Living Archive Milton Keynes

Living Archive Milton Keynes (LAMK) is a child of the new city, born in the 1970s. It was an antidote to the notion that ‘new towns’ have no history. In 1967 there were 40,000 people living in the three towns and 13 villages of the designated New City area of Milton Keynes. Over half a century later, there are nearly 300,000 citizens living in the six towns and 44 villages of the Metropolitan Borough of Milton Keynes. Every one of them has a story to tell. 

This has been one of the two Living Archive mottoes: Everybody has a story to tell – and the thousands of hours of interviews collected from local people are evidence of human experiences in the area that go beyond historical dates. Their stories cover the Great War, the Depression, the Second World War, the expansion of homes after it; they describe their lives on farms, in factories, at home, in love, at school, in old age… These personal accounts have been celebrated by LAMK in books, digital stories and film, sculptures, photographic exhibitions, dance, radio ballads and documentaries, but most significantly community documentary musical plays, as originally initiated by Living Archive co-founder, Roy Nevitt.

Living Archive’s other motto is Dig Where You Stand – not just for the stories to inspire you but for the talents to transform those stories creatively. We have been particularly blessed with musical talent over the years. Over 100 songs have been written by local musicians for Living Archive projects, based directly on people’s words and events. The Milton Keynes Song Book originally had scores for just 36 of them; now a further 40 songs are included. With this second volume going to every school in the Milton Keynes Borough like the first, and with all 76 songs being featured on the Milton Keynes Song Book website, our new generation of citizens may discover the remarkable local history that the songs celebrate and perhaps even be inspired to create their own. 

We are proud that the British Library requested – and has stored in its Sound Archive – five LAMK albums: the Living Archive Band’s All That’s Changed Vols 1 and 2; the LAMK radio ballads The Horse and the Tractor and The Works; and the music of Calverton, the Songs… so there is access to Milton Keynes’ history in song from anywhere in the world!

Roger Kitchen 
Chair and Co-founder of Living Archive Milton Keynes      
The Living Archive Band
Many of the songs featured in this 'Song Book' are available on these CDs (click the images for more information).

The Compilers

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Craig McLeish: Composer, arranger and director, Craig began his musical life as a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral, composing his first pieces at the age of ten. He has arranged music for West End shows such as Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, and worked with a wide variety of groups in several genres, performing concerts throughout the UK and for BBC broadcasts.  Craig has collaborated with composer Tolga Kashif, writing orchestrations for the RPO’s Seo Taiji Symphony; with saxophonist Tyler Rix for Classic FM’s chart-topping CD; for the Genesis Suite, premiered at the Barbican; and with Yaw Asiyama, composing new Milton Keynes music for MK50. As musical director of Young Voices UK since 2000, he brings large school choirs together to perform with live bands and solo artists such as Joss Stone, Lemar, Beverley Knight and Kathryn Jenkins. He conducts the MK Community Choir, Hart and Soul Community Choir and the MK Youth Choir. Craig has also provided superlative bass playing for The Living Archive Band! 
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Marion Hill: Marion Hill has written 25 published social history books, 19 of them about the area now covered by Milton Keynes – its places, from the new city to the borough’s towns and villages; its eras, like the Great War or the railway’s heyday; and the life experiences of local people – both ‘settlers’ and ‘natives’, who have been interviewed over the last five decades by Living Archive Milton Keynes. [Details of the books can be found on the LAMK website:  www.livingarchive.org.uk.] Marion also sings with the Living Archive Band – and has done so since its inception – in songs inspired by local people’s experiences. She was a Secondary School Deputy Headteacher, as well as Vice-Chair of the Arts and Heritage Alliance of Milton Keynes – a forum of organisations that collaborate to position the sectors as strategic contributors to the community and economy of Milton Keynes.
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Amy Coates is a double bassist, composer and arranger based in Birmingham. She graduated from the music course at Birmingham University where she developed a love for jazz and improvised music and is now an active member of the city’s scene. She particularly enjoys free jazz, with her performance alongside Shannon Barnett for B:JazzFest at Symphony Hall reviewed in Jazzwise magazine (Oct 2022). Alongside her performance endeavours, Amy works as an arranger and engraver. A specialist in scores for a mix of improvising and classical players, she has worked with composers such as Cassie Kinoshi, Millicent James, and un.procedure. She is also an enthusiastic music educator,  teaching and facilitating music-making for all ages and levels of experience. Her work with B:Music’s B:And Together scheme, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s LEAP Ensemble, and Quench Arts have all developed her teaching skills and adaptability.
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Sam Freshwater is an experienced full-time professional saxophonist. He graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Business Studies from the University of Birmingham. This included a placement year at Volkswagen Head Office. However, Sam’s working life is now taken up with music full-time: he performs his music at public and private events wherever it is needed – from high-end venues in Birmingham to venues anywhere in the country. With his wealth of experience of performance, he also holds the lead alto sax chair in The Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra. Sam is Co-Director of a function band, Vivid Soul with his partner Lucy (below) a seven-piece line-up specialising in pop, funk and soul music. They are both looking to grow the project along with many others in the years to come.
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Lucy Hill is a singer, composer and music producer who graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Music from Birmingham University. Her influences are from jazz, pop and electronic music with her songs revolving round personal experiences. Her live music includes many of the talented musicians she has worked with. She is well acquainted with the Birmingham music scene, performing across many venues such as the Jennifer Blackwell performance space at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, Hare & Hounds, Dead Wax, The Sunflower Lounge and more. In March 2023 Lucy recorded her debut album ‘ON&ON’ under Tapeline Recordings. She is Co-Director with Sam (above) and lead singer of Vivid Soul. Born in Milton Keynes, Lucy is honoured to have co-ordinated the music for this project, shining a light on the city and its heritage.

