Page 37 - Phonebox Magazine October 2015

Olney Town Council
A copy of the original skate park article that appeared 15 years ago in the December 2000 edition of Phonebox Magazine.
at no cost to OTC. Tony Evans felt that the Council should ask MKC for a layout plan and timescale. Noting that OTC had been right not to consult early on the previously planned improvements, Peter Geary asked whether it should now consult on the new ones or whether it should just accept the equipment and not “look a gift horse in the mouth”. Steve Clark concluded this item, saying the Council would push MKC for a firm commitment on what they’d deliver and when.
Youth Centre Community Asset Transfer
OTC is considering applying to acquire the Youth Centre under the Community Asset
in one place, preparing the food parcels and presents to go out to families and delivered before the end of the day. Food preparation also takes place, peeling potatoes, carrots and other vegetables ready for the next day. The Church Hall is also decorated. We also had a tree donated from Frosts already decorated which was a fabulous addition.
Transfer (CAT) scheme. Introducing the topic, Jeremy Rawlings explained that the Youth Centre Committee and Local Scout Group had submitted a joint CAT bid for the Centre some time ago, but then had to pull out because the National Scouts would not support the application unless it was sole. Feeling that the Youth Centre was an important asset to the town, Jeremy asked if OTC would consider taking it on under the CAT scheme, the idea being that OTC would own the building and rent it to the Youth Centre and other groups. Tony Evans felt it was important to pursue this, as another organisation had previously shown an interest and its aims could be very different from
those of the Council. Peter Geary agreed, saying that OTC should start to consider the transfer and, if it later decided that it shouldn’t go ahead, pull out of the process. In preparation, Jeremy Rawlings agreed to produce a business case for the building.
Bits ‘n’ bobs
The Market Place CCTV installation has stalled due to the local Police Constable having changed. MKC’s initial response to Ron Mihill’s proposal last month for additional pedestrian crossings on the Market Place was sceptical, as it felt there was already too much activity outside the row of shops near Costa Coffee.
Elwyn Lack
Elwyn Lack, Deputy Mayor of Olney some years ago, sadly passed away on 7th August 2015 aged 89. A minute’s silence was held for him, and concluded the meeting.
The next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 5th October in the Council Chamber in the Olney Centre. Members of the public are always welcome to attend and, if they wish, speak at the start of the meeting, or at any point that the mayor decides is appropriate.
We would like to do the same again this year with more people involved helping to co-ordinate the gifts, food parcels and food for lunch and helping with the lunch on Christmas Day. We changed how we promoted the lunch in 2014, we dropped fliers through doors which asked for a minimum voluntary donation. We had nearly twenty people sitting down for lunch, each of the guests went away with a small food parcel and small gifts. We delivered to one elderly lady a light lunch, food parcel and presents as she was unable to come along due to ill health. We have one gentleman who has now been with us for lunch for two years, he looks forward to this and it is the highlight of his Christmas.
Lunch is open to everyone – those who will not be able to meet the expense at this time of year whether single, a family, old or young – or anyone that would like company or a
change of scenery on Christmas Day – you are more than welcome to make a donation to your meal if you wish to. We can even deliver lunch to you at home if you would prefer so just contact us to arrange this. Transport to collect people is also available on the day. Please contact us via the Church Office (Pat and Tanya)office@olneyparish.org.uk or telephone 01234 241721, anything you can spare in terms of time and donations would be greatly appreciated.
We hope to have an informal meeting to chat about this in October to share information and how we can get this out to more people in Olney and also spread to the surrounding villages. It is a fun and worthwhile experience, you meet new people both young and old and share the Christmas cheer. If you know anyone that would appreciate a little cheer at Christmas please do get in touch. We may not know about them, but you might.
Charity Begins at Home
Phonebox Magazine 37