On 22nd December, 42 Cycling Santas left The Old Bus Station for a short ride through Central Milton Keynes to Campbell Park and back and made many friends. This was the second year of preparation for a world record-breaking attempt in 2023 (see video and photos of last year here).
As well as creating fun, the aim was to bring together leaders from different business, education and community organisations towards building a broad-based alliance to get more people cycling in MK.
Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours, a Winter Wheelie stunt contest (£50 prize won by Loven Prentice, pictured left in main picture below)
photo by Sagar Kharechaphoto by Sagar Kharechaphoto by Sagar Kharecha
and breakdancing display from MK’s own Kevin Kallon
MK’s Deputy-Mayor and -Mayoress, Cllr Mick and Mandy Legg,
(photo by Sagar Kharecha)
presented awards to schools and businesses for cycling achievements this winter (listed below).
Jodi Houghton (pictured below) spoke about why cycling is important to The Open University and what they are doing to encourage cycling there
and a raffle was drawn. Then the Cycling Santas rode out to the drums of new MK band Panacea Samba.
photo by Sagar Kharecha
and proceeded up Midsummer Boulevard.
Along the walkway between thecentre:mk and Midsummer Place, the Santas dismounted, in accordance with instruction on blue sign
(photo by Sagar Kharecha)
and distributed flyers promoting cycling to shoppers,
then circled outside MK Theatre
(photo by Sagar Kharecha)
and around MK Rose
Cycling Santas circling the MK Rose (filmed by Iain Talbot)
Top Bikeability School 2022 (total no. trainee riders) – Middleton Primary School (246 riders), collected by Philip Morris.
Top Cycling Hardiness School (lowest decrease in no. cycles parked at end of term compared with beginning) – Lord Grey Academy (-11%), collected by Tim Layden
Top Cycling Innovation School (highest number of Cycling Initiatives per student) – Watling Academy (0.36)
Top Cycling Research School (highest number of survey respondents per 100 pupils) – Walton High (36)
Top Cycling Company (highest no. cycles this month) – The Open University (22), collected by Jodi Houghton, and Santander (22)
Top Cycling Company (highest no. cycles per 100 staff one day this month) – Gemini Rail Services (7.87)
Services to Cycling – MK Highways Department for gritting the roads in freezing weather, collected by Naveed Ahmed.
Thanks to Nextbike for providing free Santander bicycles for those who needed them. “We want to be part of the MK community,” said nextbike’s Leigh Richards, “really want to be engaged with it.”
Thanks to Ringway Infrastructure Servicesfor providing cones.
And thanks to Jane Russell Photography and Sagar Khachera (where indicated above) for the photos.
Network Rail, one of MK’s largest companies, recently installed bicycle parking racks for visitors outside the main entrance (pictured above). This followed a small action by Cycling CitizensMK to draw the attention of Network Rail’s Workplace Manager, Steve Bassington.
“For years I’ve been frustrated as a visitor to Network Rail, having to lock my bike to a short railing outside the front of the building because there were no bike racks,” said one of the campaigners. “After we emailed Network Rail, we got a meeting with Mr. Bassington and showed him the problem, and within weeks the racks were installed.”
Meanwhile at John Lewis, Community Liaison Coordinator Elaine Wales also scored a win for cycling, securing bike racks for John Lewis partners (workers) at the CMK store.
“I had previously been in contact with centre:mk shopping management, MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District and MK Council, asking about bike racks,” said Elaine, “because our partners had said they do not like to cycle to work as there was nowhere safe to store their bicycles. But they did not have any immediate plans to build a secure bike shed for centre:mk employees.
“Encouraged by Cycling CitizensMK, I spoke to our Head of Branch, David Donovan, who said why don’t we turn our Partner Entrance area on the ground floor into a makeshift bike shed and add bike racks to it? We have now done exactly that and our partners can now store their bikes securely and in a warm, dry environment.” (Picture below.)
It is hard to convey why a Citizens Assembly is so special. OK, so 40 people from a dozen different institutions in MK gathered at Cornerstone Church for two hours on a Saturday morning to agree on their campaigns for next year. Big yawn, surely? Was it to avoid doing the Christmas shopping?
No! It because Assemblies are fun and inspiring! Because a buzz develops. Because that’s what happens when you have one-to-one conversations meeting new people; when you hear of campaigns making a difference in people’s lives; when you experience a different sort of democracy in action; and come to understand how we can make properly make our private concerns into public action on things that really matter to us. It is extraordinary: an Assembly is carefully orchestrated – and yet you don’t know what will happen.
On this occasion a member of the MK Muslim Association, attending for the first time, gave impromptu testimony, speaking right from the heart. A new campaign was born.
Regie Kpobi talked about knife crime
Suresh Nesaratnam of MK Council of Faiths (right in picture below) said: “Regie Kpobi’s efforts to combat knife crime, through presentations to vulnerable youngsters at places of worship, sounded like a campaign that was truly needed in MK – and I duly signed-up for it.”
Rob Paton of MK Quaker Meeting (right in picture below) said: “As one of the leaders of Action on Climate and the Environment, I was astonished at how many people moved over to stand by the climate campaign placard at the end – what a boost. I went home elated.”
Jane Whild of The Open University (third from left in picture below) said: “It was wonderful to be assembled in person again and see many new faces as well as old friends. Our Misogyny Campaign Team attracted new representatives and I look forward to planning our next actions with them in January.”
Attendees show support for individual campaigns
Rev Catherine Butt of St. Frideswide’s Church (front of picture below), who co-chaired the assembly, said: “There was a great energy in the room. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and meet new people who are passionate about seeing change in our city. Here’s to an action-packed 2023!”
Lest you are thinking this is too good to be true (puff and PR, surely?) another feature of Assemblies is the rapid ‘shout-out’ evaluations at the end.
Post-assembly evaluation led by Rev Tim Norwood
We ask ‘How did we do?’ Indeed, one indicator of a good assembly is when lots of people stay to join in and are truthful about the shortcomings as well as the achievements. Which is exactly what happened. In a lively few minutes we gave ourselves 8.5 out of 10 while also agreeing that we really must use microphones properly when we speak; and if we meet at this time of day, we need to offer childcare.
Assemblies are why so many of us love Citizens . Come to the next one and find out for yourself!
125 Fishermead residents and guests filled Trinity Community Centre for a celebration assembly and meeting with powerholders including the Mayor of Milton Keynes (2nd from left below) and High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire (far left below).
