Summer 2015 Summer Volunteers welcome www.milton-keynes.gov.uk the world to MK p.18 @mkcouncil Welcoming the world to rugby's biggest tournament Join in the fun at the Fanzone p.19 Clash of Drums live action on MK streets p.22 Milton Keynes gears up to play its role in the world's Milton Keynes - a greatest rugby event great place to visit p.32 Also available in audio, large print, where to go for information www.milton-keynes.gov.uk braille and other languages i 01908 252413 Bletchley Wolverton 231 Queensway 19 Stratford Road Bletchley MK2 2EH Wolverton MK12 5LJ 01908 367777 01908 322661 www.finchandsonsfunerals.com [email protected] Finch & Sons is an independent funeral service, owned and run by Matthew and Robin Finch, based in Bletchley, serving the whole of Milton Keynes and surrounding area. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide help or advice when it is needed, without obligation. Whenever you call, day or night, you will speak directly to a member of our family who will be happy to assist you. Pre Paid Plans from £2750 Peace of mind for you and your family Funeral Plans from Golden Leaves Whatever your reasons for choosing a Pre-paid plan, you can rest assured that it makes good financial sense and your money will be totally safe. Money paid in to plans are held in trust by our plan provider, Golden Leaves, and is protected by law so the cost of our services are guaranteed to be covered, however long you live. Why choose a Golden Leaves plan… Consideration for loved ones A guaranteed cost of Funeral Director Services Financial security • value for money Why choose a Golden Leaves plan from Finch & Sons… We are a small family owned and run funeral service who put the families we care for first We offer free, no obligation advice on all aspects of funeral plans We are proud to be members of SAIF which is your guarantee of our high standards We are flexible and can tailor your plan to suit you We have ultimate control over pricing so our plans are the most affordable – compare our plan prices and quality of service You can rest assured that your family will receive the best possible care when the time comes. Willen Hospice is the only Hospice within Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, covering an expanding population of 300,000. The Hospice is a unique, specialist, independent charity providing free services to our patients, families and loved ones. The majority of our care takes place within the local community via our specialist Hospice at Home and Clinical Nurse Specialist teams who receive over 450 referrals every year. Continuing our support for Willen Hospice, Finch & Sons will donate £60 for every Golden Leaves plan which is taken out with us. "Our family, caring for your family" where to go for information www.milton-keynes.gov.uk N e w s 3 i [email protected] The editorial content of Host City MK is Welcome to the produced by the communications team at Milton Keynes Council. Rugby World Cup 2015 Contact us: Milton Keynes Council It’s not long now until the world descends on national funding partners have invested £160,000 Civic Offices 1 Saxon Gate East Milton Keynes as part of Rugby World Cup 2015 into Milton Keynes Rugby Club facilities, and Central Milton Keynes (RWC 2015) and I for one couldn’t be more locally, MKC, with support from Sport England MK9 3EJ excited. and RFU, is planning a £2 million investment into a new community all-weather pitch. In the build Tel: 01908 691691 The Rugby World Cup is one of the largest global up to RWC 2105, Sport England and MKC have Minicom: 01908 252727 sporting events and is contested every four years. additionally invested a total £157,000 into the Email: [email protected] In 2015 the top 20 international teams will travel Rugby Legacy 215 Programme in Milton Keynes. www.milton-keynes.gov.uk to England to compete for Rugby’s highest To deliver a three year programme to provide Follow us on Twitter: honour in front of well over 2 million fans. This training and volunteer opportunities for students @mkcouncil autumn 13 stadia across the country will host the and staff at all colleges and schools in the area. 48 matches throughout the six week tournament, Participation opportunities for local members of facebook.com/ with three matches at our very own stadiummk. the community are also available. mkcouncil1 With thousands of domestic and international Mark Omerod, Director of Leap, Bucks and MK visitors coming to MK for the Tournament, it‘s a sport and activity partnership, told me: “The Here to help fantastic opportunity to showcase our city and game has changed immensely over the years tourist attractions. The economic impact could with formats available for all