This time last year, I visited the Houses of Parliament to collect the Letters Patent – a document signed by the late Queen that officially declared Milton Keynes a city. Not long after, the community celebrated at Station Square listening to Sam Ryder in concert and enjoying laser light displays.
Then, in February this year, His Majesty King Charles III visited Milton Keynes to meet the diverse range of community groups and organisations who were involved in the city status bid. It was an immense honour to greet His Majesty and show him exactly what makes our city so special.
And now, to celebrate our first anniversary as a city, Milton Keynes City Council is providing all city schools with free City Status Activity Packs. They’ve been designed to inspire young minds to think about their home in new ways, with activities including ‘create your own imaginary guide to MK’ and ‘design a modern time capsule’. The packs are housed in a specially commissioned box made by a Bletchley-based business, and also include a replica of the Letters Patent. Interestingly, the Letters Patent we received was produced on vellum by William Cowley – a historic Newport Pagnell-based firm who supply vellum to the Royal Household for formal announcements.
The first school to receive a pack was The Willows School and Early Years Centre in Fishermead. They were presented with the pack by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Howe. Countess Howe was joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Milton Keynes to meet the school children, who will be sure to remember this moment in the city’s history. The packs will be delivered to all local schools, but are also available as a free online resource.
One year on, it’s clear that city status is much more than just a label. It gives Milton Keynes the recognition it deserves and is already proving its value with even more major businesses looking to invest here. Most importantly it will help us deliver our vision to develop Milton Keynes as a global city with endless opportunities for future generations.
City Status Activity Packs can be downloaded at www.make-miltonkeynes.org
Find out more about Milton Keynes City Council at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk
