Carnival

Every year, Camphill Milton Keynes get's very excited about the Newport Pagnell Carnival – the biggest and longest-running carnival in the MK area. Our Craft Workshop had worked very hard on the costumes for the carnival again this year. The theme for 2025 was Carnival Tells a Story, and our team had thoughtfully selected the story Jack and the Beanstalk.

Alex Fox

Birds of Prey

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are a group of carnivorous birds knows for their hunting prowess. They are characterized by sharp talons, hooked beaks, keen eyesight, and powerful wings, enabling them to hunt and kill other animals. This diverse group includes hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, and vultures, found across the globe.

Key characteristics of birds of prey:

• Sharp Talons: Used to grasp and kill prey.
• Hooked Beaks: Used for tearing flesh.
• Keen Eyesight: Allows them to spot prey from great distances.
• Powerful Wings: Enable them to fly swiftly and efficiently while hunting.
• Hunting Prowess: They actively hunt and kill their prey, though some species also scavenge carrion.

Examples of birds of prey:

• Hawks: Medium to large birds with broad wings, often seen soaring.
• Eagles: Large, powerful birds with strong talons and hooked beaks.
• Owls: Nocturnal birds with rounded heads and forward-facing eyes, known for their silent flight. 
• Falcons: Medium-sized, fast and agile birds with pointed wings, often seen hovering. 
• Vultures: Scavengers that feed on carrion.

Birds of prey play an important ecological role as apex predators, helping to regulate populations of their prey and maintaining the health of their ecosystems. They are also indicator species, meaning their health and population in an area can reflect the overall health of the environment. 

Alex Fox

45th Anniversary of the Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda

NA MU MYO HO REN GE KYO

On Sunday 22nd June, there was the 45th anniversary of the building of the Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda.

Below is an extract from a Dharma talk by founder and teacher The Most Venerable Nichidatsu Fujii of the Nipponzan Myohoji Order, these words could not be more relevant now than at any time as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza claim the lives of thousands.

"Peace will come to the world when we no longer kill or take from others, and instead make offerings to sustain the lives of others.

We are now at a time when we need to look with fresh eyes at these simple teachings. There is no other way. No matter what is said by Presidents or speeches given by Prime Ministers, they are nothing more than proposals for pillage and murder.

Humanity will perish unless these simple teachings of Lord Buddha for world peace are believed in. It is now time to believe."

NA MU MYO HO REN GE KYO

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mkbuddhism

Alex Fox

Midsummer Fair

A Midsummer Fair is a traditional outdoor event, often a combination of a market and a funfair, with roots in historical celebrations surrounding the summer solstice.  These fairs have evolved from trade gatherings to include entertainment and amusement rides. They are a time for social connection and enjoyment for both traveling and non-traveling communities.

Midsummer Fairs have been held for centuries, with some tracing their origins back to medieval times and granting of royal charters.

These fairs are a time for communities to gather, celebrate, and enjoy various forms of entertainment and social interaction. They often involve traditional funfair activities, food stalls, and opportunities for social connection.

While the core concept of a Midsummer Fair revolves around the summer solstice, the specific activities and traditions can vary by location and community. Some fairs focus on specific trades, while others emphasize entertainment and community gatherings.

Alex Fox

Picnic

A picnic is a meal or gathering where food is eaten outdoors, often in a scenic or recreational setting, and typically enjoyed during a leisure activity like a walk or excursion. Picnics are usually associated with pleasant weather, especially during spring or summer, and offer a chance to enjoy food and company in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

Picnics take place outdoors, typically in parks, gardens, by lakeshores, or other scenic areas.

They are generally informal and relaxed, encouraging enjoyment of the surroundings and company.

Picnics involve bringing food and drinks to be consumed outdoors, often packed in a basket or bag.

Picnics often accompany other outdoor activities like walks, hikes, or enjoying nature.

Alex Fox