Milton Keynes Guru Questions Page 4 |
Milton Keynes Guru Questions Pages
Question: hey Guru dude iam going down to milton keynes from inverness what is the best way to get down? bell. Answer: Car would not be a good idea, coach is a possibility but rail would be easier. You would have to travel to Aberdeen and Edinburgh. From there you could take a train to Birmingham New St, then change for Central Milton Keynes. Alternatively you could take the east coast mainline service to Kings Cross, getting off at Peterborough. Here you can catch a coach to Central Milton Keynes. Timetables and connections need checking on www.nationalrail . Should you wish to fly, I have attached flight finder for services to London Luton and then Virgin coach to Central Milton Keynes. You could also fly to Birmingham and take the train from Birmingham International to Central Milton Keynes. The Guru. Question: Where else apart from the xscape can we go rock climing? natasha. Answer: For an open air experience,go to the old railway embankment in Emberton park, south of Olney. The cutting comes down to the west side of the park and the area has been developed for recreation purposes. The Guru. Question: Can you situat me MINERVA GARDENS WAUGUDEN GATE on a map of the city ? joris willems Answer: You mean Minerva Gardens, Wavenden Gate. Click on the link for map. The Guru. Question: Are the taxis at Milton Keynes station black cabs or similarly big enough to fit a snowboard? Graham Answer: I think a lot of MK taxis are saloons, though black style cabs do operate. Space coould be tight for snow boards, in saloons. The Guru. Question: where is granbry industrial estate west bletchly mk? cant find it any where? adam Answer: There is a Granby Court next to Denbigh Industrial Estate, on the north east side of Watling Street, near the railway bridge. maybe that's what you are looking for. This is in West Bletchley, where the main industry is located. >> Click Here for a map The Guru. Question: How can I contribute a PC help feature to miltonkeynes.com on a regular basis? Rod Cox Answer: Send a sample of your work, some information about yourself and what you want to cover to info@miltonkeynes.com and I'll forward your details to the editor. The Guru. Question: how do i get to the SNowdome in Milton Keynes from Hertfordshire but train or bus? Pamela Answer: This depends where you are in Hertfordshire. If you are near Berhamstead or Hemel Hempstead, catch a train to Bletchley or Central Milton Keynes where you will find buses or taxis able to take you close to the Snowdome. If you are close to Luton, you can travel via Luton to Central Milton Keynes. Full details for journeys by the main operator, Arriva, into Central Milton Keynes, can be obtained from their website. You should also look up express services because you may be close to a pick up point. The Guru. Question: Need to find details of bus services from Milton Keynes to Newport Pagnel Answer: There are too many to list. Log on to www.pindar.com?mk/guides?Local.NP and, you will find a timetable if you scroll down. Check which services suit your needs. The Guru. Question: Can we fix a Freeview arial to the outside of a house in MK? Carrie Answer: This depends on planning restrictions that may apply in certain areas. I wouldn't expect you to have a problem, but it would be wise to contact the Council Planning Department. Log on to info@miltonkeynes.gov.uk or phone their main switchboard and ask for planning. The Guru. Question: hi where is the ccbx building in central milton keynes plz? sonia Answer: I assume you mean the Central Business Exchange. This is situated in the same complex as English Partnerships, between Midsummer and Avebury Boulevards, currently next to a major building site- for hotel, offices and residential. The Guru. Question: What is milton keynes like? pinky Answer: No other place on earth. The Guru. Question: Postal address of Milton Keynes Council - Administrative Offices Pamela Creeggan Answer: 1 Saxon Gate, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3HG The Guru Question: Is there a poundland in milton keynes? If not which is the nearest pound land to milton keynes? Neeraj Answer: The nearest shop is 10-14, The Brunel Shopping Centre, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2HE. The Guru. Question: I am looking for labour job! mindaugas kieras Answer: I assume you want a labouring job rather than a job with the Labour Party. Look at job vacancies in local newspapers, approach foreman on local building sites, log on to our jobs page or www.jobsite.co.uk or www.gisajob.co.uk or www.jobserve.co.uk Good luck in your search! The Guru. Question: Where can I find a timetable for the number 24 bus Bedford too milton keynes please help asap? nicola Answer: The libraries and council offices in Milton Keynes and Bletchley have these timetables and so should W H Smiths in the city centre and possibly in Bletchley. You could also look at stagecoachbus.com. Their hourly express service also calls at Bedford. The Guru. Question: Why do government, both national and local allow foriegn companies to buy British