support. The local NASUWT LGBTI teachers pride:mk are also supporting and will be present on PRIDE:MK the day. CIRCUS caught up with Helen Pritchard, Chair of Q:Alliance, to find out What will make PRIDE:MK different to more about PRIDE:MK 2019. others in the UK? The day will allow for fun, laughter, education What made you finally decide to go for it community and will be showcasing LGBTQ+ and people coming together in Pride of who and organise PRIDE:MK this year? led businesses on the day too. It’s going to they are. It is very important to us to include The journey of Pride:MK 2019 started in June be a great day. LGBTQ+ families. There is no parade and 2018. David Ferris - secretary of Q:Alliance the event is enclosed too. The day is about - and I were talking and saying how the How are you funding the event? showcasing that the LGBTQ+ community LGBTQ+ Community had been asking when PRIDE:MK has been funded by local bring value and diversity to Milton Keynes; there would be a Pride in MK again. Then I businesses and some support from Milton we are your teachers, social workers, spoke with the trustee board for Q and we Keynes Council. The event is ‘not-for-profit’ foster carers, adopters, business leaders, decided to take the plunge! with a strong community feel. Sponsors value politicians, public servants and more. this altruistic aspect which builds confidence We contacted other local LGBTQ+ in how money will be handled. We want our community to feel comfortable community organisers who ran events in when they go out and work in Milton Keynes, MK and formed our committee, consisting “The day will have that other people feel confident to ask us of – Q:alliance, LGBT:MK meet up and LGBT a festival and questions and not feel we are so different to Breakfast. At our first meeting we agreed it cabaret feel to it them. was important to positively raise the profile of with Prosecco and the LGBTQ+ community in Milton Keynes and LOTS of glitter!” What can we expect on the day? showcase what we contribute to the city. People can picnic or grab a drink and street Milton Keynes Council award Q:alliance a food. There is a family friendly space, a How has the LGBTQ community Community Engagement Fund which was sensory tent and Access Ambassadors will responded? used to secure Campbell Park. Santander be supporting the hard of hearing or deaf Everyone is very excited! We are agreed to be our main sponsor which is community. overwhelmed with the positive energy for wonderful! They are a large employer in this event and are lucky to have previous MK with a strong LGBTQ+ network called There are workshops and activities and an organisers and advisers, Tam Smith and Embrace. Pink Punters are our entertainment acoustic tent showcasing local talented Keith Emmett onboard to help make sponsors, providing a huge amount of performers including a LGBTQ+ young PRIDE:MK 2019 amazing. 95% of our artists persons’ slot. From 6 pm onwards the event on the day identify within the LGBTQ + will have more ‘adult content’ with a wonderful variety of acts including drag kings and queens, comedians, singers and possibly theatre! How can the wider community support this years’ PRIDE:MK? We need volunteers and more funding to help towards the cost of the event and make it a PRIDE:MK to remember! The LGBTQ+ community are inviting friends and families to come and support the event; bringing your best smiles and being open to others and maybe learning some new things. Maybe you have a friend or family member who identifies within the LGBTQ+ community and is worried about coming or being in public? If so, reassure them and come with them. “The day is about being proud and connecting with others.” For more information and to get involved visit: W: pridemk.org.uk F: facebook.com/pridemk2019/ 51
live music round up Pat the hat’s live music round up! Hello, Pat here again. Spring’s arrived, appears on Monday May 27th performing it’s getting warmer and the lighter catchy Indie-Pop songs. Hear ‘The Last evenings are an enticement to get out and Internationale’, fronted by singer Delila Paz listen to the good music available. Here on Friday June 9th. Think Patti Smith or P.J. are some highlights. Harvey. Finally, Thomas Benjamin Wild, wearing dapper suit and manicured beard, YorkieFest ‘19 appears Friday June 21st. Singing his own humorous, sometimes ribald songs, he plays On Saturday 18th May, York House in Stony ukulele in a style from a bygone age! Stratford presents YorkieFest ‘19. This W: www.thecraufurdarms.com fundraiser has raised thousands of pounds for various charities since 2012. This year, MK11 Venue, Kiln Farm funds will go to Willen Hospice. Guests will be Mitchell Taylor, The Hatstand Band, Great stuff going on at the MK11 Venue as Jasmine Burns, Adrian Stranik and One Foot always. My top picks include Pink Floyd in The Groove. I’m proud to have organised tribute, Simply Floyd on Friday May 31, the music for this event over the past seven world renowned poet, Benjamin Zephaniah years involving some 70 different acts. on Saturday June 1st and Florida based Please come along and support us. bluegrass band, Hayseed Dixie on Saturday F: facebook.com/yorkiefest June 22nd. W: mk11kilnfarm.com StonyLive! 