Page 58 - Phonebox Magazine July 2011

Out and About with Mark Lancaster
Our local MP
THERE WAS CAUSE for cheer in Olney last month when Olney Infant School became Olney Infant Academy. It may sound like a mere name change, but the conversion to academy status is significant for this school, which has been rated outstanding by Ofsted. It means that the school will be able to continue providing an excellent education for its children, free from the constraints of unnecessary bureaucracy and regulations. Their inspirational headteacher Steve Dunning could not contain his excitement when I went to the school to officially unveil their academy status. I was honoured to present them with a shiny new plaque and I look forward to visiting again in the future to see how everyone is getting on.
Mark at Ousedale
Meanwhile, Ousedale School’s Newport Pagnell campus is getting a facelift with the construction of a pioneering new eco- building. Alongside governor Cllr Keith McLean, I went to visit the building last month, which is on course for completion at the end of July. Solar panels have been installed and will generate emission-free electricity for the school with any surplus energy
Mark’s mobile surgery
Monday July 25
10am Filgrave, by the Clock Tower
10.30am Tyringham, pull in opposite entrance for Fences Farm 11am Lathbury, by the Village Hut
11.30am Gayhurst, by parish notice board
12pm Stoke Goldington, outside Village Hall
1.30pm Hanslope, High Street/Market Square
2.45pm Castlethorpe, by the Village Hall
3.30pm Haversham, by the school
4.30pm Clifton Reynes, by the Robin Hood
Tuesday July 26
3.30pm Weston Underwood, outside the Village Hall 4.15pm Ravenstone, by the church
Wednesday July 27
10am Newport Pagnell, Market Hill (near surgery) 11.45am Moulsoe, on bend near to church 12.15pm North Crawley, outside the Institute 1.45pm Astwood, near The Swan
2.30pm Chicheley, by the Village Hall
3pm Sherington, by the Knoll
3.45 Emberton, near the Village Hall/Clock Tower 4.30pm Newtown Blossomville, by the school
Thursday July 28
10am Olney, Market Square 11.45am Lavendon, Village Hall
being sold back to the national grid. I look forward to returning to the completed building when pupils are learning about science in a building that exemplifies scientific advancement.
Over in Old
Wolverton, a town
gem, the 200-year-old
Iron Trunk Aqueduct,
was in line for a
refurbishment after
being put forward for a
slice of the People’s
Millions fund by
Wolverton and
Greenleys Town
council. We should by
now know whether
this feat of
engineering has
secured the money to
restore it to its former
glory. Either way, I am sure this is one of the city’s assets that will continue to be treasured. I would urge anyone who hasn’t seen this interesting piece of history – which continues to carry the Grand Union Canal over the Great Ouse – to take a stroll down the towpath from the Galleon pub and see it for themselves.
Throughout the year I hold regular surgeries which means any constituent who wants to meet me can do so. However, I have found since I was elected in 2005 that it is not always easy for some people in the outlying villages of Milton Keynes North, especially those with mobility problems, to get to the Civic Offices in Central Milton Keynes. Therefore, over the years, I have brought the surgeries to them, using a large people carrier as my office to hold one-to-one drop-in meetings. You can see below whereabouts I will be in July and August, so feel free to drop by at the times and dates specified. I look forward to seeing many of you there. Should you need any further details, please contact my office on 01908 686830.
Mark at the 200 year old Iron Trunk Aqueduct
ContaCt information:
mark Lancaster tD mP
Suite 102, milton Keynes Business Centre, foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, milton Keynes mK14 6GD
tel: 01908 686830
58 Phonebox Magazine