Comminity Assembly

These are some photographs  of residents and staff having a community assembly at the Chrysalis Theatre in Camphill Milton Keynes. We usually have these assemblies every month in the community so that we can discuss issues and bring up news about events happening in the community.

Alex Fox

Candlemas

Candlemas (February 2) is a Christien festival marking the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the Purification of Mary, occuring 40 days after Christmas. It symbolizes Jesus as the "Light of the World," traditionally involving the blessing of candles, and marks the final end of the Christmas-Epiphany season.

Key Details and History

Biblical Roots: Based on Luke 2:22-40, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem in obedience to Mosaic law, where the prophet Simeon proclaimed Jesus as "a light to lighten the Gentiles".
Name Origin:

 The name derives from the tradition of blessing candles for church and home use on this day, symbolizing the light of Christ

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Timing: It falls 40 days after Christmas (Dec 25), frequently on Feb 2, marking the official end of the Christmas season in many traditions, including medieval England.
Symbolism: It represents a pivot point in the Christian calendar, moving from the Nativity towards the events of Lent and Easter.
Customs: Common traditions include holding candlelight processions, eating crêpes (especially in France), and keeping nativity scenes displayed until this date.
Weather Lore: Similar to Groundhog Day, it is associated with superstitions predicting the length of winter.

Alex Fox

Bean Throwing Ceremony

On Sunday 1st February, there was Setsubun, the Bean Throwing Ceremony at the Buddhist Temple in Willen.
Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring in Japan. The name means ‘seasonal’ division, but usually the term refers to the spring Setsubun, properly called ‘Risshun’ celebrated on February 3^rd as part of the Spring.
There were prayers for about an hour then there was a special ritual to cleanse away all the evil of the last year and drive away disease-bringing evil spirits for the year to come. We performed this ritual by throwing lots of beans into the air in a darkened room (also saying loudly to rid us of any evil spirits) and then picking them up afterwards and putting them into paper bags with some sweets that had also been thrown into the air.

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

Alex Fox

Food tasting at Brioche Pasquier

Brioche Pasquier has a major UK factory and office located in Milton Keynes (Wymbush), which frequently hosts food tasting sessions, community events, and partnerships with local organizations.

Here are the key details regarding Brioche Pasquier food tasting in Milton Keynes:

Taste Test Challenges: Brioche Pasquier has partnered with MKFM and the MK Dons Sport & Education Trust to run "Taste Test Challenges," where they showcase new products like Beignets and brioche rolls.

Product Range: Tastings often feature their core French bakery products, including Brioche Rolls, Croissants, Pains au Chocolat, and Pancakes.
Events: The company has been a sponsor for local events such as the MK Food Festival, where they have participated in tastings.
Factory Location: 8 Garamonde Dr, Wymbush, Milton Keynes MK8 8DF.
Community Involvement: They frequently provide products for sampling in the Milton Keynes area and collaborate with local influencers and teams.

https://www.briochepasquier.co.uk/

Alex Fox

Sledging

Sledging (or sledding) is a popular winter activity involving sliding down snow-covered hills while sitting or lying on a sled, sledge or toboggan. It is a recreational pastime, sometimes used for transportation, and serves as the basis for competitive sports like luge, skeleton, and bobsledding.

Key Aspects of Sledging:

Equipment: Vehicles range from traditional wooden sleds with metal runners to plastic trays, discs, or even improvised items like cardboard or trays.
Activity: It is mainly done for fun, with participants aiming to reach the bottom of a hill fastest or travel the furthest.
Locations: Commonly performed on snowy hills, mounds, or dedicated, sometimes prepared, slopes.
Terminology: Known as "sledding" in North America and "sledging" in British English, it is often associated with tobogganing.
Safety: While fun, it requires suitable clothing to stay warm and dry.

Alex Fox

Travelodge

Travelodge is a major budget hotel chain, primarily in the UK, Ireland, and Spain, known for offering affordable, no-frills, accomodation with convenient locations in cities, towns, and near transport hubs, focusing on providing a comfortable, well-priced stay with basic amenities like Wi-Fi and some offering Bar Cafes. They are a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking good value, with modernised rooms and facilities across their large network.

In essence, Travelodge provides a reliable, value-focused lodging option for those prioritizing location and price over extensive luxury amenities, aiming to be a trusted choice for everyday travel.

https://www.travelodge.co.uk/

Alex Fox