The eighth Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival, sponsored by Easycopiers and held at Willen Lake yesterday, was a spectacular success attracting 60 crews (over 1,250 competitors) and an estimated 12,000 spectators for a fantastic day's racing in glorious sunshine. The crews, representing businesses, organisations and groups of friends from all over Milton Keynes and the surrounding area battled it out all day in 5-boat races over a 250m race course.
Dragon Boat Festival, Milton Keynes

With not one, but TWO beaches to open in MK this summer, the city is set to become the country's newest summer resort! Xscape, who are hosting their 4th annual beach for family fun this summer are also sponsoring thecentre:mk's new beach which will transform Middleton Hall into a seaside wonderland from 22 July to 2 September. The sponsorship deal, which sees the city's two main retail and leisure destinations come together, demonstrates how the businesses work together to promote MK further afield. Beach, Milton Keynes

Autumn 2009 will see Milton Keynes Theatre celebrate their 10th birthday so it's no surprise to see an exciting jam-packed season to mark this important milestone. Autumn is overflowing many of the theatre's favourite things including The Rocky Horror Show which featured in the first ever season at Milton Keynes Theatre. It also includes productions from the National Theatre, Glyndebourne on Tour and Northern Ballet Theatre who have been visiting Milton Keynes Theatre since the start.
Milton Keynes Theatre

Nearly £8 million of extra funding will be given to the Open University, whose 40th birthday was marked at Downing Street on Wednesday. The celebrations at Number 10 coincided with the Higher Education Funding Council's pledge of £7.8 million to enhance the national role of the distance learning institution. The Walton Hall-based university was described as 'nothing short of a revolution for higher education' by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He said: "It has opened the doors to a whole new audience of students who have not only seen academic success but reaped the wider rewards learning brings."
Full story on MK News

Bletchley Park's ninth annual Polish Day on Sunday 19 July will celebrate the important contribution made by the Poles to the breaking of the Enigma Cipher. Bletchley Park remembers the three mathematicians who are commemorated on its Polish Memorial – Marian Rejewski, Henryk Zygalski and Jerzy Różycki. This year is the 70th anniversary of their contribution. Guided tours of Bletchley Park will be available in both Polish and English languages and there will be three lectures: Eugenia Maresch will talk about the handover by the Poles to the British of their Enigma research;
Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes

The Maternity Unit at Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is marking its 25th anniversary by holding a special educational event entitled ‘Silver Jubilee Obstetric Symposium', on 26th June 2009 at the Postgraduate Centre, which is set to feature some of the country's top experts in obstetrics and maternity care. The key note speaker is Professor Sabaratnam Arulkumaran, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), who will lead sessions entitled ‘Cerebral Palsy & Intrapartum Foetal Surveillance' and ‘Risk Management in Obstetrics'.
Milton Keynes Hospital

Regional shopping destination thecentre:mk is celebrating its 30th Birthday this year and as part of the activities, Middleton Hall will be transformed into an indoor beach complete with 60 foot galleon wreck. From the 22 July – 2 September the galleon will be home to a state of the art 3-D interactive adventure where children of all ages will be able to take a journey under the ocean and interact with friendly sea creatures. Indoor beach, Milton Keynes

Amy Stewart, aged 15, has raised £1,000 for the Macmillan Unit at Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to help in the fight against cancer. Amy raised the money by undertaking a sponsored half-marathon. She was motivated to raise the money after her mother Christine Stewart was treated for lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, at the Macmillan Unit.
Milton Keynes Hospital

There has been a massive upturn in the number of jobless people in Milton Keynes who have returned to the classroom. Organisers of part-time adult learning courses have been overwhelmed by the increase in men and women who have decided to beef up their chances of finding work by studying part-time. “We're looking at a fifty per cent increase in the past few weeks,” said Community Manager Sue Bland of Milton Keynes College, “The demand has come from local people who have lost their jobs and who are now finding it much harder to get back to work.
Milton Keynes College

Why not seize the opportunity to follow in the wheel-tracks of motor racing legends such as Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher and cycle around the legendary circuit at Silverstone? One lap is just over 3 miles long and suits all cycling ages and abilities - ride as many laps as you like and help to raise money for people affected by cancer. Raise money and have fun. Enter now!

