Page 24 - Phonebox Magazine July 2011

Newport Pagnell Arts Centre
newPoRT Pagnell iS at the beginning of ‘something special’ said Richard Meredith as ambitious plans for a community arts centre in the town went on show.
Mr Meredith, chairman of the group behind turning a three-storey building on the former aston Martin factory site into a gallery, workshop and possible meeting place, was speaking at a well-attended first public meeting into the scheme.
The historic Salmon Coachworks building is one of three structures earmarked for preservation when Tesco builds a supermarket on what was a manufacturing plant for the luxury car brand until four years ago.
about 50 members of the public heard Mr Meredith, of the newport Pagnell Cluster group, say the arts centre could join the town’s other ‘little gems’ of historic character and importance.
while its’ main aim is to serve the local community it would also attract visitors to newport Pagnell and add trading income to the town, he said.
focus groups at the meeting drew up a provisional shopping list of requirements for the centre including: that it be open to all ages and skills, be a focus for the arts in the area by linking with established art groups and should generate its own income and be sustainable.
newport Cluster group member and former Mk Council chief executive John Best thanked all those who took part in Thursday’s meeting (May 26) at the United Reformed Church hall and said: “it is important these ideas come from newport Pagnell itself, as well as the wider catchment area of north Bucks.”
a significant number of the audience with a wide variety of relevant skills came forward to volunteer their support for the venture.
Above: To
The 3-storey on Tickford Street.
L
DONKEY WEEK IN DEVON
The week following the first May Bank holiday is the favourite time of year at the Sanctuary, for the donkeys and staff, especially on the outlying farms. This is the week many of our friends and supporters visit, we get lots of cuddles, extra grooming and walks. our friends bring us greats, apples and carrotts, we ‘are given’ these treats with our meals.
Some of our friends known as donkey weekers have been coming for over ten years, they wear red shirts, a few for over 25 years, they have silver grey tops. There are various activities, talks, trailer rides (pulled by tractor, not us) out into the hills and organised walks.
Refreshments are on sale, we don’t want our friends to go hungry. These are made in the hay loft Restaurant, Slade farm, and taken to the farms. Monday is farewell day, sad for donkeys, we look forward to next May, when friends old and new visit.
if you are visiting Sidmouth do come to the sanctuary, we would love to see you.
Daniel P.
Sunday is a special day, we visit Town Barton farm, in the village of Tedburn St Mary out on the moors.
The day starts with a service in the village church. The perfect start is walking through the church yard, on a May morning, to the sound of the bells.
The service contains a few hymns, prayers, readings and an address by the Sanctuary’s own Chaplin.
Back on the farm, there are refreshments, made by the ladies from the local church group. we are spoiled for choice, salads, quiches, sandwiches and a variety of cakes also hot and cold drinks.
The rest of the day is spent with the donkeys.
on 4th May 2011 there are over 2,200 donkeys in the care of the Sanctuary. Betty Hewett
www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
News from New City Photographic
Society
The veRy laST competition
in the club year is for the oPen
cup.The emphasis here is on
recent work - images captured
since the last oPen cup
competition. entries can have
been in other competitions
during that period or may be
having their first outing. There
are special judging rules too.
our judge was Malcolm Burdon
who briskly commented on the 119 entries but did not award marks. Club members were allowed 6 votes for the prints and 6 for the projected images. in the prints section the outright winner was irene Clarke's "The Butterfly" (see below). in the projections, four images gained the second highest score while three tied with the top score. our judge was invited to decide on the winner and he chose Chris Bourne's "austin Six" (above). however, there is only one cup and by a show of hands it was narrowly won by irene.
after our 14th annual Summer exhibition on 18th June at the Methodist Church in newport Pagnell, we shall, as usual, publish the image which won the most votes from visitors to the exhibition.
Exhibition in Lavendon Church
“A CELEBRATION OF RURAL LIFE”
Saturday July 2nd 11am - 6pm and Sunday July 3rd 12 noon - 5pm FrEE Entry
An exhibition concerning anything relating to the countryside, including Flowers, Sheep Farming in the area, Crops grown locally, Photographs of Moths found locally, taxidermy, Produce, Homemade Cake Stall, Old Farming tools, Watercolours by Fay Hipkin, Wire Garden Sculptures, with the possibility of Sheep in the churchyard. there will also be the usual refreshments, tombola and raffle.
the Exhibition will finish with ‘Songs of Praise’ at 5pm on Sunday.
24 Phonebox Magazine
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