Benidorm comes to Milton Keynes!

This week, MK Theatre welcomes Benidorm, bringing the Spanish Costa Blanca sunshine and the colourful characters that come with a bit of sun, sea, sand and sangrias. With many of your favourite original cast members including resident lothario come barman Mateo played by Jake Canuso, Janine Duvitski as Jacqueline, Sherrie Hewson as the Solana’s Manageress Joyce Temple-Savage and Shelley Longworth as Sam. Not forgetting Tony Maudsley as Kenneth and Adam Gillen as Liam who between them run the useless, hardly-ever-open hair salon Blow & Go.

What can I say? Benidorm is like Marmite, you either love it or hate it and, like marmite, I love it! I hadn’t actually ever seen a single episode of the ITV series (started 10 years ago!) until earlier this year, when I happened to binge watch all 10 series on catch up. There was just something about the weird, rude, slimy, chavvy, snobby, funny and nasty characters that warmed me to the show – either to laugh at or relate to!

Essentially, the show is about a run-down, badly managed “Four” Star hotel in Benidorm. The hotel’s posh manageress is up against a team of lazy, immature, party-loving staff and guests that are even worse. Desperate to keep the hotel above ground, and keep that fourth star hanging on, Joyce Temple-Savage has her daily battles with everyone. Mateo is more often found flirting with the guests than actually working the pool bar, Kenneth spends his nights partying and days hungover rather than running the salon whilst Liam frantically picks up the pieces and Jacqueline…is, well…Jacqueline and although she misses her late husband Donald dearly, she has many fond tales to tell of the Middlesborough Swingers Association. Sam seems to go out of her way to annoy Joyce and the rest of the staff either don’t speak English (much to the British clientele’s dismay) or are as much use as a chocolate teapot.

The stage was fab. It brought the set to life including the Solana’s reception, Blow & Go salon, pool side and Neptune’s perfectly! I loved the quirky little songs and dance routines in between the scenes which included a tongue-in-cheek dance about sleazy Spanish waiters for Mateo’s entrance and the brilliant love ballad by Gay Derek (Damian Williams). The only thing missing was Les (or Leslie), Liam’s Dad and Mateo’s best friend. A loveable Geordie transvestite who usually has his head together, unlike the rest of them, but he’s currently serving time for tax evasion (which those of you that watch the show will already know).

The whole cast clearly had fun on the stage and we had a great evening as flies-on-the-wall at Benidorm’s naffest hotel.

For tickets, head to www.atgtickets.com

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...

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.

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.

Theatre District MK up for a re-vamp

The Theatre District

The Theatre District in central Milton Keynes has a pretty good selection of restaurants, and of course the theatre, but in recent years it has become something of a ghost town, not picking up the same amount of interest as many other areas of the city.

With the large number of restaurants and attractions in Milton Keynes, there is a huge choice for people when choosing where to eat or drink, particularly among the chain restaurants which are at the Theatre District as well as many other areas in Milton Keynes, including the shopping centre, Xscape, Kingston and now the new MK Stadium restaurant area. With so much of the same, there needs to be something more than just the food attracting visitors, and this is where the Theatre District has been struggling a bit lately, often seeming very quiet and dead, particularly during the day.

However, all this is set to change, with a whopping £20million development plan which was granted just this week. The plan is set to create over 100 jobs, and will be completed in late 2016. The plan includes building a Premier Inn hotel with 130 rooms, as well as 234 square metres of retail and 994 square metres of leisure, which is likely to include restaurants and bars.

Jonathan Manns, Colliers International Planning Director who advised on the development, says: "In rejuvenating and expanding the Theatre District these plans also improve the wider public realm and enhance links to existing shopping facilities..."

Jack Paravicini of Bursha Holdings commented: "We're keen to create a 'family friendly' area with a vibrant daytime and evening economy that increases footfall and supports the adjacent gallery and theatre."

With a bit of work (£20 million worth!) it's hoped that the Theatre District will be back in the runnings in competing with Milton Keynes' other leisure areas. The building of a Premier Inn hotel in such a central location is sure to be hugely popular, and the surrounding restaurants and bars will be sure to benefit as a result of the customers it will attract.

On top of all this, intu Milton Keynes has also just announced a new development, a major face-lift which will feature a five-screen boutique cinema, new shops and green spaces. The development could cost up to £70 million, and would be the most significant development the city centre has seen in over a decade. Pictures and information about the proposal are on display until 22nd March.

Proposal for intu Milton Keynes development

How do you feel about all this development? In a time where landmarks such as the Point are being demolished, is it right that money is being put into expanding and re-doing the already more modern areas?

This weekend's events in MK

Friday: 

Comic Relief:
Whatever you're up to this Friday, you're bound to come across Red Nose Day in one way or another. The idea of making your 'face funny for money' is interpreted in a number of ways across the country. If you have children at school or work in a school you'll probably be wearing your red noses and raising money for comic relief there in one way or another, from bake sales and wearing red clothes, to danceathons, swimathons and quiz's. If you're not getting involved during the day, there's always the 6-hour marathon TV show on Friday night from 7pm. An evening of entertainment aiming to make you laugh out loud with a selection of stars, including the return of the classic shows; Little Britain, Mr Bean, and Vicar of Dibley among others. As well as the humorous, comedy elements, will be the more serious films and footage which show Comic Relief's charity work and where the money raised will be going to.

Locally, there are activities going on for comic relief in schools and other locations, one of these is in Stantonbury, with various activities taking place from 3.30-6.30pm. There will be face painting, with a professional makeup artist. You can be entered into the competition to win Best Funny Face by simply donating to Comic Relief, having your face painted and photo taken. There's also a bouncy castle, so you can make those funny faces while you bounce! From 7-9pm there'll be a table tennis tournament for Comic Relief, so you can pop on your nose and enter the mini tournament, both juniors and adults are welcome. The Commonwealth medal winner and current reigning world Ping Pong champion, Andrew Baggaley will be awarding the trophies. You can watch from Buskers cafe & bar.

Saturday:

80's night held by Domesticats, at Lavendon Village Hall. 7.30-11.30pm, Fancy dress is optional, but would be fun! Tickets cost £10 and the money raised will go towards Lavendon Village Hall. Come along for a great night of the 80's!

The Edelweiss Pirates at Stantonbury Theatre, 3.30 and 7.30pm. A show featuring the Edelweiss Pirates of Cologne, a group of teenagers in Germany during the Second Wolrd War who realise they must start showing their resistance to the Nazis. Suitable for ages 13 and over. Tickets cost £14, concessions £11.

Tennis Works at Stony Stratford Tennis Club (MK11 1AR) is holding a free indoor mini tennis session this Saturday. A great introduction to tennis, with fun and games. 4-6 year olds are welcome from 1-2pm, and 7-10 year olds from 2-3pm. For more information email Stony@tennisworks.net.

Milton keynes Gin Festival at the Buszy (MK9 1LR) All afternoon and evening, 2 sessions from 12-5pm and 6-11pm.
Over 60 different gins will be showcased, and visitors will receive a brochure with information on all the gins available to try. You will need drinks tokens to purchase drinks, available at the front desk. The cost is £4 per drink, including tonic and a fresh garnish. There will be live entertainment, talks from gin industry experts and food available to buy all evening, as well as the chance to get chatting with other gin lovers! Tickets are £6 and are available to buy here.

Sunday:

Mothers Day:
Beat the queues and book yourself a table at one of the lovely restaurants or pubs in or around Olney, Newport Pagnell or Milton Keynes for your Mum and family, and celebrate Mother's day locally. If the weather is nice, why not take a walk along the canal, or through the countryside or through one of the local villages to enjoy some local scenery.

Ant & Dec's Supercomputer is in Milton Keynes this Sunday! Come along to the centre:mk between 9am and 5pm to be in for a chance of winning 2 tickets to New York. The morning session is from 9am, and the afternoon session from 2pm. If you're over 18 come and get involved, come dressed to impress with your hidden talent, and see if you can wow the supercomputer!

Make your Face funny for money!

Red Nose Day has been going now since 1988, and each time it comes back around, it seems to get even more funny and silly. Red nose day takes place every two years, and this year the theme is 'Make your face funny for money.' 