companies, when they know it will cause massive redundancies i.e Abbey Stephen Answer: Globalisation means that people anywhere in the world can buy shares in companies worldwide, through stock markets across the world. Many international companies wield more power than goverments. In order to maintain investment and employment, governments are vey much at the mercy of large multi national companies. The situation is such some argue that regardless of political party, modern governemnts are little more than managers of their economy. Meanwhile Regional Assemblies ( Milton Keynes comes under East Anglia ) are government bodies taking more power from local councils. Local Council's primary reponsibility is to carry out national governemnt policies in all the key areas. Anti Monopoly, or anti trust legislation, does exist to control takeovers within Britain and the European Community has regulations about fair trade. With all this in mind, you will realise that it is very difficult to prevent foreign companies taking over British ones. If a large company offers an above market price for the shares of another one, most shareholders would sell their holdings. This is how a takeover bid works. London Brick Company used to be a major local employer and was more profitable than it appeared when Hanson Trust took it over in the 1980s. Lord Hanson only needed more shares than anyone else in his Hanson Trust, to be able to gain a controlling interest in other companies, like London Brick. Hanson is British based but has been able to buy companies across the world. Labour MP and former actress, Glenda Jackson, was the mainstay of Hanson's 80s ad campaign , with the slogan 'a company that's big over there ( U.S.A ) as well as over here ( Britain ). That's the way of modern business. The Guru. Question: What is the history behind willen lakeside park. Lindsay Answer: The potential for water sports was seen at the earliest planning stages of Milton Keynes, because there were so many old brick workings called knot holes. Willen Lake was developed, in the first place, to facilitate drainage on the flat landscape which would otherwise be very prone to flooding. Developing the lake for leisure and water sports was a natural second stage and now over a million people visit the site every year. A miniature railway completes the idylic scene. The Guru. Question: I was wondering if you knew the telephone number of the playgroup / preschool in Crownhill, I have searched everywhere but there doesn't appear to be any info on the web. Wayne Answer: Without the exact address it is difficult to answer this question. The closest pre school that I am aware of in this area is just across the V4 Watling St from Crownhill, in Great Holm. This is the Great Holm pre School, at 87 Kensington Drive. The leader is Ms Suzi McCabe and phone numbers are 01908 566459 and 07957 385389. I hope this information is of assistance. The Guru. Question: How did Milton Keynes get its name? Samantha Answer: It was named after the historic village of Milton Keynes, the Keynes part of the name being associated with the economist John Maynard Keynes's Norman ancestors. The choice was made through the original 1960s Milton Keynes Development Corporation which was headed by millionaire publisher and socialist, Lord ' Jock' Campbell of Eskan. As soon as the choice of name was made, Jock exhorted all those in the designated new city area to start thinking of themselves as Milton Keynesians. In 1993, shortly before his death, he declaimed ' look what they have done to my city '. He felt that it had not been developed in keeping with the vision of a city in the countryside. Milton Keynes, was seen by him and others, as an extension of the village ideal that was seen in the village of Milton Keynes. To find the old village, follow the signs to Middleton, from the Kingston roundabout. The Guru. Question: Could you please show me Stantonbury campus sports centre on a map? jonner Answer: Stantonbury Campus Sports Centre is just off Saxon Street (V7), click here for a map. The Guru. Question: whereabouts in milton keynes is the bus station? joanne Answer: The bus station is situated between Elder Gate and Grafton Gate ( V6 ) at their intersection with Midsummer Boulevard ( which runs horizontally between H5 and H6 ). It is next door to the railway station. Due to its extreme western location, its role has been usurped by Midsummer Place for service buses and Coachways for express services. The Guru. Question: My friend believes that Milton Keynes is a desolate wasteland, that only monkeys can inhabit, is she correct? Answer: Monkeys don't live in desolate wastelands and there may be a few living in Milton Keynes. However, most Milton Keynes life forms are human, no better or worse than anywhere else. The city itself has much to commend it but faces great challenges as it works to accommodate extra population deemed necessary by Central Goverment. The Guru. Question: were can i get the number to ring the council about propertys in bletchley area? emma Answer: Call 01908 691691, you will be directed from there. The Guru. Question: