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56 Phonebox Magazine | April 2025New Accessible Homes Unveiled by Local Charity in Milton KeynesA learning disabilities charity, Camphill Milton Keynes, has unveiled the opening of its new accessible homes for adults with learning disabilities and autism. The charity announced its plans three years ago when it began fundraising for the fi rst %u00a33.3 million to create new accessible homes for individuals with additional needs. On 6th March, contractors Watson & Cox handed the charity the keys at the opening ceremony. Their new home was opened to the funders and its ambassadors. Named %u2018Bradbury House,%u2019 the new building will house six adults with complex learning disabilities. Clad in stone from Corby, it has heat source pumps, an air handling system, and solar panels, reducing its draw on the earth%u2019s resources and creating sustainable energy for better long-term running costs. Planning for long-term housing provision, Bradbury House is innovative and adaptable. It benefi ts from hoisting to assist people who require support moving from their bed to their bathroom, a passenger lift, fall-and-rise washbasins, and a kitchen worktop to allow individuals, both standing and seated, to access facilities. The charity%u2019s patron, BBC Radio 4%u2019s Martha Kearney, attended the opening event. Martha spoke to guests about her brother-in-law Alastair, who lived at Camphill MK for over 20 years. Martha shared emotional stories about Camphill%u2019s incredible impact on Alastair and how Bradbury House is so important for other people with learning disabilities. Camphill MK plans to welcome new residents in late spring 2025 and will kick-start their second phase of fundraising to build more suitable homes for individuals with additional needs. Milton Keynes International Festival returnsThe fi rst raft of events and the Speigeltent programme has been announced by Cherry Fair Returns!The organisers of Olney%u2019s fabulous Cherry Fair have been in touch to say that the event will be returning on Sunday 29th June, 12 noon to 4pm.Applications for stalls and arena events are open now. Anyone interested can email cherryfair@olneyparish.org.Olney Wedding FairAfter the success of Olney%u2019s fi rst-ever Wedding Fair last year, Olney Town Council put on another great wedding show at the Olney Centre, showcasing many of our local trades, including beauty, stationery and print, cakes, jewellers, fl orists, hats, and wedding attire, as well as the Centre itself, which is a lovely wedding venue in the town.Mayor Debbie Whitworth expressed her thanks and appreciation to town clerk Jane Brushwood who organised the event and worked tirelessly in bringing it all together on the day.Willen Hospice Iceland TrekWillen Hospice Consultant Dr Ben Dietsch has trekked across Iceland with his 16-yearold daughter, Phoebe, to help raise funds for the charity%u2019s Willen at Home team.The challenge covers almost 40km %u2013 up volcanoes and mountains and across lava fi elds. A group of 14 committed Hospice supporters signed up to take part.Money raised from the challenge will help fund the work of the Willen at Home team, who take the Hospice%u2019s specialist care out into the homes of patients with a life-limiting illness. Despite being the only service of its kind in Milton Keynes, Willen at Home receives no NHS funding and is entirely paid for through charitable donations %u2013 costing %u00a31.4 million each year.Ben has been the Hospice%u2019s Consultant for nearly 20 years. %u201cHaving worked in palliative care for a long time, I see fi rst-hand that a lot of people don%u2019t get an opportunity to do something like this,%u201d says Ben. %u201cI wanted to take this chance to give back and also do something really special with my daughter, Phoebe. %u201cIt%u2019s such a privilege to be doing this challenge organisers of this year%u2019s Milton Keynes International Festival (IF). The festival, famous for its programme of large-scale outdoor events, theatrical performances, circus shows, comedy, cabaret, live music and free family activities, will transform the city over 10 amazing days, say organisers. It runs from Friday 18th to Sunday 27th July. Keep an eye out for future articles in the Phonebox magazine as we bring you further details.Business Achievements RecognisedThe Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA) 2025 took place last month in a dazzling celebration of excellence, innovation, and community impact. With this year%u2019s theme, %u2018Bridging the Gap: Skills & Learning for Our Future Workforce%u2019, the awards underscored the vital need to address the ongoing skills gap aff ecting local businesses. The coveted Business of the Year award was presented to Niftylift Ltd, a leading name in manufacturing and supply chain solutions.The Outstanding Contribution award was presented to Monica Ferguson, CEO & Artistic Director of The Stables, in recognition of her transformative impact on Milton Keynes%u2019 cultural landscape.Now in its 11th year the prestigious event, held at Stadium MK, welcomed over 500 guests from across the region and beyond.News Round UpMK Business Achievement Awards; Monica Ferguson, Stables; Debbie Hall, Phonebox Magazine with Bradbury House launch in MK