International Nurses Day

Today is international nurses day, an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and many hours which nurses put in to taking care of the health of people across the world.

Celebrated on the 12th may each year (the birth day of Florence Nightingale, the founder of professional nursing) the day is an opportunity not only for nurses to be recognised for their hard work, but for them to take a stand and share what nursing means to them, and allow them to be proud of what they do.

Florence Nightingale, also known as the lady with the lamp, became famous whilst serving as a nurse during the Crimean war. She later opened her own nursing school at St. Thomas' hospital, London, which was the first secular nursing school in the world. Her achievements helped to bring nursing to where it is today, and the significance of her role is why the day of her birth has been chosen as the day to remember and celebrate the work of nurses across the world.

Nurses are encouraged to share their experiences with their local communities, some going in to schools and doing talks, all to raise awareness of the job they do and to be able to share what they love about it. Equally, it gives those in the community the opportunity to understand a little better what it is nurses do on a daily basis, and to show their thanks and support.

Why not show your support by thanking a local nurse for all their hard work today?!

Mr Fothergill's Nation of Gardeners Campaign

In the last issue of the Phonebox Magazine you'll have noticed a feature about the Mr Fothergill's Nation of Gardeners campaign, with an interview with the local representative for Buckinghamshire, Diana Herniman. 

We found out about the campaign and what it requires of it's 12 gardeners across the country, with the aim of discovering more about the way in which plants grow in different locations around the country, and how, where and when they grow the best. Diana had been discovering that many of her plants were the first to bloom and quickest to grow compared to the others, an interesting point if you're a gardener in the Olney area.

We've grown quite interested in the campaign, and have been following it's progress on the official blog. If you're a keen (or budding) gardener it's well worth keeping an eye on the progress, as you're more than likely to pick up some interesting tips. One of the most interesting and useful things being studied during the experiment, is the differences in growing certain plants in the autumn compared to in the spring, letting you learn from the experiment rather than having to risk your own plants.

Having seen how well plants have grown in Diana's local garden, it's pretty inspiring to try at home for yourself. Knowing that you can grow your own beans, garlic, fruit etc. and grow them in abundance, makes it seem well worth it! Think of how much you'll be saving from not having to buy certain things in the supermarket, not forgetting how much better home-grown foods are bound to taste. Why not keep track of the Mr Fothergill's Nation of Gardeners campaign while planting your own seeds? It's time to go green!

World Fair Trade Day

Today is World Fair Trade day! - A day set apart to draw attention to the work and objectives of the Fair Trade movement. The idea of the Fair Trade movement is basically what it says on the tin; to help improve the lives of workers and small producers, particularly in developing countries.

Fair Trade has become the leading movement in promoting social justice today, supporting producers and encouraging consumers to choose fair trade products when shopping. The theme of this year's world fair trade day is 'fair trade people', which is to celebrate the people of fair trade, both producers and consumers. Through raising awareness of the unfair ways in which all too many people are treated in the trade industries all over the world, the hope is that consumers will be encouraged to buy fair trade products and support the cause in this way. 

Countries across the world will be celebrating today with events which recognise the contributions of fair trade initiatives. Often involving food and art, the day is a celebration of the success of the Fair Trade movement and all it has achieved so far, and raising awareness in the hope that the achievements will continue to increase as time goes on... so go for it, what can you buy today with a fair trade logo on it? A bag of fair trade bananas? Or even a fair trade bottle of wine, show your support for the day in this little way!

History Festival @ Milton Keynes Museum

Starting tomorrow: It's that time of year again, and the Milton Keynes museum is holding another one of it's famous history festivals over both Saturday 10th May and Sunday 11th. The day includes demonstrations from large groups of re-enacting enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities for visitors to get 'hands on' as well. Last year included people showing how to make bread, dying wool, sword fight and weapons training and more. The day is set to show historical re-enactment through the ages, and is the biggest re-enactment  encampment in town; from the Romans to the Jacobite rebellion, bows and arrows to black powder. A family ticket is £22, adults £7.50, concessions £6. For more information and to see pictures from the event last year visit the museum website.

Local man attempts world record in microlight

Tomorrow, Will Hughes from Maulden, will be attempting to break a Guinness World Record for the most take offs and landings in a microlight (weather permitting). The attempt will involve climbing to a new height of 1000 feet above the airfield before beginning his decent. To break the record, Will needs to achieve as many take offs, circuits and landings as possible in one hour, in a 20-meter box on the runway.  

Will is completing this challenge in aid of Keech Hospice Care, which offers support to children with life-limiting conditions across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, and adults from Luton and South Beds. The hospice provides practical and emotional support to patients and their families, helping them enjoy the highest quality of life possible. 

This month's recipe...

If you haven't noticed already, each month we have a recipe for you to try out in the Phonebox magazine, and this month we've gone for a Mallorcan recipe! Find it in the online magazine here, or use the image below. It's a pretty straightforward recipe, and is basically tomato and garlic bread but the simplicity doesn't take away from the taste. It's a quick and easy food which can be eaten as breakfast, lunch or dinner, or as a snack, so is well worth giving it a try!

If you missed last month's recipe, have a look here and learn how to make some yummy Wodehill cheese and Taylor's mustard scones (image below).  Made from local ingredients, this is another versatile recipe which can be eaten hot or cold, with fillings or on its own, and is again a fairly simple one to master! 

Enjoy! :)

This month's book reviews...

If you like reading, you'll probably be acquainted with our book reviews page each month in the Phonebox magazine. This month, we featured a review of the book titled: 'The Absolutist" by John Boyne. Set in the first world war, this is written by the same author who brought us the heart wrenching book; "The boy in the striped pyjamas" and sounds like it is an equally touching story. If you haven't read "The boy in the striped pyjamas" then let us tell you a little about that one as well. Set in the Second World War, the book tells the story of the son of a German commander at a concentration camp and his unlikely friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence. Touching and unexpected at times, it is a story which is well worth a read. Have a read of the review of "The Absolutist" by the same author, either follow the link and read the review here, or click to enlarge the image below, and see if it takes your fancy.

Another book reviewed this month was "Familiar passions" by Nina Bawden. Best known for her children's books, particularly "Carrie's War", she has also written a number of excellent adults books, and this is one of them. A story which explores relationships, pasts, future, deceptions and secrets and more, we think the review will leave you wanting to give it a read! Click here to read the full review.