how far is it from milton keynes to heathrow? elle Answer: It is approximately 50miles. The Guru. Question: What is the best website to look for jobs in Milton Keynes? Sarah Answer: There are a few good ones, miltonkeynes.com jobs, www.jobsmk.com, ajobtoday.co.uk. Ill leave it to you to decide which is the best. The Guru. Question: Is the Nike, Milton Keynes Half Marathon an official event? I can't find any information for it on the MK websites. Daniel Williams Answer: Not sure what you mean by official. It is sponsored by NiKE, organised by Milton Keynes AC and hopsted by the OU. The course is flat and fast, mixing roads and Redways. Entry costs £15 for non club members and there are prizes. Details via www.sports-fitness.com or Www.mkhalf.co.uk. This years race is on Sunday, March 12th. The Guru Question: I'm looking for a suitable venue for my daughter's 18th birthday party - 14th/15th July ideally, up to 150 people, bar, disco and buffet included preferably. All I've come up with at the mo is Windmill Hill at £450. It's reasonable, does what I want, but a bit small and a bit 'basic' and smokey. Am I asking too much? Could even consider a marquee at that time of year, but would still want the disco etc as part of the package. Can you help me please?? Lesley Answer: Have you tried the Church of Christ the Cornerstone in CMK? They have a large function room at, upon my last inquiry, half the price. There is also Wilton Hall in Bletchley. The Guru. Question: Where in MK can i get a guinot hydradermie facial? Preferably closer to the M1 side? sshk Answer: Top to Toe, 8 Pinks Close, Loughton, MK5 8FF, should be able to help you. Phone 01908 604645. I have no personal experience of their service. The Beauty Shop in Crownhill, phone 01908 260528, is another possibility. There is also the Spray Tan Company. offering most beauty treatments. They are in Shenley Brook End- phone 01908 330430. Again, in both of these cases, I have no direct experience of their work. It is up to you to telephone and assess whether any of them meet your required standards of service. Good luck. The Guru. Question: Can u go tobagganing in the milton keynes snow dome? heidi heard Answer: Yes, from 9am until 11.00pm. Costs are Adult £10 and child £8 for 30 mimutes, and Adult £13 and child £10 for 45 minutes or nightslider. The Guru. Question: how do i get milton keynes municipality ..council? ..question from sweden kral john Answer: Are you asking how to contact Milton Keynes Council? If so, which department? Try 01908 691691 this is the main line. The Guru. Question: What is the average salary in milton keynes Mark Answer: Around £17,000 income per household. The Guru. Question: I am living in a mother and baby unit and i have had my child hopefully i wish to move out of here and in to my own place but i want to know where i am on the housing waiting list? Emma Answer: Your best bet is to call the council Housing Advice line on 01908 667599, or try talking to the Council on 01908 691691 and they will guide you to the right place. The Guru. Question: What airport best serves milton keynes? Anon Answer: London Luton is the nearest airport to Milton Keynes at a distance of about 26 miles (45 mins) by road. Gatwick is about 90 miles away (2 hours+) and Stanstead is about 60 miles away. The Guru. Question: I am looking for Ted & Leslie Hanslow's address they once lived in Westward Ho and moved back to live in Milton Keynes Mel Lloyd Answer: The simplest thing is to check the electoral roll, via the public library, post office or internet. It would be wrong for me to trace and supply the address. I could not take that responsibility. I have to advise within the law. The Guru. Question: Could you list the shops in the central shopping center? Charis Answer: I have comissioned some of my followers to put togethers this page just for you...thecentre:mk Shops Directory The Guru. Question: can you find a person in Milton Keynes? Donna Answer: Since I am the guru you would reasonably expect me to know where everybody is, but there are civil liberties and safety concerns when it comes to revealing someone's location. The only legal course I can recommend to you is a visit to a Milton Keynes library or Post Office where you can view the electoral register. The Milton Keynes electoral register can also be viewed via the internet but there is usually a charge for this data. Good luck. The Guru. Question: Is there a next in the city centre? bex. Answer: Yes, at the top end where C & A used to be, near John Lewis. The Guru. Question: Could you tell me Nathan Rayners email address he lives in milton keynes? rebecca. Answer: E Mail addresses are confidential unlesss advertised. The Guru. Question: hi is there still girls heaven in milton keynes and if so could you tell the the tel number please so that i can contact them kind regards. ALISON Answer: Girl Heaven is no longer in business in thecentre:mk, the shop is now 'Claire's Accessories' www.claires.com. The Guru. Question: Are there any amateur dramatics societies in Milton keynes? Answer: I suggest you contact Madcap Theatre in Creed St, Wolverton, phone 