What's on: This Bank holiday Weekend

The first of the May bank holidays arrives this weekend, and there are a few things going on you may want to get involved with...

All weekend:

Friday 1st-Sunday 4th May: Luna Flix Outdoor Cinema @ Stanwick Lakes, open 7.30pm
Approximately 30 minutes out from Milton Keynes, the open cinema at Stanwick lakes will be showing 3 different films over the weekend. Friday's showing is: 'Close encounters of the third kind', Saturday 'Moulin Rouge' and Sunday is 'Mamma Mia'. The outdoor screen is over 7 metres wide, and it's a great location to enjoy an outdoor film experience with friends and family. Bring a picnic and don't forget warm clothes and a blanket or picnic chair to sit on. The doors open at 7.30pm for picnics, and the film will start at around 9.15pm, according to dusk light. Tickets cost £9 for adults and £6.50 for children, pre-booking is essential, click here to book tickets.

Saturday 2nd- Monday 4th May: Rushden Cavalcade @ Bedford Road, NN10 0SN, 10am-5pm
The 37th Cavalcade of historical transport and country show; 'The big rally that starts the season'. Bringing over 1000 different exhibits from all over the country, attracting over 25,000 visitors each year, there's something for everyone to see and do, from tractor engines and vintage vehicles, to funfair rides and trade stands. Entry costs £8 for adults, £5 for children and senior citizens. Family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children cost £22. Free parking available.

Saturday 2nd-Monday 4th May: The Crooked Billet Festival @ Newton Longville, every day from 12 midday-10.30pm.
The Crooked Billet in Newton Longville are holding their first festival over the bank holiday period, and are hoping to make it a regular feature for years to come. Doors open at 12pm each day, and there will be 2 large marquees so the fun will be happening no matter what the weather. Saturday there will be face painting from 2-6pm, there will be music from cover band 'Inside job' at 2 and 4pm, and from 7pm will be video horse raising in aid of Willen Hospice. Sunday from 2-3.3pm will be John the jazz pianist performing live, and local musician Luke Ford will be performing at both 4.30pm and 5.45pm. There will be a whole evening of comedy entertainment from 7pm, ending at 10.30pm. Hog roast will be available Saturday and Sunday from 3pm, and BBQ will be available all day. Monday will be more relaxed, with background music, BBQ and plenty of ale.

Friday 1st May:

The Bedford branch of the Royal Anglian Regiment association @ The Keep, Bedford, 8pm
Monthly meeting, on the first Friday of the month. Bar opens at 7.30pm, meeting begins at 8pm. Open to any ex servicemen/women of any arm.

Cupcake Decorating @ Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands, 10am and 1pm
Enjoy a cupcake decorating masterclass with a professional tutor to guide you through piping swirls and hand crafting sugar paste decorations, as well as how to master the iconic butter cream swirl. At the end of the day you'll go home with 6 of your own beautifully decorated cupcakes. The workshop runs for 2 hours and costs £40, pre-booking is a must. The workshop is part of Frosts' gardening and country living workshop series, offering monthly activities throughout the year. Click here for more information and to book.

Bedford art society @ Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start
Hashim Akib demonstrates the use of acrylics. Learn some new ideas, techniques and approaches to painting with acrylics. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors.

Saturday 2nd May:

May Day Festival @ Campbell Park, 12-5pm.
The Parks trust annual fair. Dance around the Maypole and celebrate May Day. Free fun for all the family including Morris dancing, folk music, children's entertainment, stalls and children's rides.

Sunday 3rd May:

Dawn Chorus @ Hanson environmental study centre, Linford lakes, 4.30-6.30am
Join the expert ranger for National dawn chorus day, and discover the early morning bird call. Costs £2 per person. Meet at Hanson environmental study centre, Linford lakes, MK14 5AH.

Parks and fun run @ Willen lake north, 10am
Free fun runs for all ages and abilities, with a choice of routes from 2km to 10km. Starting from Willen lake North car park.

Open Mic Night @ The Two Brewers Olney, 8.30pm
A great night of music, and enjoying a great selection of drinks.

That Time Of The Month comedy club @ The Cannon, Newport Pagnell, 7pm
John Hastings and Chris Martin, Edinburgh Preview show. Tickets £5 in advance or £7 on the door.

Monday 4th May:

MK Marathon and half marathon @ Stadium MK, 10am
For runners and spectators alike, it's set to be a great day. With 4,500 acres of woodlands, lakesides, parks and landscaped areas within Milton Keynes, it's the ideal venue for a Green City marathon.

Sharnbrook Bowls club open afternoon @ Lodge Road, Sharnbrook, 2pm
Why not give bowls a try this summer? Come along and give it a try!

Hollington Wood Annual Bluebell Day @ Hollington Wood, 10am-6pm
Open day. Come and enjoy the bluebells and woodland. Admission is free but donations towards the upkeep of the woods are appreciated.

Quiz Night @ The Cowpers Oak, Weston Underwood, 8pm
£1 per person entry, teams of a maximum of 8 people.

