I currently live in Milton Keynes and so it's been interesting to see how the town (yes town, not city as most people here like to call it), celebrated its 50th birthday. 23rd January 2017 marked 50 years you see since plans for the new town were given the go ahead.
An exhibition was on show in thecentre:mk over the birthday weekend, which I found really interesting. It's theme was past, present and future. It's always fascinated me actually, as to just how much history Milton Keynes has - more than you'd think. A six tier birthday cake was in the process of being put together when I went to see the exhibition.
The town's 50th birthday has been marked in many ways already - Bletchley Park gave away 500 free tickets, whilst tickets for an MK Dons match were all free for MK residents. More events are planned throughout the year. I'm particularly interested in going to see a parade of 50 life size concrete cows towards the end of March. The cows are all being sponsored by local businesses and the money raised will be given to three local charities.
So what has Milton Keynes' 50th birthday got to do with writing? Well, it's provided material for two articles I have been commissioned to write for a local magazine, and it has also motivated me to write a short story. To help celebrate the town's 50th birthday, a short story competition has been launched for stories set in Milton Keynes. This provided me with the perfect excuse to write a follow up to Paris Actually. It's been great to re-visit Anna and Joe - the plot for my short story revolves around their wedding - and I'm pleased with how the story is progressing. Can you guess its title?
Until next time - keep writing. :)