01908 320179. You could also contact Stantonbury Campus Theatre on 01908 324460. The Guru. Question: Where can i find the closest british embassy to milton keynes? Rosheen Ramballi Answer: Embassies are homes for ambassadors to foreign countries. Therefore all British Embassies are abroad, though their are facilities at major airports to deal with asylum and other iimmigration issues. For general enquiries you should ring the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 1500. Visa related enquiries should be made on 020 7008 8438. The Guru. Question: Do you know if there are any staffordshire bull terriers for sale in milton keynes? Thank you. Jaime Dunnett (Mrs) Answer: I am not aware of any, but if you enter Staffordshire Bull Terrier wanted in Milton Keynes, into Google, a number of options emerge. The Guru. Question: Please advise which venues in MK have provision for hosting Childrens Birthday parties. Ashish. Answer: Hello Ashish, I am sorry for the late reply, but for Christmas I am meditating in the spirit world and have only just seen your message For your childrens party you could contact Trevor on 01908 265725 or www.upmystreet.co.uk. Also you could contact Kids-Party services at 24 lenthall Close, Bradwell, Milton Keynes MK13 9DF. If none of those can help, contact www.kesterthejester.co.uk McDonalds also cater for children's parties. If none of those can help, Denbigh North Leisure are good at catering for children. Phone 01908 366402. Merry Christmas. Question: Oh wise guru- what will you be doing this christmas? Lewpen. Answer: Meditating and living in the spirit world. The Guru. Question: Could you please tell me what time the shopping centre close's Christmas eve? Amanda Answer: The centre is open until 5 pm on Christmas Eve and closed all day on the 25th of Deecmber. Boxing Day is 11-5pm, Dec 27th; 9-6 pm, Dec 28 11-5pm, Dec 29th and 30th it's open until 8pm. On December 31st it is open until 5pm, January 1st is 11-5pm. Normal opening hours then resume, with opening until 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays. The Guru. Question: Address of marks & spencers in milton keynes city centre saxon? Temi Answer: The Central Milton Keynes Store is at the junction of Midsummer Boulevard and Saxon Street. You can write to them at Marks & Spencer, 39 Winchester Circle, Milton Keynes, MK10 OBA. The Guru. Question: I too agree with the complaints that have been sent in by Dick. I am a budding journalist, and it is clear that he is very out of touch with the local community, and seems to have a problem expressing his views in a way required to possibly represent your website, and our town. My opinion of Milton Keynes is it does have many faults, however on a whole, things are nowhere near as bad as Mr. Tate makes out. The Politics of Milton Keynes are slightly out of hand, it's a very expensive place to live and crime rates are increasing, but when we compare the facilities and quality of life compared to many other cities, Milton Keynes comes out on top. I think the column should reflect both of these positive and negatives aspects. Whoever you select to write your column, will act as a representative in some form of both your website, and our town; this is, primarily the reason I think Dick needs to pack his bags, and go and find another town to complain about! Answer: Thanks very much for your detailed response to Dick Tate's column. It has been very helpful and I think you are right to say that Milton Keynes facilities are outstanding and there is much to praise about it- old and new. I think Dick Tate may well have served his purpose in getting us towards a forum for local people. Milton Keynes is taking a lot of pressure due to demands from the outside world and we clearly need to be shouting about that, whilst trying to help those who are disadvantaged. Rest assured that your comments have been taken on board and keep in touch. The Guru. Question: If Mr. Tate is supposed to be so much better than all of us, then why is he writing for a local yokel website? I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Duncan Tomlinson, as written above. Quite obviously Dick's ego has proven too large for him to see just how stupid he makes himself look. Rather than write for a website ready by stupid 'twats', go and get a job at The Mirror.. however from your writing style, I very much doubt it. Quite frankly, I am not so sure I feel comfortable with his articles being published that slag our town and Country off- is this really what we want to represent ourselves to outsiders? Count me out. You can't just insult everybody's opinion- you, yourself seem to be for democracy- wake up then, Dick, and realise you cannot just blanket us with your views! Charlie Cunningham Answer: I take your point and thanks for taking the trouble to write. It's not really a question that the Guru can answer simply, but I think it would be good if you could write in and say what you think about Milton Keynes, that's good and what you want to see by way of improvements. As for Mr Tate, I wouldn't have thought anyone would think he spoke for Milton