...Have a great Bank Holiday weekend whatever you get up to!

Love MK day

The third annual Love MK day takes place tomorrow, aiming to not only promote Milton Keynes as a leisure and business destination, but also to harness the pride that many residents have in their city.

With the aim of spreading the love of the city worldwide, the hope is to also get past residents of Milton keynes involved who may have moved away from Milton Keynes, in order to spread #LoveMK far and wide.

Not only will the Love MK day encourage people to be proud of where they're from or live, but there is also the hope that it will help increase visitors and therefore profits to Milton Keynes. The visitor economy is currently worth over £200 million in Milton Keynes, and hopes are it can be increased further with some good #LoveMK publicity.

People are being encouraged to share photos of themselves either holding the poster or getting creative with '#LoveMK', and there are prizes up for grabs if the pictures are tweeted to '@DestinationMK'. The more creative the better- last year someone cut #LoveMk into their lawn, other ideas include making banners, painting the words on your face and more. Get involved and show some support to your city!

Olney man wins Parks Trust Photography competition

The winner of the Parks Trust 2014 photography competition has now been announced as being Jim Key from Olney, with an amazing photograph of the frozen Grand Union canal in winter. The photograph was taken from the bridge adjoining Stonepit field in Great Linford, and captures the sunrise coming up through the trees. The image is truly picturesque; the untouched snow on the roof of the house and canal boats, as well as the frozen canal, all look so fresh and untouched, it could be a painting.

As well as the overall winner, there were prizes for the categories of:

• Wildlife (won by Jo Angell)
• Parklife (also won by Jim Key with the same image)
• Landscape (won by Tim Skelton)
• young persons category (won by Eden Albiston)

The winning images and all short-listed images will be showcase this June at Milton Keynes Central Library, don't forget to go along and take a look!

Winner of the Parks Trust competition, Jim Key

Live below the line this week

If you've been in to the Phonebox Magazine office in Stanley Court over the last few months, you'll have seen the box where we collect donations for the Food Bank, maybe you've even popped something in there yourself. In thinking about helping those who don't have enough food, we thought we'd share an initiative called Live Below the Line, which is taking place this coming week and helps raise awareness and money for those around the world living in poverty.

Live Below the Line encourages people across the world to join together in spending just £5 on food for the week. From 27th April-1st May you can get involved and live on just £1 a day for your food and drink, using your experience to help change perspectives and behaviours, and raise money for a cause you believe in. The aim isn't to replicate what it would be like to live in poverty, but rather to help connect you to the issues you're fundraising for and help you understand in a very small way how people living in poverty have to live every day. Potentially leaving you a little less full than usual, it'll give you an even better idea of the injustice that 1.2billion people have to face every day living on £1, as well as helping you to save money. We so often spend so much money on food and drink, and this could be a week of reality-checking how much we really need to be spending on food and maybe donating the savings.

Since 2011, people taking part in Live Below the Line have raised over £3 million in the UK alone. To take part in it as a fundraising challenge, you can ask people to sponsor you for the week as well as fundraising and donating the extra money you would have usually spent on food for that week. The Live Below the Line website offers loads of ideas, including recipes, fundraising ideas, school challenge ideas and more, why not take on the challenge and get involved!

The weekend's events

This one's a busy weekend, and so we've collected a list of 'what's on' for you. Bear with it, it may be long, but is filled with great ideas of what to do, including a great selection to suit all tastes and interests!

Friday 24th April

Sausage and mash supper with bingo and quiz @ Lavendon Village Hall. 6.30pm for 7pm start
Bring your own drinks, tickets cost £10.

Friday Night Films- Mr Turner @ MK Gallery, 7.30pm
A pop-up cinema offering an alternative film experience. The film is Mr Turner, which explores the last quarter century of the British painter J.M.W Turner (1775-1851).

Saturday 25th April

Newport Pagnell Singers- Choral Workshop @ Lovat Hall, Silver Street. 9am-4pm
The Sprig of Thyme. Want to sing in a choir? The singers are on the lookout for new members in every voice part. Why not join in for the workshop and see if it's something you would enjoy? You can book a place by clicking here.

The Yardley Hastings Heritage Society @ The United Reformed Church, Yardley Hastings. 10am-4pm
The theme of the open day is Yardley at war. If you have any information, documents or photographs of the village during this time or anything else concerning the village or villagers which you would like to share, then do bring it along. There is a dedicated cupboard for storing the photographs and document sand the facilitates to help you preserve your documents.

Olney Lace Circle- Lace and craft day @ Denton village hall. 10am-4pm
Tickets cost £3.50, this is a ticket only event. Tea and coffee available all day.

Trend:mk SS15 fashion showcase @ Middleton Hall, centre:mk. Saturday- Sunday 
The centre:mk's biggest fashion showcase, with live catwalk shows and great in-store discounts. Find out the trends for spring/summer 2015 and enjoy some exclusive offers from around 30 of the centres shops.

