Essentially Local March-April 17

Community
Potterspury Players – take your seats!
The Potterspury Players are
back to present another of their
delightful productions. Out of
Focus, written by Peter Gordon,
is a contemporary comedy set in
a village hall. Confusion reigns as
various groups descend upon the
hall for their multiple bookings.
Eventually everyone unites for the
production of the pantomime but
not before alliances form, fall-outs
happen, confidence is built, some
get their comeuppance and everyone
receives their just deserts. These
amateur actors offer a professional
performance of a particularly funny
production. Loyal and new supporters
will definitely be entertained.
Put Thursday, 23 March and Friday
25 March in your diaries and head to
Potterspury Village Hall.
The tickets are £8 (£6 concessions)
and are available from 01908 542650
or 01908 542255, The Cottage
Stores, Potterspury or on the night on
the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and
the performance will start at 7.30pm.
The Bygone Stony Exhibition
– what a weekend
More than 450 visitors walked,
biked and drove to The Bygone
Stony exhibition at York House
in January. As memories were
stirred and new residents made
discoveries, there was a terrific
buzz. The usual great generosity
of local residents came into play
and a whopping £276 appeared
in the donations bucket during
the exhibition. This will go to future
York House community events.
Thanks to all the photo
contributors, to John Hawkins for
the slide-show, to Ken Daniels’ able
assistants and all those who came
along and made it worth while.
Thanks also to MK50 for putting on
the celebrations, and to Liz & Rob
Gifford for StonyWords!
New Bard for Stony Stratford
The Stony Stratford trials saw a new
Bard appointed on 24 January at York
House.
Four brave hopefuls entered the
open competition before a live
audience and panel of judges. Three
rounds and an exciting tie-breaking
vote saw Stephen Hobbs being
appointed to this prestigious position
– Bard of Stony.
Theresa Wedderburn (Branch-out
MK) added the Bardic Wonderland
themed décor to transform the hall
with trees and candlelight tables,
making this a memorable part of
Stony Words.
Since 2010, this honourable
tradition has appointed a Bard as a
figurehead for the spirit of creativity,
culture and community for the town.
Anyone who has the power to use
their voice can enter. The winner
becomes the holder of the Bardic
Pencil and Bag of Magic Beans for a
year and one day. During this time
the Bard must produce and perform
original pieces in the oral tradition
to celebrate the customs and
achievements of the town
and people.
Mayor of Milton Keynes Steve
Coventry congratulated Stephen,
who said, “I believe that the Bard is
uniquely placed to provide a human
commentary on our everyday civic
life. I shall use poetry and storytelling
to entertain and illuminate … I would
be honoured to offer my voice to the
good people of Stony Stratford as
their Bard.”
We look forward to A Year and a
Day of Hobbs, Bard Hobbs, 007!
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