Page 12 - Phonebox Magazine March 2016

Out and About with Mark Lancaster MP
National Apprenticeship Showcase for MK
Thousands of would be apprentices will be converging on Arena MK for the very rst National Apprenticeship Show. This is a great opportunity to learn about the wide range of apprenticeships and training programmes on offer from over 100 national and international employers.
MK will welcome 2,900 schools and colleges from within a two hour drive to this lively, fun and informative event.
Parents, teachers, students and anyone wishing to nd out more about apprenticeship opportunities should put Monday, 14th & Tuesday, 15th March in their diaries or visit www.nationalapprenticeshipshow.org for more information.
A Flipping Great Day!
A biting chilly wind was not going to deter the school children of Olney from taking part in the Olney Pancake Race last month. Pre- school children to grown-ups all braved the cold to take part in the ancient tradition of ipping pancakes in the high street.
Dating back to 1445 the event draws international media and vast numbers of spectators to the town every year.
Living in Olney, I’m naturally very proud to be part of such an important event in the town’s calendar. This year I was party to some inside information on the best way to keep the pancake in the pan while running through the streets of this ercely competitive ladies race. It’s not conventional but it’s clearly worked for the generations of Olney women who have kept the tradition alive for centuries!
Launch of ‘Not-So-Legal Highs’ Campaign
In January this year, Parliament passed legislation banning the sale and distribution of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), more commonly known as ‘Legal Highs’.
The law is designed to support the efforts of local authorities, the Police and other 12 Phonebox Magazine | March 2016
enforcement agencies in protecting our communities against the proliferation of ‘designer drugs’ most of which, at rst sight, look very innocent. Some actually have packaging that resemble that of well-known sweets.
The ‘Not-So-Legal Highs’ campaign has been launched in partnership with MK Council, Thames Valley Police, Compass and my of ce. On the 17th March, at MK College Campus on Silbury Boulevard there will be a “Parents Evening” to offer advice, support and guidance. Further plans include visits to schools to present the dangers and associated consequences of taking these drugs.
Following several meetings with constituents affected by NPS, I hope this campaign will alert parents and young people to the dangers of the drugs, where they can get meaningful information and practical support.
For more information about the campaign, please contact my of ce on 01908 686830.
Backing Small Businesses
I was very pleased to see rst-hand some of the local small businesses operating in Central Milton Keynes, Fishermead and Wolverton recently. I was very impressed by the entrepreneurial motivation behind each business, despite being dealt a number of challenges along the way.
On a positive note, business was booming and I was particularly impressed with the range of bespoke services on offer which cater for the diverse communities in my constituency.
I was made aware of the apparent lack of affordable premises for small businesses and I will be looking closely at this issue. It is absolutely essential that Milton Keynes works not just for our big employers, but also our smaller sized enterprises.
Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile
How far would you go for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile? Would it be the 1, 3 or 6 mile course?
It’s that time of year to ask your friends and family to register for another successful event and be part of something that you know will make a difference and at the same time enjoy the fun and camaraderie this annual event brings.
I hear that there is absolutely no excuse, you don’t have to be a highly tuned athlete to take part, you can walk round!
Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile is taking place on Sunday, 20th March. Register now at http://www.sportrelief.com/events/mile