjoy a festive afternoon tea.

10

Create a cracking surprise We all know that the fun of Christmas crackers starts and ends with the bang, but what if each one contained a really thoughtful little gift instead of a piece of plastic? You can pick up cracker making kits from Hobbycraft and fill them with anything.

11

Try a curry Christmas In the run up to Christmas people tend to think of gathering with friends and family over a traditional roast dinner, but why not switch it up and go for a curry instead? Our friends at the Golden Curry Balti House are waiting to help you get into the festive spirit. Book your table at www.goldencurrybalti.co.uk.

12

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

25


Leisure Together We meet every Friday

At Newton Leys Community Centre, MK3 5JF Cost £1.50, from 2-4pm for Tea, Biscuits, Chat. Board games, cards, darts & crafts. Anyone over 18, welcome. We would also like to meet anyone from the surrounding area

WEST BLETCHLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE 3 PORCHESTER CLOSE. MK3 6BH Registered Charity Number 254163

WIN a family ticket including entry to grotto at Bletchley Park The Home of the World War Two Codebreakers is having a special visit from Father Christmas. Children can see him in his magical grotto and step back in time to experience Christmas in the 1940s, with period decorations in the Mansion and around the park. Father Christmas is situated in the Mansion from 3 December and every weekend until 23 December, he’s also here during the school holidays from 19 to 23 December. For your chance to win a family ticket answer the following question:

Bletchley Park is providing an experience of Christmas from what decade? a) 1840s b) 1960s or c) 1940s. To enter please email the correct answer to buzz@bletchleybuzz.co.uk with the subject line ‘Bletchley Park Grotto’

This popular Centre currently has slots available for regular group hire in the Large Hall on: MONDAY and FRIDAY AFTERNOON Arrange a visit and join our satisfied clients.

Tel. 01908 374122 26

Competition closing date 2nd December 2016 Ticket includes entry to grotto (up to 3 children). Ticket will be valid until 23rd December. Booking required.

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Is Equity Release Right For you?

If you do enter into one, you should consider checking to see if you can get a better Equity release schemes allow you deal once the early repayment charge period has ended. This to access your property’s value for more cash in retirement - but is particularly true at a time of falling interest rates. equity release is an expensive, lifetime commitment. There are several alternatives to If you’re facing a pension shortfall equity release that may be more suitable, depending on your or need to meet an unexpected circumstances: expense, equity release can seem attractive. It allows you to tap into the wealth you’ve accumulated in your property without the hassle of having to move. But before you consider taking this option, there are important matters that you should understand.

Equity release schemes are designed to be a lifelong commitment, so if you change your mind, need to move house or want your equity for something else later, you could find yourself seriously restricted.

Downsizing If you need to release a substantial sum, selling your house and moving somewhere smaller will almost always let you keep more. However, the cost can be higher, with agent fees, removal costs and stamp duty to consider. Benefits and grants Those on a low income who are borrowing for home improvements or conversions to help with disability may qualify for local authority grants.

Unsecured loans If the sum you want to borrow is small and you can meet the repayments out of your retirement income, it might be Whatever your situation it is cheaper to take out an unsecured best to speak to an independent personal loan. financial adviser before deciding whether to take out an equity Mortgage extension release scheme and get If you haven’t paid off an existing independent legal advice. mortgage by the time you retire, Peter, a qualified local it may be possible for your Independent Financial Adviser at current lender to extend the Excel 121 Ltd, can be contacted term. Not all lenders will be able on 01908 353458. to do this however. EXCEL 121 LTD INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL PLANNING

Excel 121 Ltd has been established for many years providing a professional financial planning service for our clients. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We look after the needs of many personal and corporate clients. We aim to provide the highest level of service, continuity of advice and monitoring of our clients aims and financial goals. Fully independent, we are able to advise you in many areas of planning. There is no cost to you for any initial consultation or discussion. Retirement planning Investing and saving All types of mortgages Equity release Inheritance planning

School fees planning Life insurance for your family Ill health protection Business protection

0800 0835963 to make an appointment with an adviser www.excelwealth.co.uk Excel 121 Ltd, The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

Excel 121 Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, register number 440045. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. To understand the features and risks of Equity Release, ask for a personalised illustration.