North Bedfordshire NCT nearly new sale @ Bedford athletic stadium, Barker lane, Bedford. 11.30am-1.30pm
Top quality baby and children's clothes and equipment at bargain prices. Opens at 11.30am for NCT members and 12pm for the general public. £1 entry fee.

The Great Sherington Garage Sale @ Sherington. All day.
Come to Sherington to grab a bargain. Sherington is about to open its garage doors for the first time on mass as a fund raiser for St Laud's Sherington. Come and see what bargains you can find. Pick up a pamphlet from Sherington village shop on Church Road, or from one of the participating garages for £1 to see where all the other garages are.

St George's Day All-Dayer @ Bletchley Working Mens Club. Midday-Midnight
Stolen Hours social club presents the annual St George's day all-dayer. DJ's playing Ska, Reggae, Motown and Northern Soul, as well as northern soul dance lessons with Fiona Smith.

Good Dog Owners' guide to MK @ Campbell Park, Milton Keynes. 2pm
An introduction to the parks of Milton Keynes for new dog owners, includes a short walk. Meet at Campbell Park Pavilion. £1 per person.

Foodie quiz night @ Browns of Stagsden. 7pm for 7.30pm start
Tickets cost £10 and includes a sausage supper. Teams of up to 8 people, with a prize for the winners. There will be a bar with local ale served.

Cowper & Newton Museum presents: Old Time Music hall @ Carlton House Club, High Street Olney. 7pm for 7.30pm start
David Pibworth produces a night of songs, variety, music and laughter to commemorate the Great War centenary. 'Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile.' Be transported back in time and reminisce with tributes to great acts such as Laurel & Hardy, Gert & Daisy and more. Tickets just £3, available from the Cowper & Newton Museum shop.

The Pad Presents: The Neville Staple Band + Ruts Dc @ The Corn Exchange, Bedford. 7.30pm
Including New Groove Formation, Hammy & Geoff and DJ Andy Attic. Neville Staple is one of the great figureheads of the second wave of British ska in the last 70s. Best known for his work as the singer in Ska and Two Tone legends The Specials, his solo tour features a selection of The Special's back catalogue as well as tracks form his second chart topping band, The Fun Boy Three, as well as reworking some original Jamaican ska classics and showcasing some brand new solo material.

Bradwell Silver Band Concert @ St James Church, New Bradwell. 7.30pm
Bradwell silver band spring concert and annual awards. The band will perform a selection of music to suit all ages and tastes. Bradwell silver band is proud to support players of any age who wish to learn a brass instrument, with free tuition and instruments. The annual Spring Concert is an opportunity for band members to celebrate and recognise the commitment and hard work of the players and supporters.

Sunday 26th April

Telephone and Post Office vehicle's day @ Milton Keynes Museum. All day
Discover more about the telephone and the ways in which we communicate. Postal and telephone vehicles from the past 60 years. Working telephones and switchboards will be found in the telephone gallery, Post Office films and videos and working telegraph and telephone equipment will also be on show, as well as the usual museum exhibits.

Age UK fashion show @ The Peartree Centre, Peartree Bridge. 2-4pm
Hand-picked clothes from the six local Age UK shops. Fabulous fashions, jewellery and other accessories for sale on the day. There will be live music, and visitors will receive a goody bag, glass of bubbly on arrival and canapés. Tickets cost £10 or £8 in advance.

REVIEW: Lord of the Dance - Dangerous Games at MK Theatre

An electric atmosphere, but maybe needs a little updating 

FUTURISTIC: Lord of the Dance - Dangerous Games is at MK Theatre until Saturday, April 25th. 

An offshoot of the Michael Flatley-famous Lord of the Dance brand, the Dangerous Games production at MK Theatre has been directed by the iconic dancer. Don't expect him to make any appearances though (he's more of a hologram), but lead dancer Morgan Comer is more than up to the job. 

I loved the fantastic energy and skill shown by the dancers, especially Comer who held the show together by engaging with the audience. Surely Irish dancing must be one of the most technical skills to learn? The digitalised backcloth enhanced the impressive dancing on stage too. 

There wasn't much of a storyline, more a series of dances loosely connected, but then that's what everyone is there for anyway. The classic stereotypes of goodie versus baddie were there, but it was a little concerning to see a woman forcibly taken - surely damsels in distress is old hat now?  

However, I was a little unsure of the Barbie-esque nature of the women, with their long flowing locks, fixed smiles and all round glamour, but then maybe I'm just a little jealous?

Personally, a tribute to the dancing's Irish roots would have been appreciated, but then this is for a newer audience. There are even cyber soldiers, even if they were a bit incongruous. The encore had the audience on its feet clapping and cheering, a return to its Lord of the Dance roots. The atmosphere was electric. 

Until Saturday. 

DEBBIE HALL 

Delivered to your door in Milton Keynes...

Food delivery is one of the many aspects of life today which just helps make things that bit easier. From your takeaway dinner to your weekly food shop, companies are answering the call of how to shop when people are often so busy. Having the option of doing your grocery shop during your lunch break at work and then having it delivered one evening, can be a huge help and time saver.