The assembly was organised by a group of Fishermead residents and workers who are building a citizens alliance of Fishermead institutions as part of a Community Organising project funded by MK Community Foundation. (Hear Assembly audio recording.)
Rev Pavle Trajovski, Fishermead Seventh Day Adventist Church, Assembly Co-Chair
Their goal was to strengthen relationships with powerholders and get pledges of support from them for the idea of a royal visit to celebrate Fishermead’s 50th birthday next year.
In 1973, the first house was built in Fishermead. Today there are 1,400 households and a proudly diverse community. One thing residents are not proud of is Fishermead’s reputation, which they think is unfairly negative.
Cllr Amanda Marlow, Mayor of MK, told the Assembly: “When MK was founded, the builders moved in pretty early to start building Fishermead. So many of you are original inhabitants of Fishermead, which makes such a difference. You are encouraging people to stay and to grow their families here and to make a difference to future generations.”
Awards were presented to Fishermead heroes, including The Co-op store staff and security guard Abdul; the Landscaping team of Campbell Park Parish Council (collected by Council Chair, Terry Baines); and PCSO Craig Hawksworth.
Following video testimonies from the children of Willows First School, in which they described all the things they liked about Fishermead, there was a breakdancing display led by Kevin Kallon (bottom right below), who grew up on Fishermead and now runs breakdancing classes at Trinity Centre on Monday evenings.
Young football players of MK Galacticos FC took part in a ‘keepyuppies’ contest, with the £30 cash prize going to winner Mohammed.
Then the choir of Jubilee Wood School sang ‘Count On Me’ while the Royal Visit Petition signatures were counted.
Assembly Co-chair David Hart then announced the total number was 580 signatures (representing nearly half of all Fishermead households). The High Sheriff later described this as “an incredible community building initiative”.
12 Community leaders, including Willows First Headteacher Jo Orbell and Parish Council Chair Terry Baines, took turns to say what it would mean to their institution if a royal visit could be arranged.
Badir Zamaan Mustapha, representing the owner of Sabeeh Market shops on Gurnards Avenue, lifted the roof when he said: “What we must do together is slay the Fishermead reputation dragon and rescue the princess of real Fishermead!”
Then High Sheriff Debbie Brock responded with details of what next steps would be required. She emphasised the importance of acting quickly to get a chance of a royal visit next summer (see transcript of High Sheriff’s speech) and pledged to contact the Lord Lieutenant stating her support for the idea. “It’s been really inspirational,” she said.
(Afterwards, the High Sheriff wrote: “It was spectacularly well attended with great contributions and real vitality. The collection of signatures was a great community building exercise in its own right and it would be great to keep them as a real public record of the support for the visit and celebrations”).
The organising team is appealing to Fishermead residents to add their signatures to the Royal Visit Petition online (if they haven’t already signed the paper petition) and get involved in preparations for Fishermead’s 50th birthday celebrations in 2023.
A short group evaluation immediately after the Assembly gave a score of 8/9 out of 10, noting the absence of the Headteacher of Jubilee Wood Primary School and insufficient audio amplification. One participant said: “The children were amazing, I would never have dared to do what they did tonight when I was their age, and the people who came with them.” Total turnout was 125 people.
For more information, contact Community Organiser Tom Bulman, fishermead@citizensuk.org, 07962 838685.
Thanks to Sagar Kharecha for photography (up to 7pm) and Maria Affa and Derek Bailey (below) for refreshments.
Other photos from the evening
(Main picture above shows Sophie Richens of Fishermead Trinity Centre.)
The picture below shows Rev Ian Herbert of Fishermead Trinity Church presenting the award to Sharona Edwards, collecting on behalf of The Co-op Convenience Store, three weeks after the Assembly (thanks to Ruth Legh-Smith).
On the morning of Saturday 12th November six women joined a Learn To Ride course provided by MK Council and led by Bikeability trainers Nicky and Maria. The location was Hollin Lane in Stacey Bushes, home of Cycle Saviours who loaned the bikes.
“It was helpful and very enjoyable,” said Kurshida Mirza of Truby’s Garden Tea Room. “When we can we do more?”
A series of five further sessions is being planned for Spring 2023. If you are interested to attend, contact Tom Bulman, cyclingmk@citizensuk.org, tel 07962 838685.
35 people attended from 19 MK business, education and voluntary organisations interested in increasing the number of people cycling to work and school in MK.
The presentation began with a film about cycling in MK produced by MK Grid Spinners and was then introduced by Deborah Cooper of MK Cycle Forum; Jo Lewington, Chief Environment & Sustainability Officer of Network Rail; Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet member for Children and Families, MK Council, and Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation.
Cllr Zoe Nolan
Mayor Amanda Marlow said “encouraging children and young people to cycle is important for their wellbeing” and presented the following awards:
Top Cycling School (most bicycles at school one day) – 1st place, Walton High (227), collected by Chris Brittain
Top Cycling School (most bicycles at one school per 100 pupils) – 1st place, Watling Academy (10.71), collected by Jo Barford
Top Cycling Company (most cycling activities & miles cycled) – 1st place, Gemini Rail Services (285 & 3793) – collected by David Smith, Free Dr. Bike Repair Day prize donated to Watling Academy
Top Cycling Company (most cycling activities & miles cycled) – 2nd place, The Open University (208 & 1074) – collected by Jodi Houghton
Top Cycling Company (most cycling activities per employee) – ICAEW (35.2) – collected by Liz Tribe
Top Cycling Individual (most cycling activities) – 1st place, Ann Kiceluk, World Vision (93) – prize Cycling Helmet (from Cycling CitizensMK)
C02 Saver (most CO2 saved from walking and sustainable journey modes) – 1st place, Steve Porritt, Gemini Rail Services (265) – prize £50 voucher (from Better Points)
C02 Saver (most CO2 saved from walking and sustainable journey modes) – 2nd place, Alan Dewick, Gemini Rail Services (179) – prize T-shirt/tote bag (from MK Council)
Most Sustainable Traveler (most sustainable bus journeys – bus, train, MK connect, eScooter, Car Club Journey) – 1st place – Maham Khan, Network Rail (38) – prize £50 voucher (from Better Points)
Most Sustainable Traveler (most sustainable bus journeys – bus, train, MK connect, eScooter, Car Club Journey) – 2nd place – Ian Turvey, World Vision (17) – prize T-shirt/tote bag (from MK Council)
Top Better Points Company (most engagements per person) – Gemini Rail Services – donation of £200 to Willen Hospice (from Better Points).
