Focus Midshires Mar-Apr 2016

To advertise call: 01327 353753

For your perfect kitchen, bathroom or bedroom

The Design Studio, The Old Cattle Market, Watling Street East, Towcester NN12 6HNFor your free consultation call 01327 359282 www.parkerkitchens.co.uk

Free parking at our design

studio!

Your Bedroom is your retreat from the rigours of everyday life. We can supply and install a range of Bedroom furniture that is both practical and hard wearing and to suit every taste.

March – April 2016Issue 30

win An Afternoon

Tea for Two at The Granary Hotel in

Fawlsey see page 19

Don�t missBell Plantation Four page feature on pages 31 to 34

For the Love ofthe Great Indoors

@K_J_InteriorsBell Plantation | Towcester | Northants | NN12 6GX | 01327 354 707 www.karenjaneinteriors.co.uk

Northamptonshire’s Finest Homeware Store

Lighting & Mirrors Sofas, Dining & Bedroom Furniture Accessories & Giftware

New Ranges & Promotions!New ranges from Wade Upholstery and Maison Parker Knoll.

Great new fabrics to choose from. Big discounts on selected ranges!

3Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753

Welcome & Contents

ContentsMarch – April 2016 Issue Number 30

on page 19 where you have a chance to win an Afternoon Tea for Two with a Glass of Prosecco at The Granary Hotel in Fawlsey.

The nights are slowly starting to get lighter, so don't forget to put the clocks forward an hour on the 27th March! Fingers crossed Spring is well and truly on its way, although it seems the daffodils are a little confused this year after a rather mild Winter!

What better time of year to give your home a good Spring clean, see page 23 for some top household tips to make your life easier, or if you would rather get someone in to do the job for you

W elcome to the 30th issue of Focus Midshires, can you believe it

has been five whole years since that first edition! How time flies!

In this Birthday issue you will find a special four page centre pullout from the Bell Plantation along with all your usual favourites including the What's On page on page 47 and the Sudoku Puzzle

Discover Olney�s hidden gemDusk till Dawn offer beautiful dresses for all occasions turn to page 11 to find out more

check out the Home Services & Tradespeople sections where you will find all the numbers you will need to make your house sparkle!

Dates for your diary this month include Mother's Day on 6th March so make sure you treat your Mum! Easter is also this month with Good Friday on 25th March and Easer Monday on 28th March, have a look at page 12 for details of Brampton Heath Golf Club’s Easter Egg Hunt.

So enjoy reading and hopefully next time the sun might be shining!

16 Food & Drink

14 Health, Beauty & Fitness

22 Education

05 Entertainment & Leisure

21 Pets

17 Services

26 Home Services

28 Homes

45 Tradespeople

51 Windows & Conservatories

55 Gardens

62 Motors

The deadline for advertising in your next issue of Focus Midshires

is the 6th April

To advertise call us on 01327 353753 email: [email protected] visit: www.focusmagazinegroup.co.ukFollow us on Twitter: @FocusMagazines Find us on Facebook: FocusMagazineGroupPublished by: Focus Magazine Group, The Studio, 15 Buckingham Way, Towcester, Northants NN12 6JY

Afternoon Tea for Two With a

Glass of Prosecco at The Granary

in Fawsleywith our sudoku puzzle,

turn to page 19

win24 Recruitment

31 Bell Plantation Garden Centre

4 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753

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Focus TowcesterCirculation: 10,000

Focus BrackleyCirculation: 7,500

Focus MidshiresCirculation: 8,100

Focus Bicester NorthCirculation: 7,000

Focus Bicester SouthCirculation: 7,300

A4095

Paulerspury

WoodBurcote

We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Focus Midshires, whilst every care is taken to ensure 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 Midshires is one of five magazines delivered to over 40,000 homes and businesses, published bi-monthly.Focus Magazines are also placed in public areas, cafes, public houses, restaurants, information bureaus, surgeries and libraries free of charge for readers out of our delivery areas.To find out how to start advertising your business from just £20 per month call us on 01327 353753.

55Need a web site? £249+ Vat no hidden charges - Call Focus on 01327 353753

Entertainment & Leisure

Homemade cakes, cheese, pickles, deli counter, fresh bread, afternoon teas, coffees, light lunchesopen 7 till 7

Bed & Breakfast at The Roadehouse – All rooms with en-suites



Moreton Pinkney Village Hall, Upper Green, Moreton Pinkney NN11 3SGBugbrooke Football Club, Camp Hill, Bugbrooke NN7 3PH

Tel: 01327 871797antiques2go.co.uk [email protected]

Lamport HallAntiques, Collectors

& Vintage FairEaster Bank Holiday

Sunday 27th &Monday 28th March

~ 10am - 4pm ~Lamport Hall, Northants NN6 9HD

Over 80 Stalls ~ Pig RoastRefreshments ~ Free Parking

Dogs Welcome

Adults £3.50, Concessions £3.00Under 17s FREE

Moreton Pinkney Auction350+ lots of antiques, furniture, collectables, china, tools, mid-century, clocks and more!

Future Auction DatesSaturday 19th March & Saturday 16th Apr Saturday 21st May & Saturday 18th June

Viewing from 4.30pm - 6.30pm on the preceding Friday and from 9.00am

on the day of the sale

~ Auction begins at 10.15am ~Bugbrooke Auction every Tuesday

4.30pm viewing, 6.30pm start. 300+ lots jewellery, antiques, coins, stamps, militaria.

Towcester Town Hall every Friday See our website for more details,auction catalogues and events.

777Make Focus your first call for advertising and print requirements - Call Focus on 01327 353753


Local man wins world dancing title

Local painter and decorator, Phil Holding, has recently returned from Paris having won the Over 40 WDC (World Dance Council) World Ballroom Dancing Championship.

This annual event is held over four days in December at Disneyland Paris, attracts hundreds of the top dancers from all over the world and is the international event all serious dancers really want to win.

Phil and his partner, Janine Desai, already hold many titles including the British National and European senior ballroom titles, both won at the home of

ballroom dancing in the magnificent Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

The dances in which they compete are the traditional ballroom dances; Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Viennese Waltz, all of which will be familiar to any fan of the ever popular Strictly Come Dancing.

It takes a great deal of time and dedication to achieve this level of performance and he and Janine are currently training hard for the British Open titles held in Blackpool during May. Phil spends many hours travelling hundreds of miles every week to train with Janine and all of this is squeezed in around his day job as a self-employed painter and decorator - his advert appears within this month’s issue on page 49.

Phil is also available to teach dancing, to all ages and experience levels, and can be contacted at [email protected]. For those seeking to start their dancing journey, improve their skills or even plan a wedding dance to remember, this is surely an opportunity not to be missed!

Phil and Janine in competition.



Call to book now on 01327 353 118The Park, Brackley Road, Towcester (next to Buddies) NN12 6TQ

www.smsxtrav.co.ukemail: [email protected]

Please ‘like’ us on Facebook to be keptup to date with all day trips ‘SMS X TRAV Ltd’

All day trips pick up Towcester/Brackley, day trips with * pick up in Bicester also. All travel prices shown are COACH/TRAVEL ONLY – Entrance charge/admission fees must be paid on entry if applicable to the attraction at the published price. SMS X TRAV Ltd do advise to purchase entrance tickets on the day as if we have to postpone/cancel for any reason we therefore will not be held liable to refund any costs.Wherever possible we will look to provide a coach on all our excursions. However, SMS X TRAV Ltd reserves the right to alter the size of the vehicle (wherever possible to the same standard or higher) should insuffi cient passenger numbers book. Terms & Conditions are available on request.

