Page 63 - Phonebox Magazine September 2014

Home Town Glory
From the Mayor’s chair
Football fans witnessed history being made on August 26 as MK Dons secured one of the greatest cup upsets of recent years and beat Manchester United 4-0.
The cheers of the 27,000-strong crowd could be heard throughout Milton Keynes as the home team sunk four hits into the premiership team’s goal throughout the highly anticipated match.
MK Dons manager, Karl Robinson, said walking off the pitch and seeing the score line was a shock. “It’s ridiculous; it’s something that dreams are made of for these players. Now we have to live up to our billing. The most emotional part of the weekend was walking out before kick-off, it took my breath away seeing the place full.”
Manchester United’s manager, Van Gaal, only joined the team, who have yet to win a match under his leadership, this summer. Speaking after the game, he said: “Of course I’m disappointed, but I can analyse this. I am not shocked because I know what can happen, and I think also that Milton Keynes played very well, very aggressively, and they had also a little bit of luck.”
Councillor Brian White said “Pete built it, they came, we won. It was like a film script. A full stadium, fantastic atmosphere and you had this fear you would wake up and it would be Tuesday morning. A great day for the club and MK which has really put us on the map.”
MP Mark Lancaster said “Fantastic atmosphere at Stadium:MK for Man Utd game, great to see the place full and at its best. Unbelievable evening to be at the Dons.”
England loves an underdog, and never more so when it’s the home team doing the winning.
Newport Pagnell Brownies
Councillor Mike Barry
Ithink the manufacturers of flat pack objects must also have shares in divorce lawyers. We recently ordered some flat packed garden furniture. Yes, we did eventually get it assembled but what a palaver. We had a similar problem (or I
did) trying to wall mount a garden hose. Now, you’d think nothing could be simpler ? Oh no. Another argument. “That doesn’t go there” “Yes it does” “No it doesn’t” and so on. And, of course, when you have completed the assembly you have two screws and two raw plugs over. Oh well, at least it’s beginning to rain, so no need for the hose.
Our candle-lit event in Newport Pagnell to commemorate the start of WW1 was an outstanding success. The church was packed and at 11pm everyone extinguished their candles, while the names of those who gave their lives were read out from the War Memorial. It was an extremely moving ceremony and thanks to everyone who came.
Sadly, while driving to the church, we saw only a few houses with a candle burning in the front window. It’s a shame that people couldn’t spare a moment or two to remember those who perished. Thanks to them we live in freedom.
Why are some drivers so clever? In my road, there’s a Keep Left bollard, which frequently is read by some people as Keep Right. In other words, they go the wrong side of it. I saw somebody do this just last week and I asked him if he knew what the bollard was for. “What’s it got to do with you?” was the reply. Well nothing really, but bollards and speed humps, especially on residential estates, are there for a safety reasons (not for idiots to misuse or abuse).
On the 20th September, and again on the 4th and 11th of October, we will be exhibiting our Local Plan. The three accessible venues – The URC Church, Green Park and Portfields community centres – will ensure there is no excuse for any resident not to see the exhibition and give comments on it. This will shape the future of Newport Pagnell and you are urged to come along. Local councillors will be on hand to answer any questions and record your concerns.
After several years of loyal service (not only as a Newport Councillor but as Mayor of Milton Keynes) Alan Richards has decided that it is time to retire and enjoy life.
I know he will kill me for saying it but, although sometimes a slightly abrupt and straight-to-the-point person, he had a wonderful sense of humour and brought hilarity into some awkward situations. We wish him and his wife Christina every happiness for the future.
The result of Alan’s resignation from the Newport Pagnell Town Council means that we have a vacancy on the team. If you’ve ever fancied helping to shape your town, then please just get in touch with our Town Clerk, who will gladly give you details of the post.
As I’m writing, this we are preparing for the onslaught of Bertha. I do hope that it passes without too much destruction or damage. The BBQ season is over now, but I don’t think we can really complain about the summer we’ve had this year.
Phonebox Magazine 63