n my last offering, I had a moan about Ithe very few dog owners who let their dogs off the lead in Ousebank Gardens, to do whatever they please. The latest happening defies all logic. We bought dozens of small box hedging plants a few weeks ago, which have been planted as edging for the borders. A Wednesday morning, following our Tuesday gardening session, it was noticed that a pile of box plants were neatly stacked near the path. We thought that someone had generously left some more for us. Oh no they hadn't. Whoever it was had pulled up our own planted ones and just left them. Albeit neatly stacked. How completely mindless some people are! I suppose I should feel
sorry for this/these people with warped minds, but I don't. A lot of time, effort and money goes into those gardens to make our town a bit brighter. I just hope that our re-planted hedge grows ready for this year's Britain-in-Bloom.
As part of their 'Big Tour,' BBC Three Counties radio spent a week with us in Newport. Individuals were interviewed for broadcast and many businesses were featured . I had made a comment previously that charity shops were preferable to empty shops, and I was put on air with Jonathan Vernon-Smith to talk about our shops. Talk about being a lamb to the slaughter! He nailed me to the wall! You have in your mind what you want to say, but the chance never comes. He was so quick with questions and comments that I did not have time to think straight. It must be an age thing ! That's my excuse!
On another day, I joined Roberto Perrone for a live chat from Middleton Pool, which was much more enjoyable. I also went to their Luton studios to take part in an hour long discussion , hosted by Roberto, with Mark Lancaster, our MP, and the prospective UKIP candidate for MK North,
Stuart Moore. Newport Pagnell Town Council is non-political and as such, I could not express any political views, only general comments, so I was a bit restricted with an answer . Nonetheless , it was a good experience. At the end of the week, despite my failings, I think that Newport Pagnell came over as a happy and caring place to live, which is a good result. Thank you BBC Three Counties radio - come again! Another milestone in the life of Middleton Pool has been reached and it is now in the more than capable hands of DC Leisure, after a much fraught process, which meant a lot of work for all concerned . Timing was critical to incur the least amount of funding from Newport Pagnell Town Council, which, comes from you , the tax payer.
The pool and Willen Road sports ground are part of the Milton Keynes Asset Transfer program, which we were successful in acquiring. The huge running costs could not be met from our council funds, hence us finding a partner to run the facilities for the benefit of the town. Much legal wrangling meant that all the transfer procedures took place on the same day.
We are very lucky here in Newport, because the councillors deal this sort of negotiating as part of their daily working life. That, coupled with our Town Clerk's experience and ability, has meant that we did not have to buy in outside help for most of the negotiation process. A huge round of applause please!
One thing that was paramount was the future of our staff who were transferring with the pool to DCL. We are confident that the pool staff, who have been instrumental to the pool's success over many years, will have continued employment and further training. This helps cope with the expansion of the pool into a fitness centre that the people of Newport can be proud of. Many of you from the surrounding area will also benefit from the extra facilities .
Whilst the new fitness centre is being built onto the pool, the Tickford Community Centre has been modified to accommodate the equipment straight away. By next January, it is hoped that the torturous apparatus will be in its new home, and the Tickford centre will revert back to a community centre. In the meantime, the centre 's existing users have been accommodated within the other community
centres around town. I would like to say thanks for their co-operation and, when they move back, they will have the added benefit of air-conditioning. It's been installed to cool those sweaty bodies using the gym equipment/instruments of torture. The end result of all this swapping around will mean that Newport Pagnell will continue to have the best facilities on offer to you, both now and long into the future.
During my time as Mayor of Newport Pagnell, I have accepted most invitations to attend this, that and the other. Quite a few of these has meant travelling to the other end of Buckinghamshire , which I have been happy to do. Without exception, all the events down south (as it were) have spoken very highly of Newport Pagne/1. They loved the place and the people, and
Life Path
s many people will be aware, AOlney is an amazing place to live with fantastic resources. Bur it is always a great pleasure when I meet people outside of the town, who share our great delight and enthusiasm on their visits and subsequent
discoveries of this vibrant community.
Our picturesque town has historic buildings and churches surrounded by fields, and those who live and work here feature in many discussions.
Some have said, "We were made so welcome. Everyone seemed to have time to share, and they still smile and say hello in Olney as you walk along the High Street." It is this warm welcome and our hospitality that costs nothing, but is recognised as a rich and generous gift, often not found in other places. This is a gift that delivers Jesus ' commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves.
This gift will be shared with 900 school children from the three surrounding counties who will attend an event known as Life Path, from 20th-22nd May. Hosted by the churches of Olney with the Scripture Union and Bridgebuilder Trust , it is supported by numerous volunteers. I think it will be a great experience.
The children will learn about John Newton
60 Phonebox Magazine
Newport Pagnell Mayor's Chair