Day trips with SMS X TRAVDay trips with SMS X TRAVDay trips with SMS X TRAVDay trips with SMS X TRAV

COST PICK RETURN PER UP DEPARTUREDAY DATE DESTINATION PERSON TIME TIMESat 16 April *Stratford Upon Avon £13.00 08:30 17:00Sun 15 May *Hampton Court Gardens & Palace – London £15.00 08:30 16:30Sat 21 May *Weymouth £20.00 07:30 17:00Sat 28 May *Weston Super Mare £20.00 07:30 16:30Tues 31 May *Brighton £17.00 07:30 17:00Sat 23 July *Bournemouth £18.00 07:30 17:00Tues 26 July *Blenheim Palace & Woodstock £17.00 09:00 17:00Sun 31 July *Kew Gardens £14.00 07:30 16:30Mon 1 Aug Skegness £16.00 07:30 16:30Weds 10 Aug *Weston Super Mare £20.00 07:30 16:30Mon 15 Aug *Eastbourne £19.00 07:30 17:00Sat 20 Aug *Bournemouth Air Festival £18.00 06:30 17:00Thurs 25 Aug *Weymouth £20.00 07:30 17:00Tues 30 Aug York £20.00 07:30 17:00Thurs 1 Sept *Kew Gardens £14.00 07:30 16:30Sat 3 Sept *Brighton £17.00 07:30 17:00Sat 22 Oct Blackpool Illuminations £28.00 09:00 18:00Sat 5 Nov *Birmingham (Shopping) – Bull Ring £17.00 08:30 17:00Sat 12 Nov *London (Shopping) – Oxford Street £18.00 08:00 17:00

9999For all business cards, leaflets, flyers, NCR pads, compliment slips - Call Focus on 01327 353753


Coming to Arts at Stowe this Spring

The Arts at Stowe Legend and Legacy series continues on 1 March with a presentation by Richard Osgood on the archaeological excavations of WW1 sites that provide an

insight to the recovery of military personnel. This event is a special offer for Arts at Stowe members. For non-members, tickets are just £6.

There are lots of offers for Arts at Stowe members this Spring with ticket discounts on performances by outstanding musicians: Darius Brubeck Quartet on 2 March, the hugely popular Antonio Forcione returns to Stowe with his inspirational guitar playing on 16 March, Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers perform a show fusing primal rhythm, energy, choreographed movement and infectious humour on 20 April, and distinguished pianist Ben Andrew shows how it’s done on the Steinway at Stowe on 27 April.

Comedian Hal Cruttenden, who is touring the UK with his show Straight Outta Cruttenden, comes to Stowe on 12 March. Hal is well known for his appearances on Live at the Apollo and Have I Got News for You.

Comedy in the theatre includes Fishamble bringing international hit from New York, Paris and Edinburgh: SWING - A comedy about dancing that will make you want to dance on 6 April; Stones in his Pockets on 30 April, about a quiet Irish community turned upside down with the arrival of a Hollywood film crew, is described as hilarious and funny

Lempen Puppet Theatre Company brings us Little Frankenstein, gentle horror for little horrors on 31 March.

Stowe Creative Academy for 10-18 year olds.

From 4-8 April, budding musicians and producers will be guided by music industry professionals to write, perform and record their work using state-of-the-art equipment at the Stowe School Music Studios which have been designed by award winning film composer Harry Gregson-Williams.

[email protected] Box Office: 01280 825710 www.artsatstowe.co.uk Enquiries: 01280 818012



Gift ideas for Mother’s Day atJoss & Florence

Unit 7, Selby Barns, Duncote, Towcester NN12 8AL01327 358833 sales@jossandfl orence.co.uk

Open Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-4pm

Shop Online: www.therailwayconductor.co.ukE: [email protected]

T: 01604 830722 M: 07961 757094

All major cards/ payments accepted

MODEL TRAINS

& ACCESSORIES

VISIT OUR SHOPThe Old Dairy Farm

Craft Centre, Upper Stowe

Nr. Weedon NN7 4SH

VISIT OUR

SHOP

STOCKISTS OF:HORNBYBACHMANNPECOGAUGEMASTERDIECAST… AND MORE

Opening Times:Mon to Fri 10.30am-5pm, Sat 10.30am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-4pm

We offerMAIL

ORDER

Music InstrumentRepairs

HERITAGE MUSIC & CASWELLS STRINGSBrackley, Northants. Telephone: 01280 703111

www.heritage-music.co.ukwww.caswells-strings.co.uk

Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Repairs to all Brass, Woodwindand Stringed instruments

Established 1993

11111111List or check your business listing FREE – go online www.focusfindit.co.uk or upgrade


Beautiful Dresses for all Occasions

1st Floor Dagnall House,Stanley Court, Olney, BucksMK46 5NHTel: 01234 [email protected]

A hidden gem in the market town of Olney

T�� C�yst�� An��

Email: [email protected]

Find us on Facebookwww.thecrystalangel.co.uk


Reiki, Crystal TreatmentsChakra Balancing

Card ReadingsMeditati on Classes

To book any of the above contact Sharon

Tel: 07739 632782

Dusk till Dawn Boutique: Olney�s hidden gem

Offering an elegant and sophisticated range of ladies wear. With emphasis on customer service, one to one service and quality merchandise, bringing London

fashion to your door step.

Not only does Dusk till Dawn specialise in evening wear, prom wear, party wear, formal cruise wear, weddings, mother of the bride, and exclusive designer one-offs.

With a choice of 450 outfits (at the last count) new stock is regularly being introduced to cater for ladies needs of all shapes and sizes (from 4-28) as well as supplying outfits for the seasonal and social demands. To give you an example in 2011 they introduced VIVIANA - Styled and cut to compliment the more curvaceous figure (sizes 14 to 28) - Launched after many requests to provide high-end evening and occasion-wear for the plus-sized customer.

The owner has worked with, and in, numerous prestigious London boutiques to the large multi-national blue chip companies (and Harrods) to name drop

but a few. Dusk Till Dawn specialise in styling you for the event. Making sure the colours are right for your tones and shapes to fit your individual body type, so when you wear your outfit, you know it will have the WOW factor. With a dedicated one-to-one fitting service, what more could you want under one roof?

So pop in to Dusk till Dawn and make your dreams come true, whether you are going to a ball, prom, corporate event or wedding, preparing for the season couldn't be easier.

To have a look, visit our lovely website to look at some of the outfits worn by our customers!!!

Don’t forget we also offer a hire service. (T&Cs apply) selected collection.

1st Floor Dagnall House, Stanley Ct, Olney, Bucks MK46 5NH Tel: 01234 712200 www.dusktdawn.co.uk



Individual & Unique shops, fully licenced tea rooms plus a multi award winning Cookshop

and ample free parking

Free WiFi in the courtyard

Open 7 days a week – 10.00am to 5.00pm Including Bank Holidays

Shopping Village: 01327 349 508

www.heartoftheshires.co.ukFor those who love to shop

on the A5 Nr Weedon

HofS A5 LAND.indd 1 01/12/2015 10:00

And lots more to be confirmed …

Brampton Heath Golf Centre, Sandy Lane, Church Brampton, NN6 8AX www.bramptonheathgolfcentre.co.uk Call our Events Team on 01604 843939



Stylish marquees for all events

Whatever the event, our stylish Marquees offer complete flexibility for either a small and intimate affair or a larger celebration. We design and tailor the

set-up around your requirements and budget, ensuring we cater for all aspects of your special day.

We are a family run business with over 12 years of experience in the Marquee industry. David and Christopher will look after you from the initial meeting to discuss your requirements right through your event and on to the final clear down. They are at the end of the phone and will be there on-site to put the event together so it runs to perfection.

DJ Marquees also offer Mobile Bar Hire for all occasions. Not only can we install complete bar setups, but can also provide the staff and a fully stocked bar with tailored menus. All our bars can be illuminated to a large selection of colours and sequences. Additional bar services we provide include reception drinks & table wine services. We appreciate all functions are unique, therefore we offer endless

options in which you can choose and amend to suit your individual occasion.

Don’t worry if you are struggling to find somewhere to host your function, as we work with many stunning venues in the area with picturesque scenery. So have your dream function in one of the beautiful, secluded venues we have to offer.

