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56 Phonebox Magazine | September 2025Land of Lights tickets soonSuper early bird tickets for this year%u2019s Land of Lights festival at Gulliver%u2019s Resort, Milton Keynes, are about to go on sale.The tickets, which start from just %u00a310 per person, will go on sale for a limited time, on Monday 1st September at: www.landofl ights.co.uk.The event, which is back in Milton Keynes for the fourth year running, features all new lanterns and will open its gates on selected dates from November and run until the New Year.Land of Lights 2025 promises to be a breathtaking spectacle, featuring new lanterns covering 12 dreamworlds, including an array of incredible dinosaurs. In addition, there will be music, entertainment and street food.%u201cWe get such good feedback from our customers year after year who come to enjoy the lights and sparkle, and we know they won%u2019t be disappointed with what we have in store this time,%u201d said Darren Hoy, festival manager.Eyes out for illegal dumpersResidents of Sherington village have said they will be keeping %u2018an eye out%u2019 on a fi eld near their centre, after police arrested a man in connection with illegal dumping of waste. Offi cers from Thames Valley Police assisted the Environment Agency last month with an inquiry into illegal disposal of waste on land near the village, after a raft of complaints from local people.%u201cOne male was arrested at the scene and will be interviewed by the Environment Agency,%u201d said a police spokesperson. %u201cThe investigation is ongoing.%u201d %u201cWe%u2019re pleased that the police and the Environment Agency have got involved here, to stop this shameful waste dumping and burning near our village,%u201d said Sarah, an irate resident. %u201cA person has been arrested, but I think this is part of a bigger operation, so residents will continue to be vigilant and keep an eye out for what is going on.%u201dSight for sore eyesPeople attending a Newport Pagnell optician will now be greeted by an impressive new Cash will go directly into MKCF%u2019s Community Fund, ensuring that local charities and community groups across Milton Keynes benefi t through vital grant opportunities.%u201cEvery year our charity partnership creates a longer-lasting legacy for the pantomime,%u201d said Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director at Milton Keynes Theatre. %u201cThis year, partnering with MK Community Foundation gives the opportunity for the happiness our audiences experience to reach beyond the panto season and impact the wider MK community.%u201dLast river meet of the yearMilton Keynes arts collective Where Two Rivers Meet have released tickets for their fi nal live music event of the year: The Parlor Sessions, on Saturday 15th November, at St Peter and St Paul%u2019s Church, Newport Pagnell.Tickets costing %u00a318 are available on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scott-matthews-withsupport-from-vashti-anna-in-a-beautifulchurch-tickets-1351466796569 with singer songwriter Scott Matthews and Vashti Anna gracing the stage. Scott%u2019s ground-breaking debut album, Passing Stranger, earned him critical acclaim with its bold mix of folk, rock, blues and Eastern-inspired songwriting, and in 2007 his fi rst single %u2018Elusive%u2019 won the Ivor Novello Award for %u2018Best Song Musically and Lyrically%u2019. Top of the class for OusedaleStudents and staff at Ousedale School are celebrating another great year of A-level results. This year, 45% of all grades awarded at Ousedale were B or higher with a fi fth of grades being A*/A. The school, which is part of the E-ACT academy trust, continues to build on its reputation for academic excellence and strong pastoral support.Some of this year%u2019s standout individual achievements include: Elliot Middleton who achieved four A* and is heading to the University of Oxford; Annie Karagiannidou who achieved four A* grades and is going to the University of Warwick, and Mia Baldacchino who achieved three A* grades and will join the University of Bristol.%u201cThese results represent years of hard work and commitment from our students, supported by exceptional teaching and look, as the practice has been refurbishedDW Roberts in St John Street has been a permanent fi xture in the town for more than 30 years, but has recently had a new modernisation of the interior.%u201cWe felt that this was the perfect opportunity to give the space a bit of love,%u201d said Amit Sharma, Director and Optometrist. %u201cIt allows us to continue to maintain the high standard of eye care that our patients recognise here while also elevating our services to ensure that the community is cared for in every aspect.%u201dPaul Day, Mayor of Newport Pagnell, was on hand to cut the ribbon and reopen the opticians, helped by practice manager Amy Clarke.Peter Rabbit hops to centre:mkSanta%u2019s Grotto at a Milton Keynes shopping centre will present a brand new experience for 2025. Peter Rabbit & Friends will visit centre:mk for the Christmas period this year. Step inside the new experience and explore Peter%u2019s cosy burrow and secret tunnels to help Mrs Rabbit fi nd Peter%u2019s lost Christmas presents. Finish off the adventure with a visit to Father Christmas. Children%u2019s tickets from %u00a314.50, more details: https://tickets.eskimojoevents.co.uk/centremk_2025/Prices.Lewis Kitchener archivesWriter Rachel Lewis is seeking information for a forthcoming publication: %u2018World War Olney 1&2%u2019. The book relates to the two world wars and will include memories of those that fought, died and survived and stories relating to War in the context of Olney. %u201cIt can be anything or just a tribute or an image of a loved one,%u201d said Rachel. Contact her for more information at Ashwood Chimneys, 01234 710936 or by email via the website. Panto donationsMilton Keynes Community Foundation (MKCF) will be the offi cial charity partner for this year%u2019s highly anticipated Milton Keynes Theatre pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The city%u2019s theatre has confi rmed that the festive panto, starring musical star, Brian Conley, will benefi t from donations made during the show%u2019s season. News Round UpStamping donations Many Happy Returns to Newport Pagnell Services Sherington Belles W1 Trea