“Taking part in competitions like this improves morale in our workplace,” said David Smith of Gemini Rail Services.
(with thanks to Lisa Hathway for taking photos at short notice!)
Primary school pupil in action at Bikeability Olylmpics 2022
Clive Faine of Abbeygate Development and MK Cycle Forum talked about the importance of continued support for Cycling CitizensMK’s behaviour change agenda, and Malcolm Davies talked about Trek Bikes’ rationale for supporting it.
Then all participants went outside for a photo to celebrate Network Rail’s recent instalment of visitor cycle racks resulting from Cycling CitizensMK’s agitation.
It was announced that this year’s Cycling Santas ride would be on 15th December leaving The Old Bus Station at 6pm, all welcome.
After the photo call, 10 participants attended a ‘How To Promote Cycling In My Institution’ workshop sharing best practice of businesses and schoolsand agreed a series of follow up actions.
(Thanks to Lisa Hathway of GGS UK for standing in at short notice to take photos of the award winners!)
On Friday 18th November, 50 Fishermead residents will meet with Debbie Brock, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, in a special assembly to celebrate the estate and make plans for its 50th anniversary in 2023. They will present a petition of 500 signatures asking for a royal visit.
In 1973, the first house was built in Fishermead. Today there are 1,400 households and a proudly diverse community. One thing residents are not proud of is Fishermead’s reputation, which they think is unfairly negative.
“Fishermead is still an estate regarded by outsiders as dangerous and a hopeless case,” said resident Thomas O’Brien. “A royal visit could help dispel these prejudices by highlighting the range of people who make this a rich community, and the individuals and organisations who help knit our community together.”
“This is a fantastic place to live,” said another resident. “We have friendly shops, different faith groups, a primary school which Ofsted rates as good, lots of green space and a kids’ play area right in the middle of the estate. I am glad we moved here.”
“I’d like to play with Princess Charlotte at the pirate park,” said the child of a petition signatory.
Also attended by MK Mayor Amanda Marlow and local ward Councillor Donna Fuller, the assembly will celebrate Fishermead’s young and old residents, with videos from Willows First School children, displays of break-dancing and football skills from MK Galacticos FC, food from different countries and testimonies of what Fishermead was like in the early days. Children from Jubilee Wood Primary School will sing ‘Count On Me’ while the number of petition signatures is finally counted, then present it to the High Sheriff and ask “what do we need to do to get a royal visit next year?”.
Leaders from a variety of Fishermead institutions – Mosque, Trinity Church, Frank Howe Court, Pebbles Nursery, Salvation Army, Samaritans, Seventh Day Adventist Church and The Coop store – will be listening and planning together over coming months a celebration for Fishermead’s 50th birthday which will show the best of Fishermead and make residents feel proud.
The assembly will also be attended by members of Campbell Park Parish Council and Milton Keynes Council.
The organising team is appealing to Fishermead residents to do two things to help the campaign for a royal visit:
add your signature to the petition (450 signatures so far). You can do this outside The Coop store most afternoons from 3pm.
attend the assembly at Fishermead Trinity Centre on Friday 18th November, 6.30-8pm. Sign up at tinyurl.com/fish2023.
Local resident Ruth Legh-Smith of Frank Howe Court said: “The more Fishermead people we have in the room next Friday, the more it’ll show the High Sheriff how much we care.”
(Picture shows Averil Aplin (left) with daughter Miyahn, who’ll be singing at the assembly, and campaigner Ruth Legh-Smith, as she collects signatures outside The Coop convenience store.)
Ten parents of children at Jubilee Wood Primary School in Fishermead, all of whom have arrived in MK in the past year, were shown around the estate by Ruth Legh-Smith of Frank Howe Court and Pastor Pavle Trajkovski of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. They stopped outside and were told about the Medical Centre, The Coop Store, Trinity Community Centre, the Lifehouse Project, Willows First School, Pebbles Day Nursery, the Chinese Overseas Christian Mission (COCM) and New Bradwell Special Needs Department.
“It was interesting to learn about the many different organisations which we didn’t realise existed in Fishermead,” said parent Tony Ka Ming. “The people are friendly. It was a surprise to find ourselves hearing a talk about Fishermead (from Rev Henry Lu at COCM) and being able to ask questions in our own Cantonese language!”
Pictured above: Headteacher of Willows First School, Jo Orbell, greets the group
Watling Academy is MK’s leading school for the proportion of its students who cycle to school. One in nine students make the journey from home to school by bicycle.
This is the result of a recent survey of all MK secondary schools based on counting the number of bicycles on school premises. Kents Hill Park School and Oakgrove School came a close second and third – see results.
“I cycle to school because if helps me stay fit and healthy,” said Meghan, Year 9 student at Watling Academy. “Once you get into it, it’s part of your daily routine.”
“My parents don’t like using the car,” said Ethan, another student. “My parents don’t like using the car and I live close, so why wouldn’t I?”
“With our school focus on sustainability and being part of the MK community, I’m proud to see so many Watling Academy students on their bikes or walking to school,” said Headteacher Ian Bacon. “I want the headache of where exactly to build another set of bike sheds for our staff and students, we have only just had more installed over the summer and now they are almost full too!”
The results of the schools cycle count raise questions about the different factors affecting cycling at different schools, including access and facilities. But more and more schools are encouraging their students to cycle, and the Cycling CitizensMK project is helping them share best practice.
Fishermead leaders enjoyed another Community Walk on Friday 9th September, visiting and hearing testimony from others of their experiences, power and interest in Fishermead:
Charlie Bird, Manager of The Coop, second from rightThajudeen Lebbe, President of Fishermead Mosque, third from rightLesley Little, Jubilee Wood Primary School, third from left
...and Hayley Jones-Seal, Headteacher of New Bradwell SEN Department, third from right in main photo above.
Several actions were agreed, including collaboration to rally further support for the ’20 is plenty’ car speed reduction campaign, action to clear the ‘jungle’ bordered by Bossigny, Talland and Fishermead Boulevard, school visit invitations from the Mosque and Seventh Day Adventist Church and school invitations to participate in the Big Fishermead Assembly at Trinity Community Centre on 16th November.
Following a serious car accident and a series of near misses involving children, more than 500 residents of Fishermead have signed a petition demanding slower car speeds.
“My 12-year-old niece was killed in a car accident and my own kids have had their own near misses,” said Sophie Richens (photo below). “For the climate we need our kids walking to school, but only if it’s safe from speeding cars.”
