Page 12 - Phonebox Magazine November 2015

Out and About with Mark Lancaster MP
Protecting UK Heritage
Parliament’s administrators are considering putting an end to using vellum to record Acts of Parliament.
Newport Pagnell is home to William Cowley, the only remaining company in the UK who produce parchment and vellum which is made from animal skin to document historical records relating to centuries of Parliamentary activity.
Parliament’s continued use of parchment and vellum is the envy of the world and it’s thanks to vellum and its durability that we can read journals dating back to King Charles II, King Richard I and several million historical records for Parliament, including the Magna Carta, the most celebrated document in history, which has survived for 800 years. Established in 1870 and now one of three surviving producers in the world, Paul Wright, of William Cowley said, “There is bitter irony that the very year we celebrate 800 years of Magna Carta, we may also witness the end of recording Acts on vellum. Vellum has excellent ‘green’ credentials, needs no specialist aftercare, and has provided us with more understanding of earlier civilisations than any other historical artefact.”
As an MP, I’m seriously concerned that proposals for Parliament to end the use of vellum will in fact be a longer term cost and I’ve written to the Chair of the Administration Committee, Sir Paul Beresford to share my concerns.
I’m determined to try and do my bit to convince Parliament to continue using vellum to record Acts of Parliament for future generations. What records will exist in 2815? Historians have known that but for the use of vellum, we would not have the information or
the understanding of earlier civilisations that we have today. I for one would not want to rely solely on electronic data to preserve and protect our heritage. I understand the need to reduce cost but I believe this particular measure is short sighted and Parliamentary authorities should reconsider.
Life Saving Equipment Unveiled
I was especially delighted to be invited to the unveiling of the life-saving defibrillator at Newport Pagnell Fire Station.
The public-access defibrillator has been mounted at the entrance of the Fire Station in Wolverton Road. Should someone experience a cardiac arrest, a defibrillator delivers an electrical current through the chest shocking the heart back into a normal rhythm, allowing it to pump again.
It was encouraging to see that it was very
easy to use, it has a built-in video screen providing step-by-step instructions and with a further 3 units being installed at Broughton, Olney and Bletchley Fire Stations, it’s positive and certainly reassuring news for local residents.
Want a Good Night’s Sleep?
A three month trial is being launched by MK company It Does Lighting Ltd. They’re looking for 100 participants to take part in vital research to explore how lighting can dramatically improve your health.
MD, Lorraine Calcott, is leading the study to establish if LED full spectrum artificial circadian light can retrain our body clocks to minimise health risks, improve sleep and, therefore, our overall health.
The research could benefit conditions such as infertility, jet lag, insomnia and those diagnosed with Alzheimers and autism. The aim is to reach as many diverse groups as possible; shift and care workers, the emergency services, armed forces, office workers and school children. The team in my office have already signed up for the trial! This innovative research has the potential to change people’s lives and if we can find a way in which to improve our well-being by a simple change of light source, then we’re thrilled to be part of the study.
Want to take part? You must be working and aged between 25–80 years old. If you meet the criteria, you’ll be entered into a draw to win £250 of shopping vouchers. Sponsors and partners are also being called upon to share in this ground-breaking research whose findings could potentially have unprecedented life changing results.
Go to http://itdoes.co.uk/ call 01908 698869 or email information@itdoes.co.uk
Celebration of Art
Local artist, Steve Urwin, describes himself as a “passionate artist who loves the amazing process of learning new ways to create artwork that is both striking and original”. Steve is hosting his first exhibition at CMK Library over a two week period, starting on 26th November.
The FREE event will showcase Steve’s acrylic canvas work and digital art forms, all of which will be available to purchase. The event also plays host to Ricky Keech, who is a specialist when it comes to the skilled art of glass blowing and Len Gifford, who produces figurative sculptures. For more information go to www.steveurwin.com
12 Phonebox Magazine