Page 49 - Phonebox Magazine April 2010

Olney Hanging Baskets 2009
HOPEFULLY THE WINTER has passed and we can turn our thoughts to summer at last. I was very pleased that we were able to start last summer with new brackets and with baskets which were all of the same type. This made the process easier for everybody involved.
The plants made a very good start and were soon a mass of blooms. Unfortunately, there was a setback near the end of the season when a week of bad storms with strong winds caused a fair amount of damage. The baskets were still able to provide a reasonable display into September and through to mid-October when they were taken down.
This year I tried my hand at sending out many of our invitations to sponsor using modern technology. Unwittingly, I pressed the wrong key on my computer and sent out emails a week earlier than I had meant! It is a sign of this modern age that, before my computer had finished sending out emails of details for 2010, the first reply had been received! This was followed by another within the hour.
The master plan had been to email sponsors so that post and emails arrived at roughly the same time. Having sent the emails, I had to rush around town the next morning delivering to those of our sponsors who do not use emails for contact with us. It is a strange fact that the weather improved from the very moment I pressed the wrong key and started the process of 2010 campaign. So that morning as I went round town I was able to say, “Spring is here! It’s hanging basket time!”
As we come out of winter, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the people who made it happen in 2009...
Westwood Farm & Nursery, Little Odell for providing the plants at a very reasonable price and who are now preparing for 2010.
CT Wilsons for their considerable help every year.
Olney Town Council for their support with insurance etc and for new brackets and baskets. Richard and Ian for keeping the baskets watered twice week (an onerous task!)
Our volunteers who put up the baskets at the end of May and then took them down again in October.
Orchard Press and Phonebox for
keeping us all informed.
Our sign producer who makes the signs at a very reasonable price. ...and of course our sponsors who provide the financial backing for
the venture.
It was not an easy year for sponsors to dig into their pockets but they
did not hesitate. In fact, there were quite a few new sponsors from local (and not so local)
businesses. There were also those
sponsorships in memory of loved
ones. I think that is a nice idea and I hope that more will be able sponsor in 2010. It is a thought that lasts all summer which I think is better than a one week advert in a local paper.
The cost is £25 for a full basket (2 half baskets) and £15 for a single half basket. New sponsors are always welcome and we will provide a plaque free of charge. Phone Ron Bull 01234 712883 for details.
CF PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES INCLUDING PLASTERING
LOCAL & RELIABLE
07739 581965 01908 551164
Community Learning - Adult Evening Classes Computers for the Terrified
Course available at the Olney campus on Tuesday evenings, starting 20/04/10 or at the Newport campus on Wednesday evenings, starting 09/06/10 Time: 7-9pm Duration: 6 weeks Cost: £35.00
This course is for the absolute beginner. Basic computer skills will be covered: mouse control, keyboard familiarity, logging in/out and printing. The course will also look at the most common programmes that are used.
Perfect Pastry
This cookery course will run at the Newport Pagnell campus on Wednesday evenings 7-9pm Duration: 6 weeks Start Date: 21/04/10 Cost: £35.00
Learn to make a range of sweet and savoury pastries, have fun as you cook and enjoy the end results! This course is ideal both for those who have never cooked with pastry before and those who wish to broaden their repertoire.
Customise Your Summer Wardrobe
Tuesday evenings, 7–9pm, at the Olney Campus Duration: 6 weeks Start Date: 08/06/10 Cost: £35.00
Come and refresh your sewing machine skills – or learn from scratch. Have some fun with surface decoration and revamp a favourite item in your wardrobe. It could be a shirt that you are going to take the sleeves off and print a design on the front, or a skirt you want to take up and add some decoration to. Learn the basics and take your ideas on from there.
Al Fresco A La Carte!
Tuesday evenings, 7–9pm, at the Olney Campus Duration: 6 weeks Start Date: 08/06/10 Cost: £35.00
Looking forward to a barbeque summer? Learn to prepare a variety of side dishes, marinades and desserts perfect for outdoor dining on those long summer evenings.
For further information or to book a course at either campus please contact Helen Anderson on 01908 210203 ext 2207. Email: helen.anderson@ousedale.org.uk
Phonebox Magazine 49