2019 The North Western, Wolverton The Stony Live Committee is working hard again this year to bring you This tavern has recently established itself as a great variety of music, theatre the new kid on the block providing regular and dance during the first live music on Friday nights. See Isabelle week of June. There are on April 26th, Bad Hombre on May 3rd and more venues than ever Crush on August 2nd. this year with The Duke F: facebook.com/northwesternwolverton of Wellington and The Shoulder of Mutton The Stables, Wavendon in Calverton joining the fray. Hear Don’t miss Samantha Fish, American blues Roadrunner, One artist with a country twist, on Wednesday Foot in The Groove, 8th May for some high octane action. If you Neil Mercer & Phil like Americana more laid back, catch the Riley, Hellzaboppin’ Appalachian sounds of Canadian born Kaia and many others, Kater on Friday May 10th. Plus loads more all within spitting – check the website! distance of the High W: www.stables.org/whats-on Street! Takes place between June 1st – Folk Circles and Open Mics 9th, Check out the website for details. If you love to play as well as listen to music, W: www.stonylive. there’s a wealth of open mics in the vicinity info as well as established folk clubs/circles. To find out where all these are, attend one of the The Craufurd evenings and talk to other participants. You Arms, Wolverton could start with The Vaultage Open Mic every Thursday at The Vaults Bar or The Song Loft, On Friday May 3rd, enjoy fortnightly at York House, both in Stony. some reggae sounds from F: facebook.com/vaultageopenmic / Little Roy and The Upper Cut Song Loft, www.thesongloft.co.uk Band. Swedish heavy Rockers, ‘Cities of Mars’ appear on Monday May See you here again next time. 6th. Know the single, ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ Meanwhile, let me know if you would released by New York band, ‘Wheatus’ like to include your event in the next back in 2000? Well, see them on Thursday edition of Circus! May 2nd. Amsterdam based Pip Blom 52
stony live! StonyLive! 2019 to the jollity of Flanders & Swann, and some delightful harmonies from the Music Makers Saturday, June 1st – Sunday, June 9th 2019 of Milton Keynes. High Street, Stony Stratford By Ken Daniels More outdoor goodies for all the family: the bi- The festival always gets off to a cracking start Angels! (June 8th) York House, London annual Classic Car Show brings hundreds of with a day of traditional and contemporary Road, Stony Stratford gleaming vintage vehicles to Stony’s streets; dancing in the High Street. From Morris and the ever-popular “Big Lunch” is a great Clog to Belly and Cheerleading and you can For lovers of blues, R&B and Jump-Jive, we family picnic and entertainment event on the dance yourselves silly in the evening at the present the legendary Hellzaboppin! who first Sunday, book-ended by the splendid Family Barn Dance in the Market Square. like ‘em fat like that, The Chicago blues and Riverside Fair on the second Saturday. barrelhouse boogie of The Bearcats Blues The Hole in the Head Gang traditionally gets Band, and the frenetic R&B and R&R of the Of course, the pubs, restaurants and halls the indoor music going at lunchtime on June magical Roadrunner.The Fox & Hounds, 87 abound with music, poetry and drama, from 1st with hi-octane bluegrass and country High Street, Stony Stratford the Bardic Trials, through traditional music sounds. Saying “yee-haw” is permitted (within such as Innocent Hare (pictured) to rock and reason). The Fox & Hounds, 87 High Street, Something more soothing? St Mary & St Giles pop. A chance to hear some fine rock AND Stony Stratford Church always put on a lovely programme raise money for Willen Hospice is offered by for us including, this year, a glorious tribute “Rock for Willen” on Sunday, 9th. The Cock We always welcome artists of the painting Hotel, High Street, Stony Stratford type, and Jenny McAllister will be exhibiting a selection of her works on both Saturdays and For full listings of all of our events please Sundays. 1Silver Street, Stony Stratford. visit our website at www.stonylive.info – and keep yourself up-to-date. New events The Song Loft (going in Stony for over being added all the time. 40 years) always pulls out the stops for StonyLive!, with top-line artistes from the 53 world of folk. The splendid IOTA is no exception, evoking the spirit and musical energy of the Roches whilst channelling the Supremes, Destiny's Child and Charlie's