However, it looks as though the food delivery may have gone too far now... forget 'One Direction', there's a new company working in Milton Keynes called 'One Delivery'. This company may be loathed by some and loved by others, as they offer delivery of fast food which is not otherwise offered, including the likes of McDonalds, Burger King and KFC. They apparently deliver with battery powered bags to ensure the food doesn't get cold en route. It does seem to be the answer for the ever present question of why such places don't offer delivery, but there's also the fact that it is meant to be 'fast food', which generally doesn't fare so well being transported very far. If you're a fan of fast food then this might be great news for you, especially if you don't have a car, but if not then it may sound rather ridiculous.

Another local venture doing a similar thing but with much healthier foods, is called Organic Trail. Also based in Milton Keynes and delivering to the surrounding areas, they delivery fresh, organic produce to your door, such as vegetables, meat, fruit and eggs, in a box so minimising packaging and making it even more eco-friendly.

So whether you're a fast food fan or would rather go organic, there's something for everyone without even having to leave the comforts of your home. Of course if it's the idea of not having to leave your home that's the perk, why not get growing your own back garden? With the warm weather we're set to be having it should grown really well, and you can't get much more home-grown than that can you!

Milton Keynes Marathon- Do you want to volunteer?

The Milton Keynes marathon and half marathon are now just around the corner, and if you've been preparing to take part you're sure to be well aware of how soon it is coming up. With just just 2 weeks to go, the marathon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday the 4th May starting at 10am, and this is the fourth year it has taken place.

As well as the main marathon, there is also the half marathon and then the Superhero fun run, so there's the opportunity for everyone to get involved. If you're not planning on doing the running, then why not head down and watch, or even better, sign up as a member of the event crew.

There are two main ways of getting involved as a member of the event crew on the day, and these are either in the stadium area or on the course. In the stadium, volunteers are needed to help with registration, information, baggage, marshalling, rewards and giving out medals at the finish. On the course, marshals will be needed to ensure safety at intersections and direct runners along the right route. As well as these two main areas, volunteers will be needed in photography, for driving and entertainment.

If this sounds like something you'd like to get involved with, you can sign up to volunteer online by clicking here. It can be a long and tiring day, but hopefully the sun will be shining and it'll be a great opportunity to get involved in something for the local community. You'll receive a medal for your hard work, as well as a packed lunch on the day and an Event Crew T-shirt to wear. You'll also get a medal at the end of your shift, and an invite to a special Event Crew thank you party, on Saturday 9th May.

There are a number of ways to get involved for all the family, whether you're planning on taking part, volunteering or cheering on the runners, as they raise some much needed funds for a selection of great charities. The 4th May is set to be a great day, and with temperatures set to rise it'll hopefully be nice and sunny; you may even find yourself needing that suncream...

Top events this weekend in Milton Keynes

Friday 17th:

Milton Keynes through the lens @ The Parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Olney, 7-9pm
Milton Keynes through the lens, presented by Living Archive MK in connection with Independent Cinema MK, shows a collection of documentary films made over the last 70 years, as well as a short Olney heritage film. The films will be introduced by Roger Kitchen and will last approximately 2 hours. Tickets cost £4.

Newport Pagnell Farmers Market @ Newport Pagnell High Street, 8.30am-1.30pm
Held on the third Friday of every month. Get some fresh food from the farmers market this weekend!

Darling digits @ Frosts garden centre, 10am-2pm
'Little prints' allows you to make a hand or foot plaster cast of your child's hand or foot, to have as a keepsake and remember how small they once were! The casts can also be painted before being taken home to display. Tickets cost £9.99 per child and are available by clicking here.

Wine tasting evening @ The Two Brewers, High Street, Olney, 7pm
Introducing a new wine list. Booked tables only.

Crafts, art and gift exhibition @ Middleton Hall, Centre:mk, All day Friday-Sunday
Springtime creation is an annual event which presents some of the best in the world of arts and crafts. There will be something for everyone, from cakes to sculptures, sewing to fudge and much much more. It's a great place to come and browse, or to find a really unique gift for a friend or family member. Entry is free.

Saturday 18th:

Spring Sale @ St. Margaret's Church, Denton, 11am-3pm
There will be a wide selection of previously loved items such as books, toys, games, dvds, cakes, cards, potted plants and more. There will be a raffle, and refreshments will also be available, with homemade soup and fresh bread.

50/50 auction @ Yardley Hastings Memorial Hall, 2pm
Goods will be accepted from 8.30am-1pm and viewing will be from 1-2pm. Proceeds will go to village funds.

Clothes swap evening @ Lavendon Village Hall, 7pm
Ladies and children's clothes swap evening. Come along for a fun evening, and enjoy a pudding and first glass of wine included in the ticket price. Tickets cost £10.

Museum spring quiz @ The Olney Centre, 7.30-10pm
The Cowper and Newton museum hold a quiz evening with buffet. Hosted by the regular quiz-masters, Neil and Pat Hodges. Buffet will be provided but please bring your own drink and a glass. There will also be a raffle.