ages, genders and If you find the text in this magazine difficult to read we can supply it in a format better be huge, with more than £50 million being spent abilities, and I hope many of you will be inspired suited to your needs. We try to write over the period. to go to your local club to find out how you can everything in plain English and want to get involved. Various forms of the game are make sure that everyone has access to the Milton Keynes Council (MKC) is working closely available, including Touch Rugby for adults or Tag information they need. with MK Dons, The Parks Trust, DestinationMK and Rugby for Minis and Juniors, as well as the local communities to deliver a fantastic traditional game. To join in, no experience is Tel: 01908 254593 experience for residents and visitors of Milton needed and it’s a fun way to engage with friends Email: Keynes. We regularly meet with England 2015 to or colleagues, help get you fitter and meet [email protected] discuss plans for transport, city dressing, the others.” Milton Keynes Council does not accept Fanzone and the legacy we hope the responsibility for or endorse any products Tournament will leave. For more information see pages 30-31. or services offered by advertisers. All information correct at time of printing. The Tournament kicks off at Twickenham on SportsAid lunches have been running in Milton Friday 18 September with England facing Fiji. We Keynes for over 15 years, and through local have to wait a little before our first match on business support, have raised over £2million to Thursday 1 October but then all three games help talented young athletes meet the costs of within a week will be challenge, especially with progressing in their sport. On 25 September a MK Dons’ new Championship season being well panel of rugby legends will take part in a sports When you have finished with this under way, but one we are all looking forward to. quiz and recall their experiences of international magazine please recycle it. rugby. To attend contact [email protected]. A city transformed Printed on environmentally friendly paper Clubs and organisations across MK have jumped from renewable sources. Over the coming months you will see Milton at the chance to get into the festival spirit and from June - 31 October people everywhere will Host City MK is designed and printed by Keynes transform - the official RWC 2105 Fanzone Community Information Services will be erected in Campbell Park, the Webb Ellis be able to get involved and celebrate the game Email: [email protected] Cup is visiting the city 20-21 August, as well as through the Festival of Rugby 2015. From www.cispress.com banners and flags along grid roads on key routes. concerts and carnivals to street parties, stand-up, sausages and cider, find out what’s happening in The RWC 2015 Fanzone will host a series of Milton Keynes or register an event at: exciting events between 1-11 October, school www.festivalofrugby2015.com. tournaments are being planned and there are even opportunities for businesses to become This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us here involved in corporate touch rugby. in MK and I hope to see you out and about enjoying the exciting events. A lasting legacy Hannah O’Neill, Since 2012, plans have been developed to ensure Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes Council the excitement of a major sporting event is felt in the community long after the elite teams have left. Over the past three years the RFU and other 4 15 Years Saving Lives Thames Valley Air Ambulance Thames Valley Air Ambulance is a lifesaving service representing the people in the Thames Valley and Milton Keynes. Bringing the expertise of an A&E TVAA Open Garden Scheme 2015 Openings in department to the roadside. TVAA is a crucial Milton Keynes and Stewkley near Leighton Buzzard emergency service that only exists through charitable donations and support. Open Gardens is an enjoyable and inspiring way for you to support your local Air Ambulance. We hope that you will join us as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary and explore the 70 garden openings across Berks, Oxon, Bucks and Milton Keynes. We have some new additions to the scheme this year including the Carrington Estates in Buckinghamshire, the Adwell House in Oxfordshire and, by Royal Appointment, the delightful Royal retreat at Frogmore House in Windsor. Your support means that our crews can continue to advance their lifesaving work. To view all the open garden events available across the Thames Valley in 2015, download a copy of the brochure at www.tvacaa.org/opengardens or request a FREE copy on 0300 999 0135 Rob Downham, Open Gardens Coordinator Registered charity no.