Inspirational Parish Heroes
In 2024, we began the search for the unsung heroes of the parish; those people who give their time to make a difference to the place we live. At the Full Parish Council meeting on 30th June, we were privileged to recognise two of these selfless treasures.
Andrew Wayland helps to keep our environment clean safe by litter-picking through Furzton, following a route from the Sports Pavilion to the shops on Dulverton Drive. This he does every day, in all weathers. To persevere against the litterbugs every day marks Andrew out as a model of service to his community.
In the words of his nominators, “he does it because he wants to make the area look nice for everyone, not just himself. His act is selfless and he is a true unsung hero. About time a spotlight is shone his way, and a big thank-you too.”
Hannah Gladwin has earned praise for the sheer breadth of work she has undertaken for the parish and the wider community.
Like Andrew, she has helped keep the parish clean and safe through litter-picking, and has also given her time to support MK-based charities Willen Hospice, the Henry Allen Trust and the Night Shelter, as well as national charities such as Mencap, Mind and Scope.
Hannah plays a leading role in running the Green Gym in nearby Bletchley & Fenny Stratford, facilitating opportunities for the elderly, people coping with mental illness or who struggle with schooling, to come together and learn skills as they grow food for community larders, and drawing strength from her own life experiences to help vulnerable members of society to overcome personal challenges.
“She is intentional about improving our local community, including for the most vulnerable,” say her nominators. “Hannah works tirelessly to make her local community inclusive, clean and safe.”
Our thanks go to those people who submitted nominations, and huge congratulations to our worthy winners!
If you know someone in the parish who deserves recognition in next year’s awards, click here for how to nominate.
Andrew Wayland receiving his award for daily litter-picks in all weathers. Pictured: Andrew Wayland and wife Gill with Mayor of Milton Keynes James Lancaster
Hannah Gladwin raises funds for many charities and helps to run outreach programmes for vulnerable people. Pictured: Hannah, her father Clive, mother Sherry and grandmother Eleanor