Sophie is one of a fast-growing group of Fishermead residents campaigning for car speeds to be reduced to 20mph on the estate.
David Hart, one of the campaign leaders and a resident of Fishermead for more than 30 years (pictured below), said: “The design of the estate streets mean that in many places cars travel inches away from children on the pavement. Research shows that a 20mph speed limit would mean a sevenfold reduction in the change of serious injury compared to 30mph. We just need a majority of residents to sign the petition.”
One Saturday, following a short training including a briefing from the Police on safe door-knocking techniques, campaigners visited more than two hundred houses and flats to gather signatures for the petition. Campaigners also stood outside the Co-Op collecting signatures.
A group of campaigners sets off to collect signatures.
The petition was submitted to MK Council on 31st August and is now in process of consideration. Campaigners are confident the Council will agree to implement a new 20mph zone across Fishermead during 2023, coinciding with Fishermead’s 50th birthday celebrations.
If you haven’t added your name to the petition and would like to, you can do so online by clicking tinyurl.com/20mph4us.
Tom Bulman, Community Organiser for a project to build the power of Fishermead Citizens, funded by MK Community Foundation, said: “We hope this campaign will bring the community together to make a difference on Fishermead. Most residents feel proud of their estate and want to feel safe. This will make them feel safer.”
27-year-old Meaway Kevin ‘MK’ Kallon, who grew up in Fishermead and attended Stantonbury International school, performed his break dancing routine live at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last week. This is the first time the Commonwealth Games has showcased break dancing, which will be introduced as a new sport in the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.
“I felt so proud to be dancing on this stage,” said Kevin. “I felt like it was me MK (Meaway Kevin) doing it for my home city Milton Keynes!”
Kevin was born in war-torn Sierra Leone, from where his parents fled to the Netherlands before settling in Milton Keynes in 2008.
“At Stantonbury I thrived in the performing arts and sports,” said Kevin. “I already knew about physical discipline from my dad teaching me karate and went on to do well at tennis, free running, gymnastics and capoeira.
“In the end I realised that dance was my thing because of the freedom and creativity it offered. Breaking (break dancing) took over and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Today, alongside his day job as a finance consultant, Kevin runs a break dancing club at Fishermead Trinity Centre and is organising a national break dancing competition in Fishermead on 22nd October. The club is open for lessons every Monday. Kevin also sits on the Pre-Founding Committee for Fishermead Citizens Alliance, which plans to launch in November.
“Having spent my formative years in Fishermead, I want to contribute and better my community through dance and fitness,” says Kevin. “My dream is to attract the right sponsorship to achieve my goals.”
120 people from across Milton Keynes gathered for a short cycle ride through the city centre to celebrate MK’s new city status and recent increases in cycling to school and work in MK delivered by Cycling CitizensMK. See:
“I always thought Cambridge was the cycling capital of our region,” said ITV News reporter Matt Hudson, “but there’s a new kid on the block. The city of Milton Keynes wants to be the place which has the most people using pedal power.”
The ride was organised by Cycling CitizensMK, a project funded by MK Council. The riders included MK Councillors, business and school leaders, primary school pupils, teenagers and vintage bicyclists in their 70s. See film produced by Real Solid Media.
10-year-old Luca Galeanu, who recently helped Bradwell Village School win MK’s (and UK’s) first Bikeability Olympics competition between primary schools, said: “Cycling is important because I learn new things and make new friends, plus it keeps you healthy.”
Teenager Charlotte of MK Youth Cabinet said: “I really enjoy cycling with my friends, I just find it’s an easy way to get around.”
“Cycling is a Council priority,” said Cllr Mick Legg, Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes (below), who presented the Mayor’s Cycling Awards. “It goes to our cycling strategy and our target to halve our carbon emissions by 2030. We’ve long been a supporter of cycling. We’ve got over 300 miles of redway network.”
“For us it’s a real win-win,” said Richard Scott of Volkswagen Financial Services (above), winner of the award for large company with the highest number of cycle trips per employee. “Cycling is good for our colleagues’ health, not only physical but also mental health. Our group cycle rides in the evenings help camaraderie, bring colleagues together.”
“Cycling Citizens MK has given us motivation to get out and about in MK,” said Liz Tribe, Senior Employer Training and CPD Support Executive at the Institute of Chartered Accountants, winner of the Top Large Companies (average trips per employee) award.
The Mayor’s Cycling Awards presentation took place on Thursday 14th July at The Old Bus Station (schedule), following a Vintage Bicycle Competition (see bikes) and Bunny Hop and Wheelie stunt contests (see trailer) – award winners listed below. MC for the presentation was Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation.
MK Council’s Highways department received a Special Thanks award, presented by Dylan Murray, Deputy Member of Youth Parliament MK South, and collected by Andy Dickinson, Client Services Manager of MK Highways. “Without your hard work maintaining our roads and redways,” said Ian Revell, “none of us would be able to cycle in MK.”
Andy Dickinson receives Special Thanks award and garland designed by local artist Philippa Tipper.
The awards were preceded by a short performance from MK champion break dancer Kevin Kallon and hot snacks from Namji’s Restaurant were served during the awards presentation.
Breakdancer Kevin Kallon
Former Mayor Cllr Mohammed Khan told the riders how proud he had been to see city status achieved during his time as MK Mayor and how important cycling was to MK’s vision of itself as a city.
The riders set off for the short ride to Campbell Park shortly after 6pm.
The ride proceeded up Midsummer Boulevard.
And arrived at the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park for a final celebration.
The award winners (photos below)
Category 1: MK’s Top Large Companies (average trips per employee):
ICAEW (0.89) – Liz Tribe, Senior Employer Training and CPD Support Executive
Volkswagen Financial Services (0.76) – Richard Scott, Chair of Employee Forum
The Open University (0.48) – Nick Braithwaite, Head of Sustainability
Gemini Rail Services UK (0.45) – David Smith, Change Control Manager
Red Bull Technology (0.35) – Phill Elvidge, Production Control
Category 2: MK’s Top Secondary Schools (average trips per student & staff member):
Category 4: Contest Awards organised by Cycle Saviours and Iain Talbot
Stunt Contest Gold Award (£100 cash prize): Brandon
Stunt Contest Silver Award (£50 cash prize): Tim
Stunt Contest Bronze Award (£50 Madison voucher): Alex
Vintage Bicycle Gold Award (£50 Madison voucher): Allan
Vintage Bicycle Silver Award (£10 John Lewis voucher): Barry
Vintage Bicycle Competition Bronze Award (£10 John Lewis voucher): Steve
Category 4: Special Award
MK Council Head of Highways – Thank you for providing our roads and redways. Collected by Andy Dickinson, Client Services Manager.
