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The legacy of Dennis Keech: Luton children’s service at Keech Hospice Care
Without Dennis’ incredible generosity and continued support, Keech Hospice Care, as a charity, would not today be able to care for seriously ill children or support their families, making the difference when it matters the most. Our children’s service is Dennis’ legacy and he has left the community a remarkable gift.”, Liz Searle, CEO at Keech Hospice Care.
Dennis Keech
Dennis Keech and his wife Shirley at the opening of the Courtyard Garden at Keech Hospice Care in 2017
Dennis Keech OBE, a well-known local businessman, died this month at age 90. He and his wife were the largest benefactors of the children’s service at Bedfordshire’s Keech Hospice. In 1997, they both donated £1 million to begin the charity appeal to build a children’s hospice.
Speaking during the appeal, Dennis said, “I’m thrilled the children’s hospice has reached this stage so quickly. I just wish it wasn’t necessary in the first place.”
At its opening in 2000, Dennis described the occasion as ‘absolutely marvelous’ and even laid the last roof tile himself.
In 2010, Dennis and his wife Shirley returned to Keech Hospice Care to mark the 10th anniversary of the children’s service, cutting the birthday cake and commenting: “We’re very proud, very happy and very impressed.”.
Liz Searle added that “Mr. Keech was a remarkable man, a very clever businessman and a passionate supporter of Keech Hospice Care. In November, he joined us at The Big Trunk Trail auction night we held, and we spoke of how far the hospice has come and how much he had enjoyed being involved in the Trail. We met regularly and he always had advice and ideas, he will be very much missed by all the staff and volunteers here at the hospice – irreplaceable. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Since its beginnings, Keech Hospice Care’s children’s service has cared for 1,487 children and supported 2,841 of their family and friends, across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, and Milton Keynes. Liz Searle said that Keech Hospice will continue to take care of the charity as it goes from strength to strength and “we will pass his legacy on to the next generation to do the same. “
A man of the community
Dennis was widely known for saving local wiper business AC Delco in Dunstable from closure and had links to manufacturing, property, telecommunications, and design.
In 1996, he was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with an Order of the British Empire medal for services to the motor manufacturing industry. He also met with TRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they visited in 2016 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adult service at Keech Hospice Care.
Archived
AfroFest Luton 2022
Kasai Masai, Limpopo Groove, Zulu Dancers, British band 3 Kings, and other local artists are among the headline performances at this year’s festival.
The festival will be held on Saturday, July 23 at Manor Park, Luton town centre.
Luton AfroFest will be a celebration of African culture, showcasing traditional music, art, dance, and food. More than five Sub-Saharan African nations will be featured in this summer festival.
Luton is home to various festivals such as Mela, Diwali, Turkish Festival, Polish Festival, Irish Festival, Caribbean Festival, Luton Carnival, and many more. About 2000 attendees are expected on the day.
According to Nneka Unogu, co-founder of AUK RADIO and co-ordinator of Luton Afrofest, “This is a unique gathering in this town… We are inviting the local community to join us to learn, share, and celebrate the African way.
The event is supported by Luton Rising, formerly known as Luton Airport, The Mall Luton, Bedfordshire Police, AUK RADIO, and Pamtengo Radio Station.
For more info, visit afrofestuk.co.uk
Archived
London Luton Airport Expansion
Expansion of London Luton Airport; Have Your Say
Members of the public are being invited to have their say on the expansion of London Luton Airport.
An online consultation that began on the 8 of February and runs until 4 April is open to Luton residents. Luton Rising the new trading name for London Luton Airport Limited, the company that owns London Luton Airport, wants to hear your views and thoughts on airport expansion.
The consultation is focused on the proposed expansion of London Luton Airport and the benefits across the region, such as expanding the existing terminal, building a second terminal and making the best use of the existing runway.
The plan to increase passengers’ numbers to 32 million a year was signed off last year by the local council. Members of the public wanting to take part in the consultation can visit the Luton Rising website https://lutonrising.org.uk where details of the 13 events are made public.
Launching the consultation, Councillor Javeria Hussain, Chair of Luton Rising, said: “Our proposals will reflect the sustainability values, both of Luton Rising, and our sole shareholder, Luton Council. We want to maximise the social and economic benefits of growth and we firmly believe there is a way to grow an airport in a sustainably responsible way.
“We set out details on how we propose to achieve that in our consultation. Sustainability is about more than environmental issues – it’s social and economic impacts too. Our airport is a vital part of the economic ecosystem of the region and beyond, directly and indirectly supporting tens of thousands of jobs. The proposed expansion will generate thousands more jobs and more than a £1 billion increase in economic activity in Luton and the neighbouring counties. We want more local people to be able to access these jobs, so our proposals also include an extensive Draft Employment and Training Strategy to make that possible.
“Our airport is the most socially impactful in the UK. Since 1998, we have contributed £257 million to support frontline services, and since 2002, we have contributed £155 million to support local community organisations and charities – 20x per passenger more than any other UK airport. These organisations help make life-transforming changes for people, and our proposals include the new Community First fund, which will allow for much greater support for community projects in Luton and the neighbouring counties impacted by airport operations.”
The Consultation “Don’t stay silent. Have your say, today” is making sure people’s voice are heard. The public can also respond to the Consultation, send feedback either by email 2022consultation@lutonrising.org.uk, or write a letter and post to: Freepost Future Luton 2022 (no stamp required).
Archived
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