Secklow1055 out & about

Today we see the secklow1055 team out and about in the schools of Milton Keynes, talking about the value of volunteering.

The rewards to not just the organization but to you as a person.

Today we are at MK Academy as David (transition) takes over their futures program to talk all about our station, who are we,  how do we work, our goals & more..

If you see him stop him and say hi..

Planning Permission Granted for Adventure Golf Course and Café at Furzton Lake

By Sarah Featley

Planning permission has been granted for exciting new leisure facilities at Furzton Lake. The Parks Trust and Golf City MK have partnered for this project, which will see the construction of a 27 hole dinosaur-themed adventure golf course and a stunning new timber building housing a café and cycle shop.

This will be complemented by a large outdoor seating area, with views across the lake.

The adventure golf course will feature an 18 hole section alongside a nine hole, disabled friendly area. The existing car park will be extended to offer an additional 28 spaces, including nine disabled spaces.

Already one of Milton Keynes’ most popular parks, this development will make Furzton Lake even more of a destination, and will also provide employment opportunities. Building works are anticipated to begin in March 2017.

David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust, commented: “We’re thrilled to have been granted planning permission for this development at Furzton Lake. Our visitor surveys always tell us how much people enjoy visiting Furzton Lake but that they wish there were toilets, café and activities for children.

“This development will give residents of Milton Keynes greater opportunities to spend time with friends and family in an outdoor environment as part of a healthy lifestyle. The proposed facilities have been designed specifically for this project and are unique in the UK. They will conform to the highest design in terms of appearance, safety and security. We can’t wait for the construction to start!”

For more information, please visit www.theparkstrust.com

On the Verge - ‘Underpasses - connecting people, connecting places’ project

by On The Verge

‘Secklow Mound Unveiling: a celebration of Milton Keynes’ modern and historic heritage with story telling performances, part of Milton Keynes 50^th Anniversary.’

As part of the ‘Underpasses’ project, On The Verge will be hosting a celebratory event at Central Milton Keynes Library, this Saturday 21^st January, starting at 2pm at the Event Space, Central Milton Keynes Library and will last approximately an hour and a half.  Entrance is free.

On The Verge are continuing their work with the communities living in the CMK areas, working in close partnership with local residents, heritage organisations and artists to enhance two underpasses that link the original estates, with an aim to collectively create a more positive identity and instill greater pride and ownership.  

The Heritage Lottery Funded project has also helped shine a new light on the Medieval history of Milton Keynes, specifically on the important meeting site that the Secklow Mound provided for Anglo-Saxon residents of Milton Keynes. 

The celebration, on the actual day of the 50th anniversary of the start of building of the MK New Town, will feature insights into the history of Central Milton Keynes since 1967; performances by Terrie Howie, Storyteller revealing the Secklow Mound's Anglo-Saxon past; the unveiling of a new interpretation panel for the Secklow Mound by Milton Keynes Deputy Mayor; OTV’s 2 children publications : Time Travelling and MK MK set in the New City with a reading by the author, Rachel Barnett, free copies of the OTV heritage trail leaflet and children’s heritage walk leaflet; plus free refreshments and cake.  

More details available on Facebook: @OnTheVergeMK

About "On The Verge"

On the Verge and its partners MK Council, The Parks Trust MK and the MK City Discovery Centre, are delivering the yearlong ‘Underpasses’ project with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the MK Community Foundation and MK Council. On the Verge is a Community Interest Company.

On the Verge has been awarded an ‘Our Heritage’ grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the ‘Underpasses connecting people, connecting places’,  which will see a series of heritage and cultural events taking place in 4 communities in Milton Keynes designed to explore its heritage and unique system of underpasses. On the Verge will be working with partners and artists to deliver a series of community engagement events to uncover local history, collecting artistic responses and oral histories.  Artwork for two underpasses, a heritage trail and series of exhibitions and publications will be created through the project, culminating in a celebration event on 21^st January 2017, marking Milton Keynes’ 50^th Anniversary.

The Underpasses project is supported by: The Heritage Lottery Fund, Milton Keynes Community Foundation, and Milton Keynes Council and delivered in partnership with The Parks Trust MK, MK City Discovery Centre, and MK Council 

The Parks Trust Warms Up its Singing Voice for Carols at the MK Rose

By Sarah Featley

The Parks Trust, the charity that cares for Milton Keynes’ parks and green spaces, is getting ready for one of the highlights of its events calendar – the annual Christmas carols celebration.

