A show by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes scheduled to take place at Milton Keynes Theatre has been cancelled.

The legendary 80-year-old explorer and writer was meant to appear in a one night show at Milton Keynes Theatre on Sunday 22nd September as part of his Mad, Bad and Dangerous tour.

The show was scheduled to see Fiennes recount tales chronicling a life that has seen him climb Mount Everest, run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days and break multiple endurance records.

But the theatre announced the cancellation in a brief statement yesterday (17/09).

The statement read, “Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we regret to announce the cancellation of Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Mad, Bad and Dangerous.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. All ticket holders are being contacted today.”

MK Dons have confirmed Neil Hart as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Hart joins MK Dons after leaving his role with League One side Bolton Wanderers, having spent three years with the Lancashire-based club.

Before Bolton, Hart had enjoyed a nine year stint as CEO of Burnley, including during spells where the Clarets competed in the Premier League, and had spells in the boardroom at Watford and Luton Town.

Hart’s appointment is part of the changes at MK Dons following the club’s recent takeover, with a Kuwaiti consortium lead by Fahad Al Ghanim taking over the club in a deal announced in the week before the first game of the new season last month.

In a statement to the official MK Dons website, Hart said he was very delighted to make the move to Milton Keynes and would be looking to work boost the club’s off-field potential.

He said, “I’m absolutely delighted to be taking on this role at such an exciting time for the football club. Having spoken at length with Fahad, the vision he has, not just for MK Dons, but for Milton Keynes as a whole, really excited me. The potential for the football club, with its phenomenal infrastructure, is there for all to see. Now, it’s for us to go and realise it.

“While we all want to see MK Dons rising up the league tables, there is also scope to add to the matchday experience, amplify the club’s commercial opportunities and of course build on the fantastic community work of the MK Dons Sports and Education Trust. I can’t wait to get started and am sincerely looking forward to meeting staff and supporters over the coming weeks.”

MK Dons’ Chairman Fahad Al Ghanim added, “Neil’s record in football speaks for itself. He is undoubtedly a top-level CEO with a wealth of fantastic experience across both the EFL and the Premier League. His community work in particular is second to none, and I know he’ll bring that same tenacity to deliver meaningful opportunities in the community to Milton Keynes.

“My experience in business and sport have taught me that a unified approach is crucial to success, and I’m confident Neil is the person we need to bring everyone at the club together as we enter this new era. I thought long and hard about this appointment, and am absolutely thrilled Neil has chosen to join MK Dons.

Milton Keynes City Council have announced themselves as one of multiple parties creating a service giving extra help to patients discharged from hospital.

The MK Integrated Discharge Hub has been set up as a collaboration between Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes City Council, and Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust.

Milton Keynes has been recognised for prompt discharge of hospital patients who are ready to go home with the support of social care, having previously being ranked by an independent body as number one in England for doing so.

The three organisations have been working together over the past year to develop this initiative to make the experience of leaving hospital even easier for patients and their families.

Under the new scheme, a diverse team of specialists will work 365 days a year to secure the necessary support for patients leaving the hospital and provide a smooth transition for them.

The team includes a dedicated Housing Officer to ensure suitable housing is considered at the earliest opportunity whilst a Voluntary Sector Co-ordinator will connect patients with community organisations that can help them maintain their independence at home.

Local partners such as Age UK and Healthwatch will work alongside the hub to offer practical support to families as well as gathering feedback from patients.

By combining services, the hub will act as a central point of contact which simplifies the process, reduces duplication, and minimises the likelihood of delays caused by moving between services – a common issue across the country.

MK City Council’s Cllr Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health & Communities, said in a statement, “We’ve been working with our partners at Milton Keynes University Hospital and CNWL to develop this enhanced service which will make the process of leaving hospital as seamless and supportive as possible. This co-ordinated approach to discharge will benefit healthcare professionals and the people under their care. Milton Keynes has always had a good reputation in this area, and we believe the hub will enable us to continue delivering a high level of personalised care as the city expands.”

Ian Reckless, Chief Medical Officer at Milton Keynes University Hospital, added, “The launch of the MK Integrated Discharge Hub represents a significant step forward in how we can tailor our help and support for residents on discharge from hospital. By working closely with our partners, we can ensure that patients receive the comprehensive support they need to transition smoothly from hospital to home. There will be fewer delays – which are frustrating for all – and a real sense of ‘one team’ working with residents and their loved ones.”

Karen French, CNWL’s Deputy Director for Milton Keynes Community Services, also said, “It’s a really exciting step to bring together the expertise of all of the teams from across various organisations for the benefit of the patients and their families and carers. Being discharged from hospital can be a scary prospect for some and so our new Integrated Discharge Hub team will be key to improving the patient experience by getting people home safely and in a timely way.”

Anyone seeking more information about the MK Integrated Discharge Hub would be able to do so by contacting [email protected]

Tributes have been paid after the death of Milton Keynes City Council Councillor Robin Bradburn.

Councillor Bradburn passed away on Saturday evening while in Brighton attending the Liberal Democrat party conference. He was 68.

Councillor Bradburn was the Leader of the City Council’s Liberal Democrat Group, as well as being the Deputy Leader of the City Council between 2021 and 2024 when a Labour-Lib Dem alliance ran the City Council, and the Leader of the Opposition after the Lib Dems were the second largest party after the latest elections. 

As well as fulfilling leadership roles, Councillor Bradburn served as a local councillor for Bradwell ward in Milton Keynes. 

Outside of local politics, Robin was a husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to his wife Marie for 40 years who together have a son Alan, a daughter Kerrie, and five grandchildren. 

Councillor Marie Bradburn, Robin’s wife is the current Mayor of Milton Keynes, and his daughter Kerrie is also a city councillor. 

The National Liberal Democrat Conference, taking place in Brighton this week, held a minute silence on Sunday (15/09) in honour of Councillor Bradburn, which was led by Liberal Democrat Councillor Nick da Costa, Chair of the Federal Conference Committee.

The family have asked for privacy at this time and further details of funeral arrangements will be made available in due course. 

Tributes have been made from a multitude of figures across Milton Keynes’ local politics.

Michael Bracey, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes City Council, said, “We are all so sad to hear that Cllr Robin Bradburn has passed away. He has served the council in a number of roles, including as Deputy Leader, and his work with officers of the council was always exemplary.”

Cllr Jane Carr, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in MK, added, “Robin was an amazing man, and we are all so shocked and hurt by his sudden loss. He was a good friend, colleague, and councillor, but above all he was a devoted husband to Marie, dad to Alan and Kerrie, and a loving granddad. He will be deeply missed by us all.”

Cllr Peter Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said, “Councillor Robin Bradburn was a role model of public service. Robin served the residents of the city because he believed that we could make a difference to the lives of the people we represent. I’m deeply upset by the news having lost a colleague and friend.”

Cllr Shazna Muzammil, who paid tribute on behalf of the Conservative Group, added “The Conservative Group are sad to hear about Councillor Robin Bradburn passing away. On behalf of my group, I would like to express my condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at this very difficult time. Personally, I share a profound sense of loss; Robin was known for his kindness and generosity, and he will be missed by us all.”