Keynes, he seems obviously out of touch with local and national views. He certainly seems to be upsetting those who have written in. Miltonkeynes.com needs to hear from more people like yourself so that we can get a columnist who is more in touch. From what I have heard so far, I will be recommending his dismissal. Before that decision is finally made, lets hear from more of you and get a discussion going, that's what I think regarding this very difficult question. One thing is clear from your views, Milton Keynes has got a lot of local pride and that needs shouting about. Thanks again Charlie. By the way, what's wrong with the Mirror? The Guru. Question: Oh masterful and wise Guru, where is the Jewish Synagogue in Milton Keynes? David Lamb Answer: The Milton Keynes District Reform Synagogue opened on August 17 2002. The address is MKDRS, Hainault Avenue, Giffard Park, Milton keynes, MK14 5PG. Phone 01908 617790, e-mail chairman@mkdrs.org The Guru. Question: Music shops in MK? Answer: The main music shop is Sound Control in the Xscape. Though I haven't visited for some time, I believe there are still shops in Wolverton, near Tescos, and near the Bletchley Arms in Queensway. The Guru. Question: Do you know of a particularly good singing teacher in milton keynes? As I want some proffessional lessons. Sarah. Answer: You could try Matthew Reeve on 01908 559964. His fee is £35 per hour. Suzy Smith is in Buckingham. Look on her website www.suzysmith.com. You could also look on www.anysubject.com The Guru. Question: What year did milton keynes open and what year did avon grove open? Jamie Mickle Newman Answer: County Architect Fred Pooley's original plan for a North Bucks supertown was published in 1964. The public inquiry was in 1966 and the Development Corporation started work in 1967. The main shopping centre did not open until 1979. I am unsure but from what i can gather Avon Grove opened in the 1960's along with the rest of the housing. The Guru. Question: Please can you give me details of the public meetings to be held tomorrow at Bow Brickhill and Monday at Church of Christ the Cornerstone, which will be about the MK growth options? Stephanie Hart. Answer: Not sure exactly what details you want. If you phone 01908 353960, English Partnerships will be able to give you all the info you need. My records show that the Monday meeting starts at 14.00, but another source says 15.00. The Guru. Question: Girl Heaven in Mk,what is there telephone number? Susan Treacy Answer: Phone 020 8748 0025 in the first instance The Guru. Question: what is the average house price for a house in milton keynes? Answer: £130,000 The Guru. Question: I once saw an advert on the website for a shop in Newort Pagnell that sells sugar free ice cream and other sugar free stuff. Cannot seem to find them listed anywhere. Any idea the name of the shop and the address or tel number? Thanks Joyce Singh. Answer: I am not sure but suggest you phone Brock Choclolates of 32a High St, Newport Pagnell, on 01908 613813. If they can't help you, there is another shop in Tickford St, though the name escapes me at the moment, but Brocks should know. You could try Dawn on 01908 630433 or Claire on 01908 216789 these numbers were on our original article! The Guru. Question: How many roundabouts does Milton Keynes have? Gail Marthinussen. Answer: Approximately 300 The Guru. Question: Have you a contact number for the old woughton on the green vineyard please? Anne. Answer: Phone 01908 311264 The Guru. Question: We will be shortly moving to Milton keynes and we are looking for apartments for rent our budget will be 400 -450 Pounds and our stay duration will be for a year. Can u please help us to give us the details as to the availability and procedure? Meenakshi. Answer: I suggest you contact www.miltonkeynesrooms.co.uk, www.oakhillproperty.co.uk, www.118.co.uk to see what they have available. The Guru. Question: My daughter is living and working in Milton Keynes. I am thinking of a surprise Christmas visit. What is the best way to get from Heathrow Airport to Milton Keynes and vice versa? Also, if you could advise costs would be great. Neil Liddell. Answer: A Heathrow Direct Bus oeprates from the Central Bus Station in terminal 4, but can be hard to find because of poor signage. It is service 707 and stops at Milton Keynes Coachway just off the M1. Another service will bring you into Central Milton Keynes. I am not sure of the price but will check if you have problems. You can also take the National Express for £15 return to Watford Junction Train station where you pick up Virgin rail service to Milton Keynes Central. You will need to log on to www.virginrail.com for the train fares and discounts. Another possibility is by Piccadilly line tune train to London Leicester Square, change there for Euston tube station, change again for Euston mainline and then to Central Milton Keynes. I am not sure of the price to date, but it would be the most expensive option and takes you right through London- not a good idea. Check www.virginrail.com for Euston Central Milton Keynes return. The Guru. Question: I am intent on