The council is holding travel surveys on all routes into Milton Keynes, starting on 16th June. Roadside interviews will be carried out and drivers will be asked about their travel plans for the day; where their journey started, where it will end and the reason for the journey. Over a three week period up to three sites per day will be surveyed from 7am to 7pm. The sites will be manned by police officers who will ask vehicles to stop. The interviewers will also note the number of people in the vehicle and the vehicle type.
Full story on MK News

Pupils at Fulbrook Middle School were treated to a unique insight into film-making when acclaimed casting director Fiona Weir visited the school last week. The event was organised by FILMCLUB, a network of after school clubs enabling children and teachers to explore the world of film through free weekly screenings of classic and popular titles, discussions, review-writing and visits from film industry talent.
Filmclub, Milton Keynes

O'Reilly Media, publishers of the new resource, The Geek Atlas: 128 Places Where Science & Technology Come Alive by John Graham-Cumming, have announced that they will donate 50 pence to the Bletchley Park Trust Fund for each copy sold in the UK. The history of science is all around us, if you know where to look. And if you're a traveller who loves science, you'll definitely want to check out The Geek Atlas.
The Geek Atlas, Milton Keynes

Campbell Park will, for the first time, host an open-air Shakespearean theatre production this summer courtesy of The Parks Trust. Residents and visitors to Milton Keynes will be able to enjoy a magical open-air performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream – one of Shakespeare's best-loved, romantic comedies. Performed by the Illyria Theatre Company the play will take place on Friday 24 July 2009, 7.00pm in Campbell Park. Commenting on Campbell Park's first showing of Shakespeare , Liz Woznicki from The Parks Trust said...
Shakespeare, Milton Keynes

Thanks to a passion for technology Richard Edwards has been voted Student of the Year at Milton Keynes College. In addition, the 19 year old was also selected for the UK Web Design Squad, and could soon be heading to Canada to compete in the international Olympic-style WorldSkills Competition. “It's been a whirlwind year, I have to admit,” said beaming Richard, after being presented with his coveted trophy in front of a packed audience at a prestigious ceremony at the college. “It was a mega surprise when I was announced as the winner, I really wasn't expecting it.
Milton Keynes College

Milton Keynes Theatre is delighted to announce the first of their all-star cast in this year's production of Cinderella. Bobby Davro, one of Britain's best loved comedians will be taking to the stage this Panto season as unsung hero Buttons in the region's premier pantomime, Cinderella. Bobby will be joined by West End leading lady Louise Dearman in the title role. Bobby has been making British audiences laugh for over 25 years. He made his TV debut in 1981, though his breakthrough came with an appearance on the variety show Live at Her Majesty's Theatre in 1983.
Cinderella, Milton Keynes

Broadcasting legend Stephen Fry was delighted to be invited to Bletchley Park in Bucks, home to the crack team who broke World War II's Enigma Code, where he admired the recently renovated main building, and not least, the two newly carved Guardian Griffins, created by Rattee and Kett's Michelle Brown. The new Griffins, which flank the main entrance to Bletchley Park, replicas of the originals, were specially commissioned by the Bletchley Park Trust as part of their programme of conservation works...
Stephen Fry, Milton Keynes

Outdoor adventure ropes course, Aerial Extreme, launches a campaign this week to find Milton Keynes's best ‘Gladiators' to take part in a gruelling inter-county Gladiator challenge on Saturday 4th July. Four towns will come together in a battle of the fittest and fastest and take part in the ultimate ‘Clash of the Titans.' Aerial Extreme is looking for five representatives from Milton Keynes to take on teams from Leighton Buzzard, Northampton and Bedford, and compete for the 2009 title plus fantastic prizes.
Gladiators, Milton Keynes

Over £500,000 is currently being spent at Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to make sure male and female patients do not have to share sleeping areas, bathrooms or toilets while being treated. Funded by South Central Strategic Health Authority's Challenge Fund, the modification of wards and other inpatient areas is designed to increase patient privacy and dignity. New regulations that will come into force in April 2010 will mean hospital inpatients should not have to pass patients of the opposite sex to reach their own bathrooms and toilets.
Milton Keynes Hospital

Milton Keynes' historic Empire (formerly Flamingos & the Golden Flamingo) will reopen this Summer under new management and a completely new look. Yet to be renamed, the current Empire lease has been bought by a company from the Far East and will be part co owned by an anonymous international music personality. Due to open at the end of July, the previously 4,000 capacity venue will take on a completely new and contemporary look following ‘considerable' financial investment from interested parties around the globe.
The Empire, Milton Keynes

