Mark Niel
 ton Keynes' Poet Laureate
And so we are gifted a Rose that speaks of love
and so much more.
A unique space: from amazing grace to Olympic gold,
where tales
of triumph and tragedy are simply, honestly told.
A place to grieve
in tl1at sea of  quid loss only true love knows,
A place to count tl1e cost
paid too many times
in war's countless bitter blows.
A place to think
and be inspired
by giants tl1at have gone before;
the inventors and pioneers that helped unpick the locks of once closed doors.
A place to be proud
of our citizens
like Jim Marshall, our Failier of Loud;
Doreen Adcock, who taught us to swim; John Newton, a turned round life
captured in his famous hymn.
A place where pillars teach us; lessons etched
in marble letters,
and whether your faith is in
higher or human beings,
a place to decide "I will be better".
A place for kisses on Valentine's day, for Patron Saints and
festivals of light,
for thanks and tears on Armistice Day, honouring tl1ose who fought and
lost ilieir  ght.
A place that will shape how the world sees us
and how we see i e world,
A place for ilie unexpected; for May Day dance and wisdom's greatest pearls.
Let ilie MK Rose be
a new member of your family
There's only one in i e world and it's ours!
So use it, visit on days
iliat are special to you
to remember or simply lay  owers.
The city has been gifted a Rose,
a place of re ection and grace.
Let us now own it, make it our space.
Olney Tennis Club
November 2013
 Local Derby Match starts o  winter season The E team played the new F team in a
tense encounter! Spectators enjoyed the competitive and friendly spirit and the E team won 7-1 , true to form. Paul Norbury, Peter Beecroft, Nicola Norbury and Jo Bedward were the winners against Patrick McGivern, Tim Bedward, Jemima Worsfold and Jacqui Thorn.
The E team then played against David Lloyd in a massive gale and gained a creditable draw. The team this time was Paul and Nicola Norbury, Nick Hardy and Emma Maitland. The B team also claimed a draw away at Stony Stratford. This time Katie Bennett starred with Sarah Wilkinson along with Simon Barter and Chris Wright.
Breakthrough Charity raises over £400
The annual Breakthrough Charity Tournament, was held and raised over £400 through the on and off court antics of 32 players and spectators, who all looked splendid in pink wigs, clothes and lots of odd accessories - see photos.
Olney Junior Disco
Tickets are on sale for Olney Tennis Club
Junior Disco. Age 5-1 2. Saturday 7th December 4 - 6pm. Members and non­ members welcome. Olney Youth Centre. £5 a ticket. Light food and fab DJ is provided. Buy your tickets from Rebecca Young, Emma Maitland, Joanna Walker or Gill Hardy.
Coaching
There are also coaching sessions for all ages - young and old, so come along and have a go! Details are on our website at: olneytennis.net or email Nigel at admin@ nigelwillardtennis.co.uk
New Year's Day American Tournament
The next popular event is on New Year's Day at 1 pm and is sponsored by the Jardine Motors Group.
Give yourself some fresh air and feel better than you might have done! Please enter in the clubhouse.
Join OTC to play good tennis in a friendly environment. Go to www.olneytennis.net for more info. You will be very welcome.
  Pancake Day 201 4, Tuesday March 4th
Shrove Tuesday is late next year, with Easter falling in the middle ofApril. Preparations are well in hand for another fun packed day in the town, keeping alive the tradition of the world famous Olney Pancake Race.
Entry Forms for ladies residents in Olney will be available from the NatWest Bank from the middle of January, where they need to be returned when filled in. The race is limited to 25 runners so if you want to enter, please get your entry form in early.
Prize money for the winner is excellent, especially if the Olney winning time is faster than the time recorded in Liberal USA, where for 60 years they have run a race in conjunction with Olney.
The Pancake Race Committee is very grateful to Francis Jackson Homes Ltd for
their continued support as the Race Main Sponsor, and also Dupont Teflon, who will again sponsor some wonderful prizes for all the Runners.
The Children's Races will take place as usual from10.30amwiththeco-operationofallthe Olney Schools.
All the efforts on the day, including the Popular Pancake Race Draw, will help to raise funds to cover the costs of staging the event, and any surplus will go towards Repairs and Improvements to the Fabric of the Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, where the famous Shriving Service will be held after the race and to include the Prize Giving.
See you there, The Pancake Race Committee.
Phonebox Magazine 51