Friday 13th is Red Nose day, and over the last couple of weeks there have been activities and television shows raising money for Comic Relief, including the Comic Relief danceathlon, let's play darts for Comic Relief and more. It all comes to a head this Friday, when everyone is encouraged to get involved at home, at work and at school, making their faces funny for money!

Friday night sees a great night of television for Comic Relief, filled with entertainment, comedy and stories, aiming to inspire and encourage viewers to give generously. There are loads of ideas on the Red Nose Day website, of how you can get involved and raise money for Comic Relief. You can buy a red nose at Sainsbury's, Oxfam or online, and there is a free fundraising kit with ideas for face painting, and a pack for getting involved in the Great Comic Relief bake Off competition. There are also official Comic Relief t-shirts, available at TK Maxx and online.

The money raised from Comic Relief goes to helping fund some amazing projects which change people's lives, both in the UK and across Africa. It's an extremely worthwhile cause, and well worth getting involved in, whether you go all out, or just want to buy a red nose, it would be great for everyone who can to get involved. Have a look at some of the ideas below or on the website for inspiration, or get creative and come up with your own ways of making your face funny for money!

This Weekend's top events

Friday 6th March:

Quiz at Lavendon Village Hall, 7.30pm for an 8pm start.
Tickets cost £5 per person, teams can be up to six people per team.

Bedford Art Society at Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.
Chris Christoforou speaks on The Modern Masters of Realism. Chris has been a professional artist for 30 years and is well known for his depictions of wildlife. This illustrated talk sees Chris reference the 'old masters' who have influenced and inspired the new generation of 'masters.' He will cover a wide variety of subjects. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Click here for more information.

The Bedford Brach of The Royal Anglian Regiment Association- monthly meeting, held at the Keep, Bedford Road, Kempston. 7.30pm for 8pm start. If you are an ex serviceman/woman of any arm you are welcome to join.

Saturday 7th March:

International Women's Day concert at The venue, Walton high, Milton Keynes. 7.30pm.
Sian Edwards will be conducting a very special concert performed on National Women's Day and designed to recognise the high talent of women involved in classical music. An all-female orchestra, with guest soprano Anita Watson. Tickets cost £22 or £10 for adults, £5 for children, click here to book.

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs at Stantonbury Theatre, 2.30pm.
A production from children's theatre company, Les Petits, and is an action packed theatrical experience with live music, puppetry, physical performance and dastardly dinosaurs. Tickets cost £11, and family tickets are £40. Click here to book. Suitable for children over 5 years old.

The 'Cheese bus' will be in Milton Keynes all day on Saturday. Anchor have started a campaign called 'save our sandwich' which is attempting to convince people how good a cheese sandwich can be, rather than the more fancy lunchtime alternatives of today. The Anchor cheese bus will be driving around Milton Keynes from 8am-6pm all day this Saturday, and when you pledge to help save the cheese sandwich you'll get a free sandwich, and be in with the chance of winning some cheese-related prizes.

Sunday 8th March:

Milton Keynes Festival of Running at Xscape, Milton Keynes from 9.30am-6pm.
The Milton Keynes Half Marathon and Festival of Running take place this Sunday. The races start on the central dual-carriageways of Milton Keynes, then through some beautiful scenery. There are a number of different length races to take part in, 5K, 10K and 20 Miles, all starting around 10am. For prices and exact timings, click here.

HULA Animal Rescue 'Mum's the Word' 1pm-3.30pm.
Bazaar and pet bed shed, HULA dog parade at 2,30pm, Beauty treatments (for both humans and dogs!) quizzes, family fun and more! Refreshments will be on sale, £2 per adult, children go free. All proceeds go to the care and welfare of HULA's animals. Dogs are welcome.

Go Blue For Willen!

Go Blue for Willen week runs from the 2nd- 8th March this year, and is a week of fundraising for a very worthy cause.

Willen Hospice provides complex and individual care to adults affected by life limiting conditions and illnesses. They also provide a great deal of support to the family and friends of those affected. Less than a quarter of funding comes from the NHS, meaning that the rest needs to be raised from donations and the support of the local community. 

