In July we were pleased to host a concert with guitar maestro, Don Perera. Try this https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7sxtujshzwavlt1w9wf4q/Intro%20and%20Capricho%20Arabe%20-%20Tarrega.MP4?dl=0&oref=e&r=AAczQnNa1CDnLJDh0ycWEeVFif4oC1dMXdmQe02bNLyAlexH8KmwIcKfex_KEUaWOrE6M6C65rnzo04edDz5BtVeSCgJw2FmRQ1sTvAV1rngJz9x1YFvSwAwnRIGGJSz8NFFAXZBbMsfxm2QXtFZRHoC4ObC76KLqFEUSRv1b99-1g&sm=1

If you like it, go to “About Us” on the menu, then select “video gallery”, then follow the links to see more. You’ll be delighted.

A second Day of Caring by over 50 MBFS volunteers and contractors resulted in a transformation of the new grounds,

as well as two freshly painted rooms,

and clearance of the front border garden.

More pictures, courtesy Mick Moutrie, at https://www.flickr.com/gp/16497759@N07/d4uTxs

What! No pictures of the finished work?

Come and see us anytime, but especially on July 29th at our Open Day & Family Fun Day – see that date in the What’s On calendar.

Saturday, July 1st

Whose Turn is it Anyway?

A joyous night of well-constructed, somewhat surreal (that’s good, by the way), hilarity. They’ll be back in October.

Friday, July 7th (5.00 – 10.00pm)

EatStreet’s third outing at York House was another roaring success with sold-out food stalls and a delightful atmosphere. Next one up is on August 4th.

Saturday, July 8th (evening)

A Summer Guitar Concert with Don Perera.

This was just sheer bliss for the many who were lucky enough to experience it. Video to follow (I hope). Meanwhile, here’s a pic:

Saturday, July 29th: York House Open Day & Fun Day. Noon to 8pm

LOTS of families and others came to enjoy  family fun and entertainment, with children’s sports and games and funfair activities (including a bouncy castle, of course). There was fine food from our barbecue and Calcutta Brasserie, delicious cakes from Bo’s Bites, and an ice-cream van! The Great Oakley real ale went well, as did the teas and coffees and other refreshments. Lovely music from Ian & Irene. A great speech from the Mayor of MK, and a jolly (good) poem from the Bard of Stony Stratford, Our colourful Town Crier provided the shouting and bell-ringing. Innocent Hare provided lively dance music for those wwith plenty of energy.

Plenty of tired, pink-faced children – so it must have been a good day.

A weekend to remember with 30 lovely gardens of varying aspects open to hundreds of people who were also listening to musicians, watching artists and enjoying tea and cake.  Thank you to York House for supporting another Stony Stratford community venture, all in aid of Willen  Hospice.

Photos courtesy Rob Gifford.

See the events calendar for more details of the events:

 What you may have missed

On Friday June 2nd 5.00 – 10.00pm

Another roaring success for Eat Street, with a great crowd   enjoying the sunshine, the wonderful food from seven vendors – from samosas and tacos to pizzas and cheesy delights – and, of course, some lovely beers from The Beer Bear. The next Eatstreet will be on July 7th (ie the first Friday).

Saturday, June 3rd 10.00am – 4.00pm

The first Bucks Fest was a great success, showcasing the best of local, hand-made products, quality food and drink, local crafts and entertainment, centered around ecology, health and well-being. Great day out with family and friends.

Tuesday, June 6th 8.00 – 11.00pm

An Evening with The Bard and Friends

Bard Stephen Hobbs introduces outstanding local performers who will delight though music, storytelling, poetry, and comedy. Includes: Daniel Collins (from world renowned “The Sixteen”); Red Phoenix; and a special surprise!

Wednesday, June 7th, 8.00 – 10.00pm: ‘A Sequence to Summer’ – Byrd, Bach and Beyond

A Keyboard recital of music in a related sequence of favourite pieces on the theme of song and dance through the ages. And some of the pieces will complement the other Shakespeare events in town.

Saturday, June 10th matinee and evening performances

Canals of Old England:

A capacity audience enjoyed a stunning and original musical history of England’s canals. The event was video’d and the plan is to take the show on the road – watch out for details.

Saturday, June 17th:

Dancing with Danza Enigma
Beginners welcomed, no partners or dance experience required
* Guest DJ & Teacher David Bonner in Kizomba Room
* DJ Steve Mapson in Latin Room

The Big Draw family art event is back – on October 14th. see the events calendar for more details, and mark your diary with one of the highlights of the Stony calendar.

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

May 3rd: Gods, Demons, and Immortals

An illustrated look at some of the many colourful and fascinating beings in Hindu mythology.

 May 5th: Eat Street

A roaring success for the first of a series of events offering tasty treats from local food vendors offering grills, pizza, toasted cheese sandwiches, Mexican and oriental goodies, with a fine beer bar, and cakes and puds stall.

May 6th: Comedy Cow

Headliner is the astounding Frank Sanazi and his superior take on lounge-lizard cabaret, Hosted by Lou Conran, with support from quality stand-up comedians.

May 13th: Yorkiefest

Another successful return of the annual charity-supporting all-day music and performance event. YorkieFest 2017: The audience was treated to a great day of original music, spoken word and dance. Our two selected charities will receive just over £300.00 each

May 13th Steampunk Lab

Calling all steampunk adventurers, lords, ladies, pirates, aeronauts, and mad scientists.
Mix, meet and mingle with like-minded creative explorers to transform clothes, jewellery, textiles, furniture and accessories.

 May 8th & May 15th (1.00 – 2.00pm): Chinese Fan Fusion Dance

One hour Introduction (afternoon) session to Chinese Fan Fusion dancing – learn some basic techniques, and have a go & a giggle. This is an it’s low impact & relaxing dance form.

May 15th: Introduction to Salsa

Do you wish you could dance salsa but are too afraid to learn?

A fun 1 hour (afternoon) session of beginners/foundation Salsa dancing. Enjoy learning with like minded people going at a nice easy pace without any pressure.

May 20th: Saftastic Curry Night

SORRY, BUT THIS HAD TO BE CANCELLED. WATCH OUT FOR NEWS OF A NEW DATE.

Saturday May 27th – afternoon: 5 Men Not Called Matt

What a terrific way to spend an afternoon – jolly songs and a sparkly atmosphere (plus tea and cake), and all in  aid of RNLI.

Bet you wish you were aged 8 – 12 so you could have gone to a lively session of giant catapult making at York House Centre Junior Youth Club.

A great time was had by all.

The Junior Youth Club runs every Monday in  term time from 6.30 – 7.30, and subs are just £1 per session. All sorts of lively goings-on from arts and crafts to games and … whatever we can think of.