Rachel Lintern (BOFF) would like to extend the event to cover the whole weekend of 6th & 7th of September next year. They currently have no clear plans for the Sunday but suggested it could encompass the Farmers' Market and other events. Steve Clark suggested a meeting between reps from BOFF, the Farmers' Market and OTC Rees and Services committee. Debbie Brock passed on her thanks to The Olney Group (TOG) for another highly successful fireworks display. The next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 2nd December in the Council Chamber in the Olney Centre. Members of the public are always welcome to attend and, if they wish, speak at the start of the meeting, or at any point that the mayor decides is appropriate. Mercury Report opportunities for additional services that do not involve expansion of the building were being explored. Parish Wardens Parish Wardens are employed by MKC and spend on average half a day per week in their allocated parish, performing duties such as enforcing dog fouling fines, supporting the police and PCSOs etc. Earlier this year MKC had informed OTC that it was proposing to 'delete' the six remaining warden posts, only four of which were then occupied, unless the parishes provided funding for them to continue. At the time, OTC requested a breakdown of what the wardens had contributed to Olney over the past few months, before deciding what to do. 23 other parishes had done likewise, and only three had expressed an interest in purchasing the services of the wardens so MKC has decided to end the service from 31st March 2014. Odds and Sods Tony Evans reported that a vacancy has arisen at the Ann Hopkins Smith Almshouses and applications are invited from ladies of the parish who are over 60 of age in need of accommodation. Deidre Bethune reported that the organisers of the Big Olney Food Festival A huge THANK YOU to all the businesses in Olney who have been so generous with their donations to our raffles and tombolas. We have received many amazing gifts and we promise that we will use them wisely. We are also grateful to everyone who has donated bottles for our Bottle Tombola on Dickens Day. All the money raised will be used to help the people of Newton. Are you fee ng ush? Earlier this year, we received a proposal and budget for the provision of community toilets in Newton, and the trustees have agreed to try to raise the funds to provide these. The erection of 2 sets of toilets, a Ladies and a Gents, in Newton, is estimated to cost approx. £1 4000, so we have a lot to do. It is at last widely accepted that, in the poorer countries of Africa such as Sierra Leone, well-built and well-maintained Public Conveniences are vital, if diseases such as cholera are to be kept at bay. We know that a group of people in South Bucks have already done this for their link village of Waterloo, which is only a few miles from Newton, so I'm sure we can achieve the same success. Please think about this when you flush your loo and help us to put lots of pennies inthe slot. Update - I have just received an email from Mohamed Sesay in Newton to say they have started the digging for the sceptic tank. How you can help It is extremely helpful to us to have a steady monthly income. We have a growing list of wonderful people who use a Standing Order to make a monthly donation. Our treasurer, Tricia Selwood, will help you to do this so please give her a ring on 71 291 9. Our charity collecting boxes are also very popular, so if you would like one of these I will happily provide you with one. We are of course always happy to accept donations of any size! Thank you all very much from us, but more importantly, from the people of Newton. COME AND HAVE YOUR SAY PUBLIC CONSULTATION at THE OLNEY CENTRE Tuesday 3rd December 2013 5pm - 8.30pm Highway Improvements High Street - Weston Road Junction High Street - Yardley Road Junction Olney-Newton Link A Huge Thank You Phonebox Magazine 55