The contests
Bunny Hop
Martin Swift, Cycle SavioursAlex
Vintage Bicycles
Iain Talbot (front) and Chris Bridgman
Award winners
Business winners
Liz Tribe, Senior Employer Training and CPD Support Executive, 1st place)Richard Scott, Chair of Employee Forum, Volkswagen Financial Services, 2nd place
Nick Braithwaite, Head of Sustainability, The Open University, 3rd placeDavid Smith, Change Control Manager, Gemini Rail Services, 4th place
Giles Brook School, GoldBradwell Village School, SilverOxley Park School, Bronze
Vintage Bicycle contest winners
Allan, GoldBarry, SilverSteve, Bronze
Stunt contest winners
Brandon, GoldTim, SilverAlex, Bronze
All winners
Special thanks to MK Development Partnership for permitting use of the area outside The Old Bus Station and Ringway Infrastructure Services for providing cones and tape to mark the area off for safety.
Five leaders from four Fishermead institutions visited four others on another sunny day in Fishermead. Those giving short talks at their institution’s doors were: Mike Kelly, Director of MK Samaritans; Jo Orbell, Headteacher of Willows First School; Clare Doughty, Assistant Support Worker at the Salvation Army Life House; Don Mahon, Treasurer of Fishermead Trinity Church; and Gonzalez, Deputy Manager of The Coop Convenience Store.
After the walk, Clare (pictured outside the entrance to Life House above), wrote, “How great it was to get to know you all and hear your interesting talks about each institution”, and reached out to offer marketing support to Mike and metal fabrication support to Don.
Listening to Jo Orbell (second from left) outisde Willows First School
Listening to Don Mahon (second from right) outside Trinity Church and Centre
A Community Walk part 3 is being planned for September.
To celebrate MK as a cycling city, children from nine MK primary schools showed off their cycling skills in MK’s first ever Bikeability Olympics competition. Events included an Obstacle Course, Relay Race, Slow Race and Road Ride testing Bikeability skills. See:
This was the culmination of a year in which 3,000 pupils have been trained to achieve Bikeability levels 1 and 2 in 40 primary schools. The event was the first of its kind – with branding permission from The Bikeability Trust – and a celebration of MK’s promotion of cycling as clean, low-cost and healthy way to get to travel around the city.
The winning school was Giles Brook Primary School, whose team of five contestants achieved two Golds and one Bronze medal. Bradwell Village took second place, with pupil Luca Galeanu achieving the highest individual medal tally of all contestants, and Oxley Park came third (individual medalists listed below).
Winners Giles Brook School with Jo Lewington of Network Rail
Jo Lewington, Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer of Network Rail, who presented the medals, said: “We are always looking for new ways to promote sustainability. We’re delighted to have Network Rail staff playing their part as volunteer marshals at this Bikeability Olympics event.”
Volunteer marshals from Network Rail with Thank You trophy
Councillor Lauren Townsend, Cabinet Member for Public Realm who attended Bikeability Olympics, said: “This is a great way to encourage children to cycle more. We know it’s good for health and can save money as well as saving the environment. It’s impressive that we have so many young people cycling safely to school. MK Council is proud to have the ambitious goal of becoming the UK’s leading city for cycling infrastructure”.
Teacher Luke Bartishel from Orchard Academy primary school said: “Our school has purchased enough bicycles for all our pupils to do Bikeability training. The Bikeability Olympics was an amazing event, a great idea, and the kids loved it.”
Slow Race
Bikeability Instructor Nicky Newlands, who has trained many children this year, said: “It’s wonderful to see how much the cyclists have improved and now competing together. I hope to see many more next year, please talk to your school.”
Pump Relay Race
Dave Lewis, the Bikeability Instructor who led the ‘Quadrathon’ Road Ride through Loughton, said: “What an amazing afternoon. The students on the road ride were all fantastic, and as an instructor it’s such a proud moment to reconnect with former students.”
Daniel Mullins, Operations Director of Ringway Infrastructure Services, said: “This is a fantastic event and we’re delighted to be supporting the event by lending some traffic management equipment to help mark out the various contest areas and help the children to cycle safely while competing.”
Martin Swift of Cycle Saviours, who created the unique Bikeability Olympics trophies, said: “Cycle Saviours is proud to have supported this event, helping younger children enjoy the fresh air and exercise.”
Luca Galeanu of Bradwell Village School, Victor Ludorum
Jonathan Stone, Manager of Trek Bikes’ new store at Campbell Wharf, which lent bicycles for the Bike Detectives contest, said: “We want more people in MK to cycle. It is great to be involved in the local community and we are always on the lookout for opportunities to help with local cycling events and initiatives to get more bums on bikes!”
In post-event feedback, parents and teachers scored 4.8/5.0 ‘the likelihood I would recommend the event to someone else’ and 4.7/5.0 ‘my feeling that the event would encourage the young people involved to cycle more often’.
120 people from across Milton Keynes gathered for a short cycle ride through the city centre to celebrate MK’s new city status and recent increases in cycling to school and work through Cycling CitizensMK. See:
“I always thought Cambridge was the cycling capital of our region,” said ITV News reporter Matt Hudson, “but there’s a new kid on the block. The city of Milton Keynes wants to be the place which has the most people using pedal power.”
The ride was organised by Cycling CitizensMK, a project funded by MK Council. The riders included MK Councillors, business and school leaders, primary school pupils, teenagers and vintage bicyclists in their 70s. See film produced by Real Solid Media.
10-year-old Luca Galeanu, who recently helped Bradwell Village School win MK’s (and UK’s) first Bikeability Olympics competition between primary schools, said: “Cycling is important because I learn new things and make new friends, plus it keeps you healthy.”
Teenager Charlotte of MK Youth Cabinet said: “I really enjoy cycling with my friends, I just find it’s an easy way to get around.”
“Cycling is a Council priority,” said Cllr Mick Legg, Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes (below), who presented the Mayor’s Cycling Awards. “It goes to our cycling strategy and our target to halve our carbon emissions by 2030. We’ve long been a supporter of cycling. We’ve got over 300 miles of redway network.”
