In the Community Willen Hospice is hoping for a significant boost to its funds from the Summer of Moo events
Victim support scheme wins crime prevention award
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scheme run by the YMCA in Milton Keynes that supports young people affected by serious violence has won a national award. Under the Hospital Navigator scheme, volunteers provide signposting to mentoring and support for victims aged 1335 who attend hospital A&E departments, including to YMCA MK’s services. The scheme has won first prize at the National Crimebeat Awards, run by the youth crime prevention charity National Crimebeat. It is the national charity of the High Sheriffs’ Association in England and Wales and the Hospital Navigator
programme, which had the backing of Buckinghamshire High Sheriff George Anson, received the High Sheriffs’ Association’s Special Award. YMCA MK’s hospital navigator Tayler Tookey said: “We know that when people are in hospital, there is a reachable moment when intervention can be successful. It is incredibly rewarding to see the impact this scheme has had on the young lives of those we have supported.” The Hospital Navigator Scheme launched in June 2021. Funded by the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit, the volunteers operate from the A&E department at Milton Keynes Hospital.
Space raises community spirit
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elcome to The Outdoor Space, an urban undercover area next to The Old Bath House and Community Centre in Wolverton and the first stage of an ambitious community project. Works by local artists Timothy B Layden, Luke McDonnell, Sara Myers, Cathy Ebbels, Jill Kitchen, Iain Talbot and Gavin Grace, along with more than 40 mosaic birds made in workshops by families during lockdown, has been shared on the walls of the pedestrian entrance to the space between the centre and Tesco supermarket. The space is the result
of a consultation with Wolverton businesses and residents. Their responses led to plans to make the area more welcoming and to encourage more people to use the space. The Outdoor Space, which already hosts two weekly community fridge sessions and a regular monthly craft market, will soon be home to a pop-up café at weekends. “The collective creativity, time and commitment that everyone has contributed to this project is astounding,” says project coordinator Helen Innes. “We hope that people that use this space, enjoy it and it makes them feel good.”
Foundation launches refugee fund
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n appeal to support Ukrainian families and individuals fleeing the war in their homeland for a new life in Milton Keynes is under way. It has been launched by Milton Keynes Community Foundation, which hopes that the appeal will help to ease some of the hardship, isolation and fear faced by refugees as they settle in the borough. The appeal also aims to support the onward resettlement of refugees to other places in the UK, said the foundation’s director of
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philanthropy Ranjit Singh. He added: “MK Community Foundation’s mission to ‘Fund Fairness’ is at the heart of everything we do. We want support those vulnerable refugees who will call MK their home and wish to provide the right support to help them do this.” n Voluntary groups and charities supporting refugees in Milton Keynes can apply for funding via MK Community Foundation’s website at https:// mkcommunityfoundation. co.uk/grants/apply-for-agrant/.
May 2022
Fundraisers in the moo-d to put best feet forward
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illen Hospice has unveiled plans for its three biggest fundraising events of the year. The Summer of Moo begins in June, a series of walks around Milton Keynes to raise funds for the hospice. The Midday Moo on June 25 and Midnight Moo on July 15 challenge local people to walk a five- or ten-mile route around Milton Keynes. The Mini Moo, previously branded the Scooterthon, on August 7 offers a fun way for younger supporters to get involved. The Midday Moo starts and finishes at Milton Keynes Rugby Club in Emerson Valley, and includes pub stops on route
and a finale at The Big Food Festival. The Midnight Moo is back for its 13th year with a new route starting and finishing at Midsummer Place shopping centre. The pandemic has hit hospice funds hard and Willen is hoping that participants can pass its fundraising target of £125,000. “I am confident,” says hospice chief executive Peta Wilkinson. “The Moo has become one of Milton Keynes’ most popular fundraising events and we are looking forward to it being even bigger and better this year.” The hospice’s specialist nurses provide free, holistic care to people at the end of their lives and to those who have been
diagnosed with a life-limiting condition such as neurological diseases or cancer, as well as comfort and counselling for their family and friends. The service is free to those who need it but requires £4.7 million a year to run. Specsavers MK has agreed to be the Midnight Moo’s headline sponsor. The Midday and Midnight Moo costs £20 to enter, and includes a Moo T-shirt and medal. The Mini Moo costs £10, which includes a cap and medal. n Find out more at www.willen-hospice. org.uk/moo. To discuss sponsorship, email corporate@willen-hospice.org.uk
High Sheriff speaks of a year inspired by hymn’s anniversary
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ormer Mayor of Milton Keynes Debbie Brock has been appointed the new High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire. She is pictured after the official Declaration Ceremony at The Church of Christ the Cornerstone in Milton Keynes, attended by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant The Countess Howe, past High Sheriffs of Buckinghamshire, Mayors from across the county, judges, magistrates and guests. She succeeds the outgoing High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire George Anson and will be in the post for 12 months. Of his year in office Mr Anson said: “Being the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire has opened my eyes to the tremendous contribution made to our community by essential service providers Debbie Brock, the newly appointed High and volunteer organisations.” Sheriff of Buckinghamshire He described his year in office as “very special”. January 1773, looking at the “I Ms Brock added: “I look way modern slavery and forward to giving my exploitation are tackled am keen service in support of the today.” to support peace and well-being of All appointments were initiatives that help witnessed by Neil Arnold, our county. Like many of my predecessors, chair of Buckinghamshire to build stronger I am keen to support Magistrates. communities” initiatives that help to build Serene Taylor was stronger communities as appointed as the new Under well as those that prevent crime Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and and reoffending and I am also keen to Ms Brock’s predecessor George Anson understand the ways in which victims of was appointed as the Deputy Under Sheriff. crime are supported. The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest “I have a broad theme of inclusion and secular office in the UK, after the Crown. taking the lead from my home town of The High Sheriff is appointed personally Olney marking the 250th anniversary by The Queen at the Pricking Ceremony of Amazing Grace being sung on 1st held in March each year.
Former art critic takes office in Bedfordshire
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ady Jane Clifford is the new High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 202223. She was installed at a ceremony at Elstow Abbey and succeeds Eric Masih. A former art critic for the Daily Telegraph, she worked closely with Laura Ashley finding and copying antique wallpaper and textile designs and writing books about furnishing and decorating houses for the company. Lady Clifford’s husband Timothy was a director of the Manchester City Art Galleries and National Galleries of Scotland. He was knighted in 2002. The Cliffords moved to Bedfordshire after their retirement in 2010 to be nearer London and their daughter and grandson. Lady Clifford is keen to support charities that promote sport for all ages, rehabilitation and homelessness. She also spoke of the honour of holding office in The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.
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