Meet Alan Titchmarsh @ Frosts Garden Centre, 11am-4pm
Famous garden writer and television presenter, Alan Titchmarsh, will be at Frosts garden centre this weekend, in celebration of National gardening week. He will be doing gardening talks, a book signing and a meet and greet for fans. There will be two 40 minute talks which cost £5 to attend, one at 11am and the other at 3pm.  The 11am talk will be entitled 'Gardening for wildlife', and the 3pm talk will be entitled 'Small garden secrets'. Each will be followed by a Q&A session. All money raised from the tickets will go to the local charity, Supershoes, which aims to bring hope and a smile to seriously ill and disabled children.


Home composting workshop @ The Hanson Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm.
If you're new to home composting or want to learn more about it, come along to the free workshop this weekend and find out more about disposing of fruit and vegetable waste. This is a free event, booking is essential and you can book by clicking here.

1940's Boutique @ Bletchley Park, 9.30am
Enjoy a day of 1940's glamour, and learn to style your own hair and makeup to achieve that iconic 1940's look. Create a fresh and versatile spring-time do. You will learn how to create some iconic styles, such as the famous victory rolls, and makeup to match. The day includes demonstrations, practical sessions, food and refreshments and time to enjoy Bletchley Park. Tickets are £70 per person and must be booked in advance, click here for more information.

Sunday 19th:

Sing-along Frozen @ MK Theatre, 11am, 3pm and 6.30pm

If you love the movie Frozen, it's a great opportunity to join in the experience at MK Theatre this weekend. Come dressed as your favourite Frozen character, and sing along with the lyrics on screen. There will be a live host who will show you how to use your interactive fun pack and judge the fancy dress competition. Tickets are available here.

Orienteering @ Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes, 10am-1pm

Learn how to use a map while having fun out in the parks. Run by South Midlands Orienteering club. Open to beginners, more experienced orienteers and runners alike. No need to pre-register, just turn up on the day. There are a selection of courses available to suit all needs, from a 2.5k amble to a 7k run. A great opportunity to try something different and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. Parking is available in the public car park on Merlewood Drive, Tattenhoe Street. Entry costs £5. 

Bletchley Park Presents: Victor Madeira @ Bletchley Park, 2-3pm

Victor Madeira talks about his book: 'Britannia and the Bear- The Anglo-Russion intelligence wars, 1917-1929.' Victor is a lecturer in National security and intelligence studies at the University of Buckingham, and has 15 years experience in international security affairs. The talk will be followed by a question and answer session, and then tea and cake will be served, followed by a book signing. Guests can explore Bletchley Park's exhibitions from 9.30am. Tickets cost £25, or £20 for season ticket holders. 

REVIEW: Dance 'Til Dawn at MK Theatre

Strictly favourites light up the stage with refreshing routines

Strictly fantastic - Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace star in Dance 'Til Dawn at MK Theatre until Saturday, April 18th. 

Strictly Come Dancing has drawn in millions of viewers for more than a decade, thanks to its glittering costumes, complicated routines and dazzling professional dancers. And the Olivier Award-nominated Dance ‘Til Dawn is an evening of delight for any fan of the show, as Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone take audiences on a trip to 1940s Hollywood.

It’s a simple story, with a couple of memorable one-liners, set in the middle of a film shoot. The leading man is murdered and a romance blooms between the star Sadie (Flavia) and her lover Tony (Vincent). But really this West End production on its UK tour is all about the dancing. Stylish, humorous and spectacular, it’s difficult to tear your eyes away.

Making a beautiful couple, the star pair didn’t put a move wrong on Monday evening.  The chemistry between them is palpable, and that’s the beauty of seeing it live instead of on TV. There is great support from the other performers, including Teddy Kempner as the detective and Abbie Osman as Lana.

The live orchestra was a wonderful touch to an already fantastic performance. And their famous Argentine Tango routine is not to be missed.

Until Saturday.

DEBBIE HALL

£600 Million to be spent on 'deprived' Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes is growing fast, and as we've recently shared, there are increasingly large numbers of houses and schools being built across the city. With this expansion and growth, it could seem that the older areas of Milton Keynes have been forgotten, but a recent announcement shows this is not the case.


£600 million has been pledged to give seven estates in Milton Keynes a facelift, with thousands of homes in areas classed as deprived set to be either demolished or regenerated. Showing that the older parts of the city are not being forgotten during the city-wide redevelopment work, the programme, titled 'RegenerationMK' aims to provide the city with better housing and public space. Regeneration MK aims to stop areas of Milton Keynes from being left behind during it's redevelopment, so that all will benefit from the work, not just those who are able to afford to buy a brand new house.


The areas included in this redevelopment phase include: Netherfield, Coffee Hall, Tinkers Bridge, North Bradville, Fullers Slade, the Lakes Estate and Beanhill. These areas were all built at the centre of the city around 45 years ago when Milton Keynes was first formed, and many were designed by award-winning architects. However, many of these homes have not been built to last, and so therefore it has now called for a huge renovation. Some people will be offered brand new homes while others will have work done to improve their current place of residence. While this work will undoubtedly take months, or more likely years to complete, it's good to hear that with all the work being done to expand the city, the original areas aren't being forgotten anymore.