“For us it’s a real win-win,” said Richard Scott of Volkswagen Financial Services (above), winner of the award for large company with the highest number of cycle trips per employee. “Cycling is good for our colleagues’ health, not only physical but also mental health. Our group cycle rides in the evenings help camaraderie, bring colleagues together.”
The Mayor’s Cycling Awards presentation took place on Thursday 14th July at The Old Bus Station (schedule), following a Vintage Bicycle Competition (see bikes) and Bunny Hop and Wheelie stunt contests (see trailer) – award winners listed below. MC for the presentation was Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation.
MK Council’s Highways department received a Special Thanks award, presented by Dylan Murray, Deputy Member of Youth Parliament MK South, and collected by Andy Dickinson, Client Services Manager of MK Highways. “Without your hard work maintaining our roads and redways,” said Ian Revell, “none of us would be able to cycle in MK.”
Andy Dickinson receives Special Thanks award and garland designed by local artist Philippa Tipper.
The awards were preceded by a short performance from MK champion break dancer Kevin Kallon and hot snacks from Namji’s Restaurant were served during the awards presentation.
Breakdancer Kevin Kallon
Former Mayor Cllr Mohammed Khan told the riders how proud he had been to see city status achieved during his time as MK Mayor and how important cycling was to MK’s vision of itself as a city.
The riders set off for the short ride to Campbell Park shortly after 6pm.
The ride proceeded up Midsummer Boulevard.
And arrived at the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park for a final celebration.
The award winners (photos below)
Category 1: MK’s Top Large Companies (average trips per employee):
ICAEW (0.89) – Liz Tribe, Senior Employer Training and CPD Support Executive
Volkswagen Financial Services (0.76) – Richard Scott, Chair of Employee Forum
The Open University (0.48) – Nick Braithwaite, Head of Sustainability
Gemini Rail Services UK (0.45) – David Smith, Change Control Manager
Red Bull Technology (0.35) – Phill Elvidge, Production Control
Category 2: MK’s Top Secondary Schools (average trips per student & staff member):
Category 4: Contest Awards organised by Cycle Saviours and Iain Talbot
Stunt Contest Gold Award (£100 cash prize): Brandon
Stunt Contest Silver Award (£50 cash prize): Tim
Stunt Contest Bronze Award (£50 Madison voucher): Alex
Vintage Bicycle Gold Award (£50 Madison voucher): Allan
Vintage Bicycle Silver Award (£10 John Lewis voucher): Barry
Vintage Bicycle Competition Bronze Award (£10 John Lewis voucher): Steve
Category 4: Special Award
MK Council Head of Highways – Thank you for providing our roads and redways. Collected by Andy Dickinson, Client Services Manager.
The contests
Bunny Hop
Martin Swift, Cycle SavioursAlex
Vintage Bicycles
Iain Talbot (front) and Chris Bridgman
Award winners
Business winners
Liz Tribe, Senior Employer Training and CPD Support Executive, 1st place)Richard Scott, Chair of Employee Forum, Volkswagen Financial Services, 2nd place
Nick Braithwaite, Head of Sustainability, The Open University, 3rd placeDavid Smith, Change Control Manager, Gemini Rail Services, 4th place
Giles Brook School, GoldBradwell Village School, SilverOxley Park School, Bronze
Vintage Bicycle contest winners
Allan, GoldBarry, SilverSteve, Bronze
Stunt contest winners
Brandon, GoldTim, SilverAlex, Bronze
All winners
Special thanks to MK Development Partnership for permitting use of the area outside The Old Bus Station and Ringway Infrastructure Services for providing cones and tape to mark the area off for safety.
Nine leaders from Fishermead institutions took part in a Community Walk to find out from one another how they see life and times in Fishermead.
The group stopped off at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pebbles Nursery (pictured above), the playing field, Campbell Park Parish Council office (main picture), Frank Howe Court and the Chinese Overseas Christian Mission, to hear from leaders at each institution what they do and why, what they see and what they think about it.
Mike Kelly, Director of Samaritans MK, said: “I was really impressed by the strong sense of community support within Fishermead and the range of work being undertaken by the voluntary and other sectors in support of local residents.”
One of the issues discussed during the walk was car speeds. Walkers observed one particularly hazardous pedestrian/cycle crossing at the junction of Pentewan Gate and Child’s Way (pictured below), which is unmarked.
The Community Walk will be continued on Friday 15th July at 10am. If you’re interested to join, please contact Ruth Legh-Smith.
Last September at the Citizens:MK Climate Assembly, the Bishop of Oxford agreed to our request for a meeting to discuss Climate Income (‘the fast and fair way to tackle the climate emergency’) and whether he might use his position in the House of Lords to promote the idea.
He has a very full schedule, so December was the first available date… and then just beforehand, he suffered a nasty bout of Covid. Finally, on 25th April this yea, the meeting took place.
The omens were promising: he had already raised the question of Climate Income in the Lords as a result of the assembly; he had put aside two hours to meet us; and he was bringing two advisors! All the more reason for the representatives of the campaign team – pictured – to prepare carefully. We agreed our roles: Catherine would convene, we scripted our contributions, and built a break for 1-2-l conversations into a plan that included reporting back to each other on developments in our climate work since September. We were precise about the two things we would ask for from him.
So what happened? Lauren presented our first ‘ask’: we wanted to cite him as a supporter of Climate Income and of our campaign, as we took it national through the Citizens network. Would he consent to this? The reply was immediate – yes indeed, and without the conditions one might have expected (e.g., that statements needed to be cleared through his office in advance).
Then our second ‘ask’: would he invite us to the Lords to a meeting, whether formal or informal, as he thought best, to help increase understanding and support for Climate Income among parliamentarians?
Again he replied positively, though not unconditionally. Characteristically thoughtful, he said he needed time to consider when and how the meeting could best be ‘anchored’ in the processes of the Lords (and its Climate and Environment committee in particular – of which he is a member). Then he gave us an important and unexpected bonus – direct access to his two advisors (both of whom were clearly willing, thoughtful, and very well informed on Parliamentary processes as well as climate issues).
It had been an intense two hours including some lively exchanges around how to bring the need for rising carbon prices into the policy process and public debate. We left feeling tired but elated – and certainly more powerful. We had strengthened and extended our relationships into the political establishment. We had an important ally for what we see as our next steps – both locally, and working across the Citizens UK network to spread this word and bring other chapters on board, turning it into a national campaign. All that is needed is lots more hard work! – if you might like to be involved, please get in touch.
