Page 65 - Phonebox Magazine December 2014

Cllr Mike Barry
Newport Pagnell WI
busy with Christmas, but this should be a good time to start this project as families often get together over the festive period and could help to jog memories etc.
We did well this year in the Britain in Bloom competition, wining Silver Gilt. However, I’m throwing out a challenge this year. I’m putting up a Trophy for, in the opinion of the judges, the best front garden in Newport. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a large or small garden, or even just a window box. Everything will be taken into consideration and the winner will be notified at the Annual Horticultural Show in September. There’s no entry fee. You can nominate yourself, your neighbour or a friend, or just leave it up to the judges who will be keeping a close eye on things during the summer months. Good luck. Finally may I on behalf of my fellow Councillors and the Staff in the Office wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks.
P.S. If you know anyone on their own over the festive period, why not pop in and say hello? Who knows, it may just make their Christmas!
English Concertina
The November speaker at Newport Pagnell WI was Malcolm North, who related the history of an English concertina.
The concertina in question was one which he had owned for some years, and which he had repaired. In doing so, he discovered a name printed inside, and set out to discover who this was.
Malcolm’s talk was wide-ranging, covering such topics as electronics, Bletchley Park code-breaking, the ‘man who never was’, and Aston Martin cars. It turned out that this particular concertina had once belonged to a racing driver who had unfortunately been killed during a race at Silverstone many years ago.
Apart from his talk, Malcolm also entertained the audience with some tunes, which everyone enjoyed.
The raffle winners this month were Jane Jones and Gill Watford.
The competition was won by Sylvia
Puddephatt, 2nd Jyoti Ghandi-Wilkinson, 3rd Barbara Hilton.
Newport Pagnell Women’s Institute meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Club, and is always delighted to welcome new members. The December talk is about Toys and Games from days gone by. For further information please call Evelyn Mison on 01908 615630 or just turn up on the night.
A Happy Christmas to you all! David Pibworth
seems to upset the chief of police in Milton Keynes, bless him. It’s when the police come into Olney in force and stop motorists in the morning to get a bit of money in the coffers to keep the government happy. I’d told him that with Christmas coming and lots of bills to be paid, they’d be doing a spot of ‘seat belting’ in the season of goodwill.
Well, my pal was driving in a southerly direction up Olney High Street not long ago, not wearing a seat belt, when looking ahead he saw a swarm of police cars up near the Nat West Bank. Realising he had just driven past the ‘Spotter’ who was positioned by the zebra crossing with an ear piece in, he realised he would be ‘Bang To Rights Gov’ner’ as they say in The Sweeny. He indicated right and pulled into a car parking space outside opposite Wilson’s. He then backed out and drove in a northerly direction, went round East Street, out by the Church and carried on to Milton Keynes, thus avoiding a fine, points, a rollocking and whatever else they do to car drivers who carry out such crimes. He asked me if this was illegal and I thought not. We discussed the fact that the spotter may have his number and would they come for him as he slept? Again I thought not. We discussed if I would be liable for aiding and abetting him if I were to withhold this evidence but again we thought not. We had a cup of tea and mulled over how life is full of small victories and how we must enjoy them.
Anyway, there you have it. Don’t spend too much at Christmas, but try to do something for someone else and you can be assured that you will get your reward in Heaven/Hell/Tesco Loyalty Points/nowhere (PLEASE DELETE AS REQUIRED)
‘Peace and Love’ Dave P.
Phonebox Magazine 65