Page 75 - Phonebox Magazine November 2014

A Plan for Olney
Regular readers of Phonebox will probably remember that Olney Town Council, working through a Steering Group, are in the early stages of producing a Neighbourhood Plan for Olney that will, when approved in a referendum, give the Town Council much greater control over the planning process. They have now produced a questionnaire that covers a range of issues that concern life in the town, not least where to build 325 to 350 new homes. All the households in Olney have received a copy of the questionnaire with this edition of Phonebox and it can be completed either on the paper version or online. Obviously it is hoped to get a high percentage of returns.
The questionnaire is only being distributed within the defined Neighbourhood Area, that is within the Parish of Olney, but it is recognised that many residents of adjacent villages are also affected by many of the issues raised. There will be drop-in sessions in the Olney Centre on Saturday 8th October from 10.00am to 4.00pm and on Thursday 20th November from 4.00pm to 8.00pm. All those interested in the future of Olney are invited to attend these sessions so that members of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group can listen to and understand their views. Your opinions are very important. Go to olneytowncouncil.gov.uk for more information.
Newport Pagnell Council
Newport Pagnell Town Council wishes retiring Councillors John Broatch, Annette Irwin, Sam Miller, Alan Richards and John Smith all the best wishes for the future, and thanks them for their many years of service to the Town.
We are also pleased to welcome on board two new Councillors, Councillor George Purkins and Councillor Trevor Webb, co- opted to the Council on 10th October 2014. It is possible there will be a further vacancy for co-option opening up on the 3rd November 2014 in the Newport Pagnell North Ward. If you are interested in filling this vacancy, please contact the Town Clerk by 7th November 2014 on TownClerk@newport-pagnell.org.uk
In Brief
MK Dons
MK Dons are pleased to announce the signing of free agent Carl Baker on a one year deal.
The former Coventry City midfielder has impressed in training over the past week, prompting boss Karl Robinson to offer him a contract.
Baker, who can play in a variety of positions in midfield, scored an impressive 25 goals in 96 games for the Sky Blues in the last two seasons – a ratio of better than one in every four appearances.
Also Mark Randall has signed a contract extension which will see him remain at stadium:MK until at least the summer of 2016.
The classy midfielder has put pen to paper on new two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.
MK-born Randall, formerly of Arsenal and Chesterfield, signed a one-year contract in the summer but manager Karl Robinson has now rewarded the 25-year-old with a new deal.
Danesborough Chorus
What can you get for £10.00 these days? A ‘dine in’ meal for two from M & S, an off-peak rail ticket for a single journey, a ticket to the cinema, a music CD ... not a lot. However, for the same sum of £10.00, you can enjoy a ‘Tempting Taster’ with local choir Danesborough Chorus.
If you have ever wanted to join a choir and sing wonderful classical music, we are offering the opportunity, particularly for sopranos, to join the Danesborough Chorus rehearsals as we prepare for this season’s concerts” explained choir chairman Amanda Nott. “At the moment, we are learning Bach’s B minor Mass for our November concert in Milton Keynes Theatre, and at the same time, we will be preparing music for our atmospheric Christmas Carol Concert in Woburn Church. So why not come along, aim for those wonderful top notes, and enjoy the camaraderie of choral singing? Danesborough Chorus is one the region’s most established and renowned choirs, and rehearsals are held every Wednesday at Aspley Guise Village Hall. The Tempting Taster is just that - there’s no pressure to come to every rehearsal and no need to sing the Bach B minor Mass in November.
But hopefully, our ‘tasters’ will feel
confident about learning Christmas music and joining in our final performance of the year” said Amanda. “There’s nothing quite as rewarding as singing songs and carols, traditional and new, in our Christmas Concert in the festive atmosphere of Woburn Church.
This is a great opportunity for anyone who hasn’t sung for a while or is new to choral singing and not yet confident about joining this type of choir. Please call Carol Yirrell on tel: 01296 680328 for more information and encouragement. It could be the best £10 you ever spend with nothing to lose. Come along to as many rehearsals as you can before Christmas and see how you like singing in our friendly choir.
Fishing Success
Olley Hulston from Olney has recently landed a top catch. This 5lb perch is said to be the biggest in Olney.
Dickens of a Christmas
Dickens of a Christmas will be held on Sunday 7th December 2014 from 10:00am until 4:00pm. It brings a taste of Victorian England to Olney. This very popular event attracts many thousands of visitors to enjoy the sense of days gone by. Stalls with all manner of merchandise fill the Market Place, the High Street and the Farmers Market is held on the same day offering many opportunities to purchase Christmas presents as well as supporting local charities.
Phonebox Magazine 75