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February 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 5ContentsPhonebox Magazine is owned and published by Phonebox Magazine Ltd, Unit 2, Stanley Court, Olney, Bucks MK46 5NHAdvertisers: We gratefully acknowledge the support of firms whose advertisements appear in this publication and, whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers regret they cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Any reproduction of material, either advertising or editorial, is forbidden without written consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views expressed by contributors, or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisements appearing in this publication. Distribution may vary at the discretion of Phonebox Magazine Ltd.To advertise telephone (01234) 713298or email sales@phoneboxmagazine.comEmail articles and news to editorial@phoneboxmagazine.comwww.phoneboxmagazine.comTwitter: @Phonebox_magFacebook.com/PhoneboxmagDeadline for March 2025 edition - 14th FebruaryIn this job, you sometimes get a month or so when a word keeps popping up, over and over. It%u2019s unrelated sources, but the word is there again.And it%u2019s happened this month. The word in question? Flooding. We have had our fair share of downpours and deluges here in Olney and the surrounding areas for what seems like months now, and the fields around us don%u2019t look like they will be dry and firm underfoot any time soon. Roads have been shut; other routes were only just passable, and drains, dams, weirs and locks are at bursting point. I had floods firmly in mind. Water on the brain, if you like.And then we were sent some fantastic pictures of Olney under floodwater by Chris Read who runs a drone aerial photography company. You can see his brilliant pictures on page 6. I was really impressed with their majesty and magnificence.Not long after that, we received news of a flood resilience team being set up in Olney. There was that word again. Many of these flood groups are popping up in local areas near us and across the UK, and they%u2019re a good idea. They can be community-led too, which means we have a say in how we protect ourselves and our properties from rising water.And before I could say %u2018rising damp%u2019, I read all about the troubles at the new Yardley Manor housing estate where residents are, quite rightly, getting upset about the levels of water they are seeing in (yes, in) and around their homes. I understand there is some extra drainage work needed there, but in the meantime everything sounds like it%u2019s %u2018underwater%u2019. You can read all about that starting on page 16.So, will there be any more news about flood water in the coming weeks? I bet there will be. We live on an island surrounded by water, and our weather system is predominately rain-bearing. I don%u2019t see us having to wind away our hoses in a drought warning for some time yet.Stay dry everyone, and enjoy the magazine.Ron Hall, Editor06 Building resilience Flood risk increases? 08 Olney Camera Club Competition winning images 10 Readers LettersHave your say, it%u2019s your magazine 12 EntertainmentJason Manford on tour 16 Mercury Olney%u2019s regular Town Council meeting 18 Fridge update Community food initiative 22 Newport Pagnell Council NewsThe latest from Newport%u2019s councillors 24 Olney Ward CouncillorsReports from our MK team 26 Phonebox Diary Our local clubs and societies29 Phonebox Foodie Lovers unite30 Chris Curtis MP Our local MP has his say32 Olney Pancake Race Four-page pullout on the event35 Pibworth ColumnIs all ok with AI?36 Newport Pagnell & Olney Lions ClubNews from the charitable group37 CRMKTime takes a . . . snake?38 Two thorns A rose by any other name39 Valentine%u2019s entertainmentDark hearts 41 Rebuild ConnectionsTips for your love 42 Churches together Olney and Newport Pagnell Churches 44 Phonebox Gardening You say tomato, and so do I 48 Phonebox MotoringIt%u2019s time for a change50 Book Review Two books to read all about 52 Olney Ukraine News Donate for those in need53 Club of the Month Denton Gardening club featured56 News Roundup Lots more local stories 62 Quiz Corner Love puzzler