Walk Safer in MK

Milton Keynes' Redways and underpasses provide a safe way of travelling around the city without having to cross the busy grid roads. However, when it comes to night time, it seems that many people are risking the dangers of crossing the roads rather than using the Redways, as a result of not feeling safe enough using them.

Milton Keynes Council has joined with MKWeb to launch the Walk Safe campaign. The idea is to encourage people to use the Redways, and to help make them feel a bit safer doing so. Plans include educating children about how Redways are safer than crossing the roads and making the routes to schools more interesting, to try and get younger children into the habit of using Redways and underpasses for both school and leisure.

MK college art students are being enlisted to help make underpasses brighter and more colourful. New LED lights have recently been added to all underpasses, and vegetation has also been cut back, all in a bid to help make the pathways clearer and help people feel safer.

Other problem underpasses, such as the Bletchley station underbridge, will be targeted to help make them feel safer and encourage people to utilise them, with the Bletchley underbridge having new lighting installed, helping pedestrians feel safer.

This campaign and the work surrounding it is a great cause, and more needs to be done to educate and encourage individuals in using the Redways and underpasses safely, rather than risking their lives on the dangerously fast roads, which have already had far too many casualties.

Free art exhibition: Created by inmates

A new exhibition opened earlier this week at MK gallery, to showcase a selection of artwork from prisoners for the next month.

The theme of the exhibition is 'Transformation'; showing the transformation in the physical sense in terms of how the material has become an art piece, but also in the sense of how getting creative has helped the prisoners improve their lives. The exhibition highlights the positive and important role that education plays in helping to shape and change lives for the better.

The artwork has been produced by Milton Keynes Offender Learning and skills students, from HMP Woodhill, HMP Springhill, HMP Hewell, HMP Sudbury, HMP Bullingdon, HMP Grendon, HMP Huntercombe and HMP Long Lartin.

The exhibition is free, and on the 17th and 24th April it will be manned by MK College Offender Learning staff who will be able to provide further information, detail and background to the work on display. The artwork has also been made into a book.

Come along to MK Gallery this month to have a look at the artwork and find out more.

What's on this weekend...

If you're looking for a way to spend the last weekend of the Easter holidays then look no further. With temperatures set to soar this weekend, we've got loads of activities you can get involved with to get out and about, enjoying the sunshine and the last of the school holidays.

Friday:

Bedford Art Society @ Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start
Juliette Orton creates beautiful pictures using many different materials. She shows how they are made and where her inspiration comes from. Those keen to try can also have a go themselves. Entry is free for members, or £5 for visitors.

Easter Experiences @ Experience the country, Newton Longville, MK17 0BU
This is the second day of the Easter experiences, where you can take part in a 1 hour activity and off-road thrills ride for £25. Suitable for adults and those aged 12 and up. Add another activity for just £10, including archery, axe- throwing, air rifles and segways. Also available are young person's driving experiences in a Land Defender of £25. Morning and afternoon slots are available and must be pre-booked. Call 01908 630665 to book.

Saturday:

Jahnaiah Fundraising Dinner Dance @ Hilton Hotel, Kents Hill Park, 6.30pm-1am

Fundraising dinner dance in aid of orphans affected by Ebola in Sierra Leone. The money raised will support an existing orphanage in Sierra Leone which is already looking after children whose parents have died during the Ebola crisis, and also to help bring light to the lack of medical equipment and diagnostic materials available in Sierra Leone during this time. Tickets cost £50, and includes a three-course meal, entertainment and much more. Auction and raffle also available. Dress code is black tie/traditional. Click here to buy tickets and for more information.

No 38 Vintage Emporium Event @ High Street Newport Pagnell, 9am-5pm

The No 38 Vintage Emporium on the High Street in Newport Pagnell is celebrating being open for six months. There will be special events all day, including live music, free ice creams from the Shake 'n' Scoop ice cream shack, and a photo booth taking old fashioned style photos. 

Non-Stop Pop, featuring Union J and Stereo Kicks @ Arena MK, Stadium MK, Doors open 5.30pm for 6.30pm start

Headliners Union J will be joined by Stereo Kicks, Bailey McConnell and Harry Mondryk. Show will end at approximately 9.45pm. Tickets cost £14 and are available to buy by clicking here. 