With our ability to provide not only Marquee Hire but also Mobile Bar Hire as well as Catering through our family businesses, we like to refer to ourselves as a one-stop-shop, delivering efficiency and making planning your special occasion as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Tel: 07801 860732 / 07584 322876Email: [email protected]: www.djmarquees.co.uk

Tel: 07801 860732 / 07584 322876Email: [email protected]

Web: www.djmarquees.co.uk

WEDDINGS, CORPORATE EVENTS & PRIVATE PARTIES


Health, Beauty & Fitness

Tel: 01327 358 572

Towcester Centre for Leisure Springfields Towcester NN12 6UW

[email protected]

Large free car

park

All Waxing Services Only £10

Per treatmente.g. 1/2 leg £10, Bikini £10,

Terms and conditions apply. Call for details.

Open 6 days a week including 8am - 8pm Mon & Fri

Podiatry by EricaProfessional Chiropody / Podiatry Services

• Corns / Callus• Veruccas• Ingrown Toenails• Fungal Infections• Foot Pain• General Footcare• Diabetic Footcare• Elderly Footcare• Evening & Weekend

AppointmentsFREE STREET PARKING

Tel: 01604 636949134 Adnitt Road, Northampton NN1 4NF

www.podiatrybyerica.co.uk Podiatry By Erica Harris

Payment cards accepted

SPA AND WELLNESS

Telephone: 01327 810206 email: [email protected] Book online: graftonspa.co.ukGrafton Spa and Wellness, Wake�ield Country Courtyard, Wake�ield Lodge Estate, Potterspury, Northants NN12 7QX

Luxury for the ladies…

Treat your Mum to a relaxing Lava Shell Massage or Mums to be – Pregnancy Baby Showers in the Spa

New for 2016 – Hen parties with Afternoon Tea New Re�lexologist - Sessions available New Yogalise Session on a Friday 10am & 1pm


Health, Beauty & Fitness

National No Smoking Day 9th March - time to quit

Stopping smoking might be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but it's also one of the best – and you don’t have to face this alone.

This years No Smoking Day is the 9th March and it is run by The British Heart Foundation. This campaign aims to help smokers who want to quit by creating a supportive environment. The first No Smoking Day was in 1983 back then there were millions more smokers in the UK compared to today.

Still, around 10 million people in the UK smoke, while around 100,000 die every year from smoking-related causes. That’s 100,000 deaths too many. Their Vison: is to reduce tobacco related

illness and deaths. Their Mission: is to support smokers who want to stop by providing an opportunity to do so by highlighting the effective help that is available.

Budgets in the public health environment may be stretched, No Smoking Day is one of the most cost-effective health interventions of its kind, but the success all depends on the person themselves.

If you live in England, you can sign up for free proven support from NHS Smokefree. The One Day Quit Tool has been developed by experts to provide practical and tailored support to help make 9 March 2016 the day you start to stop. Sign up to get your free quitting support to ensure you’re ready to quit with thousands of others this No Smoking Day.

And our No Smoking Day forum provides a supportive environment for you to share your quit journey with others, get support and share successes.

www.nosmokingday.org.uk/ i-want-to-quit/help-to-quit/

Get your body back to its best!

MassageMoose.co.uk

Musculoskeletal pain can be massively improved by deep-tissue sports massage and soft-tissue therapy

Aches, pains and niggles?

Call for a friendly chat07734 429 423

Tristen

BSc., MISRM, MSMAMoose Clinic

WeedonPattishall


Food & Drink

Outside Catering byTOWCESTER TEA ROOMS

All food prepared and cooked fresh on the day

Buffets to suit all budgets,delivered to your door

• Weddings• Christenings• Anniversaries• Birthdays• Business Lunches• Funerals• Naming Days• Engagement• Parties

169 Watling Street, Towcester

Tel: 01327 358 200Mob: 07792 189 022 (call or text)

[email protected]/

outside-catering

@towcesterteaTowcesterTeaRooms

Ian Brodie Catering

www.pigroast.co.uk

We cater for business functions, celebrations, shows and everything in between!

- Food can be cooked and served indoors or out, in all seasons

- We can provide gazebos for outdoor catering if required, we can even provide a generator

- We take care of the cleaning up

- We can provide crockery and professional sta� for the occasion

- Any amount of people catered for

So, if you’re having a party or a village get together and you don’t want the hassle of the catering, then give us a call now 07802 188338 or email: [email protected]

Established 35 yearsPig Roasts Roast Joints Barbeque Canapes A�ernoon Tea Desserts Weddings, Corporate & Private Functions

• Crea ve Colouring

• Precision Cu ng

• Hair Extensions

Call Chloe for a FREE consulta on on 07707 285776

Ladies MOBILE HAIRDRESSER

Cuts from

£20.00

Colours from £30.00


Services

• • • • •

Cookery Corner... Cheese & Chicken Peppers

T hese stuffed peppers are perfect for getting the kids involved

with the cooking. They are super easy to make and great for using up leftover chicken.

Serves 2

IngredientsVegetable Oil / Low Fat Spray2 Red Peppers, 100g Cooked Chicken4 Cherry Tomatoes, chopped4 Basil Leaves, torn50g Mozzarella, chopped2 tbsp Grated Cheddar or ParmesanSalt & Pepper to tastePeas or Salad to serve

Method1. Pre heat the oven to 200ºc / gas mark 6. Line a

baking tray with greaseproof paper and lightly oil.2. Remove the stalk and seeds from the peppers and cut

in half. Place on the baking tray cut side up.3. Divide the cooked chicken equally between the

pepper halves.4. In a bowl, mix together the cherry tomatoes and

basil. Season to taste. Spoon the mixture into the pepper halves.

5. Divide the mozzarella equally between the pepper halves and sprinkle over the cheddar / parmesan. Season with a little ground black pepper.

6. Baked the stuffed peppers in the oven for 18 – 20 minutes, or until the flesh is completely cooked through.

7. Serve with peas or salad.

www.facebook.com/ TheKidsKitchenNorthampton Tel: 07522 832824


Services

Problems with your computer?

• Desktop, Laptop and Servers• Slow Computers• Broken Laptop Screens• Blue Screens• Broadband Help• Email and Virus Problems• Email & Website Provision• PAT Testing

Doctor Watsons has well over 20 years professional experience supporting Home and Business IT Needs

Professional friendly IT Support for:


Freephone 0800 6125 118or mobile: 07722 222 118

BACSAccounting

Do you need an accountant?We are a small but proactive practice

o� ering a personal and a� ordable service to medium sized enterprises, partnerships

and self-employed.

VAT returns Annual budgets Payroll issues Cash� ow forecasts Bookkeeping Dividends Tax consultancy Debt collection

With over 30 years experience

Call Mike Rusling on07710 584116 or 01604 410170

Email: [email protected] an initial discussion

Accountants & Bookkeepers• Year end accounts and taxation

• Payroll

• Bookkeeping and VAT returns

• Personal taxation

• Charity accounts

• Company secretarial

• Company formation

FREE! ConsultationOffice 6, Town Hall, 86 Watling Street East,

Towcester, NN12 6BS

01327 354800www.corporatedevelopmentresources.com

e-mail: [email protected]

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CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS& TAX ADVISORS

Cube can complete your Accounts and Tax Return for you:

call Jon on 01604 758595 or email [email protected]. Please visit our websitewww.cubepartners.com

call Jon on 01604 758595 or email [email protected].


Services

9 2 53 2 7 5

4 6 85 8 4

4 3 85 9 2 3

6 5 2

7 5 3 4 9

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.

Cut out and send completed entries along with your name, address and phone number to: The Studio, 15 Buckingham Way, Towcester, Northants NN12 6JY

Save a stamp - FREE ENTRY email your solution to: [email protected] Closing date for entries: March 30th 2016

Pit your wits against our Sudoku and try to win yourself an Afternoon Tea For 2 With A Glass Of Prosecco

at The Granary In Fawsley.