coming to xscape on one day in the weekend of 9/10/11. I have a toddler so would like a hotel with a whacky warehouse or similar nearby, with good motorway access. Also if xscape wont fill the day what would the guru suggest that is nearby to do with a toddler. deejay. Answer: The hotel most convenient for Xscape and the city centre is Holiday Inn, with prices from £32.50. Xscape has all that most toddlers could want and there is no Wacky Warehouse in Milton Keynes. The closest is in Northampton ( about 45 minutes drive ) at Lakeside Pub, Bedford Road, Northampton- phone 01604 601737. Bletchley has an activity world, at Denbigh North Leisure, Bletchley, Milton Keynes- phone 01908 366402.. Milton Keynes also has a large Toys R' Us, ( with play facilities, I think ). The Guru. Question: I am a lone parent moving to milton keynes is there any private rented houses thar accept housing benefits? Lorraine Garrett Answer: Yes there are private rented houses that accept housing benefits, but Milton Keyne has large numbers in temporary accommdation. I advise you to contact Social Services in the first instance, on 01908 691691. Good luck. The Guru. Question: Can you tell me what heelands is like to live in? Answer: It depends what you are used to, but as city life goes it isn't at all bad. There's a lot of streets, named after places in Yorkshire. There's some nice woodland nearby, though it can be dangerous to wander or jog- particularly if you are female- because there are nasty people who take advantage of the shrubbery. Heelands is on the norther side of Milton Keynes, handy for the city centre and close to the old centres of Wolverton and Stony Stratford. Public transport here is about as good as it gets. You would also be close to the Northants border and some nice countryside. As with the whole area, and the nation, property isn't cheap, but there's a range of choice. Stantonbury Campus is in the area and it is not a bad school, within the limitations of the English system. Jobwise, there are service indisurties and retail opportunities in fair measure, with some traditional occupations available, especially in the Wolverton area. The Guru. Question: Could you tell me the name of the branch of local gov. looking after seniors homes My elderly uncle Fred Thorley said he and his wife may go to a nursing home in Milton Keynes. We have lost contact with him not knowing weather he is alive or not. Would it be possible to let me know how to check this out? Thank you, John Thorley Canada Answer: Milton Keynes Social Services Department are reponsible for the care of elderly people, though residential service delivery is nowadays through the private sector. Depending on people's means, they may have been directed to or chosen a particular care home, not necessarily in the Milton Keynes area. The probability is, however, that they applied through the relevant department. If so initial assessment may have been done by the Carers Project at the the David Baxter Centre, 63 North Seventh Street, Central Milton Keynes. You are too far away to phone, but try e emailing your enquiry to info@milton-keynes.gov.uk . The Social Services Department number is 01908 691691. The address is Social Services, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate, Central Milton Keynes. You could also try writing to your uncles last known address. Good luck. The Guru. Question: What records does Milton Keynes hold? (I heard a rumour about the longest shopping centre in Europe) Is this true and are there any others? Lewpen. Answer: Yes, it s true. I am not sure about other records. Ask me a specific question; It is the largest new town built in the western world, from scratch. It is the only town in the world that's usually called a city and it is a great mystery as to why the powers won't give it proper city status, especially now it's growing. It's got more roundabouts than anwhere else- roundabouts aren't that popular abroad, but they are a cheap form of junction. Because of the roundabouts, local cars suffer more tyre wear and tyre fitters do good business. It had a record wait to get a hospital. It has a marble bus station which was built in the wrong place becausae they wanted it near the train station. Now it's hardly used. It has the lowest take up for public transport for a town or city of its size in western Europe. Milton Keynes is also home to the world's largest university, the Open University- brainchild of Wilson's Labour Government. The Guru. Question: I lived and taught in MK nearly 15 years ago and still miss it terribly. I was wondering if there was a web site that had a copy of the Milton Keynes promotional adverts of the 1980's especially the highly emotive Red Balloon advertisement that first made me want to live in the Town. Ian (London). Answer: Try www.mkheritage.co.uk. The Guru. You were asked a question about the old MK adverts, in particular the Red Balloon TV commercial. I am not aware of this being available on any websites however I do have a copy on disc and if the person who contacted you still wants a copy forward my e-mail address to them and I will either