This year, Carols will be held at the MK Rose, located in Campbell Park. The event starts at 3pm on Sunday 18^th December 2016 with a performance by Abbeys Primary School from Bletchley, and the carolling will commence at 3.30pm. Singing will be accompanied by MK Youth Brass from Community Learning MK: Music Faculty.

All are welcome to the Carols at MK Rose event, which is free to attend. Willen Hospice will be selling refreshments including mulled wine and mince pies, in order to raise money for the hospice.

Julie Dawes, Events & Recreation Co-ordinator at The Parks Trust said: “We can’t wait for our carols event – it’s a hugely popular Milton Keynes tradition and it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without it. Last year we were able to raise a considerable amount of money for Willen Hospice and we’re aiming to do even better this time! We hope to see you there; don’t forget to wrap up warm and bring a torch or lantern.”

The nearest public parking for Carols at the MK Rose can be found at Milton Keynes Shopping Centre, with just a short walk over the bridge at the John Lewis end of the centre. Limited blue badge disabled parking available at Campbell Park off Avebury Boulevard.

For more information and to download a song sheet please visit www.theparkstrust.com

Meet the MumpreneursMK

LifestyleMK had the pleasure of attending the MumpreneursMK Mastermind Club Christmas Party, and chatted to Bianca Chappell, Development Coach and Founder of MumpreneursMK.  Bianca supports mums making their way in the world of Self Employment and celebrates these truly amazing ladies and their business success.

Meet Bianca and some of the wonderful women behind these exciting local businesses.

Chief Executive of The Parks Trust Speaks at Parliament’s Communities and Local Government Committee

By Sarah Featley

David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust, the self-funding charity that cares for Milton Keynes’ green spaces, gave evidence in Parliament to the Communities and Local Government Committee’s public parks inquiry.

This was the latest oral evidence session held by the Committee as it examines the impact of reduced local authority budgets on open spaces and considers concerns that the existence of public parks is under threat.

David was joined by Mark Walton, Director of Shared Assets and Alan Carter, Director of Portfolio Management for the Land Trust. Together, they gave their views on how to enhance and protect public parks, including alternative funding sources, and the benefits and challenges of different land management arrangements.

David commented: “It was a real privilege to be asked to give evidence to the Committee, and I believe it was a successful session where I was able to put across the advantages of a model like The Parks Trust, and the positive impact this has had on Milton Keynes as a place to live and work.

“Unfortunately, there are many other places in the UK where green space is not such a priority and public parks are in crisis. It’s therefore vital for the government to consider whether there are alternative options available for the management of parks that may be more successful.

“We believe that charitable trusts similar to The Parks Trust could work very well in other towns and cities. With vision, drive, cross party support, central government encouragement and a bit of central government money to oil the wheels, local authorities could establish successful parks trusts that could halt the decline in our wonderful urban parks. If local authorities could set our parks free, allow local people to have a big hand in how they are run and welcome others in to contribute, what a wonderful thing that would be!”

To watch the evidence session, please visit: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/5d9544c0-3c6e-4797-bc65-86cc39e373fd

The session with David Foster begins at 10.36.

For more information, please visit www.theparkstrust.com

10% off ALL watersports at Willen Lake

by Hannah Bodley

Sign up before Thursday March 31^st to take advantage of 10% off all watersports courses and archery sessions. Enjoy the Easter break with family and friends and make a splash at Willen Lake!

Whether you want a taster of how to kayak, sail or windsurf or to loose some arrows on an archery session we have something for everyone! We also offer Level 1 and 2 Sailing courses, and 1 Star and 2 Star Paddlesports qualifications.

Operations Manager, Willen Lake, Steve Howkins said: “Come and try something new and take advantage of our 10% off promotion.

“You can make a great saving if you pre-book a course before 31^st March 2016 *T&Cs apply. It would be great to see as many people as possible at the lake during the Easter break. If you don’t fancy trying an activity on your own, you could always book with a group of friends and enjoy a fun day out.

“Try canoeing or Stand Up Paddle boarding, come along and enjoy a day on the lake with friends! It is a great way to explore the outdoors.”

Willen Lake Watersports Centre opens on Friday 25^th March 2016 from 10am.

The cost for each course varies, age restrictions apply. All safety equipment is provided. Please book and check all timing and clothing requirements of each session.