Sunday:

That Time of the Month Comedy Night @ The Cannon, Newport Pagnell, 7pm

Nick Helm, star of BBC3's hit comedy drama, Uncle, Russell Howard's Good News, 8 out of 10 cats, and winner of Breakthrough Artists at the British Comedy Awards 2014, will be performing in a night of stand up comedy entertainment. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door.

The Pad Presents: Marika Hackman @ Bedford Esquires, 7.30pm

Marika Hackman with support acts Sophie Jamieson and The Darling Mundaring. Following the release of her debut album, We Slept at last, and new single Animal Fear, Marika Hackman's songwriting speaks adventure; join the adventure for a great night of entertainment from a talented musician. Tickets cost £8 and are available online here.  

HULA Animala Rescue Bunny Bonanza @ Glebe Farm, Aspley Guise, 1-3.30pm

Enjoy some Easter activities at the end of the Easter holidays. Just when you thought all the Easter eggs had been found, come and join the Easter egg hunt and take part in the Easter Bonnet competition. Meet the rabbit welfare association and see a presentation on how to care for your pet rabbit. There will be a dog parade at 2.30pm, workshop, and family fun and refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.

Education Centre Opening Day @ Howe Park Wood, 11am

Join the Parks Trust education team to celebrate the opening of the new education and visitor centre at Howe Park wood. Parking avaialbe in the car park off Chaffron Way, opposite the Westcroft Centre. 

Whatever you do this weekend, have a great time! As always, if we've missed any events, please feel free to share them to our Facebook page. 

Phonebox speaks to Peep Show actor and stage star Robert Webb

"Everyone speaks very highly of the theatre in Milton Keynes"

Robert Webb (left) will be at MK Theatre from today (April 7th) in Jeeves and Wooster: Perfect Nonsense.

I felt a bit of a fake waiting for Robert Webb to pick up the phone. Everyone seems to have their favourite moments in Peep Show, and I had never seen an episode. Robert stars as the sarcastic and selfish Jez in the BAFTA-winning show about two dysfunctional flatmates, which is heading into its final series later this year.

It seemed his current character is a million miles away from his most famous role, as Robert is currently touring the UK as the brash and energetic Bertie in Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. 

An adaptation of the P G Wodehouse novels and TV series staring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry from the 90s, he has returned to the role following a 3-month stint as the character in the West End.

When we speak he’s in a B&B in Canterbury, the morning after their first performance in the town. 

“I thought the audience were a bit quiet but they were clapping like crazy at the end. We thought, where have you been for two hours?" explains Robert. 

The actor stars in Jeeves and Wooster.

The show follows the aristocratic Bertie Wooster and his dutiful butler Jeeves (played by Jason Thorpes). Having enjoyed four and five star reviews, the Olivier Award-winning production has gone on a national tour. 

Robert adds: “It’s a lovely part and I’m delighted to get the chance to do it again. Bertie is such a big and energetic part to play and it’s easy to enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, you’re not doing it right.

“I first went to see it when Stephen Mangan was playing my part…” He paused and laughed, “now I say my part!”

Performing at MK Theatre from April 7-11, it’s Robert’s first time in the town.

“Everyone speaks very highly of the theatre there but no, I haven’t been before. I’m a Milton Keynes virgin!”

In the comedy, one of Bertie’s friends suggests he puts on a play. Naturally he turns to the ever-faithful Jeeves to stop him making a fool of himself as Robert explains: “Jeeves is playing half the parts. Between him and another butler they play all the other characters. It’s the fun of not having enough actors on stage for 15 characters.”

Did he take any inspiration from the comedy duo of Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie?

“I had a quick look at what Hugh was doing but it’s a very different ball game on TV. If I played it this big and bold on TV I would look like I was out of my mind. It’s a very different medium.” 

The actor, originally from Lincolnshire, has regularly appeared on stage but is best known for his TV roles. Alongside his comedy partner David Mitchell, who also stars in Peep Show, their BAFTA-winning sketch show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, ran until 2010. Panel show appearances include Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Would I Lie To You? And Have I Got News For You. He’s even currently starring in the Post Office adverts. 

But acting on stage each night to a new audience is completely different.

“It’s lovely to do your job for two hours and then go home,” laughs Robert.

“Filming days are long. I’m not moaning, but the bit in-between the acting and cut is only about 15-20% of your time. A lot of it is waiting. You can’t really relax as you will always have a scene coming up.

“You don’t really tune out. It’s a marathon in a way and you feel you’ve worked hard, but the work of the actor is very small.”

