The Stables in Milton Keynes has paid tribute to Dame Cleo Laine after the jazz singer and venue co-founder’s passing.

Laine passed away yesterday (24/07) at the age of 97.

A statement from her children Jacqui and Alec paid tribute to their late mother and confirmed the news.

The statement said, “It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, Cleo, who died peacefully yesterday afternoon. We will all miss her terribly. The family wish to be given space to grieve and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”

Laine was a highly regarded jazz singer whose career saw her win a Grammy Award in 1986, perform in venues all over the world, sing with stars such as Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, and record numerous albums in a six-decade long career. She was also a frequent collaborator with her composer husband John Dankworth, who she married in 1958.

In 1969. Laine and Dankworth founded the charity Wavendon Allmusic Plan, converting an old stable block in the grounds of their home in Wavendon into a centre for music and music education.

The Stables is now a major arts venue in Milton Keynes, presenting around 400 music, comedy and spoken word gigs a year, along with hosting around 200 education events per year.

Laine and Dankworth continued to work together until Dankworth’s death in 2010. Laine would later perform in a show at the Stables on the day of his death, informing the crowd just before the final song of the news.

David Meadowcroft, Chairman of the Stables’ Charity, said, “Dame Cleo was a remarkable performer who was loved by audiences around the world and her commitment to ensuring young people had access to great music and music education will continue through the work of The Stables.”

Monica Ferguson, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of The Stables, added, “Dame Cleo was admired greatly by fans, other musicians and by The Stables staff and volunteers. She will be greatly missed but her unique talent will always be remembered.”

Milton Keynes City Council has appointed a contractor to build 66 new homes at the former Cripps Lodge in Netherfield.

The City Council have announced that following a formal procurement process, Higgins Partnerships has been selected to build a range of different homes at Cripps Lodge.

Under the proposals, two and three-bedroom bungalows, three, four and five-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments will be constructed.

MK City Council have said that all homes will benefit from off-road parking, private gardens and access to open green space, and that the new homes will feature the latest energy efficiency measures to ensure bills remain low for tenants.

Design work is already underway, with MK City Council saying that construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and completion expected in 2028. The local community will be invited to view the designs and kept informed throughout the project.

Higgins Partnerships was selected through the city council’s More for MK scheme, through which potential contractors are asked to factor in community and social benefits to their bid such as creating local jobs and apprenticeships, building a local supply chain and adding value to the local economy.

Cripps Lodge was previously used for sheltered housing but was demolished in 2020 after it became disused. Since then, the city council has secured planning permission to deliver high-quality, affordable council homes.

MK City council said, “This development forms part of the city council’s broader strategy to tackle homelessness and reduce the number of families in temporary accommodation. The strategy includes building new homes, purchasing properties on the open market and supporting people into longer-term housing solutions.

“The new build programme is already in progress, with 183 homes under construction at the Lakes Estate, and 21 newly acquired flats in Fairfields which were bought using funding from selling council assets that otherwise would have had to be returned to central government.”

Cllr Ed Hume, Cabinet Member for Housing, said, “It’s really important that we make good use of sites that are no longer fit for purpose. There’s a desperate need for new council homes and I’m pleased that we’re making progress at Cripps Lodge. Many of these homes will be going to people who need extra support and adaptations to get around.”

“We’re always looking at ways we can increase our housing offer, whether that’s building homes ourselves like this or buying them on the market. We’re committed to getting the right types of homes for people that will not only give them a secure roof over their heads, but also provide a space that gives them independence and dignity.”

The Milton Keynes-born football star Leah Williamson played as England beat Italy 2-1 after extra-time to reach the final of Euro 2025.

Having been a fitness doubt pre-game, England captain Williamson played from the start in the match in Geneva.

She played for 85 minutes before being replaced by Michelle Agyemang, who came off the bench to score a dramatic equaliser in the 6th minute of second-half stoppage time.

Italy had lead through a first half goal by Barbara Bonansea, who put the Italians in front just after the half-hour mark.

The Italian side were seconds away from seeing the job through only for Agyemang to intervene, forcing extra-time.

England would miss chances in extra-time before taking one in the final minutes of the extra half-hour. The Lionesses were awarded a penalty for a foul by Italy defender Emma Severini on Beth Mead, and Chloe Kelly scored the rebound after her initial effort had been saved.

The Lionesses progress to the final on Sunday (27/07) as they seek to make it back-to-back European championship crowns. They will face one of Spain or Germany, who play in the tournament’s other semi-final tonight (23/07).

Speaking after the game to BBC Radio 5 Live, Williamson voiced her joy at England’s progress.

She said, “It’s not sunk in for me yet. There was too much going on in the game. It is another final. Another opportunity for us to go out and make our country proud and celebrate what football is all about in a final.

“Those girls deserve the spotlight and we will give them their flowers because they turned up and they did it. I am so proud of them, so happy to call all three of them my team-mates, at club and country. Every single person, every little cog in the wheel – I am so proud of these moments because I know the work we do that you guys don’t see.”

Hollister has officially reopened its doors at Midsummer Place, with the American fashion brand opening a new outlet in the Milton Keynes-based shopping centre.

Now located in a new location next to the LEGO Store, the upgraded Hollister offers a new look in a new, expanded unit designed to showcase a wider range of clothing, accessories and lifestyle items.

Hollister has had a branch in Milton Keynes’ Midsummer Place shopping centre since 2009, though this will see it move from the location that it first moved into when it arrived at the shopping centre.

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, said, “The opening of the new-look Hollister marks another exciting milestone in our transformation. It’s a brand that has resonated with our shoppers for years, and their decision to reinvest in a larger and better suited location reflects their confidence in Midsummer Place as the prime retail destination in Milton Keynes. The centre is evolving fast, and Hollister’s new home is a fantastic addition.”

The relaunch follows a wave of new additions to the centre that are reshaping the visitor experience. Lane7—a brand new bowling and gaming venue—opened earlier this year, with the shopping centre reporting it was attracting new audiences and driving up footfall.

This momentum followed the arrival of the brand-new Sports Direct and the ultra-stylish, aspirational Flannels store, both of which have strengthened the centre’s fashion and sportswear credentials.

Looking ahead, Scandinavian interiors brand Søstrene Grene is set to open its doors soon, joining an already impressive line-up of retailers and bringing even more unique choice to shoppers. Food lovers can also look forward to exciting new eateries, including Popeyes and Smoke & Pepper, further enriching the centre’s growing food and drink scene.

Plans are also already underway for the redevelopment of Oak Court, with further announcements expected later this year as the centre continues to invest in its future.