Local News

Bringing you news that matters to you from across the local area

27th Feb 2024

The Craufurd Arms brews up something new for you...

Wolverton music venue The Craufurd Arms is used to giving its customers a big night out. But sometimes, the only thing to successfully follow a late night is a big cup of good coffee – and now the Wolverton-based venue is able to deliver that, too! The Green Room opened its doors this week, and is a new coffee shop catering for all. "We're really proud of the space we have created, and want to make this into a centre point for the community," said Craufurd co-owner Jason Hall, who runs the venue with Max Harvey, "Whether you are keen to find somewhere to host your mum and baby group, want to hold a meeting, fancy a coffee and natter with friends, want to enjoy a little bit of 'me time' or maybe you run your business remotely and fancy a change of scene. Whatever it is, we're here for..

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27th Feb 2024

‘Dominic is a passionate, inspiring and increasingly influential voice,’ says Chris...

Naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham has congratulated Dominic Dyer on his selection as the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for the new seat of Buckingham and Bletchley. Dominic, who has been a resident of Milton Keynes for more than two decades, has had a wide-ranging career working in the agriculture, food manufacturing, plant science and conservation sectors. Unlike many conservationists, he became a wildlife protection and environment campaigner after a career in government and industry, using the skills he acquired in Whitehall, Brussels, and the corporate boardroom to fight for the protection of wildlife and nature at home and abroad. Dominic was CEO of the Badger Trust from 2013 to 2020 and is currently Policy Advisor and Wildlife Advocate at the Born Free Foundation. He is also a Board member of Wildlife and Countryside Link. "I must congratulate Dominic Dyer on being selected as one of the Parliamentary candidates in his..

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22nd Feb 2024

Call for local Primary School Teachers – Free event to explore outdoor learning

As part of their initiative to inspire young people about the natural world, The Parks Trust are hosting an exclusive event for MK’s Primary School Teachers to discover learning opportunities available to schools in the city. Packed with information and taster activities designed to inspire the enhancement of primary student’s school experience, the free event for teachers will be held at Campbell Park Pavilion. As an open session, teachers can attend for a duration to suit their availability, between 4pm and 6pm on Friday 8th March. A guided tour of Campbell Park, and refreshments, will be provided and all attendees will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a special prize. Spaces are limited, so Primary School Teachers in MK should head online for more information or email outdoorlearning@theparkstrust.com to secure their space. Find out more here. The Parks Trust, the charity caring for over 6,000 acres..

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22nd Feb 2024

City Council launches new scheme for residents to borrow useful items for their home for FREE

Need it, but don’t, have it? BORROW IT – Milton Keynes City Council has launched MK’s first Library of Things, a new pilot scheme where residents can borrow useful items for their home for FREE. The city’s first Library of Things scheme has officially opened thanks to Milton Keynes City Council with the help of local partners. Based at The Frank Moran Centre in Bletchley, the new pilot project aims to support the city’s most vulnerable residents impacted by the cost-of-living crisis by helping local people save money and reduce waste by renting DIY and household items for free. Working alongside Foodbank Xtra and local charity providers, the City Council has purchased a limited number of items that will be available for residents to borrow. Not only is borrowing more cost-effective, but it is also more sustainable as it helps to reduce clutter and allows residents to borrow things they..

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22nd Feb 2024

Willen Hospice Launches Leap Year Appeal to Fund Extra Day of Care for Local Families

With leap day on the horizon, Willen Hospice is embarking on a heartfelt appeal to the community, seeking support to raise an additional £16,175 to fund an extra day of care for individuals and families in need. As the hospice prepares to extend its specialist care and support for an extra day this leap year, they are turning to the generosity of the community for assistance. With only 15% of costs met by ongoing NHS funding, the hospice is dependent on local support and is reaching out to rally the community to help them provide an extra 24 hours of care for those who need it most. "At Willen Hospice, every moment counts," says Jackie Young, Associate Director of Nursing at the hospice. “We provide essential care, support and comfort for patients who may be spending their final weeks or days with loved ones. This leap year, with an extra..