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classic stony The festival for all Photo: Graeme Webb things motoring crowd that dramatically swells the towns’ Stony Stratford seems to uniquely measure itself by the community it builds population for the day. and the people that it serves, writes Richard Webb. The Classic Stony festival is a case in point. RAF Flyover Since Roman times, Stony Stratford has and I can honestly say that the Classic Stony This summer as the Festival celebrates – played an important role in both hospitality Festival is one of my favourites. There’s literally weather permitting – there will also be a and mobility; from humble beginnings of many something for everyone – from those with fly-past of the Royal Airforce Battle of Britain famous coaching Inns like the Cock Inn and merely a passing interest in transport heritage, Commemoration Flight with the sublime Spitfire Bull Inn, to the horse and carriage, trams, right through to the most ardent ‘car-bore’. The causing many a teary eye to cast sky-wards trains and of course, to the car. festival attracts an eclectic and appreciative at the first sound of that evocative Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. There will be goose-bumps a This fascination with the intersection of Need to know plenty, I am certain. hospitality and mobility continues with the twice- yearly community automotive festivals, Classic This free-to-enter event takes place on 60 years of the MINI Stony, on 2nd June, and Vintage Stony on New June 2nd, 09h30 until 16h00 at Market Year’s Day. This massive assembly of classic Square, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes These Festivals are always a special occasion, and vintage cars, bikes and even military MK11 1BE. Expect to see some quite and this year we celebrate 60 years of Sir vehicles makes its way into the squares, closes rare and interesting automotive gems Alec Isigonni’s evergreen Mini. A thorough and streets of the town for a good-natured throughout Market Square, Cofferidge representation of vehicles from the vintage jamboree of all things automotive. Close, the High Street and almost pre-war period, right through the classics of every other available space in the the 50s, 60s and 70s and even affordable Classic Stony vicinity. modern classics of the 80s and early 90s. I have spent what seems like a large portion A range of food and drinks will be These Festivals have, over the last 10 years, of my life seeking out automotive events, available to appeal to all tastes, from also raised well over £50,000 to benefit Willen the many pubs and restaurants that Hospice in the interests of social progress and “Classic and Vintage Stony Stratford has become known for, the strengthening of the community. Stony Festivals to artisanal pop-up outlets selling a have raised over range of quality food and beverages. F: @VintageStonyClassicStony/ £50k for Willen W: classicstony.co.uk Hospice over the Please feel free to make a charitable I: @classic_vintagestony last 10 years.” contribution to Willen Hospice on the day in lieu of an entry fee. 55
The UX is a composite of angularlexus ux hybrid forms, creases and folds, all built with the integrity and solidity we Main image: Kari Evans-Webb, narrativemedia.uk have come to expect from Lexus. Deliberately different Richard Webb tries the Lexus UX and discovers a cool and calm self-charging hybrid SUV underneath its nonconformist metal origami. I spend much of my life talking to automotive increasingly common and can be an excellent The E-Four four-wheel drive system is only designers, marketers, engineers and choice, particularly if you do a fair amount of available in conjunction with extra option packs, importantly, buyers of cars. It is true that there town driving. In my situation, living in Stony which pushes the price up at least £6000, are very few bad cars being made any more, Stratford and commuting around Milton depending on the option packs specified. All and there are now mostly very good ones Keynes and then longer journeys from there, models are available only as a 2-litre petrol that consume less and offer more. Making I was keen to see how the latest self-charging engine combined with an electric motor. Official decisions about what car to buy is a deeply hybrid vehicle would serve my lifestyle. combined fuel economy is a reasonable personal journey, with dozens of marques and 53.