Page 67 - Phonebox Magazine September 2014

Laura Tetlow
Olney – Newton Link
The Ebola Crisis
At the time of writing this, Sierra Leone is battling to stop the spread of the Ebola virus which has hit many parts of
Africa. Fortunately, Newton is on the edge of the badly affected area but preventative measures are vital in the fight against the spread of the virus. International help is being supplied and we have released £500 to our Newton committee for them to purchase whatever equipment they need. We have requested they let us know if more is needed.
Have you seen our loo?
Our version of a portaloo is doing the rounds and I hope many of you have spied it lurking around ready to receive a donation ... of money of course.
It is painted in the colours of the Sierra Leonean flag (green, white and blue), so it is easily recognisable and has so far done service at Lifepath, Olney Infant Academy, Olney Colts Awards afternoon and Olney in Flower. If you see it, please reward it with a bit of spare cash. It is all going towards the construction of the Community Toilets in Newton. At present, they are only half completed.
The Skills Training Centre
We are delighted with the progress of this
project. It is now affiliated to the University of Sierra Leone, who supply the tutors, but we are still responsible for the completion of the building.
We understand that 150 students wish to sign up next term. There is still quite a lot to do, both internally and externally, and there are plans for an extension.
We have recently been asked for computers, and lots of them, We have sent about 20 PCs and some laptops over the past five years or so, but some are now beyond repair even to the ultra resourceful Sierra Leoneans, so they need replacing. Do you know of an organisation or business who may be replacing their PCs and/or would be interested in sponsoring a consignment to be sent to Sierra Leone? If so, please put them in touch with us at olneynewtonlink.org.uk.
And thank you!
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us at the various events around the town recently, and a particularly big thank you to the anonymous donor who gave us a substantial donation. This will allow the Newton committee to carry on building the Skills Centre and the toilets. Our next big event is the 70s Night on Saturday September 27th at the Carlton House Club in Olney.
For details of tickets, please go to our website (olneynewtonlink.org.uk) or see the available poster.
Phonebox Magazine 67