Go Blue for Willen week is an opportunity to help raise vital funds for the hospice. The week will include a variety of events and activities with the go blue theme, for all the family to get involved with. People will be encouraged to wear blue, bake blue and take part in the organised activities throughout the week.

There will also be collections taking place at Milton Keynes, Bletchley and Wolverton stations between the 2nd and 6th, and at Kingston Shopping Centre on the 7th-8th March.

Across the week a special auction will be held where people can take part in an online auction and bid on Willen Hospice's ebay page for some amazing items donated by local businesses. These include a day trip for five to Centre Parcs, a signed MK Dons football, a hamper with wine from Harrods, a weekend pass to a British super bike event, a giant teddy, a Burberry watch, a family pass to Snozone, a HD TV and an amazing digital hamper including Xbox and laptop. 

On Saturday 7th March there will be a day of activity at Walton High in Walnut Tree. From 8am-12pm, the Hospice will host its first ever fill-a-bag sale, where people can pay £10 for a bag which they can fill with second hand and retro clothes. Later in the afternoon will be the Willen Hospice 'Zumbathon', with two hours of Zumba with three local instructors for just £10.

People are being encouraged to get their workplaces and schools involved, with wearing an element of blue during the week and making a donation to Willen Hospice. Whether that be a pair of blue socks or a bright blue wig, there are plenty of ways of getting involved. Blue-themed baking is another way of making money, you could arrange a blue-cake competition, or just bake something blue and donate the money, you could hold a blue bake sale in the office and donate the money to Willen.

If you would like to make a donation, please text: GBFW15 £5 to 70070 donate £5 and help Willen Hospice continue to offer its specialist care and support to patients and their families.

For more information about getting involved, click here.

This Weekend in MK

As always, there's a great selection of things to do in the Milton Keynes area this weekend, and we've collected a variety of events which will hopefully suit all tastes and ages. Have a look through and hopefully you'll find something fun to do this weekend, as February turns into March!

Saturday 28th 

Fossil Hunting for adults @ Stonepit Field, MK. 10am.
Fossil hunting doesn't have to just be for the kids, and this weekend the adults can give it a try, at Stonepit Field. Come fossil hunting and learn more about the geology of Stonepit Field. The adult education course costs £5 per person. Park in the car park on Wolverton Road, opposite Oakridge Park, Stonepit Field. Booking required, click here.


Ceilidh with Ock 'n' Dough @ Lavendon Village Hall, 7pm.
Ceilidh and ploughman's supper. Tickets cost £12 for adults, £6 for children up to 16. Bring your own drinks, wine will also be available to purchase.

Harmonies for Everly @ York House Centre, Stony Stratford, 8-11pm.
A great night of musical talents with harmonising songs and a substantial slab devoted to the Everly Brothers. Bar with real ale, cider, wine, soft drinks and other goodies will be available, proceeds go to the York House Centre. Entry is £5.

Art, Photography and Craft Exhibition and Sale @ The Chellington Centre. Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm. 
All artists, craftspeople, photographers, sculptors and woodworkers are invited to submit their work for exhibition or sale on Saturday or Sunday. Application forms are available from: art@chellington.org. Refreshments will be available. This is a fundraising event to support both the running of Chellington and the bursary fund, which all groups with needs can apply for.

Handmade and Vintage weekend extravaganza @ Middleton Hall, Centre:MK Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 10.30am-5pm.
A free event with 128 stalls full of authentic handmade and vintage items. High standards and great prices, great for gifts and things you just won't find in the shops. From fashion to food, art to interior design, there's a great range of items to interest you.

Sunday 1st March

Parks and Run @ Campbell Park, 10am start.

This is a free fun run for all ages and abilities, with a choice of routes from 2km to 10km. A great activity to get all the family out and about! The run starts at Campbell Park Pavilion car park, with a choice of 3k, 5k and 10k routes. (Routes may vary depending on weather conditions) 

St David's Day @ MK Rose, Campbell Park, 3pm.

An event to remember the patron Saint of Wales, involving songs and poetry, mainly in Welsh. This is a free service, all are welcome, come along and bring a daffodil or a leek! The ceremony will take place at MK Rose which is situated at the top of Campbell Park. The nearest parking is at centre:mk (John Lewis end).

