I run a consultancy called Diversity Marketplace which works with some of the UK’s largest Employers to design and implement Change/Positive Action initiatives

I moved to MK in 2000 but didn’t really get involved in the Voluntary sector until much later when I collaborated with the MK Dons and Bucks Fire and Rescue Service to form the Inclusive Sports Forum in 2010.

Gamiel at one of his many fundraising events

From there I became Chair of the Diversity and Equality Partnership in 2011, Trustee for the Community Action MK in 2013 and Trustee for the Parks Trust in 2016.

I used to hang around at the radio stations in Milton Keynes from the age of 14. I was a fan, but I also wanted to be a presenter… a “DJ”! Then when I turned 19 I moved here while I studied at Luton University.

A bit random, but I was offered a free room in a friend’s house so I thought, why not? Most of my friends were here so it fit. Plus there was a commercial radio station here at that time, called Horizon Radio. So I hung around there and did some shows, and after a while I got the breakfast show there and ended up living in MK for quite some time.

Helen enjoying one of her favourite spots in Milton Keynes

I loved the feel of being part of something that was exciting – it felt vibrant, new, and modern. The first time I went to the cinema was at The Point – I saw Back to the Future in 1985 for my 10th birthday party. In time, I moved away with work, met my husband, but kept coming back here for my social life. Then it got to the stage when I just wanted to move back… so we did!

We lived in this house for about ten years. Our photograph was used as one of the main adverts to attract people to move here.

I’m the small boy in the photo with the Buck Rogers T-shirt, shoes the wrong way round because we had to run in to change out of dirty trainers!

Ian and his family revisiting the house from the advert

I remember the photograph being taken – the photographer came past and saw us in the garden and asked for our photo to be taken.

A special place for me is the Iron Trunk aqueduct which carries the Grand Union Canal across the River Great Ouse.

Not only have I worked for the Canal and River Trust, and British Waterways before that, for 25 years, but four years ago I moved to the area and this is somewhere I love to come and bring friends and family.

James at the site of the Iron Trunk aqueduct

In the 1980’s we found that it was leaking. It has a plug, a bit like in a bath, and we discovered it needed a washer. One of the guys took off his Wellington boot and using a sharp knife cut out a strip and wrapped it round – it stopped the leak completely and it’s still there!

I love Milton Keynes for the way it’s laid out. It’s so modern and so easy to get to.

I could see that my clients coming to Milton Keynes from Manchester, Birmingham, London, wherever could easily find us as we’re so close to the motorway.

Lionel with the commemorative Rotary sign celebrating its’ 100th birthday

We moved here in 1981 in that horrible heavy winter snow. It’s perfect! Being located between the two lakes and the canal we’re just spoiled for walks. It’s so lovely to go out on a sunny morning and it’s easy to walk to the city centre with all the redways and paths.

it’s not just MK 50th birthday – it’s mine too!!  It’s really exciting and definitely a good way to make my 50th memorable.  Not many people can say they share their birthday with their home town!

I”m celebrating by making it all about Milton Keynes!  I am going to the mayoral reception oh the Friday.  I’m a huge MK Dons fan so we’ll be there to watch the match and celebrate there on the Saturday.  Then on Sunday I’ll be cutting the Milton Keynes Birthday cake in the centre.

Lisa enjoying the Fred Roche Gardens in Milton Keynes

People keep calling me Mrs Milton Keynes! But they’re right – I love it here, apart from the absence of sea salt, we literally have it all.  Lots of people dismiss it but usually they haven’t been here.  When I go to other places I find myself wishing for home.