23 Fishermead residents and workers representing 12 institutions attended an Accountability Assembly to engage with local Councillor Donna Fuller (top right of main picture and below).
The Assembly was hosted by the Chinese Overseas Christian Mission on Pentewan Avenue, Fishermead, and began with a welcome from Eric Shan Lin (above) followed by a moment of silence in memory of local Cllr Carole Baume, ‘a special kind of politician’ who recently died.
Representing the local Council electoral candidate from the Labour Party, who was unable to attend, and in the absence of Conservative and LibDem candidates who had also been invited, sitting Councillor Fuller was asked to respond to a series of questions about Road Safety, Crime, Community and the Environment (see below).
Councillor Fuller responded positively to all the asks and pledged to work with the developing Fishermead Citizens Alliance to achieve its goals. She said: “For me this is about building a relationship with you. I am more than happy to represent and advocate for you. I just need you to tell me what you need. I personally commit and (if she is elected) I am sure Amber will too.”
Cllr Fuller’s support was welcomed and it was agreed there would be follow-up meetings with her.
In post-event evaluation, leaders gave a score of 8 out of 10.
Eric Chan Lin, Chinese Overseas Christian MissionDavid Hart, Fishermead Community AlliancePavle Trajkovski, Seventh Day Adventist ChurchKay Smith, MK Community FoundationMaria Affia, MGB Community ServiceSophie Lovejoy, Samaritans MKSophie Richens, Fishermead Trinity CentreDan Williams, Frank Howe CourtOphelia Cole, Action Speaks
From left to right above: Kay Smith of MK Community Foundation; Maria Affa of MGB Community Service; Jo Orbell, Headteacher of The Willows First School; and Cath Broadhead, Chair of Governors, The Willows First School.
Ruth Legh-Smith on door duty
(Photos by Zdenka Mgbolu.)
The Asks
Road Safety
How would you be able to engage with your local supporters to assist with the petition
campaign to ensure we gather as many signatures as possible?
If elected how would you support the campaign on the local council?
Crime
If elected, how would you make crime reduction on Fishermead a key priority?
How would you support the establishment of a local shopkeepers forum to share
Community
Would you commit to meeting the community at the breakfast club on a monthly basis?
When we have identified a long-term solution for managing a community café, would you commit to support in any areas we encounter difficulties?
Environment
Will you support local initiatives (clearing up footpaths, organising a community garden, landscaping) on Fishermead both financially and logistically?
Will you make the maintenance of Fishermead (landscaping, waste removal, street lights, roads and pavements, proper signage) your priority by facilitating the communication with different authorities and advocating on our behalf?
Four Fishermead leaders took part in a live BBC TV Look East broadcast from Fishermead Trinity Centre, answering questions about the issues facing Fishermead in the upcoming Council elections. David Hart (Fishermead Community Association), Sophie Richens (Fishermead Trinity Centre), Ruth Legh-Smith (Frank Howe Court) and Thajudeen Lebbe (Fishermead Islamic Centre) all talked individually to BBC reporter Ben Schofield about the issues affecting them most: lack of relationship with local councillors, fast-driving cars and maintenance of children’s play spaces.
MK Mayor Mohammed Khan presented awards to businesses and schools for their achievements in the Ride Anywhere 21st-27th March competitions. The Radcliffe School, The Open University and Volkswagen Financial Services topped the leader boards (see full results for businesses and schools).
In video clip above, Mayor Khan prepares for awards presentation
Following free Dr Bike services from Cycle Saviours, and an introduction by MK Community Foundation CEO Ian Revell at 5pm, the rally of 20 cyclists heard from Paula Lawson, Headteacher of The Radcliffe School, about how the school has substantially increased student cycling among students in recent months. Then the awards were presented by Mayor Khan (pictures of winners, with thanks to Adekunle Odunewu of Realsolid Media, and listing below).
Paula LawsonTim LaydenSteve TruanJason FalknerJodi HoughtonMel Welburn
Then there was an Easter Egg Treasure Hunt on bicycles (devised by Vernon Young and Vankata Krishnan), which involved cyclists following clues to collect mystery letters en route to the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park (on Midsummer and Silbury Boulevards) to make two magic words, revealed as ‘BETTER POINTS’. This was to celebrate MK Council’s launch of the new Better Points app which rewards MK residents’ sustainable travel choices. The overall winner of the large chocolate Easter egg, donated by John Lewis, was Miles Gray, aged 11.
Elaine Wales of John Lewis donating large chocolate Easter EggContestants at end of Egg Hunt, winner Miles Gray (front centre).
School Cycling awards
Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 1st place – The Radcliffe School (279 trips) – collected by Paula Lawson, Headteacher and Top Encourager (6 new riders encouraged)
Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 2nd place – Ousedale School (28 trips)
Top Cycling School (students and staff) – most trips, 3rd place – Lord Grey School (19 trips)
Top Student Rider (most miles), 1st place – Arthur Williams, The Radcliffe School (218 miles)
Top Staff Rider (most trips) – Steve Truan, The Radcliffe School (24 trips)
Top Staff Rider (most miles) – Jason Falkner, The Radcliffe School (209 miles)
Other awards: Top Student Rider (most miles), 2nd place – Jude Chamberlain, Ousedale School (118 miles); Top Student Rider (most miles) 3rd Place – Luke Marshall, Shenley Brook End School (113 miles).
Business Cycling awards
Open University – 1st most riders (41), trips (158) and miles (2099) – collected by Jodi Houghton
Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) – 2nd highest average trips per employee, 2nd most miles (842) and 3rd most trips (49) – collected by Mel Welburn
Other awards: ICAEW – highest average trips per employee; Network Rail – 2nd most trips (52); Gemini Rail Services – 3rd highest average trips per employee; Top Riders (most trips): Christopher Charles, Network Rail (13); Elizabeth Tribe (9); David Smith, Gemini Rail Services (8); Top Riders (most miles): Chris Binch, Cranfield University (187); Andy Sutton, The Open University (183); David Black, Volkswagen Financial Services (167).
The next cycle rally in Station Square will be at 3.3-6pm on Thursday 30th June 2022.
Following the successes of Winter Wheelers in December and Cycle September, MK secondary schools along with MK businesses competed to cycle the most rides and miles during Ride Anywhere Week 21st-27th March 2022. The Radcliffe School topped the table with 279 rides (full results below).
As the building of the Fishermead Citizens alliance progresses, 23 leaders from eight Fishermead institutions and six guests attended a Delegates Assembly at Frank Howe Court to plan actions on four issues affecting residents and workers in Fishermead: Road safety, Crime, Community and Environment.
