Hollington Wood Bluebell Day- This Monday

Hollington Wood will be open to the public from 10am-6pm this Bank holiday Monday, 4th May. The annual Bluebell Day includes a number of attractions, as well as giving you the opportunity to simply enjoy the ancient woodland and see the carpet of bluebells in bloom. There will be guided walks through the woods, an observation beehive, kids play and woodland piglets. Take the opportunity to wander where you like and explore the woods. The newly-agreed Woodland management plan will also be available to be read and discussed.

Admission is free, but donations towards the upkeep of the wood would be appreciated, and are suggested at £5 per adult and £10 for families. Car parking is limited and must be booked in advance at £10 per vehicle, no parking is allowed along the grass verge on the farm road. Hollington Wood can be found halfway along the private road to Wood Farm/Ekeney House, off the A509 between Emberton and Sherington. Nearest public parking is Prospect Place, Emberton.

For more information, visit the Hollington Wood website. See you there!

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.

What's on in MK this weekend

The leaves have almost all fallen now and we're heading fully into winter, but we've still got a few of those sunny autumn days left (we hope). There's still a chance to get out and about this weekend, although you may need to wrap up a little warmer now. As always, we've collated a list of what's on in the local area to help you decide on what to do this weekend, and there's quite a lot to choose from!

Olney Raft and Duck Race 2014- Tomorrow!

This Sunday sees the annual Olney raft and duck race take place at the Weir in Emberton Park. The yearly event is  key in the Olney calendar, and is always great fun!

The raft race always involves a variety of groups making their own rafts and racing them down the river. This year, entrants include the Olney Runners, the Naval cadet Corps, various Schools and Parents' Associations, Pets at Home, George Davis Turf, the Rugby U15s and more! Whether you know someone taking part in the race or not, make sure you get down to the river and cheer them on, start time is 12.30pm. The race will end at the Swimming Steps off Olney Sports Fields, so make sure you end up there to watch them finish!

Then the famous duck race will be kicking off at around 1pm, why not sponsor a duck and watch the race while enjoying an ice cream?!

There will be great food available, including Caribbean food, ice cream, cakes and drinks, and activities to keep all the family entertained, including a raffle, stalls, a small fair, alpacas, 'beat the goalie' and music from the Friends of the Caribbean, to name but a few!

The Duck Race is to raise funds for the 1st Olney Scout Group, and the Raft Race is organised by the Olney Group, make sure you're there to experience the event first hand!

This month's recipe...

If you haven't noticed already, each month we have a recipe for you to try out in the Phonebox magazine, and this month we've gone for a Mallorcan recipe! Find it in the online magazine here, or use the image below. It's a pretty straightforward recipe, and is basically tomato and garlic bread but the simplicity doesn't take away from the taste. It's a quick and easy food which can be eaten as breakfast, lunch or dinner, or as a snack, so is well worth giving it a try!

If you missed last month's recipe, have a look here and learn how to make some yummy Wodehill cheese and Taylor's mustard scones (image below).  Made from local ingredients, this is another versatile recipe which can be eaten hot or cold, with fillings or on its own, and is again a fairly simple one to master! 

Enjoy! :)