Congratulations to the winner of our Sudoku from our previous issue, Mrs S. Scott Evans from Hartwell.

SUDOKU

FS

Puzzle supplied by: www.sudoku-puzzles.net

9 6

John & Jane WhiteTim & Karen Barrett

Independent Family OwnedPrivate Chapel of Rest24hr Personal Service

Pre Payment Plans Available

188 Watling Street EastTowcester, Northants NN12 6DB.

Tel: 01327 [email protected]

John & Jane WhiteTim & Karen Barrett

Independent Family Owned • Private Chapel of Rest24hr Personal Service • Pre Payment Plans Available

188 Watling Street East, Towcester, Northants NN12 6DB.Telephone: 01327 359266.

[email protected]

John White adverts.indd 2 25/06/2015 13:53

The Granary Hotel, Fawsley, Northants NN11 3BU01327 361730 [email protected] www.granary-hotel.com Prize to be used by 30th April 2016

win!Afternoon Tea For 2 With A Glass Of Prosecco at The Granary In

Fawsley


Services

i� �e�y�l�d�i�t�

Y�u�

t� �o�e� �u� h�m�s

F�O�W�S�E

E�E�G�

Recycle all your food waste to power our local community

www.southnorthants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling


Pets

Burcote Road, Towcester 1 The Bungalows Northamptonshire Watling Street, Weedon NN12 6JW NN7 4QQTel: 01327 350239 Tel: 01327 344999

www.towcester-vets.co.uk

YOUR ANIMALS, OUR VETS,ALL THE TIME

SMALL ANIMAL

FARM ANIMAL

EQUINE

SURGICAL REFERRALSSurgery opening times:Mon-Fri 9am - 6:15pm, Sat 9am - 11:00am

24 HOUR COVER

A ‘n’ K Allsorts Pet Sitting

Tel: Kevin 07900 494 869Landline: 01604 857 546Email: [email protected]

12 High Street, Gayton, Northants NN7 3HD

Dogs all shapes and sizes cared for in

our own home whilst you are away!

Daily holiday cover for dogs, cats and other pets. Koi ponds, birds, rabbits, Guinea pigs, reptiles etc.

Dog walking whilst you are at work!

DRB checked and retired police officer

Please contact us to discuss your individual

requirements and speak to Kevin or Alex Bassom.

Dogs boarded in our own home whilst you are

on holiday!

Maintaining a healthy diet for your pet rabbit

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK. Did you know that many diseases seen in pet rabbits could be prevented by feeding a more appropriate diet?

Diseases such as dental problems, intestinal problems, bladder stones and obesity can be caused by feeding an inappropriate diet. Behavioural problems such as aggression and biting the bars of the cage can also occur. Rabbits in the wild spend much of the day grazing and foraging so those rabbits that do not spend much time grazing are likely to become bored.

Fibre is a key component of a rabbit’s diet. Therefore, the diet should be based mainly on grass and good

quality hay (at least 70% of their food intake). 20-28% of the diet

should be made up of leafy greens (avoiding lettuce), herbs and certain wild plants such as

dandelions. Only 2-3% of the diet should consist of commercial rabbit foods.

Rabbits that have not had hay as part of their diet from a young age can sometimes be difficult to persuade to eat hay. It may help to gradually reduce the amount of commercial rabbit food available to them. Sometimes trying different types of hay can help (particularly good quality Timothy hay or dried grass). Keeping food hay away from bedding encourages some rabbits to eat it. This can be achieved by using hay racks or stuffing toilet roll inners with hay. Other foods such as dried herbs can be mixed into the hay to encourage foraging.

Some rabbits may be reluctant to chew if they have dental disease so getting your rabbits teeth checked by a vet may help.

If you have any questions about your rabbit’s ideal diet please contact Weedon Vets on 01327 344999.


Education

bosworthcollege.com Find out more on-line

an appointment or taster day

Imagine the possibilities• Small class sizes • Personalised learning • 91% of A-level leavers attained A*-C grades • Situated in the market town of Northampton – one hour by train from London

1-year or 2-year GCSE, A-level, University Foundation & BTEC Courses

Co-Ed Day & Boarding College 14-19 years

Culture of Achievement

Open Evening • Thursday 3rd March • from 7pm01604 235 090or call to book

BosOpenEve2016_A5P_V2_FinalAW.qxp_Layout 1 14/01/2016 18:08 Page 1


Education

Household tips to make your life easier1. To restore finished wood furniture, steep two tea bags in hot water for 10

minutes. Let cool, then dampen a clean soft cloth with tea and wipe over wood furniture. It will bring out the woods natural colour and shine.

2. Use cat litter mixed with baking soda in a pan to

neutralise musty or bad odours.

3. If the tip of your shoe lace becomes frayed snip off the frayed end. Then paint or dip the end of the shoe lace into clear nail polish and let it dry. Good as new.

4. If your new shoes are too tight put the nozzle of your blow dryer into shoe and turn on low. When shoe gets warm, stuff with paper or socks to stretch it.

5. Spray WD40 on a cloth and wipe over leather shoes or leather boots , then buff with a soft clean cloth to shine and make them waterproof.

6. To clean oil based paint off of your hands, use vegetable oil. Then wash hands with warm soapy water.

7. Before storing clothes that have been dry cleaned, remove them from the plastic bag, as the bag may cause clothes to yellow.

8. If you have weeds growing in the cracks of your patio, deck or driveway, kill them by spraying them with a solution of 1/4 cup of salt added to 1 gallon of water. To keep weeds from returning keep salt in the cracks.

9. Half a lemon sprinkled with table salt can be used safely to clean or remove stains from granite. For tough stains leave lemon and salt on to soak, then rinse with clean water and dry.

10. Salt and lemon juice mixed together removes mildew stains.

Come and see for yourself.Give us a call 01604 765765

9.30am - 12noon Friday 11 Marchand Friday 6 May

Whole SchoolOpen Days

From Nursery to Sixth Form (3-18 years), outstanding success is achieved through a broad and challenging curriculum. In a happy, friendly environment, girls visibly grow in confidence and ability, emerging as fully rounded, educated young women.

Inspired Learning

www.northamptonhigh.gdst.net


Recruitment

Do you want a career in financial services? Are you customer focused?

We are expanding rapidly and looking for

CUSTOMER CONSULTANTS to join our team in Brackley.

If you are a customer focused individual, who enjoys talking to people and would like to make a real

difference to the customers you interact with, then this could be the role for you.

The starting salary is £17,000 and you will be entitled to loads of great benefits, such as performance related bonuses, 22 days holiday, subsidised on site café,

free on site parking and much more.

If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you!

Go to dlcuk.com/careers or email your CV and covering letter to: [email protected]


Recruitment


Home Services

Northampton

Blisworth

Towcester

St. Johns School

1st rightafter houses

A43A43

A5A5

TOWCESTERSELF STOREEasy Parking, Easy Access, Easy to Pay

Large or small… We store it all Competitive Pricing Secure Storage Various Size Units

to suit all

01604 85 88 78

Unit 4aRectory FarmSt Johns RoadTiffi eldNN12 8AA

www. towcesterselfstore.com email: [email protected]

CALL US FOR A PRICE!

TOWCESTERSELF STOREEasy Parking, Easy Access, Easy to Pay

Need a Man & a Van?

