CAN YOU MAKE A PROMISE? Anyone driving o r walking out o f Olney towards Emberton may have noticed a building set back from the road, historically with cars for sale outside? You may know what it is, but for those who do not, this is the Church Hall of St. Peter and St. Paul Church Olney. It may not look like much on the outside, but over the summer a major refurbishment is taking place to make it into a place for the community to meet. The kitchen is being gutted and extended and a brand new kitchen installed with state of the art equipment; the stage is being removed and major building works will take place to install a mezzanine floor; new toilets to include a disabled toilet; and the interior totally redecorated. At present the hall is used in the mornings by a nursery school, with both church and non church groups utilising the space during the afternoons and evenings. By early September, when the building works have been completed, these groups as well as the church youth groups will return to the hall and its upgraded facilities. One of these will be a Youth Cate, run by the youth under adult supervision. This will be a place for young people to meet after school, have coffee and milkshakes, interact with their peers, make new friends, and learn new skills. In addition, a Memory Club will be introduced. This will be a monthly club, with the intention being that it will become a twice monthly event hosting two different groups of people. The club will provide a much-needed facility for those who are suffering with memory loss, with the help of trained volunteers providing support and encouragement. ESTATE AGENTS · SURVEYORS · VALUERS PROPERTY MANAGERS & CONSULTANTS For a Free Valuation Contact Stephen Oakley & Co The area s most established Independent Estate Agency Serving Olney and Surrounding llages TELEPHONE: 01234 711800 EMAIL: info@stephenoakley.co.uk Drayview, 35 High Street, Olney, Buckinghamshire MK46 4EB www.stephenoakley.co.uk Licensed by the NAEA and ARLA Although these are the two groups with the most immediate need, another group has also been identified - those who lack the basic skills for daily living (such as cooking.) This includes the recently bereaved following the loss of long-term spouses/pa ners and many young families who may have missed out on these skills and now find that they need them. With the support of various organisations, funds have been raised, but as in most cases, the last thousands are still out of our grasp. A group of people have got together and will be holding a Dinner and Promise Auction in the Olney Centre on the 14th September at 7 pm. This is to be a black-tie event and will cost £20. We already have a number of promises, but would welcome larger promises from people or businesses in Olney and surrounding areas. Who can offer a day for six ladies at a spa day or makeover? A chance for the boys to ride around in cars for the day, a tour of a brewery (we will not say where) or the opportunity to go to a race day, be it horse racing or cars? Perhaps someone can offer just a small thing - for example gardening for the day, ironing, housework or babysitting; every little thing helps. Other events already planned for the refurbished hall include a Wedding Fair in November and a quiz evening. In the church a Christmas Tree Festival, a chance for our local businesses and charities to celebrate the season and share their work in the town. During the Christmas Tree festival week, various workshops and activities will be available sharing and teaching how to make Christmas posies/wreaths, wrapping presents, lace making, and lots more. To obtain tickets for the Dinner and Promise Auction, or if you need more information, please contact Pat on 01234 241721 or email office@olneyparish.org.uk. Details will also be made available at: www.auction.olneyparish.org.uk. Areyou considering Selling or Le ng? 24 Phonebox Magazine