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10 Phonebox Magazine | January 2025Reaff rs%u2019 Le%u001a ersFor the love of the townDear Sir There have been a lot of column inches given over to BOFF over the last few months in this magazine. A testament, I think, to the place it has in Olney%u2019s heart. I hope a few more won%u2019t go amiss. I%u2019m part of the committee, but the views here are my own. The event, as most people already know, is entirely volunteer led. But the eff ort, passion, blood, sweat and tears (sometimes literally) involved to pull it off , is, perhaps, less recognised. That said, we do get to bask in some glory. In the immediate aftermath, the lovely messages on Facebook, the %u2018job well done%u2019 comments in the street, they really do make it worthwhile.The perception is that BOFF is a Town Council event and it%u2019s certainly held on their property. Naturally, they get the brunt of the complaints. I was part of the team that met with the Town Clerk and the Mayor to hear the feedback received this year. There is no denying we made mistakes. In particular we blocked a mobility kerb, we didn%u2019t stop people sitting on the war memorial and we didn%u2019t have contingency plans in place for when a supplier wasn%u2019t able to attend, which without doubt caused some health and safety concerns.I%u2019ve heard on the grapevine that the Town Council wants BOFF stopped, but that is certainly not what we%u2019ve been told. Yes, there is a concern that we%u2019ve outgrown our space. That despite the %u00a360K we%u2019ve raised for charity, we may need to rethink how we approach the event. They have never said it can%u2019t go ahead. But they haven%u2019t yet given permission for it to happen again on the Market Place. The ball is in our court right now.I love my town. I love it because people care, get involved and make things happen: the BOFF team and the Town Council and all the other folks in Olney that do good things. The BOFF%u00a0 committee has been asked to put forward their ideas for next year. We will learn from our mistakes and we want to work with the Town Council to close some of the gaps. I truly hope that Olney can continue to enjoy a fabulous event on the Market Place next year, that not only brings joy to our residents, but keeps Olney on the map as the happening place that it is.Helen Billingham, BOFF committee member and Olney resident.Stand By Your Beds!Dear SirOlney Open Gardens, in support of Willen Hospice, is returning on the weekend of 14/15 June 2025 from 12-4. It will be bigger and better than ever.We%u2019re looking for gardens to participate in this lovely event. Can you open your garden all weekend or on either Saturday or Sunday? It does not matter if your garden is large or small %u2013 most people will just be looking for an idea or two for their own garden. Many visitors just want to spend a lovely afternoon strolling around Olney and supporting Willen Hospice in the process. As usual there will be teas, cake, and refreshments served at the Sutcliff e Baptist Church and a fantastic raffl e prize as well.We%u2019ll be selling tickets from the Market Place, at the Farmers%u2019 Market in May and June and from the Willen Hospice shop.So %u2013 if you%u2019re able to help Willen Hospice raise much-needed funds, please let us know. If you feel you want to show off your garden but might need help over this weekend by having additional support, just let us know. We have willing volunteers who would be able to assist you on either or both 01604 871 261 | 01604 870 033 | 07355 477 616info@thefrenchpartridgehotel.co.ukNewport Pagnell Rd, Horton, Northampton NN7 2APwww.thefrenchpartridgehotel.co.ukThe French PartridgeHOTEL | BAR | RESTAURANT | SPAOpen 7 Days7 days a week, 7.30 %u2013 11pmWe look forward to your stay!The French Partridge TeamTreat your loved one with a romantic getaway thisValentines DayPrices start from %u00a3175 per couplefor an overnight stay with dinner and a glass of Prosecco**Available from 8th February to 16th February 2025*20% ofi Indulge in a Couples Roman Bath, followed by a Couples Massage