Friday 29 April 2016

Tremayne Miller - Film exclusives

Lifestyle MK's Film Critic, Tremayne Miller has been hard at work bringing us her view on two recent releases: CRIMINAL and GOLDEN YEARS.

Criminal


Directors: Ariel Vromen
Writers: Douglas Cook, David Weisberg
Stars: Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, Gary Oldman.

 Memories are “missionized” in Criminal,as an arguably ‘old-fashioned Cold War style conflict’ plays out, instead of the more pertinent terrorist drama we have become used to; where Kevin Costner is cast as a brain-damaged, sociopathic convict, who undergoes a brain transplant, taking on the memories of a dead CIA agent. In just three days he must unravel an international conspiracy, and in the process may come closer to understanding love.
The film also stars Gary Oldman, Gal Gadot, Tommy Lee Jones and Ryan Reynolds.

Reynolds, the focus of the first part of the film, is on the way to hand over ransom money to a Dutch hacker unimaginatively named  “the Dutchman” (Michael Pitt), however, his location was only known to him. Therefore, to extract this vital piece of information, London CIA boss Quaker Wells (Gary Oldman) turns to the expertise of neurosurgeon Dr. Franks, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who is able to carry out a procedure where memories are transferable from one person’s brain to another.

Such delicate information is thought to only be safe with a violent criminal, like that of Jerico Stewart (Costner), who, as a child, sustained an injury which left him incapable of feeling empathy.

Stewart able to recall Pope’s old address and security code, manages to break into his house and looks set to rape his widow wife, Jill (Gadot), that is until he is hit, suddenly, by a whirl of emotions unknown to him, which render him incapable of laying a finger on Pope’s wife or daughter, Emma (Lara Decaro).

The film echoes Clint Eastwood’s - Gran Torino and Face/Off (or ‘Volte Face’, as it is referred to in France), where I first watched it.
The “Bourne” films also come to mind, with the quick cuts between jumpy action and CCTV feeds,  achieved using handheld cameras. 

The film shows the sights of London off in an amazing light, in the same way that current Sky 1 Series, Lucky Man does; and there’s an impressive shoot-out scene on top of a moveable bridge on the way to City Airport.

Gal Gadot (Ryan Reynolds’s wife in the film), the forthcoming ‘Wonder woman’ puts in a respectable performance; and I am most impressed with Kevin Costner, who proves himself to be far from a one dimensional Actor, whose character becomes increasingly interesting as the monster in him begins to develop a conscience, while the (his) physical vessel remains unchanged, not, I would say,  unlike the story of Mary Shelly’sFrankenstein.

Tommy Lee Jones, and Gary Oldman put in their usual reliable performances, this in part, because they have not succumbed to the hold, the power of Hollywood. 
The intricacies of the special effects, especially involved in the transplant scene remind me of those found in CSI (Crime Scene Investigation), the original Series, which in an enthralling way draws me in.

The script skillfully weaves its humour in and out, and there truly are some classical moments, for example, when Kevin Costner refers to the librarian as a “sugarpuss”, and in the Pharmacy when he questions his out-of-character politesse towards the Pharmacist, as he says “Cheers”!

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNfRQ4NBjUU

UK film release: 15 April, 2016



Golden Years


Starring Bernard Hill, Virginia McKenna, Una Stubbs, Simon Callow, Phil Davis, Brad Moore, Alun Armstrong, Sue Johnson

The film depicts a group of colourful characters, who’ve lived life to the full, yet in private are tackling reoccurring issues. The fondness of the creators towards the characters is apparent, and undoubtedly they are held in high regard.

One cannot help but watch and feel an element of sympathy and pathos, as it reflects back to us what it means to be alive in raw and basic terms but with a sufficient smattering of humour deposited throughout.

The message “laughter is the best panacea” transcends throughout the entirety of the film.