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 94g/km. hundreds of iterations available. These are Lexus asked me to try their new baby SUV, further split into petrol, diesel, electric power the UX. This is their Urban Crossover, a hybrid Striking design (EV’s), various hybrid types and body styles. that slots in the model range underneath the popular NX and larger RX. Designed I am a fan of the current Lexus design Lexus lifestyle more for the city and urban life, it doesn’t try language, with its sharp, angular design to be an off-roader, even it can be ordered and ‘spindle grille’ marking it out boldly as a Today, carmakers often seem to offer cars with the optional E-Four four-wheel drive Lexus. It’s a striking looker and has obvious designed around a ‘lifestyle’, and this is no across the range. accoutrements of a premium SUV that stands bad thing. Hybrid and EV’s are becoming out from the German and Swedish offerings. 56
Sliding into the cabin, it immediately becomes Xxxxx lexus ux hybrid obvious that the ambience is easily a match for its exterior boldness. Not only is it beautifully made with quality materials everywhere your hands fall to, there are obvious hallmarks of high standards of craftsmanship. ‘My’ car came fitted with the Takumi specification and was equipped with a 10.3in infotainment screen with DVD player, head-up display, a fantastic Mark Levinson sound system, leather upholstery and electric sunroof. There is a blizzard of buttons to contend with, but they are all positioned easily for the driver, and have a high-quality, tactile feel to them too. I did not have the car long enough to fully explore the menu layout of the infotainment system and relied instead on a few ‘shortcut buttons’ positioned around the centre console and dashboard. There's loads of leg head and room in the “If you are ready to go hybrid, the UX is a front, and rear passenger space is average worthy alternative to the normal line-up of for the class. Boot space is a practical, square luxury family SUVs.” shape and with the rear seats up, it can take 438 litres of luggage. For stowage there’s a large glovebox and two cupholders up front. Even the entry-level UX trim comes with six-way smoothly delivered and delicately measured, you're darting from roundabout to roundabout. manual seat adjustment, but my test car came particularly around the city. This helps to make It feels very nippy and is able to accelerate with electric eight-way adjustment with variable it a smooth, and comfortable car to drive. quickly and safely in and out of traffic, making lumbar support, which is standard on F-Sport Potholes don’t seem to unsettle the car and it feel quite fun to drive. and Takumi versions, which meant I had no there’s little in the way of engine, wind or road trouble finding a driving position that suited me. noise either. All this adds to the zen-like serenity Modern cars are created with skill and Abundant and innovative driving aids easily of the drive experience, where all anxieties attention to detail. Pursuit of perfection is at compensate for restricted visibility from the induced by busy traffic seem to evaporate. every stage of the manufacturing process narrow rear windscreen when reversing. is one thing, but it is the interface between Unlike earlier drivetrains, the hybrid CVT manufacture and sale where relationships are Powertrain system doesn’t make itself heard all that much won or lost. when you accelerate. Body roll is minimal, and The UX's hybrid powertrain offers up a the car remains nicely composed even when People buy from people combined power output of 181bhp and is I firmly believe that people buy from people, rather than from dealerships. I spoke to Lexus Milton Keynes Sales Manager, Simon Cordery about his customers and the business model they operate. “Everyone here completely buys in to the ‘creating amazing’ guiding principles. We are a friendly, compassionate dealership, yet we relentlessly push the boundaries of customer care. We want the customer experience to be as amazing as the car itself.” Lexus Milton Keynes have cultivated an insightful understanding of customer wants and needs. “We spend a lot of time thinking and caring about each of our customer's well-being and we treat each one as a true individual,” concludes Cordery. Lexus expect 80% of UX buyers will never have owned Get in touch today to arrange your test a Lexus before, resulting in many new loyal customers. drive of the Lexus UX. Lexus Milton Keynes Alston Drive Stacey Bushes Milton Keynes MK13 9HA T: 01908 448207 W: lexus.co.uk/centres/milton-keynes/ 57
