there wasn 't one word of criticism . This makes me a very happy fella! My wife Yvonne and I have been warmly greeted and praised for taking the trouble to venture out of our patch. It makes me feel very proud to represent my town.
I also believe it's worth noting that I see our Remembrance Sunday ceremony is the best in the county. Not many towns bother to close streets to enable such a parade that befits the occasion. That is why the Lord-Lieutenant of the county comes here, to Newport Pagnell , to remember why the countless number of soldiers died for this country .
We have had a variety of invitations to fulfil recently and the one that I had been waiting for was the James Goff Big Band concert, held in our parish church. The acoustics
in the church are perfect for music and James' band almost had the roof off! They played lots of Glen Miller music, with a bit of tweaking by James. It was a fabulous evening and more than £2000 was raised for Brooklands Centre. We didn't win in the raffle , but you can 't have it all.
Also , the Mysore restaurant in Newport has changed hands. It now goes under the name of Mysore Spice and has been totally renovated . We had an invitation to the Gala opening and were in good company, as both of our local MPs were there, as were certain members of the Phonebox team. During the evening, the food and service were excellent and I was presented with a generous cheque for Diabetes UK, for which I am very thankful.
invited us to attend a comedy charity dinner, which was held at the Doubletree Hotel at the Stadium:MK . It was quite an unusual evening. In-between each course, a comedian did a 'turn' in-front of the audience . The final comic was Paul Sinha, who you may know from ITV's 'The Chaser' with Bradley Walsh. The best was saved until last - he is an exceptionally funny man and rounded up the evening nicely.
I can smell food wafting up from our kitchen , so I had better stop, get my blood sugars tested and take the dreaded injection of insulin. Four injections a day, for life, does wear you down a bit at times. Still, it's better than being fitted with a wooden box. Never mind, a chilled glass of wine will help! I will have more news next month, so keep an eye out for the new Phonebox!
Amazing Grace Claire Wood, Rector of Olney
Come along to our services... Olney Baptist Church (known as 'Sutcliff') :
High St. (opposite the Market Place) Rev Ian Field 713880
10.30am Family Worship
6pm Evening service
www .olneybapt ist.org .uk
Cowper Memorial URC:
Sunday, 10.45am
Communion on first Sunday of month . Celia Dashfield, 01234 713468, contact @cowperu re.org.uk www.cowperurc.org .uk
St Peter and St Paul's: Sunday, 10.00am (Weekly)
8.30am (2nd/4th Sunday of the month) 5.00pm (2nd/4th Sunday of the month) 6.00pm (1st/3rd Sunday of the month) Wednesday, 9.30am (Weekly) Reverend Claire Wood 713308
Moreat www.olneyparish.org.uk.
The Catholic Church of Our Lady Help of Christians and St Lawrence:
Saturday Mass at 6.30pm
Sunday Mass at 10.30am.
Benediction 4-5pm at the Convent Father Malcolm Bull and Church administrator , Sister Rita Scott 711212
and his transformation through the amazing Grace of Christ. A slave trader who was moved by God to become a Priest, he served as a curate in Olney. The children will explore the haunts of John Newton (including the museum) , spea k to local Rector Claire Wood about her life and partic ipate in various activities learning about the slavery and its abolition .
Newton 's story continues to inspire and draw pilgrims and tourists from all over the world , many seeking the same Grace. It is this link, plus the warm welcome received during a visit to the parish church two years ago , that has led Du rant to the area . The American vibrant acapella group will hold
a concert at St Peter and St Paul's Parish Church on Sunday 8th June at 6.30pm , and it will be the last concert of their UK tour. Through their gift of music and faith, Durant help those in need, seeking to transform and inspire people .
They are a group with a passion for making music and praising the Lord. Durant has an energetic stage presence, powerful vocals and a style all their own!
I hope that when you witness the young people, or attend the concert, you will continue to be part of the amazing welcome Olney extends to everyone . We seek to love our neighbour, whoever they may be.
Brian
White ,
Mayor of
Milton
Keynes,
CllrJohn Smith
Phonebox Magazine 61