City's great and good reveal what they learned in 2009
Carrier bags, book-writing and 'staycations' all feature in ambitions and lessons
The new year is well underway but 2009, and all it entailed, is still close enough for its influence to be strongly felt.
And while resolutions are a January tradition the Citizen decided to take a more philosophical approach and ask a range of influential people in the city what they learned in 2009 - and the lessons they will be taking into 2010...
Pictured are the following people, clockwise from top left.
>> Helen Legh, presenter of Morning:MK, the breakfast show on BBC Three Counties Radio
"What will I be taking with me into 2010?
"In 2010 I shall be focussing on saving all my pennies for the postcode lottery that is IVF.
"I've learned that you don't need to fly somewhere exotic to have a good holiday; in the spirit of the recession-spawned word 'staycation', we went to Bath, stayed in a B&B, it rained and it was fabulous.
"More of the same this year please, and the most important thing I'll be taking with me into 2010 is that I'd better be careful what I try to put through on expenses... might have to rethink that duck island."
>> Captain Bill Holland, permanent military staff officer with 7 Rifles E Company in Blakelands Territorial Army
"In 2009 I learned the public support from people of Milton Keynes is amazing - their generosity this year has provided former servicemen and women with financial support and assistance.
"There has, however, been a human cost this year not experienced for some time in this local TA infantry company.
"We tragically lost one of our Milton Keynes riflemen to enemy gunfire in Afghanistan doing what he loved and had been trained to do, and flew another, seriously injured, rifleman home. I am happy to report he is now on the mend.
"I have also learned this TA company is an important part of the British Army. We help produce young, fit, motivated and determined people who want to make a difference and improve the lives of others."
>> Sam Crooks, Milton Keynes Council leader
"The announcement before Christmas that we had won our bid for World Cup host city status was a great start to 2010.
"So also was the news that the MK John Lewis had had one of its best trading weeks ever.
"The messages are linked. Confidence is returning and we are fast becoming one of England' top ten cities.
"But there are challenges. A return to prosperity must be shared across the community particularly the longer-term unemployed.
"We cannot let prosperity tempt us back to the past - fuelled by too much debt and disregarding the imperative of a lower-carbon lifestyle.
"I'm confident that in 2010 we'll address these challenges - faster and better than most other cities."
>> Anthea Turner, starring as the Fairy Godmother in Milton Keynes Theatre's Cinderella pantomime
"I've learnt that 'Bags for life' don't work for me. Quite simply because I have so many bags for life I don't know what to do with them.
"I never remember to take them out with me and always have to feel guilty about asking for a carrier bag or buy another bag for life.
"I have to say though that I have always re-used them for loads of different things whether it be poop scooping or using in bins so that's not too terrible.
"But this year for me has been the year of bags for life - It's carrier bag mania."
>> Lee Scriven, local author and media manager of MK Dons
"I learned Milton Keynes is a place that never ceases to amaze and while researching and producing my book I realised MK always pulls it off - the UK World Cup Bid is a case in point.
"There is a pioneering spirit and a yearning to make things real. While others talk about doing things, Milton Keynes gets on with doing it.
"MK Dons-wise, the team has been consolidating itself within the community and it is nice to be a part of that.
"2009 also taught me never to do another book!"
>> Dr Phyllis Starkey, MP for Milton Keynes South West
"This past year has been difficult for many of my constituents and my first wish for 2010 is that the recession continues to lift, unemployment falls and we restart building the new homes our young families need.
"Since 1997, I have been privileged to be the MP for Milton Keynes South West so, with an election less than six months away, my second wish is to be re-elected.
"When MK Dons play Burnley on January 2 I hope our team starts 2010 on a winning streak... and makes it all the way to the cup final.
"Finally, I'm really looking forward to welcoming my fourth grandchild in April. After three wonderful boys, I'm hoping for a girl."
>> John Taylor, local historian, author and contributor to the Citizen series of newspapers
"Many people who lived through that period kindly provided me with so much invaluable information and help when I was writing my book, Bletchley and District at War, and I think they are now quietly pleased that at last the story - their story - has been told.
"It's sobering reading looking at accounts from those who lives consisted solely of being faced week after week with the certainties of death or permanent injury.
"With that in mind the lesson I shall be taking into 2010 is that while the price of defending freedom is high, the price of becoming complacent about the defence of that freedom is far, far more costly."
>> Dr Ann Limb, Chairman of MK 2018 Board
"2009 will go down as another landmark year for the city thanks to the prospect of Milton Keynes playing host to the FIFA World Cup 2018.
"This has galvanised huge creativity and fostered fantastic team spirit across the community – energy and common purpose that will live on whatever decision is taken by England 2018.
"Inspired by Pete Winkelman, enriched by all party political support from the council and a bid designed and delivered by dedicated professionals drawn from MK Partnership, MK Council, Destination MK and MK Dons, we have together shown Milton Keynes can play in the premier league of England's cities."
>> Mark Lancaster, MP for Milton Keynes North East
"This has been a difficult year as a politician; firstly with the great responsibility we have had to guide the country through the credit crunch and secondly in dealing with the disgrace exposed by the expenses scandal.
"However, both of these difficulties provided a much needed opportunity to rebuild and restructure some of the institutions at the foundation of this country and will, hopefully, create a much brighter future and better trust within our systems.
"2010 will not only see a general election called but also holds new found hope for global cooperation for issues such as climate change and global economic strength.
"Finally at a very personal level, an issue which I hold particularly close as somebody who has served there is Afghanistan - and I look forward to seeing a continued sustainable future being built for the country."
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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