Page 14 - Phonebox Magazine November 2014

Readers’ Letters
Putting Pen to Paper
BOFF – Big Olney Bake Off – Fundraiser on behalf of The Toby Trust and GOSH
Take your mind back to the weekend of 6-7 September and BOFF, I think we can safely say a great time was had by all. Each year the event is planned, co-ordinated and run by volunteers of the Chamber of Trade to promote our beautiful town. As well as being able to sample lots of local food delights, listen to music and generally have a great time, it also presents an opportunity to fundraise. This is the third year BOFF has supported local individuals from funds raised on the day, this year was no exception and we are delighted to confirm a total of £220 was raised from the sale of all the amazing cakes that our super Olney bakers baked in advance and gave their permission to sell at the event. The Bake Off was sponsored by Jane Smith Financial Planning, Director Nicola Watts said ‘it was great to be a judge on the day and have the envious position of tasting all the cakes, but to also be able to support two local funds makes it even more fulfilling’. In total £660 donation was presented to Tim O’Grady on behalf of Toby’s Trust www.Tobystrust.org and £660 to Great Ormond Street Hospital in memory of William Crook www.facebook.com/ WilliamsBrighterFutureFund – the amazing total of £1,320 was raised from a further £100 donated by Jane Smith Financial Planning and also from the proceeds given by BOFF. Thank you to everyone who baked, purchased and ate cake on the day! Samantha Tomlin, Chair Olney Chamber of Trade.
A Huge Thank You on behalf of GOSH
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for this wonderful donation. I am always amazed and overwhelmed by the support we receive in so many ways from all areas of our friends and community. I am just so happy to be able to continue to fundraise for a wonderful place that gave William his life and indeed was his home. Even though that is now over we wish to keep his name spoken and used as a positive force to repeat this process for more children who are so desperately ill and that need their families and the dedication of the staff at GOSH. We never dreamed we would use their services but we did. Don’t ever assume it doesn’t apply to you. Thank you from a proud mummy.
Claire Crook
14 Phonebox Magazine
Extended Thanks from Tim O’Grady on behalf of Toby’s Trust
I’d like to echo Claire’s thanks, this donation will make a real difference to us. Next week we’re taking Toby for a two day assessment with a charity called Brainwave who will develop a specific program to aid Toby’s development, this program gets reviewed every few months to give him and us the best opportunity to develop his brain.
Your kind donations will cover the cost of this assessment, thank you. Sorry for the late reply, Toby had a very serious seizure on Friday so we’ve been in hospital and recovering this weekend. Many thanks. Tim
A Pleasure to help two such deserving causes
It really is a pleasure to be able to help both Claire and Tim’s causes. To hear of the benefits this could potentially have for Toby is wonderful, and with a nephew set to undergo serious surgery at GOSH, this is obviously a cause quite close to home for me too. And you really should all be proud of yourselves too – such an inspiration to us all. Regards. Nicola
Awareness along Weston Road, Olney
Dear Editor,
I’m writing to you in the hope that this letter may be able to raise some awareness for those who drive along, or plan to drive along, Weston Road in Olney, particularly along the terrace houses before the Chantry Rise entrance.
As I’m sure many know the road can be potentially dangerous. Residents need to park their cars outside their houses and these cars can stretch back up to the Chantry Rise Entrance, meaning that at some point traffic approaching the parked car side of the road have to commit to driving on the opposite side of the road for some distance to get by. In many cases there is not enough time to pass the parked cars as traffic on the other side approaches down the hill and in a good few cases this traffic can be over the speed limit from the momentum picked up whilst traveling down Weston Road. Some drivers will force their way onto the clear side of the road to pass by the parked cars despite on coming traffic being on that side of the road and at a point of nearly passing by. The situation is especially bad during peak times such as the work commute and school runs.
There have been a few times where my wing mirror has nearly been taken off and I’ve also had to swerve dangerously close to the path edge when coming down the hill. I think some people need a reminder to watch their speed and can we all just bear in mind that this can be a tricky approach for traffic both sides and therefore can those who don’t, please exercise a little more patience, courtesy and understanding.
Name and address supplied