MK Digest – A421 closures, free SEND support & £5k grants

Here’s what’s worth knowing in Milton Keynes this week.

Drivers using the A421 around M1 junction 13 should expect overnight disruption during the week ahead. National Highways has scheduled maintenance at the Brogborough roundabout between 9pm on Monday 26 October and 5am on Saturday 31 October.

The agency describes the closures as overnight work. For westbound drivers, its signed diversion uses Salford Road and Bedford Road to rejoin the A421. Eastbound drivers are directed from Kingston roundabout via Newport Road, Countess Way, Fen Street, Broughton Road and Salford Road.

The published notice concerns the A421/M1 junction 13 roundabout; it does not announce a five-day, 24-hour closure of the M1 motorway. National Highways says roadworks plans and diversions may change at short notice.

If you need to travel in the evening or early morning, check National Highways’ latest closures and allow extra journey time before setting off.

🕒 Overnight works: 9pm Mon 26 Oct to 5am Sat 31 Oct (published period)
📍 A421 / M1 junction 13, Brogborough roundabout
🚗 Check official diversions before travelling

More information →

A Milton Keynes mum has launched SENDBridge, a free website designed to help families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) find support, activities and useful information.

Founder Tina Howard, a mother of four whose two daughters have additional needs, created the website after years of struggling to find suitable services and advice for her own family.

SENDBridge brings together support services, SEND-friendly activities, days out and practical resources. It also aims to help parents and carers connect with others facing similar challenges.

Tina is developing the platform herself and is committed to keeping it free, recognising the financial pressures many SEND families already face.

The website is available now, with a mobile app planned for the future.

💻 Website: Free to join
📍 Milton Keynes-based initiative
📱 Mobile app: Coming soon (not yet launched)

More information →

Community organisations planning events on six Milton Keynes high streets can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the city council. The programme has a total budget of £30,000 and applications close on Sunday 8 November.

Funding is intended for events and activities taking place in 2027 in Bletchley (Queensway), Newport Pagnell, Stony Stratford, Olney, Woburn Sands and Wolverton. Ideas could include markets, festivals, cultural celebrations, family days or other activities that bring visitors into town centres.

The council says community groups, charities, community interest companies (CICs), business associations, and town and parish councils can apply. Applications involving several local partners are particularly encouraged, and some supported events could tie in with Milton Keynes’ 60th anniversary in 2027.

The council’s Economic Development page provides the eligibility information and application form. Organisers with questions can contact the team at [email protected]

🕒 Deadline: Sunday 8 November 2026
📍 Six named MK high streets
💷 Up to £5,000 per event; £30,000 total fund

More information →

Camphill Café in Milton Keynes has taken first place in BRITA Professional’s 2026 Grounds of Innovation Awards, which recognise creative and community-focused independent cafés across the UK.

The vegetarian café is part of Camphill Milton Keynes, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities. It offers supported work experience and ongoing training in customer service, food safety and food preparation, while drawing on the charity’s bakery, garden and craft workshops.

The award judges highlighted the café’s approach to meaningful training opportunities for adults with a range of abilities.

The café is based at Camphill Milton Keynes, Japonica Lane, Willen Park. Its website lists opening hours of 10am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday, with table bookings on 01908 308738.

🏆 First place: BRITA Grounds of Innovation Awards 2026
📍 Japonica Lane, Willen Park, Milton Keynes
🕒 Café hours: Mon–Fri, 10am–3:30pm

More information →

A pet travel safety business has won the top prize in a start-up competition held during Milton Keynes Tech Week.

Pets 2 Places, founded by Claire Harris, was named the winner of TC Group's Next Big Thing challenge after eight businesses pitched their ideas to judges at Unity Place on 16 October.

The business is developing safer products for transporting pets, drawing on more than 12 years of practical experience in pet transport.

Claire will receive a choice of business development and mentoring packages, with the total prize support valued at up to £12,500.

Property technology business Novus was runner-up, while AI data privacy specialist Synthaveil received Highly Commended recognition.