27


Gift Inspiration For Christmas SOMETHING LOCAL The Made in MK Hamper is bursting with goodies made by local suppliers. A festive hamper box contains: • 250g bags of ground coffee from Wooden Hill Coffee Company • A box of 6 chocolate truffles made by Chocolate Mill MK • Shortbread biscuits from Rebecca’s Bakes & Cakes • Jam and chutney homemade with locally grown produce from Jam Moo Kow • Box of 6 pieces of artisan fudge with a melt-in-the-mouth texture made by Mama’s Cookies • Hand roasted smoked almonds & cashews from Coldsmoking – naturally cold smoked with real wood smoke. These hampers are not available to buy in the shops, the only way is to order via Bletchley Buzz. Hampers cost just £35 and will be created and ready for collection or delivery (delivery to MK1-MK16 postcodes available for an additional £3.50) in mid-December. For further details or to order please email buzz@bletchleybuzz.co.uk or call 01908 464164. New release! Look out for Carole Matthew’s new novel out on 15th December. Paper Hearts & Summer Kisses will make an ideal Christmas gift. (Image of Book) The book tells the story of Christie Chapman, a single working mother who spends her days commuting to her secretarial job in London and looking after her teenage son, Finn. It can be tough just getting through the day but Christie has always found comfort in her love of crafting and any spare time she has is spent in her parents’ summerhouse working on her beautiful creations and it’s not long before opportunity comes knocking. All of a sudden Christie sees a different future for her and Finn – one full of hope and possibility, and if the handsome Max Alexander is to be believed, one full of love too. It’s all there for the taking. And then, all of sudden, Christie’s world is turned upside down. Make it personal Why not ask Bhavini from B81 Graphic Desings to create you a truly personalised framed word art creation? Here are a couple that Bhavini has created recently. To enquire about price and to place an order please see facebook.com/b81designs or visit www.b81designs.com

28

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Heady Plants

Floral Art & Design

Quality Christmas Trees

Your Fresh New Florist

We specialise in: Wedding Flowers • Funeral/Sympathy Flowers Indoor/Outdoor plants • Flower Workshops Gifts • Helium Balloons • Handmade Cards

Non drop, Bri�sh Tradi�onal and Pot Grown Also Weaths & Mistletoe planted gi�s also available at

FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES • DOOR WREATHS TABLE ARRANGEMENTS • GRAVE WREATHS orders now being taken

WORLDWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE

We support

HEADY PLANTS Tel: 07986 297 547

Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 10am - 4.30pm Sunday & evenings by appointment

Floral Art & Design 21 St Mary’s Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 5DT

Tel: 01908 274 630 Mob: 0799 007 8414 www.floralartdesign.co.uk

Stoke Road, Newton Longville MK17 0BG Open 10am­4pm from 3rd December

FREE Mistletoe when tree is purchased

FREE Local Delivery

while stocks last

www.headyplantsandcleaning.com

Floral Art & Design

Christmas Workshops

Saturday 26th November 2.30pm – 4.30pm

TRADITIONAL WREATH

Come and make a traditional wreath for your front door just in time for Christmas. You will be taught the traditional method of making a door wreath using moss and wire before finishing it off with some lovely glittery decorations and ribbon. All the flowers and materials you will need to create your own personal Christmas Door Wreath are included as well as Christmas nibbles and refreshments for just £45 per person. To book your place please call 01908 274630

Saturday 10th December 2pm – 4pm Floral Art & Design, 21 St Mary’s Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 5DT

Tel: 01908 274 630 Mob: 0799 007 8414 We support

More dates will be added if required

CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENT

Come and make a lovely Christmas arrangement. All materials included along with two hours of instruction, festive nibbles and refreshments for only £45 per person. To book your place call 01908 274630