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22nd Feb 2024

Tackling the rise in unwanted cats and kittens

RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Bucks (RSPCA MK & NB) branch tell Pulse Magazine about the difficulty of dealing with increasing numbers of unwanted cats and kittens – and every cat owner can play their part in helping to turn the tide, as Pulse’s Sammy Jones discovered... Everyone loves a cute kitten, right? Those little fluffy bundles of beauty melt hearts. Sadly, their cuteness is also their downfall, as people introduce them into their homes without really thinking about those kittens turning into bigger balls of fluff that can sometimes live for the best part of a couple of decades, and the associated expense of food and veterinary costs over their lifetime. We’ve talked about the importance of getting your pet neutered before, and yet the message never quite reaches everyone. It’s not an option. It’s a necessity. People love their pets, but when the household purse strings need to..

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21st Feb 2024

Paulerspury Players kick off their 34th annual Pantomime

Paulerspury Players have kicked off their 34th annual Pantomime “Robin Hood” in Paulerspury Village Hall, Towcester, NN12 7NA from Wednesday 21st February 2024 to Saturday 24th February 2024. Robin Hood is a traditional pantomime full of songs, jokes, slapstick and the odd inflatable palm tree. Robin, our hero and his friends Lady Marian, Dame Freya Tuck and Will and Scarlett are just some of the characters you will meet in this comic adventure. The story is one that everyone knows but with a some twists and turns along the way.  You can join in the fun and boo the Sheriff, King John and Hilda, and our baddie trio. But is panto just for kids… oh no it isn’t, panto is for everyone! There is something for all ages, an enjoyable evening of fun is guaranteed and not to be missed. Tickets are available by visiting paulerspuryplayers.com or by calling the..

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20th Feb 2024

Half term fun at centre:mk

As half term has approached, centre:mk have geared up for a week of family fun; offering visitors a whole host of entertainment and experiences to keep the kids occupied come rain or shine. Family Fair in Middleton Hall: 17th – 25th February Roll up to the Family Fair, enjoy traditional rides and games including tea cups and hook ‘a’ duck, have a bounce on the bungee trampolines, watch balloon modelling, enjoy the magic show and get your face painted. There’s something for all the family to enjoy. (Activities vary daily). Circus Skills Workshop, Middleton Hall: Monday 19th – Friday 23rd February. 12pm-2pm. Brush up on your hula hoop, or learn to juggle with a clown.. these free circus skills sessions run by the performing arts specialists from Black Sheep Collective are bound to entertain kids and grown-ups alike. Kids Club, Outside M&S: Saturday 24th February. 11am-4pm With a Mother’s Day..

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15th Feb 2024

Making MK’s Parks More Accessible

A new workstream for The Parks Trust, the self-financing charity caring for MK’s parks, sets out to make green spaces and parkland activities more accessible to everyone. Following the successful introduction of improvements at Willen Lake, including a Changing Places toilet, the Trust has now begun enhancing Furzton Lake. The most recent works provide widened pathways, extended handrails, safety barrier edging, and the addition of picnic bench seating with dedicated space for wheelchair users. Hannah Bodley, Deputy Chief Executive of The Parks Trust said “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors, and that's why we're dedicated to making improvements that will create a more inclusive environment for all.” To inform the best improvements, the Trust has formed an Access Ambassadors panel – a group who share a passion to make positive change. This collaborative and diverse panel of individuals bring personal..

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15th Feb 2024

Local couple remembers Willen Hospice wedding for Valentine’s Day

When Olivia was told that her Mum might not live long enough to be at her Wedding, she was devastated. That’s when the incredible staff at Willen Hospice came together to bring her wedding to Willen Hospice, just so her Mum could be there. Olivia Lowen said, “On the Saturday, the day of the wedding, the nurses had decorated the conservatory at Willen Hospice and it was unrecognisable, it actually looked like a wedding venue. They’d put up bunting with our names on it, set all the chairs up so there was an aisle, there was a lectern, and they even sorted a buffet for all of our guests.  It also transpired that some of the nurses had come in on their days off to help get Mum ready, making sure that she was as pain free as possible so she could enjoy the day. Everyone who came to the..

