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.

Alan Turing Institue for Data Science opened

Plans have recently been announced for a new Alan Turing institute for data science, to be based at the British Library. The institute will form part of London's 'knowledge quarter' and will aim to make Britain a world leader in the area of big data research. The world-class institution will work alongside universities across the country, in order to focus on new ways of collecting, organising and analysing large sets of data.

The Alan Turing institute will receive £42 million in funding over 5 years, a stark contrast to the £100,00 Turing had to fight to get during the war in order to build his decoding machine. Part of the institute's role will be to use big data to help businesses enhance their products and manufacturing processes, target their marketing better and provide more efficient services.

A timely announcement following the recent release of the film depicting Alan Turing's life, 'The Imitation Game', where many will have seen the work he did and how unjustly he was treated in the following years because of his personal life. Being described as a 'fitting tribute' to Alan Turing, the father of modern computer science and a national hero, the institute will help ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of and leading the rest of the world in this important field.

The amount being dedicated to the institute seems very high, with £42 million seeming a lot to be spent on research when there is so much else needing money across the country. However, the centre for Economics and Business research estimates that the UK economy could be benefitted by £216 billion as a result of the big data marketplace and create 58,000 jobs by 2017. Taking that into account, £42 million doesn't sound like a bad investment, if it all goes to plan and the projected figures are correct!

As mentioned previously, don't forget there is a year-long exhibition dedicated to the new film 'The Imitation Game' currently at Bletchley Park, where the film was set, right on our doorstep here in Milton Keynes. 

Indie Go Oak

The Phonebox Magazine team spent the evening at the Cowpers Oak in Westen Underwood last night. IndieGo Oak is held every first Thursday of each month where a collection of artists, musicians, comedians and all around creatives gather to showcase their work. Last nights line up gave us an insight into the world of local artist David Purvis, whom paints vivid local scenes and automobiles. The Beauty Guru's Julie Ward also give a very interesting talk about the benefits of skin care, and the importance of our inner beauty and how that effects and reflects upon our physical selves. We were also kept in high spirits by two comedians, and local musicians and the organiser of the event himself Ian Roberts. The Event is free for all and open to any acts. So if you would like to attend or preform just follow the link here. 

Len Allwood - Phonebox Magazine

Saturday- Local Christmas events

Yesterday we mentioned the Milton Keynes Museum's Victorian Christmas weekend, and on top of that, today we've got a whole selection of activities that are happening in the area this Saturday for you to enjoy.

All Saints Church Christmas Market and Bazaar: 10.30am-1pm @ Turvey Village Hall.

A great selection of Christmas treats, including preserves, artisan handicrafts, books, raffle, cakes, stationary, toys, plants and bulbs, jewellery, Christmas wreaths, cards and table decorations. There'll be fun for the kids too, with face painting, games and activities for all the family to enjoy. Homemade soup and rustic bread will be served from 11.45am. Admission is 50p for adults and children go free. All proceeds go to All Saints Church, Turvey.

Christmas Cracker: 2-4.30pm @ All Saints' Church, Loughton.

There will be a great variety on offer, including: Gifts and games for Christmas, vintage jewellery and handbags, handmade crafts, raffle, Father Christmas, children's competitions, cakes, books and Fairtrade products. Festive refreshments and mulled wine will be available.

Milton Keynes City Orchestra: 6-7.30pm @ Church of St Peter and St Paul, Newport Pagnell.

A programme of festive music, including classic Christmas favourites and traditional carols. The City orchestra brass will be joined by the Polymnia Choir, fresh from their European engagements, for a glorious musical celebration to mark the start of the Christmas countdown. Tickets cost £12 (no concessions)

Family Christmas Social: 6.45pm of 7pm start @ Lavendon Village Hall. 

There'll be fun for all the family, including an illusionist, fun and games, a two-course meal and a sing-song. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets are £14 for adults and £7 for children over 10.

Olney Brass Christmas Concert: 7.30pm @ St Peter and St Paul's church, Olney. 

Come along for some festive tunes and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets are available on the door and cost £6 for adults, £5 for seniors and £2.50 for children.

Cheese and Wine party: 7.30pm @ Westbury Grange, Newport Pagnell.

Tickets cost £6 and include your first drink, butter, quizzes and singalong. All are welcome!

A Victorian Family Christmas @ Milton Keynes Museum

Starting tomorrow, Milton Keynes Museum will be home to a Victorian Christmas- every weekend through December. A great era to celebrate Christmas in, there will be a great selection of Victorian treats and attractions to help you get into the festive spirit.

From carols to crafts, there's be something for everyone to enjoy at the museum. Keep an eye out for Queen Victoria who you're sure to see around, don't forget to bow or curtsey if you do see her!

Santa can be visited in his grotto with his elves, you can enter the parlour and enjoy some carols by the fire, and visit the Chapel where there'll be old Christmas film footage shown.

In the school room there will be Christmas arts and crafts for you to enjoy, and there'll be an indoor Christmas market full of local arts and crafts stalls. Visit the street of shops to experience times gone by, and stop at the pub for a pint of beer or glass of wine.

There'll be refreshments including warm mulled wine, served by the Butler, and hot chestnuts in the Blacksmiths forge. You can also toast yourself a slice of bread at the kitchen range in real Victorian fashion. In the granary cafe there'll be a selection of homemade mince pies and cakes, hot chocolate and more.

From tomorrow this Victorian Christmas weekend will be open from 4.30-7pm on Fridays and 1.30-6pm Saturdays and Sundays. Open 5th-7th, 12th-14th, and 19th-21st December.

Tickets are £22 for a family, adults £7.50 and concessions £6.

Visit the website for directions and more information.

Small Business Saturday- This weekend

Earlier in the week, we told you about the upcoming 'Small business Saturday', the national day where you are encouraged to shop locally and support local businesses.

Well what is the best way for you to get involved then? Well, with the Christmas season approaching, there are a number of ways to join in with this campaign, and help support the local business owners in our communities.

Do your Christmas shop: You've probably already experienced the Christmas rush in the city centre, with the bright Christmas lights, people moving in all directions and queues at tills, it can sometimes be more of a stressful experience than a successful one. Searching for inspiration for gifts for those hard-to-buy-for friends and family members can be somewhat overwhelming amongst the huge variety on display, and then there's always the question of 'have they already got it.' Shopping locally can help you find some unique gifts which they (probably) don't have. As well as that you'll be supporting local retailers, many of whom make hand-made and bespoke items.

Eat locally: Why not take the opportunity this Saturday to avoid the supermarkets and use the local bakery, butcher and greengrocer to do some of your food shopping. While you won't find the big brands you'll find in the supermarkets, you will get some great, fresh produce, and you really will taste the difference. Why not take the opportunity to have a locally-sourced Christmas dinner? Find a local farm or butcher and order in your turkey for Christmas day, a great way of supporting the local businesses.

Advent Begins!

The countdown is on! It's officially December and the advent calendars are started today! What type of advent calendar do you and your family have, if you have one that is... Is it a cardboard one, an advent candle, or the standard chocolate advent calendar which is probably most popular nowadays. Did you get round to taking some inspiration from the 'upcycled' feature in the Phonebox magazine and make an advent calendar for yourselves to hold a small gift, made out of fabric or toilet roll tubes? We'd love you to share your pictures on our Facebook page if you did!

Whatever type of advent calendar it is, there's something exciting about counting down the days in this way, you really notice how fast time flies when you've got a little door to open each day. 1 day down, 23 more to go (or 24 if you've got one of those rare advent calendars which gives you a door to open on Christmas day!)