From the outset we deem the film only suitable for a certain age group but as it unravels, we see that this is indeed not the case, and the subject matter is also relevant to the younger generation.

Despite Golden Years following an elderly couple forced into a retirement of crime as the pension crisis hits, it also deals with many other issues including - friendship, what it means to struggle financially, and the impact that illness has on our bodies as they deteriorate with the aging process; our contribution to society as we grow older, and the disenchantment we bear as we are seen as nothing more than collateral damage to the economic structure.

These relevant subjects are approached by the Writers in a humourously, gentle manner, embracing the fact that the aging society will encounter unavoidable issues.

What I have come to coin “The blue rinse scene” sees an ultra curious and seemingly ill Martha Goode, played by a brilliant Virginia McKenna, entering into her beloved husband, Arthur’s shed, depicted as ‘the man’s domain.’

She gazes around, looking for something out of the ordinary, then spots something in the corner, stashed underneath a blanket; and as she proceeds to lift it up she recognises the money case, the kind used by security services to transport large sums of money around.

However, as human nature gets the better of her at the thought of being in the possession of a huge sum, she clicks the case open, and in so doing covers herself in blue dye.

Martha's strands of hair as she stands upright are now a powdery blue, whilst a stream of indigo flows down one side of her face, all the while the household cat remains in its basket, completely oblivious, void of any emotion. Although the scene lasts but seconds, it is priceless!

If this film sought the advice of a doctor, it would prescribe the drug of humour every time!!

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3ma8xh59dE


UK film release: 29 April, 2016.


© Tremayne Miller 

Thursday 28 April 2016

Say ‘hello’ to our new Community Park Ranger at Willen Lake


by Laura Tarry (The Parks Trust)

When visiting Willen Lake this month say hello to our new Community Park Ranger for Willen Lake, Milton Keynes.
Willen Lake’s Community Park Ranger, Greg Ambarchian, will be patrolling the lake and parkland at Willen Lake South to ensure everyone coming to the park will have a safe and enjoyable visit.
His duties will include site patrols, litter picking, dealing with anti-social behaviour, assisting at events and generally being a friendly face at the park.
Willen Lake’s, Community Park Ranger, Greg said:  “I’m really enjoying getting to know the lake and the surrounding grounds and making sure the site is as inviting and enjoyable for our visitors as possible. It’s great to chat to people about their visit, to hear their feedback and to offer them helpful advice and inform them about the facilities here. I’m really looking forward to working the events in the summer and seeing the lake in full swing.”
The staff at Willen Lake are looking forward to welcoming people to the lake this season.
Briony Fox, Head of Community Engagement said: “It is great to have someone with Greg’s experience and knowledge as a Park Ranger at Willen Lake. The lake can get very busy during the summer and having a dedicated person like Greg keeping the lake tidy and safe for everyone to enjoy will ensure that visitors have a great time at Willen Lake.”


To find out what’s on this month at Willen Lake visit: http://www.willenlake.org.uk/main/what-s-on#.Vw-8sfb2ZCo

Wednesday 27 April 2016

"Hello My Dear Old Thing" - Exclusive interview with Henry Blofeld on Stephen Whitton's "Every Day People"

By Stephen Whitton



When you get the chance to interview an iconic broadcaster and legend of cricket commentary, whose internationally renowned catch-phrase is “my dear old thing” – how else would you expect the interview to start?

Henry Blofeld (Blowers) has been a stalwart of Test Match commentary for four decades and during that time his international travel, on and off-air antics and personal hobbies have enabled him to build an in-exhaustible source of stories and anecdotes. Couple that with being quintessentially an English gentlemen and his extremely courteous, witty and slightly eccentric zest for life, makes him a fascinating and very entertaining interviewee.

To coincide with his appearance at The Stables MK on Saturday 30th April, alongside Peter Baxter, for the next leg of their Rogues on the Road tour, I had the immense pleasure and honour of interviewing “dear old” Blowers for my Everyday People show, Secklow Sounds 2pm Saturday.