Local UK & European

Reliable, professional and careful white glove service. Free Quotes

No job too small, so give us a call

Paul Thomas www.northamptonservices.co.uk

[email protected]

Home & O ce Removals

07932 691349


Home Services

Friendly, local engineer, Call Paul on

01604 549569 ┃ 01327 893070 ┃ 07979 460008

Full Aerial Upgrades Freeview Aerials FM Aerials DAB Aerials Extra TV Points Sky Reception Problems Sky Link Up Sky Multi Room Freesat Installations Freeview / Freesat Recievers

SATELLITE & AERIAL SPECIALISTS

FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTES 10% OAP DISCOUNT GIVEN

Your Local Digital Specialists

Digital Aerial Upgrades Digital Freeview • New Installations

TV, Video & Digital Satellite (to any room)

TOWCESTER 01327 855 722 MOBILE 07774 853 991

14 Lodge Park Whittlebury Northants

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

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Tel: 01604 812060 M: 07925 940863

www.ovensaints.co.uk • Single ovens • Double ovens • Aga’s • Hobs • Microwaves • BBQ’s

Oven Saints


Homes

Step out of the darkness and into the light at our 7,500 sq ft

Milton Keynes Lighting Showroom

Duckworth Court, Grafton Retail Park, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes MK6 2RX

Tel 01908 671850 email: [email protected] online at: www.refinedlightingmk.co.uk www.directlight.co.uk

Open: Mon - Sat 9.30am-5.30pm Sunday 11.00am-4.00pm

Bank Holidays 10.00am-4.00pm

Areas covered:NorthamptonTowcesterBrackleyDaventryand all surrounding areas and villagesTo arrange a meeting with your local representative, please call01604 269178 07707 523866 (24/7)

An affordable home cleaning service you can trust!


Homes

Seasoned Firewood For SaleOur seasoned logs generally contain between 15-20% moisture and sometimes even less. We have cut these trees down ourselves and stored them over the summer months ready to burn in the winter.

The logs are normally a mixture of ash, oak, beech, birch among others. Burn straight away or for best results store indoors for a day.

We can also deliver!Please Call 0800 5427108

• 1 Cubic Metre Bag (Builders Bag) of Hardwood £50.00.• 1 Cubic Metre Bag (Builders Bag) of Mixed Firewood £45.00.• 1 Cubic Metre Bag (Builders Bag) of Softwood £40.00.• 30kg Bag of Firewood £10• 1 Net (Carrot Net) of Firewood £3.00.• Bulk buys could gain a discount.

FREE0800 542 7108or 07745 216 145

experienced tree surgeonsWe offer a complete garden maintenance service

COAL LOGS & GAS

SUPPLIES• Smokeless coal 25kg bags• House coal 20kg bags• Kiln dried nets of logs• Patio/BBQ gas• Butane and Propane gas• Camping Gaz

Stowe Hill Wharf, Heyford Lane,Weedon. Open every day.

01327 342211

FocusQP.indd 1 03/02/2015 12:47

Unit 2-3 Wansell Road, Weldon NorthIndustrial Estate, Corby, Northants NN17 5LX

01536 202574www.ukstoves.co.uk [email protected]

Open: Monday - Friday9am - 5pm andSaturday 9am - 12.30pm

THIS MONTH ONLY FREE STOVE FANwith any stove purchase

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Homes

Any size 2-Part uPVC Patio DoorsOnly £899

Electric Roller Garage Doors

• Remote-control Roller Shutter Door• Fully guaranteed• Any size up to 7’ 6” square (2300mm)• 55mm double skinned aluminium,

foam insulated roller shutter• Internal manual override

for power failure• Aluminium side runner

with draft brushes• In white or brown –

colour upgrades available

Only £899Fully installed including Vat

Brochure and price list call

01908 645566 www.doorstudio.org

2

1

3

4

5

Any size, up to 2.4m, 2 panel opening.High quality stainless steel tracks to give the maximum possible service life.Extremely smooth running sliding doors, moving at the slightest touch.Offers high security and large units are easily achieved.Striking design with low sight line gaskets

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Fully installed including Vat

Brochure and price list call

01908 645566 www.doorstudio.org

The doorstudio 2016 contemporary range

Coloured timber-effect Composite DoorsOnly £599Fully installed including Vat with a 10 year guarantee

Selected range • Choice of Blue, Red, Black or White • Chrome Effect Handle • Yale Lock Master Security with Yale Magnum Lock • Letterbox optional extra

Reduced to

Online prices @ www.doorstudio.org

Visit our Quote Clinic/Showroom at 27-30 Wharfside, Fenny Stratford, Milton Keynes MK2 2AZ

D O O R S l W I N D O W S

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Instant online prices www.doorstudio.org

Call for a brochure: 01908 645566 D O O R S l W I N D O W S

HSWMade to measure, high security, stylish doors

Visit the Spring Festival of Plants at

Bell Plantation.

Here are 5 reasons to visit:

www.bellplantation.co.ukWatling Street, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6GX Telephone: 01327 354 126

1. THOUSANDS OF COLOURFUL PLANTS IN STOCK.

2. BUCKET LOADS OF FREE GARDENING ADVICE AND HELP AVAILABLE.

3. A FIRST-CLASS CAFÉ AND LOADS OF OTHER SHOPPING INCLUDING OUR POULTRY CENTRE AND FARM SHOP.

4. LOADS OF ONE OFF, INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTS YOU WON’T FIND ELSEWHERE.

5. A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS THAT CARES ABOUT YOU.

FREE 9cm Herbaceous plantName:

Email:

House No: Postcode:

when you spend £10 in the Garden Centre.

(Offer ends 30th April. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.)


Bell Plantation Garden Centre

Get a Free Hybrid hen when you buy 3 others. Offer ends 30th April.

(Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Free hen must be selected from the £17 hens only.)

Name:

Email:

House Number: Postcode:

Top Jobs to do in your Garden this March

All you need for Happy, Healthy Hens!

1. Plant your potatoes

We’ve had our seed potatoes in stock for a while but now really is the time to get your “early” seed potatoes in the ground. Your main crop varieties can be planted later on in March and into April.

Here at The Poultry Centre we have one goal, to advise,

support and supply you with everything you need to keep your

poultry birds healthy, happy and productive.

We have over 15 years’ experience in keeping and selling poultry and that’s why we are the region’s largest Poultry Centre.

Here are 5 great reasons to visit The Poultry Centre:

1. We offer a 28 day guarantee on all birds

2. We’ll give you help, support and advice whenever you need it.

3. A wide range of feeders, drinkers, supplements and equipment are in stock.

4. We supply you British made, quality poultry housing.

5. There are hundreds of birds in stock to choose from.

2. Grow some vegetable seeds

Start growing tomatoes, lettuces, peppers and any other seeds during March. Ideally grow them in a greenhouse but a warm, light windowsill in a propagator will do the job too.

3. Prepare your beds

Dig up your weeds before they start to establish, test the PH level of your soil for Nitrogen Phosphorus and Potassium and add fertilisers such as Bonemeal and Growmore and mulch your beds.

4. Tidy up the lawn

Give your garden a rake over to lift the grass and weeds and remove the remnants of winter. When the rain stops give your lawn a mow.

If you have any questions about anything in your garden please ask one of our team.

If you have Poultry or are interested in starting with Poultry our team are here to help.

5. Last chance to prune fruit trees

This is your last chance to prune fruit trees and to Winter wash apple and pear trees to control aphids, scale and spider mite.



Get a Free Hybrid hen when you buy 3 others. Offer ends 30th April.

(Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Free hen must be selected from the £17 hens only.)

Name:

Email:

House Number: Postcode:

Top Jobs to do in your Garden this March

All you need for Happy, Healthy Hens!

1. Plant your potatoes

We’ve had our seed potatoes in stock for a while but now really is the time to get your “early” seed potatoes in the ground. Your main crop varieties can be planted later on in March and into April.

Here at The Poultry Centre we have one goal, to advise,

support and supply you with everything you need to keep your

poultry birds healthy, happy and productive.

We have over 15 years’ experience in keeping and selling poultry and that’s why we are the region’s largest Poultry Centre.

Here are 5 great reasons to visit The Poultry Centre:

1. We offer a 28 day guarantee on all birds

2. We’ll give you help, support and advice whenever you need it.

3. A wide range of feeders, drinkers, supplements and equipment are in stock.

4. We supply you British made, quality poultry housing.

5. There are hundreds of birds in stock to choose from.

2. Grow some vegetable seeds

Start growing tomatoes, lettuces, peppers and any other seeds during March. Ideally grow them in a greenhouse but a warm, light windowsill in a propagator will do the job too.