Performance information on MK Song Book downloads:

(For MKSB1 sections:)
Growing and Changing:
  1. All Change: Brad Bradstock and Shahnaz Hussein with the LA Band (2007)
  2. The Permanent Way: LA Band from their album All That’s Changed Vol 1 (2009)
  3. James Mc Connell: Brad Bradstock on LA Band’s album Real Lives (2000)
  4. Tom Worker’s Song: Kevin Adams on LA Band’s album All That’s Changed Vol 2 (2009)
  5. Who Could Want for Better? Marion Hill and Sue Malleson with the LA Band (2015)
  6. Letters Home: Paul Clark and Marion Hill live in Sheltered Lives show (1983)
  7. I Want a Little More from Life: Marion Hill recorded with the LA Band (2009)
  8. Settling In: Marion Hill recorded with the LA Band on All That’s Changed Vol 1 (2009)
  9. What Do They Think We Are? Marion Hill and LA Band on All That’s Changed Vol 1 (2009)
 
Working Life and Hard Times:
  1. The Shrimp King: Brad Bradstock in live performance (2018)
  2. Old Bill: Paul Clark recorded on LA Band’s album All That’s Changed Vol 1 (2009)
  3. Cotton and Fluff: Lizzie Bancroft and cast live in Nellie show (1984)
  4. Ambulance Train: Kevin Adams live in Days of Pride (1993), as wounded soldiers pass.
  5. It’s Dirty It’s Dusty: Brad Bradstock live acapella with LA Band singers  (2008).
  6. Worksong: Kevin Adams recorded on LA Band’s album All That’s Changed Vol 1 (2009)
  7. Orange and Blue: Marion Hill recorded on All That’s Changed Vol 2 (2009)
  8. On the Breadline: Eileen Rafferty and LA Band live from Worker By Name (1992)
  9. Little By Little: Marion Hill live from Worker By Name (1992)
 
Wartime:
  1. Bright Battalions: The LA Band recorded on All That’s Changed Vol 2 (2009)
  2. No Heroes No Coward: Marion Hill live with LA Band (2014)
  3. In Memoriam: Ruth Goldberg lead with counter harmonies sung by Marion Hill (1984)
  4. Parapet Song: Brad Bradstock live (2017). [2009 Tom Hill remix with Marion Hill lead is available][1]
  5. Do You Ever Think of England? Brad Bradstock live in Days of Pride (1981)
  6. Valley of the Shadow: Brad Bradstock lead, live in Days of Pride (1981)
  7. Rest and Relief: Michelle Welbourne with Marion Hill live in Days of Pride (1981)
  8. Back Home Again: Brad Bradstock lead, recorded for Days of Pride (1982)
  9. There’s a War On: Brad Bradstock lead in live performance (2018)
 
Living and Loving:
  1. Stantonbury Village: J Cunningham leads with Marion Hill and cast in The Jovial Priest (1983.)
  2. Wolverton Refreshment Room: Brad Bradstock and Marion Hill on LA Band’s Real Lives (2000)
  3. Sheltered Lives: Marion Hill with Paul Clark live performance from the show (1983)
  4. Violet’s Song: Marion Hill with Paul Clark and LA Band on All That’s Changed Vol 1 (2009)
  5. The Bunny Run: Live performance by Kevin Adams in lead with LA Band (2015)
  6. Stony Stratford a Country Town: Eileen Rafferty leads in Worker By Name (1992)
  7. A Few Coppers: Brad Bradstock lead, recorded on All That’s Changed Vol 2 (2009)
  8. Smiler: Brad Bradstock lead with LA Band, recorded on Calverton: the Songs (2015)
  9. The Night the Stones Rolled into Town: Brad Bradstock lead on LA Band’s Real Lives (2000)
 
