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.

Carers MK

Being a carer is a tough and demanding job in any circumstance, but when you become a carer through a family member or friend becoming ill, it is very often as a need rather than a career choice. Further still, for children and young people whose parents become ill, being a young carer can be an extremely tough job, both mentally and physically.

Thanks to charities and organisations such as Carers MK, these all-important carers can themselves be supported and cared for. Carers MK supports families and carers of all ages and offers services including counselling, social events, advice and information, training, emotional support and more, all for free.

One of the key things which Carers MK provides are support groups. There are a large number of these existing across the city, and they allow carers to meet other people who are in similar positions to them. This can really provide a sense of community, and reassurance that they are not in their position alone. It also gives them a chance to have some time out, and spend time enjoying the hobbies and activities which they often just don't have the time or opportunity to do.

If you are a carer or know someone who would benefit from these services, click here for more information and to see the various support groups on offer.

The Newport Pagnell support group meets at the United Reformed Church on the High Street on the last Wednesday of the month from 1.30-3.30pm for a chance to have a coffee and chat.

The Olney support group meets at The Olney Centre on the first Thursday of the month from 2-4pm.

Twas the last weekend before Christmas...

Christmas is looming, and with the last weekend before the big day what are you going to do with it?!

Hopefully you've managed to get most of the Christmas shopping done already, if not, this weekend may be your chance. Prepare yourself for the crowds in advance and get your trainers on. Not one for the faint hearted, but if there are gifts to buy, it has to be done! Maybe the gifts are bought but you've left the turkey to the last minute, and a bit like the old TV show 'supermarket sweep' you'll likely be racing around the various supermarkets searching for that roastable bird. If you've seen the movie, 'Christmas with the Kranks' you'll understand!

If shopping is off limits this weekend, here are a few ideas for you to enjoy over the next few days...

Friday 19th:

'Just another star', the U3A Christmas Concert @ the URC Church, Newport Pagnell, from 7.30pm
Come and enjoy a Christmas concert and readings with the MKU3A choir. Seasonal refreshments will be served and there will also be a raffle. Tickets are available at £6 each by calling 07762178379 or from members of the choir. All proceeds will go to the children's A&E department and Milton Keynes hospital.

The Two Brewers presents their annual live music Christmas event from an Olney band, wear a Chritmas jumper for a free drink, and on Saturday there will be an open Mic night.

Saturday 20th:

Open air nativity @ Newport Pagnell High Street, 10.50am
This morning come and join in with the annual open-air nativity service with the local churches, starting outside the Parish church with Mary and Joseph and a real life donkey, followed by a drama and  finishing outside Boots at around 11am for some carols, where you can enjoy a hot drink at the Dolphin pub to finish it off.

Rock n Roll Christmas Hop with Tartan Ted @ Newport Pagnell Football Club, from 8pm
Entrance costs £5.  Bar and raffle. All proceeds to the Newport Pagnell Christmas lights.

Paraffinalia @ Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, from 7pm
You will have seen our blog earlier in the week about this great free event, with walking characters, illuminations, lanterns and fire, and hot food and drinks available. Starts at the open air theatre in Campbell Park.

Sunday 21st:

Perter Pan workshop for kids @ MK Theatre, 10-11am

For children aged 7-12, a chance to learn what it's like to play the part of Peter Pan in a pantomime. Join Peter Pan himself (George Ure) on a musical theatre journey where children will learn actual scenes from Peter Pan including some musical numbers. Costs £7 per child. Call 01908547651 to book

Carols in the Wood @ Howe Park Wood, 3.30pm

Join for an afternoon of carolling, bring a lantern, wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear as it may be wet underfoot. Singing will be accompanied by MK Youth Brass and Willen Hospice will be selling light refreshments. 

All-age Carol Service @ Newport Pagnell Baptist Church, Lovat Hall, Silver Street, 4-5pm

Come and enjoy an all-age, family friendly community carol service with an informal nativity. Come and really get in the Christmas spirit, and enjoy free mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. 

Christmas special featuring Katherine Ryan @ The Canon, Newport Pagnell, 7pm

Arrive at 7pm for the start of the show featuring Tom Webb, Adam Rushton, Paul Revill and more, followed by Katherine Ryan. Katherine has appeared as a guest on a number of shows, including Live at the Apollo and 8 out of 10 cats. A great night of entertainment, tickets £10 on the door.

Carol Services @ The United Reformed Church, Newport Pagnell, @ St Peter & St Paul Parish Church Newport Pagnell and @ Sutcliff Baptist Church Olney, all at 6pm

Come and join in with a traditional carol service, open to all.

Friday Events ...

This weekend is full of events- you definitely won't be stuck with nothing to do!

Here are a few things on tomorrow in the area...

"The history of Britain as you've never seen it before" Outdoor theatre @ Woburn Abbey, 7pm.
This is an open-air show which is suitable for all ages. Join the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive open-air show. The historically hysterical show is filled with songs, sketches and silliness. Don't miss out!
Entry is from 4pm, so bring a picnic blanket or low-backed chair, and why not enjoy a picnic in the gardens before the show begins?! Tickets cost £13.50 for adults and £9.50 for children.

Another open-air show tonight is: "A Midsummer's Nights Dream @ Willen Lake South (mini-bowl)
London Contemporary Theatre Company presents William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer's Nights Dream.' Picnics are welcome. Please bring your own seating and remember warm clothing. Gates open at 6pm for a 7pm start. Suitable for families and children over 8 years. Adult tickets are £12, children £8.

Olney in Flower kicks off tomorrow @ The United Reformed Church, Olney
Firday 4th- Sunday 6th, 11am-4.30pm come along and see some fantastic flower displays. Many local businesses, schools and organisations will be represented through their displays, and there will be refreshments including homemade cakes. There will also be musical entertainment throughout the day.

Check the blog tomorrow for a list of Saturday's events!