Page 85 - Phonebox Magazine August 2016

Santander Cycles MK
NGet out on your bike
ew to Milton Keynes, the Santander Bikes are fast becoming a very popular mode of transport around the local area. Formula 1 World Champion and ambassador for Santander, Jenson Button, recently visited Milton Keynes to try out the new bikes, and described Santander Cycles as a “great scheme”.
The Facts
• There are over 40 docking stations across Milton Keynes which hold more than 300 bikes.
• The bikes are available to rent 365 days a year.
• You can rent up to four bikes at one time.
• There are more than 150 miles of Redway
to enjoy across Milton Keynes.
• You don’t have to return your bike to the place you got it – you can return it to any official Santander Cycles MK docking
station.
• Once you’re a member of Santander
Cycles MK, you can rent bikes from all nextbike schemes worldwide which is a fantastic opportunity to get t (and travel while holidaying around the globe!).
Olney RFC
So how does it work?
First, you need to register before you can hire a bike. This can be done on their website (santandercyclesmk.co.uk). You can either join the annual subscription, which is ideal for frequent users, or simply pay the one-off rental cost - called ‘Pay As You Ride’. The one-off rental is £1 for 30 minutes and then £1 for each additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, for 5 hours to 24 hours, it is £10.
There are three ways to hire a bike. You can enter the bike number into the Santander Cycles MK app, and it will generate a code for you to put into the bike’s computer; you can enter your mobile number and 6-digit code into the bike’s computer; or you can call 020 8166 9851 to organise the hire.
Once you’ve nished your ride, return your
bike to any docking station, pushing the lock cable through the docking station rack and fork to secure the bike. On the bike computer, press ‘OK’, and you’re done!
Where can I get a bike?
There is a fantastic map available on the Santander Cycles website. There are docking stations all over Milton Keynes in locations such as Caldecotte Lake, Kingston, Furzton, Westcroft, Centre:MK, Spring eld, Great Holm and Pennyland.
Olney RFC is celebrating its fth year of playing links with the New Zealand province, North Otago. Since the partnership was established, four Olney players have visited to play for teams in the region, and Olney is welcoming its sixth
player – Jeremiah Shields - from New Zealand this season.
John Robinson, Director of Rugby at Olney RFC said: “Having players from another rugby nation in the squad not only builds depth but also brings fresh ideas and experiences to the teams. It’s a great partnership for both clubs and brings huge bene ts for the players.”
Thomas Shields spent a season playing rugby for Olney, describing it as “the best life experience I’ve had.” From a small coastal town in New Zealand, Thomas was nervous stepping off the plane into Heathrow Airport, but says, “I was welcomed into Olney and as soon as I arrived I felt comfortable. The way Olney RFC runs its day to day business and how players conduct themselves on and off the pitch is second to none. I was truly grateful for my Olney experience and thank everyone that made my time there so special – I’ll never forget the people I met at and through the club.
Olney Ladies players Kelly Robertson and Hollie Fraser travelled to New Zealand to play at regional level last year, and another ladies player, Aisha Thornton, is currently out there playing for North Otago. Colin Jackson, CEO of North Otago RFU said: “The relationship between North Otago and Olney has been brilliant. We see the relationship as a perfect opportunity to blood young rugby players and give them the pathway to grow as people and become more focussed on their rugby. Now we are seriously developing Women’s Rugby in North Otago to which Hollie, Kelly and Aisha have made outstanding contributions”.
Hollie (pictured with the North Otago Womens Team) said: “As a player, going over to New Zealand was the best thing I could have done. The game is so fast out there that it really leaves you no choice but develop your skills and do it quickly! Playing out there not only meant I gained knowledge and skills, it also resulted in me making some of the strongest friendships I have. The North Otago Women’s rugby team is much more of a family than a team of players. It was truly a great experience and I enjoyed every minute. I am very grateful to Olney for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to playing with them again this coming season.’”
Players who take advantage of the link are supported by each club with help to nd work and accommodation.
Pre-season training is now underway at Olney RFC - nd out more at www.olneyrfc.co.uk
Celebrating ve years of NZ links
August 2016 | Phonebox Magazine 85