Sunday 18th Dec 2pm -5pm £55

TABLE ARRANGMENTS www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

29


What’s On Guide

Tweet your event to us @bletchleybuzz

November 2016 Saturday 26th November 11.30am Christmas Bazaar at Queensway Methodist Church, Fenny Stratford Homemade Cakes, Gifts, Crafts Games and Competitions. Refreshments available. Free Admission. Visit Santa for £2 per child. Saturday 26th November Emily’s Star Christmas Craft & Gift Fair – 10am – 3.00pm Tattenhoe Pavillion MK4 3EQ Sunday 27th November 1.00pm -9.00pm Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Cineworld Milton Keynes, Xscape 602 Marlborough Gate MK9 3XS Monday 28th November 2.00pm Water Eaton Choir. Concert with some Children from Stanton School. St Frideswide Church, Drayton Road, Bletchley MK2 3RR.

December 2016 Thursday 1st December 8pm. The History of BAHS and Rectory Cottages – Origins and Achievement – Dr Peter Jarvis. Held at Rectory Cottages, Church Green Road. Membership £12pa, £15 for couples, £3 per lecture, students free.

30

Thursday 1st December 5.00pm – 9pm Ladies Night - Dobbies Garden Centre. Tickets available to purchase instore from 7th October. Tickets £1 with all money going to Teenage Cancer Trust Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th December Christmas Tree Festival St Martins Church, Aylesbury Street, Fenny Stratford. Friday & Saturday 12.00 -8.00pm, Sunday 11.304.00pm. Raising money for Charity, vote for your favourite tree. Refreshments available. Adults £2, 12yrs to 18yrs £1. Under 12s Free. 3rd December – 31st December 1.00pm – 3.30pm Festive Afternoon Tea Bletchley Park. £30.00pp See www.bletchleypark.org for more details or call 01908 272673. Booking essential at least 48 hours in advance. 3rd December – 23rd December. 11.00am – 3.00pm Christmas Grotto, Bletchley Park . Step back in time and celebrate Christmas 1940’s style. See www.bletchleypark.org for more details or call 01908 640404. Booking re quired Saturday 3rd December 11.00am – 3.00pm Christmas at Melrose At the Frank Moran Centre,

Melrose Avenue, Bletchley MK3 6PA. Carols, Crafts, Games and hot refreshments. Event is Free Saturday 3rd December 1.00pm – 5.00pm The Fenny Stratford Christmas Emporium Hosted by George Street Community Centre MK2 2NR Fund raising in support of Homeless People and Animals in need. Gifts on sale, Refreshments available. Donations of clothing and Animal food are welcome on the day. For more details email: georgestreetcommunitycentre.fs@ gmail.com Sunday 4th December 2.30pm-6.30pm BFTC Festive Fayre – Christmas Stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Games & Activities. Children’s Rides and Lantern Parade. Light Switch on at 5.30pm. Bletchley Town Centre , Queensway, Bletchley MK2 2SA Sunday 4th December Dobbies Garden Centre First Sunday of every month Little Seedlings Club. 4-10 years Free Admission 45mins – 1 hour. Sessions are 10am & 1.30pm Booking essential either online www.dobbies. com Or call 01908 364 890 Saturday 10th December 2.00pm-4.00pm Chocolate Wrappers for

Tell usadvertisers about youryou event: buzz@bletchleybuzz.co.uk Tell our found them in Bletchley Buzz