3. Prepare your beds

Dig up your weeds before they start to establish, test the PH level of your soil for Nitrogen Phosphorus and Potassium and add fertilisers such as Bonemeal and Growmore and mulch your beds.

4. Tidy up the lawn

Give your garden a rake over to lift the grass and weeds and remove the remnants of winter. When the rain stops give your lawn a mow.

If you have any questions about anything in your garden please ask one of our team.

If you have Poultry or are interested in starting with Poultry our team are here to help.

5. Last chance to prune fruit trees

This is your last chance to prune fruit trees and to Winter wash apple and pear trees to control aphids, scale and spider mite.



Start with a selection of our freshest home-made sandwiches, followed by a choice of delicious home-made cakes and scones. Wash down with a pot of one of a range of our loose-leaf teas. All this delicious food for £12.49 per person. Afternoon tea is available every weekday between 3pm and 4.30pm. Please book your table by calling 01327 354126 and asking for the Café. Complete and bring the voucher below to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

What’s New in Your Local Farm Shop

Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Bell Plantation this Spring.

Below are 5 reasons we think you should buy your fresh produce from our Farm Shop:1. We stock award winning bacon from Rugby.2. You should try our grass-fed beef from our Farm.3. Our fresh fruit and veg is sourced and often grown locally.4. A bag of 25kg Northants potatoes is only £6.99.5. We stock delicious jams and chutneys from Oxfordshire.

We are pulling together the best bits of our home-made food into

a delicious afternoon tea for you to enjoy with your friends.

We are now over a year into the running of our new Farm Shop and

we are making progress all the time. We want our Farm Shop to bring you the freshest, most delicious, locally sourced food we can.

Bell Plantation Garden CentreWatling Street, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6GX

Telephone: 01327 354 126

www.bellplantation.co.uk

£1 off when you spend £10 in

our Farm Shop.

Book an afternoon tea for 2 and one of you pays half price.Offer ends 3oth April 2016, weekdays only between 3pm & 4.30pm.

(Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.)

Name:

Email:

House Number:

Postcode:

Name:

Email:

House Number:

Postcode:

(Offer ends 30th April 2016. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.)




Homes


Homes

Insp

ire D

esi

gn

Cre

ate

Luxury fl oorsfor every room

and style.Visit our showroom

today and be inspired

Alpine CarpetWarehouse Ltd.7-8 Station Close, DaventryNorthants NN11 4FJ01327 301040www.alpinecarpetwarehouse.co.uk


Homes

Unit 18, JBJ Business Park, Northampton Road, Blisworth NN7 3DW

info@tayfl or.co.ukwww.tayfl or.co.uk

T: 01604 702774M: 07860 497949

Tayfl or gives you choices…Visit our showroom in Blisworth or our carpet expert can come direct to your home at a time convenient to you, including evenings and weekends.12 month guarantee on all materials and fi ttingLook around our showroom, no pressure selling. Have a tea or coffee.Showroom open 10.30am-4pm Tues - Fri and 10am-1pm on Saturdays.

“I have used Tayfl or for all my fl ooring in our house and it looks wonderful. Excellent service and price.” Julie, Brixworth

“Great service, no fuss. Rooms left clean and tidy. Will use again.” Rachael, Northampton

Carpets, Vinyls, Laminate and Wood Flooring - large ranges to suit all budgets

Come and meet the team!What our customers say…

Smoke alarm safety in your home

Every year the Fire and Rescue Service is called to over 600,000 fires which result in over 800 deaths and over 17,000 injuries.

About 50,000 (140 a day) of these are in the home, many which could have been prevented if people had an early warning and were able to get out in time. In fact you are twice as likely to die in a house fire that has no smoke alarm than a house that does.

Buying a smoke alarm could help save your home and the lives of you and your family. For maximum protection an alarm should be fitted in every room (except bathrooms).

Smoke alarms are usually screwed onto the ceilings, although specialist sticky pads can be used, and should be fitted as close to the centre of the room as possible. You should always make sure that your alarm is fitted in a place where it can be heard –

particularly when you are asleep.

If your home is on one level, you should fit the alarm in the hallway between the living and sleeping areas. If you have only one smoke alarm and two floors, put it where you can hear it when you are asleep – on the ceiling at the top of the stairs leading to the bedrooms.

A few minutes of your time during the year will ensure that your alarm is working and could help save your life and the lives of your family.

• Test your smoke alarm when the clocks are changed and vacuum it gently using the soft brush attachment to remove dust from the sensors

• Once a year change the battery

• After 10 years it’s best to get a whole new alarm.

Visit www.fireservice.co.uk for more information


Homes

2

A stunning range of carpets, vinyls & laminates

Styles to suit every taste & budget

Experienced professionals

12 months warranty on all flooring

Fully inclusive quote—no hidden extras!

Convenient home visits - evening & weekend

appointments available

Or come and visit us in our new Weston Favell

showroom

Our friendly, personal service is all about helping you make the right flooring choice for your home.

For beautiful flooring at great prices contact Northants Flooring, Northamptonshire’s No.1 choice.

Quality Brands At Great Prices!

www.northantsflooring.co.uk • 01604 552800 • 07880 794324

www.northantsflooring.co.uk Email: [email protected] 3-4 The Boulevard, Octagon Way, Weston Favell, Northampton, NN3 8JP

TEL: 01604 552800 MOB: 07880 794324


Homes

Helping you create the perfect look for your home

tel: 01604 643 029 mob: 07727 685 717www.andrewfaulknerflooring.co.uk

FaulknerFlooring

Your local flooring specialist for all your carpet and vinyl requirements

Highest quality commercial and domestic flooring installations from a team of skilled, experienced fitters

We can’t give you yesteryear prices but we can offer you a good old fashioned service

Contact us today for friendly, professional service:

OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCEBased in Kislingbury

Lowest prices guaranteed with exceptional service

FREE underlay, gripper and bars

Call us today on

01604 708 00007971 276740

www.carpetline.co.uk

We come to you

Expert fitting Free estimates 7 days 9am-9pm

on selected ranges

The Design Studio, The Old Cattle Market Watling Street East, Towcester NN12 6HN

Call 01327 359282www.parkerkitchens.co.uk

For your perfect kitchen, bathroom or bedroom

AGA 3-piece saucepan setworth £225.00 with every order


Homes


Homes

Olives Bathrooms

Tel: 01327 354076 01327 359098www.olives-bathrooms.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter

111 Watling Street West, Towcester NN12 6AG

Fall in love with your bathroom!


Homes


Homes

• From doors to a complete kitchen• Large choice of doors, worktops, appliances and accessories• Free planning & design service

Why replace when

you can reface?

Enjoy more family time in a new kitchenQUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS

EST.1999

dreamdoors.co.uk

CONTACT STUART OR DAVID

FOR FREE QUOTE:

01604 805668Visit our showroom:Billing Garden Village,Great Billing, Northampton NN3 9EX

®

tel:01327 857580e:[email protected]

Refresh your rooms by simply swapping the unit doors

Wide range of styles colours & sizes

Style your favourite spaces quickly and without the expensive price tag

Complete Kitchen & Bedroom Makeovers


Homes


Tradespeople

When you want it done right call direct:

01327 350492 or 07866 553373 E mail: [email protected]

No Call Out Charge Free No Obligation Quotes Fully CRB Checked Locks Changed, Supplied & Fitted uPVC Door Opening & Repairs All Work Fully Insured &

Guaranteed We aim to beat ANY written quote

County Locksmiths Ltd For all Lock and Security Solutions

Service - Repair - Install Gas - Oil - LPG

Landlord certificates

Plumbing and Heating Specialists for the

Home and Business

Tel: 01327 828 [email protected] Swinneyford Road Towcester NN12 6HD

Call us for a friendly reliable service for your

home or businessWe cover MK & NN postcodes

No: 554666

No: 13843

approved

NO CALL OUT CHARGE

Enjoy Easter without gaining lbs!

