What's On

21st June 2023

Reggae Land is back to ‘Bowl’ you over

After its storming success in Campbell Park last summer, no-one was surprised when Reggae Land announced it was upsizing to the grand space of The National Bowl for its 2023 delivery, writes Sammy Jones. On August 5 & 6 some 30,000 music fans will descend on the iconic venue which will, over the course of the weekend, welcome more than 80 artists to four stages. That all important line-up comprises ‘a mouthwatering mix of reggae icons past, present and future with every facet of the vast sound showcased by the best in the scene,’ promise organisers, and they really have..

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21st June 2023

Great nights out… just like that!

Whether you want to ‘Take That and party’ or would prefer to get all shook up, there’s a theatre show to help you on your way this month. Pulse’s Sammy Jones has the lowdown for you... Thirty years have passed since Take That enjoyed their first visit to the top of the UK singles chart, with Pray, and to celebrate the anniversary the musical Greatest Days is out on the road. Based on the book by award-winning playwright Tim Firth (the ace behind Calendar Girls and Kinky Boots) it’s no coincidence that the tour will also be running at the..

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20th June 2023

‘Without him, we would not be where we are today’

YMCA stalwart receives British Empire Medal for his services to the charity. He has been involved with supporting the homeless in Milton Keynes and Northampton for 40 years. Now the work of Preston Ayres as a trustee and honorary treasurer has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Mr Ayres has received a British Empire Medal for his work with the YMCA Milton Keynes and Northampton as well as with other charities. He has played a key role from the start in the development and opening of YMCA Milton Keynes’ new campus in the city centre. Improving the lives..

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19th June 2023

Get a new lease of life by volunteering for Cats Protection

Cats Protection’s Milton Keynes Branch is urging people who are looking to ‘spice up their life’ to volunteer for the charity. The branch, part of the UK’s leading cat welfare charity that helps around 200,000 cats and kittens each year, says volunteering helps individuals to participate in interesting activities, widen their social circle and get a lot of satisfaction helping unwanted cats. The branch is currently crying out for more volunteers to join their team so they can continue doing the work they love, in particular cat fosterers. Volunteer fosterer Nick said “being a cat foster for Cats Protection is..

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19th June 2023

Go wild for a bug’s life

It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were advising you to tidy up the garden for the winter months, and here we are already looking towards the longest day of the year, on June 21. Of course the arrival of summer means the garden is at its active best; with flowers, fruits and vegetables all lining up for inspection. Together with the blooms and nature’s parlour, weeds also pop up everywhere, but their arrival is received less favourably. The easiest way to keep them down is to hoe your borders regularly in dry weather. If you mow, lawns need..

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19th June 2023

Using music for memories

We know that listening to a favourite song makes us feel good, and a certain tune on the radio can trigger specific memories. Music is incredibly evocative, which also makes it such a brilliant tool for those living with dementia. In Milton Keynes, Singing for the Brain sessions have proven so popular that the fortnightly musical meetings – organised by the Alzheimer’s Society – recently celebrated their ninth anniversary. Sammy Jones spoke with Dementia Advisor Chelsea Gadd about the power of music. Chelsea has worked to support people living with dementia..

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19th June 2023

The old history behind the new city

We love peeking into the past and sharing the secrets and stories of our local history, but this month, we thought we would shine a light on all that the Museum has to offer.  It's a constantly expanding collection and the only one that tells the complete history of the place we all call home... Yes, Milton Keynes is a new city, but the space it occupies is rich in history – and here at Milton Keynes Museum, we have been sharing that history for 50 years. MK Museum's wonderful Street of Shops with many original..

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17th June 2023

Rediscover Calcutta Brasserie in Stony Stratford – steeped in history and elegance

Calcutta Brasserie, the popular multi-award-winning Indian restaurant located in the heart of the historic town of Stony Stratford, is a reminder of the stunning independent restaurants our region has to offer. Calcutta Brasserie, the popular multi-award-winning Indian restaurant located in the heart of the historic town of Stony Stratford, is a reminder of the stunning independent restaurants our region has to offer.  Set within a beautiful 17th century chapel, Calcutta is one of the most highly celebrating and accoladed restaurants in the country. Recently under new management and celebrating after receiving the highest hygiene rating of 5 stars,  Calcutta Brasserie..