Like Bletchley Buzz on facebook for more updates Christmas – Paper-crafting demo with author Carole Matthews at Hobbycraft, Retail Park, Rooksley MK13 8PU Saturday 10th December 7.00pm, Quizz, Fish & Chips Night £10pp. Simpson Village Hall. Proceeds to Freedom from Torture. Suppers must be booked with missquizz@ sky.com or 01908 644785. Sunday 11th December 11.00am – 4.00pm MK Food FEAST. Locally made artisan food, drink and Christmas Gifts. Music, Competitions and Kids entertainment. Adults £3 Kids free in aid of Willen Hospice Bradwell Abbey MK13 9AP Sunday 11th December 7.00pm Christmas Concert Bring & share food. Singalong to carols. Woolstone Church Wednesday 14th December 7.30pm Christmas Fayre – A Concert by Sherwood Choral Society . Freeman Memorial Church, Buckingham Road, MK3 5HH Admission £5, Children £1 Christmas refreshments included Friday 16th December 7.00pm The Salvation Army Carol Concert. Bring & Share food. Collection taken to be shared between churches. St Thomas’s Church, Mk6 3AD

Friday 16th December 7.30pm, Saturday 17th 2.30pm & 7.30pm A Christmas Carol, production by Tread the Boards theatre group. The Chrysalis Theatre, Japonica Lane, Willen Park South MK15 9JY. Adult £10 Concessions £8. Book early for discounts and Family tickets. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ treadtheborads or call 01908 377449 Saturday 17th December 6.00pm – 8.00pm Paraffinalia 2016 Free event in Campbell Park. Lantern Parade, Interactive activities, Spectacular finale. Hot food available to purchase. Email carnival@ festiveroad.org.uk Sunday 18th December 6.00pm – 8.00pm Santa on his sleigh with helpers from The Rotary Club of The Brickhills. Donations to Mind MK and Bucks Vision Saints Estate – Bletchley. Weather permitting!

Weekly What’s On Legs, Bums & Tums Every Monday 10am -11am. St Georges Community Centre, George Street, Fenny Stratford, MK2 2NR. £5 per class. Bring a Mat. Other Classes available. Call Zoe 07866 612285.

Cha Char Chimps Entertainment Show for 0-5’s.Every Friday 10am – 11am. From £3 pay as you go St John’s Centre, Conway Crescent, Bletchley, MK3 6AR www.ccchimps.com www.facebook.com/ ccchimpsTel. 07917 683330 Living in the Moment Group 1st & 3rd Wednesday Every Month 1.30pm – 2.30pm Relaxed/Social Cuppa for the older community West Bletchley Council Offices221 Whaddon Way, Bletchley, MK3 7DZ Leisure Together For Tea, Biscuits, chat, board games, cards, darts & crafts Meet every Friday 2-4pm Newton Leys Community Centre MK3 5JF. Anyone over 18 and from surrounding areas welcome After School Junior Sports Programme (8-11 year olds) Monday (Football) Tuesdays (Cricket) & Wednesdays (Basketball, Badminton & Dodgeball) 4pm -5pm & Thursdays (Indoor Tennis & Street Golf) 4.30pm – 5.30pm Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way, MK2 2HQ. £3ps Pay as you play. For more information contact Chris Bryden on 07801 8513744 or email chris.bryden@miltonkeynesleisuure.co.uk

Share your news, events,www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk fundraisers with us, Call Claire on 01908 464164 31


What’s On Guide Weekly What’s On continued West Bletchley Community Centre Bingo Club – Every Tuesday 2.00pm – 4.00pm. £1 with refreshments plus cost of bingo tickets. Short Mat Bowls – Every Wednesday 10.00am – 12.00pm Indoor bowling. £2 with refreshments. Ladies of Leisure – Activities every fortnight on a Wednesday 2.00pm – 4.00pm £2 with refreshments. Art Group – every Thursday 1.30pm – 4.00pm. Friendly group who enjoy painting. 3 Porchester Close, MK3 6BH Tel: 01908 374122 Back 2 Netball Every Thursday 8.30-9.30pm £3.50 per session pay as play Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way, MK2 2HQ. For more information contact Chris Bryden on 07801 8513744 or email chris. bryden@miltonkeynesleisuure.co.uk

