Stony’s Big Lunch 2014

Yesterday afternoon some of my family – my wife; mother-in-law; sister-in-law; son; daughter-in-law and a friend who had been my daughter-in-law’s bridesmaid – went with me to Stony Stratford’s Big Lunch – held on Millfield.

An enjoyable and entertaining afternoon. We arrived too late for the opening by the Mayor, Brian White – but were close to the Punch and Judy Show and enjoyed Wolverton’s Town Band (Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/wolvertontownband/ – well worth a like!)

We are looking forward to Stony Live! which starts this week.

Thanks

… to the Parks Trust for this year’s excellent Walking Festival. There was a great programme – covering everything from Nordic Walking; to local history; flowers and wildlife.

After Saturday’s MK Past & Present which I did with my Son and Daughter in law; I joined the Stony Stratford in Bloom Walk with my wife on Sunday morning – and then I joined the Iron Trunk and Ouse Valley Walk.

The weather may not have been brilliant – but I feel so much better; not just because of the fresh air and exercise – but all the walks were so interesting.

It’s fantastic what Stony in Bloom have done – a very nice town has been made brighter and more attractive by the work they have done. A new leaflet has just been produced – and is available in hard copy around the town. I’ll be going back to revisit the route as the seasons change.

Walkers on the “Iron Trunk and Ouse Valley Walk” were also given a useful map for future use – of the five “Iron Trunk Aqueduct Trails” which can be downloaded from http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/1551.pdf

‘The Park Trust’ and ‘Stony in Bloom’ can only bring these delights to Milton Keynes citizens through their volunteers.

Thank you for all you do.

 

Cinemas in Milton Keynes

Information about the films – and screenings – at Milton Keynes cinemas can be found at –

Cineworld (at Xscape) – http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/milton-keynes

Odeon (behind the pyramid) – http://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/milton_keynes/147/

The “Stony Scala Film Club” has screenings at the Cock Hotel. This Sunday the film is “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” – further details of that screening are available here. For more details of the film club email – stonyscalafilm@aol.com

The website of the Open Film Society, based at the OU – is http://www.openfilmsociety.co.uk/

Manno’s Manor

I promised a review after I had read Bryan Dunleavy’s book, “Manno’s Manor: A History of Wolverton to 1838”.

I know that Wolverton is to the East of Watling Street – but who cares – this is an excellent book – I found it difficult to put down. There’s a wealth of information about the history of this area – and yes “Watling Street” is crossed. (There’s some good stuff on Stony Stratford). There are some excellent diagrams; maps and photographs. It’s well worth reading – and keeping as a reference book.

Chapter one deals with the “transport network” of the area – from ancient trackways to the railways. Subsequent chapters deal with –

Chap 2 – from Neolithic times to 1066

Chap 3 – The Barons of Wolverton – from the 11th to 14th centuries

Chap 4 – mainly Stony Stratford

Chap 5 – Medieval life in Wolverton

Chaps 6 & 7 – the Longuevilles

Chap 8 – the 18th Century & the Radcliffe Trust

Chap 9 – the canal age

Chap 10 – Roads; Inns; the Coaching Trade & a new church.

Chilling out for my birthday

Since I last posted, I’ve been enjoying a long weekend around my birthday. They seem to come so quickly these days!

On Thursday I went to a  “Soiree bowling”- ‘pour  feter le nouvel An’ – not in Paris, or Nice – but here in Milton Keynes. There are a series of groups in the city under the heading of “The Milton Keynes French Speakers Group” – which include a regular – ‘Prendre un verre ensemble’ and other events such as quizzes and meals. This was my first. My French skills need a bit of developing – and I am (and have been) a regular attender at a French conversation class led by the excellent Marie Da Silva. So on Thursday I went along to join the group which includes more proficient speakers. I was nervous – but the group was very friendly – and for the bowling had joined up with members of other MK international groups. It was a lovely evening.

There are more details about the group on http://www.meetup.com/meetupFrance-passion-com/

On Friday, I went into the Centre to spend some Christmas and Birthday money. I love coffee – and took the opportunity to move up from a filter coffee maker to an expresso maker. It has made such a difference!

On Saturday – a long lie in – then some work, then a birthday meal at Café Rouge in the Hub.

My son and his wife went to Berlin for the weekend (it’s his birthday this week!) – so my wife and popped round to feed two of our “grand-kitties” (the other two live in Oldbrook). Afterwards we walked into Stony Stratford. I love living in Furzton – but could happily spend many hours mooching around in Stony. I love the music scene, the many cafes, and of course any excuse is welcome to buy some bread from Woodstock’s Artisan Bakery. (closed on Sundays – but I’m planning a trip some time this week).

But the working week is upon me – so I’d better get my head down!

Gorgeous Bread

I like Stony Stratford. It’s got character (and a lot of history). I’m particularly taken by the artisan bakery which opened this summer in the High Street, “Woodstock’s.”

It has to be admitted that I’ve made a couple of early morning trips to Woodstock’s to purchase their gorgeous bread. This morning I was there just after opening time at 8.00 and the bread was hot – it still was by the time I had got back to Furzton. It was just like being on holiday in France – a tasty baguette; cheese and coffee. [The coffee was also bought at Woodstock’s – Union Hand-Roasted Coffee – revelation blend coffee beans 6-extra strong]. The best thing is that there is a wide selection of breads and cakes available – and the bread is made thorough-out the day – so none of that sad feeling so common in the supermarkets, of picking up a cold and hard baguette.

I thoroughly recommend giving Woodstock’s a try!

Their website can be found at http://woodstocksbakery.co.uk/ – the artisan bakery can be found at

6 High Street, Stony Statford Milton Keynes MK11 1AF

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 08:00 – 17:00hrs Sunday CLOSED