Midnight Moo 2014

Milton Keynes is well-known for being home to the famous concrete cows, so when you hear of a 'Midnight Moo' you might picture them coming to life at midnight... but actually, the Midnight Moo is a really great event for an amazing cause. If you're from the Milton Keynes area you'll probably be well aware of this event, as it's now in its sixth year, but if you're new to the area, don't worry- we'll fill you in!

The Midnight Moo is a ladies only, 10-mile walk, which starts at midnight and takes place tomorrow night. All the money raised through the sponsorship of these walkers goes to the Willen Hospice, which provides free specialist care to adults and support for their families in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas, so it's for a really great cause.

This year there is a multi-coloured theme, to represent the diversity of people that come into contact with and are helped by Willen Hospice, and the many different ways in which they are helped. Ladies are being encouraged to wear past Moo t-shirts if they have any, and be creative with colour to make it a really bright and vibrant event.

Last year, the Midnight Moo raised over £80,000, which is an amazing total, and since the Midnight Moo event began, over £600,000 has been raised! With the money going to such a worthy cause, the hope is that this year will be bigger and better than the last, and that a record figure will be raised. This year, two competitive prizes have been introduced, for both the team and the individual who raises the most sponsorship money. 

You don't have to walk to support the cause, why not sponsor someone you know who's taking part, or if you don't know anyone who's involved then you can still donate online. If each walker raised £100, then the 10 miles they walk would help fund the cost of a staff nurse for one shift at the hospice. Kicking off from Midsummer Place, it's set to be a great night, why not come along and cheer on the herd?!

Have a look at 'the Herd' from last year's Midnight Moo in the video below!

This Weekend: Events in the local area

You'll have hopefully already seen the blogs for the Newport Pagnell Carnival,the Rugby 7s and the Olney raft and duck race taking place this weekend, but there are a couple more to mention, as well as reminding you of those three key events for the calendar!

SATURDAY:
Lathbury Village Hut is home to an event this weekend; the Lathbury 1914 project exhibition between 2pm and 5pm both Saturday and Sunday. The exhibition entry is free and showcases variety of historical treasures. There will also be extra entertainment going on between 3 and 4pm, including music, poetry readings and the modern day Clanger Competition. There will also be a special service of commemoration in Lathbury Church at 11am on Sunday.

Night Hike @ Ouse Valley park; Something a little different for a Saturday night! The walk begins at 9pm, and led by local wildlife experts you will discover many varieties of nocturnal wildlife residing in the Ouse Valley. Booking is required, and costs just £1 per person.

SUNDAY:
Summer Celebration and Open day @ Campbell Park, Milton Keynes. 1-4pm
An afternoon of guided walks, country talks, music, demonstrations and displays. The Parks Trust will have a display of landscape machinery, talks, demonstrations form some parkland activities, bug hunting for kids with the education team, free land train rides and music from Bradwell silver band. This is a free event. Check the website for the marquee programme of talks and activities.

'Something different' @ St. Laud's church in Sherington, 10.30am
Come along for refreshments and to meet new people and spend some time discovering who this God fellow is. Wherever you stand on faith, all are welcome. There's an informal service to explore Christian faith together.

Tyringham Teas @ St. Peter's Tyringham Churchyard, 3pm
Come along for teas in the St. Peter's Churchyard. Relax with delicious homemade cakes and lovely views over the Ouse.

The Universe: Official meteor watch day!

Today is official meteor watch day... although despite creating the day, I think the weather will be the biggest factor on whether it's successful or not (also depending on where you happen to live!) That being said, it's also a great opportunity to learn a little bit more about our surroundings, space and the universe...

A meteor, or shooting star, is the visible streak of light from a heated and glowing meteoroid falling through the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of over 20 km/s, so pretty fast! Around 15,000 tonnes of meteoroids and other space dust enter the Earth's atmosphere each year, and when they reach the ground they become known as meteorites...which means if we're on the lookout often enough there must be plenty of shooting stars to be seen! 

An interesting way of getting an idea of where we stand in relation to the universe is through this interactive scale of the universe. It allows you to zoom in and out to find where and how we as humans fit into the Universe. Follow the link above and have a play, and don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for some shooting stars on the next clear night! 

www.scaleofuniverse.com