2017 Dates for your Diary Thursday 12th January 8pm The History of The Grand Junction / Grand Union Canal – Roly Doggett Held at Rectory Cottages, Church Green Road. Membership £12pa, £15 for couples, £3 per lecture, students free. Friday 10th February 7.30pm An Evening of Mediumship with spiritual medium ‘Becs’ Rebecca Sawyer. Doors open 7pm. Tickets £10. Raffle in aid of Supershoes and Harry’s Rainbow. Milton Keynes Irish Centre, Manor Fields, Watling Street, Bletchley MK2 2HX. For information email: chambers25@btinternet. com

Saturday 11th February Milton Keynes Model Railway Exhibition 
Over 40 layouts and 30 traders 10am - 4.30pm Stantonbury Leisure Centre, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes, MK14 6BN
Free vintage bus service every 30 mins from Milton Keynes Central station. Admission: £6.00 adult, £1.00 children TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE at website or on the door. (Discounts offered on adult tickets if you travel by train and free connecting bus). www.mkmrs.org.uk Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th July Newport Pagnell Carnival Celebrating 30 years of the Classic & Vintage Car Parade. Watch out for futher updates and details in Bletchley Buzz in the coming months.

An Evening of Mediumship milton keynes IRISH centre (Opposite DOBBIES gARDEN centre) manor fields, WATLING street, Bletchley, mk2 2hx With Spiritual Medium

“Becs”

(Rebecca Sawyer)

Friday 10th february 2017 Doors open 7:00pm, show starts 7:30pm Tickets £10 To book your seats or for more information please email: chambers25@btinternet.com

Raffle in aid of Supershoes and Harry’s Rainbow

32

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


QUEENSWAY METHODIST CHURCH, FENNY STRATFORD

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER AT 11.30AM F COME AND VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS - £ 2 PER CHILD. STALLS: HOMEMADE CAKES, CHRISTMAS GIFTS & CRAFTS,

Bletchley Town Centre, Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2SA Festive fun includes: Christmas Stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Games and Activities, Children’s Rides and Lantern Parade.

Your TOMBOLA, LUCKY DIP, GAMES & COMPETITIONS. Own REFRESHMENTS TO INCLUDE: FILLED ROLLS, MINCE PIES & HOT SAUSAGE ROLLS. Logo COME ALONG AND JOIN IN THE FUN ADMISSION FREE

Lights switch on at 5.30 pm. See you there! For more information, contact: Email: tracey.jenkins@bfstc.co.uk Phone: 01908 649469 Website: www.bfstc.co.uk

TREAD THE BOARDS Theatre Group

Presents

A Christmas Carol

A gift to MK3

A full-length drama adapted by Tom Smith Based on the novella by Charles Dickens Music by Roger Butterley/Lyrics by Tom Smith

From

Friday 16th December at 7.30pm Saturday 17th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm The Chrysalis Theatre, Japonica Lane, Willen Park South, Milton Keynes, MK15 9JY

ADULT £10 AND CONCESSIONS £8 BOOK EARLY FOR DISCOUNTS & FAMILY TICKETS To book visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/treadtheboards Produced by special arrangement with YouthPLAYS (www.youthplays.com) Enquiries: 01908 377449

Registered Charity No: 1087823

Join us to kick off the festive season on the first Saturday of December. Carols, crafts, games and hot refreshments. A completely FREE event as our Christmas gift to you.

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

33


The Humble Apple The British apple season starts in August and UK grown apples are available right through to May. Amazingly, though there are over 6,000 varieties, supermarkets stock just a handful – those that transport well and sit happily in plastic bags. More often than not they come from places such as South Africa, Chile and New Zealand.

Having recently been involved in Apple Day events across MK and the Big Pick weekend in Woughton Orchard, I couldn’t help but think about the humble apple and its many uses. And, whatever the Americans might think, there is nothing more British than apple pie. However, the next time you reach for a bag of apples, take a moment to check out the variety and the country of origin.

