Page 11 - Phonebox Magazine May 2013

Dear Editor,
Re: Previous letter about car parking in Olney.
I cannot comprehend why one of your readers thinks some people should have more right to park than others and seems to have an obsession with it. Picking out one group of people, again, feels like a bullying campaign, not to mention completely over simplifying the matter. Many office workers are residents and many residents now work from an office
at home. Many businesses that use the High Street to park come in varying forms that would be hard to categorise as simply office or retail and most of the retail workers and owners also park on the High Street. It is a real shame to try and ‘pitch’ one narrow group against another. To call people working long hours lazy, is also regretful.
Everyone who owns a property on the High Street, does so on the basis that they have a right to park (a huge asset) but no guarantee. Likewise if you buy a property with allocated spaces or a driveway you buy with that guarantee (I really hope that last article was an April fool). This is the same in every town, village and urban area across the country.
It is important for a town that visitors can park and Olney is more fortunate than many for good availability of spaces. It is the ‘norm’ when you visit a town to look out for and head to the nearest car park. As your reader states, there are plenty of spaces, so perhaps some signage or improved signage would be helpful; if it is deemed a concern going forward. Hopefully the ‘powers that be’ take a holistic view of all the many parties contributions and needs in Olney; and the fact that these are complex and fluid and often not obvious or apparent to some. I think ‘Olney’ does a pretty good job of managing this balance and for the majority it is a lovely place to live, work and visit.
Alex Thomsen
Dear Editor
Hare ‘Hunting’ at the Museum
Children from the Olney area were treated to a treasure trail searching for beautiful little hand-painted wooden hares throughout the Cooper and Newton Museum over the Easter weekend.
There was an impressively welcoming atmosphere and a lot of care and preparation had been taken to make the visit a happy one for all- including our family.
As well as the search for hares there were little learning cards attached and other fun activities along the way.... decorating (then eating) chick-shaped cookies, colouring, painting and gluing masks etc plus prizes for every child at the end.
For the adults, parents and grandparents, gorgeous homemade cakes and refreshments and the chance to learn a little more about William Cooper (author of Amazing Grace and many other hymns) and his friend John Newton (instrumental in the abolishment of the slave trade).
It is clear to me that it will take many visits to read and learn about these famous men, their friends and families, as well as to view the many fine examples of lovely lacework- the skill that formed such an important part of this historic market town.
As a new resident here I found the museum absorbing and unspoilt so it was easy to imagine it as
the home with lovely
gardens that both
inspired and calmed
Cowper.
The staff and
volunteers made a
brilliant effort with
great results for Easter
visitors.
Thank you!
Dee, East Street, Olney
G Full range of dental treatments
G Hygienist Services
G Specialist Services including orthodontics and periodontics
G Dental Implants
G Sedation Clinics
G Dental Essentials Club with great benefits for all the family
G Facial Aesthetics offered here
G 4 large air conditioned dental studios G 1 minute drive from junction 14 M1
G Free parking
T: 01908 235124
E: enquiries@brooklandsdentalclinic.co.uk
www.brooklandsdentalclinic.co.uk
Brooklands Farm, Newport Road, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK16 0HU
Phonebox Magazine 11