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November 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 December 2025 edition - 14th November06 Tree commemorationWe will remember them08 Olney Camera Club Taking completition shots10 Readers%u2019 lettersViews from around the region 12 Entertainment 1 Huge crew for Mary Poppins musical 14 Entertainment 2 Shipping forecast16 Downing Street competition A local Christmas tree for No10 17 Bank raid It%u2019s happening nationwide 18 Entertainment 3It will be here, next year22 Newport Pagnell Councillor Corner More from the town councillors 24 Mercury ReportNews from the local council 25 Dickens DayVictorian market returns to town 26 The Diary What%u2019s on, when and where?28 Olney Ward Councillor Corner The update from our local representatives 30 Panto roundup There%u2019s one near you 32 Late night shoppingBuy now before the rush34 Phonebox Foodie A soopa recipe36 Chris Curtis MP Member%u2019s busy month38 Book review A cool read38 Club of the Month Newport Pagnell Historical Society40 Fireworks nightSparklers galore43 Let%u2019s DanceWill shows you how44 Churches Together Local clergy thoughts and refl ections48 Phonebox Motoring Mini ride, maxi fun 51 Pibworth column Beware the IDs of November 52 Olney Ukraine AidCharitable work continues 53 Newport Pagnell and Olney Lions Donations and other work 54 Sports round up News from clubs across the regions 55 CRMK Crank up the volume 56 News Round Up More news from our towns and villages 62 Quiz Corner Jump to it, er...If you, like me, were horrifi ed to see that the Olney branch of the Nationwide Building Society had been ram-raided, again, last month, you will probably be saddened too that people think it%u2019s OK to destroy property, terrorise communities and steal from others.These %u2018takers%u2019 are a blight on our society and an unwelcome part of what some might call %u2018modern life.%u2019 If this is what modernity looks like, then I%u2019m perfectly content to remain in the dark ages, thank you very much.This mindless robbery struck a chord with me this month, as it contrasts sharply with those who choose to %u2018give.%u2019 I%u2019m specifi cally referring to Remembrance Day, which is coming up on 11th November. The communities of Olney, Newport Pagnell, and the surrounding towns and villages will be honouring those who have given everything for others, and continue to do so in confl icts around the world.General Sir John Hackett described serving in the armed forces as %u2018the contract of unlimited liability.%u2019 This means giving up personal rights and accepting common standards for the greater good. It involves going to places where soldiers do not wish to be and facing unimaginable horrors, injuries, and even death. What a sacrifi ce that was, and continues to be. This is happening all over the world, including, of course, in Ukraine, which we highlight on page 52, alongside stories of the great things people do to help others.In this issue, we also feature the upcoming Dickens of a Christmas festival (p. 25), a roundup of this year%u2019s local pantomimes (p. 30), information on latenight shopping in Olney (p. 32), ways to enjoy food on Bonfi re Night (p. 34), places to gather for fi reworks (p. 40), and much more community-spirited content.And take a look at the picture below; it shows just part of our foodbank box at the time of going to press. We have been inundated with donations of food from the thoughtful, caring people of Olney who wish to help those less fortunate than themselves.This brings me back to my original point. Why, amidst a sea of goodness and generosity, do we still see a few selfi sh, mindless individuals fl oating about? I can%u2019t quite understand it%u2026Ron Hall, Editor