Crossharbour Charity Fundraising Concert @ All Saints Church, Bow Brickhill, 3pm.

Charity fundraiser for Willen Hospice and ASTRA community charity. A dynamic new band from London's traditional Irish music scene. Refreshments will be provided and open session for all will follow. Tickets cost £8 per person, email sarah_malleson@hotmail.com.

Open Mic Night @ The Two Brewers, Olney, 8.30pm

Come and enjoy listening to some local artists and enjoy the open fire and a drink or two!

Social Paint in MK

If you're looking for something different to do for an evening out, Social Paint MK could be just your thing. Not just for the artists out there, Social Paint is a great night out for everyone. It offers a relaxed evening of painting for anyone wanting to get involved, and is held in a bar so you can enjoy a glass (or two) as you paint! There's even food involved, and whether you're looking to do some painting by yourself or want to have a fun evening out with friends or a partner, it'll be a great evening of entertainment, and probably different to what you've done before.

Wednesday 11th February at Loch Fyne in the Hub, Milton Keynes 
This is a Banksy Inspired evening, where you can come for a relaxed evening of painting while you enjoy a glass of wine and a light snack. Ticket holders can also enjoy a 30% discount off a meal before the event (reservations required).

Whether you've painted before and loved it, or have never tried it and always wanted to, it's a great evening of fun and creativity, and whether you come with friends or alone, it'll be a great evening. Why not give it a try?! Events will also be held in the following months, 5th March at the Slug and Lettuce again, 8th March at Giraffe Centre MK and 18th March at Loch Fyne in the Hub.

MK Wedding Show- This weekend

This weekend one of the largest wedding shows in the region comes to Milton Keynes. With over 120 wedding experts exhibiting to help you plan your special day, there's everything you could need: From clothing to cakes, DJ's to jewellery. The exhibitors come largely from the surrounding local areas, which is perfect if you live locally or are getting married locally, as you will be able to take advantage of using local businesses for some great prices. If you're not local do still give it a visit, as the variety of items on offer can be great for providing some great inspiration and ideas.

On Saturday and Sunday there will be some great catwalk shows, featuring all the wedding clothing you could need. From gorgeous gowns and bridesmaids dresses, to mother of the bride, grooms suits and more, don't miss the shows at 12, 2 and 4pm.

The wedding show is held in Middleton Hall in the Centre MK, and will be open from 9.30am-8pm on Friday, 9am-6pm Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday.

MK Midnight Moo

July is the time of year we start to hear a lot about the city's 'Midnight Moo', the ten mile walk around Milton Keynes in aid of Willen Hospice, so why are we mentioning it now? Well, the registration is now open for those hoping to take part to sign up. This year is set to be even bigger and better than the last, so sign up now and get collecting sponsorships in advance for a great cause.

The walk gets its name from the fact that it starts at midnight, and the fact that Milton Keynes is known as the home of the concrete cows. It takes place this year on the 4th July, and this year's theme is glow in the dark. It's a great night to raise some money for charity while having some fun with friends, whether you've done it every year or have never done it before, it's open to all, click here to sign up now, spread the word!

National Soup Month

January is the national month for soup, which you can understand why, with the cold weather it's the time of year you're wanting hot meals and snacks, and for those in a January health kick, it's a fairly low-calorie meal.

Soup also has a great importance though, particularly for some in our city. Milton Keynes is home to a number of soup-runs, which not only operate throughout January, but all through the year. Groups of volunteers head to meeting-points across the city, and hand out soup and sandwiches to the homeless people there. With their set stopping places, people in need know when and where to go for some warm soup, and it really is a lifeline to some of those who are sleeping rough on the streets. A number of cafes, coffee shops and restaurants are also involved, donating leftover food at the end of the day to be given to the homeless.

These volunteers head out into the cold to serve those in need, and spend time chatting and listening to those for whom life can often get quite lonely. This January, why not let the fact that it's soup month encourage you to help out, either by donations or by getting involved with the soup run yourself.

Click here to visit the MK Soup Run website for more information.