Did you know that in Milton Keynes apples can be found in publicly accessible places in Wolverton, Bancroft Park, Fenny Stratford, Shenley Lodge and Linford Wood to name but a few? Our largest community orchard, Woughton Orchard, has 400 fruit trees, hosting a wide variety of apples including Cox’s Orange Pippin, Arthur Turner, Laxton Superb and Laxton’s Fortune. So, the next time you restock your fruit bowl your journey may not need to stretch as far as the supermarket and there icertainly no need to buy apples picked all the way in New Zealand!

Add the liquids to your bread machine and then stack the flour, salt, butter, sugar and yeast on This recipe is top (or do this in reverse if that’s how your bread deceptively machine works). Set the machine onto its dough simple, setting and let it run through the programme. particularly if Remove the dough from the machine and knock you have a bread back on a floured surface. Roll the dough out to machine, yet it a rectangle about 30cm by 25cm. Put the apple looks impressive. mixture down the middle of the length of the Often I make dough. Make diagonal cuts out and down from the this on Boxing Day, with a couple of spoonfuls of apple to the edge of the dough on both sides at mincemeat added to the apple filling for a light 2.5cm intervals. Fold the strips of dough in towards dessert; a relief from stodgy puddings and cake. the centre to form a ‘plait’. Place on a greased baking sheet, cover 100ml milk with greased clingfilm 1 large egg, lightly beaten and leave to double in 250g strong white flour size. Preheat the oven 1/2 tsp salt to 200°C. Brush the 25g unsalted butter, diced plait with beaten egg 25g caster sugar and scatter on some 1 tsp fast-action dried yeast blanched almonds. 1 large apple, peeled, cored and chopped Bake for 20 minutes until golden then transfer onto 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 25g caster sugar (or use a wire rack to cool. Serve hot or cold, on its own or mincemeat instead). with custard, cream or ice-cream. Sliced blanched almonds and egg to top. Recipes by JamMooKow

Apple Plait

34

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Christmas Tree Festivals have become very popular events in many towns. Now, for the first time, the parish church of St Martin’s in Fenny Stratford is hosting one! We are inviting families, schools, companies, organisations, voluntary groups, etc to enter a decorated tree. The Festival will provide visitors with chance to appreciate the skills of exhibitors, enjoy a tea, or coffee with a mince pie, and prepare for the great festival of Christmas. Should you wish to enter a tree, please visit the church website for full details and the booking form: http://saintmartinchurch.com/?p=1264. Alternatively contact Mrs Iola Samuels on 0785 5757005. All bookings must be confirmed by Friday 25th November.

St Martin’s Church Aylesbury Street, Fenny Stratford

Christmas Tree Festival

The Festival closes with prize-giving and a Christmas sing-along for all to enjoy on Sunday 4th December at 4:00pm. The winning trees will be decided by public vote – all Festival visitors will be given a voting slip. The Festival is being run in partnership with local charity Supershoes.-empowering children fighting cancer in the UK. Supershoes are a registered charity that provides unique customised gifts for incredibly brave children and young people, who are receiving treatment or palliative care for Cancer in the UK. The gifts provided are hand painted customised canvas shoes - hence the name Supershoes…! We very much hope that you will want to be part of this very enjoyable, community project either by displaying a tree, visiting and enjoying the Festival or, perhaps assisting with stewarding.

St Martin’s Church in partnership with Supershoes - Empowering children fighting cancer in the UK

Do tell your friends, families and neighbours and get them to come along.

