Page 32 - Phonebox Magazine October 2016

Olney Ward Councillors’ Corner
Cllr Peter Geary
Cllr David Hosking
Cllr Keith McLean
Plan:MK takes a slight pause
Continuing the strategic planning theme, we would also like to report that the next consultation stage for Plan:MK (MKC’s plan for the long term development of the Borough) is now likely to take place in early 2017. Originally planned for autumn this year, the plan has been delayed for a few months. We will provide further updates when we have them.
BOFF chalks up its eighth year
September saw the Big Olney Food Festival take place for the eighth time. The two day event celebrates all that is good about local food and drink and yet again it received the support of large numbers from across the community. Our thanks go to all those involved in organising the event and to the volunteers who again gave up their time to ensure the continued success of BOFF.
Ravenstone Recreation Ground Play Area
The recreation ground and play area in Ravenstone has existed for many years but as younger people in the village have grown up, it became clear that the area needed improvements. The Parish Council has led the project to renovate the field with funding from MKC, through the Parish Partnership Fund, and significant funding from the National Hockey Foundation for the sports equipment. This has now provided basketball and netball nets, football goals and a set of cricket stumps as well some areas of AstroTurf. The official opening by Cllr Andy Dransfield, representing the National Hockey Foundation, took place on 11th September was attended by many residents of the village. The equipment and the field will be a resource for the village for many years to come enabling the young people of the village to keep active and enjoy themselves.
Lavendon Show and Emberton Fete
Sunday 4th September was the date of the annual village fete in Emberton, held at Church Farm by kind permission of Daphne and John Frost. Over 500 people enjoyed a variety of stalls and with Olney Brass playing, a good time was had by all. Just under £7,000 was raised for Church funds.
A week later the annual Lavendon Village Show took place. The show organised by the Village Hall committee, saw numerous produce classes with both young and old taking part. The annual scarecrow competition was held as part of the event. Some valuable funds were raised for the Village Hall, but it also was an opportunity for the community to come together and witness the many improvements that the Village Hall committee has made to the hall in the past year.
Monthly surgeries on the first Friday of each month in Olney
If you have any issues that you would like to discuss with us in person, then please come along to one of our monthly advice surgeries. These sessions are run in the Olney Centre on the first Friday of each month between 7:30pm and 8:30pm – appointments are not necessary. Alternatively, we can be contacted at other times by ‘phone or email - our details are as follows:
Peter Geary - 01234 714260 - peter.geary@milton-keynes.gov.uk David Hosking - 01234 241010 - david.hosking@milton-keynes.gov.uk Keith McLean - 07983 456081 - keith.mclean@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Junior sport in Olney gets a boost
As most residents will know, Olney is blessed with a wide range of excellent sporting facilities and the last couple of months have seen significant developments for younger rugby and football players from the town and surrounding villages.
In September, Olney Rugby Club beat off competition from 300 other clubs to be awarded Youth and Mini section of the year at the National Rugby awards during a ceremony at Twickenham. The award was in recognition of the club’s success across all age groups and we would like to pass on our thanks to the 100 plus volunteers from across the community who support the 450 young players who make up the section. Mini and junior training sessions take place on Sunday mornings and everyone is welcome to attend.
In August, the official opening of Olney Town Colts’ new clubhouse and changing rooms took place in the company of football legend and guest of honour Stuart Pearce. There was an excellent turn out of players and parents and the new facility will be an excellent asset to the town in years to come; it has been well worth the wait! Anyone still wanting to ‘buy a brick’ to support the continued development of junior football should contact Olney Town Colts.
Minerals Local Plan
Milton Keynes Council (MKC) has now confirmed the revised dates for the Examination of the Minerals Local Plan. The Hearing Sessions will now take place on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th October at Margaret Powell House in Milton Keynes and will focus on the soundness of the Plan. The Planning Inspector will take into consideration representations which were made during the final stage of consultation, before preparing a report with recommendations for MKC. Anyone who lives in the villages of Lathbury, Sherington and Lavendon who would like more details about the Hearing Sessions and/or would like to become involved on 18th/19th should email us: olneyward@milton-keynes.gov.uk.
Junior footballers celebrate the opening of their clubhouse
32 Phonebox Magazine | October 2016