Playing Bertie until June, it’s clear he loves being on stage: “Theatre is great. When you’re doing it, you’re really doing it. When you’re not, you’re not.

“It makes a difference when the audience is right there, especially with comedy. You step it up a gear to help it along. You get a lot in the way of feedback from that.”

Robert (right) with his Peep Show cast mates. 

It’s been widely reported that the final series of Peep Show will be filmed later this year, following a three-year break since the eighth was broadcast on Channel 4. For Robert, filming starts in September, following a nice long break with his family.

Can he tell us anything about it? (I suspect not). “Nope,” he laughs. 

“They won’t die and they won’t win the lottery. You could see Mark and Jez in the same flat in their 70s one day. If everything goes terribly right for them it won’t be Peep Show. They will be unhappy.”

You may think this would be a sad ending, but not for fans of the show. The comedian is hugely proud of everything it has achieved too.

“It really is terrifically good,” adds Robert, “and I can say that because I don’t write it! It’s been a big part of my life and a joy to play Jeremy. He’s so rude and sarcastic. It’s been a fun challenge making the guy likeable, but I’ve been living in a post-Jeremy world for a few years now.”

And the future? “I don’t have a grand plan. I’ll be unemployed in September! Playing a Doc Martin type character would be lovely one day, but I’m not bored of comedy.”

I better see if I can find a Peep Show box-set. 

Jeeves & Wooster runs from April 7-11 at MK Theatre. Tickets available on (0844) 871 7652 or atgickets.com. 

MISCHA ALLEN

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.

Some fun facts about Easter...

Whether you're munching on your Easter eggs, going to church or having a roast dinner, you'll hopefully be getting the 4 day holiday from work 0this weekend.

We've got a few unusual facts about Easter to entertain you while you relax...

• The largest Easter egg hunt took place in Florida, and involved finding over 500,000 eggs
• The average child gets over £50 worth of Easter eggs from family and friends
• The UK's first chocolate Easter egg was made in 1873 by Fry's of Bristol
• 19% of children reckon they make themselves ill by eating too much chocolate over the Easter holidays
• In the past, pretzels were associated with Easter because the twists were thought to resemble arms crossing in prayer
• In medieval times, a festival of egg-throwing was held in church where the priest would throw a hard-boiled egg to one of the choirboys. It was then thrown between the choirboys, until the clock struck 12. Whoever had the egg at this point was the winner and would keep the egg.
• When people eat an Easter bunny, 76% bite off the ears first...

However you celebrate Easter weekend, have a great time, just try not to get sick from eating too much chocolate!

Farms and Forests to visit this Easter

There are loads of activities and events taking place over the Easter holidays, but if you're looking for things to do then have a read through our previous blogs, as we've collected information about some of the local events which are taking place. If you're looking for somewhere to go with the family this Easter, rather than necessarily organised events and activities, why not visit a local farm or forest for a day out enjoying the spring weather, along with the spring lambs and chicks?

Mead Open Farm in Billington offers a great variety of activities for kids and grown ups alike, with bottle feeding the lambs, seeing the cows being milked and the chance to groom the miniature Shetland pony. There's also lots of opportunities to play, with a new sky trail, play zone and go karts, tractor rides, rock climbing and more. A great way to see the spring farm animals, as well as the Easter activities which will be going on over the Easter holidays, with an egg trail, baby animals and a chance to meet Hoppy the Easter bunny. Click here for more information.

Another nearby farm is Rookery Open Farm, in Stoke Bruerne. This commercial sheep and cattle farm has made way for visitors to come and learn about farming and animals. There is the opportunity to get up close to a number of different animals, most of which can be stroked, and there is a 3 storey indoor play area for the kids to enjoy. During this lambing season you may have the opportunity to see some lambs being born. Attractions also include an outdoor play area, pets corner, go karts, sandpit, water-fowl area, pigmy goats, bouncy castles and more. Click here for more information.


To experience the outdoors and spring weather at your own pace, Salcey Forest is a great place to visit, and is situated just to the East of the village of Hartwell. There are a number of trails to follow through the forest at different distances, a tree-top walk, play area and cafe. Parking is just £3 for the day, and other than that it's a free day out. Another attraction situated in the forest is 'Tree ninja', a high-ropes course up in the trees, as well as a 18m high 'shock drop' swing. This must be booked in advance, more information can be found by clicking here.