Walk Safer in MK

Milton Keynes' Redways and underpasses provide a safe way of travelling around the city without having to cross the busy grid roads. However, when it comes to night time, it seems that many people are risking the dangers of crossing the roads rather than using the Redways, as a result of not feeling safe enough using them.

Milton Keynes Council has joined with MKWeb to launch the Walk Safe campaign. The idea is to encourage people to use the Redways, and to help make them feel a bit safer doing so. Plans include educating children about how Redways are safer than crossing the roads and making the routes to schools more interesting, to try and get younger children into the habit of using Redways and underpasses for both school and leisure.

MK college art students are being enlisted to help make underpasses brighter and more colourful. New LED lights have recently been added to all underpasses, and vegetation has also been cut back, all in a bid to help make the pathways clearer and help people feel safer.

Other problem underpasses, such as the Bletchley station underbridge, will be targeted to help make them feel safer and encourage people to utilise them, with the Bletchley underbridge having new lighting installed, helping pedestrians feel safer.

This campaign and the work surrounding it is a great cause, and more needs to be done to educate and encourage individuals in using the Redways and underpasses safely, rather than risking their lives on the dangerously fast roads, which have already had far too many casualties.

Free art exhibition: Created by inmates

A new exhibition opened earlier this week at MK gallery, to showcase a selection of artwork from prisoners for the next month.

The theme of the exhibition is 'Transformation'; showing the transformation in the physical sense in terms of how the material has become an art piece, but also in the sense of how getting creative has helped the prisoners improve their lives. The exhibition highlights the positive and important role that education plays in helping to shape and change lives for the better.

The artwork has been produced by Milton Keynes Offender Learning and skills students, from HMP Woodhill, HMP Springhill, HMP Hewell, HMP Sudbury, HMP Bullingdon, HMP Grendon, HMP Huntercombe and HMP Long Lartin.

The exhibition is free, and on the 17th and 24th April it will be manned by MK College Offender Learning staff who will be able to provide further information, detail and background to the work on display. The artwork has also been made into a book.

Come along to MK Gallery this month to have a look at the artwork and find out more.

What's on this weekend...

If you're looking for a way to spend the last weekend of the Easter holidays then look no further. With temperatures set to soar this weekend, we've got loads of activities you can get involved with to get out and about, enjoying the sunshine and the last of the school holidays.

Friday:

Bedford Art Society @ Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start
Juliette Orton creates beautiful pictures using many different materials. She shows how they are made and where her inspiration comes from. Those keen to try can also have a go themselves. Entry is free for members, or £5 for visitors.

Easter Experiences @ Experience the country, Newton Longville, MK17 0BU
This is the second day of the Easter experiences, where you can take part in a 1 hour activity and off-road thrills ride for £25. Suitable for adults and those aged 12 and up. Add another activity for just £10, including archery, axe- throwing, air rifles and segways. Also available are young person's driving experiences in a Land Defender of £25. Morning and afternoon slots are available and must be pre-booked. Call 01908 630665 to book.

Saturday:

Jahnaiah Fundraising Dinner Dance @ Hilton Hotel, Kents Hill Park, 6.30pm-1am

Fundraising dinner dance in aid of orphans affected by Ebola in Sierra Leone. The money raised will support an existing orphanage in Sierra Leone which is already looking after children whose parents have died during the Ebola crisis, and also to help bring light to the lack of medical equipment and diagnostic materials available in Sierra Leone during this time. Tickets cost £50, and includes a three-course meal, entertainment and much more. Auction and raffle also available. Dress code is black tie/traditional. Click here to buy tickets and for more information.

No 38 Vintage Emporium Event @ High Street Newport Pagnell, 9am-5pm

The No 38 Vintage Emporium on the High Street in Newport Pagnell is celebrating being open for six months. There will be special events all day, including live music, free ice creams from the Shake 'n' Scoop ice cream shack, and a photo booth taking old fashioned style photos. 

Non-Stop Pop, featuring Union J and Stereo Kicks @ Arena MK, Stadium MK, Doors open 5.30pm for 6.30pm start

Headliners Union J will be joined by Stereo Kicks, Bailey McConnell and Harry Mondryk. Show will end at approximately 9.45pm. Tickets cost £14 and are available to buy by clicking here. 

Sunday:

That Time of the Month Comedy Night @ The Cannon, Newport Pagnell, 7pm

Nick Helm, star of BBC3's hit comedy drama, Uncle, Russell Howard's Good News, 8 out of 10 cats, and winner of Breakthrough Artists at the British Comedy Awards 2014, will be performing in a night of stand up comedy entertainment. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door.

The Pad Presents: Marika Hackman @ Bedford Esquires, 7.30pm

Marika Hackman with support acts Sophie Jamieson and The Darling Mundaring. Following the release of her debut album, We Slept at last, and new single Animal Fear, Marika Hackman's songwriting speaks adventure; join the adventure for a great night of entertainment from a talented musician. Tickets cost £8 and are available online here.  

