Happy Christmas Eve!

Can you believe it's "that time of year again?!" I know we all say it every year, as though for some reason we're surprised that time continues to move on, but it does always seem to creep up on you, and before you know it it's Christmas Eve! There's just something about the build up to Christmas that helps create such a special day, and although we all moan about having decorations up and Christmas cards for sale in shops from around October, I suppose it does help with the build up to the big day!

We at the Phonebox would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year, and hope you all look forward to receiving your January edition of the Phonebox through your letterbox soon, which we've all been hard at work on! But now it's time to shut up shop for a few days, put our feet up and eat as much turkey and mince pies as we can manage! Hope you have a great festive season, and have a very Merry Christmas.

Sarah and the Phonebox team

Introducing...

Hello!

I'm the new kid on the block here at the Phonebox magazine- nice to meet you! My name is Sarah, I'm 23 and originally from Brighton.

I graduated from Southampton earlier this year with a degree in magazine journalism and am now putting my skills to good use at the Phonebox (or so I hope!) I've been working at the Phonebox magazine for a couple of months now and am now going to be writing regularly on this blog. It would be great to hear any feedback on anything I write- please don't be shy!

You can expect to see a little bit of everything, and like I said, do give your feedback and I can learn more about what you want to be reading! I'm new to the area, so will be writing about my discoveries, and letting you know how I'm adjusting to living away from the sea! So far so good, I'm loving driving through all the little villages and countryside- it's very picturesque! I've been on a mission to get to know the local pubs in Newport Pagnell, so will be keeping you updated with my findings- if you happen to have any tips of good ones I'd love to hear, equally any to avoid! I visited my first restaurant in Olney today, the courtyard for our staff Christmas lunch, very nice- now there's just a few more to visit, what a hard task!

Well I'd best get back to writing for the mag, working an issue in advance is quite confusing but I'm slowly getting used to it… February here I come!

Sarah 

Olney in bloom

Businesses in and around Olney each exhibited a piece of work for Olney in bloom. The breif was simple, 'to celebrate flowers'. Phonebox Magazine also had the opportunity to enter and I was charged with the task.
My piece for Olney in Bloom depicts a day in the life of the Little Prince and his love, a rose, that he nourished after she mysteriously started growing on his Asteroid B-612. 
The Little Prince bestowed all his affection upon the rose, listened and conversed with her and made her a screen glass globe when she desired to be protected from the cold. The Little Prince’s affections unintentionally inflame the rose’s vanity and eventually she demands too much from him. Feeling exploited he decides to leave his home and embark on a journey across the cosmos. Before he leaves, however, the rose apologises for her cruelty and they reconcile. 

I thought the Little Prince’s story to be a perfect example of our love for flowers and the effort we exert to help them bloom. 

Who Sais we can't Spell in Olnie

Rumour has it that their have been the odd spelling mistake in the Phonebox Magazine.....
Well revenge is ...... suweet....

And again....

Any more howlers.... send them in to us.

New Botanical Gardens for Olney

One of Olney's Famous Landmarks has been changed into a New Botanical Gardens for the town.

The site, halfway up Long Lane, is already sprouting a new species of plant that feeds off rubber tyres and can 'digest', according to scientists, diesel and petrol, with very little need for water.

Highly flammable, it is wise to stay a reasonable distance away and not to make any loud noises in it's presence. Flowering is expected in late September, a member of the Olney Horticultural Society claimed.

Olney's New Swimming Pool? - First Pictures here...

Good news, possibly, for those that want a swimming pool in Olney....
We have the first pictures of what we believe to be Olney's next new Swimming Pool.
Yes, today we have received the picture below showing what must surely the answer to all our prayers..... A Swimming Pool for Olney.

We know we brought you a picture of one that was once on the High Street a few years back; but that didn't last long and was taken away by Milton Keynes Council. (See picture below).

Let's hope the council don't fill in our new pool before we can use it!

Newport Pagnell Carnival Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of July

Lead by Nene Valley Chapter of Harley Bikers Newport Pagnell Carnival is hoping to break their record of over of 40 floats this year. The Carnival is split over two days and is packed full of different events including the Duck Race with a top prize of 100 BIG-ones. There is a car boot sale on Sunday from 12pm until 4pm where you can splash your cash and a fun fair for the family. 

Newport Pagnell Carnival website is also boasting that there is 'potentially some big surprises to be announced!' We haven't heard what they are yet but we'll keep you posted. 

For more information including times, prices and such can be found in latest copy of Phonebox magazine which you can view here and at the website link above. 
L

July Events at The Cowper and Newton Museum, Olney

Coffee Mornings: Thursday 11th and 25th July:
Friends of the Museum welcome you all to our ongoing fortnightly Coffee Mornings at the Museum. Delicious cakes and lovely gardens are a bonus!

Archaeological Weekends: 
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July and Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July 10.30am-4.30pm. 
On the Saturday, we encourage you to bring any of your archaeological objects from home to be identified by our visiting Finds Liason Officer and her team of metal detectorists. While on Sunday, we will hold archaeologically awesome activities for both children and adults.

Woodcarving: 
Sunday 21st July 10.30am-4.30pm
In between our archaeology weekends we will be hosting an all-day event of woodcarving with the British Woodcarving Association.

Dee Cosford Exhibition: 
Throughout July: We will have Dee Cosford display her beautiful artwork. Entrance to our Gallery is free! 

Summer Sunday Museum and Garden Openings 
all of July and August 12pm – 4pm.
The Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney is a registered charity and run almost entirely on the efforts of wonderful volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer of the museum why not stop by for a chat or email them at info@cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk or call 01234 711516, they would love to hear from you.

The Paradox of Abuse - The power of a good walk (May page 78)

Eli followed up his article from the April issue of the Phonebox with how, after going through a lot of soul searching and self questioning, he eventually found help.  Here is the second instalment of his story.

The Paradox of Abuse (April Phonebox p39)

The Times today are featuring Eli Ward’s story on it’s front page with a double page inside spread on pages 6 and 7. Eli first came to see us in March regarding his story and after talking to Eli and some research we decided to print the story in our April issue. 

Eli’s article was very brave, powerful and insightful. His intention was that it would reach others with any similar experiences and show them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The Times article is very comprehensive and well written and we think you should also read it. We do have a copy in the office in case you missed it, and a copy of the article that appeared in the Phonebox Magazine, just pop in and ask for a copy. We also have some information on the charity which Eli found help with (see below).

Climb Your Mountain:

Eli found the charity Climb Your Mountain (CYM) when he was at his lowest ebb, and found the help they provided invaluable. More information can be found on CYM in the May and June issues of Phonebox Magazine or by visiting their website. 

They also can be emailed here or by phone on 01908 231 275.  

Climb Your Mountain is based in Milton Keynes and is reliant upon people donating money, fundraising, doing challenges and trips so they can provide all these educational and support services.

They offer Confidence courses, Financial workshops, and Free advice as well as running clubs, walking groups, fitness classes and a cycling club.

So if you feel you need their help, do not hesitate to contact them.

Eli’s name was left off our April edition, after discussing it with him, because of legal reasons, but now things have changed and he feels that by going public it would help anyone in need of help.

We agree with him fully.
Editor (Phonebox Magazine)

Phonebox Magazine's New Website is Now Online

Hi readers, we would like to welcome you to visit our new site. You can now view our new website here.