T raditionally, Easter Sunday is a day for bunnies and eggs but is actually a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. Easter eggs seem to have been

taken as the feast of choice after the preceding forty day period of Lent.

There is light at the end of the tunnel for all those who have managed to abstain from those treats that they chose not to feast on.

Easter Sunday has arrived, with it comes chocolate, sweets and plenty of other opportunities to gorge on fatty foods, not that we need an excuse really....

Will you be eating your way through all of your supplies

on the first day, duvet covering you and

TV control at the ready? Or will you be taking the

endurance race to

the stash of goodies, going for a little bit every evening combined with a bit of exercise to make that New Year’s resolution continue.

Set yourself a challenge, 1 Easter egg (egg plus the extras) = 5k walk or 2k jog/run. So if you see someone walking past with their earphones on and a bit of a stride going, that’ll probably be me working off those Mini Eggs....


Tradespeople

Tel: 07907 571026 or 01327 349046Email: [email protected]

New installations with 5 year warranty

Boiler replacements (Gas, LPG & Oil)

Central heating installations and alterations

Power �ushing Bathrooms and kitchens

For competitive rates and professional, reliable service

Wentworth&JeffriesPlumbing • Heating • Gas

No job too small! Please call below or visit our

website for further information

07722 591 992 or 01604 591 907

www.wentworthandjeffries.com

A family run business that pride ourselves on quality of service and workmanship

No: 560230


Tradespeople

Our regular look at events happening locally and nationally over the next two months. If you would like your fundraising event included in our next issue please email: [email protected]

Good Friday

*Focus Magazine Group cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of an event

What’s onMARCH & APRIL

No Smoking

Day

06 MAR

Mother’s DayMake sure you do

something nice for your Mum!

Easter Egg Hunt at

St Patricks Day

Grand National 5.15pm

16th – 19th March 7.30pm

Flore Boards presents Midsummer Mink

Millennium HallRosemary 01327 341026 / Margaret 01327 340269

Weedon Football Club presentsComedy

@ The Dons

Flore Open Gardens2pm-6pm

The Sun Inn, Kislingbury

Brain Tumour

09MAR

12 MAR

16 MAR

Keep up to date with all the very latest events taking place locally on our News & Events page at: www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk and our Facebook Page: FocusMagazineGroup

24 MAR

17 MAR

25 MAR 27

MAR

09APR

Weedon Bec Village Hall 7.30pm

For Tickets contact Danny 07840

842841

Research charity evening (Wear a hat day)

Clocks go forward 1 hour

01 APR

Cannons Ashby

11am-4pm27 MAR

10APR

Bring along your best hat for an evening of entertainment for all

the family


Tradespeople

9 Hilcrest RoadGaytonNorthamptonNN7 3HG

07885 53225201604 858129

07834 56191901604 858129

EMAIL: [email protected]


Tradespeople

brightwise electrical Call Now for a Free Quote or Advice

79 Churchill Avenue, Northampton, NN3 6PF

Tel: 07447 466835 Email: [email protected]

Chris Hager, Fully Qualified Electrician, Part P Approved, Reliable

All Aspects of Electrical Work, Inspection and Testing

domestic & commercial All Aspects of Electrical Work Undertaken

07855 055690 or 01604 861443

[email protected] www.roadeelectrical.co.uk

Full or partial rewires Extensions Fault finding Electrical showers

Additional sockets Additional lights Security lights Garden sockets Garden lights New fuse boards

Pat testing Smoke alarms Carbon monoxide alarms

Call Kevin Smith now for a Free Quote

No job too small


Tradespeople

Call Paul on 01327 893070 or 01604 549569 or Mobile 07979 460008

www.fullcrosselectrical.co.uk

GOODSONS ELECTRICAL

Electrical Installations & RepairsRe-wires & Renovations

Testing & InspectionFire Alarms

Low Energy LightingPAT Testing

Computer CablingMaintenance Contracts

Part P CompliantReliable and Professional Service

01604 861 475Mob: 07973 767746 or 07980 379159

www.goodsonselectrical.co.ukThe Hatchery, Quinton Green Farm, Quinton, NN7 2EG

CALL TONY JUDGE WINDOWS & DOORS (30 years UPVC experience)

TEL: 01327 830 285 MOBILE: 07717 827 651 www.tonyjudgewindows.co.uk

Do Your Windows Stick? Do Your Doors Drag? Do You Need One New Window? Or a New Look For Your Whole House?

• Misted sealed units replaced.

• Not knowingly beaten on price!

• UPVC door and window maintenance.

• No silly promises! • A local craftsman

providing a first class, efficient service.


Windows & Conservatories

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Trevor Skidmore feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 10 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have

struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear serviceTowcester and thesurrounding area &

approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that

I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much

a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Trevor a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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Come and visit the Largest indoor Conservatory, Window and Door showroom in Northamptonshire

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MAIN Showroom:Unit 7 Monarch CourtOff Salthouse Rd.Brackmills Ind. Est.Northampton NN4 7BD

Contact:T: 01604 630630

T: 01933 227233 Wellingborough

www.astraseal.co.uk

Showroom Open:Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pmSat 10am-4pmSun 10am-4pmOpen 7 days a week

10% OFFon all windows and doors

FREE BLINDSfrom Total Eclipse Blinds

£500 OFFANY Conservatory

Terms & Conditions: One Voucher per customerNot to be used in conjunction with any other offer.



A5 village mag advert.indd 1 13/03/2012 13:49:51



Our glass comes with a 10 year guarantee

NO MINIMUM

CHARGE

NO CALL OUT

CHARGE

SAMPLE PRICE LIST (INC FITTING & VAT) • Steamed up Windows from £30 • Replacement Handles from £35 • Replacement Hinges from £55 • Replacement Locking Systems from £60 • Anti-bump/anti-snap Security Locks from £69.95

For a FREE SURVEY call 01604 372 027 or 07827 974375 or email [email protected]

www.windowrepairgeeks.com

Nu-Look Conservatory Roof SolutionsNO fake discounts and NO sales pressureBespoke timber frameThe industry’s best tradesmen40-year guarantee on Tapco slates10-year warrantyBuilding control certi�cationViewings available in your area - just ask!

Call today for a free quote

01327 201007For more information visit

www.nulookroof.co.uk

Since 2013 we have re-roofed 350 CustomersConservatories!Book Your Free Quote Today!



Buy 5 Windows and a Composite Door Just £1,800*

• Broken Window Repairs• Double Glazing• Composite Doors

(range of colours)• Conservatories• Soffi ts & Fascias

HEATH GLAZING

We aim to beat any “like for like” quote. Local Authority Approved.No pressure selling, just over 40 years experience in the trade.

HEATH GLAZINGCall Dave Now for a no obligation home survey on

Mobile 07805 557 707 or Evenings & Weekends on 01327 351 893*Subject to survey

SPECIAL SPRING SAVINGS

Call Rob on 01604 420336 or 07977 206403

01327 855957weclearyourgutters.co.uk

The Bell Plantation,Watling Street, Towcester NN12 6GX

The Clean & SafeSolution for...

Blocked &Overflowing Gutters


Gardens

Maintenance Free Fencing, Railings & GatesChoice of colours, heights and widths, no painting or treating

22 Northampton Road, Blisworth, Northampton NN7 3DW

Phone: 01604 859526 or 07801 448489 for a free no obligation quotewww.colourfencenorthants.co.uk

Up to 25 years

guarantee̴̴

www.linnellbros.co.uk

Silverstone Fields Farm Silverstone NN12 8FS

Decking Materials Sleepers & Uni-Poles Gates & Fixings Natural Wooden Flooring Natural Stone Flooring Garden Structures

HUGE CHOICE AT COMPETITIVE PRICES

TRADE & GENERAL PUBLIC CUSTOMERS WELCOMEFULL DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

Call: 01327 354422


Gardens

The UK’s Only Value Garden Centre

AD M

ARC

H /

APR

IL 1

6

www.cherry-lane.co.ukRoman Way 8 Watling Street, Potterspury, Towcester NN12 7QN T: 01908 543902

1000’s of home & garden ideas in-store and online!