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15th Feb 2024

Midsummer Place radiates positivity throughout February

February is undoubtedly the month of LOVE and to celebrate, Midsummer Place has installed a new pop-up ‘Wall of Positivity’ to help spread joy and happiness with positive affirmations. Over the past few weeks, shoppers were invited to share their inspiring comments, phrases and words of positivity – and the response was amazing! Over 240 positive affirmations were sent, each with a personal meaning and sentiment to pass on to someone else. Now, just after Valentine’s Day, they will be displayed across the ‘Wall of Positivity’ for all to see. "This time of the year can be a really happy experience for many people but it can also be a time when we feel most alone. It’s important for us to think about others and reaching out to people to remind them of the positive things in life and what it gives us. said Kirsty McGiff Marketing Manager at Midsummer..

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14th Feb 2024

Buckinghamshire Author Hosts Charity Led Book Launch Supported by the Mayoress of Milton Keynes

A mum of three from Buckinghamshire, is staging a book launch and raising money for local charity Harry’s Rainbow with the support of the Mayoress of Milton Keynes, Mandy Legg. The event, which will also be attended by business and thought leaders from across the UK, is taking place on Thursday 29th February at Sultans in the theatre district of the city. 48-year-old Clare Deacon, an expert in positive psychology and personal growth, has written her transformational and motivational book Blooming Happya after losing her husband and ‘Superman’ Dave, to an unexpected heart attack in October 2016. After initially feeling bereft and broken at his passing, Clare turned to local charity Harry’s Rainbow for support as they help children who have experienced bereavement. Thanks to their guidance, Clare was able to think more clearly about their future as a family and it led her to re-train and launch her own..

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14th Feb 2024

Community, charity and culinary delights: Sophie’s Street Feast returns for 2024

Combining delicious street food with raising awareness and funds for charity, the date for the 2nd annual Milton Keynes-based Sophie’s Street Feast has been announced. The must-attend event will take place on Sunday, 22nd September 2024, from 11am to 4pm at the MK City Discovery Centre. Sophie’s Street Feast is a celebration of community, charity, and eclectic culinary delights. The 2023 event hosted by Sophie etc. and charity Toybox, welcomed an impressive 3,000+ visitors who sampled food from all around the world, while learning more about Milton Keynes-based charities and the work they do both here in the UK and internationally. New for 2024 is the addition of corporate partners, QLM Search and Brioche Pasquier, and charity partner YMCA Milton Keynes, who support young people locally with accommodation, employment and advice. Commenting on the opportunity to be involved, Lorraine Devereux, Fundraising Manager at YMCA MK, said: “YMCA Milton Keynes are thrilled to have been..

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14th Feb 2024

Newton Blossomville School awarded Outstanding and labelled ‘remarkable’ by Ofsted

Newton Blossomville Church of England School has been awarded Outstanding by Ofsted. The First School, near Olney and Turvey, was awarded outstanding in all areas of the inspection, with the report highlighting that; ‘Pupils at the school receive a remarkable start to their education’. Newton Blossomville School was praised for its ‘highly developed curriculum’, ‘exceptional’ pupil personal development and described as being ‘at the heart of the community’. The school is part of The Village Schools Federation, a group of six rural schools. With high teacher/pupil ratios the schools work together sharing a curriculum, quality teaching expertise, all while securing the schools’ long-term financial future. Having last been inspected in 2009, Newton Blossomville has bucked the national trend and managed to maintain its Outstanding rating. Emma Wallace, Executive Headteacher of the VSF commented: “Newton Blossomville is an incredibly special school, giving pupils a fantastic start to their education. Our pupils are..

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14th Feb 2024

Kaisa Larkas wins the Olney Pancake Race

Kaisa Larkas triumphed in the historic Olney Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday 13 February 2024, completing the 415-yard course in a time of just 1.03.37. It was a fiercely contested race, with Eloise Krammer coming a very close second, and Rebecca Budd in third. Kaisa won the race back in 2017 and said “I can’t resist a challenge! And it’s great fun”. This has been a record-breaking year for entries, with 24 individual runners and 10 three-legged teams. Dressed in a skirt and head scarf and clutching their frying pan and pancake, the runners completed the packed course from the Market Place, down the High Street, to the race finish outside St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Olney. The race is reputed to have taken place since 1445 and has certainly run every year since 1948, except for 2021. Pamela Bolivar won the 75th International Race in Liberal, Kansas,..

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