Milton Keynes – Friday 2nd June 2023

The town of Milton Keynes was founded on 23^rd January 1967 as a new town – its purpose was to allow people to move out from London, which was very overcrowded, and its creation absorbed some existing towns and villages from the area.  The main centre is built on in a grid arrangement, with road names including H or V for horizontal and vertical.  There are plenty of green areas too, and the town has a modern feel and a diverse population.  The Waterstones is located in the heart of Milton Keynes centre in an area called Midsummer Place. 

This bronze bench sculpture is outside Waterstones and is called Sitting on History by British sculptor Bill Woodrow. 

On the first morning of our stay, I got up early for a walk round the nearby Willen Lake to the wonderful Tree Cathedral nearby.  The lake is used for all sorts of watersports, and there is a path around the perimeter of the lake, and a bridge to cross from one side to the other in the middle.  The Tree Cathedral was planted in 1986 and is modelled on Norwich Cathedral. The landscape designer was Neil Higson. As well as being free for anyone to enjoy, it is also used for wedding blessings and woodland burials.  It was so peaceful at the lake and cathedral first thing in the morning. 

Currently reading:  Chocky by John Wyndham