Page 46 - Phonebox Magazine June 2009

Open MWic Night
hat can I say about the open mic night at the Wine bar? Perhaps that itʼs awesome? That its given new meaning to Mondays? That the musicians are as talented as they are incestuous? That
Karl serves amazing burgers? That the San Miguel is exquisite, albeit a little strong for my delicate constitution and tends to make me more than a touch handsy? That weʼve been kicking more instrument keichster than has ever been attempted in old Olney town? That the sound is so damn hip that the speakers have been known to take cigarette breaks? All of that would be true but more importantly itʼs a great laugh and weʼre getting some pretty serious artists through the door. I wonʼt waste words reeling off a list of names. Those who have come know and those who havenʼt must be haters of all that is good in the world anyway. Thereʼs plenty of room for more performers though as we start the acts at half eight and run through until midnight. At which point I must pack up the gear, scrub off my make-up and head to that bed of sin to practise my mantra. We offer featured sets to those who are pedalling new recordings, or are particularly attractive, and are open to pre-booking slots for people at their preferred times, so as to avoid Sheila Diva being disgruntled because the babysitter smothered her children when she was late home. Also, playing at the open mic gives you a window to getting a set at our Renegades of Folk night and any other events put on by us, or our polygamous party of playfellows. If you want to pre-book, let me know through Facebook. Otherwise just bring your game-face and chosen tools along on the 1st, 15th and 29th June.
www.myspace.com/thekidwithcrowsfeet
DONʼT FORGET!!! www.crmk.co.uk
Photos:www.lougirlingphotography.com
HAVE YOUR SAY
Letters
Dear Editor
It has come to our attention at The Bull, that there may be some confusion over our recent application to vary our license.
When the licensing laws changed in 2003 most pubs applied for changes to their license for varying reasons, as it was now possible to have a license that was tailored to the pub, rather than a standard license for all, a lot of pub companies (including Charles Wells with The Bull) had a new license created through the grandfather system i.e., what went before, was what you had on your license.
Unfortunately when you look at a license you have to look at it as an ongoing thing, thus if you wish to stay open until two in the morning twice a year, you have to apply to stay open until two in the morning all year round.
We are not planning on changing our opening hours at The Bull, far from it... we are trying to address the issue of our function room where throughout the year we have occasional requests for a birthday party
or celebration to finish beyond the current 12 midnight.
We have, in conjunction with Milton Keynes Police and local residents who have been kind enough to pop in and explain their worries about the potential for noise pollution and anti-social behaviour, changed our application to a limit of 26 times a year for the function room only, to be open until 1.30am and for a restriction of five occasions a year where, with 14 days prior notice to the police, the main bar may also be open until 1.30am.
The rear courtyard and garden must be closed at 10.30pm. (Although we tend to close them at dusk anyway) and the enclosed courtyard at the front should be clear of drinkers by 12 midnight and there after only be used by smokers until the end of allotted time.
Other changes we have requested are mostly housekeeping items that are dated from the old act.
In fact, we very much hope you will see very little change at The Bull, on a day-to-day basis, as we are happy and proud to be building a business that is largely trouble free and where we work proactively with Olney Barwatch and Milton Keynes Police to try and prevent trouble.
We are aware of the antisocial behaviour of those who congregate at the bus stop and on the Market Place and not only are these groups too young to be using licensed premises, but we would be wholly supportive of any action that would prevent these gatherings and antisocial behaviour as it would provide a more conducive atmosphere for our customers.
We hope that we have allayed any fears over the potential license change, but would ask that anyone with worries or concerns, please feel free to drop us an email or pop in and have a chat, as we are happy to explain any other changes we are applying for.
James Lomax, The Bull Inn
Carlton Open Gardens
Sunday 21st June
1.30-5.30pm. Guides to gardens, lunches, teas, plant sales, plant clinic and special displays at Carlton Village Hall. Free car park - follow the signs. Name the cat competition. A variety of village gardens will be open as well as the allotments. Proceeds to local charities. The event is organised by Churches Together in Harrold and Carlton.
46 Phonebox Magazine