Willen Hospice invites you to take a trip down memory lane

Willen Hospice invite you to take a trip down memory lane on Saturday April 23rd as they collect material for a historic documentary film. 

 Willen Hospice and Living Archive MK are inviting members of the public to a ‘Down Memory Lane’ event to reminisce and share memories of the role Willen Hospice has played in the lives of people of Milton Keynes. 

The informal event, which will take place at Willen Pavilion on 23rd April from 10am to 2pm, will gather stories and information from members of the public to feed into the development of a documentary film which Willen Hospice is developing in partnership with Living Archive MK following a £10,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project, called ‘Willen Hospice Caring for MK since 1981’ will look back over the past 40 years, from when the Hospice first opened its doors in the early 80s. This film will showcase how a community came together to make the dream of a local Hospice into a reality, and how it has grown to become one of Milton Keynes’ best-loved charities, helping countless families over the years. 

At the event, Willen Hospice and Living Archive MK will be sharing a wide collection of photos and documents from their archives and looking for interviewees to be part of the documentary. The relaxed, informal event gives members of the public the opportunity to view the current archive and hopefully add to it through their own memoirs. 

 Rachael Withe, Marketing Manager for Willen Hospice comments “This is an exciting opportunity to capture untold stories and hear from the many people within our community who have been part of our incredible journey so far. This film will belong to everyone in Milton Keynes and be a celebration of all those who have been, and continue to be, the reason why we are able to provide our care and services.” 

Mel Jeavons, Living Archive MK General Manager, adds, “We have a fantastic selection of photos to share from the archives but many feature unknown people. We are hoping this event will help put names and stories to some of these faces as well as prompt others to recall their memories and experiences.” 

The documentary film is to be completed by the end of summer, ready for a free public screening during the Heritage Open Days week in September 2022. 

Register for the free event here.