Page 16 - Phonebox Magazine December 2014

Out and About with Mark Lancaster MP
EU Demands
Demands from the EU that the UK should pay a £1.7billion tax for our economic growth was an outrage and I’m delighted that the Prime Minister has ruled out paying it. Why should the UK be supporting failed European economies that have not taken the tough decisions that we have over the last few years?
It simply underlines why I supported the EU referendum bill in Parliament. I am clear that the democratic consent for Britain’s membership has worn thin; this demand is just the latest reason why.
Now more than ever people want a say over our future relationship with Europe. The EU is changing and these changes raise a series of fundamental questions about the future of the EU and Britain’s place within it. To read my full article go to http:// marklancastermp.org/home/eu-demand/380
Driving Unemployment Down
Another consistent drop in the MK unemployment figures means that over the last year the number of claimants has fallen by 25%. Since 2013 the number of claimants in MK has fallen by 1,119.
Nationally there are now 30.8 million people in work, the highest level on record. We’re helping people get off benefits, giving them the security and peace of mind of a regular pay packet, but there is still much to do.
School Dinners – First Class
Those heady days of stewed cabbage and cold custard are definitely a distant memory and my lunch time experience at Olney Infant School couldn’t have been any more removed from my days at school!
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Principal Steve Dunning has completely embraced the government’s policy of free meals for his 4-7 year olds. Securing a funding bid, the school designed and built a new kitchen facility, secured employment for 7 more people and is also now providing hot meals for both Newton Blossomville CE and Sherington CE Schools. It hasn’t stopped there, staff have involved the children in the process of growing the fruit and vegetables that will eventually end up on their plates. “Proof is in the pudding”, as they say and 96% of children are eating a hot meal every day, the staff has completely gotten behind the scheme and are enjoying the whole experience of sharing their lunch period with the youngsters.
Besides providing healthy and nutritious meals, there is a marked difference in the children’s social interaction and after my lunch it was clear to see how proud Steve and his staff are of their achievements.
Winning Ways at Wilson’s
Over 300 on-line voters contacted me to say who they thought should win the coveted title of Olney Independent Shop of the Year. Well established and family run business C. T. Wilson Hardware came out as clear winners.
The hardware store, based in the high street, was a firm favourite and this was beautifully summed up by one voter, “It’s an emporium, who else would have five different types of bottle brush and seven types of wire brush?” As a regular supporter of small businesses, I always look to seize opportunities to celebrate the service they provide for our communities and that’s why I was keen to
initiate the competition.
The winning voter and customer of C. T. Wilson’s, Diana Green, pictured above left, now has the opportunity to spend £100 in the shop. Perhaps she has a need for a new wire brush?
High Spirits at the Coachmakers Arms!
An invitation to the Coachmakers Arms in Newport Pagnell was a no brainer! Following a £125,000 investment from owners Punch Taverns, the Coachmakers Arms undertook a refurbishment that gave the pub a whole new lease of life.
After my tour of the newly revamped pub, I naturally ended up behind the bar. I must confess I love pubs and visiting the Coachmakers Arms reminds me why, great atmosphere, great environment and great people! I wish Trish and Johnny the licensee’s every success.