Stoneywords writing competition

Stony Stratford's literary festival comes to it's close this weekend, and if you've not been involved with the event over the last couple of weeks, you've got a couple more opportunities to do so before it comes to an end.

Stonywords was started in 1995 to help brighten up some of those dark wintry days. There has been a collection of literacy themed activities, including talks, quizzes, exhibitions, poetry and more, and there is still a competition to get involved with before the event comes to an end.

A running competition which has been taking place throughout the festival is the 'History mystery', a short story writing competition focusing on what may have happened to the Stony Stratford town charter.

History says that King John rode into Stony Stratford on the 19th February 1215 and at some point around that time he signed a charter giving Stony its township status. However, there appears to be no historical evidence of such a charter, so the truth is unknown... 800 years have gone by, and it is time for you to decide what really happened.

The competition gives the chance for individuals to decide what happened for themselves, and create a short story as to what may have happened to the Stony Stratford town charter. The competition is open for entries until 9th February, and there is a 2000 word limit. Email submissions to stony800celebrations@gmail.com or via a competition box in the library. There are three categories, under 12's, under 18's and over 18's. The winner will be announced on the weekend of the 21st-22nd February, at York House's Cock and Bull Beer festival.

What's on in and around MK this weekend

It looks like summer is actually here, so we'd better make the most of it! As always, check the Phonebox Magazine's 'live and local' listings, in print or online, for ideas of what's on, in and around the Milton Keynes area.

Saturday 14th June

Odell Village Fete and Family Dog Show 
@ Scout field, Horsefair Lane, Odell, MK43 7AA, 2pm
Held in the pretty North Bedfordshire village by the river Ouse near Harrold and Odell Country Park. Come along for a great day out. There will be a number of attractions at the fete and dog show, including:

• Bouncy castle
• Gift and bottle stalls
• Tombola
• 'White elephant'
• Side shows
• Bedford Brass Band
• Children's sports
• Refreshments including ice cream, Pimms and more

Stony Riverside Fair
@ Millfield, Willow Lane, Stony Stratford, 1pm-4pm

Presented by the volunteers of the Stony Stratford Riverside Parks Group, it's the annual family Stony Riverside Fair on Millfield. It's set to be a wonderful afternoon with fun activities and free attractions for children.

World Cup- England's first game, 11pm England v Italy
Chances are you'll be watching this late match from the comfort of your own home, but if you'd rather see it in a crowd there are a few places you can watch the match. Olney Football Club is one such place, where they'll be showing all of the England matches on their big screen. Come along and cheer on England as they play their first World Cup match, against Italy.

Sunday 15th June

HULA Animal Rescue: Purrfect open day
@ South Midlands Animal Sanctuary, Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise, MK17 8HZ, 1pm-4pm

It's national microchipping awareness month, so come and have your dog, cat or rabbit microchipped for just £10. Entry is just £2 for adults, kids go free.
Events during the day include:

• Bazaar and book store bargains
• Meet the resident farm animals
• HULA dog parade at 2pm
• Fun and games for the children
• Delicious refreshments
• Children's toys, books and clothes 

Bletchley Park Presents: Sir John Dermot Turing
@ Bletchley Park, 2pm-4pm

Sir John Dermot Turing is the nephew of Alan Turing (1912-1954), who is well known to have been one of Bletchley Park's leading cryptanalysis, as well as a founder of the science of artificial intelligence. He will present an overview of the family background, life and achievements of his famous ancestor. Ticket-holders are welcome to arrive throughout the day to enjoy Bletchley Park at their leisure. The session will begin at 2pm with a talk from Sir John Dermot Turing, followed by a Q&A session at 3pm and then tea and cake at 3.15pm in the Billiard room, followed by a book signing.

As always, there's a great deal on this weekend, and on top of these events, as the usual things to see in and around milton Keynes, if the sun stays out why not visit a lake, woods or country park?
Whatever you may be up to this weekend, have a good one!