As the youngest of 3 growing up in Norfolk, Henry describes his mother as a cross between Queen Victoria and Attila the Hun, but recounts how he adored her. His father was best friends with Ian Fleming (author of the James Bond stories) which is how Fleming “borrowed” the name Blofeld for one of his villain characters.

A member of the school Cricket team, Blowers’ cricket ambitions were curtailed slightly following an altercation with a bus, which left him hospitalized for over a month – but forever “onwards and upwards” he pursued a career in sport journalism and ended up as a long-serving member of the Test Match Special (TMS) team alongside other greats like Brian Johnston and John Arlott.

Not being a cricket fan myself (outside of chalk stumps drawn on a tree in the park, many, many years ago), I worried unnecessarily about what Henry and I would talk about, as he recounted many stories with humour and irreverence.

Henry “Blowers” Blofeld is appearing at The Stables on Saturday 30th April and you can hear the interview in full, together with his choice of songs and music, on “Every Day People” on Secklow Sounds at 2pm, this Saturday.




Sunday 24 April 2016

Newsletter w/c 24th April

TALK BACK - NEWSLETTER W/C April 24TH


Every Sunday we'll update you on the special shows on Secklow Sounds.
You can get in touch:
T: @secklowsounds
E: radio@secklowsounds.org
Fb: Secklow Sounds Radio

TO LISTEN: CLICK HERE

W/C 24th th April 2016,THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST SPECIALS ON SECKLOW SOUNDS...

MONDAY April 25th, 10AM "THE STICKS WITH TERRY SULLIVAN" - FEATURING CHRISTIAN O'CONNELL
AND DARRELL MARTIN

The Sticks is YOUR what's on & lifestyle guide for Herts Beds and Bucks.
Joining Terry Sullivan on this week’s Sticks show are Absolute Radio’s breakfast host Christian O’ Connell and Darrell Martin the owner of “Just The Tonic” comedy clubs, plus what’s on this week in MK and surrounding areas.The Sticks show can be heard at 10am Mondays. Tune in via the Secklow Sounds web site or via the TuneIn radio app.
www.the-sticks.co.uk
thesticks9@gmail.com
Twitter: @thesticks9
www.facebook.com/sticksmag
Contact Terry with requests, dedications, shout-outs
Twitter: @thesticks9 Email: thesticks@secklowsounds.org



TUESDAY 26th APRIL: 10pm "SOUNDTRACKS” with TONY CARTY – NEW

RELEASES
TUESDAY 26 APRIL: 10pm "SOUNDTRACKS” with TONY CARTY – NEW RELEASES
New releases of film-related music.  Upcoming movies include the new Tom Hanks film A Hologram for the King, Pee Wee’s Big Holiday, Mr. Right, Camino, Criminal, Darling and Hardcore Henry.  It’s a varied programme including video game music, a Scandinavian classic and a critically-panned “waste”.
Soundtracks: 1 hour Tues 10pm, repeats Sunday midnight and Mon 11am

Catch past shows on Mixcloud

A TREASURY OF FILM MUSIC:

The stock of ALL the past SOUNDTRACKS shows (over 180!) on a variety of topics RIGHT HERE



Rewind - in case you missed it

LIFESTYLE MK - SATURDAYS 12 - 2pm - BEST OF ...with Dr Audrey, Gill and Dave

grin emoticon
Lifestyle MK - Food for thought
At a new time of Tuesday 7 -9, the lifestyle team are taking a look at food.  We learn about the different types of food in Malaysia, we get a recipe for Brown Stew Chicken, Dave tells us all about the best restaurants, and our experts weigh in on superfoods and Nutrition for our pets.
NEXT WEEK: The best of the Bard - commemorating 400 years since the death of Wiliam Shakspeare.
Tune in from 7 - 9  www.secklowsounds.org/player or catch the show's repeats on SPREAKER orMIXCLOUD
@draudreyt
@gili80
@davejsanderson
#lifestylemk
...and if you have any questions for our experts - just join us on facebook by clicking here and leave a comment!!