Hundreds of people came to The Hub and basked in the sun, drinking and eating al fresco whilst being entertained by some of the country's top street entertainers as street@thehub. The National Street Entertainers competition got off to a dazzling start with star performances from Titan the amazing 8ft Robot, Jason Maverick showcasing his unique illusions and the very original street magician Bob Percy all adding to the atmosphere and ambience in The Hub, the home of street entertainment in Milton Keynes.
The Hub, Milton Keynes

Northamptonshire's annual Balloon Festival has been saved by Pure Leisure Group and members of the Chiltern Region of the British Balloon and Airship Club (CRBBAC), who have stepped in to provide facilities for this year's ballooning extravaganza at Pure Leisure Group's Billing Aquadrome holiday park, set in over 200 acres of beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Northampton.
Annual Balloon Festival

At the recent South Central Health and Social Care Awards 2009 regional awards ceremony (held on 22 May), hosted by South Central Strategic Health Authority, Milton Keynes Hospital's Respiratory Team was revealed as the winner of the Adopt, Adapt and Improve Award for their ‘Early Supported Discharge' system. The innovative system has reduced the length of stay for patients so that they can go home more quickly, but with extra support from Community Matrons.
Milton Keynes Hospital

Community Cohesion has funding of £20,000 available for community groups or organisations. It is about building bridges and strengthening bonds. Recently the Council launched a strategy to meet the challenge of building a more cohesive community. As part of this work we wish to support initiative work in this borough. The project will meet at least one of the following requirements: Building a sense of local pride and encouraging a sense of belonging. Promoting greater knowledge and understanding between communities.
Community Cohesion Funding

BBC ONE'S ever popular Sunday evening programme, The Antiques Roadshow will be filming for its 32nd series at Bletchley Park on Sunday 12 July, 2009. The doors open at 9.30 am and close at 4.30pm. This will be presenter Fiona Bruce's second year with the Roadshow and she says, “Presenting the Antiques Roadshow is for me, one of those rare and very lucky coincidences in television when you get to work on a show that you already love to watch. Exploring the human story behind every object is what makes Antiques Roadshow so fascinating.
Antiques Roadshow, Milton Keynes

Collectormania is moving in space and time… by 2.5 miles and 5 weeks! Collectormania is returning to Milton Keynes, and now it's bigger and better than ever! We have moved to a new venue and a new Summer date, namely the Dons stadium:mk on 5th to 7th June, and will be giving a festival atmosphere to the event with free guest talks and other attractions as well as photo shoots with the stars, autograph sessions and the usual dealers stalls packing with all that is weird and wonderful!
Collectormania, Milton Keynes

Ever wanted to see just how good you are at pool? Well, your opportunity has arrived! Former Pool World Champion, Carl Morris is rolling into town, and will be making an appearance at Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, Milton Keynes from Friday 12th until Sunday 14th June and again from Friday 21st until Sunday 23rd August . The pool professional will give the public the opportunity to beat the world's leading pool players and win anything from a signed photo certificate to a holiday for two to Brazil, USA or South Africa or even a car!
Carl Morris, Milton Keynes

Daytona Motorsport, Milton Keynes, which is widely recognised as being the UK's finest karting venue, has secured planning consent last night for its inaugural 24 Hour Race on the weekend of 19th and 20th September. The Milton Keynes Council Planning Committee voted unanimously in favour of the race. Open to both DMax and Prokart entries, Daytona Milton Keynes will host the 24 Hour Race in September for teams of up to ten drivers at a cost of £2500 inc VAT for the DMax Two Stroke teams and £1500 inc VAT for Twin-Engined Prokart teams.
Daytona, Milton Keynes

On 15 May, the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) invited local dignitaries, volunteers and community and business leaders to celebrate 35 exciting years, with champagne and birthday cake, at their head office in Milton Keynes. Local VIPs included local MP Mark Lancaster and Cllr Euan Henderson, the new Mayor of Milton Keynes, only two days after taking up office. Paul Smith, executive director of SIA, reminisced: “SIA was predominantly established by wheelchair users...
SIA, Milton Keynes

One of Milton Keynes' largest and most charismatic pieces of sculpture – the 30' Peartree Bridge Dinosaur has been transformed into a sparkling monument. The Triceratops received a make-over courtesy of Inter-Action MK in partnership with Woughton Parish Council, Milton Keynes Council of Voluntary Organisations and The Parks Trust. The dinosaur has been painted in striking gold with silver stripes and cuts a dazzling figure at Peartree Bridge, just off the V8, Marlborough Street.
Dinosaur, Milton Keynes

Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall's petition in the House of Lords yesterday asking Her Majesty's Government “what support they will give to the restoration and development of Bletchley Park” was rejected by Lord Davies of Oldham, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Lords. www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=4059 Lord Davies responded: “Both English Heritage and the Housing Communities Agency have provided advice and funding for the development of the Bletchley Park site.
Bletchley Park Trust, Milton Keynes

The Milton Keynes Academy has appointed Mark Duke as its new Senior Vice Principal. The £27m Academy will open in September and part of Mark's role is to develop an exciting new curriculum for students aged 14-19. As well as a whole range of GCSE's and A-levels the new Academy will be offering a variety of vocational courses along with a new diploma in Creative and Media, and later a Diploma in Business Administration and Finance. “We believe there are many paths to success and our ethos is that everyone achieves.
Milton Keynes Academy

Clockwork Amoeba Ltd is a new Production Company based in Milton Keynes and recently moved into a new office at Bletchley Park mansion. Clockwork Amoeba Ltd was born out of the world of Independent Film Production, but also works making music videos, advertising and corporate films. Head of Film Production Duncan Catterall said: “Many people are tired of paying London rates whilst times are tough and so many businesses are looking to us to promote their work...
Clockwork Amoeba, Milton Keynes

Michael Praed will star as Captain Von Trapp alongside Connie Fisher as Maria in the National UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and The Really Useful Group's smash hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music, coming to Milton Keynes Theatre 27th Oct – 14th Nov. Michael Praed's musical theatre credits include leading roles in the West End productions of Aspects of Love, Copacabana, Susan Stroman's Contact and Beautiful and Damned.
Milton Keynes Theatre

The search is on for Milton Keynes' tallest sunflower. The Parks Trust is inviting all primary schools to join its 2009 sunflower competition and to discover which school can grow the tallest sunflower in the city. Each primary school has been given some free sunflower seeds for giant sunflowers which can grow up to between 1.8 and 2.7 meters. Classes are being asked to grow their sunflower, measure it weekly and then submit their final measurements and photographs to The Parks Trust.
The Parks Trust, Milton Keynes

According to the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) thecentre:mk's marketing team are well placed to promote the regional shopping destination in the retail industry's ever changing environment. thecentre:mk, has been honoured at BCSC's annual Purple Apple Marketing Awards winning two Purple Apple Merits, for its public/media relations initiative for ‘The Centre for Serious Superheroes' and the digital marketing scheme, ‘The Facebooking of Santa Claus'.
thecentre:mk

Milton Keynes has been ranked as the eighteenth best region in Great Britain to find a date, according to research issued today by DatingTrail.co.uk, the UK's dating comparison web site. The DatingTrail.co.uk ‘Dating League Table' shows where in Great Britain love seekers are likely to have the most dating success, and the areas to avoid. As well as uncovering intriguing regional dating habits the research has shown a national trend where if either sex significantly outnumbers the other, then less dating events are organised in that region.
Dating, Milton Keynes

A group of Milton Keynes schoolchildren have been learning a new form of poetry – and it's going to be the writing on the wall! The 45 children in Year 7 and 8 at Sir Frank Markham Community School have written mesostic poems which will be turned into signposting for departments in their new place of learning – the £27m Milton Keynes Academy. The poetry workshops were run by two poets Ken Cockburn and Bethan Maddocks at Sir Frank between 6 and 8 May...
Sir Frank Markham, Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes Council has received funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to address the issue of preventing violent extremism. Milton Keynes Council was awarded £105,000 for year 1, rising to £110,000 in year 2 and £116,000 in year 3. Individuals, groups or organisations can apply to use this funding. More information on the application process can be found on the link...
Milton Keynes Council

Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has consistently low Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) rates, with a total of 6 MRSA bacteraemia cases and 43 cases of Clostridium difficile (C.diff) being reported over 2008/09. As part of the drive to keep infection out, a new technique called Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) is being implemented for patients of all ages in the hospital. First-class standards of cleaning and hygiene are crucial in preventing patients from getting MRSA.
Milton Keynes Hospital

Following several months of negotiation and attempts by The Parks Trust to keep the popular Pineham Motocross Track open, Milton Keynes Council has taken the decision to serve notice on the Trust to prevent the Track from being used. The Trust, an independent charity that takes care of Milton Keynes' parks and open spaces, has no other option than to comply with the Council's decision and has had to withdraw the licence from the operator of the track, MKMX.
MKMX, Milton Keynes