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

35


12 NIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS

12 pints of lager 11 shots of tequila 10 mates laughing 9 refused entries 8 threats shouted 7 cracking punches 6 kicks taken 5 broken ribs 4 bleeding cuts 3 cops out 2 hand-cuffs

Pain�ng and Decora�ng Bathrooms and Kitchens Fencing and Decking Small Repairs and Odd jobs General Plumbing / Minor Electrical and lots more..

and a night that ruined your life

Wishing our customers who have con�nued to support us throughtout 2016 a Very Merry Christmas For info log on to www.thamesvalley.police.uk/saferstreets follow us on Twitter find us on Facebook

Domes�c and Commercial

www.handyperson.org.uk

SAFER STREETS

Safer Streets Safer Streets

CI4469d

SAFER STREETS

Safer Streets OPERATION HANGOVER

Wordsearch Safer Streets

S B E R Q U O S N S G E F L A S M I I E L I Y S T I I C R E

36

L Y E K R U T D D N N H N E I

A C K P E T T R A P G N E N S S P E E G N I D D S R E L A T R S T O C K F I G S G O E C O R A T N I G H T M I R E G N A G N I F F U E R R Y A D S E L G N I E V E S A M G N D E E R

E R W I P P E C H U P M I V E I N G NG G I O N A S S T L I T S N G N I P P A T S I S S D

O O A U S E E S E G U X R R R

N H P L O D U R T H T O W H A

ICE

RUDOLPH

LIGHT

SHERRY

MIDNIGHT MASS

SHOPPING

NUTS

SNOW

PARTY

STOCKING

PLUM PUDDING

STUFFING

PRESENTS

TANGERINE

EGG NOG

QUEENS SPEECH

TINSEL

FAMILY

REINDEER

TURKEY

GIFT

RELATIVES

WRAPPING

BLACK PETER

OPERATION ROBBERY

BOXING DAY

S S S P R E S E N T S B G C C

BRUSSELS CARDS CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATIONS

Find the answer to the puzzle using the letters left when all the words have been found...

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


In need of a vet? Did you know that there are over 23,500 unpaid carers in Milton Keynes* and that they save the local economy £442 million through the care and support they give to family or loved ones? Nationally carers save the state in the region of £132 billion a year. These staggering figures were recently released in a report by the national charity Carers UK and show the vital role carers play and why we need to care for them too.

We’re one call away Vets Home Visit are available 24/7/365

Carers Rights Day (Friday 25th November) brings unpaid carers, support charities and local communities together to help carers understand their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to. Milton Keynes based charity Carers MK (which currently supports over 4500 unpaid carers, including young carers), is helping improve the lives of people who provide unpaid care for a relative, partner, friend or neighbour. A team of dedicated support staff are on hand to help provide advice and information on the different issues carers face such planning for an emergency, Power of Attorney, managing challenging behaviour, Untitled-3 benefits advice and how to find respite care. Carers MK supports carers all ages and in different caring roles, including young carers, parents of children with a physical or learning disability, older carers, and those looking after someone with a mental health condition. Becoming a carer can happen to anyone, and three in five of us will become a carer at some point in our lives. However people often don’t see themselves as a carer, but just a wife, husband, son, daughter or friend, doing their best through a combination of love and duty. Whether you are new to caring or not, it is important to get the right advice and support you need to stay fit, healthy and fulfilled. You can do this by registering as a carer with your GP and with Carers MK. The next time you visit your GP surgery just tell the receptionist that you are a carer or call or visit Carers MK on 01908 231 703. *2011 census

Our senior vets with over 30 years worth of experience in small animal care will visit you in the comfort of your own home info@vetshomevisit.co.uk

07951 703224 / 07492 900533 www.vetshomevisit.co.uk Registration and appointments are available on our website

1

12/02/2016 08:29:29

J&R Animal and pet care services

We offer doggy daycare, dog boarding, dog walking, puppy and pet visits Licensed, fully insured and DBS checked

Please contact Nicola or Susan

07545 641 636 • 07722 424 454 Nicolawelch1@gmail.com Susan-welch@hotmail.co.uk Big or small we care for all

To find out more information about Carers MK call 01908 231 703, email mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org or visit www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

37


38

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


OFFER ENDS 31st December 2016

Valid until 31st December 2016

www.bletchleybuzz.co.uk

39


40

Tell our advertisers you found them in Bletchley Buzz


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.