Page 7 - Phonebox Magazine February 2007

Dear Editor Letters
On returning to Olney Rugby Club from playing an away match a few Sunday’s ago, I found my car window smashed and my Sat Nav stolen. Ok, so on reflection and upon reading the Phonebox, I should have taken my Sat Nat with me. I should have left it on the coach or in my kitbag, left in an insecure changing room or clubhouse – why are innocent members of the public left to face these options?
I understand that the culture is such that we must do everything in our power to help criminals NOT to steal by taking away the enticement, so on this matter I pledge to eat, sleep and excrete in the presence of my new Sat Nav. Now I pass the baton to the police and the Olney council, what are you going to pledge? Long awaited CCTV in the rugby club maybe?
Knowing about a problem doesn’t solve it, why are we continually on the back foot? Let’s be more proactive, lets tackle this petty theft
head on. Why was it that I was told by the police on that Sunday that Olney was too far out for them to come and investigate, even though there were many youths standing next to my car. The group of lads were leaning against their boy racer cars smoking, drinking and swearing, why could the police not come and question them? When I approached them they gave me a description of someone that they saw acting suspiciously when they entered the car park. Unfortunately I am not the police so what am I meant to do with that info?
What police service are we paying for as taxpayers in Olney? As far as I can see this problem will only get worse as Olney continues to grow, let’s be ready for change. I drive in and around London daily, leaving my car parked in different car parks 5-10 times a day, it surprises me that it should be in Olney that I have encountered problems.
Regards, Kristianne Eley, Olney
Dear Editor
I have been giving some thought over the past few weeks on what I see is an issue which few want to address, so I thought it worth writing to you.
There has been considerable articles over the past number of months, concerning the new Ousedale Annex School being built on Aspreys and rightly so. However, not one person has mentioned the unfortunate eyesore this building seems to be. When one drives by, as most people will do, it creates the perception of being a breeze block design, with few aesthetically pleasing features. It does not fit well into its surrounding, nor portrays the culture or historical significance of Olney.
I would ask, why we as a society have allowed our design of buildings, which have such a noble purpose, to be so sterile and uninviting? If we want to inspire our future generations to learn all they can, be excited by life and strive to develop their full potential,
then surely we should create such an environment which instils and grows this behaviour. Please do not misunderstand me, I realise that the teaching community and support staff do a tremendous job in trying to achieve this, but one cannot look solely at this aspect, but must consider the holistic environment in which a child enters. Surely a building of architectural design, whether classical or modern, which fits in with its environment, gives of a persona of a seat of learning and is pleasing to look at, would begin to create an attitude which would bring pride and encourage a desire to learn.
I would imagine that some would decry this thought process, saying that it would not be cost efficient. I would argue, who could put a price on the minds of future generations, or future societies or the very essence of the UK. Whilst it is too late for this School, I would hope that those in authority would give some thought as to the future building programmes, in order to give those who will be our future some hope.
With kindest regards, Dan Derry
See page 49 for photos
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Phonebox Magazine 7