Saturday 23 April 2016

Newsletter w/c April 17th

TALK BACK - NEWSLETTER W/C April 17th 


Every Sunday we'll update you on the special shows on Secklow Sounds.
You can get in touch:
T: @secklowsounds
E: radio@secklowsounds.org
Fb: Secklow Sounds Radio

TO LISTEN: CLICK HERE

W/C 17th April 2016,THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST SPECIALS ON SECKLOW SOUNDS...

MONDAY April 18th, 10AM "THE STICKS WITH TERRY SULLIVAN" - FEATURING THE RUBETTES
The Sticks is YOUR what's on & lifestyle guide for Herts Beds and Bucks.
Joining Terry Sullivan on this week’s Sticks show as his guest is Alan Williams the original lead singer of The Rubettes, plus what’s on this week in MK and surrounding areas The Sticks show can be heard at 10am Mondays. Tune in via the Secklow Sounds web site or via the TuneIn radio app.
www.the-sticks.co.uk
thesticks9@gmail.com
Twitter: @thesticks9
www.facebook.com/sticksmag
Contact Terry with requests, dedications, shout-outs
Twitter: @thesticks9 Email: thesticks@secklowsounds.org


TUESDAY 19 APRIL: 10pm "SOUNDTRACKS” with TONY CARTY – THREE AUTHORS
This week there are anniversaries of three literary giants – Charlotte Bronte, Miguel de Cevantes and William Shakespeare. 
Forsooth, verily it is a goodly listen!  Odds bodkins!!
Soundtracks: 1 hour Tues 10pm, repeats Sunday midnight and Mon 11am
UPCOMING SHOW:
April 26: NEW RELEASES
Catch past shows on Mixcloud

A TREASURY OF FILM MUSIC:

The stock of ALL the past SOUNDTRACKS shows (over 180!) on a variety of topics RIGHT HERE



Rewind - in case you missed it

LIFESTYLE MK - SATURDAYS 12 - 2pm - BEST OF ...with Dr Audrey, Gill and Dave

grin emoticon
Lifestyle MK - Pet Peeves.
"Pop, Six, Squish, Uh Uh..."
Join Audrey and the Lifestyle Team as they talk about what really gets their goat. It's the "Grumpy (hot, young) Lads and Lasses" on today's show. From the person who gets sick on a treadmill and leaves it for someone to clean up while he carries on jogging, to noisy eaters and aggressive pets - this laughs and lightens up about it all.
12.00 - 12.30 - PT Robb - Fitness peeves; Vet Dr Jamie - Pet Peeves (geddit ;) )
12.30 - 1.00 - It's not "Ironic", and Dave's Man Cave - dating peeves
1.00 - 1.30 - Grammar Nazis
1.30 - 2.00 - Gill discusses why we should "Look to ourselves too"
NEXT WEEK: HAPPY Easter - what makes us smile?
Tune in from 12 - 2 www.secklowsounds.org/player or catch the show's repeats on SPREAKER orMIXCLOUD
@draudreyt
@gili80
@davejsanderson
#lifestylemk
...and if you have any questions for our experts - just join us on facebook by clicking here and leave a comment!!