Sign up to a course today by calling:  01908 246599. For more information on Willen Lake Visit:  www.willenlake.org.uk terms and conditions apply 

Meet the Daleks at The National Museum of Computing BYTES festival

by Jacqui Garrard

We have today launched our Bytes Festival Facebook and Twitter pages. You will be able to keep up to date with the latest activities taking place at Bytes and be the first to book into our exciting workshops or purchase your tickets.

Our Bytes Festival starts on the 25^th March and will run every afternoon through the school holidays until the 10^th April. Don't miss it! There is fun for all the family over Easter with lots of entertainment -- and learning too!

Get creative, get digital and get here!

Special sci-fi day on Saturday 26 March:

-          Meet Star Wars characters from the UK Garrison & UK R2D2 Builders Club

-          Meet the Daleks, their friends and enemies!

-          The voice of the Daleks (Nicholas Briggs) signing autographs for £10 per item.

-          Come in a sci-fi costume on 26^th and 27^th March to get free entry (kids only qualify!).

For more information and our day by day schedule for Easter, please visit www.tnmoc.org/bytes

We look forward to welcoming you again at The National Museum of Computing.

AND the team from LifestyleMK caught up with Matt Yeomans at TNMOC to tell is all about this exciting event.  Catch the show HERE  (Matt is on around 24 mins in)

LifestyleMK recording at the original transmission block "E" in Bletchley!!

LifestyleMK are really excited to be recording this week's show at the original transmission block, Block E in Bletchley!

E Block in Bletchley Park was where the decrypted messages were transmitted to the British Commanders, and is now home to a number of businesses, including "A Great Escape".

A Great Escape offers an "Escape Room" - a live puzzle where teams of 2 - 6 have to solve riddles in order to find their way out - within 60 minutes.  The room is themed around the area itself, with a story featuring modern-day codebreakers in Bletchley and called "Enigma".  (To book, please visit www.agreatescaperoom.com - the previews are in and this game is no "imitation" *groan*).

Ken Ferguson

The show is delighted to have a feature from Ken Ferguson, writer of Escape Game blog "The Logic Escapes Me" (CLICK HERE) or follow him on twitter @escapaholic who talks about his passion for escape games, as well as what to look for in a good game.

A Great Escape is one of the many businesses investing in Milton Keynes - which was ranked as the "number one for job growth" in 2015 by the Centre for Cities.  ...and with a second escape game (Roomescapemk) also opening in the area this month, as well as one in nearby Kettering, Lifestyle MK will be finding out about this particular business trend.

With your host, Audrey whose book on management is out later this year (pre order here) - the show comprises its usual informative insights and other exciting guests this week - Resident Fitness expert - PT Robb and Vet Dr Jamie are both taking an in depth look at their own professions, the team also have guest features from Brunel Business School talking about why business matters, and pitfalls of cultural clashes in the working world.  We even have a special interview with Matthew Yeomans of

The National Museum of Computing

The National Museum of Computing (based in Block H of Bletchley Park - click HERE or @tnmoc ) who are putting on an Easter festival for families called "BYTES" running 25 March - 10 April - so don't miss out!

...and with wellbeing always in mind, presenter Ro Linton will talk about the work-life balance, co-host Gill will discuss the pros and cons of volunteering, and Dave's Man Cave aims to inspire you with the cool jobs out there.



Tune in on Saturday 12 - 2 on Secklow Sounds, or catch the show on Mixcloud at your leisure...it's not all work, work, work!!

Transition is on the offence...

OLASS Executive Director Sally Alexander joins David in the studio to tell us all about one of MK Colleges hidden gems.
Hear all about the outstanding work Sally & her team do, taking further education into over 20 of the UKs prisons.

OFFENDER LEARNING & SKILLS SERVICE at Milton Keynes CollegeMilton Keynes College is one of the largest providers of Offender Learning in England, operating programmes at thirty prisons across the East Midlands, West Midlands and South Central England.
Milton Keynes College has been providing offender learning and services to prisons in the UK for over 20 years. Providing high - quality education and training for over twenty years.
Established in 1984, Milton Keynes is proud to be an accessible College with a strong reputation for providing high-quality education to learners of all levels.

