MK MAYOR
Joining Father Christmas for the festive lights switch-on
The crocus planting volunteers at MKUH
Moments with The Mayor Our regular catch-up with Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Mohammed Khan
A
t the Mayor Making ceremony back in May, I was honoured to be able to represent our fine town. As the months have passed and I have been privileged to meet so many more members of our community, and gain an understanding of the fabulous initiatives and charity ventures running locally, my pride at our brilliant town has only increased. It’s impossible to mention every event I have been lucky enough to have attended since my last column for this magazine, but I’d like to share just a few of the highlights. On a fresh October morning I joined with members of the Rotary Club of Milton Keynes (RCMK) in my role as an honorary member to plant crocuses outside the MK University Hospital Cancer Centre in an initiative to mark World Polio Day. In 2020 the RCMK planted 2000 of the flowers. This year, with the assistance of local scout and cub groups they are set to double that number. It was wonderful to play a part in the project, and to know that by spring, these bulbs will have blossomed. Crocuses aren’t the only thing I have planted recently – Community Trees Milton Keynes donated 500 trees to The Parks Trust who then arranged a week of planting at Middleton Wood Meadow.
The great green event – part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative – was supported by schools across Milton Keynes, and I attended with Lady Howe Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire to ensure some of the young trees got rooted in. Back in June, DREAMSAI Milton Keynes and the Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living (MKCIL) were announced as recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. They were among 241 charities and voluntary groups nationwide recognised for their outstanding work – the former for helping the homeless and those in temporary accommodation, and the latter for their support of people with disabilities.
Spare a thought for those who will spend the festive season working hard for us; the emergency services keeping us safe, and those working in care homes, in the community and in retail. In October I attended the presentations to both organisations, and I would like to take the opportunity to once again say ‘congratulations’ to everyone involved for their inspirational work. While on the subject of awards, we recently welcomed not one, not two, but six recipients of British Empire Medals to the Civic Offices for their official ceremonies, with the awards themselves presented by Lady Howe. On November 11, there was a poignant service at the MK Rose to mark Armistice Day, and it was wonderful to see such a magnificent turnout, with army and navy cadets joining with the general public and dignitaries to remember all those who have given their lives in the service of our nation. On Remembrance Sunday, I attended a number of parades; two in Bletchley, one in Stony Stratford and another in New Bradwell. After last year’s very small commemorations because of the pandemic it was fantastic to see so many people in attendance once more.
At the Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living QAVS presentation
The weather might be miserable of late, but those who know me will know I am an avid fan of our MK Dons, and no matter how chilly the weather turns, I intend to continue taking a spot in the stands as often as possible to cheer on the team at Stadium MK. A few weeks ago I was invited to turn on the My Milton Keynes Christmas lights which bathed the town in festive illuminations, but even more marvellous was a chance to meet Father Christmas! Christmas is a time for togetherness, for families and friends to enjoy some quality time and for indulging in good things. But please spare a thought for those who will spend the festive season working hard for us; the emergency services keeping us safe, and those working in care homes, in the community and in retail. We all owe them our thanks. And please remember those who won’t be spending the festive season in their own homes, those who are homeless, or without friends and family. A little bit of kindness can make such a big difference – and it’s just as good to give as it is to receive. Pop a mince pie across the road to that elderly neighbour, put some loose change in a collection bucket or donate a tin or two to a food bank or an animal charity. If we all do a little something, we can make a big difference this Christmas and beyond. Finally, I’d like to wish Pulse’s readers a Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year.
Tree Planting at Middleton Wood Meadow
mohammed.khan@milton-keynes.gov.uk 54
Mohammed Khan, Mayor of Milton Keynes 01908 253601 mayorMK @mayor_mk
January 2022 | MK Pulse Magazine | 32,000 Copies delivered every month door to door across Milton Keynes