york house May 18th Yorkiefest returns for its seventh outing. Summer in Stony! All profits will go to Willen Hospice. More about this on Pat’s the Hat’s Live Music Ken Daniels brings us up to date for a busy summer season Round Up. Page 52. One foot in the Groove, @ York House The Hatstand Band and many more will be performing. Get along and support this great We have certainly been pressing the “variety” Song Loft Dates: event and worthwhile cause. button at York House this year, with the stunning May 3rd & 31st June 1st – 9th Kimber’s Men - sea shanties and maritime Song Loft Performers Nights. Strut your stuff The historic town of Stony Stratford will be songs, “Fake Thackray” paying homage to the joining in the celebrations when StonyLive! legendary Jake Thackray (look him up!), and with song, tune or even poetry. comes of age and turns 21! The festival American bluesman, Kent DuChaine and his of arts and music has grown beyond 90-year-old National Steel guitar, not to mention May 17th all recognition with more venues and new toilets (they’ll be mentioned later). The Song Loft returns on with the delightful performances planned than ever before. York House is happy to be one of the many singer and songwriter, Liz Simcock. hosts so if you’re from out of town check out the StonyLive! website and come and But what about that join in the fun! See page 53 for more details. mention of toilets? June 5th Musical and harmony talents of Neil Mercer We are delighted that York House’s toilets have joined the 21st century. By the time and Phil Riley. Guests are wonderful singers you read this there will be sparkly rooms, more facilities, and – yes, ladies – female Heidi Carascon and Fat Freddy’s Cat’s Ian toilets on the ground floor! Spratley. June 8th Song Loft Special by Sally Barker, Anna Ryder & Marion Fleetwood performing as IOTA. All three write, sing and sway in perfect harmony. June 22nd Enjoy the exquisite sounds and virtuosity of Mark Prescott at his solo violin concert presenting a rich repertoire of compositions. June 21st Winter Wilson performs, following a hugely successful UK tour with folk-rock legends Fairport Convention, interspersing great songs, stunning harmonies and fine musicianship with hilarious tales of life on the road. July 19th Things quieten down a bit in July as we pack for our summer holidays but on July 19th Don Adam Perera returns for another of his virtuoso guitar performances featuring music from South America, Spain, and the classical repertoire. But there’s more: Eat Street continues its hugely popular “first Friday” sessions, bringing gourmet street food from around the world to Stony. Mark your appetites for May 3rd, June 7th, and July 5th. Stony Tracks has been a great success, with Derek Gibbons chatting to local “celebs” about their lives and loves. Lots of photographs and snippets of their favourite music. May 8th has guitar supremo, Andy Fenton, and enchanting story-teller, Terrie Howie, is on June 12th. For more details on all of our events please visit our website W: york-house.org.uk E: [email protected]. T: 01908 563361 58
NEW HORIZONS ALL NEW LEXUS UX SELF-CHARGING HYBRID AVAILABLE TO TEST DRIVE AT MILTON KEYNES LEXUS MILTON KEYNES Alston Drive, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK13 9HA 01908 682 400 www.lexus.co.uk/miltonkeynes Model shown is UX F SPORT with Tech & Safety Pack at £36,270 including metallic paint at £570. Exact fuel consumption figures for model shown in mpg (l/100km): Combined 50.6 (5.6). Combined CO2 97 g/km. UX fuel consumption range in mpg (I/100km): 49.6 (5.7) – 53.3 (5.3). Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which replaces the New European Driving Cycle test procedure (NEDC). All CO2 figures quoted are NEDC equivalent. This means the CO2 figures are based on the new WLTP test procedure but calculated (using a standard European calculation method) to allow comparison with the NEDC test procedure and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. All mpg figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: www.vehicle-certification agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp
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