Interested & want to know more
http://www.mkcollege.ac.uk/page/olass
Transition with David Stimson: Mondays 2pm on Secklow Sounds

or catch it on SPREAKER

...and if you want to get involved:

Career opportunities at one of England’s largest providers of Offender Learning 

Milton Keynes College, one of England’s largest providers of Offender Learning, is recruiting. The College currently delivers courses at twenty eight prisons across the West Midlands, East Midlands and South Central regions, and is recruiting for a number of roles, including: 

· Lecturers/ tutors 

· Administrators 

· Learner support tutors 

· Vocational trainers (Bricklayers, Joiners, Motor vehicle, Barbering) 

· Programme Managers 

· Education Managers 

Full and part time positions, as well as sessional, are available across the 3 regions, with HMYOI Aylesbury and Glen Parva, HMP Bullingdon, Spring Hill, Huntercombe, Woodhill and Birmingham having immediate vacancies. 

Sally Alexander, Executive Director of Offender Learning at Milton Keynes College, has worked in Offender Learning for over twenty years, starting her career as a lecturer at HMP Bullingdon. Sally says “Offender Learning is an area which many people that work within the education sector do not even think about for a career path, yet it offers great career progression opportunities. It is very fulfilling to see the learners develop and progress, and for many, education can be life changing. In addition there are flexible holidays, on average fourteen students to a class, and opportunities to transfer across to one of our other sites, should relocation prove of interest.” 

If you're looking for a rewarding career and are keen to pass on your experience, apply now via www.mkcollege.ac.uk/career or call Nicky Palmer –Trew for more information on 01908 637015

What's on in the Park?

Join us in 2016 and find out What’s On in Milton Keynes’ parks

by Laura Tarry

We have a jam packed events calendar for 2016 full of fun and interesting things to do in our parks.


Our new What’s On Guide, (January to June 2016) is now available with events ranging from a talk on Butterflies to Parks and Run.


Julie Dawes, Events & Recreation Co-ordinator at The Parks Trust said: “Pick up a What’s on Guide and find a new hobby or interest whilst enjoying our beautiful parks. Kick-start January by joining the Women’s Walking Network or learn the basics of Green Woodworking at Howe Park Wood Education Centre.


“We provide an extensive programme of activities and aim to offer events for a range of ages and tastes.”


The 2016 What’s On Guide will be available from local libraries, DMK: The Visitor Information Centre and The Parks Trust offices. It is also available online: http://www.theparkstrust.com/downloads/whats-on-2016/


Visit us online to find a month by month overview of our activities http://www.theparkstrust.com/whats-on.php?date=2016-01-03&location=&type=&event_option_submit=submitted


Regular activities:

· Discover – A series of short education courses for adults.


· Easy Riders – A series of bike rides organised by the Cyclists Touring Club. Visit www.mkctc.org.uk for details.


· Orienteering – Learn how to use a map while having fun in the parks. Run by South Midlands Orienteering Club. Visit www.smoc.info for details.


· Parks and Run – Fun runs for all ages and abilities with a choice of routes from 2km to 10km.


· Women’s Walking Network – Get to know your parks better and make some new friends. Walks are normally 4-5 miles and at a moderate pace.


Other activities and events:


· Cricket – Campbell Park Pavilion cricket ground hosts many cricket matches throughout the year. Annual match list will be available on our website from spring 2016.


· MK Rose – A series of events and activities centred at the space for commemoration and celebration in Campbell Park.


· Ride Out – Run by Whaddon Chase branch of Pony Club and Cromwell Group of Endurance GB. Booking 2 weeks in advance is essential. To book call 01908 677791.


· Tree Tots – Weekly toddle around Howe Park Wood followed by a ‘Nature Play’ session for pre-school toddlers and their parents. See our website for information and booking.


Events which carry the star icon symbol must be booked in advance.


Book online at www.theparkstrust.com or call our events line to confirm your place on: 01908 255379.


Events are subject to change; please visit our website for additional events, up-to-date information, terms and conditions.


Don’t forget! There are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities are available, contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01908 233600 or volunteering@theparkstrust.com




The Parks Trust is a charity that cares for Milton Keynes’ parks and green spaces – the river valleys, ancient woodlands, lakesides, parks and landscaped areas alongside the main roads that make the city such a great place to live, work and visit.

About 25 percent of the new city area is parkland, adding up to 5,000 acres.
In addition to parkland, The Parks Trust takes care of the landscaping along the main grid roads – 80 miles of trees, shrubs and flowers.