Crime breakgout group planning action
The organisations represented (and no. delegates) were: 7th Day Adventist Church (4), Action Speaks (2), Chinese Overseas Church Mission (3), Fishermead Community Association (2), Trinity Church and Trinity Centre (3), Frank Howe Court (6) and Salvation Army Life House project (3). Apologies were received from Fishermead Mosque, Jubilee Wood Primary and Willows First schools, due to the event being held on a Sunday.
Rev Ian Herbert
After an introduction and short speeches from Rev Ian Herbert of Trinity Church, and Derek Stanley, a guest from Unity Park (provider of services to the homeless), and a written update from the Neighbourhood Police Team presented by David Hart of Fishermead Community Association, delegates were asked to join breakout groups to plan actions on each of the four main issues.
Environment breakout group planning action.
The actions agreed are wide-ranging – see details here – and were The actions agreed are wide-ranging and include implementing a 20mph zone for safe driving, a Neighbours Day, Improved street-lighting and Litter-picking teams (details here). The actions were summarised by Ophelia Cole of Action Speaks and David Hart of Fishermead Community Association.
Ophelia Cole & David Hart
It was agreed that a sub-group of Fishermead’s institutional leaders trained by Citizens UK would organise a meeting with the candidates for MK Council’s Woughton & Fishermead ward one week before the election. This meeting will take place on Thursday 28th April, 6.30pm at Chinese Overseas Church Mission on Padstow Avenue.
In a post-Assembly evaluation, delegates agreed a score of 9/10 for the Assembly, noting that the turnout of attendees could have included leaders from other invited institutions, e.g. the two Fishermead schools, if the event had been held on a weekday evening rather than a Sunday afternoon. Thanks were given to Frank Howe Court for hosting so warmly and to resident Ruth Legh-Smithfor contributing substantially to organising it.
Main picture above: Ruth Legh-Smith, presenting action planned to reduce car speeds to 20mph
Following the successes of Winter Wheelers in December and Cycle September, MK businesses, along with MK schools, competed to cycle the most rides and miles during Ride Anywhere week, 21st-27th March 2022. ICAEW scored the highest average trips per employee (full results below).
Open University – 1st most riders (41), trips (158) and miles (2099)
Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) – 2nd highest average trips per employee, 2nd most miles (842) and 3rd most trips (49)
Gemini Rail Services – 3rd highest average trips per employee
Network Rail – 2nd most trips (52)
Top Riders (most trips): Christopher Charles, Network Rail (13); Elizabeth Tribe (9); David Smith, Gemini Rail Services (8)
Top Riders (most miles): Chris Binch, Cranfield University (187); Andy Sutton, The Open University (183); David Black, Volkswagen Financial Services (167)
According to data from online platform Love To Ride, MK residents have bicycled more this winter than last winter. Results from two ‘Winter Wheelers‘ competitions promoted by Cycling CitizensMK, funded by MK Council with prizes from John Lewis and Trek Bikes, show a total of 1,500 rides covering nearly 14,000 miles between 1st-25th December.
Among the top 15 large companies participating, there were overall increases (compared with last year) in the number of riders (up 15% to 124), the number of cycle trips (up 43% to 817) and the number of miles cycled (up 10% to 9,761). The leading cycling companies were ICAEW, The Open University, Gemini Rail Services, Network Rail and Volkswagen Financial Services.
Among the top five schools, 65 riders made 791 cycle trips covering 4,083 miles, The leading schools were The Radcliffe, Ousedale and Watling Academy.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be out in front on cycling,” said Paula Lawson, Headteacher of The Radcliffe School. “Students and staff have really enjoyed participating in the competition. We’re proud to be contributing environmental and health benefits simply by cycling.”
Awards will be presented by MK Mayor Mohammed Khan at a celebration Bicycling Breakfast on 17th February hosted by Willen Hospice. (Mayor Khan testing his winter cycling skills on Station Square (cycle courtesy of Cycle Saviours.)
Similar competitions for businesses and for schools will commence in March.
(Pictured above: Connor O’Dell, Bertie Canavan and Lee Mould of Lynx Networks)
Fishermead Trinity Community Centre now has fast speed connection to the internet and is a step closer to its vision of providing an internet cafe for local residents. Technicians from Bletchley-based Lynx Networks Plc laid the cables as an in-kind donation to the Centre agreed between Lynx MD Alan Bullen and Trinity Centre trustee Heinz Elbers.
“Business is a little light for us this mid-winter and we’re pleased to put our spare resources to a good cause,” said Alan Bullen. “We can see the value of providing an internet cafe here.”
Alan Bullen, MD, Lynx Networks
“It’s a huge boost to our vision,” said Heinz Elbers. “i couldn’t believe it when I explained the problem and Alan just said yes we can help. This is a good news story for business and community working together.
Heinz Elbers, Trinity Centre trustee
“With many thanks to Lynx Networks for the network cabling installation and the partnership with Vodafone to provide their Gigafast fibre-optic connection we can now offer the perfect location for computer-based training courses, as well as the ad-hoc zoom call, after-school clubs for online homework or even network games. As opposed to an often poor and unstable wi-fi connection, all halls can now provide a gigabit network connection. This is part one of a wider story as the cabling outside the office is the first big step towards our Digital Inclusion pilot project. ”
This win follows the summer launch of the internet cafe campaign, when MK Mayor Khan presented 35 laptops donated by Veritas Digital (see story).
Centre trustee Don Mahon said: “It’s been really hard up to now because the only reliable connection was in the office, so we could only help one or two users at a time. Now we can get internet anywhere in the Centre, even in the hall here where we hold church services on Sundays.”
Lee Wootton, lead cabler for Lynx, said: “it took us longer than we initially expected, getting around the brick and glass in the building. But at Lynx we pride ourselves on sticking to our word, and it’s been enjoyable to deliver this. it’s good for us to do good.”
Pictured above (left to right): Lee Wootton, Barry Stone (Lynx), Don Mahon.
Following Cycle September, December 2021 was Winter Wheelers, and MK schools, along with MK businesses, competed to cycle the most rides and miles before Christmas Day. The Mayor hosted a prize giveaway on Thursday 16th December at 5pm in Station Square and launched MK’s first Cycling Santas Record attempt.
Among the top five schools, 65 riders made 791 cycle trips covering 4,083 miles, and 10 Mayor’s Awards will be presented (see below).
