Page 12 - Phonebox Magazine April 2016

Out and About with Mark Lancaster MP
Preserving our History
You may remember that in recent months I have been championing the continued use of vellum in Parliament. When the issue is raised in the house, I for one, will be in support of preserving a practice that provides a gateway to our rich history, and is also symbolic of the hard-working, small local business that this country takes enormous pride in.
Newport Pagnell is home to one of three remaining producers in the world: William Cowley Parchment and Vellum. Established in 1870, this family-run business continues to invest in the future by offering apprenticeships and workshops. It is also one of our oldest surviving companies in Bucks. I have visited the works on a number of occasions, and can testify that this close-knit team is an inspiration to British industry.
Vellum has been used to create prints, documents and books for centuries. It is purely because of this material that we have access to historical documents that would have been lost in time.
Parliamentary Archives have several million historical records relating to Parliament which are physically visible to us today: from journals derived from both houses of parliament dating back to the sixteenth century, to the death warrant of King Charles I. All of these records exist on vellum, verifying the materials durability.
Last year, we celebrated a momentous occasion, the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. One of the most important manuscripts in our national history. Written on vellum, the Magna Carta represents the origins of
MK Storehouse
rule of law in this country, and serves as an inspiration to human rights documents today. What will exist in another eight hundred years’ time if we do away with vellum? What tangible evidence will we leave behind? Historians have long since known that had early man not used vellum, our understanding of earlier civilisation would be a fraction of what it is. I for one would hate to rely entirely on electronic data.
As a lover of British history and of MK, to use its less durable alternatives would not only undermine our responsibility to protect world heritage, but also do a disservice to a unique, local business.
MK Storehouse
Established just over a year ago, MK Storehouse has become a key point of contact for providing clothing to families who are experiencing times of hardship.
Run by the members of the Grand Union
Vineyard Church in Fox Milne, I was keen to meet the team and see what the project has been able to achieve in such a short space of time and to understand what other support they are currently being asked to provide. It emerged that they are presented with a wide range of issues, highlighting that their initial concept of issuing items of clothing is far more reaching.
MK Storehouse are hoping to identify ways in which to provide additional services and alleviate any additional stress and anxiety for people who are struggling to find their way.
Naturally, like any charitable organisation, they rely heavily on volunteers so if you feel you could spare a couple of hours, then please do visit www.mkstorehouse.org for more information or alternatively email Alan Smith at contact@mkstorehouse.org
Business Hub to Launch in MK
As a firm believer in giving entrepreneurs every opportunity to succeed, I was pleased to receive the news that NatWest is opening a free business accelerator hub in Milton Keynes in September.
Supported by Entrepreneurial Spark, they will be provide entrepreneurs with free office space, Wi-Fi, access to the bank’s networks and business advice. They also make it clear that you don’t have to bank with them.
The statistics show that they have offered support to 7,000 entrepreneurs over the last five years creating investment for 660 companies and established over 1,800 jobs. I am all in favour of supporting SMEs to develop and grow within our local economy, so visit www.entrepreneurial-spark.com and make your application.
William Cowley Parchment and Vellum
12 Phonebox Magazine | April 2016