Friday 15 April 2016

Nesting Swans this Spring

Please be aware of nesting swans in Milton Keynes this spring
 by Laura Tarry

Each spring The Parks Trust receives a number of enquiries from people regarding swan nests in Milton Keynes. The most common concern is nests being disturbed by dogs and/or people particularly near Willen Lake.
This year, we would like to remind people to look out for swans nests and signs alerting people to the nests in their area.
Most swan pairs have now begun to build their nests and some are already sitting on eggs.
Swans nests, in common with all other native birds, are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly destroy any nests, eggs or nestlings.
The Parks Trust Biodiversity Officer, Martin Kincaid said: “If you are aware of a nesting swan please make sure dogs are kept on a short lead as you approach and pass the nest. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage a bird’s nest or eggs. Dogs are naturally curious of other animals and the conflict between dogs and swans has to be avoided for the wellbeing of both. Please look out for temporary signs at some of our lakes, which will indicate when you are approaching a swan nest close to the footpath.”
The Parks Trust does not have the resources to fence off or otherwise protect the nests of swans or other vulnerable bird nests. In a few exceptional cases, we may erect temporary plastic fencing until the birds have fledged.
Martin added: “Occasionally, eggs may be destroyed by natural predators such as foxes or crows. Sad though this is, it is a natural process. Older, more experienced swans are more successful in raising broods than younger ones.  Please do not attempt to move any birds under any circumstances.  
Please do not attempt to feed any nesting swans you may see or cygnets later in the year. Cygnets will happily graze on grass and aquatic weeds and should not be fed bread or any other foodstuff by people.”

If you would like further information please contact The Parks Trust on 01908 233600.

Thursday 14 April 2016

A Novel debut: Gibbous Moon by "Plane Talking"'s Mick Bannister

Mick Bannister, “Plane Talking” presenter and Secklow Sounds Technical Director, has had his first novel published this week by Sarah Book Publishing.

It is called “Gibbous Moon” and is a semi-autobiographical tragic-comedy based on Michael as a young teenager faced with the prospect of his grandfather dying from cancer.




You can read more about it here – www.mick-bannister.co.uk


Monday 11 April 2016

Newsletter w/c April 10th

TALK BACK - NEWSLETTER W/C April 10th


Every Sunday we'll update you on the special shows on Secklow Sounds.
You can get in touch:
T: @secklowsounds
E: radio@secklowsounds.org
Fb: Secklow Sounds Radio

TO LISTEN: CLICK HERE

W/C 10th April 2016,THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST SPECIALS ON SECKLOW SOUNDS...

MONDAY April 11th, 10AM "THE STICKS WITH TERRY SULLIVAN" - FEATURING PASHA KOVALEV, AND TONI LEE


The Sticks is YOUR what's on & lifestyle guide for Herts Beds and Bucks.
Joining Terry Sullivan on this week’s  Sticks show as his guests are Pasha Kovalev from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and singer Toni Lee from the show We’ve Only Just Begun – The Love Songs. A Celebration of The Carpenters plus what’s on this week in MK and surrounding areas
The Sticks show can be heard at 10am Mondays. Tune in via the Secklow Sounds web site or via the TuneIn radio app.
www.the-sticks.co.uk
thesticks9@gmail.com
Twitter: @thesticks9
www.facebook.com/sticksmag
Contact Terry with requests, dedications, shout-outs
Twitter: @thesticks9 Email: thesticks@secklowsounds.org



TUESDAY 12 APRIL: 10pm "SOUNDTRACKS” with TONY CARTY - FOUR CONDUCTORS

Charles Gerhardt, Erich Kunzel, William Stromberg and Nic Raine have conduct
some magnificent movie music.  This programme salutes them – and also their record producers.
Soundtracks: 1 hour Tues 10pm, repeats Sunday midnight and Mon 11am
UPCOMING SHOW:
April 19: THREE AUTHORS
Catch past shows on Mixcloud


A TREASURY OF FILM MUSIC:

The stock of ALL the past SOUNDTRACKS shows (over 180!) on a variety of topics RIGHT HERE