(For MKSB2 sections)
Local Places:
  1. Christmas Bells: Loughton Manor First and Middle Schools on Calverton: the Songs (2015)
  2. Crazy For Canals: Kevin Adams recorded on his album The Common Land (2002)
  3. Denbigh Hall: Marion Hill with Paul Clark recorded on LAMK’s All Change album (1977)
  4. I Would Not Change a Thing: Shahnaz Hussein-Hall recorded on LA Band’s Real Lives (2000)
  5. Emberton: Kevin Adams and Marion Hill with LA Band recorded on BBC radio (1994)
  6. Field Song: Kevin Adams on LAMK’s The Horse and the Tractor on BBC radio (2014)
  7. Waking Up: Marion Hill and Brad Bradstock in LAMK’s Worker By Name (1992)
  8. Stony High Street: LA Band with Eileen Rafferty in LAMK’s Worker By Name (1992)
  9. Rainbow: Marion Hill and Sue Malleson with LA Band (1994)
  10. Sheltermore: Kevin Adams recorded on his album Sheltermore (2015)
 
Local People:
  1. The Ballad of Joey Guest: Paul Clark performing live in LAMK’s The Jovial Priest (1982)
  2. Dad’s Song: Brad Bradstock a cappella for LAMK album A Bob a Bloody Day (2019)
  3. The Bike Song: Lizzie Bancroft and Marion Hill performing live in Nellie (1983)
  4. Here is Jack: Kevin Adams recorded on his album Sheltermore (2015)
  5. Awake and Arise: Loughton Manor First and Middle Schools on Calverton: the Songs (2015)
  6. Masters and Servants: Brad Bradstock leading LA Band on Calverton: the Songs (2015)
  7. The Stockman: Kevin Adams with LA Band on Calverton: the Songs (2015)
  8. When Dick Met Alma: Brad Bradstock recorded on Calverton: the Songs (2015)
  9. Safety in Numbers: Kevin Adams recorded on his album A Crossword War (2018)
  1. In the Event of an Air-Raid: the cast of Sheltered Lives in a live performance (1983)
 
Local Events:
  1. Captain Swing: Marion Hill with LA Band from All Change 1977 recorded on Real Lives (2000)
  2. Honourable Frauds: J Cunningham and Rib Davis lead in live performance from All Change (1977)
  3. Lord Kitchener: Marion Hill and Sue Malleson with LA Band from A Bob a Bloody Day (2019)
  4. Song of the Recruits: Michelle Welbourne with Marion Hill live in Days of Pride (1981)
  5. The Glorious New Year: Lizzie Bancroft, Marion Hill and cast, live in Nellie (1983)
  6. The Slaughterhouse Carol: Sue Malleson solo on Calverton: the Songs (2015)
  7. An Invitation From His Majesty: Brad Bradstock solo on A Crossword War (2018)
  8. Day After Dreary Day: Marion Hill solo on A Crossword War (2018)
  9. Dance Round the Bonfire: Marion Hill and Brad Bradstock on A Crossword War (2018)
  10. Hymn to the Future: Marion Hill, Lizzie Bancroft and cast live in Sheltered Lives (1983)
 
Local Stories:
  1. Ghost of Lady Bennet: Kevin Adams solo recorded on his album Winternight (2017)
  2. The Song of the Bridge: Cast of All Change in a live performance 1977
  3. The Stony Schools: LA Band and Marion Hill perform linked songs from Worker By Name (1992)
  4. Bob a Bloody Day: Michelle Welbourne with Marion Hill live in Days of Pride (1981)
  5. Wolverton Whistle: Lizzie Bancroft in a live performance from Sheltered Lives (1983)
  6. War Weapons Week: Cast of Sheltered Lives in a live performance (1983)
  7. The Forestry Song: Marion Hill and Brad Bradstock in 2020 with song from Sheltered Lives (1983)
  8. Rover: Kevin Adams performing his song in 2021 from Calverton: the Songs (2015)
  9. Snowflake: Kevin Adams recorded from Calverton: the Songs (2015)
  10. The Flies: LA Band performs live for Bigger Brighter Better (1996)

    [1] For the reworking of Paul Clark's 'Parapet Song' by Tom Hill,     go to: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=6e6cd4a807&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-a:r2220509845571304322&th=18e41ebe7da03b49&view=att&disp=safe&realattid=f_ltsl9juh0

Copyright

Copyright is the automatic right of the creator of a work which is considered as his/her property. S/he therefore has the right to decide how and when a piece of music should be played. Others may wish to make a public performance of it (including its recording). If so, they must first seek permission from the copyright owner. This permission is known as a licence. In order to enforce the copyright, the creator needs to be able to prove ownership.
    
In the case of the songs in this collection, most have emerged from a collaborative creative project produced by Living Archive Milton Keynes (LAMK). Composers used documents or oral testimony from the LAMK archive for inspiration; and the creative process was often shared or evolved through LAMK workshops. As the composers may not themselves have asserted or proved authorship, LAMK can testify to the right of the composers identified in this book to own the copyright. On their behalf LAMK administers all permissions for use.

With LAMK permission, the material can be performed, copied or distributed for educational or non-profit purposes free of charge. Any other performance or use must be negotiated through LAMK. 

All approaches for permission to use this music must be made via LAMK: [email protected]