HULA Animala Rescue Bunny Bonanza @ Glebe Farm, Aspley Guise, 1-3.30pm

Enjoy some Easter activities at the end of the Easter holidays. Just when you thought all the Easter eggs had been found, come and join the Easter egg hunt and take part in the Easter Bonnet competition. Meet the rabbit welfare association and see a presentation on how to care for your pet rabbit. There will be a dog parade at 2.30pm, workshop, and family fun and refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.

Education Centre Opening Day @ Howe Park Wood, 11am

Join the Parks Trust education team to celebrate the opening of the new education and visitor centre at Howe Park wood. Parking avaialbe in the car park off Chaffron Way, opposite the Westcroft Centre. 

Whatever you do this weekend, have a great time! As always, if we've missed any events, please feel free to share them to our Facebook page. 

Phonebox speaks to Peep Show actor and stage star Robert Webb

"Everyone speaks very highly of the theatre in Milton Keynes"

Robert Webb (left) will be at MK Theatre from today (April 7th) in Jeeves and Wooster: Perfect Nonsense.

I felt a bit of a fake waiting for Robert Webb to pick up the phone. Everyone seems to have their favourite moments in Peep Show, and I had never seen an episode. Robert stars as the sarcastic and selfish Jez in the BAFTA-winning show about two dysfunctional flatmates, which is heading into its final series later this year.

It seemed his current character is a million miles away from his most famous role, as Robert is currently touring the UK as the brash and energetic Bertie in Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. 

An adaptation of the P G Wodehouse novels and TV series staring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry from the 90s, he has returned to the role following a 3-month stint as the character in the West End.

When we speak he’s in a B&B in Canterbury, the morning after their first performance in the town. 

“I thought the audience were a bit quiet but they were clapping like crazy at the end. We thought, where have you been for two hours?" explains Robert. 

The actor stars in Jeeves and Wooster.

The show follows the aristocratic Bertie Wooster and his dutiful butler Jeeves (played by Jason Thorpes). Having enjoyed four and five star reviews, the Olivier Award-winning production has gone on a national tour. 

Robert adds: “It’s a lovely part and I’m delighted to get the chance to do it again. Bertie is such a big and energetic part to play and it’s easy to enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, you’re not doing it right.

“I first went to see it when Stephen Mangan was playing my part…” He paused and laughed, “now I say my part!”

Performing at MK Theatre from April 7-11, it’s Robert’s first time in the town.

“Everyone speaks very highly of the theatre there but no, I haven’t been before. I’m a Milton Keynes virgin!”

In the comedy, one of Bertie’s friends suggests he puts on a play. Naturally he turns to the ever-faithful Jeeves to stop him making a fool of himself as Robert explains: “Jeeves is playing half the parts. Between him and another butler they play all the other characters. It’s the fun of not having enough actors on stage for 15 characters.”

Did he take any inspiration from the comedy duo of Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie?

“I had a quick look at what Hugh was doing but it’s a very different ball game on TV. If I played it this big and bold on TV I would look like I was out of my mind. It’s a very different medium.” 

The actor, originally from Lincolnshire, has regularly appeared on stage but is best known for his TV roles. Alongside his comedy partner David Mitchell, who also stars in Peep Show, their BAFTA-winning sketch show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, ran until 2010. Panel show appearances include Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Would I Lie To You? And Have I Got News For You. He’s even currently starring in the Post Office adverts. 

But acting on stage each night to a new audience is completely different.

“It’s lovely to do your job for two hours and then go home,” laughs Robert.

“Filming days are long. I’m not moaning, but the bit in-between the acting and cut is only about 15-20% of your time. A lot of it is waiting. You can’t really relax as you will always have a scene coming up.

“You don’t really tune out. It’s a marathon in a way and you feel you’ve worked hard, but the work of the actor is very small.”

Playing Bertie until June, it’s clear he loves being on stage: “Theatre is great. When you’re doing it, you’re really doing it. When you’re not, you’re not.

“It makes a difference when the audience is right there, especially with comedy. You step it up a gear to help it along. You get a lot in the way of feedback from that.”

Robert (right) with his Peep Show cast mates. 

It’s been widely reported that the final series of Peep Show will be filmed later this year, following a three-year break since the eighth was broadcast on Channel 4. For Robert, filming starts in September, following a nice long break with his family.

Can he tell us anything about it? (I suspect not). “Nope,” he laughs. 

“They won’t die and they won’t win the lottery. You could see Mark and Jez in the same flat in their 70s one day. If everything goes terribly right for them it won’t be Peep Show. They will be unhappy.”

You may think this would be a sad ending, but not for fans of the show. The comedian is hugely proud of everything it has achieved too.

“It really is terrifically good,” adds Robert, “and I can say that because I don’t write it! It’s been a big part of my life and a joy to play Jeremy. He’s so rude and sarcastic. It’s been a fun challenge making the guy likeable, but I’ve been living in a post-Jeremy world for a few years now.”

