Page 51 - Phonebox Magazine December 2014
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Newton Amazing Grace
Saltmine Theatre
We are truly grateful to the Saltmine Theatre Company for their stunning
performance of ‘John Newton – Amazing Grace’ on Saturday 25th October 2014 in St Peter and St Paul Church, Olney, Bucks. Gifted with incredible talents in storytelling, playing instruments and singing beautifully, this passionate company recounted Olney’s story with energy we will never forget. St Peter and St Paul Church was transformed into a theatre in which we could easily imagine we were on board ship, then amongst slaves being sold at an auction, eavesdropping on conversations between Newton and his love, Polly, then Newton and William Cowper, as if they were alive and living in Olney today. Moved with emotion as the ups and downs of John Newton’s life story unfolded before us, we were left with a clearer understanding of the poignancy of Newton’s life then and what it means to us now, in Olney, and across our nation and the world today. He was an amazing gentleman who found ‘amazing grace’ himself. With their talents we have certainly honoured John Newton in this the 250th anniversary of his curacy in Olney. Come and enjoy the Cowper and Newton Museum and Gardens: cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk. (Photographs kindly supplied by Stephen Clark – Mayor of Olney).
Launch Night
The Willen Hospice Choir added a festive flourish to proceedings, performing a selection of Christmas carols.
Kate Thompson, Merchandising and Promotions Manager at Willen Hospice said, “Our launch event was an opportunity to show regular and new customers the stunning range of clothes and gifts we have in-store this Christmas. Christmas is the key period for our shops and it’s a time when staff and volunteers work so hard to make the shops look great, assist customers and help raise funds to count towards the Hospice’s £4.6 million annual running costs. Our launch event was all about celebrating their work and showcasing the shopping experience we’ve got in-store for our customers this festive season.”
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