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17th June 2023

Clarity of Thinking to help with life’s challenges

Many people are still trying to cope with the after-effects of the pandemic. One solution is therapy provided by Clarity Thinking, based in Newport Pagnell. Or participating in a range of Counselling courses available from Clarity Thinking Learning Hub, an independent learning provider. These Counselling courses are designed to assist individuals in becoming more effective in communicating and moving positively forward in their professional and personal life.  Since the practice opened its doors in 2008 it has helped many clients with their mental health challenges enabling them to have an improved positive relationship with their emotional well-being.  The founders have..

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15th June 2023

Charity’s Black & Gold Ball returns this September for the 5th year running

Milton Keynes based charity The Henry Allen Trust are pleased to announce their annual Black and Gold Ball will be taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Stadium MK in September. Team Henry’s events committee are already working hard behind the scenes to bring a truly amazing night of glitz and glamour to Milton Keynes. Tickets are now on sale. Why not grab a group of friends, family or work colleagues together and join Team Henry to celebrate and dance into the night. The evening will start with a drink’s reception followed by a three-course meal, auction, games, live entertainment,..

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14th June 2023

Exclusive Father’s Day shopping event at Centre:mk

Father’s Day is fast approaching, and we all know that Dads are notoriously hard to buy for, so leading shopping destination centre:mk is holding a special event on Thursday 15th June to help shoppers pick out the perfect gifts for even the fussiest Dad. Centre:mk is working with participating retailers to provide a premium shopping event with exclusive offers and free instore experiences for the gift hunters. These include a special, one day discount from menswear specialist Charles Tyrwhitt, a free hand and arm massage with a glass of fizz at premium fragrance brand Molton Brown and a range of..

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14th June 2023

One month to go until MK’s biggest fundraising night-time event!

There’s only one month to go until the Willen Hospice Midnight Moo, which takes place from Midsummer Place at 10pm on Friday 14th July. The Midnight Moo, sponsored by Specsavers MK, sees local people walk a 5 or 10 mile route through Milton Keynes at night. With over 800 people already signed up, it promises to be a fantastic event, with an energetic party-atmosphere. The night begins with music, face painting and a warm up to create a real buzz before the countdown to 10pm begins. The theme for this year’s event is ‘City of Stars’ and walkers are encouraged..

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13th June 2023

‘We have a vision of a society where suicide and suicide prevention are openly and widely discussed’

It symbolises both the serious and emotional subject of suicide and at the same time the growing swell of hope that aspires to a zero-suicide society. A national campaign highlighting suicide prevention is preparing to stop over in Milton Keynes. There are more than 6,000 suicides in the UK every year. And the Baton of Hope campaign is moving fast towards becoming the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative. The initiative is currently on a UK-wide tour promoting its work and is coming to Milton Keynes on July 4 to coincide with a major suicide prevention conference taking place at Stadium..

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11th June 2023

An ambitious new inclusive building project breaks ground at a local charity in Pennyland

The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Howe, Dame Ann Limb, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Mayor and Mayoress Mick and Mandy Legg marked the start of the capital expansion programme at Camphill MK. Over the past year, Camphill MK Communities' grand plans to double the number of individuals with disabilities they support with a massive £15m expansion plan. The planning permission was granted just weeks before the 2020 Covid lockdown, and 1st June 2023 marked the breaking of the ground at the charity's second site in Pennyland. Attended by their patron, BBC 4's Martha Kearney, key funders, partners..

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11th June 2023

Top awards for Milton Keynes Scouts

Rising to the challenge… Meet the children and young people who have collected top awards for their sections from Buckinghamshire Scouts. Just under 100 Squirrels, Beavers, Cub Scouts and Scouts are pictured after receiving challenge badges in their respective age groups. And the group is looking for more volunteers to join the dozens who already help out as the youngsters learn, explore and develop their skills. “We are continuing to grow as our brilliant volunteers provide such a wide range of activities for the children,” says James Williamson, lead volunteer for Buckinghamshire Scouts. “We are looking for some people to..

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