🏆 Prize: Business support and mentoring worth up to £12,500

More information →

🚒 Paid on-call firefighters wanted in MK
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is recruiting paid on-call firefighters, including at Olney, Broughton and West Ashland stations. The role can fit around other employment or commitments, with firefighters responding to emergencies during agreed availability periods. Applicants must be at least 18 when starting, meet the station's 10-minute response requirement and satisfy other eligibility criteria.
🕒 Applications: Open year-round
📍 Stations include Olney, Broughton and West Ashland
💷 Annual retainer: £2,365–£6,054, plus additional hourly payments
More information →

Looking for something to do locally? Here are a few ideas for the week ahead:

🕒 Mon 26 Oct–Sun 1 Nov, 10am–4pm daily:

👻 Willen Lake Halloween Trail
A free Halloween adventure for younger children: collect a trail sheet from the Watersports Centre, follow Wilbur’s spooky challenges around the lake and hand the completed sheet back for a treat. Best suited to under-eights, but everyone can join in.
📍 Willen Lake Watersports Centre
🎟 Free
More information →

🕒 Tue 27–Thu 29 Oct, 9:30am–12:30pm:

🍂 October Half-Term Open Mornings
Explore bats, spiders and fungi through nature-themed activities with The Parks Trust, then follow a self-guided trail in the woods. The open mornings are free and suitable for all ages; separate pre-bookable craft sessions are charged.
📍 Howe Park Wood Education Centre, Tattenhoe, MK4 3GG
🎟 Free
More information →

🕒 Tue 27 Oct, 11am–1pm:

☕ 5 Ways Café – Great Linford
Enjoy a cuppa and a friendly chat at this dementia-friendly community café, open to everyone. Visitors can also join an optional accessible guided walk around Great Linford Manor Park and the village, usually starting at noon.
📍 St Andrew's Church, Parklands, Great Linford, MK14 5DZ
🎟 Free; no booking required
More information →

🕒 Wed 28 Oct–Sat 14 Nov (opens this week):

🎭 Matilda The Musical
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s musical, inspired by Roald Dahl’s story of an extraordinary young girl, arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre for a three-week run. With songs by Tim Minchin, it is recommended for ages 6+; check individual performance times and seats before booking.
📍 Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate
🎟 From £35
More information →

🕒 Fri 30 Oct, 8am–Sat 31 Oct, 8am:

🎾 MK Smashers: 24-Hour Pickleball Festival
Following our earlier feature on MK Smashers, the club is teaming up with the Mayor of Milton Keynes for a 24-hour pickleball fundraiser supporting MK Food Bank. Players aged 16+ can sign up individually or in teams, with beginners welcome and instructors available to help newcomers. Choose a one-hour playing slot, or register for several hours, and help support a worthwhile local cause.
📍 Woughton Leisure Centre, Chaffron Way, MK6 5EJ
🎟 £10 per player per hour; register online for a playing slot
More information →

🕒 Fri 30 Oct–Sun 1 Nov; Fri/Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10:30am–5pm:

🛍️ MK Curated Winter Fair
More than 100 stalls are expected at this winter edition of the handmade and vintage fair, with independent makers and sellers offering crafts, original gifts and collectables. Browse the displays in Middleton Hall throughout the weekend.
📍 Middleton Hall, centre:mk
🎟 Free entry
More information →

🕒 Sat 31 Oct; doors 10am, programme 10:30am–5pm:

🛸 Worlds Collide Day – Doctor Who fundraiser
Doctor Who actors and performers, including Terry Molloy and Ian Reddington, join a day of readings, live performances, interviews, signings and book launches in support of York House’s fundraising campaign. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult; guest appearances may change.
📍 York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford
🎟 £16.50 (includes the £1.50 booking fee); ages 14+
More information →

🕒 Sat 31 Oct, 11am–3pm:

🎃 The Big Trick or Treat
Children can dress up, bring a pumpkin bucket and hunt for carved pumpkins in participating shop windows. When they spot one, they can visit that retailer to collect a sweet or treat, while supplies last.
📍 Midsummer Place, Central Milton Keynes
🎟 Free; treats while stocks last
More information →

🕒 Sun 1 Nov, 3–4:30pm:

📖 MK Lit Fest: Raising Spirits under the Setting Sun
Join MK Lit Fest for an outdoor literary walk featuring original writing inspired by local stories and the season. It starts at Milton Keynes Rose; wear suitable shoes, as the walk follows public paths with some steep slopes and may not be accessible to everyone.
📍 Meet at Milton Keynes Rose, Campbell Park
🎟 Free; booking advised
More information →

Explore more events and activities at MK Libraries.

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See you next issue.

Toby
MK Digest