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52 Phonebox Magazine | September 2025OLNEY UKRAINE AID NEWSEmberton Park success: After a successful weekend at the Emberton Park birthday celebrations organiser Lynne King was able to use the %u00a3348.71 raised on the crafts stall, Hook a Duck and children%u2019s tombola, to fund 19 bags for troops on the front line. The comfort bags have already reached Ukraine. Volunteer driver Steve Senior%u2019s donation bucket collected %u00a3150.30, which he has used towards funding his transport. %u201cAs well as fundraising, the stalls were proactive, through many conversations, in continuing to raise awareness of the needs of the folk in Ukraine and the ongoing work by HelpUkraineBAMK and its dedicated team of volunteers,%u201d said Lynne. Following on from last month%u2019s article, where Steve told us about his proposed visits to hospitals in Ukraine, Lynne has received photos and videos where staff and patients are incredibly grateful to receive the comfort bags made up by the %u2018bag ladies%u2019 from HelpUkraineBAMK, based in Milton Keynes. %u201cHospital patients found it hard to believe that people in England would not only think of them but donate much-needed basic supplies and have these bags delivered in person by Steve and his co-driver, Phil,%u201d said Lynne.Lynne continues to fundraise to fi ll comfort bags for hospital patients, troops on the front line and, coming up soon, Christmas bags for children. Look out for her stall on behalf of HelpUkraineBAMK at the Olney Centre car boot/ table top sale on Sunday 31st August, 8-11am, where a generous company has donated a selection of new items for sale. More information: 07766 425523. Poignant message: Alongside the tombola, Steve Senior had created a thought-provoking display including photographs and a poignant message written on a soldier%u2019s helmet. Steve%u2019s display described the scene.Siege of Mariupol 26th Feb 2002 %u2013 20th May 2022The owner of this helmet was a Ukrainian soldier defending Mariupol. On 8th March 2022 he was shot in the head by a Russian sniper and taken to hospital. In hospital he wrote a message on his helmet and donated it to raise funds for Ukraine. It says:%u2018Mariupol 08-03-2022. I am alive and I will return for the defence of Ukraine%u2019.Sadly he died of his wound shortly after writing the message.Donations S u m m e r 2 0 2 5 : Vital items a r e s t i l l needed for U k r a i n i a n soldiers and civilians and a re b e i n g collected by BAMK UK . This poster o u t l i n e s t h e i te m s needed.Sculpture unveiled at Yardley ManorNew art installation honouring the heritage and history of the area has been uncovered in Olney. The sculpture, c a l l e d %u2018 L a c e and Grace%u2019, is situated at the Taylor Wimpey a n d V i s t r y Yardley Manor development. It was designed by Northumberlandbased artist Steve Pardue and built by s p e c i a l i s t Chris Brammall. The six-metre metal structure celebrates the 300th anniversary of the birth of John New ton, who wrote the hymn %u2018Amazing Grace%u2019. Within the sculpture there are patterns inspired by Bucks Point lace making blending with words from the hymn. The offi cial ribbon-cutting was done by the Mayor of Olney, Debbie Whitworth, who formally welcomed the sculpture as a valuable addition to the local community.John Newton, who served on slave ships but later became an Anglican minister and hymn writer, was part of the movement to abolish slavery. He served as a parish priest at St Peter and St Paul%u2019s Church in Olney for two decades and is a huge fi gure in Olney%u2019s history.%u201cIt%u2019s wonderful to see a piece of public art that refl ects the heart of Olney%u2019s heritage,%u201d said Debbie Whitworth. %u201cJohn Newton%u2019s story is woven into the town%u2019s identity, and combining this with our lace-making tradition in such a striking sculpture is truly inspiring. This installation will no doubt become a cherished landmark for residents and visitors alike.%u201d%u201cSeeing Steve Pardue%u2019s sculpture come to life has been the perfect way to see this development come to completion,%u201d said Hayden Dolby, managing director, Taylor Wimpey South Midlands.%u201cWe are so lucky to have this spectacular piece of art featured at Yardley Manor %u2013 his unique design creates a memorable and interesting blend of contemporary style with a nod to the rich history of Olney.%u201d