e-mail it [if they are on broadband] or post a copy to them. Regards Paul Griffiths [former marketing manager MKDC] Question: I am planning to return to England to live and really liked Milton Keynes when I visited last year. What is the best way to find out about rental accommodation in the area - everything online seems to be so out of date and the agents listed don't show addresses. I currently live in Canada. Thanks. Gwyneth Hewis Answer: I can only suggest that you contact any or all of the following: www.oakhillproperty.co.uk www.smartnewhomes.com www.primelocations.com www.118.com miltonkeynes@connells.co.uk You should find the information that you require. Good luck. The Guru. Question: Do jjb do pink k swiss in youth size 2 1/2 or 3? Lopli. Answer: K Swiss do a 2 1/2 and 3 in pink and JJB should be able to order you a pair if they aren't in stock. The Guru. Question: What areas has the best school in Milton Keynes? Yash. Answer: I advise you to obtain the names of the schools that you are interested and then go on the Ofsted website for their reports. If you are looking for something other than straight academic performance, Stantonbury has a lot of vitality. There are no grammar schools and some locals send their children out of the area to the Royal Latin School in Buckingham. Milton Keynes has areas of hardship, particularly in the more historic parts and it would be indelicate of me to name particular schools as the best through concern that I might be stigmatising others. The Guru. Question: Is there a book on the history of wolverton railway loco and carrige works? Edward Ward. Answer: The last of four generations to work at the Wolverton Works, William Spencer West wrote the definitive record of Wolverton Works in 3 volumes: The Trainmakers, The Railwaymen and the Moving Force. He also wrote, with a photo compilation, Wolverton Works in Camera. The publsiher has ceased trading and I believe all volumes are out of print. Audrey Lambert gives some account of the Works in Stony Stratford in Old Photographs, Sutton Publishing. All three of Robert Cook's Milton Keynes books include Wolverton Works. The best account from him is in Milton Keynes in Old Photographs, ( Budding Books / Sutton ). This volume is currently in its third edition. His Milton Keynes in the News ( WH Smith plc ) is out of print as far as I know, but it is worth looking at if you can find it. The Guru. Question: What are the Christmas opening times? Anon. Answer: CMK Shopping centre is open Monday to Wednesday 9.00am till 6.00pm, 9.00am till 8.00pm Thursday & Fridays. Saturday hours are 9.00am till 6.00pm, and Sundays and Bank Holidays 11.00am till 5.00pm. Some stores may vary within these times, and Marks & Spencer are 9am till 8pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 8.30am till 7.00pm, Sunday 11.00am till 5pm. John Lewis are open till 8.00pm on Thursday and Friday and until 6pm on Saturday. Further information is available from www.thecentremk.com, phone 0845 608 6688. The Guru. Question: what county is milton keyens in? Answer: It is nowadays a unitary authority but was originally in North Buckinghamshire. The unofficial city of Milton Keynes still shares many services with Bucks County Council although both authorities have lost powers to the Regional Planning Authority and there are plans being considered to scrap counties entirely. Major centres of Bletchley, Wolverton and Stony Stratford are very much part of Buckinghamshire history, along with the many villages encompassed in the 1960s masterplan for Milton Keynes. The Guru Question: I rode my horse along the North Bucks Way on Saturday and found that it was in a dangerous state of repair. Along certain points the barbed wire had become totally loose from the fencing and was lying all over the bridleway. I could not get past it safely. Who do I report this to? Answer: The North Bucks way was set up by the Rambler's Association in 1972. Problems affecting the condition should be notified to the Highways Authority, Bucks County Council. Check - www.bucks-wmiddx-ramblers.org.uk. The Guru. Question: Hello Guru. What is the best book available about the history of Milton Keynes? Answer: Without doubt More of Milton Keynes, Building on the Vision by Robert Cook. It has just enough history for the layman, and a keen eye for political details and subterfuge. There are some excellent pictures, bringing the reader right up to date with expansion plan. Cook is a no nonsense writer who writes clearly and simply, without pretension. His cockney father came here to work as London Brick lorry driver, just after the war, so he knows what it's all been about and what it's about now. If you want something heavier, but still well written, try the late Sir Frank Marham's account. The former Tory MP knew local history inside out. Although he predates much of the city's growth, he wrote brilliantly. It's a classic work, though it may be out of print. The Guru. Question: Can you please send me a few names and contact details of churches in Milton Keynes. I am from RSA and are planning to visit my son early 2006. He is staying