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56 Phonebox Magazine | October 2025New priest welcomedRev Ben Lewis was welcomed as the new Priest in Charge at Olney%u2019s St Peter and St Paul Church last month. Area Dean Rev Adrian Lowe welcomed the congregation, Archdeacon Guy Elsmore read the address, Bishop Dave Bull, supported by Andrew Geary, oversaw the licensing. Ben chose the hymns, O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder; The Lord%u2019s my shepherd; Amazing grace!; and Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord.A special commemorative service booklet was made. After the service on 2nd September, the congregation celebrated with canap%u00e9s, refreshments, and a special %u2018Church Ale%u2019. Ben is looking forward to living and working in Olney.Inner Wheel Brooklands donationNewport Pagnell%u2019s Inner Wheel recently presented a cheque for %u00a32500 to the town%u2019s Brooklands Centre, which provides care and activities for the over-55s from the local area. The money was raised from a Strawberry Tea, Bring & Buy sales, monthly coff ee mornings, and by selling homemade crafts and other gifts from stalls at local events. Inner Wheel also supports international charities and will continue to help the local BAMK Ukraine appeal for another year. %u201cWe have already made multiple donations of clothes, bedding, towels, knitted toys and vital grant opportunities.%u201cEvery year our charity partnership creates a longer-lasting legacy for the pantomime,%u201d said Emma Sullivan, theatre director, 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.%u201dZoo and Other AnimalsWolverton Gilbert & Sullivan Society have announced their latest production, %u2018The Zoo and Other Greedy Animals%u2019, only at Stantonbury Theatre from Thursday 6th to Saturday 8th November, 7.30 pm. The double-bill features a complete staging of Arthur Sullivan%u2019s one-act comic opera, The Zoo, complemented by a whimsical selection of songs and poems celebrating The Zoo%u2019s twin themes of food and animals. Premiering in London just three months after Sullivan%u2019s fi rst big hit with W.S. Gilbert, Trial by Jury, in 1875, The Zoo off ers a glimpse into Sullivan%u2019s early theatrical career beyond his famous Savoy Operas. The second half of the evening, %u2018Other Greedy Animals%u2019 promises an entertaining mixture of music and poetic delights. Tickets from the group%u2019s website: wolvertongands.co.uk. More details and booking information at: https://www.trybooking.com/uk /events/landing/83312?&track=printOlney Fireworks 2025Get your diary out %u2013 the Olney Fireworks will be happening at the Recreation Ground on Sunday, 2nd November 2025, gates 4.30pm, display at 6.45pm.%u00a0Organisers have stressed that the number of people who can attend is limited by the safe capacity of the fi eld. Advance tickets will be on sale up until 4pm on Sunday, 2nd. If capacity allows, a limited number of tickets will also be available at the gate.The event will be fi red by the multi-awardwinning Gala Fireworks, using state-of-the-art computerised fi ring systems to choreograph split-second fi ring sequences, synchronised to comfort bags containing essential toiletries for men, women and soldiers,%u201d said spokesperson Maureen Hills.The club meets once a month on the third Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Olney Centre.Winter Light TrailDelapr%u00e9 Abbey grounds are preparing to be transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland. Expect glittering lights, festive delights and spectacular sights at the Northamptonshire venue from Friday 28th November to Wednesday 31st December.There%u2019s an all-new illuminated light trail stretching over a mile through Delapr%u00e9%u2019s woodland and gardens. Featuring new installations, interactive experiences and captivating soundscapes, it%u2019s a magical adventure for the family.With plenty of photo opportunities and immersive features designed to delight visitors of all ages, there%u2019s also delicious food from local, independent vendors, and Santa%u2019s Grotto available before or after your sparkling walk. More details: https://www.winterlighttrail.co.uk/northampton.Glass painting at WIOlney WI%u2019s September meeting enjoyed an evening of painting bottles and jars with a Christmas or fl oral theme. It became a very social evening with tea, cake and lots of talking. Member Maxine came fi rst in the competition. The group say they will be meeting again soon to work on a poppy cascade, ready for Remembrance Sunday. At our October meeting, they will be joined by a representative from the New Bridge Foundation.Foundation is theatre%u2019s chosen charityMilton Keynes Theatre has said that Milton Keynes Community Foundation (MKCF) has been selected as the offi cial charity partner for this year%u2019s pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, starring comedian Brian Conley.The partnership means that the generous donations made during the panto season will go directly into MKCF%u2019s Community Fund, ensuring that local charities and community groups across Milton Keynes benefi t through News Round UpWolverton Gilbert & Sullivan Society Dazzling winter wonderland at Delapr%u00e9 Abbey WI Glass painting