Milton Keynes City Orchestra Concert- Tomorrow Night

Tomorrow, you'll be well and truly in for a treat with the Milton Keynes City Orchestra. Conductor Damian Iorio has a great night in store for a great musical start to the new year, with music including Mozart: Overture to Magic Flute, Sibelius: Symphony no. 3 and Brahms: Symphony no.1.

Starting at 7.30pm at Milton Keynes Theatre and ending around 10pm, it's a great opportunity to enjoy an uplifting and beautiful concert with family and friends.

Conductor Damian Iorio began his career as a violinist, and studied conducting in Russia before his first major role as Artistic director and chief conductor of the philharmonic orchestra of Murmansk. There he played a large role in sparking the growth of the orchestra in opera and concert. He has since travelled the world, conducting performances with some of the most celebrated orchestras in many great concert halls and theatres. Tomorrow night you can see for yourselves the skill of Damian and of the Milton Keynes Orchestra, as he conducts them in a repertoire chosen to showcase their musical talents and professionalism.

A night not to be missed, tickets start at £10, click here to book.

MK Winter Night Shelter

As the weather gets colder, a thought has to be spared for those without a home in Milton Keynes. Sleeping rough on the streets is a dangerous and cold thing to have to do at any time of year, but when the winter months come, life for the homeless gets a lot tougher.

Winter Night Shelter MK aims to make life a little easier for the homeless in Milton Keynes, providing warm and safe accommodation with a hot meal, bed and breakfast through the months of december to mid-March. A variety of organisations, churches and community centres take it in turns to host a different night of the week, with around 15 homeless people coming to stay each night. They are provided with a meal, entertainment, a bed for the night and breakfast in the morning, a service which is hosted and run by volunteers.

Last winter there were 8 different locations hosting the night shelter, providing 1,096 bed nights over 91 days. Not only are the homeless looked after while at the shelters, the team also aim to help them further than just the night. Winter Night Shelter MK funds a welfare officer who works with those affected by homelessness, aiming to help rebuild their lives through signposting alcohol and drug services and by helping individuals find work and housing. Last year, the night shelter helped 48 guests find longer term accommodation, making a positive impact which extends further than just a night.

This year's Winter Night Shelter kicked off this week, and will now continue to run over the winter months. If you want to get involved or find out more about this great scheme and the work they are doing, visit the website of their Facebook page.

Help feed the hungry in MK

The lead up to Christmas tends to see the cupboards filling with food, turkey stuffed in the fridge or freezer and boxes of biscuits and chocolates stacked and ready for that afternoon of present opening and tv-watching. Well for some that may be the reality, for a large number it is not. Many people this Christmas won't be able to afford a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and not only that but food for all year round.

The Milton Keynes food bank, as mentioned in the latest issue of the Phonebox Magazine, provides food for those in need all year round, and at Christmas provides Christmas hampers to the most needy individuals and families in Milton Keynes. The food bank runs from donations, and so without kind donations from the people of Milton Keynes there would be nothing to give. Over the Christmas period we have a Food Bank collection box here at the Phonebox Magazine offices, so if you're coming past Stanley Court in Olney why not drop in a tin of food for the collection? If you are interested in making a Christmas hamper for a family in need, please click here for more information. 

As well as the food bank, there are a number of organisations providing Christmas meals for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford one, or maybe who wouldn't have anyone to eat with. Feed MK are one such organisation, who provide Christmas dinners to the homeless, those on low incomes, single-parent families and more. Now in it's 4th year, Feed MK will be hosting a FREE 4 course Christmas celebration meal. The invitation to come and experience the real meaning of Christmas is open to all, particularly those who are in need at this time of year. There will be live music, tea, coffee, mince pies and a visit from Santa, as well as the 4 course meal. Not only that, but there are a total of 6 sittings of the meal, all on the same day- the 20th December! Booking is required, by emailing info@feedmk.co.uk and the meals are held at Atlantic House in Tongwell. 

In addition, a number of churches will have Christmas meals and services for people to feel included and part of something, at what can be a particularly lonely time for some. If you want to get involved to help in some way, as mentioned above ,you can contact the food bank and make a food hamper or donate food to the food bank, which is running all year round. If you know of someone in need, elderly or on their own this Christmas, why not invite them to spend the day with you, or point them in the direction of one of these great services.