in Milton Keynes already a year and I am missing him terribly. Deidre Ferreira. Answer: There are various churches dotted around the older parts of Milton Keynes, in Bletchely, Wolverton, Stony Stratford and villages which have been incorporated in Milton Keynes. However, the best starting point is the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, 300 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes MK9 2ES, PHONE 01908 237777. You can find more information at information@cornerstone.org.uk or log onto www.cornerstonemk.org.uk. The Cornerstone is multi denominational and there is a duty priest available from 10am- 4pm, Monday to Friday. The Guru. Question: pls guru my husband and kids are in miton keynes i have a problem with him i am in africa i would like a reunion with my family. Nelly. Answer: You really need an advice column for this one. What is the problem? Why are you in Africa? Do you have citizenship? If not you need to contact immigration. If your husband is here legally, there should not be a problem. Go to the British Embassy. They should treat your quest for a reunion sympathetically, though I am not sure about aid with travel costs. I could not recommend anything illegal, not just because I would be breaking the law, but also because people traffikers could do you harm. A little more information about you and your husband's predicament might enable me to give more precise advice. Best Wishes, The Guru. Question: Where is the biggest book store in milton keynes? Dolapo. Answer: There's not a lot to choose between Ottakers and Waterstones in service and volumes in stock or available to order, but the latter wins on floor space. Waterstones is at 51-53 Silbury Arcade, MK9 3AG. The Guru. Question: Do you know of any launderettes in the milton keynes area? Jane. Answer: Launderettes are in decline, thanks to modern technology and the increasing remoteness of housing estates. I suggest the following are worth a visit. The Dolphin Laundry, Unit 2 St Pauls Yard, Silver St, Newport Pagnell MK16 OEG 01908 618088 Netherfield Washeteria, 25 Farthing grove. Netherfield, Milton Keynes MK6 4JH 01908 201100 Milton Keynes Launderettte, 112 Serpentine Court, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 3QL 01908 374232. The Guru. Question: How tall are Melrose flats? Francesca. Answer: I think you must mean Melish Court, named after a Labour Party hero. The building has 17 storeys and is approximately 159 feet tall- ignoring all the aerials. There are many who would like to see the building demolished, but it offers excellent views of other flats as far away as Wolverton and of lusher pastures around Ivanhoe to the south. Some of the flats have been sold to private ownership and back in 1983 I sold a man, who lived on the top floor, a red bicycle. I had to wait a long time for him to get down the stairs to collect it. The lift wasn't working. The Guru. Question: In the expansion of milton keynes are they going to continue the grid system? James. Answer: There is no definite plan as yet. I have been informed that 50% of the space required for expansion has been found within existing boundaries. Spatial options are to be decided shortly and are contentious. These will hopefully include attention to ease of traffic flow. The Guru. Question: Are there any singing lessons in milton keynes??? SAM. Answer: I am not sure I understand the question. There are a lot of music teachers in Milton Keynes. Chapels Music shop used to list many. I suggest you look at the music ads in the Citizen or MK News. Sound Control is now the leading local music shop in the Snow Dome and lists some. There are also music shops in Bletchley ( near the Bletchley Arms ), Newport Pagnell and Wolverton ( near Tescos ) which should also be able to advise. The Guru. Question: The "point" in city, who designed it? because the shape often reminds me of pharoah. FAZ. Answer: I believe it was Richard de Gray. I have someone from the old MK Development Corporation checking it. Richard was one of the MKDC architects. There may be more info on the way. The Guru. Previously Asked Questions Q: Just how many Shenleys are there and what are their names? A: There are 4 Shenleys. Shenley Church End, Shenley Lodge, Shenley Wood and Shenley Brook End Q: Is Milton Keynes officially a town or a city? A: Although many people in Milton Keynes (namely councillors) would like to call it a city and often do, Milton Keynes is still legally a town. City status can only be officially granted by Royal Charter. Q: What is the point of the concrete cows and where did they come from? A: The concrete cows were made in 1978 as a leaving present to Milton Keynes Development Corporation by artist in residence, Liz Leyh, who was returning to America...[Loads more info here] Q: Oh mighty guru, how many roundabouts are there in Milton Keynes? A: I am unsure of the exact figure but there are approximately 300. Q: How long is thecentre:mk? A: It is approximately 720 metres, the longest in Europe. Q: How did Midsummer Boulevard get it?s name? A: The sun shines directly along it every year in the middle of summer. |