Café & BistroClothingValue Pet Store


Gardens

• Fully trained and qualified Horticulturalist• All aspects of gardening, landscaping

and garden design undertaken• Regular or one off work undertaken• Friendly, reliable service

LandscapingGarden MaintenanceGarden Design

Leigh Essery FdSc

Tel: 07729 737481Email: [email protected]

Sport Relief Friday 18th March – Sunday 20th March

Sport Relief is every two years, when the British public can get active, have fun and raise cash to help people living incredibly tough lives both in the UK and around the world.

Why not join in, have fun and raise much needed funds for this great cause. There are events all over the country or you could stay local.

Northampton Leisure Trust invites you to do the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile at Beckett’s Park on 20th March. Take in the local park whilst completing the circular route with other like-minded Milers and there will be live music to keep you going along the way. You can opt for either one, three or six miles and can walk or run, or maybe a bit of both! Start times vary depending upon your chosen distance so check out the website for more information.

You can also take part in the Sport Relief Mile at Daventry Leisure Centre, again on the 20th March. Get ready for your Mile and join the warm-up in the Saxon suite. Refreshments will be available all day and kids can enjoy the soft play area Adventure World, at the Leisure Centre. As is Sport Relief tradition, fancy dress is actively encouraged, so don your most impressive outfit and really stand out from the crowd.

Prefer swimming to running? Towcester Leisure Centre & Daventry Leisure Centre are both hosting a Swimathon from 18th March – Sunday 20th. You can swim on your own or as part of a team (2-5 people). You chose your distance 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k. There are times available throughout the weekend.

So what are you waiting for… sign up today on www.sportrelief.com


Gardens

Looking for a beautiful lawn?GC Landscapes have an extensive knowledgewhen it comes to all types of turf!

Whether you are looking for a quick fi x to brighten up your tired turf or for a lush green premium grade that will give you the perfect lawn then look no further, we do the hard work for you, measuring, supplying, rotovating and laying the turf to transform your lawn in just one day.

• Free Quotations • Hard Wearing for Pets• Top Soil Supplied and Spread • All Waste Removed • Premium Turf Laying • Highly Recommended

Call Andrew on 07938 767218 or 01908 282499 to fi nd out more

E: [email protected] www.gc-landscapes.co.uk

Tel: 01327 350274 Mob: 07754 610384 www.apgardenmachines.co.uk Unit 16 Burcote Wood Business Park,

Wood Burcote, Towcester Northants NN12 8TA

Specialising in service and repairs to all Specialising in service and repairs to all makes and models of garden machinerymakes and models of garden machinery

Rotary & Cylinder Mowers | Ride-ons | Rotavators | Generators | Clipper & Chain

Sharpening | All hand held machines

Tel: 01327 350274 Mob: 07754 610384 www.apgardenmachines.co.uk Unit 16 Burcote Wood Business Park,

Wood Burcote, Towcester Northants NN12 8TA

Specialising in service and repairs to all Specialising in service and repairs to all makes and models of garden machinerymakes and models of garden machinery

Rotary & Cylinder Mowers | Ride-ons | Rotavators | Generators | Clipper & Chain

Sharpening | All hand held machines

10% Discount

Quote FM30

Tree Felling • Pruning • PollardingHedge Trimming • Crown Reductions

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES

Professional serviceAll arisings removed – your property left clean and tidy. QUALIFIED

Call Colin on 07890 965204 or 01604 859309

Based in Gayton, Northantswww.ellistreeservices.co.uk

GENERAL TREE SURGERY


Gardens

TEL IAN 01327 352 077 OR MOBILE O7880 870 410www.cartslandscaping.com

E-MAIL IAN AT [email protected]

With SPRING upon us, now is the perfect time to start making changes to your garden. For a free consultation please contact:

[email protected] • www.alanmuxlow.co.ukThe Bell Plantation, Watling Street, Towcester NN12 6GX

Weed & Feed FertiliserTreatment. Aeration

& Scarification.

Come to Bell Plantation Garden Centreto see our range of sheds,

summer houses, workrooms,and contemporary offices.

Plus, much much more!

All aspects of garden maintenanceavailable twelve months of the year.

Patios. Fencing.Driveways. Turfing.Garden Design.

Planting schemes


Gardens

Allen Groundcare...expert tree surgeons

3 Home Close, Greens Norton, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8AY

ALLENGroundcare

All aspects of tree surgeryTree inspections and reportsStump grinding and removalHedge cuttingFencing

Since 1994 we have provided a professional, fully insured tree & vegetation management service:

www.allengroundcare.co.ukCall Debs or Steve

for a free quote

01327 354789or 07921 588449

“First class job - minimal disruption and you left it so neat and tidy”

Mrs L Jacobs, Towcester


Gardens

The origin of England�s St George

St George is the patron saint of England and this year we celebrate St George’s day on Saturday 23 April. He was a soldier in the Roman army and is also the patron saint of Portugal, Germany,

Lithuania, soldiers and, less obviously, skin diseases!

According to legend the story of St. George was written in about 1275, a terrible dragon had ruined all the countryside around a city in Libya called Selena, making its home in a nearby swamp. It caused havoc in the city, so the people gave the monster two sheep every day to satisfy its hunger. When the sheep failed, a human victim was necessary and the King’s daughter was chosen.

The King offered all his money to whoever would take her place, but nobody would, and the Princess was taken to the swamp. St. George was riding by on his horse, and asked the girl what was going on. She told him to leave her, but the good knight stayed, and when the dragon appeared, St. George bravely attacked it and tied the Princess’s belt around the dragon’s neck, and the Princess was able to lead it like a lamb. They returned to

the city, where St. George told all the people not to be afraid and to become Christians. He then cut off the dragon’s head and the people were all converted to Christianity. The King tried to give George half his kingdom, but the saint refused. He left the city telling the King to take good care of the churches, and to be kind to the poor.


Motors

EMERGENCY SERVICESAmbulance, Fire Brigade, Police 999 or 112Police (non-emergency) 101Crimestoppers 0800 555 111Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue 01604 797 000

HEALTHCarers Direct 0808 802 02 02NHS Direct 111Kettering General Hospital 01536 492 000Northampton General Hospital 01604 634 700

HELPLINESAge UK 0800 169 6565Childline 0800 1111Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 411 1444National Rail 0845 748 4950RSPCA 0300 1234 999Samaritans 08457 90 90 90

UTILITIESElectricity 0800 40 40 90Gas 0800 111 999 Water 0800 771 881

Handy Numbers

01327 353753

Friendly & Reliable ServiceAll vehicle repairs carried out

MOT’S, SERVICING, REPAIRS AND DIAGNOSTICS

Very Competitive Rates!FREE Pick Up and Delivery

Call Jack Kemshed on

Tel: 01604 315123 07528 190344

Unit 3, No 11 Tyne Road, Weedon Rd Industrial Est, Northampton. NN5 5AF (Behind Northampton Tyres)

[email protected] us on: www.goodgaragescheme.com

All makes and models

DIAGNOSTICS • SERVICING • REPAIRS MOT’s • WELDING REPAIRS

CALL STEVE DUNKLEY ON

01604 830552 Open Hours 8.00am – 5.30pm

West Baulk Proper es, Unit 1, Bugbrooke Road

Kislingbury, Northants NN7 4AY [email protected]

01327 353753

The key to yournext move…

talk to us… 01327 359903www.jackie-oliver.co.uk

Documents

Focus Midshires Mar-Apr 2016