Rewind - in case you missed it

LIFESTYLE MK - SATURDAYS 12 - 2pm - BEST OF ...with Dr Audrey, Gill and Dave

grin emoticon
Lifestyle MK - Pet Peeves.
"Pop, Six, Squish, Uh Uh..."
Join Audrey and the Lifestyle Team as they talk about what really gets their goat. It's the "Grumpy (hot, young) Lads and Lasses" on today's show. From the person who gets sick on a treadmill and leaves it for someone to clean up while he carries on jogging, to noisy eaters and aggressive pets - this laughs and lightens up about it all.
12.00 - 12.30 - PT Robb - Fitness peeves; Vet Dr Jamie - Pet Peeves (geddit ;) )
12.30 - 1.00 - It's not "Ironic", and Dave's Man Cave - dating peeves
1.00 - 1.30 - Grammar Nazis
1.30 - 2.00 - Gill discusses why we should "Look to ourselves too" 
Tune in from 12 - 2 www.secklowsounds.org/player or catch the show's repeats on SPREAKER orMIXCLOUD
@draudreyt
@gili80
@davejsanderson
#lifestylemk
...and if you have any questions for our experts - just join us on facebook by clicking here and leave a comment!!

Sunday 3 April 2016

Newsletter w/c April 3

TALK BACK - NEWSLETTER W/C April 3rd


Every Sunday we'll update you on the special shows on Secklow Sounds.
You can get in touch:
T: @secklowsounds
E: radio@secklowsounds.org
Fb: Secklow Sounds Radio

TO LISTEN: CLICK HERE

W/C 3rd April 2016,THIS WEEK'S PLAYLIST SPECIALS ON SECKLOW SOUNDS...

MONDAY April 4th, 10AM "THE STICKS WITH TERRY SULLIVAN" - FEATURING FISH


Joining Terry Sullivan on this week’s  Sticks show as his guest is The LEGEND that is FISH (ex-Marilion frontman),Fish will talk about his latest album, his tour and his life in general,  plus what’s on this week in MK and surrounding areas.

The Sticks show can be heard at 10am Mondays atwww.secklowsounds.org  Tune in via the Secklow Sounds web site or via TuneIn radio app http://tunein.com/radio/Secklow-Sounds-s153078/

Contact Terry  with requests, dedications, shout-outs etc.
Twitter: @thesticks9
Email: thesticks@secklowsounds.org






TUESDAY 5 APRIL: 10pm "SOUNDTRACKS” with TONY CARTY – GREGORY PECK
Marking the centenary of the birth of a big Hollywood star.
“Miss Jean Louise. Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passing.”

Soundtracks: 1 hour Tues 10pm, repeats Sunday midnight and Mon 11am
Upcoming shows:

Catch past shows on Mixcloud


A TREASURY OF FILM MUSIC:

The stock of ALL the past SOUNDTRACKS shows (over 180!) on a variety of topics RIGHT HERE



Rewind - in case you missed it

LIFESTYLE MK - SATURDAYS 12 - 2pm - BEST OF ...with Dr Audrey, Gill and Dave

grin emoticon
Lifestyle MK - Pet Peeves (repeat)
By popular demand - a repeat of "Pet Peeves"
"Pop, Six, Squish, Uh Uh..."
Join Audrey and the Lifestyle Team as they talk about what really gets their goat. It's the "Grumpy (hot, young) Lads and Lasses" on today's show. From the person who gets sick on a treadmill and leaves it for someone to clean up while he carries on jogging, to noisy eaters and aggressive pets - this laughs and lightens up about it all.
12.00 - 12.30 - PT Robb - Fitness peeves; Vet Dr Jamie - Pet Peeves (geddit ;) )
12.30 - 1.00 - It's not "Ironic", and Dave's Man Cave - dating peeves
1.00 - 1.30 - Grammar Nazis
1.30 - 2.00 - Gill discusses why we should "Look to ourselves too"
Next Week:  Travelling Tales 
Tune in from 12 - 2 www.secklowsounds.org/player or catch the show's repeats on SPREAKER or MIXCLOUD
@draudreyt
@gili80
@davejsanderson
#lifestylemk
...and if you have any questions for our experts - just join us on facebook by clicking here and leave a comment!!