And the future? “I don’t have a grand plan. I’ll be unemployed in September! Playing a Doc Martin type character would be lovely one day, but I’m not bored of comedy.”

I better see if I can find a Peep Show box-set. 

Jeeves & Wooster runs from April 7-11 at MK Theatre. Tickets available on (0844) 871 7652 or atgickets.com. 

MISCHA ALLEN

Tomorrow's local society events...

Tuesday, as always, is the day for many local societies to meet, and there's a whole list in this month's Phonebox magazine of what's on this Tuesday, have a look below for a reminder...

Newport Pagnell and District Probus Club at the Carlton House Club, Olney, 12.15pm.
Join for a buffet lunch followed by a speaker; this month is Lyn Kirkbright, who will relate 'The heart of volunteering and how I got stuck in the chair!'

Bridge at the Royal British Legion, Newport Pagnell, 7.30pm. 

Olney Jazz Club at the Carlton House Club, 8pm.
Featuring the Richard Baker Quintet. Richard was originally a trained trombonist, and has worked in pretty much every genre of music and appeared on numerous recordings throughout his 25 year career. The quintet was formed in 2013 and is a ensemble reminiscent of the quintets led by the likes of Frank Rosolino and Carl Fontana during the 50's and 60's. Tickets cost £10 on the door. Good food also available.

Newport Pagnell Historical Society, the United Reformed Church, Newport Pagnell, 7.30pm
A talk from Hugh Granger on 'A journey by stagecoach'.

Bedford Floral Art Society at the Addison Centre, Kempston at 7.30pm
Members meeting, with flowers, fun and friendship.

Olney Archaeological Society at the Olney centre, 10am-noon
Talk from Dr Jill Eyers: 'The birth of an ocean: The opening of the Atlantic'. The talk will be about the separation of South America from Africa. All are welcome, membership costs £20, or sessions cost £3 per lecture. Refreshments included.

Emberton and District Flower Club at the Carlton House Club, 7.30pm
A flower arranging demonstration entitled 'As we go down to the woods' by Emma Remington, NAFAS demonstrator, lecturer, flower arranger and florist.

If you're part of a local society which isn't currently featured in the Phonebox magazine, do send your information through so that we can cover as many groups as possible.

Some fun facts about Easter...

Whether you're munching on your Easter eggs, going to church or having a roast dinner, you'll hopefully be getting the 4 day holiday from work 0this weekend.

We've got a few unusual facts about Easter to entertain you while you relax...

• The largest Easter egg hunt took place in Florida, and involved finding over 500,000 eggs
• The average child gets over £50 worth of Easter eggs from family and friends
• The UK's first chocolate Easter egg was made in 1873 by Fry's of Bristol
• 19% of children reckon they make themselves ill by eating too much chocolate over the Easter holidays
• In the past, pretzels were associated with Easter because the twists were thought to resemble arms crossing in prayer
• In medieval times, a festival of egg-throwing was held in church where the priest would throw a hard-boiled egg to one of the choirboys. It was then thrown between the choirboys, until the clock struck 12. Whoever had the egg at this point was the winner and would keep the egg.
• When people eat an Easter bunny, 76% bite off the ears first...

However you celebrate Easter weekend, have a great time, just try not to get sick from eating too much chocolate!

Farms and Forests to visit this Easter

There are loads of activities and events taking place over the Easter holidays, but if you're looking for things to do then have a read through our previous blogs, as we've collected information about some of the local events which are taking place. If you're looking for somewhere to go with the family this Easter, rather than necessarily organised events and activities, why not visit a local farm or forest for a day out enjoying the spring weather, along with the spring lambs and chicks?

Mead Open Farm in Billington offers a great variety of activities for kids and grown ups alike, with bottle feeding the lambs, seeing the cows being milked and the chance to groom the miniature Shetland pony. There's also lots of opportunities to play, with a new sky trail, play zone and go karts, tractor rides, rock climbing and more. A great way to see the spring farm animals, as well as the Easter activities which will be going on over the Easter holidays, with an egg trail, baby animals and a chance to meet Hoppy the Easter bunny. Click here for more information.

Another nearby farm is Rookery Open Farm, in Stoke Bruerne. This commercial sheep and cattle farm has made way for visitors to come and learn about farming and animals. There is the opportunity to get up close to a number of different animals, most of which can be stroked, and there is a 3 storey indoor play area for the kids to enjoy. During this lambing season you may have the opportunity to see some lambs being born. Attractions also include an outdoor play area, pets corner, go karts, sandpit, water-fowl area, pigmy goats, bouncy castles and more. Click here for more information.


To experience the outdoors and spring weather at your own pace, Salcey Forest is a great place to visit, and is situated just to the East of the village of Hartwell. There are a number of trails to follow through the forest at different distances, a tree-top walk, play area and cafe. Parking is just £3 for the day, and other than that it's a free day out. Another attraction situated in the forest is 'Tree ninja', a high-ropes course up in the trees, as well as a 18m high 'shock drop' swing. This must be booked in advance, more information can be found by clicking here.